What a Tenant Is Liable for After a Flood

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

In any flood damage, SERVPRO uses professional equipment for drying and restoring your property back to normal conditions. Call us!

After A Flood, What Is A Tenant's Liability?

Flooding at your property can be very stressful. The last thing you want is to go through a disaster and have no renter’s insurance or any idea how to proceed. As a renter, it is best to prepare and know for what you are accountable. This breakdown of duties can help you avoid confusion.

Tenant Responsibilities

As a renter, you are more protected than you might realize. For instance, if you can no longer occupy your commercial space because of flood damage, you have some options:

• Most insurance coverage will take care of temporary relocation costs. If your business is unable to be used because of excessive damage, you will have the option to move.
• You will not be obligated to pay for the amount of time that you have vacated the original space. What if you are not displaced but the damage is still significant? You might be able to ask for a rent deduction.
• You should also have the option to cancel your lease when you need to relocate. Make sure to inform the property owner either before moving out or soon after.

One thing a tenant should always have is renter’s insurance. You can never predict when disaster will strike in Liberty, MO. Since you are still responsible for your possessions, it would be better to know that you are covered.

Property Owner Responsibilities

The property owner is responsible for all damage done to the building they are leasing. That includes anything rented to the tenant, such as appliances. However, most property insurance does not include flooding. Property owners should look at their policies and buy flood insurance if needed. The number of a water damage repair service can also come in handy when an emergency arises.

At flood at your property does not need to be the end of the world. As a tenant, make sure you have good renter’s insurance and honest communication with the property owner. As an owner, flood insurance may be a wise idea. Stay prepared, and you can hopefully avoid stress and get back to normal in no time.

How Do I Maintain a Fire Sprinkler System?

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect sprinklers regularly and do not ignore repairs.

What Is the Best Way to Maintain a Fire Sprinkler System?

As a business owner and manager, you can carry many responsibilities. Two of those are likely safeguarding company property and inventory and keeping employees and customers safe. Installing a fire sprinkler system can be a great way to accomplish both goals. In fact, a national standard called NFPA 13 has been established to set down procedures and conditions for installing fire suppression measures such as sprinkler systems in commercial buildings.

You probably never want to need such measures, but fires can happen due to many causes. Should a suppression system be activated to quench a blaze within your facility, the aftermath may involve fire sprinkler cleanup. If a fire threatens your Gladstone, MO, commercial building, you should know the sprinklers are well-maintained and there is a plan for cleaning up the mess. Here are three considerations for maintaining commercial emergency sprinklers and planning for cleanup.

1. Inspect sprinklers regularly and do not ignore repairs. Carefully check and test your structure’s emergency fire sprinkler system regularly. Local laws and insurance considerations may dictate the inspection schedule. If any problems are found, fix them immediately. In addition to being a safety issue, sprinkler problems may violate insurance and legal regulations.

2. Clearly delegate responsibilities. You should be clear about who is responsible for fire suppression maintenance. For example, should business owners or building owners schedule regular inspections and tests? Those who arrange for regular checks also should know they must inform the fire inspector.

3. Have a plan for after the blaze is out. Who wants to think about a building fire? However, every business facility should have a professional fire restoration team they can call on to repair and clean up the damage.

Should a blaze flare up in your Gladstone, MO, commercial property, you should make sure everyone is safe. A fire sprinkler system can be an effective fire suppression tool that can hopefully quench the flames before they destroy significant property and equipment. Once a blaze is out, though, you should deal with fire sprinkler cleanup. An experienced fire restorer can work to restore your business to its pre-fire condition.

Wood Floors and Water Don’t Mix: How Soon To Clean Up a Wet Floor

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Wood floors are prone to damage when exposed to water.

How Soon To Clean Up a Wet Floor

Hardwood is a popular flooring material for many commercial facilities. While beautiful and trendy, wood floors are prone to damage when exposed to water. But how quickly should you act when your wood floor gets hit with water? From a spilled cup to a pipe burst, learn what to do and when to take action to prevent serious damage.

Minimal Water Exposure

Because wood floors are often used in a variety of professional settings, contact with water may be unavoidable. Instead of cleaning the wood with water, use a minimal amount of hardwood floor cleaner for regular mopping. There are several ways you can avoid damage from a wet floor:

• Place rugs at entry points and high-traffic areas.
  
• Quickly towel up small spills and wet footprints.
  
• Refinish floors when needed so that they have a protective coating.
  
  

Heavy Water Exposure

Unlike the occasional spill or splash, a pipe burst or other water emergency can be cause for greater concern for your beautiful wood flooring. A burst water line can happen all at once or may go unnoticed for a time. Once the water is spotted, the best practice is to act quickly.

Start by shutting off the main water supply to prevent further water exposure. Next, remove as much water as possible from the affected area. A submersible pump or wet/dry vacuum should do the trick. If you do not have access to this equipment, you may want to turn to a professional water cleanup service.

Restoration and Replacement

Once all of the water has been removed, you will need to assess the resulting damages. Wood is susceptible to rot and swelling after longstanding contact with water. Some incidents may be resolved by drying the floor with a dehumidifier, while others may call for replacement of damaged wood altogether.

A pipe burst in Liberty, MO, can cause serious damage to your wood flooring. After flooding, take immediate action to clean and dry your floors to avoid costly replacement.

Important Steps To Take After a Partial Loss

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire loss in Kansas City, MO.

Steps to Take Following a Partial Loss

Your business owner’s policy probably explicitly details the coverage you can expect if a fire breaks out in your building. A partial fire loss, however, should also be covered by your insurance. Fire and smoke damage can affect your business in Kansas City, MO, even if the fire occurs somewhere near your property. To receive the compensation you deserve, it is important to complete the following checklist.

1. Have your building inspected. When you file a claim, the insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the property. Rather than settle for just the adjuster’s assessment, however, consider having restoration specialists conduct an inspection of their own. Professional technicians can assess all the areas of your building with potential fire damage:

• Interior walls, particularly if they border the area affected by the fire
  
• Plumbing, including pipes and supply lines
  
• Windows and frames
  
• HVAC system and air ducts
  
• Siding or any exterior features
  
• Roof
  
  

Your building may exhibit signs of fire loss even if the fire was in the building next door. Don’t depend solely on your insurance adjuster to note the damage.

2. Start the restoration process quickly. If there is damage to your building, you will need to hire fire restoration technicians to repair it. These repairs cannot wait. Even if you have a partial loss, unchecked damage that starts as a minor issue can become extensive if it is put on the back burner too long. Your insurance policy should pay for your business to be restored to a uniform and consistent appearance in a timely manner.

3. Keep your claim open. Smoke damage does not necessarily manifest at first. For example, the effect heat and smoke have on your landscaping can show up months later as plants eventually die as a result of a nearby fire. An open claim or supplemental claims allow you to ask for compensation.

Area disasters can result in fire loss on your property. Don’t neglect to be diligent just because the loss is partial.

Mold Problems: At the Intersection of Water and Dirt

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Ceiling tiles are frequently composed of porous materials, allowing mold to grow.

Top Places Where Mold Hides

Your commercial property in Liberty, MO, can easily become a breeding ground for mold growth. Even with regular inspection and maintenance, mold problems can still occur. Excess dust and moisture can linger in hidden places and combine forces to cause a fungal infestation that can only be remedied by mold remediation experts. Here are the top four places mold likes to hide in commercial buildings.

1. Carpet

Carpet has many crevices where mold spores can hide and many surfaces to which it is easy for mold to adhere. While you can't prevent all spills and can't always control how well people clean up after themselves when they do spill, you can dehumidify the room by increasing airflow to the area. This can help dry out the carpet and prevent mold growth.

2. Ceiling Tiles

Ceiling tiles are often made of porous material, which allows mold to take root. Watch out for water damage in ceiling tiles and get it fixed as fast as possible. It only takes a day or two for mold to start to grow in places where leaks have occurred. Because the growth usually starts on the side of the tile that is hidden, it can become a big problem before it is noticed.

3. Walls

Walls present the same difficulty that ceiling tiles do. The moisture problem contributing to the mold issue is often inside the wall and thus can become significantly moldy long before it is detected. When this happens, it is best to let remediation experts handle the problem to ensure it is resolved completely.

4. Air Ducts

The dust in air ducts can attract mold spores and give them a place to grow. When coupled with high humidity, the mold problem gets larger. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the HVAC system is necessary to detect or prevent mold problems in the ducts.

Since mold spores are everywhere, you can't always prevent mold growth. You can, however, stop the problem before it gets out of hand if you are vigilant.

4 Things You Need to Know About the National Flood Insurance Program

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Office suffering from storm damage.

The National Flood Insurance Program

As a commercial property owner in Gladstone, MO, you may protect your investment with a commercial insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide you with some coverage. Your commercial storm damage remediation professional may be able to help you learn more about the NFIP.

1. It covers building property damage. This type of flood policy is designed to help you pay for the structural damages done to your building. This means the general policy does not cover the personal belongings within the building. Instead, it helps cover damages done to the foundation, plumbing, awnings, HVAC systems and other permanent fixtures of the property.

2. It won't help pay for damages that could have been avoided. Like other commercial insurance policies dedicated to flooding, this one won't pay for any water issues that you neglected to fix. For example, if a leaking pipe caused major flooding on your property, the damages may not be covered if you knew about the leak beforehand but chose not to fix it.

3. The value of damages is based on actual cash value. When an assessor comes out to your property, he or she will consider how much it will cost to replace the items that were destroyed in the flooding. That cost minus the physical depreciation of the item will equal how much you could get.

4. It can save you from the sole financial burden. While this policy through FEMA may not cover all issues caused by a storm, it can help you with the financial aspect of the repairs. Having any type of flood policy can make you feel more secure when a bad storm rolls through the area.

Not all commercial insurance policies are the same. If you want to understand the coverage you have for your commercial property, you need to contact your insurance provider. 

The Most Successful Methods for Content Cleaning After a Fire

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a commercial building in Kansas City, MO.

The Most Successful Methods for Content Cleaning After a Fire

After a fire sweeps through your commercial building in Kansas City, MO, you are left with an overwhelming mess. It can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, fire remediation specialists have seen it all before and they know how to restore order to all of the chaos. Technicians understand the best methods for cleaning the varied contents of a business. They know that dry-cleaning works best on clothes and fabrics, while ultra-sonic methods are more appropriate for items made of ceramic, metals, plastic and rubber. They will work to match the best cleaning method with each item damaged by fire.

Advanced Content Cleaning Techniques
A fire and smoke restoration technician has a full arsenal of tools at his or her disposal. The process often begins with pretesting to determine if an item is a good candidate for restoration or if it is too damaged to be cleaned. If an item can be restored, the technician will choose from a variety of cleaning techniques:

• Dry-cleaning
  
• Abrasion cleaning
  
• Wet cleaning
  
• Immersion cleaning
  
• Foam cleaning
  
• Spray and wipe
  
  

Some items require more intensive methods to clean out soot and smoke odors. Other items call for gentler methods that won't cause any additional harm.

Additional Methods
Sometimes it makes sense to remove damaged contents to another building for better care. Content storage has several benefits. It allows the crew to work more efficiently in your damaged building. It also keeps sensitive items out of harm's way. You can feel confident that these items will be moved with the necessary care, and they will be returned at the appropriate time. The option for this service may depend upon insurance considerations.
Whether your fire-damaged items need dry-cleaning or some other method, it is good knowing that trained technicians will be in charge. The job will be done to the highest standards of the cleaning and restoration industry.

4 Steps for Repairing Roof Damage After a Storm

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Severe damage to a building in Liberty, MO.

4 Steps for Repairing Roof Damage After a Storm

Damage that occurs during a storm in Liberty, MO, can cause a multitude of problems for your business. One way that your building might be affected is by developing a roof leak. Whether this was caused by wind, excessive moisture, or something else, it will need to be fixed quickly to prevent further issues. The following are some steps that should be taken during this process.

1. Remove Damaged Materials

A damaged roof can sometimes absorb large amounts of water during a storm. If this happens, then some materials might need to be replaced. If there was hail or heavy winds involved, then there may also be damaged shingles or tiles that should be removed.

2. Dry the Area

After damaged materials are removed, it is important that the area is allowed to dry thoroughly. If this step is skipped, it can lead to secondary damage. Moisture from a roof leak can cause materials to rot or warp, weakening their structure and making it more likely that further damage will occur in the future. It can also lead to the growth of mold which thrives in moist environments and can spread quickly throughout your building.

3. Clean and Disinfect

It is possible that winds carried dirt and debris onto the roof during the storm. In order to properly restore the roof, this material must be removed and the area should be treated with a disinfectant. This will help prevent bacteria and mold from growing inside the roof and will make it easier to place new tiles.

4. Make Repairs

The final step is to begin repairing the roof. Some areas may need to be rebuilt if they were severely affected. Missing shingles will need to be replaced as well.
If you have visible roof damage or have developed a roof leak after a storm, then you should have it repaired as soon as possible. Instead of trying to do the work yourself, it is best to hire a professional cleanup and restoration service. This will ensure that you have the best results in a timely manner.

Check Your Insurance Policy for Mold Coverage

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spores are everywhere, even if you can't see them.

After a water-related event like a storm, pipe burst or fire, mold can begin to proliferate in your Liberty, MO, building. Left unchecked, wet or damp surfaces may provide a breeding ground for mold within 24 to 48 hours. It's important to understand your commercial insurance policy to see if mold damage is covered.

Why Mold Is a Problem

Mold spores are everywhere, even if you can't see them. They are carried by wind and air currents and can enter buildings on clothing, shoes or pet fur. Spores will begin to grow in an environment with these conditions:

• Moisture
• Oxygen
• Food source (organic material)
• Warmth

Building materials like wood, drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet provide food sources for mold, so once moisture enters your facility, it can begin to colonize and cause damage.

Insurance Coverage
Commercial insurance policies differ in scope and size. Whether your policy covers mold damage depends on the language in your policy. It also depends on the source of contamination. The standard Insurance Services Office, or ISO, form contains a broad fungus exclusion. Mold is a type of fungus and falls under the exclusion.
There are three exceptions to the exclusion:

• If the mold results from fire or lightning
• If you have a specified cause of loss that results from mold
• Fungus that results from a specified cause other than fire or lightning (limited fungus coverage)

Under limited fungus coverage, the policy covers damage, repair and cleanup. It covers loss or damage if the mold results from a specified cause of loss. If your policy includes an endorsement for flood coverage, mold resulting from a flood is also covered.
To obtain mold insurance through limited fungus coverage, you must use reasonable means to preserve your property from further damage before and after the triggering event.
Limited fungus coverage can help pay for a professional remediation company to mitigate damage caused by mold. Check your commercial insurance policy for details.

All About Commercial Property Insurance

1/3/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial insurance for your business is used to cover your property

Commercial insurance for your business is used to cover your property. It will cover the cost of hiring a remediation company in the event of a disaster and replacing any stolen items. Many different types of businesses can benefit from this insurance. Make sure you know more about it before adding it to your bundle.

What Is It?

Commercial insurance can seem like a major expense if you have expensive equipment in your shop. However, it will protect this equipment if it is stolen or damaged. Additionally, the insurance policy is deductible as an expense. This type of insurance is not ideal if you rent out space in your building and a tenant damages your property.

What Factors Impact Its Cost?
Many factors can impact the cost of the policy for your business in Kansas City, MO. These include:

• Your exact location
• The construction materials
• Your occupancy limits
• The fire and theft protection systems in place

What Property Does It Cover?
The most common thing it is used to cover is the structure where your business is. It can also cover all of the office equipment inside your business. Additionally, you can find policies that protect your important records, inventory, fences, landscape features, and exterior signs.

When Would You Use It?
Your commercial insurance can be used in a variety of situations. It is most commonly used in cases of natural disasters. For example, you can use it to replace any equipment destroyed by a fire. If you live in an area prone to fires or hurricanes, this is a good idea. It can also be used in the event of a theft.
If you have your own business, you need to protect it and your equipment. Instead, invest in a commercial property insurance policy. This will protect your building in the event of fire damage, theft, or other disasters. While it may be costly, it is often deductible and can save you from having to pay to replace your equipment.

5 Warning Signs of Leaky Pipes in Your Company's Plumbing

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fissures may be a precursor to heftier problems

Here Are Five Signs That Your Office's Plumbing May Be On The Verge Of Failure

Leaking pipes happen for a multitude of reasons. Because of this, there are many indicators that your company may be in danger of suffering an imminent pipe break. Here are five signs that your office’s plumbing may be on the verge of failure.

1. Wall Cracks
Minor fractures in newer buildings are a natural result of settling and pose zero risks. If your building is older, however, fissures may be a precursor to heftier problems. Earthquakes and mudslides can cause severe structural damage, including a significant pipe break. Be aware of this possibility if you are located in a danger zone.

2. High Water Bills
If your statement suddenly indicates more usage with no apparent cause, you may have leaking pipes. Monthly charges for water usage typically vary. However, an uptick of more than $15 may be cause for concern. Invoices that rise beyond that threshold are good indicators of developing issues.

3. Sewer Line Complications
Although designed to last more than 25 years, cast iron sewer lines are prone to corrosion. When this happens, major complications transpire. Look for deformed landscaping, constantly clogging drains, sewer gas smells, and toilet backup as potential indicators of this affliction.

4. Indoor Dampness
Inside moisture is a surefire indicator of plumbing issues. Besides needing to handle the leak’s source, there is strong potential for other forms of building damage that must be repaired. Waterlogged insulation and soaked carpeting, for instance, should be treated by a professional commercial water restoration service.

5. Fluctuating Water Pressure
Plumbing should always produce an even flow. If weak streams become commonplace, a pipe may have burst. High water pressure, on the other hand, has the potential to create cracks and fissures. Pressure should go no higher than 45 psi.
Before leaking pipes create a major headache in Kansas City, MO, be aware of indicators that a serious matter is brewing. Catching difficulties before they expand into disasters will prevent significant inconvenience.

How To Limit Flooding During Construction

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

Just one broken pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage

Steps To Reduce Flooding During Construction

As a construction business owner in Liberty, MO, you know the importance of minimizing harm at a work site. Just one broken pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage. If the building becomes flooded, you will have to spend extra money on debris removal and emergency restoration services. The excess water could also put your project behind schedule.
To prevent the need for a water pipe repair company, you should take steps to reduce flooding during all three construction phases. Below are the three phases and ways to limit water damage during each of them.

1. Pre-Construction
Before your project begins, you should design a formal quality control program. Make sure that your plans are peer-reviewed in advance.
If possible, direct any draining water away from the excavation and the structure itself. Consider installing backup pumping and power systems, as well.

2. Construction
Once the construction actually begins, have the pipes tested and installed early in the process. This way, even if you do need water pipe repair, the broken pipe will not cause too much damage to the finished structure.
Each week, create a list of any potential water problems that arise. Make sure that every item on the list is resolved by the end of the week. The longer you allow issues to linger, the more damage they could cause. Ideally, you should have a designated team that focuses solely on protecting the property from water harm. You can use your own employees or outside consultants.
You should additionally perform water tightness testing once the building's roof is installed. This test should also be done by an expert.

3. Post-Construction
You may still discover some water issues as you close down the project. Any water pipe repair should be performed within 48 hours.
By making some minor adjustments before, during and after the construction process, you can prevent water damage and keep your project on schedule. You will also have more money to spend on the building itself instead of having to pay for remediation services.

4 Benefits of Working With a Certified Water Damage Expert

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Kansas City, MO

4 Benefits of Working With a Certified Water Damage Expert

When your commercial building floods, your first concern is finding a professional team in Kansas City, MO, that can help you remedy the situation. You might not be thinking about finding a certified team. Instead, you simply want a team that can get the job done quickly. You know you have to act quickly, but it may still be beneficial for you to find a certified remediation team for your water cleanup.

1. Knowledgeable: Anyone who is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification has to pass a rigorous set of exams. This means you can trust your professional to know how to handle even the most complex flooding situation. Your team's certification may make them better suited to handle content cleaning, mold removal, and other secondary tasks related to cleaning up after a broken pipe.

2. Ethical: The certification also ensures your team adheres to a certain code of ethics. This code may ensure no corners are cut when doing a water cleanup. If a team cuts corners, your restoration may not be as complete as you thought it was.

3. Insured: Before a company can receive the certification from the IICRC, the businesses must prove that it is fully and properly insured. Working with an insured business benefits you because it relieves some of the financial risks of having workers in your building. Flooding can weaken structures or cause mold growth, but an insured business takes the responsibility for these risks.

4. Licensed: Some restoration businesses follow storms across the country. These companies may not have local or state licenses, which means they don't know the local codes. A certified business, however, must meet all license requirements.

When you need to start the water cleanup process in your commercial building, you want to know that the team you call can get the job done correctly the first time around. If you choose to hire a certified company, you can trust that the experts know what they're doing.

3 Reasons You Should Hire Professionals To Clean Puffback

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Hire specialist around Liberty, MO area

Reasons To Leave This Type Of Damage To The Experts

A malfunctioning furnace does more than just drive up your energy costs. It can also cause puffback damage to the walls and ceiling around it. You may be tempted to clean the soot damage in your commercial building in Liberty, MO, to save money, particularly if the furnace itself needs extensive repairs or replacement. There are several reasons you should leave this type of damage mitigation to the experts, though.

1. Difficult To Clean
When you first see the soot on the wall above the furnace, it may seem that a bucket of soapy water and some elbow grease should do the trick. Soot from an oil furnace, however, is not easy to remove. It is sticky with a tar-like texture. Even if you are able to get a lot of it off the wall, chances are that you are going to need to hire fire mitigation experts to finish the job. Why not start with them in the first place?

2. Hard To Find
Soot from a smoking furnace gets everywhere. Even if you see a lot of puffback damage, you are probably not seeing the full extent of the problem. Soot particles make their way into air vents where they can travel in the ducts throughout your building. A thorough cleaning usually involves tackling your whole HVAC system.

3. Full of Odor
Furnace puffback can leave soot in every crack and crevice surrounding the equipment. If you only clean the surface, you are leaving a lot of damage untouched, and the lingering odor proves it. Professional technicians have special processes and equipment to reach even the smallest places where soot can go. They clean and deodorize your building, leaving it just like it was before the problem occurred.
Puffback damage around your furnace tells you that you need to have it repaired. Hiring specialists who can completely mitigate the damage to your building is just as important.

5 Tips for Preventing Toilet Clogs in Your Business

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Clogged toilet in Gladstone, MO

While many people will take care to not clog their own toilets at home and to never flush down harmful objects, not everyone is so cautious when using a public bathroom. This can become very stressful for business owners who must constantly address a clogged toilet and call for sewage cleanup and restoration services. Here are some tips for encouraging customers and employees using your bathrooms in Gladstone, MO, to avoid a toilet overflow.

Place Trash Cans Near Every Toilet

Baby wipes and feminine hygiene products are common culprits of toilet clogs. While you can’t force customers to properly dispose of these items, you can make it as easy as possible for them to rid of them by making sure there are trash cans in every stall. It is also a good idea to place a trash can near every baby changing station as well.

Put Up Signs

Put friendly signs up reminding people what items they need to throw away in a trash can instead of flush down the toilet. Use a bold color such as red and images to best catch the attention of everyone who enters the bathroom.

Address Plumbing Issues Immediately

Common plumbing issues, such as a slow drain, can lead to a clogged toilet if not addressed. Perform regular maintenance on your toilets and repair plumbing problems immediately.

Replace Paper Towel Dispensers

Paper towels can back up a toilet if flushed. Consider replacing all paper towel dispensers with air blowers to avoid this problem.

Regularly Check Bathrooms

To avoid sewage overflow, regularly have employees check bathrooms to check for any clogs. This is also a good time to empty out trashes and replace toilet paper as well.
While every business owner will need to deal with a clogged toilet at least one in their career, these tips can help make this unsanitary situation happen less frequently. If a clog does occur, make sure to get professional help to properly sanitize the area.

How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

A professional company often uses special cleaning and disinfecting agents to effectivity clean ducts

How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts

Black mold can become a problem inside commercial buildings. Any type of moisture that is left to sit can lead to mold in as little as 48 hours. Once the spores become airborne, they can circulate throughout the building in the ventilation system. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in Gladstone, MO, there are several steps you can take to remedy the situation.

1. Identify Mold

The first step is to determine if you have a problem with mold. If you notice a strange musky odor when running your air conditioner or black dust around air vents, you may have a mold problem. Suffering allergy-like symptoms while indoors is another classic sign of mold. If it is present, a certified technician can assess what areas are impacted and determine what type of mold it is.

2. Detect Spread

If black mold is found, the extent of the infestation will need to be determined. Once it has been found in the air ducts, the insulation will need to be checked. If mold is found, the material will likely need to be replaced.

3. Clean and Disinfect

A professional company often uses special cleaning and disinfecting agents to effectivity clean ducts. It is important to work with a professional because they will know the right agents to use and how to use them safely and effectively.

4. Identify the Source

Once clean up has been completed, the source of the problem should be identified and fixed. If left unattended, the spores may once again begin to circulate throughout the ductwork.
Knowing what to look for and finding indicators of black mold is only the first step. You will need a professional mold inspector to assess the situation. If you find that you are dealing with a mold infestation, you will need to hire a professional mold remediation company to restore your building to its pre-mold condition.

Preparing Your Business for Extreme Winter Weather

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for winter threats such as a severe snow storm

As winter approaches Liberty, MO, it's important to prepare your business for the possible dangers of extreme cold and severe storms. You need to keep your company running, but you also need to keep your buildings and employees safe. Here are some ways to prepare your business for winter threats such as a severe snow storm.

Monitor Storm Patterns

Staying informed on upcoming storms can help you keep safe. Watch for emergency alerts from national public warning systems such as the Emergency Alert System and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These programs provide important information on storms as well as instructions on how to prepare for them. You should take basic steps to weather-proof your building such as installing or replacing damaged weather stripping, caulking, and insulation. Before a storm hits, install and test building alarms and check their battery backup systems. Create emergency preparedness kits and first aid kits for your business. Preparing before a major snow storm hits can help you stay safe during it.

Have a Plan

If your business can run remotely, consider allowing employees to work from home. This keeps people off of potentially dangerous roads and out of extreme temperatures. If your business requires staff to be in a specific location, consider creating a "snow team" of essential employees to work during the storm. You can have them stay in a nearby hotel to minimize commute times and dangers. In the event of an extreme storm that knocks out power and utilities, know when you need to close your business.

Restore Your Business

If your business sustains damage from a severe winter storm, you should take steps immediately to minimize the effects. For example, if the freezing temperatures have caused a pipe burst, you should contact experts in emergency restoration services. These professionals can help you with an array of needs including water damage restoration, electronics restoration, and document drying.
Keep yourself, your employees, and your business prepared for extreme winter weather. Use these tips to be ready for a severe snow storm or below-freezing temperatures.

The Costs of Undetected Leaks

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

One faucet that drips once a minute wastes 34 gallons of water a year

There's a large number of things that could cause expensive water damage to your Gladstone, MO, business. Really cold temperatures could cause a pipe break or a failing air conditioning unit could have a slow leak that goes undiscovered. Sadly, that small water leak could potentially become as expensive, or even more expensive, than an obvious cause of flooding.

The Costs of Leaking Water

In the United States, water damage is one of the most commonly reported property insurance claims. The related costs go well beyond repairing the source of the leak. The longer water is allowed to drip down the wall and throughout the area, the more expensive the losses and repairs will become:

• Damage caused directly by water, such as destruction of drywall and carpeting
  
• Secondary damages, such as mold and rust
  
• Replacement of damaged furnishings and equipment
  
• Wasted water and higher utility bills
  
  
  

Imagine a leaky faucet. According to a government-sponsored drip calculator, one faucet that drips once a minute wastes 34 gallons of water a year. Unfortunately, a water leak, such as a broken a/c unit or a leaking rain gutter, sends a lot more than one drip per minute into your property.

How To Detect Leaks

Maybe you can't control all of the ways your business could suffer damage from water, but you can take steps to spot hidden leaks. One of the best ways to recognize a problem is to keep a close eye on your water usage. If you notice unusual spikes or even a slow increase, there may be a leak. You can also test your water meter before and after a period of two hours when the water has been turned off. There shouldn't be any difference in the readings before and after. If you're not sure how to do these tests, a local plumber may be willing to help.

Don't Put Leak Detection Off

Don't wait until you require expensive repairs from a Gladstone, MO, water damage remediation and reconstruction professional. Take action today to be sure you don't have a water leak undetected on your property.

3 Steps to Protecting Your Business After a Fire

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Boarding up openings can keep rodents and birds from nesting inside of the facility

Keep Your Business Safe During Cleanup and Restoration Process

In the event of a business fire, fire damage is only one of several concerns you may have for protecting your business from further losses. Cleanup and restoration take time after a fire occurs. Keep your business safe during that process with the following three tips.

1. Avoid a Repeat Fire

When you discover a fire in your Liberty, MO, business you should turn to the local fire department to help you put it out. While your efforts may be good in stopping the fire from spreading, a fire crew can help you find the cause of the fire. Determining the cause is the best way to prevent further fire damage from occurring or reoccurring. If a small fire occurs, you may need to look for the cause yourself. Start by doing the following:

• Unplug or turn off any electrical devices in the area
• Turn off surrounding heat sources
• Shut off gas supply to prevent the fire from spreading
  

2. Defend From the Elements

Once the fire has been completely put out and fire cleanup has begun, protecting your building from the outside elements is a critical step to avoiding further losses. In the fall and winter months, roof damage should be secured with a tarp to keep rain, hail and snow from permeating the structure. In warm months, tarping or boarding up openings can keep rodents and birds from nesting inside of the facility.

3. Secure the Facility

After a commercial fire in Liberty, MO, your business may be left susceptible to looting. Looters are individuals who take advantage of emergency situations, such as commercial fires, and find weaknesses in the building's structure in order to get inside and steal valuable goods. If a business fire leaves your building with unsecured openings, you may need to hire a disaster response company to keep vandals and thieves from entering the premises.
As you face the fire damage restoration process, be sure to follow these tips to keep your business safe. Further damage and losses can be avoided if these basic procedures are observed.

What Happens To Your Business After Flooding?

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Drying equipment

Most cases of flooding may be covered under commercial insurance, but the time it takes to clear debris and make repairs to the facility can take weeks. This lost productivity can set your business back thousands of dollars in potential revenue. That is why knowing how to navigate the aftermath of a flood can be the difference between turning a profitable quarter and going into the red.

File an Insurance Claim and Contact Professionals

The first step in dealing with water damage is to immediately take action. Even something as minor as a broken pipe can lead to disastrous damages if left alone for long enough. Make sure the commercial insurance policy for your business will cover the expenses of any professionals contacted.

Professionals Inspect the Site and Remove Water

Once contacted, professionally trained water restoration specialists may inspect the facility to determine the extent of any damage. Once they know how large water damage is, the crew uses large pumps and vacuums to remove any water from the site.

Drying and Dehumidifying

When all the standing water is removed, experts then work to remove any water still retained inside wooden or drywall structures. More specialized industrial equipment and dehumidifiers are used to remove this troublesome water from floors, walls and doors.

Cleaning and Restoration

Once water is removed from all surfaces of the site, the team then works to restore any furniture, equipment and upholstery damaged from flooding. In addition to cleaning off grime and dirt, professionals work to disinfect items to protect them from bacteria. However, some of these may be damaged beyond repair and thus need to be thrown out. The restoration element of this process involves repairing the physical structures of the facility to pre-flood levels.

Returning a business damaged by flooding to normal requires urgency and awareness to ensure that damages do not spiral out of control. Be sure to contact professionals in the Gladstone, MO, area to start the restoration of your business as soon as possible.

Irrigation Maintenance Tips To Avoid Costly Sprinkler Flooding

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to regularly inspect your sprinkler system.

Don’t like getting your feet wet? Proper irrigation maintenance practices and performing regular inspections of your system in Kansas City, MO, can help you avoid sprinkler flooding and the problems that come along with it, but this is particularly important when turning on your system after a long period of inactivity. Failing to properly inspect your system before reactivating it can result in wasted water, poor plant health, and contamination caused by over-irrigation and run-off.

5 Places You Should Check 

One of the best ways to prevent problems is to check areas of your system that have common problems. Follow these guidelines for each area:

1. Clogged nozzles: Performing regular irrigation maintenance can help you avoid this problem, but it’s a good idea to check nozzles for debris such as dirt and leaves before attempting to reactivate the system.

2. Missing or broken heads: To help avoid sprinkler flooding, be sure to check for any damage to the sprinkler heads. Damage can be caused by lawnmowers, normal wear and tear, improper installation, or even vandalism.

3. Tilted, sunken, or misaligned heads: Look for settling of the heads or build-up that has occurred around them over time. Be sure everything is still aligned properly before attempting to turn on the system.

4. Seal leaks: If you notice a leak in your spray head, you should either replace the whole single unit or the seal under the screw-off top (depending on your device). Leaks can appear in these mechanisms from dirt and debris.

5. Leaking valves or pipes: If leaks are discovered in valves or pipes, they should be promptly replaced. Damage to valves and pipes can be caused by weather, lawn equipment such as shovels or sharp tools, tree roots, or vandalism.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection Goes a Long Way

Regular irrigation maintenance and inspection can go a long way in helping you avoid sprinkler flooding and other associated issues, but how often should you inspect your system? At minimum, the system should be checked twice seasonally; right before it is turned on and halfway through the season. Ideally, the system should be checked on a monthly basis. This will likely optimize your chances of discovering a potential problem before it occurs or before it is able to cost you a lot of time, money, or both.

3 Steps to Professional Mold Remediation for Your Commercial Building

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your commercial building, call SERVPRO.

Mold Remediation Process For Your Commercial Building  

Discovering a black mold problem in your Kansas City, MO , commercial building can be distressing. This type of fungus can spread quickly and you may not be sure how to handle its removal. Calling in a professional mold cleaning and removal service can be a first effective step in proper remediation and to ensure this damaging substance does not return.

1. Containment

Once mold cleanup technicians arrive at your business, they will likely target and attempt to contain the mold to prevent it from spreading further. Actions may include sealing off the room where the mold was found and turning off the building’s ventilation system to prevent spores from traveling through the ducts. If water damage is discovered, the moisture source will be identified and remedied.

2. Evacuation of the Building

Before the black mold can be removed, employees and customers will likely be asked to leave the building. This step is to further prevent the spread of mold to other areas and so that techs can bring in equipment and tools safely. The area may have to remain empty until all of the mold is removed and necessary repairs are completed. Your technicians may be able to give you a likely time frame for service completion in case you need to temporarily close your business while the mold is dealt with.

3. Evaluation and Restoration

The mold remediation and restoration specialists who work on your building will likely inspect the area once it has been contained and cleaned to ensure all the fungi is gone and moisture issues have been resolved before they continue with any restoration actions. You may receive a complete remediation report, along with recommended repair processes, so you understand what building materials may need replacing due to mold damage.

Black mold can cause serious damage to your Kansas City, MO , commercial building. Working with professionals from a remediation and repair service that specializes in the removal of fungi can help you feel more confident about the outcome.

3 Ways Roof Tarping Can Protect Your Business

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage on roof in Kansas City, MO

After a fire, your property is especially vulnerable. In addition to covering fire cleanup expenses, you must worry about the threat of additional damage and vandalism posed by broken windows, doors and in some cases, roofs. A basic roof tarp is one of the easiest ways to protect your Kansas City, MO, business from further damage that insurance won’t cover. Learn more about how tarping can help while you await roof repair.

A tarp is short for tarpaulin, a big piece of strong, flexible and typically waterproof material with a myriad of potential uses. These can be made of:

• Canvas
• Polyester
• Polyethylene

or any number of durable, water-resistant materials. Their size and durability make them a great choice for protecting your roof. Here’s how.

Prevent Weather Damage

Fires are notorious for burning through the roof, leaving gaping holes that can let outside weather in. Water seeping in through your roof not only damages the contents inside, but can soak insulation, creating the perfect scenario for a costly mold problem down the road.

Block Animals

Water isn’t the only thing that can get in through roof holes. Squirrels, birds and even mice can get into your building through roof holes, setting the stage for a costly infestation that can take months to resolve.

Prevent Collapses

A damaged roof is a weakened one and everything from extra water to strong winds can create more stress that leads to a collapse - and even higher roof repair costs in addition to initial fire cleanup expenses.

How Tarping Works

Tarps work by creating a temporary but strong barrier against the outside while you await roof repair. Installers simply scale your roof and nail the tarp into place. It’s reliable and easily removed when you’re ready to fix your roof.

Protecting your roof during fire cleanup need not be costly. Contact a tarp services specialist to determine what your tarping options are.

What Causes Sewers To Back Up After a Storm?

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Municipal sewer systems can become overwhelmed and back up due to heavy rain. There are three common reasons why excessive rain water can lead to a sewer backup.

1. Increased Development

A storm sewer system that serves a municipality that has experienced a lot of rapid development may not be able to keep up with increased runoff levels. This can cause storm water to back up into the drains of commercial properties and homes in the region. Commercial property owners may want to consider an insurance endorsement or preventative plumbing solutions for frequent backups.

2. Poor Sewer Maintenance

The city also may not be doing a sufficient amount of sewer maintenance. Unfortunately, even if the municipality is to blame for a sewer backup, it is probably not liable for the cost of removing black water and restoring commercial property damage. Sewer backups are also commonly excluded from commercial property insurance policies. You may want to add a sewage damage endorsement to a policy to cover mitigation and restoration costs.

3. Lack of Dedicated Storm Sewers

If a municipality does not have enough storm sewers, flooding and backups may happen every time it rains heavily. If this is the case, a commercial property owner may want to consider having a basement drain raised and an ejector pump installed or having a sewer backwater device such as a check valve or gate valve installed. Keep in mind that waste and storm drainage cannot flow through while this valve is closed, which may make it less desirable for installation in large commercial buildings.

If you own commercial property in a region that frequently experiences sewer backups due to rain water, the best option may be an endorsement on a business property insurance policy. This coverage can help to offset the cost of professional cleaning and restoration after a sewer backup in Gladstone, MO.

Preventing Water Damage: The Practices and Tools Necessary to Protect Your Business

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

Be ready with a plan to protect not only your business' operations but also the employees.

A broken pipe can cause massive flooding in a business, and the cost of water repair can be significant; however, depending on who is deemed responsible, your insurance company may not cover the damage. Therefore, you may want to take every preventative measure possible to protect your business and its operation.

Key preventative measure to protect your business

Routine Maintenance

Most plumbing issues can be prevented with routine maintenance. With regular sewer cleaning and annual inspections of drains and other collection systems, most minor problems can be found and fixed for little costs.

Installation of Pumps and Valves

Beyond routine maintenance, you can install sump pumps and back flow valves to prevent and control potential sewer backup and flooding events. However, these items also should be inspected regularly to ensure proper functionality, and sump pumps should have battery backups in case of power outages.

Location of Generator Fuel Tanks

In the event of a broken pipe or a flood, generator fuel tanks may cause water contamination. For this reason, you may want to install generators in elevated areas to not only prevent possible water contamination but also to ensure a working generator. If generators are located in a building’s flood zones, the increasing water level may interfere with the generator’s mechanics.

Parking Lot and Sidewalk Grading

As exterior water lines can also burst, you may want to ensure that any concrete surface is graded away from your building’s interior. Incorrect grading can lead to increased flooding risk, which can result in further interior damage.

While Kansas City, Kansas, has many restoration companies in the event of a broken pipe, it is better for a business to avoid interruption due to disaster; therefore, it may be in your best interest, as the owner, to install every possible preventative measure. However, it is also essential to maintain these elements to ensure prolonged protection for your business.

Planning a Response to a Fire Alarm

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

These are just a few things that should be addressed in your plan.

When it comes to a fire or other emergency in Kansas City, MO, a well-organized evacuation doesn’t just happen. It follows a contingency plan that has been prepared and tested in advance. All companies need to have such a plan in place. Here are a few of the components of such plans.

1. The building needs to have exit routes posted in prominent places. It is important for employees to understand what routes and exits they will use to safely exit the building. Thanks to OSHA, those placards should already be in place.

2. There needs to be a person in charge of the evacuation. The contingency plan is just a plan. When you execute a fire drill, everyone exits the building through their assigned exit. In a real emergency, it may turn out that one or more of the exits are not usable. The person in charge needs to be notified and will redirect the flow of employees exiting the building.

3. Some employees will have special jobs in the event of a fire. Many companies have chemical, manufacturing, or other processes that are not meant to run unattended. If it is safe to do so, certain key employees will be assigned the job of shutting down those processes before they personally evacuate.

4. Complete evacuation is everyone’s responsibility. If you don’t have a special job, follow the evacuation plan and exit. But what about visitors, special needs employees and employees who are somewhere that the alarm may not be heard? Safe evacuation of the building is everyone’s responsibility.

These are just a few things that should be addressed in your plan. OSHA has an excellent planning tool available to help you set up your own.
With the fire extinguished, it’s time to get your company back on track. The best way to do that quickly is to bring in the best fire restoration team you can find. You will be glad you did. While the cleanup is underway, review your contingency plan to see if anything could have been done better. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROclaycounty.com/.

Four Steps to Understanding Whether Your Business Needs Flood Insurance

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

A natural disaster could wreak havoc for your Kansas City, MO, business. Your commercial insurance may cover most natural damages, such as from wind or heavy rain, but when flooding occurs, you'll need special flood coverage. How can you tell if your business really requires flood insurance?

1. Ask Your Provider Whether Flooding Is Covered.

Many commercial insurance policies do not cover flooding. However, you can learn more about how and where to get this type of protection from federal government pages, such as floodsmart.gov.

2. Understand What the Policy Covers.

There are many situations that could lead to flood damage. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, that melting snow could lead to overflow in the bodies of water around your home. That, in turn, could lead to flooded basements. Heavy rainfall could saturate the ground and expose your business to damage from overflowing roadways. Many flood insurance policies cover:

• Essential systems, including electricity, plumbing, heating, cooling, fuel, solar energy, and fuel
• Appliances, including portable air conditioners and refrigerators
• Carpeting and window treatments
• Permanently installed cabinets, bookcases, and wall treatments
• Foundation walls, stairways, anchorage systems
• Detached parking garage
• Certain personal property and valuable

3. Protect What Insurance Doesn't Cover.

If you have items stored in the basement of your business, your commercial insurance policy probably won't cover them, even if the policy is specifically for flooding. There's usually a cap for insurance; this number is generally higher for businesses than for residences.

4. Talk to Clean Up Professionals.

If your Kansas City, MO, business has been affected by flooding, a restoration professional can help you get back to your regular routine. The work completed by these professionals may be covered by your flood insurance policy. Before disaster strikes, discuss your options with the restoration company. The workers may also have other advice for you to speed the recovery process.

Have you been affected by flooding in the past? The right preparation can help you sleep well at night, knowing your business, employees, and properties are protected and covered by the right commercial insurance.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROclaycounty.com/.

Understanding Smoke Damage After a Fire

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Fire can be an underestimated and dangerous entity. But what most people don’t know is that the colorful flames are often not the cause of most damage during a fire. It is estimated that smoke does three times as much destruction as the blaze that can eat through a commercial building. While the inferno burns the structure, the soot and smoke damage send tendrils of destruction throughout the structure in the most unexpected ways. To completely remove the offending smell fire can leave behind in Kansas City, MO, the smoke and soot must be eliminated from the most unanticipated places.

Understanding Problems

While property can be damaged by more than a blazing firestorm it can be difficult to identify where to find the heaviest concentrations of smoke filled areas. Knowing the following can help you find where smoke and soot damage have collected within the building.

• Airflow patterns
• Temperature
• Immediate environment

In other words, recognizing what has potentially been damaged by smoke can be more a calculation than a guess.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROclaycounty.com/.