Securing Your Building After a Fire: Tips and Strategies for Safety and Peace of Mind

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Securing your property is important for many reasons, give SERVPRO of Longmont a call for your fire damage repairs.

Fire safety is a serious concern for everyone, and the dangers of fire are well-documented. If you have ever been in a building that has caught fire, you know how frightening it can be. In addition to the obvious threat of injury or death from burning wood or other materials, smoke inhalation can also be deadly if not treated quickly enough by trained professionals.

To help keep your building secure after a fire has occurred, it's important to understand why fires happen in the first place--and then take steps to prevent them from happening again!

Immediate Steps After a Fire

After a fire, it's important to take immediate steps to secure your building.

• Call the fire department.
• Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened so they can send out their adjuster right away.
• Contact a reputable fire damage restoration service that can begin cleaning up and drying out your building as soon as possible (and before mold starts growing).

Assessing the Damage

Once the fire is out and you have a chance to assess the damage, there are several things to look for. Inspect the building for structural damage: If you can see that your building has been damaged by water or smoke, it's important to call in an expert right away. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that mold will grow and cause further damage.

Inspect the building for water damage: Water can cause extensive damage if not removed quickly; however, this process can be tricky because too much moisture can lead to mold growth as well! Make sure that all areas are dried out completely before moving on with repairs or renovations so as not to invite these problems into your space again later down the line (or worse yet--into your home).

Repairing the Damage

Hire a fire damage restoration company. A professional company will be able to assess the damage and offer advice on how to repair it, as well as provide any necessary equipment or materials.

Replace damaged building materials such as carpeting, drywall, insulation and wood floors. Repair any electrical or plumbing systems that were damaged by smoke or water during the firefighting process (or both).

Preventing Future Fires

Smoke detectors. These are the most basic and important fire-prevention tools you can have in your building. They're also relatively inexpensive, so there's no excuse not to have them installed! Check them regularly (at least once a month) and replace batteries when necessary.

Fire extinguishers. You should have at least one fire extinguisher on every floor of your building, preferably near exits or other areas where fires could start easily (like kitchens). Make sure everyone knows how to use them correctly--and make sure they know where they are!

Protecting Against Vandalism

Install security cameras. If you have a large building, it's a good idea to install security cameras. This will help deter vandalism and other crimes in your building.

Install motion-activated lights. Motion-activated lights are another way to deter crime in your building, especially if they are placed around entrances and exits where people may try to break in or steal something from your store or office space.

Protecting Against Theft

Install locks on all doors and windows. Consider using a safe to store valuable items, like passports, jewelry and cash. Install an alarm system in your building if you can't install other security measures (such as cameras) or if it's too expensive to do so.

Protecting Against Natural Disasters

Secure the building's roof. Roofs can be weakened by fire, wind, or water damage. If you are able to repair or replace your roof after a fire, make sure to use materials that are rated for high winds and other natural disasters.

Reinforce the building's foundation. Make sure there are no cracks in the walls or floors of your structure that could allow water to seep in during heavy rains or flooding events; if necessary, install flood barriers around doors and windows so they don't get damaged when water flows over them during storms (or floods).

Consider installing storm shutters on windows that face east-west--these will help protect against strong winds blowing through open windows during hurricanes/tropical storms!

Water loss are the most common business interruption

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be devastating to your business. Make sure to have a business insurance policy.

Water loss is a big problem for businesses. Water damage accounts for 33% of all business interruptions and losses, according to the Insurance Information Institute. There are many ways that water loss can affect your business. You may not see it coming and might not think about how much it costs until after it happens. This article will explain why you should be worried about water damage and how you can protect your business from this type of disaster.

Water damage affects a large portion of business

Water damage is a common cause of business interruption, and it can happen anywhere. Water loss is often difficult to estimate in advance, making it difficult for businesses to determine how much insurance they need. However, insurance companies can help with these claims by providing coverage that's more flexible than traditional policies.

The cost of water loss can be hard to estimate.

Water damage can cost a lot of money, but how much is it really? How much will it cost you if your pipes burst or you have a leak in your roof? It's not always easy to know how much water damage has been done and what kind of repairs will be needed after an event like this happens. If there are multiple leaks in different parts of your building, it's difficult for property managers or owners to tell which one is causing most damage until they've had time to look around carefully at all areas where water might be entering through cracks or holes in the walls/ceilings above them

Water damage can happen anywhere.

Water damage can happen anywhere. The office, warehouse, factory or even on a construction site. Water damage is caused by a leaky pipe or a burst pipe that has been neglected for years. The other cause of water damage is flooding or heavy rain storms where there is no protection from the elements and all your hard work gets washed away in an instant.

Insurance companies can help with business interruption claims.

Business interruption insurance is a type of business insurance that covers the cost of lost income due to a disaster. Business interruption claims can be complicated and require thorough documentation, so it's important to work with an experienced agent who knows how to make sure you get what you're entitled to.

Protection of Fire Sprinklers

There are many ways for businesses to protect themselves from water loss and other effects of water damage. One of the most common means of preventing a disaster is through the use of fire sprinkler systems. These systems can be installed in any building, regardless of its size or shape. They have been proven to be effective at controlling fires in both residential and commercial properties, as well as industrial facilities like factories and warehouses.

Water alarms are another popular option for preventing water damage during an emergency situation like a natural disaster or fire. Unlike sprinkler systems they do not automatically activate when they detect moisture levels above a certain threshold (for example: 10% relative humidity). Instead they require human intervention in order to activate which makes them less effective than other options available on today's market.

Water damage can be devastating to any business, but it's important to remember that there are ways to protect yourself from this risk. You can purchase insurance coverage for your business and make sure that you have an emergency plan in place in case of water loss or other types of damage. If you are concerned about how much water damage costs and want more information about what type of coverage may be right for your company, contact us today!

4 Common Reasons for Hot Water Heater Leaks

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

A hot water heater leak can be a real hassle.

A hot water heater leak can be a real hassle. It can cause damage to your home and not to mention the inconvenience of having to call a plumber out to repair it. Hot water heaters generally don’t have many moving parts or components, which makes them relatively straightforward machines. But if you notice that your hot water heater is leaking then there are several things that could have caused it and they all need to be taken into consideration.

Water Connections Aren't Functioning

If your water heater is leaking and you don’t know why, look at the water connections. The supply line (where the hot water comes in), drain valve (where used water flows out), and temperature/pressure relief valve (that allows excess pressure to release when it gets too high) are all potential reasons for leaks in your tank.

If these connections are old, damaged, or improperly installed, leakage can occur as a result of wear-and-tear or corrosion that has taken place over time.

Loose Gaskets

Gaskets are rubber rings that seal the water tank to the hot water tank. They can become loose over time and require replacement, but if your gasket is still in good shape, you can try tightening it yourself with pliers or a wrench. Before doing so, make sure that there's no other problem with your hot water heater (such as clogs or a faulty thermostat). If all else fails, you might need to call a professional plumber for help.

Damaged Drain Valve

A damaged or loose drain valve can cause water to leak out of the tank. To check whether this is the cause of your leak, look for water pooling underneath the tank. To fix a damaged drain valve, you will need to flush your entire water heater and then clean any debris or buildup that has accumulated around the valve. If this doesn't stop the leak, your best bet is to call a professional to help replace the drain valve entirely.

Damaged Water Tank

If you find that your water heater is leaking, it’s possible that the tank itself is damaged. Some of the most common signs of a leaking tank include:

• Cracked or damaged tank
• Leaking from bottom
• Leaking from top
• Leaking from side
• Excessive sediment buildup (that cannot be properly cleaned)

In most cases, leaks can be fixed by simply tightening a connection or replacing a gasket. In more serious cases, you may need to replace the whole water heater. If you’re having trouble identifying what parts of your hot water heater are leaking, contact a licensed service professional who can help identify the source of your problem and make repairs properly.

What You Need to Know About Mold

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a problem that you could possibly solve yourself, but it's best left to the professionals.

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors. It is commonly found in damp or humid areas and can cause problems for some people. Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings, and can appear in various colors, such as black, green, or white. It is important to address mold growth promptly to prevent further growth and potential issues.

Mold is everywhere: in homes, offices, schools, and even outdoors. Mold can grow almost anywhere that there is moisture—even on clothes in your closet! And since mold spores are microscopic and float through the air, they can be found just about anywhere you go.

Here are some things to know about mold:

Mold’s Smell

While mold does have a distinct smell, it can vary from person to person and even from home to home. Some people are more sensitive than others, and some may not notice the smell at all.

Some common smells include:

• Mildew/earthy
• Bleach-like
• Paint-like (sweet) or vinegar-like (musty) odor (more common with Aspergillus species)

Bleach & Mold

You've probably seen or heard this advice: if you want to get rid of mold, just spray the area with bleach and let it sit for a few hours. You might even have done it yourself. But does bleach kill mold? Can you use it safely in your Longmont, CO home?

The short answer is no—bleach does not kill mold on soft surfaces like drywall and fabric, which can be damaged by bleach. In fact, using chlorine-based bleach on these materials will only make the problem worse by releasing harmful toxins into the air that are more likely to cause problems than removing mold growth. 

Hidden Mold

While it's true that mold often begins to grow inside a home and then spreads outward, many types of mold can grow in places where you don't expect them, including dark corners and places you don't often visit and clean. Mold can also form behind the walls, especially if there was some water damage.

Testing for Mold

If you’re worried about the presence of mold in your home, you can purchase a test kit at your local hardware store. However, these kits are not always accurate and can be expensive. Many professional mold testing companies offer free consultation services to help determine whether or not there is a problem with contamination.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Longmont

Mold is a problem that you could possibly solve yourself, but it's best left to the professionals. If you find mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Longmont to remediate your home and get you back to normal. We know the proper techniques to remediate mold safely and effectively.

Is Mold Inspection Required Before Remediation?

12/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you have mold damage in your Longmont, CO home call SERVPRO of Longmont

Is Mold Inspection Required Before Remediation?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in homes and other buildings. While it’s often associated with damp, dark places like basements and crawl spaces, it can also be found on drywall and insulation. If you suspect your Longmont, CO home has mold or want to know whether there are any visible signs of the problem before remediation takes place, you should hire a professional for a mold inspection first.

Mold Inspection Before Remediation

Mold inspection is important because it can help you determine the extent of your mold problem, and whether there are any other underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you don’t know how far-reaching your mold problem is, it could lead to an overreaction and additional costs on remediation efforts.

Mold Inspection Basics

A mold inspection is a comprehensive visual and air sampling analysis of your home, performed by a certified professional. During a mold inspection, the inspector will conduct an initial walk-through with you to identify problems that may be contributing to moisture issues in your home. Areas such as windows, doors and walls are inspected for water ingress or other factors that may be causing moisture buildup within the structure.

The inspector will also make note of any visible signs of mold growth on your property: discolored areas on interior surfaces; small black spots (aka colonies) on hard surfaces like wood paneling or drywall; musty odors emanating from rooms; etc.

If there are obvious signs of mold growth inside your home during this initial walkthrough then additional steps may be necessary before remediation can proceed—such as removing contaminated materials from the area being treated—but otherwise, most inspections should only take about 30 minutes at most.

In addition to identifying problem areas where moisture has built up within the house itself, inspectors can also check for high humidity levels outside so that you know if it's necessary to install ventilation systems near windows or doors.

Finding the Right Company for the Job

As you search for the right company to help you with your mold problems, it's important to keep in mind that not all companies are alike. The best way to find a reputable company is by asking for references from past clients. 

Another way of doing this is by checking out reviews online. When choosing the right professional for your job, consider these factors:

• Experience in mold remediation - A good contractor will have experience with dealing with molds and should be able to provide references from previous jobs they've done. If a company has been working in this industry for many years, then they're likely more knowledgeable and skilled than one that just started recently.
• Reputation - Reputation matters when it comes time choosing a contractor! You want someone who has built up an excellent reputation over time so that you know who they are and what kind of work they do before even contacting them. Otherwise there's no way of knowing whether or not their services will even meet expectations at all! There may also be benefits associated with using an established business rather than one still trying build its customer base.

Molds can cause serious issues and should be taken care of as soon as they are found.

Many people are surprised to learn that mold is a fungus. However, it is important to know what this means for your home and its inhabitants.

Mold grows on organic matter, which can include anything from paper products to trees. When you find mold growth in your home, there is usually an item nearby that has become wet or damp enough for the spores to grow on it, such as a basement wall or even a carpet pad. Mold damage can be costly to repair because it damages not only furniture but also walls and ceilings as well.

If you have any concerns about finding mold in your home, we encourage you not to delay in contacting our professional team of certified inspectors today!

It’s important to know that it is not always dangerous. If you are concerned about the presence of mold in your Longmont, CO home or office, the best thing to do is hire an expert who can inspect your property and give you an honest answer about whether or not remediation is necessary. If you need mold remediation in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Longmont.

What Is Category Three Water Damage?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Call a professional who will tell you whether it's safe to stay in your home.

What Is Category Three Water Damage?

When you have experienced water damage in your Longmont, CO home, it's important to know how to properly handle it. Water damage can be a devastating experience for any homeowner. Whether the problem is due to an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe in the kitchen or a leaky roof, it’s important to know that there are qualified professionals who are ready to help with any type of water damage situation.

This is especially true if the water damage has become unsanitary and requires professional mitigation and restoration. If you're wondering what exactly category three water damage is, read on!

May Be Unsanitary

You may not be able to determine if a water damage is category three. But you can call an expert for help, who will tell you whether it's safe to stay in your home and what you need to do next.

When it comes to any kind of water damage, don't hesitate to call an expert—they'll be able to guide you through the process and keep your family safe until repairs are finished.

Often Referred To As Black Water

Black water is a term that describes the presence of sewage in the damaged property. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but one common cause is flooding from a blocked toilet or drain line. The presence of harmful bacteria and viruses in black water can be dangerous and requires professional expertise to mitigate and clean properly.

Require Professional Care

Category three water damage is unsanitary and requires professional mitigation and restoration. Water damage restoration is a specialized field that requires training and experience to perform effectively. A trained professional can mitigate the damage, protect your property from further damage, protect yourself and others on your property, and restore your home or business to preloss condition.

When it comes to handling category three water damage, the expertise of a trained professional is almost always required. Category three water damage can be extremely expensive and time-consuming for homeowners, but there are ways you can save yourself some money if you're willing to do a little research.

If you have any questions about how to prevent category three water damage at home or would like more information about what needs to be done after having category 3 water damage, contact us today!

SERVPRO of Longmont Can Help!

If your home or business suffers from water damage, especially if it originated from a flood or sewage loss, it is crucial to call your local water mitigation experts for assistance. SERVPRO of Longmont is highly trained and experienced in category 3 water damage cleanup and restoration. If you have any questions or are in need of emergency water cleanup services, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Do I need fire insurance for my building?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Remember when you purchase Fire Insurance be sure to understand what it covers and how much coverage you need.

Is Fire Insurance Required For My Building?

Fire insurance is a type of property insurance that covers the cost of damage to your Mead, CO building, its contents, and surrounding structures. This type of coverage is important for any business owner, but it's especially vital if your building has some sort of fire vulnerability, such as an electrical or gas system. Fire insurance also protects against water damage caused by floods or leaks.

What Is Fire Insurance?

Fire insurance is a form of property insurance that protects the insured against financial losses caused by fire. Property damage and business interruption are two key coverages that are included in standard fire policies. The policyholder can choose whether to include other coverage options, such as personal property loss or additional living expenses.

Fire policies typically pay for:

• Cost of fire restoration (the cost to repair or replace damaged structures)
• Loss of inventory from a preventable cause occurring during a covered period (if the policyholder maintains adequate security)

How to file a fire claim

If you have suffered a fire in your building, here are the steps to take:

• Call your property insurance company. The adjuster will come out, assess the damage, and give you an estimate for repairs.
• Get a fire restoration specialist to help with cleanup (removing soot from walls and ceiling) if needed.
• Make sure that all your possessions are covered by smoke damage coverage!

Step 1: Contact your insurance provider.

After you contact the fire department, it is important to contact your insurance provider. They will be able to give you more details about what the next steps are and whether they cover any of the damage that has occurred.

If you have an insurance claim reference number (if not given by your provider, ask for one), then call up your fire restoration specialist and tell them what happened. At SERVPRO, they will handle the entire claims process from start to finish. They will also send out an adjuster to inspect the damage and assess if there is any threat left behind from smoke or other toxic gases that could cause further problems in nearby homes/buildings or affect the air quality.

Step 2: Contact a fire restoration specialist.

Once you’ve contacted your insurance provider, find a reputable fire restoration specialist, such as SERVPRO. It is easy to find them online by searching for “Fire Restoration Company Near Me” or similar terms. It is important to look for a company that has the training, experience, and equipment necessary to handle a fire loss. Fire damage can be difficult to clean up, and requires trained professionals in order to be done correctly.

Step 3: Determine the extent of the damage.

The next step in the process is to determine the extent of the damage. This can be a difficult task, as it may not be immediately apparent how much water was used to put out a fire or how much smoke damage there was. It's important that you document this process as soon as possible so that you can present it to your insurance company later. The more extensive your documentation and a photographic record is, the better prepared you'll be if there are any disputes over what happened during an incident. Luckily, when you call a company such as SERVPRO, we take care of this entire process for you. From start to finish our adjusters and technicians will document the damage and progress through restoration.

Step 4: Initiate the recovery process.

Once your fire insurance claim has been accepted, you can begin the recovery process. This begins with removing smoke and soot from the air, which is important to prevent further damage from occurring. You'll also want to begin cleaning up any water damage caused by hoses used by firefighters during their response efforts. It's important not to throw away any damaged items until they are assessed by an adjuster or other representative of your insurance company; otherwise, you may needlessly be denied compensation for those items later in the claims process.

If you’re in the process of buying fire insurance, it’s important to understand what the policy covers and how much coverage you need. This article gives a few tips on how to do that and outlines what steps should be taken after a fire has occurred.

How To Detect Common Causes of Bathtub and Shower Leaks

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can form after a shower pan leak

How To Detect Common Causes of Bathtub and Shower Leaks

Few aspects of homeownership are as frustrating to manage as a leak. When you suspect a shower or bathtub leak at your home in Berthoud, CO, you may wonder how to pinpoint the elusive cause of this potentially damaging problem. You can track down common leak causes by knowing where to look:

Check Your Shower or Bathtub Faucet
Slow faucet leaks are a common problem that many people ignore, not realizing the complications they can cause, including:

• Corrosion of parts subjected to constant water drips
• Staining of a bathtub's surface
• Higher water bills from unnecessary water flow

Replacing a faulty washer usually stops a faucet leak, but sometimes it is necessary to replace the entire faucet if too many of its parts are worn.

Check Your Bathtub's Surface
Bathtub leaks can happen when damage to fiberglass or acrylic surfaces causes leaks that may not be visible immediately. If you suspect your bathtub has a crack, fill it with water and look for bubbling in spots that could indicate the damaged area. Eventually, you will also see water pooling on the bathtub's outer surface and the floor beneath it. Some bathtubs' sealants can wear away over time, leading to similar consequences and potential water damage.

Check Your Shower Floor for Water Pooling

A waterproof liner, or shower pan, exists below your shower's floor to capture water seeping through the tiles and direct it down the drain. If the liner becomes pierced, excess water does not drain. Instead, it can leak through the underlying foundation and make its way to the rooms below your bathroom, where it can damage the ceilings. Mold can form after a shower pan leak, and you may require a mold remediation company's services to sanitize your space and prevent further damage.

Flooding caused by a bathtub leak can have severe consequences for your home in Longmont, CO, but a professional flood restoration service can handle the cleanup.

The 3 Best Sandbag Alternatives

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Absorbent barrier

Sandbag Alternatives

Sandbags are an old-fashioned flooding management solution. Each sandbag is messy to fill without specialized equipment and is only suitable for one-time use after coming into contact with contaminated water. Check out three reusable sandbag alternatives that are easier and faster to maneuver into place and may be more effective at blocking flood water.

1. Absorbent Barriers
Several manufacturers make porous alternatives to sandbags. These flat bags absorb water and swell to create a barrier that blocks the flow of water. Absorbent barriers have the advantage of being the most lightweight and easy to store flood control method. It is possible to deploy these barriers in a matter of minutes. Some manufacturers guarantee that barriers can be used to block water for months. Some absorbent barriers can be dried out and reused.

2. Water-Filled Barriers
Nonporous water-filled flood dams are another reusable solution. This type of barrier requires some preparation, as it is necessary to use a hose to fill these cofferdams with clean water. These barriers can be left standing as long as necessary to limit flood damage before being emptied, cleaned, stored, and reused.

3. Flood-Proof Fencing
Another popular sandbag alternative is fencing designed to stand up to flood water. Flood fencing can create a higher barrier than other water-filled barriers. The setup time for this fencing may exceed water-filled cofferdams and other sandbag alternatives, but should be easier than filling and stacking large quantities of sandbags. Though this flood control equipment is costly, it can keep an entire property or area from flooding.

Each of these sandbag alternatives is useful for certain applications. If you own commercial property in Lyons, CO, you may want to invest in one or more solutions for controlling flooding. Buildings in flood zones may benefit from using any of this equipment to reduce the severity of storm damage.

3 Tips for Reduction of Odors From Water Damage

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts after storm damage in Niwot, CO.

Ways To Reduce The Unpleasant Odor From Water Damage

Even after you or a professional cleanup and restoration service from Niwot, CO has removed any standing flood water from your building, there might be disagreeable smells. They may be the result of sewage loss from pipes or the street, mold growth from leftover moisture or bacteria carried in by gray water or black water. There are some actions that can help reduce or eliminate the unpleasant odors that arise from water damage.

1. Make Sure Everything Is Actually Dry
Any excess moisture can serve as a breeding ground for mold growth and mildew. The microorganisms emit musty scents akin to dirty socks or dirt as they progress through different stages of development. It can also harbor stink-producing bacteria. It is important to remove as much water as possible by opening windows, wringing out or trashing soaked textiles, drying off surfaces, and using fans and dehumidifiers.

2. Use Common Remedies
If the smell clings to a room, there are certain substances you can place in open containers around it to try and absorb the odor from the air, including:

• Cat litter
• Vinegar
• Baking soda

These are available for purchase at many general stores or shopping centers and have deodorizing capabilities. Baking soda can also be sprinkled on carpet, rugs or fabric-covered office furniture and vacuumed up to remove both liquid and nasty fragrances.

3. Disinfect Affected Surfaces
Sanitizing anything the water has touched can help ward off or kill mold in its beginning stages. Even if there is none visible, it might already have begun to release spores and infect porous materials. While bleach may seem like the obvious choice of cleanser, it generally only affects surface mold, not the filamentous roots or spores. Vinegar and warm water solution or soap and warm water mixture will prove more effective at removing the fungus.
While floods often lead to less than pleasant odors due to factors like mold growth and bacteria, the smells can be completely removed or at least mitigated. There are also professionals trained at disaster cleanup you can contact.