Why You Shouldn’t Clean Puffback Soot Yourself?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Puffback fires can cause secondary damage to your property.

Puffback Soot Should be Cleaned by the Professionals

Soot is a substance that forms on the insides of chimneys and flues as a result of incomplete combustion. This can occur if your firewood is too damp or if the damper isn’t working properly. These soot deposits are called “puffbacks” because they resemble fluffy white clouds when expelled from your chimney. They can be extremely damaging to your property—causing secondary damage from water used in cleaning-up efforts, for example—and should be cleaned up only by SERVPRO professional restoration technicians with specialized equipment and expertise in handling these types of situations.

Puffback Soot Can Get into the Smallest Places

Puffback soot is a very fine and sticky substance that can get into even the smallest parts of your property. It’s not just on the walls and ceilings; it can be found in cracks in floor tiles, along baseboards, or even inside electrical outlets. If you clean this up yourself using water, you could end up damaging your property from all the water that will inevitably get used to put out the fire as well as cleaning-up efforts afterwards. We recommend having an expert team come in to clean your property without risking any damage to it.

Water is Secondary Damage to Your Property After a Puffback Fire

Don't clean up the soot yourself. Puffback fires can cause secondary damage to your property from water used to put out the fire, as well as from water used in cleaning-up efforts. Water can cause paint and other surface coatings to peel off walls and furniture, staining them permanently. Wood floors may warp and swell when exposed to too much moisture. Carpeting may become permanently stained by the chemicals you use to clean it up. Tile surfaces like flooring or countertops could crack if they absorb too much water at once (especially if they've been sealed). Upholstery fabrics could be damaged and torn by sharp tools like wire brushes that are used for cleanup jobs; likewise, furniture frames may splinter or crack if not properly covered during cleanup activities

Puffback soot is also very difficult to remove completely because it acts like an adhesive when wetted down with certain cleaning agents--so it's important that only non-toxic solvents be used for cleaning up this type of fire damage!

No DIY Puffback Cleanup

When you have experienced a fire, the last thing you want to do is clean it up yourself. You need a professional to take care of your property so that it’s safe and secure.

SERVPRO of Bradley County can help you with puffback damage. We will work closely with your insurance company to ensure that everything is handled professionally and efficiently.

If you have any questions or would like more information about puffback cleanup services in Bradley County, TN contact us today!

Business Contingency and Evacuation Planning in a Fire

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Your contingency plan must be executable not only by you, but also by everyone in your company.

Steps to Create a Contingency Plan

It’s not enough to just have a contingency plan in place. Your contingency plan needs to be executable not just by you, but by everyone in your business.

• Establish a designated evacuation plan and alternate routes. Determine the fastest, safest way to leave the building. Chart the route as part of documented procedures, but also ensure that each route has an alternate route in the event that others are blocked by fire or falling debris.

• Post evacuation and safety procedures near all exits and thoroughfares. Employees and customers alike should be able to immediately find a map of the safest evacuation route no matter where they are on your premises. Ensure that easy graphical instructions are available; most don’t have time or presence of mind to stop and read written instructions during a fire.

• Designate evacuation leaders. Your business should have two or more employees per shift who are designated as evacuation leaders, preferably more for backups. Your evacuation leaders are tasked with taking control of the situation and guiding others, especially customers who may not be familiar with drills.

• Ensure all employees have a handout with contact information for emergency personnel and documented safety procedures. Provide this information immediately on hire, and periodically reiterate.

• Conduct safety training drills. At least once per month, do random safety training/fire drills to reinforce protocols in an emergency.

• Periodically test all sprinklers and fire safety equipment. Smart planning will safeguard your people. Smart protections will safeguard your inventory and property. Make sure all fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and other fire safety equipment are operational and functioning up to spec.

3 Effects of Mold on a Commercial Building

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

When ducts are not cleaned regularly they fill with dust and mold.

Three Mold Effects on a Commercial Building

Mold is a major contributor to the decomposition of a building and, if left untreated, can cause heavy damage to a commercial property in Hopewell, TN. It does not take much for fungus to thrive and begin consuming the natural construction materials that compose the building. Favorable materials for fungus include:

• Drywall
  
• Concrete
  
• Insulation
  
• Wood
  
  

Your HVAC system can contribute to the spread of these harmful airborne particles if it is not routinely inspected and serviced. HVAC cleaning includes removing dirt and grime from the condenser unit and dust from air ducts. Here are three effects of mold on the natural construction materials of a building:

1. Rotting Wood
Mold functions as a cleaning agent for the wild by decomposing rotting substances. Your commercial building provides it the necessary nutrients to survive. Paired with a humid and dark environment, the wooden structure will give mold spores an opportunity to grow into colonies.

2. Mildew Odor
Mold spores will travel through your HVAC system and circulate into the rooms. They can also feed off the dust accumulated in the air ducts. When mold grows inside of the ducts, a musty smell will spread throughout the building every time the system turns on. HVAC cleaning is a preventative measure that should be added to the routine maintenance plans of your commercial building. This will decrease the number of mold spores that circulate, lessening the chances of a greater fungus problem.

3. Decomposition of Drywall
Drywall is another source of nutrition for mold. It is especially attractive for fungus because it provides a dark environment. If water from leaks or humidity dampens the drywall, it will meet all the criteria for it to grow. The problem may go unnoticed until it develops on the surface of the wall. In this case, the drywall is irreparable and must be replaced.
A mold problem can be avoided by hiring a professional HVAC cleaning service to improve the air quality of your commercial building. Frequently cleaning vents and using good air filters will also decrease the chances of microbial growth.

Commercial Property Insurance Basics

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial insurance policy can save you a lot of money in the event of a fire.

Commercial Property Insurance Basics

Property coverage is an essential item in every business budget. Most commercial insurance policies cover damage to your structure in South Cleveland, TN, as well as any equipment, furniture or other items that are marred or destroyed in a fire. The answers to the following questions can help you decide which policy to purchase.

What Does a Commercial Insurance Policy Cover?
A basic policy is designed to pay for sudden, accidental occurrences that cause harm to your property. It prevents you from having to pay the cost of fire damage mitigation services out of pocket, and it doesn't just cover the building itself. Other features of your property may be included in the policy:

• Office equipment
  
• Furniture
  
• Manufacturing machines
  
• Inventory
  
• Important documents
  
• Landscaping
  
• External structures
  
• Fences
  
  

What Factors Affect Cost?
Most commercial insurance coverage provides comparable protection, but if there are factors that put your business at a higher risk of fire, your policy will likely cost more. For example, a restaurant owner is probably going to pay more for insurance than someone who runs an office building. Newer buildings with better safety features such as fire-resistant building materials and a state-of-the-art fire suppression system can often get better insurance rates. When you meet with your insurance agent, be sure to ask about the factors that affect the cost of your policy.

Does It Matter Whether You Own or Rent?
If you own property, you need insurance to cover all the items listed above in the event of a fire. If you are renting from someone else, though, you still need to protect yourself. Your landlord's policy will probably only cover the items he or she owns. You still need coverage for the items inside, such as computers, phones and files.
A commercial insurance policy can save you a lot of money in the event of a fire. Make sure you have the right coverage for your business.

You Wouldn't Want To Drink It

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Floodwater enters a building in Wildwood Lake, TN.

Flooding poses many problems for Wildwood Lake, TN, homeowners beyond the obvious cleanup requirements. Contaminated water, black water and clean water from an uncontaminated supply line are all part of the puzzle, and each has special requirements in the restoration process. One of the first steps a restoration company takes is determining what type of water is making a mess of your home.

3 Categories of Water

Restoration companies categorize water into three groups:

• Category 1: This is water that is safe to drink. Known as “clean water,” it is provided through a sanitary source, such as drinking fountains and faucets. Water in your toilet tank and water heater is also considered clean.

• Category 2: Water in this category is “gray water.” It contains contaminants that can make you sick if you drink it. Gray water can come from an overflowing clothes washer or dishwasher, or may be water flushed from sink drains. It can even be water from an overflowing toilet that may contain urine, but not feces.

• Category 3: Known as “black water,” this is the worst type of contaminated water. This type of water comes from sewer backup or overflow with feces, along with floodwaters from rivers or streams.

Making Restoration Plans

A sink or tub overflow involves clean water, which has no special handling or disposal requirements. Depending on the severity of the overflow, you may be able to salvage flooring, carpeting, baseboards and furniture, as well as drywall.

Contaminated water, including both gray and black water, should be handled by restoration professionals. It requires special training and tools to assess both the water and water damage and to develop a restoration plan for your Wildwood Lake, TN, home. If you are unsure whether your water supply line has been compromised, be sure to boil your water until supply system operators tell you it’s safe to use.

What Should Go Into a Business’ Fire Escape Plan?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Once you have created your fire escape plan, you need to share it with all employees.

What Should a Business' Fire Escape Plan Include?

Every office building in South Cleveland, TN, needs to have a fire escape plan. At the bare minimum, this plan needs to include a layout of the property that clearly shows where all the escape routes are located. The plan should also include information about how many people are inside the building at any given time. This will help firefighters immensely during the evacuation efforts. However, there are a number of other things your emergency escape plan should contain.

1. Location of Fire Extinguishers

Everyone in the building should be able to use a fire extinguisher if the need ever arises. You may want to consider conducting a seminar to teach people this useful skill. You want to keep extinguishers at key points around the office. It is good to have one in the break room where the fridge, microwave and other appliances are located. It may be good to keep them in stairways, too.

2. Location of First Aid Kits

You also want people to be able to find first aid kits in your fire escape plan. As per the Red Cross, you should always contact 9-1-1 following an emergency of any kind because people may need more intensive medical care. However, a first aid kit can be tremendously helpful for addressing minor wounds right there at the scene.

3. Smoke Alarms

Finally, you want the plan to contain the locations of all smoke alarms. It is also paramount to have professionals come out frequently to inspect these alarms. It is a good idea to make sure they are always fully operational, so they will not fail you if you ever require them.

Once you have created your fire escape plan, you need to share it with all employees. Run practice evacuations from time to time so that everyone knows what to do and where to go should a fire ever break out.

3 Secrets Commercial Walls Can Hide After Water Damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Charleston, TN.

Commercial Water Damage

Commercial buildings in Charleston, TN, often contain sheetrock walls separating tenants, offices, and common areas. Although the plasterboard is sturdy and holds up well to daily wear and tear, it has a secret weakness – water. When sheetrock gets wet due to damage from a rampaging flood, broken pipes, or torrential rains the damage is typically much more extensive than what meets the eye. That is because the gypsum wallboard material can absorb many times its weight in water per square inch. The absorption alone is usually responsible for the three secrets the walls can hide after water damage. They are:

1. After drywall begins to absorb water, it can lose much of its structural integrity and become weak and crumbly. As the board swells, the water can push the paper covered edges until it slips off and the seams cease to align. Nail holes can suddenly pop and are no longer able to hold the crumbling wall against the wooden frames.

2. Wet drywall can stay wet for a very long time after water cleanup. Once the gypsum panel absorbs water, it can freely share the liquid with the framing boards holding it up. If the support materials are the typically used pine two by fours, the wood will commonly absorb and retain water as long as the sheetrock stays wet. The water can then weaken the building structure as it absorbs more liquid and the wood fibers swell and separate.

3. Mold growth can appear within 24 to 48 hours after the water damage first occurs. By the time most commercial water repair and restoration teams have begun to process the area, mold is probably already growing in damp, hidden spots within the walls. The fungus can easily survive on drywall’s paper-backed cellulose and may continue to grow for as long as the gypsum is wet, and the walls are left undisturbed.

Walls can hide most signs of water damage, but sagging walls and water stain lines are tell-tale indications the walls are keeping a secret. The most cost-effective treatment is usually the replacement of the gypsum boards.

A Safe Workplace During Mold Removal

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage

Keeping the Workplace Safe During Mold Removal

Charleston, TN, business owners know that time is money, so shutting down operations in order to have mold growth removed could cut into profits. A reputable restoration company knows this and will work with you to minimize disruption and health risks during mold removal. There are several things they do, depending on the size of the affected area, to ensure you and your employees stay safe as they clear up black mold or other types.

Small Areas of Mold

An area of mold is considered small when it’s between 10 and 100 feet square. If the mold area in your place of business falls within these measurements, mold removal specialists will likely do the following:

• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum to clean the area of dust and particles.
  
• Place polyethylene sheeting around the area to isolate it.
  
• Stick the sheeting down with duct tape or attach it to metal or wood framing to ensure mold spores don’t spread.
  
  

This could be enough for an area that’s under 10 square feet to protect the uncontaminated areas of your workplace while they do their work. A larger area, however, will usually require a negative air pressure system. This funnels air into the area affected by black mold but doesn’t let it flow out.

Large Areas of Mold

Mold areas that are larger than 100 feet square can still be taken care of efficiently. Restoration specialists will likely surround the space with a double layer of polyethylene sheets to strengthen the barrier between the area and your offices. They should use an air filtration system strong enough to efficiently cover the contaminated area.

Don’t worry about workers allowing mold spores to spread into the rest of your workspace, because they’ll likely create a decontamination chamber. This is an area between the contaminated area and the rest of your office where the specialists can properly vacuum and clean their equipment.

If you have areas of mold in your business, call in mold removal professionals right away. They can work with you to minimize disruption and have you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Securing Your Business After a Fire

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Contact a fire remediation company to perform boarding-up services.

Secure Your Property After Fire Damage

When a major fire shuts your business down in Cleveland, TN it can result in additional damage and losses unrelated to the original accident. Fire damage may leave large holes in your walls and roof, exposing inventory, equipment and other valuables not only to further damage from the elements but also to theft. Unfortunately, disaster can attract the worst sort of people and looting is common when a business has been compromised by fire. Even worse, most insurance policies will not cover losses due to theft after a fire so it’s up to you to secure your property.

Preventing Fires

The best thing you can do is prevent fires from occurring in the first place. The following precautions can reduce the chances of fire and minimize damage if one occurs.

• Keep electrical cords in good condition
• Turn off electrical appliances before closing for the day
• Keep work areas free of flammable materials
• Check smoke detectors to make sure they’re working
• Don’t place flammable materials near coffee makers, heaters, computers, or copiers
• Install a sprinkler system
  
  

What You Can Do After a Fire

Once a fire has already occurred, there are still things you can do to protect your investment. Boarding up large openings in the structure can prevent invaders from entering. Sheets of plastic placed over these areas can further ensure that rain, snow and wind don’t wreak havoc on the contents of the building. You don’t need to do the work yourself. The fire damage remediation company in Cleveland, TN you contact to handle fire cleanup and restoration should also offer boarding up services. They can usually get to work as soon as the fire department has assessed the safety of the building.

Fire damage is difficult enough on a business without adding theft or water damage to the original problem. As soon as a fire takes place, contact a fire remediation company to perform boarding-up services so that your investment is safe from further harm.

How Do I Deduct Storm Damage on My Taxes?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Roof destroyed by storm damage in South Cleveland, TN.

Finally, the past year is behind you. Your business in South Cleveland, TN, suffered serious storm damage. After partnering with your commercial insurance agent and a storm restoration specialist, your business is back and better than ever. But, now it is tax time and you have questions. Is the damage tax deductible? If so, how do you deduct the damage on your commercial income taxes?

How To Know What Is Deductible

Taxes are confusing for many people, and business owners are no exception. What aspects of the storm damage to your property are tax deductible?

• Before you consider the costs of the damage, remember that commercial property insurance is also deductible on your business taxes. With that being said, you cannot deduct the funds that were covered, or reimbursed, by your insurance company.
• If you have damage to your business and personal property from the same natural disaster or event, you may only be able to deduct the business loss.
• You can deduct the loss from damage whether you itemize or not.
• For a presidential declared disaster, there may be flexibility in terms of the tax year you deduct the loss.

How To Claim the Tax Deduction

There is a process for claiming a tax deduction for damage to your commercial property. What does this include?

• Complete the Casualties and Thefts IRS Form 4684.
• Only deduct the property loss, not loss of income.
• Prepare to provide documentation of ownership, including initial cost of the damaged property.
• Purchase replacement property within the tax year if you end up with a gain after factoring in insurance reimbursement, or you may end up paying taxes on the gain.

Owning a business in South Cleveland, TN means paying taxes. When your commercial property experiences storm damage, this complicates your tax situation. Understand what is deductible, and what necessary to complete the process to provide the most benefit to you and your company.

Advantages of Hiring a Certified Professional To Clean Up Water in Your Office

7/11/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded office building in Cleveland, TN.

Advantages of Hiring a Certified Professional To Clean Up Water in Your Office

As a key figure in your company, you understand the joys and challenges that come with managing a work environment. Inevitably, problems will arise at some point, even environmental issues that need repairs. You can probably handle some of these with on-site staff, but for the toughest jobs in your Cleveland, TN, office, you need a qualified specialist to lend his or her expertise. If you have extensive water cleanup needs following a flood, a professional can help resolve the matter thoroughly and completely.

They Have the Tools

For big jobs such as flooding from a broken pipe, you need the best equipment to address the situation. A certified professional can bring industrial-strength tools to clean up your water and any damage that has occurred. An expert usually has the following at his or her disposal:

• Commercial-grade wet vacuums
• High-powered dryers to effectively dry all areas and surfaces
• Effective cleaning and sanitizing agents
  
  

You likely won’t have access to all of this equipment in your workplace.

They Have the Skills

You’ve probably developed quite the proficiency for repairs and cleanup jobs, but hopefully, you haven’t had to deal with too many water cleanup issues in your building. Certified water damage experts, on the other hand, work with these situations every day. Through extensive practice and hands-on application, they have developed the necessary skills and competency to resolve even the biggest challenges in Cleveland, TN, businesses.

They Have the Expertise

It’s one thing to have some knowledge of flood cleanup and to have helped out few times with water damage issues. But when you call a professional water damage expert, you’re getting someone on your side who has probably helped numerous commercial customers over the course of several years or even a few decades. Don’t chance this important job to just anyone. You need a competent pro.

If flooding in your office building requires a massive water cleanup effort, trust a certified expert to come to the rescue. You’ll be grateful to get your office back to a safe condition where you and your employees can work effectively.

What to Do About Commercial Fire Damage?

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage

Commercial Fire Damage

Fire damage is very difficult to deal with for any homeowner. If you have recently dealt with commercial fire damage, you know how important it is for you to hire a fire restoration expert to help you out. The fire restoration expert is going to come into your home or business and deal with the smoke damage as well as the soot damage that was left behind. Whether you dealt with an electrical fire or a utility room fire, the firefighters with their fire trucks and fire hoses are not going to be able to handle the issue for you. Instead, you are going to need to hire a professional to deal with the fire damage for you.

The experts who deal with commercial fire damage will also be the ones to assist you when it comes to getting a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system put into place. The fire sprinkler system as well as the fire suppression system is key to preventing a fire from happening in the first place. This prevents severe fire damage from occurring, which is essential if you do not want to have to deal with fire restoration in a long-term manner. You will also notice that most firefighters agree that a fire sprinkler system is essential for homeowners and business owners in terms of fire suppression.

It does not matter if you have recently dealt with a utility room fire or an electrical fire, you still need a professional fire restoration expert to come in and deal with the issue for you. The fire damage experts who specialize in commercial fire damage will take care of the smoke damage that has been left behind. This is essential for anyone who has had an electrical fire or utility room fire. Firefighters cannot handle the restoration with their fire trucks and fire hoses alone, so it is sensual that you hire a commercial fire damage expert to help you out.

What To Expect During the Fire Mitigation Process

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damaged a building in Wildwood Lake, TN.

Fire Mitigation Process

At first glance, a well-contained fire in your building in Wildwood Lake, TN, may seem like an easy thing to clean up. After all, a good fire suppression system and a reliable fire department can put it out pretty quickly. The process may involve more than you think, though. In addition to fire and smoke mitigation, fire restoration specialists also have to contend with water cleanup.

Water Damage
An inevitable stage of the fire cleanup process is the remediation of water damage. There are several ways your building can become saturated even when engulfed in flames:

• Broken pipes due to extreme heat
  
• Water sprinkler system release
  
• Blasts from the fire truck's hoses
  
  

Your walls, ceilings and floors are not only likely to be burned but they are probably also pretty drenched by the time the fire is finally out. If this damage is not dealt with in a timely manner, secondary issues such as mold growth can occur. Water cleanup is almost always a part of the fire restoration process.

Smoke Damage
Once all the materials that are destroyed beyond repair are torn out and the building is dry, an intense cleaning stage begins. Smoke cleanup is tricky because there are a lot of places that the vapors and the soot it carries can go that a simple wipe-down will not reach. It can even travel into areas of the building that were not affected by the flames themselves. A thermal fogger may be used to recreate some of the conditions that occurred during the fire so that the disinfectant can root out the smoke residue from all the cracks and crevices where it hides.
Even if only part of your building was burned, smoke and water cleanup add more steps to the fire mitigation process. A company that specializes in all these procedures is your best bet for total restoration.

How to Clean Up Commercial Water Damage

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to a restaurant in Charleston, TN.

No matter how well-prepared you are, there’s always a chance that extreme weather, mechanical failures, or other problems you can not foresee can lead to water damage. When that happens, the important thing is to respond promptly. Water cleanup and repair for broken pipes are both simpler when they are seen promptly. That means your place of business needs a plan for facilities maintenance that includes clear lines of communication about emergencies.

Tips For Your Emergency Plan

When a situation involves damage from water in Charleston, TN, it’s important to remember that the quantity of water exposure and the length of time the exposure persists are both factors in the kind of damage that will need to be repaired. Here are five tips that will help you and your team respond faster when there’s an emergency.

1. Find a restoration company with commercial water damage certification and make sure the contact number is in your emergency preparedness folder.
2. Contact your insurance company to make sure you understand what damage is covered and whether your preferred restoration company works with them directly.
3. Identify the locations of water main controls and include shutoff instructions in your plan folder.
4. Construct a chain of command for disaster notification and management within your workplace and include that in the folder so each employee understands who to contact and in what order.

Damage Cleanup

It’s important to remember that cleanup might affect your ability to resume normal operations under certain circumstances. If that happens, it is also good to have a contingency plan that will help your company keep operations as normalized as possible until the entire building is accessible again. Understanding where your greatest risks of damage come from and identifying the most likely areas of the building to be affected can help with that a lot.

Water damage in Charleston, TN is both serious and largely preventable. Reacting quickly to an emergency and turning off the water supply until damage cleanup is affected is the key.

Store Your Contents with SERVPRO of Bradley County

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Store Your Contents With SERVPRO

One of the benefits that SERVPRO of Bradley County is that we offer a pack-out service. When disaster strikes your business, more often than not, you need to have your belongings stored while remediation is performed. Your business may smell like smoke or have a musty odor. SERVPRO of Bradley County wants to ensure that your business will resume preloss condition after we are finished, so items should be stored away so they do not take on any unwanted smells. Items may also just need to be moved to make room for remediation efforts to continue. SERVPRO of Bradley County will carefully wrap and store your items while we make your facility "Like it never even happened.” 

Our Bradley County office has a storage warehouse that is approximately 13,000 square feet, and in the warehouse we have 10 by 10 wooden storage containers that we label and store until the customer is ready for their items to be returned to them. Also in our facility we have equipment that allows us to clean and restore soft fabric items.  To read more about this process click here! Another service that could be beneficial for your business during a loss is our document restoration service. Read more about how we can bring you paper items back to life. 

SERVPRO of Bradley County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

What Should I Do If I Have A Flooded Business?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

What should I do if I have a flooded business?

Flood damage isn't something most businesses want to think about. When you choose your building, you want a place that's in a safe location. You want something affordable. You want something that's in good condition. Chances are you aren't thinking, "Will my property ever require water cleanup?" You aren't thinking, "What if the businesses experiences flood damage?"

Unfortunately, many business owners find themselves asking these very questions when they experience water damage. Water in your building can occur after a period of high rain that leads to a flood which will require drying. Water in your building can also happen if you experience a pipe break. A pipe break may seem like a simple thing, but it can lead to water damage and requires a restoration company to assist in water cleanup.

If you find that you have a flooded business, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. Never panic. A water cleanup crew can help with restoration and drying. Even if you're worried about severe water damage, try not to worry or panic. The right restoration company will help minimize the water damage to the property and will be able to work with you on drying and mitigation.

Next, assess the water damage. Can you determine what has caused the water damage to your property? Did you have a pipe break? Is it possible there was a supply line break? Restoration, water cleanup, and drying will need to be done to repair your business, but it's important that you give the restoration company as much information as possible when you contact them about your flooded business. If the water in your business was caused by external flooding, rather than a supply line break, the way the restoration company proceeds with the water cleanup will be different.

Visit http://SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on water damage and restoration. Give us a call at (423) 614-5552. 

SERVPRO Master Service Agreements

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bradley County strives to make sure that your businesses are prepared for anything that happens.

We offer a specialized MSA (Master Service Agreement) to businesses at no cost. These are not contracts, but they do put everything in place to ensure that work can begin as soon as possible after a damage.

Master Service Agreements are customizable to each individual business. When going over the information to be contained within the agreement we will include whatever fits your business model. These agreements are great to put in place for your employees and staff to know what to do in case of an emergency loss. Because business owners are not able to be on site at all times, this document would ensure that everyone would know the protocol during an emergency. These are given as hardcopies to keep on site and also downloaded to our Emergency Ready Plan App so they can be accessed by anyone in your company with the proper permissions.

MSA’s generally include the following:

-Contact information

-FIRE & POLICE Departments

-SECURITY Company

-Water Department

-Electric Company

-IT Department

-Time & Material Pricing

-This includes labor, equipment and material cost

-Insurance Information

-Payment Information

-Contingency Business Information

-SERVPRO of Bradley County Contact Information

Again, these are customizable. The basis behind these is to have one location for pertinent information in case of a damage. Having this information together before a loss happens helps to expedite the remediation process and in turn helps to lessen the extent of the damage. If you have any questions regarding our MSA’s or would like to schedule a time to sit down and put one together for your Cleveland business call our office at (423) 614-5552. 

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Commercial Water Damage with Our Advanced Methodologies

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Commercial Water Damage with Our Advanced Methodologies

Today, fire damage is much less common thanks to fire sprinklers and other suppression methods and systems. These systems, however, have brought new problems while helping to stop a blaze before it can destroy a business.

Water damage to a Cleveland electronics store may have a painstaking, labor-intensive process ahead of itself. Almost every item in their inventory is going to contain a circuit board and a microprocessor. It's not just HDTVs, and DVD/DVR players; even washers and dryers contain those items today. The Internet of Things means many electronic appliances and features are springing up in our homes and businesses. When it does happen, SERVPRO follows a strict set of rules to ensure further damage does not occur before any property can be restored.

These emergency steps have to be accomplished before any other restoration procedures can take place:
1) Unplug everything, disconnect any backup batteries and remove any internal fuses or breakers.
2) Remove affected items from the soaked environment. If it cannot be removed, our technicians will cover the item to prevent further damage.
3) Extract standing water from the floor and wipe down any excess water or moisture from the affected items.
4) Set up dehumidifiers to help protect the microprocessors. The extent of the water intrusion and moisture content will determine how our SERVPRO technicians grapple with the recovery.  In severe cases, we will set up Low Grain Refrigerant Dehumidifiers that will channel the captured moisture, using conduits and tubing, to the exterior of the structure. We want to stabilize the environment and thus mitigate ongoing water damage. For items that have been moved, we will place the same equipment at the secondary location to help safely dry the affected property.
5) Control the temperature. Electronics have to be kept above the dew point to prevent condensation and corrosion.

Our technicians will explain every procedure as we go and once this initial process is completed, then the store owner can take the next steps to restore his inventory and hopefully his or her business.
The insurance company and specialists, other than us, will certainly be involved in this water damage restoration process.

Restoring property after a disaster is always a long process. When the property is electronic, it can become very difficult as well. SERVPRO of Bradley County provides the training and equipment needed not just to make it simple, but easy to understand as well. Call us today at (423) 614-5552 to get started.

Do You Have Mold in Your Cleveland Commercial Building? Cleveland, TN 37311

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Do You Have Mold in Your Commercial Building in Cleveland, TN?

You've just walked into the back storage room of your commercial building in Cleveland, TN and you find a water leak that has been ongoing for months. There is mold crawling up the walls on either side. Don't panic! SERVPRO of Bradley County is here to help. 

We can address these concerns, by finding out:

• Where is the source of moisture?
• What needs to be fixed to stop the moisture from entering the workplace?
• Are any employees experiencing any health effects from this?

If the answer is “Yes” to the Health Issues question, we immediately refer the caller to an Industrial Hygienist for Indoor Air Quality and Mold testing. We have a few companies that we recommend- one being Southeast Environmental (https://www.southeast-environmental.com/). 

It's important to keep in mind that SERVPRO of Bradley County is able to remediate the mold, but we cannot test the mold. That is why it is so important to hire an Industrial Hygienist. 

An Industrial Hygienist is able to give the business owner more information through 1.) a full site visual inspection, 2.) collection and testing cultured air and surface samples, and 3.) measuring the moisture levels in the building. Their findings and recommendations are included in a report, or protocol, which is given to the customer.

• The next step is for the commercial customer to send us the protocol.
• We can then do an assessment at the business site.
• Only then, can we give a price range, and scope of work, keeping in mind that there may be unknowns.

For more information on our Mold Remediation Process, click here.

For more information on mold in your commercial building, click here.

Give us a call if you've found mold in your commercial building. We are here to help, even for emergency services. Give us a call at (423) 614-5552. 

3 Actions You Can Take After a Fire in Your Business

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We know that dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your business can be stressful. Even moderate fire damage requires considerable cleaning, and it is likely you are concerned about the safety of your employees and customers as well. However, there are a few actions you can take before you call in a fire restoration and cleanup service that may kick start the recovery process.

1. Evacuate the Area

After a fire, areas of your business may be unsafe or unstable. Evacuate your employees and customers and move them away from the area. Board up damaged windows and doors to let people know the business is temporarily closed. Your fire restoration service can help you with mitigation services that may help keep everyone safe until cleanup efforts begin.

2. Take Photos of the Damage

Take photos of the damage and avoid touching anything. Focus on areas affected by flames, smoke and water. If flooding from the firefighters’ hoses has occurred, try to take photos from an angle where the depth can be seen if you can do so safely.

3. Leave the Cleaning to Your Restoration Team

It is best to leave the damage as it is so the cleanup technicians can assess it and decide the best way to approach restoration. If you are concerned about any belongings that might have been affected by the fire, ask your techs to keep an eye out for them, but it is a good idea to stay out of the building until it has been properly cleared.

After a fire affects your business, the cleanup process can be a daunting one to face. However, having a plan of action can help you move forward to the fire restoration phase as quickly as possible.

Quick Mitigation Leads to Quick Restoration to Your Cleveland Business

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Quick Mitigation Leads to Quick Restoration 

Water damage always seems to occur at the worst possible times. Maybe you're out of town when a pipe bursts in your business, or maybe your toilet overflowed in the middle of the night when nobody was in the building. Regardless of the time, place, or situation, SERVPRO of Bradley County is here to help. Reach out to a mitigation and restoration company to schedule water cleanup for your water damage in your business. The sooner you start with the restoration and mitigation, the sooner you can avoid future flood damage to your property. Mitigation will help prevent water damage from occurring again, but you need to get started on this right away. If you experience a supply line break or a pipe break, contact a professional immediately who can work with you to repair your business.

Make sure you follow the professional's advice exactly. If repair personnel recommend a specific treatment for the supply line break, you need to follow their advice. This will help minimize damage to your business in the future. Many building owners and managers are nervous about dealing with flooding and water damage, so they simply try to avoid facing the issue. This can lead to other problems, which makes it even more imperative that you face these issues head on.

The truth is that no matter how much you plan for flood or water damage, you can never be completely prepared. Maybe your area experiences a higher level of rain than usual or a surprise tropical storm. Perhaps your pipes freeze in the winter and burst, leading to internal flooding. The most important and valuable thing you can do is to face the issue head-on when it occurs. Don't let water damage destroy your family's business or your business. Instead, talk to a company that can help guide you through the process of restoring your business to its original beauty. This could include drying, roof repair, and even siding repair. Appropriate repairs will help minimize future damage to your business and will make you feel safe and content in your commercial building. 

Visit https://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/ for more information on water damage restoration. 

SERVPRO of Bradley County Cleans Up Fire & Water Damage at Cleveland Commercial Property

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

This is the before photo of the fire damaged room. Check out our Instagram page to see the after photo! (@SERVPRObradleycounty)

A few months ago, our team received a call that a commercial property had a fire that was contained in one room, however, a sprinkler malfunction caused them to spray water in surrounding rooms and hallways, causing water damage throughout the building. We first arrived on scene to assess the fire damage contained in the single room. We found that there was heavy smoke damage to the room and contents inside that room that would need to be packed out and transferred to our office for cleaning.

Additionally, we would need to remove the flooring and affected drywall in order bring in air movers and dehumidifiers to clean up the water-damaged areas. Our team worked hard to get the water and fire damaged building back to new in a matter of 6 days.

We understand the importance to getting your business back up and running after a loss. Our SERVPRO of Bradley County team is equipped with the facility, tools, and trained staff to do just that. Give us a call at (423) 614-5552!

Testimonial for a Commercial Water Damage

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

In 2018, we received a call from a local roofing company who was in the middle of re-roofing a school. They had tarped the roof after a day’s work and planned to come back to finish the job two days later. That night, we had a storm come in with heavy rains and strong wind. The wind had pulled the tarp up and water leaked through the holes in the roof, ultimately flooding the top floor of the school. The roofing company immediately called SERVPRO of Bradley County when they were aware of the situation. We were able to get to the school that day and begin restoration services. We had all hands on deck to ensure that this school would be able to stay open for their students. We were able to clean up and dry out all the water damage within a week. The roofing company commented on our response time and efficiency, saying “They were very good at sorting everything- drying what they could dry. It helped save costs as well. The maps that they provide are very well written to where anyone that doesn’t understand what’s going on can see where the problem areas are. You always have someone on site to answer questions.” He goes on to say, “After seeing the response time with you all, we know that when we run into an issue, we will call you. We looked really good because of the response time that you guys had.” We’re thankful for our loyal customers and the opportunity to help those who need us everyday!

Health Hazards Associated with Water Damage in Your Business

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Health hazards caused by water damage to buildings in Bradley County can escalate quickly. Within just a few minutes, the water can seep into other areas increasing damages and costs for insurance claims. Items like drywall, wood, furnishings, carpet, and precious antiques will warp, swell and eventually split.

Quick Action is Essential

Hiring a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Bradley County as soon possible is essential to saving as many items in the building as possible. Once furnishings begins to swell and warp, it will be more difficult to save the items. Carpets absorb water like a sponge and require immediate attention. As the drywall begins to soak up water, more walls will need to be replaced. Once the drywall is wet, the building structure could become affected by mold, and a musty smell will be noticeable in the air. The longer the water sits, the more contaminants will be found in the water and the building.

Appearance of Mold and Fungi

If the water damaged building is not treated quickly, within days, fungi could begin to appear and develop a musty odor. When water is present, the relative humidity will also rise which creates additional moisture in the air. This excess moisture can damage desks, furniture, electronics, and even appliances. The conducive condition for mold proliferation increases as the moisture level rises. Also, people who have respiratory issues could become increasingly ill.

Black Water Contamination

Black water is raw sewage or converted gray water that has been standing within the building or pipes for days or up to a week.

Once water has been in an area for this length of time, mold spores have developed into fungi and mold. This growth will affect paper coverings, dry wall, books, paper and building materials. Quick action is required to stem the water damage to business data. Discoloration can also occur when water affects the chemicals in furnishings and other materials. The longer the water remains in the building, the more items will need to be discarded and replaced. Consider SERVPRO as the immediate response team to get your business back up and functioning. 

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available 24 hours a day to get your Bradley County business back up and running. Call (423) 614-5552 if you experience water damage in your business. 

What Type of Commercial Services Does SERVPRO Offer?

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our equipment placed strategically at school to get the water damaged carpet dry over the weekend.

You know that we are a fire, water, and mold restoration company, but did you know about our additional services? We do commercial building cleanings plus air duct and HVAC cleaning, biohazard, odor removal, and vandalism. Learn more about our different services below!

As a company owner, you don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Bradley County for prompt service. Whether it is deep cleaning your carpets or removing an odor or biohazard, we are here to help.

SERVPRO of Bradley County offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

Additionally, we can routinely inspect your heating, ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC). As you may know, keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe. However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations on the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns that can save you money.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

When it comes to biohazards in your office, whether that be sewage backups, crime scene residues, blood or accident cleanup, chemical spills, or animal waste/remains, understand that exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Bradley County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes, and offices. Call SERVPRO of Bradley County at (423) 614-5552 today!

Cleaning the Air Ducts in Your Business | SERVPRO of Bradley County

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Air ducts should be routinely inspected.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality/comfort. If you have notice excessive debris, dust, or odor, it’s probably time to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If you have insulated air ducts and they get wet or moldy, you will need to replace the ducts completely. However, if the ducts are infested with vermin, you will need to have them cleaned thoroughly by a professional. Clogged ducts are filled with excessive amounts of dust and particles which are released into the home from your supply registers.

SERVPRO of Bradley County Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment and can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Duct cleaning is not always necessary, but it is suggested to get them routinely checked and cleaned to preserve indoor air quality. Our SERVPRO of Bradley County professionals have the tools and equipment to clean your air ducts in your commercial business. Call us today at (423) 614-5552. 

5 Things You Should Know About Mold Damage

7/14/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a microscopic substance that can quickly turn into a macroscopic issue under the right conditions. Mold in your Cleveland, TN property can disrupt business, damage property, and if black mold is present, create significant health risk. Here are five tips to keep in mind until the mold remediation experts arrive:

1. Prevention Is Key

Mold spores are a natural occurrence present everywhere, and thus it is impossible to completely eliminate their existence. To prevent mold is to prevent the key factor needed for its growth: water. A moisture problem in your building, whether from a leaky pipe or malfunctioning HVAC system, can be a breeding ground for colonies, including black mold. Limit the opportunity for growth by immediately addressing any water issues that arise.

2. Growth Is Fast

Spores can begin growing into colonies within 24–48 hours of initial exposure to water. Clean and dry materials immediately after water damage to prevent mold growth.

3. Spores Go Everywhere

It takes a moist, dark surface for spores to land on to grow, but they are carried via everything: shoes, clothing, hair, skin and even airflow. If mold has appeared in your property, restrict access to the area and turn off the HVAC system to prevent spores spreading through the air.

4. Porous Materials Are Vulnerable

While every surface can be subject to mold growth, porous materials are particularly vulnerable because of their ability to withhold moisture. Ceiling tiles, carpet and interior walls are all subject to absorbing condensation and should be addressed immediately when water spots appear.

5. Safety Is Priority

To limit exposure and impact on property, mold cleanup should begin quickly and aggressively with safety protocol in mind. Full personal protective gear, including eye goggles and air filtration masks must be worn to limit any contact with potential irritants from black mold and debris from the cleanup process. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on mold. 

How To Save Water in Commercial Properties

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Ownership of commercial property in Cleveland, TN comes with certain expenses. An excessive water bill does not have to be one of them. You can resolve water issues by taking intentional measures to lower your water usage and thus lower your utility charges. Once you start monitoring your usage more regularly, it is easier to identify anomalies that could signify leaks leading to water damage that may require professional restoration services somewhere.

Plumbing Upgrades

One way to lessen the amount of water you use in your commercial building is to upgrade your equipment. Some potential upgrades include:

• New aerators
• Touch-free faucets
• New flush valves
• Low-flow toilets or urinals

Each water upgrade is designed to reduce the amount of water released with each use. For example, older flush valves can cause a toilet to use three to five gallons of water per flush, but when you upgrade to a newer valve, you can use a half or even a third of the water without having to replace the whole toilet. Multiply the savings times the number of toilets in your building, and you are well on your way to resolving your water issues.

Irrigation Changes

Another way to curb overuse of water is to pay closer attention to your irrigation schedule. Start by separating your irrigation meter from your main meter. This can save you money on sewage charges. It is also important that you only use your irrigation system when it is necessary. If it is raining outside, for example, it doesn’t make sense to let your sprinkler system run just because it’s the time it is scheduled to do so. You can also shave minutes off the run time to reduce the amount of water you use.

Your water issues in your commercial property may seem daunting, but with a little attention and slight adjustments, you can regain control of your water usage. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

How Flood Water Is Considered Black Water

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

When water floods your Cleveland, TN business, you may have to consider how safe that water is to maneuver through. Maybe you have items that you need to gather or save. If you have ever been through a flood, you may have heard the term black water. This is the third category of water and the most dangerous. Here is what you need to know about flood water and when to be concerned with contaminated water.

Gray and White Water

The first two categories of water are the cleanest and safest to wade through. Gray water may have cleaning or cooking agents in it. Often, dishwashers backing up or washers leaking lead to gray water floods. While not completely clean, this water can usually be reabsorbed into the ground. It’s not dangerous. Category one, on the other hand, is even cleaner and more pure. This is clean flood water.

Black Water

The difference between black water and the other categories is the disease-causing pathogens that it can contain. This is because the water encounters human waste. This can be from the bathroom plumbing backing up, a sewage leak or even extensive flooding that will bring water from outside your business into the interior. Once the water is contaminated, you should not enter it without the proper equipment or without a professional to aid you in the process.

Flood Water

Floodwaters are not always contaminated. However, after a couple of days, they often are. If there is any risk from a sewer backup or if mold has already begun to grow, you could have a larger scale problem on your hand. When flooding is extensive outside and begins to enter the building, the water usually already was exposed to human waste.

When dealing with contaminated water, a professional is your safest bet. Never wait around when handling storm damage. Your business can lose money if the damage is not taken care of quickly. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

Professional Remediation is Always Best for Commercial Fire Damage

9/17/2017 (Permalink)

Professional Remediation is Always Best for Commercial Fire Damage

Fire is devastating no matter when or where it happens. Once it's put out and the fire truck drives away, people find themselves with serious issues that need to be cleaned up. Your firefighter is there to put out the fire using a fire hose and other firefighting methods, not to clean up afterwards. Things left behind can include soot damage, fire damage, smoke damage and their accompanying stains and odors. A person may look at the damage and wonder where to start with fire restoration.

The Mess Left Behind

Whether the fire started as an electrical fire, utility room fire or from causes that are more insidious, chances are that during fire suppression when the fire sprinkler system was activated, a mess was created that caused extensive commercial fire damage. A professional fire and smoke restoration technician is your best bet to get the fire damaged area truly clean again.

Fire damage can include charring, soot damage, smoke damage and extensive water damage from the fire being put out. Commercial fire damage left behind can be frustrating and heart wrenching. When you saw the fire truck arrive and the firefighter pull out a fire hose, you knew right away that water damage would be added to the fire damage, requiring a detailed level of cleanup. The fire sprinkler system also added to the water damage, even though you knew it was a necessary part of fire suppression.

Using Professionals for Building Damage

9/17/2017 (Permalink)

Using Professionals for Building Damage

The professionals will be able to easily and quickly take care of the smoke damage that has been left behind as well as soot damage on the walls. Whether it is smoke damage or something else, the experts can put in a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system to prevent this from happening again. The electrical fire or utility room fire that you have dealt with needs to be handled by an expert company, not by firefighters using fire hoses and fire trucks. Soot damage on its own can be incredibly problematic overtime.

In fact, the fire trucks and fire hoses that were meant to put out the fire can cause water damage as well. This means that you are going to need to have the repair work done by the experts who can also deal with water damage. The soot damage is something that should be left for experts because you need special tools and skills to get rid of it. This is also something that you are going to want to discuss with your insurance policy provider. You might be surprised to find out that you are going to be fully covered for the restoration because you have the right type of coverage.

No matter what type of fire you recently dealt with in your home or office, it is nice to know that there are professionals out there who are more than willing to take you on as a client and get your property back to its former glory. This is not a project you should try to do on your own, as there are many things that can go wrong without you even realizing it. The first thing that you need to do is contact the experts so that they can come to your home and do an assessment of the fire in question. Once the assessment is done, you will easily and quickly be able to get back to your way of living in no time at all once the professionals have done their work.

Visit http://SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on fire damage and restoration.