Commercial Water Damage Restoration

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike your business at any time. At SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, we understand the urgency and the delicacy of the situation. Mold growth can lead to serious health issues, as well as damaged property, lawsuits, and even potential structural issues. For a business, municipal building, or similar structure, floodwaters also mean one powerful truth: your building is closed for business until the damage is remediated. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Water Damage Causes

Water damage can be caused by a toilet clogging or overflowing, general plumbing problems, a leaking roof, or old pipes. Our experts will assess the issue by tracking down any pockets of excess moisture and removing them accordingly. The high-tech equipment used to locate these pockets include moisture meters and Thermal imaging permits the ability to measure the moisture in hidden pockets and behind tile and other materials that may not feel wet on the outside. SERVPRO finds these moisture pockets and professionally dries the equipment and area to ensure proper recovery and remove any moisture from drywall or other materials. Through our process, we can speed up drying to prevent the growth of any mold or other harmful bacteria by building drying chambers.

It is essential that water damage restoration is given proper attention in a timely manner. If left unrepaired, it will worsen which will lead to more and more problems.

Where Can Business Owners Get Commercial Fire Damage Repair Services in Suffolk?

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

They Should Hire SERVPRO to Perform Commercial Fire Damage Repair

When a fire impacts a business like a clothing store, it can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath. You risk losing customers and income every hour that your business remains closed. Furthermore, the destruction does not cease after firefighters put out the fire. Toxic chemicals, water damage, odors, soot, and smoke remain. External factors, including content damage, and vandalism can bring additional losses if you do not manage them promptly.

To prevent further destruction, you can hire SERVPRO to perform commercial fire damage repair in your business. The smoke that infiltrates a building after a fire combines with humidity to create corrosive residues that can collect on and damage clothes and other items. Our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) can help you clean up the affected structures and contents.

At SERVPRO, we know the techniques required to clean up and salvage your contents and property effectively. Our crew can remove soot from chrome and aluminum shelving, tile, and wooden surfaces. We use advanced products, equipment, and procedures throughout the fire and smoke damage repair process, which may include:

Removing ruined materials that are considered unsafe.
Evaluate structural framing, including support beams and subflooring, to ensure that the structure is sturdy.
Eliminating contamination and odor caused by soot and smoke.
Replacing affected building materials.

Our SERVPRO team tests and inspects the property for smoke residues to determine the extent of the destruction and the cleaning procedures required for restoration. By pretesting and inspecting, our technicians locate residues, identify the residues present and determine the types of surfaces requiring cleaning.

It is necessary to capture residues before removal. Our SERVPRO technicians use fluids and air to release and carry soils away. Fluids and air have suspended particles within them on contact. Dissolving and vacuuming are two methods we can use to contact residues and carry them off for disposal. We can also remove unpleasant smells using products like odor counteracting beads, water-based wet mist deodorizers, and solvent-based thermal fog deodorizers.

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to help you repair your business premises after a fire. Call us any time at 757-934-8404.

Water Damage signs in Commercial Buildings

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

When water infiltrates your masonry, time is of the essence. The longer a leak lasts, the more damage it does. If you see any of these signs of a leak, you should get your masonry evaluated by a professional.

1. Bulging, spalling, and cracking

These are all exterior signs of a leak that is degrading the masonry. Once the water has leaked past the mortar joints, it can wear away at the masonry. After the water has begun corroding the steel beneath, this damage will become much worse as a result of rust jacking.

2. Rust staining

This is a late-stage sign of water infiltration. You’ll find this commonly in concrete structures, where the red rust stain is visible on a lighter surface. When you see rust staining, it’s a sign that water has penetrated not only the masonry but the steel structure beneath. Water is causing the corrosion of the steel, which leaves a stain on the masonry surface.

Steel will expand as it rusts, creating further damage to your building’s structure. We call that rust jacking.

3. Mold and musty odors

After the water has made it past the exterior, you may notice signs of water damage inside the building. One of these signs could be a sign of mildew or mold. Mold is not always easy to detect.

4. Interior damage

Other interior signs that can tip you off to a water leak are staining on interior walls and ceilings. You may also see cracked drywall or peeling wallpaper as water begins to saturate your interior walls.

Keep water from damaging your building

At SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, we help restore and rehabilitate the exterior of commercial buildings so you don’t have to worry about what happens when water leaks into your building. We can help you prevent it from happening and even if water damage does happen we can always make it "Like it never even happened." 757-934-8404

24 Hour Remediation Services

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to answer the call 24/7/365!

On-call 24/7:

As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent losses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire, or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Be Sure to Keep Up with Commercial Property Needs

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

It’s very important to keep up with your commercial maintenance needs because this can prevent damages to your property. Things like checking your hot water heater to see when the last time it was replaced or checking the condensation lines coming from your air conditioning unit are quick and easy preventative measures. These are just some of the things you can check to prevent damages to your home.

Most water damages come from a preventable source such as your hot water heater or air conditioning condensation line. With hot water heaters, you should replace them every 8–12 years. A replacement will vary with the severity of your local weather, the design of the unit, quality of installation, and the maintenance your unit has received. With an air conditioner condensation line we would recommend cleaning it once a year to maintain a blockage-free line.

There are plenty of websites that explain how to do these things yourself but we would recommend that if you are not a professional, you should hire a professional to perform maintenance on your home. Performing these two quick and easy checks can go a long way in preventing any potential issues.

If you should encounter any problems, remember to Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Commercial Property - Water Damage Facts

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage to a residential or commercial property, there is more than meets the eye.

Here are some water facts and figures as they pertain to the restoration industry:

1. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. In fact, water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

2. A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.

3. Mold typically begins to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.

4. A good indication of a failing hot water heater is a puddle of water underneath it, indicating a slow leak, or rusted or corroded fittings on the top of the heater. If you don’t investigate the leak ASAP, you may quickly flood your home because water heaters are under a great deal of water pressure.

5. There are three categories of water contamination defined in the restoration industry:

Category One – Water from a clean water source with no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. Examples include water from a broken water supply pipe or an overflowing bathtub.
Category Two – Water that has a significant degree of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination. Examples include water from aquariums, dishwasher or clothes washer leaks, and water entering the structure from below grade. Discharged Category One water that sits untreated for more than 24 hours becomes Category Two.
Category Three – Water emanating from a grossly unsanitary source or carrying disease-causing agents. Examples include discharges from sewer or septic systems/pipes and floodwaters. Discharged Category One water that sits more for more than 48 hours becomes Category Three. Discharged Category Two water that sits more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Three.

6. Controlling pathogenic microorganisms during a restoration project may require the use of chemical agents that act as biocides. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined three levels of biocidal activity:

Sanitizers – Designed to reduce the number of microorganisms.
Disinfectants – Designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms but not necessarily their spores.
Sterilizer – Designed to destroy all microorganisms (fungi/molds, bacteria, viruses, etc.) and their spores.

Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all of your commercial needs at 757-934-8404.

Maintaining Commercial Maintenance Needs

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

It’s very important to keep up with your commercial maintenance needs because this can prevent damages to your property. Things like checking your hot water heater to see when the last time it was replaced or checking the condensation lines coming from your air conditioning unit are quick and easy preventative measures. These are just some of the things you can check to prevent damages to your home.

Most water damages come from a preventable source such as your hot water heater or air conditioning condensation line. With hot water heaters, you should replace them every 8–12 years. A replacement will vary with the severity of your local weather, the design of the unit, the quality of installation, and the maintenance your unit has received. With an air conditioner condensation line we would recommend cleaning it once a year to maintain a blockage-free line.

There are plenty of websites that explain how to do these things yourself but we would recommend that if you are not a professional, you should hire a professional to perform maintenance on your home. Performing these two quick and easy checks can go a long way in preventing any potential issues.

If you should encounter any problems, remember to Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Mitigation & Remediation Services Available 24/7

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to answer the call 24/7/365!

As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent losses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire, or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Mitigation Services 24/7

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to answer the call 24/7/365!

As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent losses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire, or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Commercial Desiccant For Large Losses

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a large commercial water loss and you need it remedied as quickly as possible, call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin at 757-934-8404. We have acquired a state of the art, 5000 CFM Desiccant, accompanied by a 150kw generator. Our desiccant is designed to dry large commercial buildings in a fraction of the time of a conventional fan or air mover. This helps you and your business get back on track as soon as possible, making the damage feel “Like it never even happened.”

We understand how devastating disasters can be, and how important it is to help people get back to normalcy as quickly as possible. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ERP (Emergency Ready Plan)

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan for it NOW.

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. All your contacts, your property manager, engineers’ info, etc. accessible at the touch of a button.

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin offers complimentary ERP services to commercial business owners and facilitators.

Your ERP with SERVPRO® will include:

A no-cost assessment of your facility
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in an emergency
A guide to help get you back into your building following a disaster
Establishes SERVPRO® of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin to get your business covered! 757-934-8404

Commercial Water Damage Facts!

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage to a residential or commercial property, there is more than meets the eye.

Here are some water facts and figures as they pertain to the restoration industry:

1. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. In fact, water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

2. A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.

3. Mold typically begins to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.

4. A good indication of a failing hot water heater is a puddle of water underneath it, indicating a slow leak, or rusted or corroded fittings on the top of the heater. If you don’t investigate the leak ASAP, you may quickly flood your home because water heaters are under a great deal of water pressure.

5. There are three categories of water contamination defined in the restoration industry:

Category One – Water from a clean water source with no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. Examples include water from a broken water supply pipe or an overflowing bathtub.
Category Two – Water that has a significant degree of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination. Examples include water from aquariums, dishwashers, or clothes washer leaks, and water entering the structure from below grade. Discharged Category One water that sits untreated more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Two.
Category Three – Water emanating from a grossly unsanitary source or carrying disease-causing agents. Examples include discharges from sewer or septic systems/pipes and floodwaters. Discharged Category One water that sits more for more than 48 hours becomes Category Three. Discharged Category Two water that sits more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Three.

6. Controlling pathogenic microorganisms during a restoration project may require the use of chemical agents that act as biocides. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined three levels of biocidal activity:

Sanitizers – Designed to reduce the number of microorganisms.
Disinfectants – Designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms but not necessarily their spores.
Sterilizer – Designed to destroy all microorganisms (fungi/molds, bacteria, viruses, etc.) and their spores.

Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all your water damage needs, 757-934-8404.

Commercial Mitigation Services, 24/7

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to answer the call 24/7/365!

On the call 24/7:

As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent losses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire, or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Maintaining Commercial Maintenance Needs

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

It’s very important to keep up with your commercial maintenance needs because this can prevent damages to your property. Things like checking your hot water heater to see when the last time it was replaced or checking the condensation lines coming from your air conditioning unit are quick and easy preventative measures. These are just some of the things you can check to prevent damages to your home.

Most water damages come from a preventable source such as your hot water heater or air conditioning condensation line. With hot water heaters, you should replace them every 8–12 years. A replacement will vary with the severity of your local weather, the design of the unit, the quality of installation, and the maintenance your unit has received. With an air conditioner condensation line we would recommend cleaning it once a year to maintain a blockage free line.

There are plenty of websites that explain how to do these things yourself but we would recommend that if you are not a professional, you should hire a professional to perform maintenance on your home. Performing these two quick and easy checks can go a long way in preventing any potential issues.

If you should encounter any problems, remember to Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Mitigation/Remediation Services Available 24/7

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin is ready to answer the call 24/7/365!

As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent losses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin, 757-934-8404.

Commercial ERP (Emergency Ready Plan)

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan for it NOW.

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. All your contacts, your property manager, engineers’ info, etc. accessible at the touch of a button.

SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin offers complimentary ERP services to commercial business owners and facilitators.

Your ERP with SERVPRO® will include:

A no-cost assessment of your facility
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in an emergency
A guide to help get you back into your building following a disaster
Establishes SERVPRO® of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin to get your business covered! 757-934-8404

Commercial Water Damage Facts

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage to a residential or commercial property, there is more than meets the eye.

Here are some water facts and figures as they pertain to the restoration industry:

1. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. In fact, water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

2. A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.

3. Mold typically begins to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.

4. A good indication of a failing hot water heater is a puddle of water underneath it, indicating a slow leak, or rusted or corroded fittings on the top of the heater. If you don’t investigate the leak ASAP, you may quickly flood your home because water heaters are under a great deal of water pressure.

5. There are three categories of water contamination defined in the restoration industry:

Category One – Water from a clean water source with no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. Examples include water from a broken water supply pipe or an overflowing bathtub.
Category Two – Water that has a significant degree of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination. Examples include water from aquariums, dishwasher or clothes washer leaks, and water entering the structure from below grade. Discharged Category One water that sits untreated more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Two.
Category Three – Water emanating from a grossly unsanitary source or carrying disease-causing agents. Examples include discharges from sewer or septic systems/pipes and floodwaters. Discharged Category One water that sits more for more than 48 hours becomes Category Three. Discharged Category Two water that sits more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Three.

6. Controlling pathogenic microorganisms during a restoration project may require the use of chemical agents that act as biocides. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined three levels of biocidal activity:

Sanitizers – Designed to reduce the number of microorganisms.
Disinfectants – Designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms but not necessarily their spores.
Sterilizer – Designed to destroy all microorganisms (fungi/molds, bacteria, viruses, etc.) and their spores.

Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all your water damage needs, 757-934-8404.

Commercial Water Damage Facts

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage to a residential or commercial property, there is more than meets the eye.

Here are some water facts and figures as they pertain to the restoration industry:

1. Water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances. In fact, water is known as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

2. A sheet of drywall standing upright with its edge sitting in a ½” of water can wick water up to 6 inches in less than three hours.

3. Mold typically begins to grow in 24 to 48 hours in an untreated moist environment.

4. A good indication of a failing hot water heater is a puddle of water underneath it, indicating a slow leak, or rusted or corroded fittings on the top of the heater. If you don’t investigate the leak ASAP, you may quickly flood your home because water heaters are under a great deal of water pressure.

5. There are three categories of water contamination defined in the restoration industry:

Category One – Water from a clean water source with no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. Examples include water from a broken water supply pipe or an overflowing bathtub.
Category Two – Water that has a significant degree of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination. Examples include water from aquariums, dishwasher or clothes washer leaks, and water entering the structure from below grade. Discharged Category One water that sits untreated more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Two.
Category Three – Water emanating from a grossly unsanitary source or carrying disease-causing agents. Examples include discharges from sewer or septic systems/pipes and floodwaters. Discharged Category One water that sits more for more than 48 hours becomes Category Three. Discharged Category Two water that sits more for more than 24 hours becomes Category Three.

6. Controlling pathogenic microorganisms during a restoration project may require the use of chemical agents that act as biocides. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined three levels of biocidal activity:

Sanitizers – Designed to reduce the number of microorganisms.
Disinfectants – Designed to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms but not necessarily their spores.
Sterilizer – Designed to destroy all microorganisms (fungi/molds, bacteria, viruses, etc.) and their spores.

Call SERVPRO of Suffolk/Smithfield/Franklin for all your water damage needs, 757-934-8404.

Signs of Water Damage in Commercial Building

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

When water infiltrates your masonry, time is of the essence. The longer a leak lasts, the more damage it does. If you see any of these signs of a leak, you should get your masonry evaluated by a professional.