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.

6 Steps for Cleaning Up Sewer Damage

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer damage could be a problem, but SERVPRO has the experts trained team ready to help you when you need it.

6 Steps To Getting Rid Of Sewer Damage

A persistent clog or the smell of sewer gas tells you that you have a problem with the plumbing in your commercial building. If you don’t fix it, it could turn into a bigger problem that requires sewer cleanup. Sewage remediation experts are trained to complete the cleaning process from start to finish. Here are the six steps they typically follow.

1. Area Containment

Before they deal with the mess, the experts will likely take measures to ensure that it doesn’t spread to unaffected areas. This may involve sealing off the area where the sewer backup occurred and not allowing anyone to enter it who isn’t wearing the appropriate protective gear.

2. Sewage Extraction

Cleaning can’t happen until the contaminated water and detritus have been removed and disposed of safely. Technicians pump the standing water out, removing any debris or particles that came out of the flooded toilet with it.

3. Material Removal

Anything the contaminated water touches must be taken out of the building. This includes all furniture, office equipment, and documents as well as walls, floors, and ceiling tiles that were affected.

4. Surface Extraction

All surfaces must be thoroughly dried during sewer cleanup. The sooner this can happen, the less likely it is that your building will develop a mold problem.

5. Surface Disinfection

Using industrial-strength cleaners, technicians thoroughly disinfect every surface that came into contact with the contamination. After cleaning, the area is tested to make sure all traces of the germs from the sewer water are gone.

6. Area Restoration

The items that can be salvaged are cleaned and returned to the building. The items that cannot be saved must be replaced.

Experts in Longmont, CO, should be called at the first sign that you need sewer cleanup. Don’t ignore the signs that your building may be contaminated. A speedy cleanup process helps you get back to business.

How Do I Know When It Is Time to Replace A Toilet?

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet can have many causes and should be addressed to prevent water damage to your property

What Are the Signs That It's Time To Replace My Toilet?

Toilets are highly reliable bathroom appliances that can last up to 15 years in Lyons, CO.  Throughout the course of its life, it may need smaller repairs, such as:

• Float adjusting
• Fixing broken chains
• Changing the flapper

If it is so reliable, how do you know when it is time to replace a toilet? A leaking toilet is not always a sign that it needs to be replaced. Here are a few indications that fixing a toilet's parts will not be sufficient.

There are Cracks in the Ceramic Toilet

If your toilet has cracks, you may need to replace it entirely. When they are noticed in time, cracks can be filled before they spread. Cracks that spread and begin to leak, however, are irreparable and are an indication that the entire toilet should be replaced. If the leak has caused substantial water damage to your property, contact a water damage restoration service to help clean it up and restore your property.

The Toilet is Old

The durability of a toilet can be a con if it means your toilet is too old. Regulations for toilets have changed over the years. You should replace an old toilet if it is over 25 years in age to meet the regulation of 1.6 gallons per flush.

Parts Continue to Break

If you find yourself having to continuously replace toilet parts, it may be a sign that it has reached the end of its lifespan. Likewise, a crack on your toilet that spreads even after you have filled it is a clear sign that you should replace your toilet. A leaking toilet that does not stop spreading water to your floor is a hazard and should be replaced.

A leaking toilet can have many causes and should be addressed to prevent water damage to your property. Whether you need toilet repair or replacement services, contact a plumber to get the job done.

How Smoke Affects Your Building After a Fire

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchises are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can get to work quickly to fix fire damage to your business.

After A Fire, How Smoke Affects Your Building.

After a fire in your Longmont, CO, building, you will probably be most concerned with the damage caused by the flames. This is often the easiest to see and can have the most obvious effect on your building. However, smoke damage can also be extensive. There are multiple ways in which smoke can affect your work environment after a fire.

1. Surface Discoloration

During a fire, smoke travels further than the flames and can affect a much larger area. Soot can settle on surfaces, causing discoloration on walls, floors, furniture and other items. Smoke cleaning on hard surfaces can be done relatively easily, but porous items may need extra care.

2. Equipment Damage

Even if the fire itself does not touch your equipment, that does not mean that it has escaped damage entirely. Smoke and soot can become trapped inside electronic devices, causing corrosion if it is not removed quickly.

If you think that a computer or other device has been affected by smoke, do not turn it on until it has been inspected by a professional and smoke cleaning has been done. Doing so could cause the smoke to move throughout the interior of the device and cause even more damage.

3. Smoke Odor

Not all damage from smoke is visible. In some cases, you may experience a persistent odor after a fire. This can be because of soot and smoke particles trapped inside carpeting, furniture or other porous materials or particles in the air. Dry cleaning affected belongings can reduce this odor. If it does not go away after that, you may need to use an air scrubber or purifier to remove lingering smoke from the building’s environment.

Flames from a fire can have an obvious effect on your building, but it is not the only damage that will occur. It is important to have smoke cleaning done to return the environment to its pre-fire state. Professional services can perform cleanup and repairs to return your building to a safe and comfortable space.

The Most Effective Sandbag Alternatives

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

A property owner should invest in a reusable flood prevention solution to limit the amount of water that enters a commercial structure in Longmont.

Alternatives To Sandbags That Work

Sandbags can be heavy and messy to fill. Commercial property owners seeking more convenient ways to limit flood damage should consider one or more of the following sand bag alternatives.

Absorbent Materials

Some materials are designed to absorb fresh or flood water and act as barriers. Several styles for absorbent flood control are currently available:

• Crystallized polymer
  
• Powder-filled barriers
  
• Self-inflating sand-less bags

These porous flood dams are intended for one-time use and should be disposed of after each flood event. All of these options are easier to deploy than sandbags.

Water-Filled Barriers

Filling a water barrier can be easier than filling a sand bag. There are several different styles of water-filled barriers to choose from:

• Baffle systems
  
• Cofferdams
  
• Modular blocks
  
• Tube designs

These designs are available in a wide range of sizes. Unlike some flood control materials with fillers that become contaminated, these barriers can be reused multiple times.

Self-Stabilizing Barriers

Self-stabilizing barriers are easy to use to keep flood waters away from a structure. Some of these options are better suited for blocking entrances or windows, while others can be set up in longer runs to keep flood water out of a larger area. Most of these designs can be reused many times.

Levee Machines

Machines are also available to quickly fill bags with sand. The same materials used to make sandbags are needed, with the exception of a shovel. It will also be necessary to either hire or train a crew to safely use this machinery prior to a flood.

All of these sand bag alternatives are relatively easy to use. A property owner may want to invest in a reusable flood prevention solution to limit the amount of water that enters a commercial structure in Longmont, CO. If water breaches the barriers and causes damage, contact a flood damage mitigation and restoration company.

What Additional Damage Can Occur After a Flood?

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

If you already have damage due to flood or water damage in your commercial building, call SERVPRO, we are ready to help you.

What Kinds of Damage Can Happen After A Flood?

A flood in your commercial building in Erie, CO, can cause significant water damage. You may have to replace walls and insulation or replace equipment that is ruined. The initial damage isn’t the only thing you need to worry about, though. If you do not call water restoration experts in time to take care of the destruction that the flooding caused in a timely manner, you may have a black mold problem. To prevent this problem, you must first understand why it happens.

Causes

Mold spores are prevalent in the air in your building. They don’t generally become a problem, however, unless moisture and dust particles create the perfect environment for them to settle on a surface and grow. Excessive moisture can come from a variety of sources:

• Damp furniture or carpet
• High humidity
• Condensation around windows or pipes

Black mold can start to grow in as little as a day or two after an area has experienced an influx of moisture that it can’t get rid of. Mold gives off a musty odor and can infiltrate porous material to the point that it destroys it.

Prevention

To keep secondary damage at bay, you must control the moisture levels in your building. Contact mitigation professionals as soon as you know that you need water cleanup. Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity below 55%, particularly during the winter. Inspect your building for leaks frequently and make repairs as needed. Make sure you mop up spills quickly, particularly in carpeted areas so that the carpet and the pad underneath it don’t start growing mold. It is much easier to prevent additional damage than it is to get rid of it once it happens.

Cleaning up water damage is enough of a process without adding additional steps such as mitigating black mold to the mix. If you minimize the causes, you can prevent a mold problem from happening.

Quick Guide to Secondhand Fire Damage

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you with any fire damage in your business, call us!

Secondhand Fire Damage: A Quick Guide

A building next to your commercial property had a fire. The flames never touched your Berthoud, CO building, so you were surprised to find smoke damage on your walls, near your windows, and around your doors. Smoke can travel to nearby buildings and cause secondhand fire damage.

How Can You Get Rid of It?

When you find this unexpected soot damage, your first concern may be that your business will always smell like smoke. Thankfully, there are a lot of smoke cleaning techniques your fire restoration team can use to rid your property of damage and odor.

• Sprays: There are a variety of cleaning agents that can help clean walls, furnishings, and belongings of smoke. Depending on what is being cleaned, you may need to soak or spray the objects.
• Wipes: Certain objects, like computers and walls, shouldn't have the cleaners applied to them. In this case, the professionals may try a dry-cleaning method. Wipes and dry cleaning may be enough to rid some objects of minor smoke damage.
• Filtration: Odor is a big part of smoke and soot. To rid your building of the unsavory aroma, you may need to rely on special equipment. Air filtration devices, thermal foggers, and ozone machines can help clear out the air.

Cleaning up smoke can seem like a daunting task, but when you work with a team of experts they know exactly what to do for each object.

Does Insurance Cover It?

So, you didn't have a fire in your own building. Will your insurance help pay for the smoke cleaning you had to do anyway? This can depend on your particular coverage. However, typically secondhand damage caused by a fire in an adjacent building is still covered by insurance.

You don't expect to find smoke damage in your building when you didn't have a fire. Smoke can travel a long way, so you should be prepared for the unexpected if an adjacent business has a fire.

Tips for HVAC Mold Cleanup

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Conduct regular inspections of your air ducts.

How Do You Clean Mold Out Of HVAC?

Getting mold in the air ducts of your office building or warehouse in Niwot, CO, is not hard to do. Mold attaches to the dust particles in the air and can land in the dark, moist areas of the air ducts and grow. Once mold grows on filters or insulation in the ducts, the porous materials have to be completely replaced. Here are four tips for HVAC cleaning when you suspect you have a mold problem.

1. Arrange for Remediation

Mold is not a problem you want to handle on your own. If you don't contain the problem completely, it could spread to other areas of the building. If you miss any of the mold growth, it is just going to come back later. You need remediation experts who can complete the job and test the area to make sure the whole mold issue has been resolved.

2. Turn off HVAC System

The last thing you want when you have mold in your air ducts is for it to spread even further. Until the technicians are through cleaning vents and replacing damaged parts, your whole HVAC system should be off. Do not turn on the system until the HVAC cleaning is complete.

3. Remove Excess Water

If a mold problem exists in your ducts, it is likely that a moisture problem lives there, too. It may be from condensation or from high humidity levels in air. Whatever the culprit, the fact remains that the water must be extracted. Otherwise, it doesn't do much good to solve a problem if you don't also take care of underlying causes.

4. Inspect Regularly

You can head mold problems off at the pass if you conduct a regular inspection of your building. Check for condensation, and make sure the drip pans are draining the way they should. If you detect any moisture during your inspection, take care of it before mold can develop.

While most of the mold remediation should be left up to the professionals, there are several small things you can do to help out or prevent the problem from occurring again.

The Sneakiest Commercial Flooding Risk

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy rains can cause problems with water in your building.

Commercial Flooding Risk

When you think of problems you might have in your business in Berthoud, CO, natural disasters might not be anywhere near the top of your risk profile. However, flooding isn't always natural. A burst pipe could potentially cause just as much damage as a storm. Frozen pipe damage is also often less predictable than a storm or other natural damages.

Natural Floods

Natural flooding doesn't just come from rivers overflowing. There are many things that could cause problems with water in your building:

• Heavy rains
  
• Overloaded or jammed drain systems
  
• Wind damage
  
  

Since these are major events, you're much more likely to check your facility after they happen. This reduces the risk of accumulating standing water: you catch the problem early and can call flood recovery companies to pump out the overflow.

Equal Threat

Commercial facilities have high-volume water supplies in many cases. If you have a break in a supply line or any other pipe in your building, then you could face a lot of damage very quickly. This can easily equal or exceed the amount of water you might see from a major storm or a citywide flood. You could have avoided the issue by insulating pipes or keeping your building at a good temperature.

Cold Strikes

One thing that often turns a simple burst pipe into a cleanup nightmare is the unpredictability of the event. There are many factors that go into pipes freezing, and exterior temperature is just one example. Your building's insulation, the efficiency of your HVAC system, the type of plumbing you have and the location of the pipes in question all play a role. When the weather drops below freezing, you might be gambling with the future of your business if you don't consider all the angles.

In addition to the often unexpected nature of flooding from a burst pipe, it might happen where you can't see it. Keep an eye out for moisture and discoloration in the walls after extremely cold days.

Fire Prevention Tips for Commercial Buildings

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Lyons, CO.

Fire Prevention Tips

No business owner wants to imagine a devastating fire breaking out at their facility. Even though every potential risk cannot be anticipated, there are many fire prevention tips that greatly lower the risk of a fire in your Lyons, CO, building.

1. Develop a Fire Safety Plan
Assign one employee as your safety officer. This person is responsible for developing escape routes from the facility and coordinating communication with the fire department. They will also assign persons from each area of the company to identify all fire risks on the production floor and in the office.
Train all employees on safety procedures and conduct fire drills frequently.

2. Assess the Risk of Each Fire Hazard
The National Fire Protection Association has published handbooks on how to properly identify business fire safety codes. These codes will help you assess the risks and determine the best fire prevention protocols. Rate each risk from least severe to most critical and include the potential frequency of each hazard. Focus on the most severe hazards first to decrease the likelihood of a fire breaking out.
If you need help with fire damage cleanup, contact a fire restoration service as soon as possible to assess the damage. Professionals are trained to design a thorough plan to restore your building to its pre-fire condition.

3. Purchase Fire Protection Equipment
Every business should have a fire sprinkler system. The sprinklers are activated by heat so only those directly above the fire will disperse water. Not only will the fire be put out much quicker if you don't have to wait for the fire department to arrive, but much less water dispersal means less water damage as well.
Smoke detectors should be checked each month to make sure they are working, and fire extinguishers should be placed strategically around the facility.
A sound fire prevention plan will keep your employees alert and your business running smoothly.

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Commercial Facilities

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet removal in a commercial facility due to water damage

Mold Prevention Strategies

To keep your Mead, CO, facility running smoothly, you need to practice mold prevention strategies. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. That is because mold is common in commercial facilities. These properties typically feature the four ingredients that mold needs:

• A surface
• Darkness
• Moisture
• Organic nutrients

Any lingering dirt or dust in your building provides the nutrients mold loves. Combine that with a dark room and a small leak, and you could quickly end up with a mold problem. Below are some common locations for mold growth in facilities and how you can limit the spread of the fungus in those areas.

Electrical Equipment
Mold can appear in the electrical conduit following a flood. However, even just inviting warm, moist air near outlets, lighting fixtures and switches can cause the fungus to appear. Any water near electrical equipment should be dried right away. You should also seal and caulk the spaces around outlets to block moist air.

Carpets
Keeping carpets dry is another key part of mold prevention. Carpets can get wet following major water damage or a minor spill. If a carpet is soaked for less than 48 hours, experts should be able to remove the water with a wet vacuum. However, a carpet that has been contaminated by sewage water should be replaced.

Drain Pans
Drain pans should collect condensation from the HVAC system. However, if the pan clogs, mold could quickly develop. Clean the pan regularly to prevent dirt from blocking the drain line.
Humidity can also cause a carpet to get moist. If you suspect that this is happening, increase the temperature or airflow in the room so the moisture evaporates.
You can limit mold growth in your facility by reducing moisture and cleaning up any excess water immediately. As part of your mold prevention plan, you should check dark and dirty locations regularly for signs of wetness and address them quickly. If you do notice any mold during your inspections, have commercial restoration experts clean the area immediately before the fungus spreads.

3 Ways to Evaluate Your Company’s Fire Preparedness

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Training your employees can keep your company safe during a fire

Take Measures To Protect Your Business

An office fire is nothing to laugh about. While it can set your company back and damage your equipment, it can also endanger your employees. Therefore, you must take measures to prepare your business for this kind of disaster. From having a contingency plan to updating your safety equipment, you need to focus on your fire preparedness to ensure your employees' safety.

1. Do You Have a Fire Plan?
Your company may house costly equipment, but nothing is more valuable than your employees. That means the first thing you should do is create a fire plan for them. Create a detailed strategy that considers everything from an evacuation plan to hiring remediation professionals after the event. Keep in mind that elevators should not be considered safe escape routes. You can consult with your local fire marshal to create a safety plan. This may be the best option if you are unfamiliar with safe fire practices.

2. How’s Your Equipment?
In Niwot, CO, you need to have one fire extinguisher for each floor. You can always include more since these can be used to put out small office fires and save your equipment. You will also want to include some unnecessary equipment, like fire blankets and first-aid kits, throughout your office.
Have a smoke detector and sprinklers in place. Regularly test the batteries in your smoke detector since they are your first defense against a fire. It is also a good idea to have carbon monoxide detectors.

3. How Often Do You Train Your Employees?
Correctly responding to a situation can diffuse it. Ensure that your employees will call for help and calmly exit the building during a fire. Also, drill them regularly to make sure they are familiar with your contingency plan and execute it perfectly.
Fires are sudden and unpredictable, so your business must be ready to handle one. Having a contingency plan, updating your safety equipment, and training your employees can keep your company safe during a fire. Remember that preparation is the key to success. Being prepared could save your employees from a terrible fate.

3 Ways To Identify Category 2 Water Damage

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services in Longmont, CO

3 Ways To Identify Category 2 Water Damage

Restoration specialists categorize each incidence of water damage into one of three categories. Category One water damage occurs in the event that a supply line breaks and requires water pipe repair, extraction and drying. Flooded toilets and roof leaks are the most common causes of Category Two damage at commercial property in Longmont, CO. Category Two water damage is less severe than Category Three incidents, but still requires disinfection.

1. No Signs of Solid Waste
Category Two water damage is contaminated but contains no solid waste. Cleanup may be simplified, as water pipe repair and pumping out water should be sufficient. After water extraction, building owners should seek opinions from restoration professionals regarding the condition of building materials or contents exposed to a leak. Any substances that cannot be sanitized may need to be torn out and replaced to lower the risk that mold or other secondary damage will develop.

2. Clean Water Standing Over 48 Hours
Clean, treated water from a broken pipe or leaking supply line starts out as Category One damage. If the source of moisture goes untraced for longer than several days, the accumulated water can degrade in condition from Category One to Category Two damage. Over time, leaching building materials and contents can cause standing water to become highly contaminated Category Three damage.

3. Water Seeping Through Building Materials
Water that works its way through layers of building material such as roofing, insulation and drywall becomes more contaminated. Water from a roof leak is considered Category Two damage, and requires cleaning and disinfection of contents and building materials.
It is important to clean up water from any source. In the event that a pipe break flooded a commercial building in Longmont, CO, the building owner or manager should arrange for water pipe repair, extract standing water and dry the affected area as soon as possible.

How Do Experts Restore Water Damage On Two Floors?

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Niwot, CO office

How Do Experts Restore Water Damage On Two Floors?

When water damage spreads from one floor of a commercial building down to another floor, the degree of damage intensifies. Clean or contaminated water will become more contaminated as it permeates building materials. If moderate to major water or sewer damage has occurred in a building in Niwot, CO, restoration professionals will take these four measures.

1. Extract Standing Water
Eliminating water from a structure as quickly as possible is the best way to limit the extent and severity of damage. When damage has affected two floors of a building, specialists use commercial-grade equipment to eliminate pooling and stem the flow.

2. Tear Out Damaged Materials
Restoration experts at a sewage company can also recommend whether building materials exposed to water damage should be torn out. These specialists generally recommend drying items dampened by or saturated with clean water, while materials exposed to contaminated water during sewer damage should be disposed of and replaced.

3. Clean and Disinfect Both Floors
In the event of a flooded toilet or another incident that releases contaminated Category Two gray water or Category Three black water, every level of a structure exposed to contaminated water should be cleaned and disinfected. Drywall, cellulose insulation and other porous building materials can be a challenge to sanitize, making replacement a faster and safer choice.

4. Replace Ruined Building Materials
Any building materials torn out during damage cleanup can only be replaced after the affected area is totally dry. Residual moisture may raise risks of recontamination, mold or other forms of secondary damage.
When clean or contaminated water works its way down between the floors of a structure, the degree of water or sewer damage intensifies significantly. Building owners or managers should rely on cleanup and restoration experts to handle any category of water damage that affects more than one floor of a commercial building in Niwot, CO.

3 Common Water Issues to Lookout For in Your Commercial Building

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Cracked walls and uneven flooring may indicate a shifting foundation

Look For Signs of Water Issues

As you manage a commercial building in Berthoud, CO, you are likely to focus on day-to-day maintenance tasks like cleaning, stocking supplies, and maintaining common areas. When going about your routine management duties, look for signs of water issues lurking just below the surface. From leaking pipes to shifting floor tiles, minor indicators can serve as clues for early prevention. Catching these warning signs early-on may help you avoid the need for serious repairs or major flooding incidents down the road. Watch for these three common water issues in your commercial facility:

1. Bulging Walls and Ceiling Tiles

Don't discount stained ceiling tiles or bubbled walls as non-issues in your commercial building. As you get below the surface, these small problems may be evidence of a pipe break or leak. Leaking pipes can lead to flooding, mold and mildew in your facility if not addressed immediately.

2. Aged or Deteriorated Piping

In older facilities, piping material should be inspected for resilience and durability. While some piping, like PVC, is meant to last a lifetime, other materials age with time and can deteriorate. In buildings over 25 years old, inspect for piping materials including the following:

• Copper
• Cast iron
• Aluminum
  
  

3. Foundation Cracks or Movement

Cracked walls and uneven flooring may indicate a shifting foundation. Likewise, these could be signs of underground plant intrusion or moving ground. Foundation movement and root overgrowth may lead to the damage of buried pipe and sewage lines. Watch for cracks paired with toilet backup or other clogged plumbing issues as signs of damage.
When you spot leaking pipes or any other water concerns within your facility, address them immediately. If water damage takes place, call a professional to aid you in the cleanup. A commercial water restoration crew in your area has the equipment and experience needed to remove water and restore your facility to regular operation.

3 Benefits of Business Interruption Insurance

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

3 Benefits of Business Interruption Insurance

When a business in Longmont, CO, sustains fire damage, bills associated with owning a business aren't suddenly put on hold. For many business owners, paying expenses after a fire can be extremely challenging. However, business interruption insurance can be useful to business owners in this situation for various reasons.

1. Keep Paying Rent or Paying Off Loans

When a business opens, a business owner generally will either rent out a building for the business or will purchase the building. Whether you took out a loan to pay for your business or you pay rent for your building, payments are often made continuously. However, after a business fire, it can be difficult to continue to pay off loans or to pay for rent if your business isn't making money during restoration. Interruption insurance can help provide you with the money you need to keep paying off loans or to continue paying rent.

2. Cover the Lost Revenue

One of the primary purposes of business interruption insurance is to cover the cost of any revenue lost revenue after a fire. While it may be helpful to employ a fire cleaning and restoration company to restore your business, it's often necessary to temporarily close your business's doors during cleanup and restoration, which can lead to a loss of revenue. When you are paid for the loss of revenue, however, you can feel secure in your ability to continue to pay important bills.

3. Continue To Pay Employees
After a business fire, the temporary loss of income often makes continuing to pay one's employees a challenge for business owners. As a result, skilled employees may quit in order to find a different job, which can be disruptive and detrimental to your business as a whole. Fortunately, interruption insurance can help to cover the costs of employees' pay, which can offer you and your employees peace of mind if a fire occurs.

Without business interruption insurance, a fire in your business can be financially devastating. Having interruption insurance can make it easier for you to pay rent or pay loans, to cover lost revenue and to pay employees until your business is fully restored.

5 Fire Prevention Tips for Your Business

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire sprinkler system in Erie, CO

Here Are Five Things To Consider

When planning fire preparation steps for your Erie, CO, business, many fire damage restoration services recommend a few things. These professionals can help with cleanup and repairs after a fire, but taking these steps beforehand may help mitigate damage. Here are five things to consider.

1. Make A Plan

One of the first steps is to make a disaster preparation plan. This should include emergency exits, evacuation routes, and an emergency meetup place.you may also want to include fire extinguisher usage instructions.

2. Have A Sprinkler System

Having an overhead fire suppression system can help prevent fire damage. Choose a system that works best for your business environment, and follow any recommended maintenance procedures.

3. Have Extinguishers

Having fire extinguishers in easy to access locations is another important step for fire preparation. This will help ensure that they are readily available for use during an emergency. You may also want to ensure that all employees know how to use an extinguisher should a situation require it.

4. Maintain Equipment

Staying up-to-date with maintenance can help prevent fires as well. Check for frayed cords or loose components and have a professional make any repairs. In some cases, you may want to replace old equipment instead.

5. Follow Safety Procedures

It’s important to follow all recommended safety procedures for any equipment you may use. Knowing how to safely operate the equipment can help prevent mishaps that could lead to a fire. You may also want to ensure that any employees using the machinery are trained as well.

When taking fire preparation steps for your business, it’s important to start with a plan. Share this information with your employees and make sure everyone knows how the safety tools, such as the sprinkler system and fire extinguishers, work. Also, keep any equipment maintained and ensure the proper safety usage steps are followed. If a fire does occur, a fire restoration service can help.

Is It Safe To Clean Up Flood Damages?

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration services after storm damage in Mead, CO

Is It Safe To Clean Up Flood Damages?

Water damage can result from a large number of situations, including aging appliances and serious natural disasters. A leaking water heater can cause a flooded basement, and a tropical storm could cause a sewage backup. When should you attempt to clean up the water and damage on your own? When should you turn the job over to a professional?

Your Top Concerns

There are some crucial questions to ask yourself before you approach any type of flood on your commercial property:

• Could there be electricity in the area?
  
• Does black water pose any risks?
  
• Can you prevent secondary damages?
  
• Will your efforts lead to further damages?
  
  
  

The answers to these questions will help you decide whether to proceed on your own or contact storm damage and water cleanup professionals.

Electricity and Water

Downed power lines or damaged wiring can create serious risks when mixed with water. It only takes a tiny bit of moisture to create the risk of electrocution. If exposed wires and a damp floor are part of the damages on your property, keep everyone away from the area.

Black Water

Contaminated water is a huge risk in many flooding situations. This type of water often carries raw sewage, animal feces, chemicals, and bacterial contaminants. Even minimal exposure to these substances can be a significant risk.

Secondary Damages

Did you know that mold can begin to develop within just a day or two? If you decide to clean up water damage on your own and miss hidden pockets of moisture, you'll face a lot of secondary damages as mold and mildew spread throughout your building.

Further Damages

Sometimes property owners hope to save money by tackling serious damages on their own. Unfortunately, it's easy to make mistakes and make matters worse when you don't have the training or experience to tackle serious damages.

Before you try to handle any type of cleanup and repairs on your own, make sure you're prepared to handle all possible dangers. If there's electricity, contaminated water, or the potential for further damages, it's best to contact Mead, CO, professionals.

The Process of Commercial Mold Remediation

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Mold containment in a Longmont, CO facility

A Four-Step Process

Have you seen any indication that your commercial property has a mold problem? If so, do not just assume that you can remove the problem on your own. The EPA and OSHA have strict mold standards when it comes to removal. Therefore, it is best to hire a professional remediation service. These companies will all likely follow the same four-step process.

1. Testing for mold
   
2. Determining the affected area
   
3. Reducing exposure risk
   
4. Removing mold growth
   
   

Testing for Mold

Many business owners worry their building's mold issue may evolve to black mold. Unfortunately, while toxic mold is rare, the only way to know for sure is to have samples taken. Most remediation crews do this as a standard practice because different species require different precautions for removal. Testing may require several days, depending on the lab locations.

Determining Affected Area

The regulated mold standards also require a removal service to restrict access to the affected area and to seal off and control airflow. While this measure is to protect the health of workers, it also reduces the potential spread of spores to other areas of the property.

Reducing Exposure Risk

Once the affected area is determined, the removal crew will seal it off from the rest of the facility by taping up plastic sheeting. They will also tape over vents and other openings. Then, they will bring in ventilation and filtration systems to help limit further exposure and contamination.

Removing Mold Growth

When the area is contained, the Longmont, CO, mold removal specialist will begin the mold clean up. They will cut away contaminated sections of drywall, remove exposed insulation and thoroughly clean every surface. Once removal and cleaning are complete, they will rebuild and restore your property.
It is necessary to acknowledge that mold standards exist and that you, as a business owner, may not be aware of all the necessary precautions and actions involved in mold removal. Therefore, protect yourself and your facility by hiring a professional and certified remediation company.