Archived Commercial Blog Posts
Who To Call For Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Fairfield, CT
1/18/2022 (Permalink)
When your commercial property in Fairfield, CT needs emergency commercial flood cleanup, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is ready 24/7.
When a commercial property experiences flooding or water damage in Fairfield, CT, the damages can be extensive and even devastating.
Depending on the type of commercial property you own or the nature of your business, you or your tenants may lose thousands of dollars worth of inventory, materials, machinery, or personal items - Not to mention the physical damages to your space.
This means that when you need commercial water damage restoration services in Fairfield, CT, you need to call a company that has the needed training, experience, and resources to take on a project of your size and urgency.
With over 15 years of experience, the IICRC Certified water restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can provide 24/7 emergency commercial water damage restoration near Fairfield, CT and the surrounding areas.
For Immediate Assistance, Call Our Office 24/7 - 203-707-1952
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield Provides Expert Commercial Flood Cleanup in Fairfield, CT
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
FREE Estimates
Directly Bill Your Insurance Company
As specialists in commercial water damage in Fairfield, CT, you can trust SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can handle any size commercial water disaster.
Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, toilet overflow, roof leak, or flooding from a natural disaster, our team is Here to Help.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield provides an immediate emergency response for your commercial building in Fairfield to mitigate further damages to your property. The sooner the water restoration process is started, the less likely it is for secondary damages to form, such as rot, deterioration, unwanted odors, or the growth of mold.
Our goal is to restore your commercial property back to pre-damage conditions as quickly as possible, because we know how important it is to get your business or tenants back on track.
When you call SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield for commercial water damage restoration in Fairfield, CT, we’ll work hard to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”
Commercial Water Restoration Process
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our consultant will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources that may be needed.
We carefully inspect your property’s water damage, determining the type of water damage and the areas affected. This is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration.
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
After the bulk of the water has been removed, we use specialized equipment to target the water that’s harder to access. Our Professionals use less intrusive, scientific drying methods to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers.
We clean, repair, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Restoration is the process or restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Call SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield 24/7 For Commercial Water Damage Restoration Services in Fairfield - 203-707-1952
24/7 Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Westport, CT
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
When commercial water damage strikes in Westport, CT, our team is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Commercial Water Damage in Westport, CT? Get Help Now.
When flooding or water leaks occur in your commercial property, you need to take immediate action to prevent damages from becoming worse.
If damages aren't quickly addressed, water damage can spread to other areas of your property, affect inventory, equipment, or tenants' items, and even produce the growth of mold in as little as 48 hours.
When you need immediate, emergency commercial water damage cleanup in Westport, CT, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is ready to respond 24/7.
Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 203-707-1952
Commercial Water Damage Restoration Services in Westport, CT
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
FREE Estimates
With over 15 years of experience in commercial water restoration in Westport, CT, you can trust that SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield has all the training and resources needed to handle any size commercial flood disaster.
We immediately respond to your call to minimize further damages to your property and start the restoration process as soon as possible. This fast response is essential when it comes to commercial properties, as depending on the type of commercial property, you or your tenants may lose thousands of dollars worth of inventory, materials, machinery, or personal items - In addition to the physical damages to your space.
Our goal is to restore your commercial property back to pre-damage conditions as quickly as possible, because we understand how important it is to get your business or tenants back on track.
When you call SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield for commercial water damage cleanup in Westport, CT, we'll work tirelessly to make your damage "Like it never even happened."
Commercial Water Restoration Process
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our team will guide you through your damages and ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources that may be needed for emergency response.
We carefully inspect your property’s water damage, determining the type of water damage and the areas affected. This is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration.
The process of commercial flood cleanup in Westport, CT begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water which is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
We clean, repair, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
The last step is restoring your business back to its pre-water damage condition. The restoration step can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels, or could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding entire rooms of a home or business.
Call 24/7 For Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Westport, CT - 203-707-1952
Who To Call For Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Weston, CT
11/16/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is prepared 24/7 for any size commercial water damage in Weston, Connecticut.
When a commercial property experiences flooding or water damage in Weston, CT, the damages can be extensive and even devastating.
Depending on the type of commercial property you own or occupy and the nature of your business, you or your tenants may lose thousands of dollars worth of inventory, materials, machinery, or personal items - Not to mention the physical damages to your space.
This means that when you need commercial water damage restoration services in Weston, CT, you need to call a company that has all the training, experience, and resources to take on a project of your size and urgency.
With over 15 years of experience, the IICRC Certified water restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can provide 24/7 emergency commercial water damage restoration in Weston, CT.
For Immediate Assistance, Call Our Office 24/7 - 800-734-3213
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield Provides Expert Commercial Water Restoration in Weston
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
FREE Estimates
Directly Bill Your Insurance Company
As specialists in commercial water damage cleanup in Weston, CT, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can handle any size commercial water disaster.
Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, toilet overflow, roof leak, or flooding from a natural disaster, our team is Here to Help.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield provides an immediate emergency response for your commercial building in Weston to mitigate further damages to your property. The sooner the water restoration process is started, the less likely it is for secondary damages to form, such as rot, deterioration, unwanted odors, or the growth of mold.
Our goal is to restore your commercial property back to pre-damage conditions as quickly as possible, because we know how important it is to get your business or tenants back on track.
When you call SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield for commercial water damage restoration in Weston, CT, we’ll work hard to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”
Call SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield 24/7 For Commercial Water Damage Restoration Services in Weston - 203-707-1952
Commercial Flood Cleanup in Weston, CT Warehouse
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
When your warehouse floods, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is ready to provide 24/7 commercial flood cleanup in Weston, CT.
When your commercial warehouse suffers from water damage or flooding, the damages can be devastating and overwhelming.
Flood water can not only damage the physical structure of your commercial building, but also damage the inventory in your warehouse that keeps your business processes up and running.
In order to help minimize your losses and damages in your warehouse, immediate commercial flood cleanup in Weston, CT is required.
The sooner you begin the water damage cleanup and restoration process, the more likely it is to prevent further damages to your building and inventory. Immediate action is also important to prevent the growth of mold, which can begin in as little as 48 hours.
As your local commercial flood damage restoration specialists in Weston, CT, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is ready to handle any size disaster in your store.
Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 203-707-1952
SERVPRO Can Handle Warehouse Flood Cleanup in Weston, CT
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
FREE Estimates
Directly Bill Your Insurance Company
With over 15 years of experience in commercial water damage restoration in Weston, CT, our team has all the training and resources needed to provide expert restoration services for your flooded warehouse during your time of need.
We know that it’s your #1 goal to get your business back up and running like normal after a disaster, and that’s why we provide 24/7 immediate emergency services.
This immediate response is essential in minimizing the damages to your commercial warehouse in Weston. Every day your business can’t normally function is a day of lost time and revenue - and you want to be back to normal as soon as possible.
Using advanced, commercial grade equipment, our team quickly responds to perform commercial flood cleanup in Weston CT and begins the drying process to prevent the growth of mold.
If mold does become an issue, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can help! Our team is also IICRC Certified in commercial mold remediation services.
When disaster strikes your commercial warehouse in Weston, we have one goal: Make it “Like it never even happened.”
Need Help? Call 24/7 For Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Weston, CT - 203-707-1952
Commercial Flood Cleanup in Westport, CT Storefront
10/5/2021 (Permalink)
When your commercial storefront in Westport, CT sustains damages from flooding, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can help 24/7.
When your commercial storefront sustains water damage or flooding, the damages can be devastating and overwhelming.
Flood water can not only damage the physical structure of your commercial building, but also damage the inventory that keeps your storefront up and running.
In order to help minimize your losses and damages in your storefront, immediate commercial flood cleanup in Westport, CT is required.
The sooner you begin the water damage restoration process, the more likely it is to prevent further damages or the growth of mold, which can begin in as little as 48 hours.
As your local commercial flood damage restoration specialists in Westport, CT, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is ready to handle any size disaster in your store.
Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213
How SERVPRO Can Help With Flood Cleanup in Your Westport, CT Storefront
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
FREE Estimates
Directly Bill Your Insurance Company
With over 15 years of experience in commercial water damage restoration in Westport, CT, our team has all the training and resources needed to provide expert restoration services during your time of need.
We know that it’s your #1 goal to get your storefront back up and running after a disaster, and that’s why we provide 24/7 immediate emergency services.
This immediate response is essential in minimizing the damages to your commercial property in Westport. Every day your business isn’t open is a day of lost time and revenue - and you want to be back open as soon as possible.
Using advanced, commercial grade equipment, our team quickly responds to perform commercial flood cleanup in Westport and begins the drying process to prevent the growth of mold.
If mold does become an issue, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield can help! Our team is also IICRC Certified in commercial mold remediation services.
When disaster strikes your commercial storefront in Westport, we have one goal: Make it “Like it never even happened.”
Need Help? Call 24/7 For Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Westport, CT - 203-707-1952
Warehouse Commercial Mold Removal in Westport, Connecticut
9/29/2021 (Permalink)
Prompt action for commercial mold remediation in Westport, CT can help prevent prevent an extensive infestation in your warehouse.
Warehouses are an important asset of many commercial businesses, housing building materials, inventory, perishable food items, clothing, and more.
So if mold begins to grow in your warehouse, you want to take immediate action to prevent its spread - Especially to the inventory that’s essential to your business.
When a mold problem goes unaddressed, it can cause health effects, and even damage both building materials and your warehouse inventory.
If you’re dealing with mold and need professional commercial mold removal in Westport, CT - SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is Here to Help!
How SERVPRO Can Help With Mold Remediation in Westport, CT Warehouses
Free Mold Inspection and Estimate
Cleaning and Sanitization
Specialized Mold Remediation Equipment
With over 15 years of experience, our team of IICRC Certified restoration specialists have all the training and resources needed to provide expert commercial mold removal services in Westport, CT.
When you’re dealing with mold in your commercial property, you want to make sure the job is done correctly to help prevent the likelihood of your mold issue reoccurring or spreading to other areas of your space.
In order to prevent future infestations, any source of water or moisture must be addressed. This is simply because mold thrives on moisture, and can continue to grow and spread until the source of moisture has been addressed.
Since SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield also specializes in commercial water damage restoration, our team can handle every aspect of your mold remediation project.
Our goal is to get your commercial space back to clean and usable conditions, making your mold problem “Like it never even happened.”
Mold in Warehouses: Common Questions
How much do commercial mold removal services cost?
Generalizing the cost of mold remediation is tricky, because the cost depends on many factors such as how much mold there is, what materials are affected, if water damage needs to be addressed, and more.
For this reason, SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield provides free estimates for commercial mold removal services in Westport, CT.
What can be done to help prevent the spread of a mold issue?
When you find mold in your commercial warehouse, you likely want to take steps to prevent the issue from becoming worse or damaging your inventory until the process of commercial mold remediation in Westport CT can begin.
If possible, we recommend closing off the affected area from the rest of the warehouse, not to disturb the mold or remove mold-affected materials, turn off the HVAC system in that area of your warehouse, and set up a dehumidifier to help control the level of moisture.
Can my janitorial service clean mold for me in my Westport commercial warehouse?
It is not recommended for anyone who isn’t trained and certified in commercial mold remediation to complete mold services. This is because without the proper equipment, containment, and cleaning methods, it’s likely for your mold issue to reoccur.
Mold in Your Warehouse? Call SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield - 203-707-1952
How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Business
12/7/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage is much more likely to damage or affect your business than a fire. Why not prepare?
Many business owners focus on preventing fires, but what about water damage? It's much more likely for water damage to affect your business due to a broken or frozen pipe, natural disaster, or a roof leak. And when these damages happen, your business may need to close for a week or more for the needed cleanup and repairs.
Here, we will go over actions you can take to help prevent a water damage event in your commercial property.
Ways To Prevent Water Damage in Your Business
Insulate water pipes
A major cause of flooding inside buildings during the winter is frozen or burst pipes. Pay special attention to exposed pipes, especially those in unheated or cooler areas of the building. Insulating any exposed pipes should decrease the likelihood of them freezing.
Have building gutters and drainage cleared
This should be done once a year to prevent clogged gutters. This is best done going from the fall into the winter to get out any fallen leaves or branches. When the gutters of your business clog, they can cause roof leaks, basement flooding, water seepage, or even ice dams on the roof.
Inspect the roof
Regularly inspect the roof, especially after heavy storms have come through to catch any signs of damage before they cause extensive issues. One small, unnoticed roof leak can cause extensive water damage in your business and cause mold growth across the building.
Know where the water shutoff valve is
Make sure a few employees that are regularly in the building are aware of the location and how to turn off the water as well. When you're dealing with a water leak from a toilet or water line, you'll want to turn off the water as soon as possible to mitigate damages.
Install a water sensor
Water sensors notify you when they detect a leak so that you can stop it as soon as possible.
Inspect for signs of plumbing issues
One of the major causes of water damage in businesses, you'll want to have your plumbing system regularly inspected for signs of old or corroded pipes. In some cases, your plumber may even find a hidden water leak in your business behind a wall or under the floor. If you ever notice your water bill suddenly increase, a water leak may be to blame.
Think about installing a sump pump
If you have areas susceptible to groundwater flooding, a sump pump can be a good investment to prevent flooding. Sump pumps work by pumping rising water levels away from the building and to a nearby drain.
Invest in good property insurance
Any business should have adequate insurance coverage in case of a disaster to help lessen the financial impact of the damages. Do research to find what insurance company is right for the needs of your business.
Why Be Proactive About Water Damage in Your Business?
It's simple: When you protect your business from water damage, you will be able to mitigate damages, keep your doors open, or reopen much faster after a flooding disaster. With so many different sources of water damage, proactively taking steps to prevent it is the best thing you can do.
When you don't handle water damage in a timely manner, or it goes unnoticed, mold or mildew will also begin to spread across your property, only making damages worse. The choice is clear: Prepare your business for water damage or pay the price when it happens to you.
Steps For Fire Safety in the Workplace
12/3/2020 (Permalink)
There's a lot less work to prevent fires in your workplace rather than recovering from them.
Taking steps to prevent a fire in your business can save you thousands in property damage and lost revenue. In the event of a fire emergency, you want your workplace to be prepared and have a quick recovery. Making a fire prevention plan is the first step for fire safety in the workplace.
Steps For Fire Safety in Your Business
- Identify any fire hazards. You should identify what kind of fire risks are in your workplace and then create a plan to lessen the likelihood that these hazards will start a fire.
- Install and test smoke detectors. Any business should have smoke detectors working and stationed throughout the building to allow ample time for employees and customers to evacuate in case of a fire. Utilizing smoke detectors also allows for your local fire department to arrive on site sooner, hopefully lowering the amount of fire damage done to your business.
- Have fire extinguishers close by and ready. Place portable fire extinguishers in clearly marked places and have them inspected and maintained per the directions on the label. Place fire extinguishers in higher risk areas of your business.
- Keep your business uncluttered. Built up dust and cluttered boxes can act as fuel in a fire, allowing it to grow and spread much more quickly than it would have without the extra clutter.
- Correctly store flammable materials. If you own a restaurant, be sure the grease and oils are stored in areas away from open flame or high heat. In cleaning businesses, be sure to keep flammable chemicals away from sparks or high heat, and know what chemicals cannot be mixed.
- Have a clearly posted fire evacuation plan. Be sure that your business has emergency exit signs clearly posted, as well as any specific routes to exit the building. Make sure that there are not excess boxes or furniture blocking clear paths out of the building.
- Invest in a fire suppression system. If your commercial building doesn’t have a fire protection system such as a sprinkler system, look into having one installed. Once they detect high heat or smoke, they will go off and hopefully put out the fire before it spreads or the fire department arrives.
- Train employees in fire safety. If your business has a restaurant or kitchen, be sure that your employees are trained in using fire extinguishers and know what to do if a grease or oil fire starts. It’s best in any business to have all employees trained in fire safety, but even more crucial in businesses that work with open flames or any sort of heat. It's always a good idea to have a fire drill once a year so that all employees are informed.
- Have proper insurance coverage for your business. A workplace fire can leave your business closed for months, so you’ll want to avoid any extra out of pocket expenses after a fire if possible. It’s best to invest in robust commercial insurance to be sure you’ll be able to reopen your doors after a large scale disaster.
- Research local fire damage restoration companies before ever needing one. You’ll want to start the cleanup process as soon as possible after a fire, so it’s best to already know a reputable company to that provides emergency response get the job done.
How To Handle A Fire Sprinkler Flood in Your Business
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Be prepared for if you ever find your commercial space underwater from a fire sprinkler flood.
A fire sprinkler system is important and required for any commercial building. While they provide protection in case of a fire emergency, they can also cause a large amount of flood damage to your commercial property. As a business owner, knowing what to do when your fire sprinkler system floods your office, warehouse or even apartment building can save you thousands in necessary water damage repairs.
Causes of Fire Sprinkler Flooding
- A fire in your commercial property. It's fairly obvious that a fire would cause your sprinkler system to go off and flood your warehouse or other commercial property. In this case, the sprinklers going off aren't a bad thing - but you will need to handle the flood cleanup afterwards. A single fire sprinkler will pour out between 15 and 25 gallons of water per minute when triggered! Once the sprinklers are turned off, it's likely they've poured out thousands of gallons of water in to your building.
- System failures. Though not very common, your fire sprinkler system can malfunction and go off when it is not supposed to, causing flood waters to cover your commercial property. This is more likely to happen when the system is being tested and is accidentally triggered. If heating sources are installed too close to sprinkler valves, it may accidentally trigger them as well.
- Corrosion or bursting. Sprinkler systems may also flood commercial properties when the pipes are old, rusted, or corroded. Over time, the pipes may begin to leak and will eventually give way to a full flood. Sprinkler pipes are also susceptible to bursting from extreme heat or cold. In the winter pipes near exterior walls may freeze, expand, and cause the system to burst.
What To Do When Fire Sprinklers Cause Water Damage
When fire sprinklers are discharged, they saturate walls, floors, and any furniture below them. You will have to act fast in your flooded commercial property to ensure mold does not begin to grow and spread.
| Stop the water source. If the sprinkler system went off because of an actual fire in the building, you will have to wait for the fire department to arrive, handle the situation, and tell you it is safe to reenter the building. If the sprinklers were accidentally discharged, turn them off as soon as possible.
| Call a water damage restoration company. The flood damage that results from sprinklers discharging is more than you should handle yourself. Flood cleanup companies are equipped with water extractors, commercial grade fans & dehumidifiers, and have the expertise necessary to ensure mold does not grow in your property. A commercial cleanup company will do the following:
- Remove water damaged items.
- Remove all standing water.
- Completely dry all affected areas; including carpets, walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Spray antimicrobial or other disinfectants to ensure there is no mold growth or bacteria left behind.
- Repair any damaged or demolished areas.
| Call your commercial insurance company. The damages resulting from fire sprinklers discharging will almost always be covered by your insurance policy. The water restoration company should be able to bill your insurance company directly and hopefully require no out of pocket costs from you. Document damages to be sure your insurance company covers the repairs and restoration.
Flooding in Your Commercial Building? Call SERVPRO - 203-707-1952
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in water, fire, mold and COVID-19 services. Whatever the damage, we're here to make it "Like it never even happened."
4 Common Types of Office Water Damage
9/28/2020 (Permalink)
Dealing with water damage in your office building can be a huge headache and displace operations for days.
Many businesses pride themselves on their images, working hard to ensure their office space reflects the fact they are a hardworking, reputable business. Current or potential clients may meet in your office and make first impressions based off how well maintained it is, whether or not it is a professional environment, and if it reflects the work ethic of the company.
What would a potential client think if they noticed water stained ceiling tiles, musty smells, or leaky toilets and sinks when visiting your office? It's likely they may be put off by the impression your office gives off, and that it somehow reflects the level of service you may provide them.
Properly maintaining your office is highly important when it comes to water damage, as it can create unsightly damages, unwanted smells, and even structural issues. Here, we will go over the 4 most common types of office water damage to look out for to keep your image in tip-top shape.
4 Common Types of Water Damage in Office Buildings
1 | Water damaged ceiling tiles
Ceiling stains almost always indicate some sort of water leak in your office. These are usually tan or brown in appearance and will darken over time. If left unaddressed, water damaged ceiling tiles may even begin to produce mold growth as the moisture creates an environment for mold spores and other bacteria to thrive. Common causes of water damaged ceiling tiles include:
- Leaking HVAC components
- Roof leaks
- Ice dams
Water damaged ceiling tiles should be inspected once the discoloration is noticed by someone in your office. This way, whatever source of water that is causing the damages can be fixed and prevent the issue from becoming worse.
To restore water damaged ceiling tiles in your office, there are a few options:
For minor surface or cosmetic water damage, you can get on a ladder and spray the affected ceiling tile with a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Wait a half hour for the tile to dry and repeat until the stain is gone. You can also paint over the stains, but this will not do anything to ensure that there is no bacteria or mold spores left behind.
For more severely water damaged tiles, it is best to throw them away and replace them with new ones. In these cases, the affected tiles are likely to harbor mold growth and other contaminants and may produce a musty odor over time.
2 | Faulty appliances
A major cause of water damage in offices is faulty appliances. This can range from refrigerators, to water heaters, or even water coolers. It's never a good feeling to get into work at 7 AM and finding your office flooded. To prevent this, you should take steps to ensure regular maintenance of appliances to prevent them from failing on you and causing extensive water damage.
3 | Broken or burst pipes
In older office buildings, this type of water damage is more prevalent, especially in the winter months. When water runs through pipes they slightly expand and contract depending on temperature and over time may cause it to burst or leak - especially when pipes freeze.
If your office experiences a burst or leaking pipe, the best course of action is to turn off the water supply to stop flooding, call a plumber, and then call a water damage restoration company to handle the flood cleanup and drying process for you.
4 | Toilet overflows or backups
Perhaps the most smelly and gross type of water damage that can effects offices, toilet overflows or sewer backups can cause a large amount of damage and require extensive cleanup and disinfection. This type of water damage should always be handled by a certified biohazard specialists, as contaminated water can make you seriously ill if you don't know how to properly handle it.
Water Damage? Call SERVPRO 24/7 - 203-707-1952
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19 residential and commercial services. Whatever your damage, we work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."
Keeping Your Restaurant Sanitized During COVID-19
9/21/2020 (Permalink)
Proper cleaning & disinfecting procedures in your restaurant can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, the definition of ‘clean’ has changed across the country. As restaurants continue to open and accommodate inside seating, the need for proper sanitizing & disinfecting continues to be a top priority in the food service industry - Especially as temperatures begin to drop and outdoor seating accommodations are no longer readily available.
Know The Difference in Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting
These terms have been used quite interchangeably throughout the pandemic, but to properly prevent the spread of COVID-19, you should know the difference between the three.
- Cleaning removes germs, dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces or objects.
- Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements according to the EPA. A surface must be cleaned before it is sanitized, and sanitizing does not impact viruses.
- Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Like sanitizing, disinfecting is not completely effective without cleaning the surface or object first.
As a restaurant, an effective procedure of cleaning and disinfecting is needed to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As a restaurant owner, you goal should be to maintain healthy environments by following the following tips:
1 | Routine cleaning & disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, cash registers, sink handles, light switches, payment terminals, tables, countertops, trays, condiment holders, and more. Create a schedule with your staff or a disinfecting company to ensure your restaurant is cleaned on a continual basis.
2 | Use hospital grade disinfectants that meet the EPA disinfection criteria and are appropriate for the surface. Disinfecting of porous vs. non-porous surfaces differs.
3 | Address your ventilation system. According to the CDC, restaurants should do all they can to increase circulation of outdoor air inside the restaurant by opening windows or prioritizing outdoor seating. Some businesses have invested in special Hepa filters for their HVAC system to help prevent airborne microbes from circulating in the air.
4 | Change the layout of the restaurant to be in line with social distancing guidelines. Position tables 6 feet apart, offer curbside takeout or delivery, or install physical barriers inside the restaurant.
Promote Behaviors To Stop The Spread
On top of properly cleaning and disinfecting your restaurant, you should promote behaviors from your staff and customers that aid in reducing the spread of COVID-19. This helps to ensure that both your staff and customers stay healthy and feel safe dining at your business.
- Hand hygiene. Require that employees frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The best way to ensure this would be to create a schedule to wash hands after a certain time period in addition to requiring hand washing before, during, or after preparing food or touching garbage.
- Enforce mask wearing. Require the wearing of masks on all staff, as well as on customers as they walk through the restaurant or communal areas.
- Ensure adequate supplies. Position hand sanitizer in high touchpoint areas to encourage using it, or even at every table if possible. Be sure to be stocked with hand soap and disinfectant wipes.
- Post signs and messages. If you have requirements for mask wearing, hand washing, or how to navigate through the restaurant, clearly post them. Put up posters that encourage behaviors to stop the spread of COVID-19.
- Make it clear when employees should stay home. Encourage employees that are sick or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 to stay home, and create policies around when employees are able to return.
- Promote no-contact operations. Make it easy for customers to pay their bill without the waiter needing to touch their credit card or accept cash. Many restaurants have moved to online-only menus, with the barcode to scan on the table to reduce the sharing of items.
Following proper CDC and local guidelines throughout the pandemic is essential to keep restaurants safe, healthy, and open.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19 services. Whatever the damages, we can make it "Like it never even happened."
Fire in Fairfield Laundromat
9/15/2020 (Permalink)
Cleaning up even after a small fire is a long process for your Fairfield business.
A fire in your Fairfield business can be devastating. You may need to close your doors for extensive cleaning and repairs from top to bottom, causing a large loss in revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield understands the stress for a business owner following a fire, and has the experience to help you restore your business to pre-damage conditions.
TV Fire in Fairfield Laundromat
In this local laundromat, an old TV caught fire causing extensive smoke and soot damages to the storefront.
Fire Damages
As seen in the photo above, soot and smoke stained all surfaces in the storefront. Every washer, dryer, fan, countertop, ceilings and walls were affected. The floor was also covered with black debris and soot. A strong odor of fire and smoke also remained in the laundromat long after the fire was put out. A few windows in the storefront were also broken from the heat of the fire and the firefighting efforts.
Water Damages
When you think of a business on fire, you don’t necessarily think about water damage as well. Unfortunately when the fire department is called for a fire, most of the time the building will sustain water damage from the firefighting efforts. In this case, roughly half an inch of standing water covered portions of the storefront and required water extraction.
Laundromat Fire Cleanup Process
1 | Emergency Contact - 911 & SERVPRO
This business owner acted fast after his fire and contacted his business owners insurance before the flames even went out. From there, his insurance company referred SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield to handle all cleanup and restoration of the laundromat.
2 | Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Immediately after being contacted, SERVPRO dispatched a Project Manager to inspect and assess damages from the fire. The Project Manager worked with local authorities to learn what happened, what the source of the fire was, and when he could have our crews out to begin cleaning.
3 | Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service
This step isn’t always needed for a smaller fire, but in this case the laundromat did need a board up of 2 windows in the front of the store. Many times, windows will be broken by the Fire Department or shatter on their own from the heat of the fire. Securing your property is highly important after a fire to ensure there will not be additional damages and to keep pests out.
4 | Water Removal and Drying
Before crews can begin cleaning and soot, smoke, or structural damages, they must remove all water and begin the drying process in the business. Tackling water damage first is important to help ensure that the structure doesn’t begin to decay from excessive moisture and to prevent the growth of mold. In this business, crews had to extract standing water and set up fans and dehumidifiers to ensure it properly dried out.
5 | Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Once water damage was under control, the crews moved on to removing any soot and smoke from all surfaces. That included washing machines, dryers, fans, counters, shelves, clothing, office areas, walls, floors, ceilings and more. This is accomplished mostly by using chem sponges and rags to remove soot and smoke residues. This process is long and must be completed by hand, but will return any business to pre-fire conditions.
6 | Cleaning and Repair
Other than removing soot and smoke stains, the crews also removed any damaged or non salvageable materials from the laundromat. This included the original TV and some contents that were close to the source of the fire.
Crews also worked to ensure that there would be no lingering smoke smell once the cleaning & repairs were completed. They set up air scrubbers, ozone machines, and cleaned the duct system to remove all smoke particles from the air and prevent any from getting kicked up again.
7 | Restoration
In the final step of fire damage restoration, crews were sure to handle small touches to ensure this laundromat was restored to pre-damage conditions. All ceiling tiles were replaced that needed to be, and all contents were returned to their original placements at the end of the job.
Fire in Your Business? Call SERVPRO for Immediate Service - 203-707-1952
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield is a 24/7 damage restoration service specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19. Whatever the damage, we will work hard to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Desiccant Dehumidifiers vs. Common Dehumidifiers
8/23/2019 (Permalink)
Unlike common dehumidifiers, desiccant dehumidifiers can not only work efficiently in low temperatures, but they also can bring the humidity levels as low as 35%, sometimes 30%. Not to mention, desiccant dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air independent of the humidity level of the space, whereas the efficiency of common dehumidifiers depend on the humidity level, as well as the temperature of the space.
Most common dehumidifiers are bulky, weighing more than 25 pounds, noisy, and inefficient in low temperatures. Slim and light, weighing a little more than 15 pounds, desiccant rotor technology is a better solution, performing no matter the temperature and with no refrigerant required (Refrigerant is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in our atmosphere. Desiccant dehumidifiers are more environmentally friendly than their common dehumidifier counterparts).
Commercial Grade Dehumidifiers
The primary difference between commercial grade dehumidifiers and consumer grade is that the commercial units do not have a condenser. The desiccant rotor instead exhausts warm moist air out of the building via ductwork, allowing the commercial unit to dehumidify at a colder temperature and a lower humidity than the already efficient consumer units.
If your home suffered water damage, a contractor can use a commercial grade dehumidifier to rapidly and thoroughly remove the moisture from the air under any circumstances, returning your home to normal and healthy humidity levels.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield uses desiccant humidifiers when we remediate commercial damage. If you have any water damage in your home or business, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO ofWestport/Fairfield.
Showroom Flooding
2/1/2019 (Permalink)
This was one of our trickiest jobs that we have taken on in recent history. A pipe burst in a local art gallery and interior design showroom. Due to the high value of many of the items in the business, we had to act extremely quickly to save them. We were on scene within 30 minutes to begin extracting the water, and removing the valuable items. We set up our drying equipment to eradicate the remaining moisture and had them back in business in the shortest period of time. If you have water in your business from a burst pipe, please call us.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield 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.
Liquor Store Flooding
1/31/2019 (Permalink)
Recently, a local liquor store was going about their business when a piece of their ceiling tile fell onto the floor. Over the next few hours, most of the ceiling had collapsed into the store. Rain was causing the waterlogged material to become heavy and fall down. This soaked a lot of the merchandise and business had to be halted for a long time. We came in, removed the water and also carried out all the debris. If you have water in your business from a storm, please call us.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield 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.
Crawl Space Cleaning
1/29/2019 (Permalink)
This customer called us with mouse droppings and other debris in the crawl space under their business. This was causing foul odors to permeate up into the actual retail area. Because business was conducted in the space, a loss of business was at stake. We knew that we needed to take care of the issue quickly to minimize the effects on the tenants business. We came in and cleaned both visible and invisible contaminants, and left the space fresh. We can see Roberto here, proud of the good job he did.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield 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.
Store Your Contents With SERVPRO
1/28/2019 (Permalink)
One of the benefits that SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield offers is our pack-out service. When disaster strikes your home or 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. 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 will carefully wrap and store your items while we make it "Like it never even happened." Here we see Luis and Emilio loading up our vans with items to be stored.
SERVPRO of Westport/Fairfield 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.
SERVPRO School Remediation
11/27/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Westport Fairfield works in both residential and commercial settings. We handle small damages from single carpet cleanings to large-scale losses in large industrial complexes. As a certified Large Loss franchise, we are equipped to handle even the biggest and most intense of situations.
One of the commercial settings that we have had success with is educational facilities. SERVPRO of Westport Fairfield has remediated issues such as mold and water damages in many schools, ranging from elementary schools to universities, throughout Fairfield County. Chances are, if you have heard of a school, we have helped them in a time of need.
In 2018 alone, we have abated damages over 200,00 square feet in schools alone.
SERVPRO of Westport Fairfield 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.
Water Leak in a Commercial Building
5/9/2018 (Permalink)
Recently, we were called to remediate a large-scale water damage in a multi-use commercial building. Multiple businesses were affected when a sink malfunctioned, and water pooled on the second floor, seeped into the drywall, and flowed down to the first floor.
Our crew responded quickly, using cutting-edge equipment to extract thousands of gallons of water. Once the excess water was removed, we observed that the carpets and the lower drywall was the most in need of drying. Our skilled crew set fans to dry the affected area in a timely and efficient manner. The photo shows our fans in action as they evaporate the moisture in one of the affected carpeted areas.
The customers involved were taken care of, and were all happy with the outcome after our crews finished the job.
SERVPRO of Westport Fairfield is always ready to help those in need, so if you suffer a damage like this, please do not hesitate to call.
Why More Insurance Agents Choose SERVPRO
2/5/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need.
We are here to make you look good.
There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients. Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day.
Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.
Having a relationship with SERVPRO of Westport Fairfield and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO of Westport Fairfield's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results.
That’s the SERVPRO difference.
We are an IICRC Certified Firm
2/5/2018 (Permalink)
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops the Standards for The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
Prevent Legionnaire’s Disease in Commercial Settings
2/5/2018 (Permalink)
From the CDC:
Water System Maintenance
The key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease is to prevent Legionella colonization (growth) in water systems. Guidelines for reducing the risk of Legionella growth and spread are available for those who maintain and manage building water systems, including systems for potable (water for drinking and showering), non-potable, and recreational water from ASHRAE®. ASHRAE is a not-for-profit organization that develops standards and guidelines for industries that design, manufacture, and maintain building systems.
• ASHRAE Standard 188: Legionellosis: Risk management for building water systems (ANSI approved)
• Frequently Asked Questions: ASHRAE Standard 188
Get the answers to frequently asked questions about ASHRAE Standard 188, which outlines a minimum legionellosis risk management program for buildings.
• ASHRAE Guideline 12-2000: Minimizing the risk of legionellosis associated with building water systems
CDC developed a toolkit to help building owners and managers better understand ASHRAE Standard 188 and how to develop a water management program to reduce the risk of Legionella growing and spreading in their building(s). The first step is determining if your building or certain devices in your building need a water management program. Use this quick yes/no worksheet to find out.
Dangers of Asbestos in a Business
2/5/2018 (Permalink)
Although asbestos is for the most part no longer used in construction and manufacturing, many buildings today still retain traces or even large quantities of asbestos. Particularly in older buildings, testing for and identifying this asbestos is an important job, but one that is unfortunately neglected by many business owners. Failing to test for asbestos when making renovations or restorations to a building can cause long-term negative health effects for restoration professionals, customers, and even yourself, creating a legal and financial disaster large enough to ruin most businesses. There are specific Federal regulations mandated by the EPA regarding renovating buildings, and asbestos abatement. SERVPRO provides certified asbestos testing to ensure the safety of our technicians and your customers alike.
Asbestos testing for a business is not only advisable for practical reasons, but also for legal ones. Failing to test for asbestos can lead to steep fines and regulatory penalties, regardless of whether or not the substance is present. OSHA has explicit guidelines in place regarding demolition or renovations of commercial structures, especially schools, and other municipal buildings. Furthermore, if a customer or employee gets sick as a result of untested asbestos, you may be at risk of a costly and difficult lawsuit. Federal and state authorities alike take this process seriously, which is why it is always recommended to hire a certified company like SERVPRO to complete the task.
Health Reasons
In addition to laws on the subject, testing for asbestos should be a major consideration for your health. Asbestos can cause many negative health effects, some of which can shorten your lifespan or lead to long-term illness. Asbestos is a known carcinogen.The longer you are exposed to it, the more likely many of these side effects are to manifest, meaning that valued employees and regular customers may also be at risk. Just as the removal of mold growth can help to avoid a medical emergency in your business, so too can asbestos testing prevent a host of serious medical issues.
Your local SERVPRO is certified in asbestos testing and guarantees a fast and efficient process for your business. Call us today for our services or a quote.
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