Everything You Need to Know About Fire Sprinklers

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you own a business, fire sprinklers are something that should be taken seriously.

Everything You Need to Know About Fire Sprinklers

If you own a business, fire sprinklers are something that should be taken seriously. They are an important part of your facility and can help save lives in the event of a fire. While fire sprinklers may seem intimidating to many people, they really aren't as scary as you may think. Here is what you need to know about these devices:

What is a Fire Sprinkler?

A fire sprinkler is a device that automatically releases water onto burning fires to extinguish the flames. These devices are engineered for use in commercial buildings, and they play a critical role in keeping people safe from fire. A properly installed and maintained system will put out fires before they become too large or spread too quickly.

All sprinklers can be activated by certain conditions: heat, smoke, or other indicators of a possible blaze. When these conditions are detected, a small amount of water is sprayed onto the fire source to suppress it until firefighters arrive on the scene.

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives

If you are a homeowner, it is important to know that fire sprinklers can save lives. Fire sprinkler systems are required by law in most commercial places and they can be installed in a variety of locations, including businesses and other non-residential spaces.

Fire sprinklers are often thought of as something that exists only in businesses, but the truth is that they also provide an important service in homes. It's easy to forget about how important these devices are until you need them most—when there is an emergency situation at hand, such as a fire or flood. In addition to providing safety against fires themselves, fire sprinklers often prevent damage from spreading. They do this through their ability to limit oxygen supply within their areas of coverage. When a sprinkler head is activated by heat or smoke detection, it floods the room with water.

What Do I Do When They Go Off?

If your fire sprinklers go off, you should shut off the water valve first thing and then call a professional to help you clean up. You need to ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate and that you have an inspection plan in place for your sprinkler system. Additionally, it's important to know that your maintenance program should be in place as well.

What Happens If They Unexpectedly Activate?

If your fire sprinkler turns on unexpectedly (and without a fire), make sure to shut off the water valve first thing so you don't create extra water damage problems. The water valve is usually located near the fire sprinkler or in an outside faucet. Shutting off this valve will stop any further flow of water into your home and prevent further damage from occurring.

Water damage can quickly enter a structure after a fire sprinkler activates. Water seeping into walls, floors, and other parts of your home can cause mold growth or lead to structural issues such as cracks or rot down the road.

Fire sprinkler cleanup for business professionals

If your home or business has just experienced a fire sprinkler activation, you may be wondering how to clean up the mess. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make sure that no lasting damage is done by the water and other debris that comes with it.

• First, we recommend taking some time to be sure everyone in your building is safe before stepping foot inside again. Once you feel it's safe to proceed, turn off any power sources in the area that might have been damaged by the water (like electrical outlets). 
• Next, remove anything from the area that was impacted by the water from the sprinkler and place them safely aside until they can be cleaned up later on. 
• Then call the professionals to help clean up your home or business.

The best way to keep your fire sprinklers happy is to make sure that they are always in good working condition. You can check this by making sure there aren't any leaks or clogs inside the pipes, and that there isn't too much water pressure coming through them (since too much pressure can cause damage).

For help with cleanup after a fire or an unexpected trigger of your fire sprinkler system in your Auburn, WA home or business, give SERVPRO a call! 

Why a Restoration Company Should Be Your First Call for Water Damage

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Enumclaw, WA

Reasons To Bring In Restoration Professionals After Water Damage In Your Building

A tiny bit of pipe burst cleanup in an otherwise dry building is no big deal to a business owner. Often, they will try to handle it on their own and save a few bucks. However, there are many reasons why bringing in restoration services professionals when you first notice a water problem will help you in the long run.

1. They Help You Minimize Damage
If they cannot be there immediately, most experts are glad to give you tips so that you can kickstart the cleaning process. They might suggest that you find the main water supply and shut it off or advise you on the best method to start removing excess water to prevent further damage.

2. They Find the Source of the Problem Quickly
There are many ways water gets into your facility other than a broken pipe. Sometimes the problem is not easy to determine.

Professional restoration companies are skilled at discovering the source of even the most mysterious puddles. The faster they discover the problem and create a cleanup plan, the faster your operation will be up and running.

3. They Are Versatile, Safe and Efficient
Restoration companies can handle more than pipe burst cleanup. Sewage backup is a common form of water damage, so the professional you call might be a sewer cleanup company, too. Through assessment, they can determine the type of water and the safest and most efficient way to proceed with removal, drying, cleaning, and restoration.

4. They Can Advise Future Preventative Measures
From creating a daily checklist to helping you include important details such as a map of shut-off valve locations in your contingency plan, experts can advise you on the preventative steps you should take for your property.

Handling pipe burst cleanup yourself can create more problems. Calling the expert restoration company in Enumclaw, WA, as soon as you find any issues will save a lot of unneeded cleanup down the road.

5 Most Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure your pipes are in good condition

The Top 5 Commercial Water Damage Causes

Water damage can be detrimental to a commercial building, resulting in business loss no matter what the source of water is. If water infiltrates your Enumclaw, WA, property in any form, it should be handled by a water damage cleanup company. Here are some of the most common causes of commercial water damage to look out for. 

1. Damaged Pipes

The pipes in your building must be in good condition, as any wear and tear can lead to a major water issue. This common cause of business loss could manifest itself through poor insulation, water pressure changes, or deteriorated material. Keep an eye on your plumbing systems to detect any leaking pipes and avoid major damage.

2. Leaking Roof

Your building's roof can see water seep through if it is compromised either due to severe weather conditions or general wear over time. Schedule regular roof inspections to avoid the appearance of water spots and leaks in your ceiling. 

3. Faulty Sprinkler System
Damaged pipes can cause plenty of issues, especially if they are connected to the building's fire sprinklers. Your ceiling sprinkler system can quickly shoot gallons of water throughout the building, causing extensive business losses. Maintenance is key to avoid this from happening. 

4. HVAC System Damage

The building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may seem like an unlikely source of water damage, but this is possible if the duct gets worn. This could lead to water leaks and moisture retention in the building.

5. Natural Flood

Mother Nature can also bring common business loss. Major flooding due to storms or heavy rain can't be controlled, but oftentimes wreak the most havoc. Create a disaster response plan should this afflict your business.

Be mindful of damaged pipes, a leaky roof, worn sprinkler and HVAC systems, as well as floods to protect your business from severe water damage.

What Business Can Expect After a Partial Fire Loss

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the size of the fire, those flames create more issues than the visible soot. Call SERVPRO for major information.

What To Expect In The Event Of A Partial Fire Loss

Even a small fire wreaks havoc on a business. If your Black Diamond, WA, business has been damaged, it is not only frustrating but also a potentially confusing time dealing with fire loss. Having a better understanding of the immediate steps to take and restoration expectations may ease some of the chaos.

The First Steps

After the flames are extinguished and the property is deemed safe to enter, it’s important to access the situation and immediately contact your insurance provider. The faster that happens, the faster the claim process can get rolling.

While waiting for the adjuster to arrive and restoration to begin, follow these three tips to maximize the claim:

• Document Everything: If possible, create a list of all items that have been damaged. It is also recommended to take pictures and videos if possible. Be sure to not throw anything away.
  
• Secure the Property: Though the claim may be for a fire loss, secondary damage may happen. If the fire has resulted in broken windows, it creates the potential for vandals to cause additional problems. Board up any areas that may provide access to unwanted visitors.
  
• Track Expenses: Although it may be a partial loss, additional costs may be incurred during the wait and restoration. If a temporary location is required, ensure that all expenditures associated with the loss are documented.

The Right Fire Restoration Service

Regardless of the size of the fire, those flames create more issues than the visible soot. Along with smoke damage and potential water issues, it is vital to choose a professional fire damage company with the expertise to find hidden issues. While assessing the damaged area, the right provider will also check air quality, heating and plumbing systems, the roof, structural components, and behind walls. This ensures that any lurking issues are properly repaired during restoration.

A fire loss doesn’t have to be devastating. Taking quick action and knowing what to expect helps businesses get back to doing business faster.

3 Factors That Determine Revenue Loss After a Fire

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for your fire damage cleanup and restoration needs in your business. We are always ready to respond to you!

After A Fire, There Are Three Factors That Determine Revenue Loss.

After a major fire at your business in Wabash, WA, you are worried about getting back up and running. A fire is devastating in many ways, but especially financially. As a business owner, it's essential to keep your interruption insurance up to date to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses after a fire. Here are three factors that will determine how much revenue you might lose after a fire.

1. What Caused the Business Interruption?

If your building burned down, the cause of an interruption might seem obvious. However, it is possible to have a physical loss without interrupting your business. When shopping for insurance, make sure that you understand how "interruption" or "suspension" of business is defined. If you provide an exclusively online product, you'll need a different definition than a clothing retailer.

2. How Long Is Business Interrupted?

In the case of a clothing retailer that has lost its shop, the restoration period will factor in the amount of time it takes to repair the existing shop to its former glory. Of course, there can be many hiccups in a construction project, so it's important to work with a commercial fire restoration team that will give you a thorough project estimate before you file with your interruption insurance company.

3. Where Will You Go?

Fire restoration can be time-consuming, depending on the amount of damage. The restoration process involves cleaning, sterilizing, and repairing a building and its contents. Many insurances should cover a temporary location where you can do business while your site is rebuilt. Be clear with your provider about whether your new, temporary location is indeed temporary or if it is considered a permanent location, in which case your business suspension coverage will end.

Business interruption insurance provides a necessary safety net that will help you keep the lights on while you navigate repairs after a fire.

How To Stop Moisture From Invading Your Business

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can respond quickly to any storm emergency. We have trained professionals that specialist in specific damages.

How To Keep Moisture Out Of Your Business

When a storm rages outside of your commercial property in Diamond, WA, you assume the inside will stay dry. However, rain damage is a primary reason for business interruption. What problems occur when moisture gets in? How do you prevent water damage during a storm?

Potential Problems

As a business owner, you frequently think about your inventory, employees and profit margin. Moisture is probably not high on your list of worries, until it happens to you. Depending on how much water has infiltrated the building and how quickly rain damage is mitigated by storm restoration professionals, the impact can range from minor to severe:

• Damaged contents such as inventory, electronics or furniture
  
• Water-logged flooring, walls and ceilings
  
• Black mold resulting from unmitigated standing water, especially in porous surfaces
  
• Structural failure that decreases the life expectancy of the property

Preventative Measures

The best way to prevent storm damage is to perform regular building maintenance year-round. Focus on your building envelope, which includes exterior components such as roofing, doors and windows, wall systems and foundation. When designed correctly, these parts work together to form a watertight seal that protects the interior from the elements. Upkeep these areas on a consistent basis to keep moisture at bay:

• Have the roof inspected at regular intervals and after severe weather events.
  
• Slope landscaping and gutters away from the base of the building.
  
• Properly seal and frequently inspect doors, windows and venting for leaks.
  
• Ensure that your property has functioning drainage systems.
  
• Utilize overhangs to divert rain water away from the structure.

A severe storm in Diamond, WA, has the potential to cause significant problems to the structure and contents of your commercial property. Design and maintain the building envelope to prevent moisture from invading your business. If rain damage should occur, secondary damage such as black mold is oftentimes preventable by immediate, professional storm mitigation services.

Water Damage: 4 Steps for Drying Out Your Commercial Property

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experience to handle any water damage in your commercial property and we're available 24/7 to answer your call.

4 Steps To Drying Out Your Commercial Property After Water Damage

Many property owners are understandably upset and overwhelmed when water disasters occur. However, in a crisis involving pipe breaks or leaks, a quick response is necessary to avoid further problems. The four damage tips below will help you understand the appropriate steps to take following a water disaster.

1. Remember Safety First

No amount of cleaning tips will help if you ignore the number one safety rule: turn off the electricity. It does not matter how extensive the flooding is, power should be shut off to avoid shock or electrocution. While the water levels may not be above outlets, if a pipe burst in a ceiling or behind a wall, water may have infiltrated outlets or conduit. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Clear Debris and Remove Standing Water

The second of the four damage tips is to clear away all debris and to remove all standing water. Debris does not have to mean rubbish or trash; it can also refer to any salvageable items and materials that need to be dried and cleaned. Also, while there may not be a lot of standing water, it is essential to remove any excess water to avoid problems like mold and mildew.

3. Ventilate and Dry Affected Areas

Once you have cleared the area and removed the water, you can ventilate and dry the area. Opening windows and doors is a great way to help circulate air through the property, but the use of industrial air movers is likely a quicker and more effective way of drying the area. A pipe burst can lead to extensive water damage, which is why it is necessary to dry the area as fast as possible.

4. Sanitize and Clean

Once dry, you can clean and sanitize the property. You may call a disaster restoration specialist in the Pacific, WA, area to help you with this process, as they possess both equipment and expertise in water remediation.

The damage tips above can help you mitigate a pipe break or leak. However, if you wish to expedite the process, a restoration specialist may be more equipped to handle these types of emergencies.

Commercial Property Fire: Important Considerations After a Fire

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Auburn, WA.

Important Considerations Following a Commercial Property Fire

After your commercial or multifamily property experiences a fire, your brain will likely be going a mile a minute trying to figure out the next steps. Though the apparent structural damage will bring about thoughts of roof repair and rebuilding, there are other important considerations to make before the initial fire cleanup and restoration.

1. Safety and Self-Evaluation

The safety of employees, tenants and you are paramount after experiencing a fire disaster. After calling emergency services, you should be most concerned with getting everyone out of the building because the structural integrity of the property is most assuredly in question. Standard practices of fire safety should also be followed. For example, you should avoid drinking, eating or breathing in anything that has contacted soot, fire or smoke.

2. Financial and Insurance Contacts

You should immediately call your insurance company, mortgage lender and credit card institutions before starting any fire cleanup. Calling your insurance provider will ensure that the claims process begins immediately. Calling your mortgage lender will also help in getting through the bureaucratic procedures. Finally, if you lost any credit cards in the fire, you will be able to get replacements mailed to you sooner by notifying them.

3. Restoration Services

After ensuring your safety and making all the necessary contacts, you can begin the cleanup and mitigation process. As fires often create extensive damage, this process is better left to fire remediation specialists in the Auburn, WA, area. These services help to streamline the operations of mitigation, offering board-up and tarp services, and restoration, ensuring that your property is functional as quickly as possible.

While the experience of a fire and the resulting damage can be devastating and emotionally taxing, it is necessary to keep your wits about you. Between general safety and financial obligations, you will need to focus on the process ahead. Thankfully, fire remediation services will help to restore your facility through the fire cleanup and restoration process.

Reducing the Risk of Household Appliances Causing Water Damage

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always ready to respond to water damage.

Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Potential Damage

It is not just burst pipes, flooding, and storms that can cause water damage to your home; faulty appliances also have the potential to cause significant problems. Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and refrigerators are some of the usual culprits in the home. However, there are measures you can take to significantly reduce the risk of them leaking and causing water damage to your property.

Check the Hoses

One of the most common causes of appliances causing water damage is the failure, damage or blockage of hoses. Both dishwashers and washing machines have hoses connected to them as they are water-drawing appliances. It is important to check the hoses regularly for degrading, cracks or blockages before further problems are caused. Realistically, hoses need replacing every three years.

Identify and Check Water Valves

You should make sure that everyone in the house knows where the main water valve and the water valves for each appliance are located. If a leak does occur, it can be dealt with swiftly by turning off the water. It is also important to check that the valves open and close correctly. SERVPRO® is often called out by people who have just returned home to find a flood or leak after a vacation or weekend away. A preventative measure you can take is to turn off the valves before you leave home.

Drains, Pumps, and Filters

Depending on the appliance, a piece of equipment may have drains, pumps or filters. Each of these components may become blocked with debris over time, and this will disrupt or prevent the flow of water. In turn, this can result in leakages or the appliance may stop working altogether. Check for blockages and debris at least twice a year to keep these parts clear.

Contacting the Professionals

There are some occasions when you will not be able to rectify a problem, and it is important you know when you need to call a professional rather than attempt to resolve an issue yourself. If your appliance has a warranty, then a qualified engineer will come to identify any problems and either fix or replace the parts as necessary. It is well worth considering an extended warranty, so your appliance is covered for longer. Having faults repaired quickly will minimize the chances of needing to use our services at SERVPRO® to tackle water damage. Although these tips reduce the risk of problems with household appliances, there is still the possibility of a fault or leak occurring that results in water damage to your home. 

When Good Intentions Turn Sour: How To Prevent Mold in the Break Room Fridge

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold loves old, leftover food.

How to Prevent Mold in the Break Room Fridge When Good Intentions Go Bad

Every day, good-intentioned office workers in Berrydale, WA, bring their leftovers to work, place their meals in the fridge and absentmindedly leave their lunches to languish for days, weeks, and even months. Unfortunately, mold loves old food, and these good-intentioned individuals have inadvertently created an atmosphere that is prime for mold growth. If you are battling fridge mold in your shared office space, here are five simple ways you can ensure that your lunchroom remains clean and mold-free.

1. Assign responsibility. Since office refrigerators inhabit common spaces, there is often no single person responsible for ensuring their cleanliness. If an individual manages the fridge, others will be inclined to pay attention to their behavior and remove old food.

2. Establish ground rules. Create agreed-upon guidelines regarding fridge use and place them prominently in the lunchroom. Asking that food be labeled or establishing limits on how long one can leave his or her lunch in the cooler are common policies in many offices today.

3. Consume meeting leftovers within 24 hours. Sharing leftover egg sandwiches from this morning’s board meeting is a great way to boost office morale, but these leftovers are also great incubators for fridge mold. Toss out any unclaimed food items within 24 hours.

4. Set up a cleaning schedule. Fridges should be cleaned out once per week. All old food items, with the exception of dressings, oils and other non-perishables, should be disposed of and shelves should be wiped down.

5. Disinfect quarterly. Fridges should be disinfected every three to four months, perhaps more if you notice any mold smell. Disinfecting a fridge does not require harsh chemicals and can be done with soap, warm water, and a sponge. Depending on the size, number, and extent of the job, some companies have decided to hire a professional to assist with this process.

Mold loves old, leftover food. Keep your shared office refrigerator in Berrydale, WA, clean and free of fridge mold by adhering to the above five simple lunchroom guidelines.

A Comparison of Mitigation and Restoration Services

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial restoration in Algona, WA.

Mitigation and Restoration Services

If a storm causes water damage to your commercial property in Algona, WA, you may be at a loss to decide whom to call first. Do you find a reputable flood cleanup company, or should you call a restoration company instead? Mitigation and restoration are often two stages of the same overall process. Mitigation keeps more damage from happening, while restoration involves repairing the damage that was done.

Step One: Mitigation

Mitigation is what expert technicians do to halt the damage that floodwaters are doing to your building. They can employ several tactics to accomplish this:

• Flood cuts
• Extraction
• Dehumidification
• Industrial pumping
• Increased air flow
  
  

During the mitigation process, the flood cleanup company does whatever it takes to keep the damage from spreading or getting worse. One of the most important reasons to do this is to stop the growth of mold. If water damage is not taken care of quickly, mold can start to grow in porous materials, causing more problems.

Step Two: Restoration

Restoration is what happens after the damage has already been stopped. Before the restoration process can begin, all ruined materials must be removed from the area so that only the items to be restored are present. Restoration may involve rebuilding the structure of the building by replacing insulation and drywall. It often includes aesthetic touches, such as painting and replacing floor tiles, so that the new materials and the old materials match. The restoration company can also salvage many items, such as electronics or important documents, that were affected by the flood.

If you are confused about whether to call a flood cleanup company that specializes in mitigation or restoration, stop to consider where in the process you are. The water damage from the storm must be mitigated before anything can be restored. You may even find a company that has expertise in both processes, thus streamlining your recovery efforts.

How To Prepare Your Employees for an Office Emergency

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

When discussing your evacuation plan, always include your employees.

Emergency Preparation Strategies

While workplace emergencies are unlikely and relatively rare, your place of business must be well equipped with a contingency plan in the event of a crisis. Employees need to undergo proper education and training to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient evacuation. If you are a small business owner looking to create a plan of action, read on to learn emergency preparation strategies to keep your business and employees safe.

Develop a Plan
Overly detailed procedures in Black Diamond, WA, are unnecessary for small businesses. In fact, simple, straightforward plans are best for minimally-sized organizations:

• Offices.
  
• Small retail shops.
  
• Small businesses not containing any harmful or hazardous materials on site.
  
  

Keep in mind that more complicated plans are required for businesses containing dangerous materials such as doctors' offices, hospitals, and fire stations.
Make sure that your emergency plan is specific to your place of work, taking into account the logistics of your location, smoke alarm placement, and staircase positioning.
When discussing your evacuation plan, always include your employees. Ensuring they are well educated and trained on the policies will generate a successful, efficient exit in the event of an emergency.

Designate a Point Person
It is considered good practice to appoint one office representative to lead the group if and when enacting the contingency plan. Further, all office members must be made aware that this point person can authoritatively make critical decisions in the face of crisis.
Of course, once emergency professionals and commercial building restoration personnel arrive on the scene, they assume responsibility for all building inhabitants.

Train and Retrain
While evacuation plans can seem organized on paper, successful execution requires diligent, ongoing training. Review the written document with current employees and with each new hire. To ensure information retention, hold monthly seminars or quizzes to help reinforce the facts.
Make sure your employees are comfortable executing a complete emergency evacuation by conducting quarterly drills. The more practice your employees have, the more efficient they will behave if an emergency presents.
Prepare your business for an emergency by having an official contingency plan in place. With proper training and education, your employees will remain safe and secure if a crisis occurs.

When Employees Can Return to Work After a Flood

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Clean up after a storm in Enumclaw, WA

Restoration Process After A Flood

After a flood hits your commercial property, you probably want to return to the office as soon as possible. After all, the longer the building is closed, the more money your Enumclaw, WA, company could lose. Yet going back into the building when black water is still present can cause even more harm.
In the immediate aftermath of the flood, only professional cleaners should enter the premises. They will follow the following steps to restore your property.

1. Removal

Standing water is one of the most dangerous aspects of flood cleanup. The longer the water remains in the building, the more mold and bacteria will grow. Sewage backup could make things even dirtier. That is why you should rely on experts who will have the proper equipment to handle the situation. They can safely remove this water from the building. In the meantime, you and your employees should stay out.

2. Disinfection

Even after the black water is eliminated from the premises, it is not time to return to work just yet. First, the cleaners must remove porous items that have been affected by the flood. Some of these assets can be dried, disinfected and returned to the property. Others may have to be thrown away and replaced. You can work with the experts to decide what to save. The pros may also have to demolish some of the damaged drywall or ceiling.

3. Restoration

Once this demolition and disinfection are complete, your employees can come back into the building. They can be present for the remainder of the restoration. If you are worried about mold or other particles in the air, you can always use a filtration device.
After the black water and harmful bacteria are gone, you and your employees can return to the property. Ideally, the flood cleanup professionals should work quickly and efficiently so you can get back to work as soon as possible.

Can You Smell When There’s Mold in Your Business?

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

There are various scents that mold can produce.

Every building has its own unique smell. Sometimes, you may notice a different smell under the usual aroma of your business. One of the factors that can create a new scent is the mycotoxin that mold releases. Many different scents can indicate there is mold in your building. These come from the gases that mold releases as it grows. Most business owners find these smells unpleasant and want remediation professionals to get rid of the source as soon as possible. Technically, you can smell when there is mold growing in your building, so you know when to take action.

The Various Scents That Mold Can Produce

Several odors can identify when mycotoxin is being released in your business in Auburn, WA. These include:

• A mild musty odor
• A damp or rotten smell
• An earthy scent
• A meaty aroma
• A strong moldy smell

What To Do if You Smell Mold

In some cases, you may be able to air out your building. However, if you suspect that there is mold growth releasing mycotoxin into your business, you should get your air tested. In these cases, you should act quickly so you can get the smell out as soon as possible. Air fresheners and cleaners can only mask the smell, and they won't remove mold spores. If the mold growth becomes overly active, you could risk inhaling spores and causing health effects, as well as affecting your building's structure. Having the air tested will determine if you need a remediation service to help bring the spores back to a normal level that your business can tolerate.
There are various scents that mold can produce. While you can air out a musty building sometimes, many mold occurrences will require that you have your air tested and spores removed. Mold remediation services can return your spores to normal levels, so you and your employees don't have to worry about potential hazards.

Caring for Fire-Damaged Items

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire loss in Auburn, WA

Caring for Fire-Damaged Items

A fire can wreak havoc on your Auburn, WA, business. Fortunately, there are services available, including dry-cleaning and off-site storage, to repair and protect the contents of your building during the fire restoration process.

Content Cleaning
Contents and building materials usually require different cleaning and restoration processes. Building materials include flooring, drywall, wood used for built-in shelving, etc. Contents, on the other hand, are the movable items within a building: inventory, electronics, paper documents, etc. There are a variety of content cleaning methods available, including

• Foam cleaning
• Immersion cleaning
• Abrasive cleaning
• Wet-cleaning
• Dry-cleaning

The best cleaning method will depend on the type and severity of the damage as well as the makeup of the item itself. Many of the more specialized treatments require items to be move off-site and serviced by a professional.

Content Storage
While you and your employees or a certified restoration company clean and restore the fire-damaged building, it is often convenient to move undamaged items or those that have already been restored to a content storage facility off. This allows more room to bring in specialized equipment such as wet/dry vacuums and industrial air purifiers and gives the workers more room to move around. Additionally, moving the business’s contents to another location prevents theft. Fire-damaged buildings are vulnerable and may be targets for thieves.
A good storage facility will create a detailed inventory and be able to quickly locate your items at all times. The facility should be climate controlled to prevent damage. Some restoration services have their own storage facilities, but others use third-parties. In any case, make sure you feel comfortable with the facility before you have the items moved.
After a fire, many of your business’s most important items will need special care. Such care may include dry-cleaning and other restoration methods as well as off-site storage. Make sure you have a plan for storing and restoring your building’s contents after a disaster.