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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Commercial Blog Posts

What Is Security Fencing and Is It Worth It?

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

Fence Security fencing can help prevent further damage to a property.

What Is Security Fencing and Does It Pay Off?

Whether you are a property owner or manager, it is important to take precautions to prevent further damage. Security fencing is one way that you can do this. It can be used in several different ways:

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is a key part of any security fence. Fire can cause damage to the property, injury to people on the property and damage to the environment.

By using fire-resistant materials or by using materials that are designed to be less flammable, you can reduce your risk of fire in these ways:

  • A security fence that isn't made from wood or doesn't have any wood components will not catch on fire as easily as traditional wooden fences do. This means that if a fire does start on your property (or at least within sight of it), your fence may not ignite like a traditional wooden one would. If you want an even safer option, look for plastic fencing - this material is completely non-flammable and therefore completely resistant against fires!
  • Fencing made from steel has a lower ignition temperature than most other metals; so, if there's ever an accident involving spilled fuel/gasoline etc., then steel fences will be less likely than other types (such as aluminum) because they won't burn so easily when exposed

Routine Maintenance, Inspections and Testing

If a security fence is to be effective in its purpose, it must be regularly maintained and inspected. In addition to these routine tasks, there are also certain tests that need to be conducted on a regular basis. This will ensure that your fence is always working at maximum efficiency and does not pose any safety risks for those around it.

To maintain your fence:

  • You should check the condition of the posts and frame regularly so that you can see if there are any cracks or signs of wear. 
  • The next step would involve cleaning off mud after heavy rains or snowstorms by using a pressure washer; this will keep dirt from accumulating over time which could weaken connections between parts like brackets or screws attaching panels together etcetera...

Security fencing can help prevent further damage to a property while repairs are being done.

Securing your home with security fencing is an effective way of preventing burglary, vandalism, and theft, as well as safeguarding the contents of your property. If you have suffered from vandalism or theft on your property then it may be worth considering installing security fencing for peace of mind whilst you make minor repairs or alterations to your home (e.g., adding CCTV cameras).

In conclusion, security fencing can be a good solution to many problems. It will help prevent further damage to your property while repairs are being done. Security fencing is also useful as an emergency notification system, allowing people in surrounding areas to know when something has happened on your property, and they should stay away from it. It can also ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and other safety requirements that keep workers safe at their job sites.

Preparing For the Spring Thaw

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Purple flower surrounded by snow Prepare for spring thaw.

A flood at your Arbor, CA, commercial property is bad for business. Fortunately, some instances of water damage can be prevented. The following outlines how to prepare your business for the spring thaw and prevent the water inundation that can occur when temperatures start to rise.  

Prevent Flooding  

If snow melts too quickly, it can cause water damage to buildings. Make sure snow is shoveled away from the foundation and removed from the roof. Check the following to make sure they are clear of debris and snow: 

  • Drains 
  • Downspouts  
  • Gutters 

Heavy spring rains may also lead to water inundation. Make sure the roof is in good condition to handle stormy weather. Check seals around windows and doors, and make sure functional shutters are in good condition. If your building has a sump pump, make sure it is in working order. Check your insurance policies and make sure you are covered for damage caused by inclement weather. 
Spring is also a good time to upgrade your landscaping to minimize the chances of water incursion. Have the lawn graded away from the building. Install mulch and native plants to absorb moisture. 

Clean Up Water Damage 
Unfortunately, not all flooding can be prevented. Whether you are dealing with water damage from a spring flood or frozen pipe, the general cleanup process is the same. Extract standing water using pumps or vacuums. Buckets can be used to scoop out water if necessary. Then dry out remaining moisture using dehumidifiers and fans. A professional restoration company has commercial tools that can dry your building out quickly and efficiently. If the water sat for more than a day or came from an unclean source, sanitize all surfaces that came into contact with the water. After everything is clean and dry, repair and replace damaged items. 
Flooding can cause major problems for your business. Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can do to prevent and minimize damage.  

How To Keep Mold Out of Your Restaurant

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in a refrigerator Keep your fridge clean, moisture can accumulate and cause mold growth.

Prevent Mold From Appearing In Your Restaurant

Diners are not likely to easily forgive mold growth. Reports of fungus in a kitchen may make customers cringe, sending them to other venues rather than your place in Arbor, CA. It's best to keep fungus at bay so that diners may continue to enjoy your food and environment. It's possible. It takes effort and proper procedures. The following three measures should help prevent mold from appearing in your restaurant.

1. Ventilate the Room Well
Ovens are continually going. Burners are on. Kitchens get hot quickly, leading to high humidity levels and excess moisture. It's the nature of the business. This environment feeds fungus, triggering reproduction. Humidity should remain around 30 to 50 percent. To combat the increase from the appliances, ensure that fans are running about the equipment.

2. Clean Hard-To-See Places
Be aware of damp areas as they produce water that encourages mold growth. The fridge and freezer both keep food cool; they also allow for moisture accumulation. Wipe them down, remaining conscious of any spotting or concerns. Next, wash the microwave daily, tending to any stains or food. Watch pantries and cabinets as these dark places may allow the spores to thrive. Look through them regularly, wiping them as needed. Avoid leaving crumbs or puddles.

3. Inspect the Plumbing
Pipelines may leak at any time, unnoticed for weeks if no one is checking. To stop little drips from creating water damage, owners should designate a day or two a week to look under the sinks, checking for dryness. If something seems wrong, call in a water remediation team immediately to inspect the staining. Mold should be removed and treated promptly to avoid spread.
Restaurant owners have a passion for food. Although with that love, they must also focus on providing a sanitary space for customers. Mold growth is preventable if management keeps a close eye on moisture and follows a meticulous cleaning routine.

Everything You Need to Know About Mold Contamination

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth on wall due to humidity Water damage can lead to mold growth.

Mold Contamination

The last thing you want to do after dealing with water damage, whether from a broken pipe, a flood, or any number of other causes, is turn around to find yourself with a mold problem. In the event that you do find mold growth in your business' building, however, it is important to know how to properly contain it so that its spread is slowed while you wait for your local Concord, CA, mold cleanup professionals to arrive. It can grow on almost any type of surface, including, but not limited to:

  • wood
  • drywall
  • carpeting
  • linoleum
  • plaster

How Mold Spreads

Mold growths appear when mold spores, which are the fungus equivalent of plants' seeds, land on a hospitable surface of almost any kind. The spores prefer a moist, dark environment, and once they take hold, they can begin to spread at incredible speeds. As soon as 24-48 hours after water damage has occurred, mold contamination will likely begin to take over the affected area.

Why Mold Containment Matters

Because mold is so fast to grow, and because it is able to spread onto almost any moist surface, it is a good idea to take steps to contain your mold growth while you wait for professional mold cleanup help to arrive. Otherwise, the mold spores will jump from one surface to another until large swaths of your building are contaminated, whereas taking proper action such as installing a HEPA-Filtered Negative Air machine can nip the problem in the bud. A HEPA filter is a powerful machine that sucks in all the surrounding air and pulls particles like spores out before releasing the air back into the room, thereby reducing the risk of mold spores floating onto a new surface.
If mold containment feels too daunting to tackle on your own, not to worry — SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and will guide you through the mold cleanup process from start to finish.

How To Properly Prepare Your Business for Storm Damage

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning storm over city in purple light Storm preparation must take place prior to the storm’s arrival. Once flooding begins, it is nearly impossible to make a plan and save your belongings.

How To Get Your Business Ready For Storm Damage

Preparing for a storm can be a terrifying thing for any business to do. There is always a chance that a coming storm will be the one that causes significant damage due to a heavy amount of flood water. It is vital for companies to plan and prepare for the worst. Here are some preparation tips for avoiding as much devastation as possible in Brentwood, CA.

1. Plan an Evacuation Route

One of the first things to do is have an evacuation route in place for all company employees. Flooding is typically one of the biggest concerns when a storm passes through because it can quickly make roads nearby impossible to navigate. It is best to get out as soon as possible because getting stuck in a flooded building can be life threatening. Be prepared and know the best route to quickly exit the area if the waters begin to rise.

2. Get Flood Insurance

Storms can cause a lot of damage to any building, and it can become very costly to try to fix or replace what was destroyed by the flood water. Whether you are in an area that is prone to flooding or not, it is still important to look into insurance. Most companies even consider light water on the ground damage, so even if you are not in an area where it storms a lot, it can be beneficial to have a plan in place.

3. Protect Your Assets

It is wise to protect your assets as much as possible if a storm is on its way. Have a plan to retrieve any item that is necessary and essential for the business to function if the need arises. It would be devastating to lose valuable items such as vehicles, equipment, machinery, and computers simply because you were not prepared. Don’t forget about your digital assets, either.

Storm preparation must take place prior to the storm’s arrival. Once flooding begins, it is nearly impossible to make a plan and save your belongings from flood water. After a storm strikes, an experienced water damage restoration company can help you get your company back on its feet quickly.

Mitigate Water Damage In 4 Steps

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

weigthed extractor used in a commercial building With this weighted extractor equipment, more water is extracted from the carpet.

Steps To Address The Cause of Water Damage

Water damage can lead to serious problems at a commercial building in Concord, CA. Mitigation involves preventing damage from worsening before the affected area can be restored. Follow these four steps to address the cause of water damage and complete pipe burst cleanup.

1. Fix the Cause

Water damage will worsen until the cause is fixed. If a pipe breaks or you notice a supply line leaking, shut off the water supply and gather as much water as possible. This will limit the amount of moisture that soaks into building materials and contents.

2. Remove Standing Water

After the problem is solved, empty containers and eliminate all standing water. A building owner may want to contact a water cleanup and damage restoration service. Professionals can use a pump to get rid of every trace of water and complete pipe burst cleanup more quickly than is possible with consumer-grade equipment.

3. Clean If Necessary

A supply line burst or leak is likely to involve clean, treated Category One water. Cleaning may not be necessary if you act quickly. Category One water can degrade to Category Two if left standing for 48 hours or longer. Disinfection is necessary for damage caused by contaminated Category Two or Category Three water.

4. Dry and Restore

Once all standing water is gone, it is time to dry the affected area. Cleanup professionals may use air movers, fans, or dehumidifiers to draw water out of the air and porous surfaces. Drying will reduce the risk of mold growth after any category of water damage.

Restoration can only be completed after the affected area is completely dry. Depending on the extent of water damage, a longer drying period and additional equipment may be necessary. Pipe burst cleanup may take longer than damage caused by a supply line leaking. Rely on water cleanup professionals for the best results.

How To Estimate Fire Damage

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire fighters working on putting out a large commercial warehouse fire. The overall cost of a fire is determined by the extent of the damage, the types of restoration required, and the level of insurance coverage.

The cost of fire damage restoration can range from a few thousand dollars all the way up to $20,000 or more. Read on to learn more about how restoration professionals estimate the cost of a commercial fire.

Calculate Cleaning, Repair, and Replacement Costs

Restoration costs are determined by the extent of the damage. Many commercial properties have fire suppression systems that limit the amount of damage. Expenses will increase depending on several factors.

• The amount of damaged building materials and contents
• Materials or contents that can be cleaned
• Materials or contents that must be replaced

Some expense is involved in any restoration strategy. Professionals can ensure that mitigation measures are performed in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Get an Estimate From a Restoration Company

A restoration company will assess the damage and calculate a price for an insurance adjuster based on a variety of criteria:

• The extent of a rebuild
• The cost of cleaning or replacing materials and contents
• The duration of the restoration process

After professionals provide an estimate of the damage, property owners should have a clearer sense of the cost of restoration.

Check Your Insurance Policy

A commercial property insurance policy should cover all damage caused by a fire. The policyholder is responsible for paying the deductible. An adjuster will need to perform several tasks:

• Determining the cause of the fire
• Confirming damage reported by the owner or restoration service
• Processing the claim

Policyholders should familiarize themselves with the terms and limits of commercial property insurance coverage. The cost of a policy may go up after a fire.

The overall cost of a fire is determined by the extent of the damage, the types of restoration required, and the level of insurance coverage. After a fire at a commercial building in Brentwood, CA, the property owner should call his or her insurance provider and schedule a consultation with a fire damage mitigation and restoration company to obtain an estimate and begin the rebuilding process.

Is the Exterior of Your Commercial Property Ready for a Storm?

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Yellow sign that says ¨Are You Ready?¨ These five exterior maintenance and storm preparation steps can help owners limit the extent of damage to the exterior of a commercial structure.

Storms can cause extensive damage to the exterior of a commercial property. Depending on the level of commercial insurance coverage held by the building owner, there may be limits on the external portions of the property that are protected. Review your coverage, schedule a building inspection, and perform exterior maintenance on a regular basis. These five steps will help owners prepare the exterior of a commercial property for a storm.

1. Choose exterior doors rated for high wind speeds. Exterior damage quickly becomes interior damage if a door fails. Exterior doors should be tested to stand up to wind loads and the frames should be anchored. Check to make sure these doors have appropriate drainage, flashing, sealant, and tracks. Door failure rapidly raises internal pressure and can cause structural damage.

2. Clear drainage systems. Functional drainage systems prevent water from pooling on the roof or around the foundation of a structure. Clear roof drains, downspouts, and gutters several times a year as part of an exterior maintenance routine.

3. Trim trees. Removing dead or loose branches from nearby trees can limit the extent of storm damage.

4. Secure loose items that may blow away or cause damage. Don't forget about antennas on the roof or potted plants and trash cans on the ground.

5. Anchor outside HVAC equipment. These components should be securely installed on a concrete pad. Depending on the severity of a storm, you may want to use hurricane straps or shut off these systems and cover equipment with a secured tarp.

These five exterior maintenance and storm preparation steps can help owners limit the extent of damage to the exterior of a commercial structure. Keeping your building maintained can pay off during adverse weather events. If the exterior or interior of a commercial property becomes damaged during a storm, contact a restoration company located in Brentwood, CA.

Commercial Water Damage Mitigation

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Game room of sport center The game room of a sports center in oakley, CA

Water damage occurred at a family sports center in Oakley CA. This was a result of a burst pipe in the wall that affected the kids play center and the locker rooms.

Our Mitigation team responded to this water damage on a Saturday morning. We assured the sports center manager that our mitigation process will work with the schedule of the business without disrupting their operations.

We carefully sealed off the affected areas to prevent injury to the sport center guest while we mitigated the damage, also to prevent cross contamination of dust and debris to unaffected areas and to prevent a panic situation to the guest concerning the state of the facility.

The mitigation team properly and efficiently mitigated the damage to prevent any secondary impact from the water intrusion.

The manager was very pleased with the mitigation process and outcome. We also won the reconstruction contract and we made the damage look "Like it never even happened."

We will help you get back to business

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Auditorium of a historic church in Pittsburg, CA The auditorium of a historic church in Pittsburg was cleaned by us.

A beautiful historic church that was built during the second world war in Pittsburg Ca had been vandalized and desecrated because of its lack of use during the pandemic. Now that churches are opening back up in accordance with the local authority directive, we received a call for deep cleaning and disinfecting.

The church had scheduled to start service in two days and needed to deep clean the auditorium, commercial kitchen and rest rooms.

Our cleaning team did a thorough cleaning of all the floors, walls and ceilings of the entire building that had been abandoned for a year.

We used the a few great products from our product like the SERVPRO green for the floors, ultra-content cleaner for stained doors and frames, stainless steel cleaner for the kitchen appliances, our famous toilet bowl cleaner for the toilet and concentrated glass cleaner for all the mirrors and glass windows.

The church representative was very pleased with the efficacy of our products on the surfaces and our efficient cleaning style that we have been scheduled to deep clean the building once a month for the next year.

This is a very exciting news for our cleaning team.

Large Size Water Mitigation

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

photo of a preschool classroom This is a pre-mitigation photo of the preschool after a water damage

We received a call this past Monday from a preschool that had flooded. The source of the water damage was the toilet supply line that has burst and flooded the building with about three inches of standing water.

Our experienced water mitigation team was able to respond within the hour to extract the standing water and save furniture of the school.

We also assured the preschool owner that he content and structure of the property will be dry like a water damage never occurred.

The property owner felt very confident in our ability to swiftly mitigate the situation when she saw the state of art dehumidifiers, air movers and quality staff on the project. 

In this situation where an entire commercial building is affected by water damage, we at SERVPRO of East Concord/ Brentwood have adequate manpower, equipment and expertise to swiftly mitigate and prevent any secondary damage.

We fully understand the priority of the business is how to return to its regular operation or schedule and we make that happen.

No down time

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

A water damaged caused by a leaky roof in a commercial building in Antioch California.

This business was an accounting firm that specialized in helping individuals and businesses file their taxes.

As soon as we arrived the office for water damage response, the only concern of the office manager was how business activities could continue around the office because, they had to work overtime in tax season and business downtime was not an option.

We immediately created a custom restoration plan by partitioning all the affected areas from the unaffected areas and sealing the areas that needed work on to avoid hazards, dust and reduce the noise produced from the equipment and tools we use.

The manager was very impressed with our ability to swiftly solve their water damage issue without disruption of  their day to day business activities. 

We as professionals understand your concerns and we ensure we take them into consideration while we work on your property.

EPA approved cleaning products!

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

In these unprecedented times of the COVID 19 pandemic, businesses and commercials spaces in a bid to open back up to the public while following guidelines from our local health authority have had to consider sanitizing procedures and protocols to stay open within the guidelines of the Centre for disease Control (CDC).

In that regard, we have received various requests from our clients about the efficacy of our cleaning products and its approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

We use the SERVPRO EasyDECON® DF200 which is an EPA registered formula for use in mold remediation, water damages, general purpose disinfection, trauma clean-up and deodorization. This California compliant formula is a patented formulation that combines the power of hydrogen peroxide along with surfactant technology to deliver an activated oxygen species to kill unwanted contaminants.

We got you covered!

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

With the unprecedented times that we are all facing, SERVPRO is aware of the many concerns and questions you may have with regards to keeping your (facility) clean and sanitized.

We at SERVPRO want you to have the confidence and assurance in knowing we have the experience and resources to take care of your cleaning and sanitizing needs.  We are working around the clock, and have all of the necessary supplies and resources to perform the work on local properties should the need arise.

We use SERVPROXIDE™ which is an EPA registered, stabilized chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant and sanitizer. It carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating; no PPE is required for general purpose use and is safe for everyday use in your facility. It is designed to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and mold on hard surfaces and is an effective sanitizer for soft surfaces. 

We use the best industry approved products, call us today to schedule a cleaning to get you back in business.

We are here to help

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

With the unprecedented times that we are all facing, SERVPRO is aware of the many concerns and questions you may have with regards to keeping your (facility) clean and sanitized as we all prepare to open back up for business in accordance to the of the local authority.

We at SERVPRO want you to have the confidence and security in knowing we have the experience and resources to take care of your cleaning and sanitizing needs.  We are working around the clock, and have all of the necessary supplies and resources to perform the work on local properties should the need arise.

Within the past two months, our staff cleaned and sanitized a church sanctuary, offices, restaurants and residential properties with CDC approved hospital grade disinfectants from our SERVPRO product line.

We have helped local businesses to feel more confident in welcoming their customers back to their business.

Call us today for all your sanitizing needs.

We support local businesses in our community

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Team members in PPE We are ready and prepared to protect ourselves and our local businesses during this time.

SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood is excited to work in and with the East Concord/Brentwood community and the entire east bay.

We are excited to work with the center of influence within our community to work as not just a restoration company in the area but a flag bearer of the community as a result of our contribution to the growth of our local community.

Our technical team has been trained with the highest standards in the industry, equipped with the best products to serve our local community.

With SERVPRO providing cleaning and sanitizing services during this time, it is very important that we take precaution against contracting germs we come in contact with and ensuring we keep our rest assured that we are following the CDC guidelines for our cleaning protocol.

We also understand that home/business owners are worried about allowing anyone into their property to clean, mitigate or remediate a loss that might have occurred because of the current pandemic.

However, SERVPRO will keep upholding the highest standard to protect our team and our clients by ensuring we wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for every cleaning protocol.

Tailor made solutions

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

The aftermath of the introduction of a building structure to a foreign matter like soot, water or debris will have an adverse effect in the integrity of the building. The quality of the structure will start to diminish and might continue to deteriorate if the situation is not mitigated and remediation commences.

 The clean and restoration of a property typically requires the removal of some damaged parts of the structure such as walls, flooring and fixtures where necessary.

While considering commercial structures; during this cleaning and restoration process, business disruptions are highly considered. An inoperable facility is equivalent to production and revenue loss.

At SERVPRO we understand the concerns and needs of your business and we create tailor made restoration procedures to suit your business needs to help you get back to business as usual in no time.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

The complexity of flooding and water damage events at commercial properties requires technical know-how and prompt response. We work efficiently to assess large scale or small-scale water clean-up damage and isolate the damaged area. We typically work to allow for a temporary space to allow normal operations to continue.

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. When an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call, we will respond swiftly and make it look "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood

SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood is a restoration company that specializes in the cleanup of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We are an IICRC Certified Firm and our staff is highly trained in property damage cleanup, restoration and reconstruction. We are in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, we are equipped with the expertise to restore your property.