SERVPRO® Guide to Commercial Property Restoration

7/20/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes a commercial property, it can have a profound impact on business operations, employees, and customers. Unexpected events such as fire, water damage, mold, or storms can disrupt daily routines and lead to significant financial losses. At SERVPRO®, we understand the urgency of restoring commercial properties promptly and efficiently. In this blog, we'll explore the range of specialized commercial restoration services offered by SERVPRO®, designed to help businesses bounce back from adversity and regain their momentum.

1. Rapid Response and Minimizing Downtime:

Time is of the essence when it comes to commercial restoration. We'll highlight how SERVPRO's rapid response team is available 24/7, equipped with the necessary expertise and resources to minimize downtime and mitigate further damage.

2. Fire Damage Restoration:

Fires can be catastrophic for businesses, causing structural damage and leaving behind smoke and soot residue. We'll discuss SERVPRO's comprehensive fire damage restoration process, including smoke odor removal, structural repairs, and content restoration.

3. Water Damage Restoration:

From burst pipes to flooding incidents, water damage can disrupt business operations and compromise structural integrity. We'll explain SERVPRO's advanced water extraction and drying techniques, designed to restore the affected areas quickly.

4. Mold Remediation:

Mold infestations in commercial properties pose health risks to employees and customers and can lead to long-term damage. We'll showcase SERVPRO's thorough mold remediation process, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing the root cause of mold growth.

5. Storm Damage Restoration:

When storms wreak havoc on commercial properties, extensive damage can occur. We'll explore how SERVPRO's experienced team handles storm damage, including roof repairs, water damage restoration, and structural reinforcements.

6. Biohazard Cleanup:

Unforeseen biohazard situations can be emotionally and logistically challenging for businesses. We'll highlight SERVPRO's specialized biohazard cleanup services, adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.

7. Document and Contents Restoration:

Many commercial properties house essential documents, valuable assets, and sensitive equipment. We'll explain how SERVPRO's content restoration services can salvage and restore important documents and items affected by various disasters.

8. Reconstruction Services:

In severe cases where extensive damage has occurred, reconstruction may be necessary. We'll discuss how SERVPRO's reconstruction services provide a seamless transition from restoration to rebuilding, streamlining the entire process.

9. Insurance Coordination:

Navigating insurance claims and paperwork can be overwhelming for business owners. We'll emphasize how SERVPRO assists in the insurance coordination process, ensuring a smooth and efficient claims experience.

At SERVPRO, we recognize the critical role that businesses play in our communities, and we are dedicated to helping them recover from unexpected disasters. Our commercial restoration services are tailored to address the unique needs of each business, ensuring a swift return to normal operations. With our prompt response, industry-leading expertise, and commitment to excellence, SERVPRO stands as a reliable partner for businesses seeking to overcome adversity and regain their momentum. Let us be your trusted ally in commercial restoration, supporting you every step of the way to a brighter and more resilient future.

How to Handle a Commercial Sewage Backup

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Discovering sewage damage in your business can be both harrowing and disgusting. However, you'll need to be on your toes for the sewer cleanup. If it's more than a simple floor leak, specific measures need to be taken. While a restoration company can do the cleaning, there are a few procedures you may carry out. Here are four things to do if you find sewage damage in your business.

1. Unplug and Turn Off Nearby Electronics

First and foremost, it's essential to get rid of any safety hazards around the sewer backup. Make sure anything that runs on electricity is turned off and/or unplugged. Here are some items to look out for in a business setting:

• Computers
• Chargers
• Televisions
• Video Equipment
  
  

Don't try to use anything electronic that was in the area. If the water touches one of these items, the surrounding area could become dangerous.

2. Open Windows

Mold is a serious concern after sewage damage occurs. Therefore, airing out your space is an essential task if you want to deter it. The fresh air also helps to get rid of any putrid smells from, for instance, a flooded toilet.

3. Remove Endangered Items

Anything that's been contaminated by the sewage should be left to the professionals, but it's prudent to remove non-contaminated items from the area. If the water keeps leaking, it's liable to reach more of your property. Keep in mind that contaminated items might be restorable.

4. Inspect the Damage

The entire sewer cleanup process will go faster if you know what needs to be done. Without coming in contact with the sewage, try to see what damage has been caused. Make sure that restoration experts know your findings. If you can tell that something can't be restored and must be replaced, you'll be able to start that process immediately.

Sewage damage is never pretty, but it doesn't have to be debilitating. Stay attentive and know what steps to take. Once the sewer cleanup is over, you can know you did your best for the business.

If you experience a sewage backup at your commercial property, call the experts at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260. 

Preparing Your Business for Disaster

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Have you stopped to consider whether or not your business is truly ready for whatever happens?

Sure, you may have your shelves stocked and your labels printed with restock orders on the way. But do you have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens and you’re stuck with picking up the pieces?

Disasters are a natural part of life in our area. When you take into account the year, or better yet, the decade, we’ve had so far, it would be wise to consider how your business may be affected when these disasters strike. Whether it’s an unprecedented pandemic, a historic freeze that forced the whole south central region of the United States to come to a screeching halt, or your average thunder, lightning, and hail storms that seem to make a weekly appearance. In this region, anything can happen. 

You may know SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton as your go-to disaster restoration company, which we are. But do you also know that we specialize in helping your business get disaster ready as well? One of the ways we enjoy serving our community partners is by creating Emergency Ready Profiles, or ERPs, for their commercial properties. 

When our SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton representatives meet with local business owners and facility managers, we gather important materials such as building information, utility shut off locations, and key contacts. Not only is this information important as it pertains to the daily tasks of a facility manager, but it’s also pertinent in the event of an emergency or disaster when time is of the essence. 

One of the key benefits in setting up an ERP with our team is having all of your essential property information in one place. In addition to keeping such relevant information organized, your local SERVPRO representative will contact you periodically to update any changes to your profile. 

Becoming disaster-ready is a process and our team is eager to help you get started! To set up your free Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today to speak to one of our representatives and ensure that your business is "Ready for whatever happens", just like SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton.

Commercial Flood Damage Can Be Caused By High Winds

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Anyone from our area knows that we can often see heavy hitting winds blowing through town. When the wind blows hard, and the gusts get high in speed, an object can become airborne and strike your glass shop, which could cause your business commercial flood damage.

When the wind picks up during a storm, it can blow branches off of trees, dirt, or landscaping rocks to fly into your company's building's windows. Commercial flood damage is often caused by windows breaking due to high winds. Once a hole in your structure occurs, the interior of your glass store can start to retain moisture, and many of your contents and building materials can get wet. The rocks or branches that broke your window could also ruin some of your glass bulk or products.

Once the exterior shell of your structure gets breached, it is wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton. We can start mitigating your storm-related issues by first securing your structure. If it continues to rain and your building is exposed to the outdoors, rainwater can keep entering your store and cause your business more problems.

For example, if moisture enters your place of business through a broken window, our SERVPRO technicians can board up and seal the opening with plastic so that no more rainwater can keep getting into your glass shop. We can then take other preventative measures to seal your building from the outdoors, like putting sandbags on each of your lower door seals. If the wind blew something into your roof, then we can temporarily seal it until we can get the problem repaired by a certified roofer.

Once our SERVPRO team secures your building and keeps water from entering, we then begin assessing the situation. We conduct an initial inspection to see what items inside your store we can save and which items must get removed and replaced. In some cases, many of your affected contents and building materials can be saved through our extraction and applied structural drying procedures.

If your commercial property suffers damage as a result of a storm, call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251) 809-1260. 

Is Your Business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes, we're helping businesses across the country open safely. So make the commitment to keep your employees and customers safer. Make sure your space is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

CONSULT

A tailored cleaning program to meet your needs.

• We will assign you a Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands your business.
• Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.

CLEAN

Proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning program.

• Trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
• EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

CERTIFY

A commitment to clean for your employees and consumers. 

• Leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
• Communication touchpoints include a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblem, signage, marks for your digital footprint and more. 

Call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251) 809-1260 for more information about making sure your business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Drying Documents After a Water Damage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your immediate concern after a disaster strikes your company may be the safety of your employees, commercial building, and business inventory. Once the task of addressing urgent matters is complete, the need to assess the situation and stabilize the company will probably be your next mission. One way to mitigate possible damage after a water disaster is the preservation of key business items such as wet documents.

Saving Business Documents

Flooding response time can often determine whether documents can successfully be saved. Flood water generally has a high pH level, so the longer the papers are in the dirty water, the more ink can bleed and pages can deteriorate. Some of the business documents in question may include

• Employee medical documents
• Personal identification papers
• Financial papers
• Legal documentation
• Emergency contact information

Removing water as soon as possible is essential because mold can begin to develop in as little as 48 hours. A professional recovery service can remove standing water and sterilize the documents with gamma irradiation that can be critical to prevent mold and other contaminants from ruining the papers.

Freeze-Drying Papers

By using a state-of-the-art freeze-drying method to protect valuable data, the loss of documents due to water damage can be dramatically reduced. The new document drying technique safely processes the paperwork until it can be addressed by a specialized team. The materials are vacuumed and then dried using a process known as sublimation. During sublimation, the water is removed in a gaseous state. The vacuum process can safely be used on wet documents such as

• Photographs
• Files
• Blueprints
• Books
• Parchment
• Microfiche

The restoration procedure may also include cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing all materials.

Restoring Vacuumed Materials

Restoring wet documents to their pre-damaged condition is nearly impossible, but a professional recovery team can stabilize the acidity of the water damage and quickly freeze the documents. Once the recovery is completed, the materials can often return to your business with almost no visible damage.

Call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251) 809-1260 for more information about document drying.

When Fire Strikes Your Commercial Building

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire loss in your home or business, here are some tips to better understand the fire restoration process. 

1. Emergency Contact 

When you call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton, you will be asked questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate team, equipment, and resources.

1. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton technicians carefully inspect the entire home or business, not just the immediate area. Sometimes, soot and water affect areas that are not always seen. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

1. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs, as seen in the photo of the commercial property. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

1. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. Most of the water occurs if pipes melt and leak, or from the firefighters' efforts to extinguish the fire. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the water and complete the drying process. 

1. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

1. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire.  We’re also trained to remove several types of odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

1. Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton has a reconstruction division that focuses solely on getting your home or business back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier and get you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in fire damage and water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton today at (251) 809-1260!

Clean Homes Sell Faster!

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

It is a fact:  A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster.  Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way.  Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show.

Your sellers may have trouble spots to address before you list or schedule a home inspection.  The clients may choose to handle these issues themselves to avoid filing an insurance claim for the damage because it may not be covered by their policy and can affect the home's CLUE report.  CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database which records reported loss and damage information, and it is utilized by more than 80% of insurance companies.  Unfavorable CLUE reports can lead to increased premiums and policy renewal issues to property owners.

Whether the problem is a water stain on a hardwood floor or a mildew smell in the basement, reassure your clients that SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton can get their home in top show condition and ready to sell.

Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

• Increased market value
• Shortened list to sale conversion times
• Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton offers a variety of services to help revive your listings to op show condition:

• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapery and Blind Cleaning
• Ceiling, Wall and Hard Floor Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation.

Call us today at (251) 809-1260!

Landlord Responsibilities After a Fire

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a kitchen after a grease fire

When a fire breaks out on a rental property, it can be hard to figure out who has to pay for the damages. Whether you rent out commercial or living space, the liability after a fire is pretty straightforward. Your tenants have to cover the damages done to their personal belongings, such as televisions, furniture and paintings. However, you are responsible for most damages done to the building itself. As a building owner, you may be responsible for the following tasks after an apartment fire.

Landlord's Responsibilities After a Fire

• Communicating With Fire Fighters: These first responders can help you assess the safety of your building. You and your tenants will likely want to enter the apartments to get an idea of the damage done. However, you cannot enter the building until it is deemed safe.
• Starting Claims Process: You have to get in touch with your insurance provider to report the apartment fire. Your agent may give you a list of fire restoration professionals that they prefer you use. You may also want to make sure your renter calls his or her insurance provider to start the claims process for personal belongings.
• Documenting Fire Damage: You need to take pictures of the structure, make lists of damaged appliances and record other furnishings you owned that were damaged.
• Securing the Property: You need to secure the property for two reasons. First, you need to protect the safety of those who may want to enter the building, such as your renters. Putting up warning signs may be enough to keep people out until it is safe to enter. Second, you need to keep vandals and thieves out. You may need to board up windows and put up a security fence.

After an apartment fire, you need to take the proper steps to ensure that everyone, including yourself, is safe and fully aware of the damage liabilities. While you aren't responsible for all of the damages, you do have a lot of financial responsibility. 

Give SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton a call at (251) 809-1260 for all your fire restoration needs!

Let SERVPRO of MEB Handle Your Commercial Carpet Cleaning

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton help you with all your carpet cleaning needs! Here at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton, we use more than 100 exclusive cleaning products and award winning training to get your carpet looking restored and rejuvenated. Below are some common misconceptions about having your carpets professionally cleaned.

1. The only reason to have your carpets cleaned is to remove the dirt.

• In fact the IICRC standards for carpet cleaning S100, the CRI carpet and Rug institute, and United States EPA all state that: Carpets must be cleaned first for HEALTH and then APPEARANCE. Studies conducted by the EPA have proven that the indoor air quality of many buildings is more polluted than the outdoor air.
• Carpets act like a huge filter that traps all sorts of pathogens, toxins, and bio pollutants. For example tobacco smoke is a common toxin found in soiled carpets. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemical compounds. Even if you, your family member or friends don’t smoke, the chemicals and so many others are picked up by your shoes, tracked into your house and deposited in your carpet.
• Therefore in addition to removing dirt and soil, you may want to consider the health issues and indoor quality issues related to pollution in your carpets. Having your carpets cleaned at least once a year will maintain a clean environment for you, your family, and friends.

1. Having the right equipment is all a company needs to clean your carpets properly.

• This is simply not true. Many companies have top of the line equipment but do not know how you use it. You probably know someone who bought the most high tech cell phone on the market and does not know how to use it properly. The same thing happens with carpet cleaning equipment.
• At SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton our equipment specialist goes through extensive training with our production managers on how to properly use the equipment and the do’s and don’ts when cleaning carpets. They are also trained on more than 100 products so they know exactly what products to use on all types of carpet.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton is dedicated to excellence. We are proud of the products we sell and the service we give. We are committed to our customers and treat them with honesty and integrity. Let us help you keep you, your family, and friends’ safe. Call us today to make an appointment to have your carpets cleaned by the professionals at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260!

How Do I Restore the Floors in My Business?

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Your Business Can be Restored with the help of a Reputable Restoration Company.

Owning a business may be your lifelong dream, and you probably invest much of your capital and time in making it succeed. When you face an obstacle in getting it restored after a flood or a fire, it is best to trust experts in the field to perform a thorough assessment of the damage and guide you in the restoration process.

In our area, SERVPRO leads all restoration companies with our expert water and fire restoration technicians. Our staff trains with and holds certifications by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), verifying our expertise in the field. When you reach us at our 24/7 hotline, you gain peace of mind at being in the hands of experts.

How does SERVPRO dry my business after a water incident?

Among our specialists, we take great pride in our water restoration technicians and their expertise. At SERVPRO, we know that water in your business implies a loss of time, customers, and revenue, which is why we work diligently to restore your workspace as soon as possible. Our focus is not only on extracting water but also on removing excess moisture to protect your establishment from the threat of mold and other complications. To restore humidity levels our team may use-

Truck-mounted pumps connecting to municipal sewers as needed

Submersible pumps 

Handheld wand extractors for hard-to-reach corners 

We monitor our progress with state-of-the-art moisture meters and complement our actions with dehumidifiers, air circulators, and drying mats as needed. Our SERVPRO technicians document each step, which could help you if you are filing an insurance claim for the incident.

Let SERVPRO be your partner when life events threaten your business. Give us a call today and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Prepare Your Company for a Fire

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

The effects of a fire in your office could be devastating, especially if you're not prepared. There are effective ways to not only evacuate safely but to mitigate or even prevent the damage. Every company needs a contingency plan to be ready for a fire in the workplace. If you don't currently have one, now is the time to get started.

Preventive Measures

As a responsible business owner or property manager, you should be consistently looking out for the safety of the occupants and the protection of the property. These steps can reduce the chances of a fire starting:

• Inspect the electrical system in the building and make necessary repairs.
• Properly store flammable chemicals and materials.
• Ensure that all employees comply with regulations to smoke outside of the building.
  
  

Check Smoke Alarms

A big part of your contingency plan should include an assessment of the fire alarm system in the building. You should change the batteries every year and the alarms themselves every 10 years. If you have a digital system, have a professional test the alarms regularly. You should have several alarms on each floor of the office.

Outline an Escape Plan

If the smoke alarms go off and a fire begins to make its way through your building, will you know how to safely exit in an orderly fashion? If you have not come up with an evacuation plan, start today. Your plan should include identifying every exit on each floor. Also, assign roles to responsible people, including the task of ushering people out of the building and taking a headcount to make sure everyone safely evacuates. Determine a safe place to gather away from the building. You should practice this plan at least once a year.

A contingency plan can save your life during a fire. A professional fire cleanup and restoration team can get your building back in working order. In the meantime, you've got these important tasks to fulfill.

Avoiding Business Interruption

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Avoiding business interruption is almost always the top priority of our commercial clients. 

At SERVPRO, many of our members come from backgrounds in finance and accounting professions, and they understand the importance of maintaining cash-flow for a business. 

Prior to beginning a commercial restoration project, the facility is walked-through with appropriate decision makers. If avoiding business interruption is a priority, our team will work with the client to provide quality service while helping the client maintain production in their facility. Some of the ways we do that is by working out a schedule with the client so that our team works after hours or on weekends while the facility is normally closed; or, we may work around the client in specified areas during business hours; another solution is moving the client to another building until restoration and repairs have been completed. Whatever the answer may be, each is tailored to meet and satisfy the needs of our client on a case by case basis.

Commercial Damage

At SERVPRO, we recognize the urgency to react and to immediately build a recovery plan when we partner with commercial clients. Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels in order to simplify settlements during claims or direct pay losses. If tenants are involved, we have the flexibility to work directly with them individually. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that our customers can understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry. If there is a disaster in your commercial facility, call the team at SERVPRO. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Don't Let Water Damage Check Into Your Hotel

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage to Your Hotel 

Many hotels exist throughout the Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton area. Whenever water loss incidents occur in any one of the rooms of this hotel, you must act quickly to resolve the situation before it gets out of hand. Water can quickly spread through shared walls, floors, and ceilings to impact multiple rooms and areas of the hotel within a very short time. 

As potentially problematic as water damage can be to your hotel, the loss of your reputation can be even more detrimental. Correcting the effects of a water loss incident carries much more weight than improving the look and function of saturated elements and areas of your business.  People expect the management of the property to address any concerns promptly and thoroughly, and failure to comply with this expectation can lead to damaging reviews and ratings on major travel websites. 

Our professionals understand that you are under pressure to get the situation resolved, so we respond quickly and work fast to assess the damage and what the property needs from the moment we arrive. We already show up with our production vehicles stocked with our advanced extraction and drying equipment, allowing us to get to work quickly on both containment and mitigation solutions. 

Preventing the spread of water loss effects to other rooms and areas of the hotel is critical, as this can reduce the number of individuals affected by the damage. By setting up physical barriers with plastic sheeting and establishing a parameter with rapid drying equipment, we can limit our presence in the hotel and the number of inconvenienced guests at the resort. 

We know how powerful ratings and reviews can be, and the importance of truly satisfied customers. Let our SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton professionals help you through this traumatic water loss experience and make its effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (251) 809-1260.

Odors In Commercial Buildings Can Be Eliminated

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

WHAT IS THAT SMELL? WHERE IS THAT COMING FROM? IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK WITH THAT ODOR! Are you hearing things like that? Or maybe even seeing people new to your office turn up their nose when they walk in? You might have a foul odor and not even know about it. Mildew, mold, even a kitchen spill that might not have received the attention it needed-all of these things can make an office environment less than pleasant, even down-right dangerous to work in. 

Mildew is a version of microbial growth, much like mold, that can cause a host of issues to your employees and your customers. Does your assistant suffer from allergies? Do you have more than a few sick calls a week? Is your office filled with items to change the way the office smells? You might be suffering from a growth issue that SERVPRO can take care of.  

Kitchen odors, or break room odors as the case may be, can happen over time. Do you have appliances in your break room? A stove, refrigerator, dishwasher? In your home you may clean these areas with more frequency and attention that you might at the office. 

The second sense people use after sight is smell. It is part of that first impression that is related to your customers coming into your business. How does yours stand up? Give SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton  a call today at (251) 809-1260, and let us take a look at some potential problem areas for you.

Why You Need To Have Your Carpet Commercially Cleaned

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Thorough commercial carpet cleaning is the single best way to preserve and extend the life of carpet, but proper treatment requires careful planning and extensive training. It’s the kind of training that a professional would receive through an organization like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and it is essential for a professional to integrate quality practices into their own firm. But how much goes into proper commercial carpet cleaning? It starts with keeping soil and debris from entering the building to begin with. By placing entry mats in entrance and high traffic areas and maintaining the walking surfaces outside of the building, there will be less soil to deal with inside the building. Inside, frequent vacuuming is the first line of defense, and may be needed daily in areas that receive a lot of traffic. Vacuuming ensures deposited soil does not penetrate deeply into the fibers and cause damage.

Spot and stain control is essential, even if the flooring is colored in a way to make stain detection difficult. Stains will degrade the integrity of the flooring and alter its texture, so professionals will have to respond quickly to any problem areas. Formulated detergents and targeted agitation will normally do the trick. Finally, deep treatment, usually through hot water extraction or encapsulation methods, will need to be done several times a year to remove soils that have become embedded in the carpet fibers. Regular office carpet cleaning is necessary for maintaining a professional, healthy atmosphere. No one likes to work in filth, and over time, the flooring will pick up a great deal of soil and debris. If it is not regularly removed, the flooring will deteriorate at an accelerated rate, harbor odors, and look unattractive and dirty. Fortunately, certified professionals can keep the flooring nearly soil free as long as they are brought in for a thorough treatment on a regular basis.

Commercial buildings withstand a great deal of foot traffic every day, and with the foot traffic comes soil, moisture, and other debris. With entry mats near the entrances and daily vacuuming, most of this soil can be kept from penetrating into the fibers. However, it isn’t a perfect solution, and deep office carpet cleaning will be needed before long. There are several treatment methods available for commercial buildings, but most textile manufacturers agree that hot water extraction is the most effective method. During hot water extraction, a combination of superheated water and detergent is injected deep into the carpeting and then extracted once it has a chance to suspend any soil.

Make sure that before hiring a professional, you select a company that is an IICRC Certified Firm. This will ensure that the technician sent to your office is also certified. Advanced treatment methods require expertise and proper training, and certification through a respectable organization will convey this. We would love the opportunity to give you an estimate for the cleaning of your office. With over 30 years of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry, we can offer assistance in almost any situation.

For all your carpet cleaning needs, call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251) 809-1260.

Restoring Commercial Properties

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergeeen/Brewton

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Commercial Property Managers Trust SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for Fire or Water damage to strike your Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

Commercial Property Managers know when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Industrial Facilities, Hotel and Restaurants, Entertainment Venues, Government buildings and Commercial properties benefit from the quality work of SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton.  We work together to ensure the value of the property is restored back to its pre-disaster condition.

Learn more about our commercial services: Commercial Cleaning Services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Fire Threats to be Aware of in Your Restaurant

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

A restaurant kitchen fire can happen in no time, and in that environment, there are many fire threats to be aware of. Awareness and caution can help to keep fires from starting, and also be vital in keeping the fire from spreading, threatening peoples’ lives and damaging expensive property and equipment. 

• The first fire threat you will think of will be the ovens. If there is a fire in an oven, close the door immediately and turn it off, leaving the door closed. Lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames. If the oven continues to smoke and you think the fire may have continued, call the fire department right away. 
• The next threat will be your stovetops. When it is a fire in a cooking pan or pot, use an oven mitt or other protection to put the lid on right away, and move it off the burner. Turn off the stove and wait for the lack of oxygen to stop the flames inside your pot. If you are not able to safely put the lid on the flaming pan, or if there is no lid readily available, use the kitchen fire extinguisher. Always aim at the base of the fire, not the flames themselves. 
• A major fire threat in any restaurant kitchen is going to be a grease fire. Never throw water on this type of fire; water repels grease and will splash, spreading the fire by splattering the grease. Try one of these methods instead:
• If the fire is small, put on the lid and turn off the burner.
• Dump baking soda on it. Do not use flour; it can explode or cause the fire to expand and thread. 
• Smother the fire with a wet towel or other large, wet cloth. 
• Use a fire extinguisher. 
• Swatting the fire with a towel, apron, or other material is likely to fan the flames and spread the fire. 
• If the fire is spreading and you don’t have control, evacuate your kitchen and restaurant premises and call emergency personnel. 

For cleanup after any type of fire, the SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton team is always ready to help. We have all the training, skills, and equipment necessary to get you back in business as soon as possible. We are also water damage and mold remediation specialists.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton Commercial Property Management: Signs of Sewer Line Issues

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

While a blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties, legitimate concerns over sewer line functionality may be few and far between. However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage. Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.

1. Odors

While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.

2. Clogged Drains

A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.

3. Indentations in Landscaping

Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots in the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.

4. Deformations in Landscaping

In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist in the Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton area to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.

A blocked sewer line can wreak havoc on a business and may even lead to significant business interruption. You should be aware of the warning signs of such a problem so that you can resolve the issue as early as possible.

Levels of Commercial Damage in Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton handles not only residential damage and restoration but commercial as well.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

LEVEL 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

LEVEL 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

LEVEL 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Commercial Water Damage

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Here are SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton, we understand that when a commercial water emergency occurs in your business it is important that the issues is mitigated quickly and efficiently. During these emergencies, it is not just the building that needs to be back up and functioning but the materials and equipment you use on a daily basis that allows your business to be successful.  

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton has the ability to save things like office furniture, desk, and even sensitive information that may be stored in the office with our Document Restoration. We are in the business of restoring these items that may have been damaged during your water emergency. We always attempt to salvage anything damaged because we understand that it can keep the cost down for you and the insurance company as well the value it has to your company. If an item can be saved or restored it is worth the time to do so.  

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton works tirelessly to treat each of your items with special care to protect. Our team is trained to keep your items from damage while we do work. Our content specialists team does wonders with your clean-up on all types of materials.  

Trust that SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened.” and your business is back up and running!

Commercial Sewage Backup

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups and toilet overflows are some of the most common issues home and business owners can experience. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.

Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. That’s why it is important to call the professionals who have experience cleaning up these types of issues. SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton understands that there are three major types of contaminated water and the necessary steps to handle each scenario. SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The Three Types of Water

Category 1: Clean Water

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: Gray Water

• May contain bacteria and viruses - may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: Black Water

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

If your home or business experiences a sewage issue, it should be treated as quickly as possible. Call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260 and our professionals will respond 24 hours a day for emergency services.

When A Commercial Sprinkler System Goes Off

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

A commercial sprinkler system is a great way to put a small or large fire out very quickly. In condos or apartments, when you get cooks that are not Michelin star chefs, these sprinkler systems can protect your building from major fire damage. 

These sprinklers, however, have the power to release 250 gallons of water per minute. Which can cause a major water damage. Especially if you have multiple heads start going off at one time. 

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton has responded to several local commercial businesses that have experienced sprinkler heads going off. In this picture, you will see some of the damage a large amount of water can do to ceilings and walls. While this is inconvenient for business and for a tenant, the safety it provides versus the damage a fire can cause is well worth the inconvenience. 

If your commercial business suffers a fire or water loss such as this, please give us a call. We can help from start to finish with mitigation and reconstruction! 251-809-1260

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in your Commercial Business

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

#1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

#4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

#7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps, it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton , we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. If you find mold in your place of business, call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

For Immediate Service in Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton, Call SERVPRO

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton 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.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 251-809-1260

Residential Services

Whether your Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Call us to learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Call us to learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Help Prevent Heat Related Fires

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

It’s going to get cold again here soon…

Besides using the fireplace to stay warm some people use alternative sources such as portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Heating equipment is the cause for many residential fires annually, causing deaths, injury and property damage. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of a heating-related fire:

-Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment

-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed

-Plug space heaters directly into outlets, never into an extension cord or power strip.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters

-Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home and business.

-Test alarms monthly

-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional

-Make sure fireplaces have a screen to help prevent sparks

-Make sure ashes are cool before putting them in a metal container

For more information on safety tips call your local fire department.

Emergency Ready Profile

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

As a homeowner you always want to make sure you have emergency contacts close by in case anything unexpected happens. What if you are a homeowner but also a business owner? I know personally I couldn't imagine the amount of stress! SERVPRO realizes that you might not think about the unexpected things that might happen to your business; flooding, tornado damage, etc. 

That's why we have our Emergency Ready Program available to you! Our ERP, Emergency Ready Profile is the best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster, plan for it now! As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
 The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage A no cost assessment of your facility. – This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Establishes your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money. Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. – Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”  Give us a call today and set up your ERP!

Tips for Cleaning Your Restaurant

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton offers many cleaning services to help your restaurant stay in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association and the federal Food and Drug Administration. These services not only help keep your restaurant in compliance, but they are key factors in the health and safety of your employees and patrons.

Carpet Cleaning

Great service and food are not the only things that keep customers returning to your establishment. Maintaining a restaurant's cleanliness and appearance play a large role in a restaurant's success. Although most carpeting is found in the dining area, there are aerosol grease particles that travel through the air and find their final home on the carpeting. The residue is a host for bacteria and a magnet for dirt. With the abundance of foot traffic, as well as food and drinks that are spilled regularly, keeping the carpets clean can be a daunting task. Scheduling regular cleanings will help to keep your restaurant's carpets clean and odor free.

Exhaust Fan Cleaning

Ensuring that your exhaust fans are cleaned regularly and properly is one of the most important tasks in the restaurant business. Having your exhaust fans cleaned is required by the National Fire Protection Association and the federal Food and Drug Administration. Commercial exhaust fans are a popular place for grease build up, and keeping a regular cleaning schedule decreases your risk of having a grease fire.  Cleaning your exhaust fans regularly also increases the lifespan and ensures that your equipment is working at top capacity.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton can not only clean the carpets and exhaust fans in your restaurant, we can work around your schedule to ensure that neither you nor your customers are inconvenienced. Call our office today for more information and scheduling options.

Prepare Your Business

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for winter weather!

-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. 

-Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 

-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

-Ask your SERVPRO Professional about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. 

What is an Emergency Ready Profile?

It is a "snapshot" of each building owned/managed by a business, that provides critical information for emergency preparation.