Indoor Environmental Specialists Play a Role in Controlling Mold You Can't See

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

As a property owner or manager, concern over mold growth may one of your top priorities.

As a property owner or manager, concern over mold growth may one of your top priorities. Any dark, humid space with a suitable organic substance can provide the ideal breeding ground for this intruder. Unfortunately, those organic substances are plentiful in the walls, ceilings, and floors of any property. One common problem for commercial property owners is that mold can become a problem before there's any visible proof of its existence. This is where an indoor environmental specialist comes in.

What These Professionals Do

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification and other national and international professional agencies, the work of an indoor environmental professional includes the following:

• Assessing fungal ecologies on the property, including systems and contents
• Creating sampling strategies
• Sampling the indoor environment
• Interpreting data
• Determining the course of corrective action

Many states have initiated standards and exams that professionals must adhere to before they can claim the title of an indoor environmental specialist. This move helps property managers feel confident in the work of the technicians.

A Hidden Threat to Your Properties

The unfortunate truth is that by the time you see visible evidence of mold growth, the problem could be widespread. Don't wait to see those black spots or to smell unpleasant odors before scheduling a mold test. Professionals in Perry, OK should visit your properties annually, at least, to make sure your properties aren't hosting unwanted colonies of mold and mildew.

A Combination of Understanding and Professional Efforts

The more you know about mold, the better you can control the environmental factors that support its growth. As you learn more about the conditions that spread spores and cause mold to thrive, you can take any necessary steps to prevent further trouble. An indoor environmental specialist is a key player in these actions. Schedule routine inspections and be sure to carry out the strategies that professionals recommend for the protection of your Perry, OK properties.

How To Recognize Category 2 Water Damage

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Perry, OK

The water cleanup process includes several phases, one of which is disinfecting any contaminated areas. When water damage experts assess the problem in your building in Perry, OK, they must determine the level of the water's contamination. They do this by placing it in the appropriate category. After a water pipe repair, you may have Category 2 damage, even though the water was clean when it came out of the pipe.

Contamination Levels

There are three categories of water damage contamination that experts use to determine the scope of the cleanup process:

• Category 1 - Clean water, usually from a broken pipe or supply line
• Category 2 - Dirty water, usually from an appliance such as a refrigerator
• Category 3 - Contaminated water, usually from sewer lines or storm flooding
  
  

If water pipe repair is completed and the subsequent damage is mitigated quickly, the contamination level is likely to stay at a Category 1. The longer water damage sits, however, the more likely it is to move to Category 2 damage as it becomes contaminated by the dirt and the breakdown of materials. Then you have to add a step to the cleanup process to disinfect your building.

Disinfection Process

The longer you take to call cleanup experts, the more likely your flooded building is to have Category 2 damage. When experts arrive, they can test for contamination to determine if they need to add an extra cleaning step. They start by removing materials that can't be salvaged. Then they use industrial cleaners or purification machines to remove any bacteria that have started to grow in the affected area. Only after this disinfection has been completed can your structure be restored to its former state.
Fast action is necessary with any damage to your building. If you need water pipe repair, you probably need water damage remediation. Call your local experts quickly to avoid further damage that can complicate the remediation process.

Is Security Fencing Necessary After a Commercial Fire?

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

It’s highly recommended that you install a security fence

Is Security Fencing Necessary After a Commercial Fire?

Suffering a major fire at your business can be a real challenge for you and your employees. Once you know that everyone is safe it’s time to start thinking about the next step — limiting the amount of damage to the property itself. One of the most effective methods is installing a temporary security fence. Fencing will greatly reduce or prevent:

1. Animal Entry
Animals can wreak havoc on a building. While you may not be able to completely keep animals out, proper fencing should limit it considerably. From animal waste to chewed wires, a building can suffer a lot of avoidable destruction.

2. Vandalism
Vandals can cause a variety of problems in a vacant building; the loss can be significant in mere minutes. From broken windows, graffiti, and fire damage to a ransacked property, in general. You may want to consider barbed wire at the top of your fence if you think vandalism is likely.

3. Theft
For some people, your vacated property is an opportunity to steal. A security fence will make it difficult for someone to enter the premises, and next to impossible to exit with stolen items, especially if those items are large.

4. Liability Issues
Trespassing is illegal, but you could still be sued for personal injury if an intruder gets hurt on your property. This could be particularly serious if it involves a child. Protective fencing will keep children and others from roaming around on your property.

5. Insurance Problems
Your insurance company will expect you to take every reasonable step to limit additional loss to the affected property. Damage from negligence after the fact probably won’t be covered. Installing fencing will prove that you’re taking precautions to contain the area while keeping as many external hazards out as much as possible.
If your commercial building sustains major fire damage in Sumner, OK, it’s highly recommended that you install a security fence. Then, remediation professionals can work to return your building to its preloss condition.

Top 5 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage occurs frequently and can be caused by a lot of different things. Experiencing a water damage event on your commercial property can bring your business operations to a halt. If you want to reduce your risk of having a water loss on your property, it is important to take care of these top causes of commercial water damage:

Damaged, old, or leaking plumbing

Leaking pipes are a major cause of water damage in commercial buildings. These often go undetected, because they're hidden behind walls or under floors. When they burst, however, the results can be devastating—leaking pipes can cause mold growth and structural damage, which requires costly repairs.

Plumbing systems that haven't been inspected regularly are also prone to leaking when they become old or damaged over time. Leaks may occur without any visible signs until significant damage has occurred. Getting your plumbing inspected yearly is important to prevent water damage on your property.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

If a sprinkler system malfunctions, it can cause significant damage to the property. A faulty sprinkler system can leak water into walls and ceilings, causing mold to grow. The leaks may also drip down the walls or ceilings of your building and accumulate in puddles on the floor below.

If you suspect a faulty sprinkler system is at fault for your water damage, contact an expert immediately to inspect your property and provide mitigation and repairs.

Malfunctioning appliances

Malfunctioning appliances are a common cause of water damage at offices and commercial properties. When an appliance malfunctions, it can leak water or other fluids that can cause damage to the building’s structure and flooring.

Common culprits include:

• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers

Foundation cracks or other structural damage

Foundation cracks or other structural damage can be caused by soil movement, improper construction, and even earthquakes. These factors create a situation where the foundation of your building is no longer level with its surroundings. The shifting of the structure itself may cause walls and floors to crack, which can lead to water leaking into your building causing considerable damage.

Natural disasters can cause water damage

Natural disasters are a common cause of water damage. Floods and hurricanes, in particular, can cause significant damage to your property and business. While the structural damages may be more obvious—and more expensive—the impact on your building’s systems is often less obvious.

Natural disasters can also result in a large amount of standing water that builds up inside your building. This standing water can damage your property and equipment by causing rusting or corrosion; it can also lead to mold growth that causes serious issues for those who work in the space.

You can reduce the likelihood of a water loss on your property

Water damage can be costly and disruptive. While you can't always prevent water from entering your building, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it happening.

To reduce the risks of water damage on your commercial property, inspect the following regularly:

• inspect the plumbing
• inspect the sprinkler system
• inspect your appliances
• inspect the foundation
• prepare for a natural disaster

The most important thing to remember is that if you take care of these top causes of commercial water damage, you can reduce the likelihood of a water loss on your property. If you notice any of these signs at your business, call your local SERVPRO immediately!

Water Damage Is a Result Of Fire Damage

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home

A Lot Goes Into Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

The fire damage cleanup process can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the steps involved. Here are some helpful things to know when your Stillwater home or business catches on fire.

Water Damage Accompanies Fire Damage

The sprinklers go off and the water you see in your home is actually water that was used to put out the fire, but it’s still wet. This is why you need to have water restoration services come out to help with getting rid of the excess moisture in your home.

The main thing you need to understand about this is that it can happen anywhere: at any time, even though there may be no visible signs — like smoke or fire — present in your home or building beforehand. So don’t wait around for something bad to happen—knowing how much damage can occur if an unexpected event does occur will give you peace knowing that everything will be taken care of from start (getting rid) until the finish (getting back into shape)

Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is a result of fire damage. Smoke and soot residue can be very difficult to remove, especially if you do not catch it early enough. The longer that smoke remains on your property, the more permanent staining and damage will occur. If you want to avoid these types of issues in the future, make sure that you call us right away after any fire emergency so that we can help you clean up quickly before the problem gets worse.

Cleaning up the ash and smoke residue requires more than a mop and bucket (and a few rags). To remove ash and smoke residue, you need professional cleaning equipment. Do not use a mop and bucket. Do not use rags or bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or baking soda.

Protect Your Furniture and Linens

If your home has been damaged by fire, you will likely experience a lot of smoke and soot. This can cause permanent staining to furniture if not properly protected.

As soon as possible, cover all of your furniture with plastic wrap or tarps to prevent the soot from getting on them, then move them to a safe location where they won't be in the way. Remove any drawers or doors from your furniture before covering it as well!

If you have clothing or linens that have been damaged by water or smoke, wash them immediately in cold water on the gentle cycle. If there are stains, use a commercial stain remover before washing. Do not use bleach to clean the items; bleach can cause the colors to run and may make the odor worse over time. Once you are able to wash your items, place them in plastic bags and keep them away from heat sources like radiators or dryers until they are completely dry (this could take several days).

Turn Off the Electricity

Do not use electrical appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and inspected. Turn off the power supply at the main circuit or fuse box. Do not use electrical appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and inspected

Leave it to the Professionals

If you are unfortunate enough to experience a fire in your home, do not attempt to clean up the mess yourself. Professional fire cleanup is a specialized field that requires highly trained professionals and expensive equipment. It is also extremely dangerous for untrained individuals

If you have experienced a fire in your home, it’s best to contact an insurance company as soon as possible so they can begin the damage assessment process and send out an adjuster who will assess how much your damages were worth before cleaning begins 

They will also help provide guidance on whether or not you need to file an insurance claim against another party (such as another tenant) or submit additional documentation to your insurance or the police

If your home or business has caught on fire, give us a call. SERVPRO of Stillwater & Guthrie is here to help. We’ll do everything we can to help you get things back to normal as soon as possible

How To Clean Black Mold in Commercial Air Ducts

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold thrives in air ducts.

Air ducts are a haven for black mold. When is the last time you had your ventilation system professionally cleaned? As a commercial business owner, you know that costly repairs can seemingly come out of thin air. This time, they're coming out of your air vents.

Signs of Mold Overgrowth in Air Ducts

Watch out for these classic signs of vent contamination:

• Black, dusty, hard-to-remove patches around air vents
• Musty smell upon turning on the AC

It's always possible that mold overgrowth goes undetected. For this reason, it's best to remain vigilant and keep clean ducts.

How To Clean Ducts
Cleaning an air ventilation system is not an easy task. For this reason, it's best to consult a professional right off the bat. Attempting this feat alone is not only time-consuming, but it could be harmful to you and your clients in the building. If not done properly, attempting to remove black mold may accidentally exacerbate the issue. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take instead.

Contact an expert in Perry, OK.
The right mold remediation professionals will verify that mold is indeed present.
Cleaning will begin, and if spread to insulation, insulation will need to be replaced.
The professional team will use the correct cleaners and tools while disinfecting your commercial air ducts.
Once done, now it's your turn: prevent mold regrowth!

How To Prevent Mold Regrowth
Step five is arguably the most important step. Taking the necessary precautions to prevent black mold from reappearing will save you and your commercial business tons of time, money, and stress. In order to stop the fungus from thriving, you need to first locate the source. What is causing the mold to prosper? Air vents are naturally a breeding ground for mold, so regular duct maintenance can mitigate this risk. Make sure the AC filters are changed out periodically. Reduce moisture and humidity in your commercial space. Use natural air circulation when possible, like opening a window. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind, and mold won't have a chance to damage your livelihood.

Does Your Apartment Have Mold? Be Sure To Do These 4 Things

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture leads to mold.

What To Do When You Discover Mold In Your Apartment

Mold cleanup in an apartment involves two parties: the landlord and the tenant. How the problem is handled depends on several factors. Management focuses on the property's structure, caring for pipe breaks or roof leaks. Tenants, on the other hand, concentrate on the internal environment, keeping it dry and sanitary. If renters in Stillwater, OK, suspect mold, keep in mind the following four things.

1. Consider the Cause
Mold becomes problematic when it interacts with moisture. The first consideration, then, is considering what triggered the mold spores to grow? Think about personal decisions. Are you taking steamy showers that increase dampness in the bathroom? Are you running the air conditioner properly to level the humidity and cool air? Personal choices in the home could create wetness, permitting fungus growth. Correct these actions immediately to mitigate the problem.
What if it's a larger structural issue? Seek assistance from building management instead.

2. Contact the Landlord Right Away
Building repairs are handled by the landlord, so take pictures of any mold appearances, emailing them to the management company. Mold cleanup has to start with fixing the water source. The owners should respond quickly to water damage. Be sure to emphasize the amount of moisture and your concern about fungal spores.

3. Permit Assessment
The landlord should work with a mold restoration company, to evaluate the premises and promptly start remediation efforts. Mold contamination includes blocking off the impacted section and eliminating dampness. The team extracts saturated materials such as carpeting and drywall. They also look over personal belongings to determine whether they may be cleaned or tossed.

4. Concentrate on Keeping Things Dry
While the crew attends to the affected room, residents keep an eye on the water exposure, filling them in about any additional developments. Clean up spills, keep the humidity on target and report anything amiss. Don't wait to tell the landlord about any concerns. Proactive, quick measures are essential.
Mold cleanup centers around the cause of moisture trouble. Renters should strive to keep things free of excess fluid while the landlord tends to structural concerns.

3 Reasons To Leave Puffback Soot Cleaning to the Pros

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Puffback damage cleanup should be left to the pros.

Puffback Damage Cleanup

When the temperature drops at the office in Ceres, OK, you probably just flip on the heat without a second thought. If you have an oil furnace, you might have been warned about puffback. Puffback is caused by incomplete combustion at ignition, which causes soot particles to fly through the heating system into the office.
Puffback damage cleanup should be left to the pros. Puffback can happen slowly, and you might think your janitorial team is doing a poor job. Or it can happen quickly, and there is suddenly soot everywhere. Here are three reasons to leave puffback soot cleaning to the pros.

1. Puffback Soot Is Sticky
In a typical fire, soot presents as fine, light dust. Furnace puffback happens in an oil furnace, and so the soot contains oil. It spreads through the office and coats every surface in a sticky coating that can't be easily removed. A commercial restoration company has specialized equipment to handle puffback soot.

2. Puffback Soot Can Spread
Because incomplete combustion occurs in the furnace, soot spreads throughout the entire HVAC system. Where heat should be the only thing coming out of a heater, sticky soot comes too. Puffback soot can get behind doors, into draws, and sticks in fabrics, including clothing, carpet, and curtains. Puffback damage can be worsened by trying to clean it by scrubbing or vacuuming.

3. Puffback Soot Does Real Damage
As soon as you realize that there is a puffback problem, call a professional. Puffback soot damages electronics because it gets into servers, keyboards, and hard drives. Pros have a cleaning process that can carefully restore your delicate electronics and protect your data.
Puffback damage can dramatically impact your office's productivity. A professional cleaning company should always handle Puffback soot to protect your belongings and your office space.

A Few Things To Know About Mold Testing

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Testing in Stillwater, OK.

What You Should Know About Mold Testing

There are several reasons you might suspect you have a mold problem in your commercial building in Stillwater, OK. Signs include the presence of musty odors or the onset of health issues such as itchy eyes or a runny nose accompanied by frequent sneezing. An indoor environmental specialist can help you determine if excessive mold is present even though there are few if any visible signs. This professional should have experience and training in mold-sampling protocols. The specialist should have the equipment to perform tests and the knowledge to accurately interpret the results. The entire procedure should follow methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association or other professional organizations.

An Accurate Mold Test

When testing for the presence of mold, it is important the test be reliable and accurate. DIY testing kits are likely to produce ambiguous results, making it unclear if mold is actually a problem or if it just exists in small quantities. There are many benefits of working with a qualified indoor environmental specialist:

• Advanced training
  
• Specialized equipment
  
• Professional certification
  
• Clear results
  
  

A specialist will also work with other technicians to develop a remediation plan. This will ensure that all troublesome mold colonies will be removed in a way that will prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.

A Quality Cleanup

A professional mold remediation franchise has the resources to treat the trickiest situations involving mold growth. SERVPRO technicians are always Here to Help. They have seen it all and they know how to contain the spread of mold and clean mold from air ducts and other difficult locations. They use best practices for stopping fungal outbreaks with powerful cleaning agents. An indoor environmental specialist is just one of several technicians that ensure a lasting cleanup of your property. Mold will almost never go away on its own and it is resistant to many types of regular cleaning methods. Professional remediation is your best choice.

Get To Know Your Fire Sprinklers

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler system is a major contributor to a commercial building’s safety.

Learn Everything There Is To Know About Fire Sprinklers

A fire sprinkler system is a major contributor to a commercial building’s safety. Installing one in a business property in Perry, OK, will help ensure that occupants can escape in time if there’s a fire. Although the spray emitted by the sprinklers may not fully extinguish every type of fire, it can suppress the blaze enough to allow employees and customers to evacuate safely.

1. They May Serve As an Early Warning System

Sprinkler systems also protect you by serving as self-activating fire alarms; they will turn on automatically if none of the building’s occupants are aware of a fire starting somewhere. The system can then minimize damage through fire suppression and help to contain the spread of a blaze until firefighters arrive to extinguish it.

2. They Can Unleash A Lot of Water

A sprinkler system can spray hundreds of gallons of water when it detects a fire. It may be the lesser of two evils compared to fire damage, but that much water can leave your place of business with serious moisture problems. Fire sprinkler cleanup requires special attention and remedial efforts that should be left to trained professionals.

3. It's Best To Leave the Cleanup to the Experts

Electronic devices should not be turned on or used if you suspect they may have been affected by sprinkler water or moisture. Prompt action needs to be taken to prevent irreparable damage or corrosion. A cleanup and restoration technician should inspect electronic equipment and determine the proper steps to take.

Mold and mildew may also take hold in structural areas that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye. Critical documents, files and media storage can require specialized care and treatments to minimize or counteract moisture damage. These aren’t issues well served by a do-it-yourself approach.

A fire sprinkler system makes your business a much safer place; be prepared, however, to immediately summon the required cleanup services after an activation. A variety of water and fire damage restoration techniques can be used to get your business up and running again, but you’ll need to contact qualified, 24/7 emergency cleanup specialists as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.

How Experts Remediate a Category 1 Water Loss

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Our crew can quickly respond, remove the standing water, and restore your property back.

Water Remediation Process

Category 1 water loss can cause a lot of problems. It can cause damage to the walls in your commercial property in Sumner, OK, make your floors buckle, and render a space unusable until the damage is repaired. While water mitigation specialists don’t necessarily need to sanitize an area flooded by clean water, there are still several steps in the water remediation process.

1. Practicing Safety

The first thing technicians will do is make sure no electricity is in contact with standing water. They may shut off the breakers to the area completely, depending on how much water loss has occurred. Any damaged drywall, particularly if it’s on a load-bearing wall, must be identified and, if necessary, fortified to protect the structural integrity of the building. Technicians will likely secure the area before they begin the actual cleanup process.

2. Finding the Source

Several clean water sources can cause Category 1 water damage:

• Supply line
• Busted pipe
• Overflowing sink
  
  

The water source must be shut off so that no further damage occurs.

3. Extracting Water

All standing water must be pumped out of the area. Excess water is extracted from the carpet and carpet pads. All items that are waterlogged by a broken pipe must be thoroughly dried or, if they cannot be salvaged, thrown away.

4. Increasing Airflow

The area needs to be dried thoroughly to prevent secondary damage, such as mold growth, from happening. To do this, industrial fans may be brought in to increase airflow to the area. This speeds up the drying process and helps control humidity so that excess moisture doesn’t linger in the air.

5. Restoring Items

Once the area is dried, any items or parts of the structure that had to be removed can be replaced. It’s a good idea to choose a remediation company that finishes the whole job by providing restoration services as well.

Clean water can still cause significant damage. Let certified experts help restore your building to its original state.

Commercial Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

A commercial fire sprinkler system is one of the best ways to prevent damage to property.

Commercial Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

A commercial fire sprinkler system is one of the best ways to prevent injuries, save lives and decrease damage to property. That’s why it’s important to keep up on regular maintenance and ensure that your fire suppression system is working properly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends the following schedules for inspection and testing.

Inspection

• Weekly to monthly: In most systems, sprinkler gauges should be visually inspected weekly. Gauges in wet pipe systems should be checked monthly.

• Quarterly: Alarm instruments associated with water flow detectors and valve supervisory switches should be checked every three months. Hydraulic nameplates, control valves and supervisory signals should also be examined.

• Annually: All pipes and fittings, in addition to spare sprinklers, should be inspected. Seismic and hanger bracing systems, as well as hydraulic nameplates, should be checked.

• Every five years: Sprinkler piping should be inspected internally. This inspection is important for preventing obstruction caused by foreign materials.

Testing

• Quarterly: Mechanical devices, such as water flow detectors, should be tested every three months. Waterflow switches should be tested.

• Semiannually: Pressure switches should be tested every six months to ensure setting accuracy. Vane switches should also be tested twice a year.

• Annually: Every 12 months, the entire fire sprinkler system should be tested. This should include testing of water flow, alarms and fire pumps. Antifreeze concentration should also be tested.

• Every five years: In harsh environments with extreme temperatures, sprinklers should be tested every five years. Gauges should also be tested or replaced.

• Every decade or more: Fire suppression systems using dry sprinklers should be tested every 10 years. Sprinklers using fast-response technology should be tested 20 years after installation and then every decade. Sprinklers using standard response systems need to be tested 50 years after installation, followed by 10-year intervals.

If you have the unfortunate experience of dealing with a commercial fire in Perry, OK, you may have some water damage from your fire sprinkler system. However, you can call a professional water and fire restoration service for fire sprinkler cleanup, which is preferable to the mess you could have if the fire department must use mass amounts of water to put out the fire.

Fighting Mold in the Lunchroom Fridge

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth on the refrigerator.

Fighting Mold in the Lunchroom Fridge

Company lunchrooms often have a fridge full of containers of unknown casseroles, vegetables, and desserts. These same refrigerators are often receptacles for leftover lunches of Chinese food, overlooked yogurt cartons, and curdled cream for coffee. The problem with forgotten food in the communal icebox is that fridge mold can develop. Sadly, with fungus growing inside the fridge, a yeasty, mold smell can also develop and spread into the breakroom. The following steps can help you remove the mold once it appears in the lunchroom refrigerator.

1. Empty the fridge. Toss all the containers, bags, and boxes of food into the garbage because they are probably contaminated with mold spores. If there is more than one fridge in the office, transfer frozen and perishable food items until cleanup is complete.

2. Make or purchase a mold remover. If you are making the cleaning solution, try mixing two cups of warm water and one cup of white vinegar. Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Warning: Do not use bleach because it is too abrasive on the inside walls of the refrigerator.

3. Scrub inside the icebox and remove the fridge mold. After donning a safety mask, spray the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator. Spray any mold colonies liberally. Remove the mold and cleaning spray with a wet cloth or sponge. If mold is severe, contact a mold removal team in Navina, OK, to eliminate the fungus.

4. Reapply the cleaning solution to the inside of the fridge. Although it may appear the mold is gone, spores can easily hide in plain sight. By cleaning all surfaces a second time, you can be sure to remove the spores and the mold smell as you continue disinfecting the fridge.

Once you remove the fridge mold, it should be safe to return new food to the unit. However, to make sure the mold doesn’t return, check for food that needs to be discarded on a weekly basis. By rotating the food inside the refrigerator, you can make sure your lunchroom is mold-free.

Checklist for Cleaning Belongings After Water Damage

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

The cleanup process after water damage in Ceres, OK.

Content Cleaning

When your commercial building in Ceres, OK gets filled with water during a bad storm, you have to take on a lot of projects. Not only will you have to fix the structural damage done to your property, but you will also have to undergo some content cleaning. Working alongside a commercial restoration professional can make this cleanup process easier. Keep this checklist in mind as you and your crew start cleaning up after standing water.

1. Remove items from the building. While you may want to save some of your furnishings, everything needs to be taken out after a flood. You can clean and dry your belongings outside of the building to make the structural repairs easier to do. Take everything out of the building, including flooring, furniture and electronics.

2. Sort your belongings. The cleanup process is not going to be the same for every piece of furniture you own. Porous materials, such as furniture, carpets and upholstered items, may need more attention than non-porous items, such as stainless steel, tile and desks. You should also create a separate pile for electronic items.

3. Start cleaning. Once your items have been properly sorted, you can start the content cleaning process. This may mean using a washing machine, a strong cleansing solution or dry cleaning. Your goal should be to remove all dirt and debris from a material.

4. Consider throwing belongings away. If you cannot thoroughly clean a waterlogged item, you may have to throw it away rather than save it. Anything that has been sitting in floodwaters for more than 48 hours may be too far gone to salvage.

5. Dry out materials. Once your items are completely disinfected after sitting in black water, you can start to dry them out. Everything should be dry before you put it back inside your building.

There are a lot of steps you have to take when content cleaning. Remember, some items may be too damaged for you or your professionals to save.

Who Pays After an Apartment Fire?

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

Apartment fire in Guthrie, OK.

Who Is Responsible In The Event Of An Apartment Fire

When you are a landlord or property owner, an apartment fire can be confusing. The last thing that you want to worry about is who pays for the damage. Fortunately, most state and federal responsibility laws are pretty clear.

Landlord / Property Owner's Responsibility
The landlord or property owner is responsible for the structure and the systems such as:

• Electrical
  
• Heat
  
• Air conditioning
  
• Plumbing
  
  

These systems are part of the overall building and usually inaccessible to tenants. For the most part, as an owner or landlord, you are not personally responsible. Your insurance company will pay for the damage.
This ultimately depends on what your policy says. In many cases, this insurance policy will include things like hiring a remediation company in Guthrie, OK, as well as any other fire damage repair costs.
This assumes that the damage is due to a fault with the building, fire hazard, or inclement weather. You, as a landlord, are not responsible for the tenant's personal property or belongings damaged in the fire.

Tenant Responsibility
Your tenants also have responsibilities after a fire. Tenants are responsible for their possessions and personal property in the event of an apartment fire due to a problem with the structure or a natural cause like lightning. This is why you should always require your tenants to have renters insurance. In the majority of cases, the insurance will pick up where the property insurance leaves off.
Of course, there are some exceptions. If the tenant or one of their guests starts the fire, then they will be held responsible. Fortunately, insurance companies often straighten this out for you.
If your tenant does not have insurance, things might get a bit tricky. It is always a good idea to include fire insurance or renter's insurance as a requirement in your lease. This way, it is clear who is responsible for paying for damages when the fire is your tenant's fault.
As a landlord or property owner, you should know who is responsible in the event of an apartment fire. Knowing your responsibility is a key factor in making your recovery go smoothly.

3 Questions About Fire Damage Restoration Costs

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire can lead to extensive fire and smoke damage

Know The Answers To Some Common Questions About Restoration Cost

Even a small commercial fire can lead to extensive fire and smoke damage and is worsened by water damage from extinguishing the flames. Getting a professional remediation company out as soon as possible is the key to preventing further fire damage to your business in Navina, OK. The first thing this company will do is provide you with an estimate for how much the remediation will cost. While your insurance will cover most repairs, you still need to know how to read this bill and understand what is happening. 

1. What Are the Average Restoration Costs?
Most businesses cost a few thousand dollars to repair the damage of a small fire. A large fire that destroys a roof or all of your belongings can cost significantly more, with total fees nearing $50,000.

2. How Much Does Professional Restoration Cost?
It may take several different types of restoration to get your business running again. Your estimate will include all of the necessary factors. It can include water removal, home drying, content restoration, cleaning, deodorizing, and HVAC repair. The more types of remediation you require, the higher your bill will be.

3. Does the Company You Hire Impact Your Cost?
Some companies specialize in fire remediation but do not accept insurance, which will raise the amount you pay out of pocket. Others send your bill to your insurance company directly and work with them to minimize the amount you will pay out of pocket. In other words, if you hire a company that works with your insurance company, you will pay less.
While there are average restoration costs, each estimate will be based on how many remediation types your situation requires. Fortunately, some professional companies are willing to work with your insurance company to reduce the amount you will pay out of pocket.

4 Tips for Avoiding a Water-Based Small Business Claim

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Seal cracks

Four Tips For Avoiding A Water-Based Small Business Claim

Dealing with water problems in your Stillwater, OK, building can be a harrowing experience. What's worse, if not properly cared for, it may lead to a claim against you. This isn't just about companies with obvious water problems, either. You could have impending damage lying in wait within your foundation. 

1. Make a Cleanup Plan
First and foremost, you need to have a comprehensive plan in case anything goes wrong. All the preventative measures in the world may not be enough to stop a problem, so keeping your company safe relies on responsive action. First, know how to take immediate measures in order to avoid a business claim. These are some things to consider:

• Where the main water supply is
  
• How to shut the water supply off
  
• How to get rid of ice and/or snow from tricky areas
  
  

Next, know who to call. If the problem is substantial, bringing in remediation experts can be the best solution.

2. Seal Cracks
Take the time to inspect your building thoroughly, whether through you or a professional. If you find any cracks or holes, your first priority should be to seal each one. The last thing you want to find is damage from a preventable leak.

3. Keep Products High Up
If you do experience water damage, the items most likely to be damaged are the ones on lower floors. For instance, a flood tends to start affecting spaces at ground level. Therefore, you can avoid damage to your products by placing the items higher up.

4. Insulate Pipes
Your pipes, unbeknownst to you, may be on the brink of causing problems. If these mechanisms aren't properly cared for, a pipe break could occur. Therefore, it's important to insulate any exposed ones. This can stop bursting or freezing.
Avoiding any sort of insurance claim against your business is a top priority. Even if you experience water problems, quick action can prevent a business claim from occurring. Stay on your toes and keep your company thriving.

Top 5 Places to Check During a Plumbing Maintenance Inspection

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Your building's water pressure should remain between 40 and 80psi

Places To Check During Plumbing Maintenance

The best way to prevent unnecessary plumbing problems in your commercial building is to perform regular maintenance inspections. Identifying and resolving an issue while it's still small is significantly easier, and less expensive, than waiting until the problem snowballs out of your control. Make sure you check these common problem areas next time you perform a maintenance inspection for your building in Stillwater, OK.

1. Your Drains
Test the flow rate for all of the drains in your building. A slower flow rate usually means that the drain is clogged, or that the pipes themselves are damaged. You can use a power rod or hydrojet to help clear any debris from the pipes.

2. Your Walls, Ceilings and Foundation
Keep an eye out for any bulges, warping, stains or other signs of damage in your building's structure. These deformities are caused when water accumulates within the building itself and can indicate severe plumbing problems.

3. Your Water Heater
Wildly fluctuating water temperature can signal an issue with your water heater. Inspect the device for any leaks, corrosion or damage as well. Lastly, make sure to test the safety valves and overflows.

4. Your Water Pressure
Low water pressure is often a sign that there's a leaking or broken pipe somewhere in your building. Naturally, water that escapes through these leaks won't make it to the faucet or valve that it's supposed to exit from. Ideally, your building's water pressure should remain between 40 and 80psi.

5. Your Water Pipes
Any exposed pipes in your building should be inspected regularly for signs of damage or leaks. You also need to make sure you inspect your water main for signs of corrosion or damage. Keep an eye on your monthly water bill for spikes, as these can indicate that a leak is present somewhere in the building.
Remaining vigilant and staying on top of plumbing problems while they're still small can help protect your commercial building from suffering unnecessary damage. Make sure to contact water remediation experts if your building has suffered some type of flood or storm damage.

5 Common Water Issues for Commercial Buildings

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and clogged drains are all common plumbing issues for commercial building owners.

Staying on top of smaller issues in your commercial building is one of the best ways to prevent them from snowballing into larger problems. Remaining vigilant is especially important when it comes to plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes or backed-up toilets. Make sure you regularly check your building in Stillwater, OK, for the following common water-related problems.

1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate several different issues, such as leaking pipes. Any water that escapes through the leak naturally won't come out of the faucet where it's supposed to, leading to suboptimal water pressure.

2. Damaged Building Foundation
Structural damage in your building, such as cracked, bulging, or otherwise warped foundation, can signal the presence of a serious leak. These deformities are often a result of floodwater accumulating within your building's structure and can indicate a hidden pipe break.

3. Clogged Drains
Customers are much less likely to treat your commercial bathrooms with the same respect that they'd treat a residential one. This can lead to many undesirable items getting flushed down your pipes, resulting in clogs. At the very least, this leads to an unsightly bathroom. In severe cases, it can result in toilet backup or sewage overflow.

4. Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are especially common in older buildings, where the copper or cast-iron pipes aren't built to last as long. These tiny holes can cost thousands in wasted water. Keep an eye out for these silent leaks by watching for a spike in your monthly water bill or a drop in your building's water pressure.

5. Leaking Toilets and Faucets
Much like pinhole leaks, dripping faucets and toilets can slowly, yet steadily, drive up your monthly water bill. Make sure you take the time to inspect your commercial bathrooms to make sure none of the appliances are dripping or leaking. Repair any problems you come across.

Leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and clogged drains are all common plumbing issues for commercial building owners. Staying on top of the issue can help reduce the amount of damage your building suffers and keep your business running smoothly. Contact water restoration experts for professional help.

How Does Heavy Rain Cause Sewage Backup?

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer clogged after heavy rain in Stillwater, OK

How Do Backups Happen After Storms?

You were already worried about flooding from a heavy storm, but suddenly from the lower levels or basement of your building, you catch the tell-tale stench of black water. You have a sewer backup, but how do backups happen after storms? How can you prevent your Stillwater, OK sewer lines from flooding your building?

1. Too Much Rain Water

The reason that a sewer backup happens is that the city sewage lines are often overflowing with rainwater after a storm. Because the sewage lines cannot contain any more water, they begin to back up into everything from sinks to bathtubs, and they can overflow with disturbingly odious black water. Sometimes, the problem is mild, and sometimes, it can be severe enough to require evacuation of a building.

2. When Older Buildings Suffer

Older buildings are particularly vulnerable to more severe flood damage and backup from the sewer. Soil erosion and soil softening can make the foundations of older buildings more vulnerable, and the pipes often have less integrity. A backup can lead to a pipe bursting or can seep through weakened foundations to completely flood the basement level of a building.

3. Play It Safe

If you have contaminated water coming up through your drains, don’t try to brush it off. Blackwater is enormously unsanitary, containing fecal matter and bacteria. Do not try to use the faucets. Exit the building and immediately contact the city to let them know the city’s main sewer lines are compromised and backing up into your building.

4. Keep It Clean

One of your first priorities after dealing with sewer backup should be cleanup once the sewer mains have stopped overflowing. If you need to hire professionals to ensure sanitation, they may be able to provide you with more intensive options for deep cleaning and removing any contaminated water. Black or gray water can lead to mold growth, so be careful when entering the building after a sewage backup flood. 

Limit Business Interruptions by Being Prepared for Anything

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

A water loss can significantly impact a business, but owners don’t have to go it alone.

If flooding happens at your Stillwater, OK, business, the costs go beyond repairing the damage. Depending on how much water has infiltrated the property, you could be faced with large water damage, which may mean having to temporarily close down and relocate. That lost revenue has the potential to have devastating consequences. Having business interruption insurance can help ease some of the burdens, but being prepared for any type of disaster is the first step to minimizing losses.

Steps to Reduce Interruptions
While something like a broken pipe may be a sudden and unexpected occurrence, there are ways to reduce the risk of that kind and other incidents from affecting your bottom line. The first step is identifying potential risks to develop a mitigation plan. Once those are established, there are three methods to containing them.

Prevention – Identify ways to prevent damage from happening. If located in an area prone to flooding, consult experts on waterproofing a business. If a plumbing system is aged, consider replacing it.

Deterrence – Although not necessarily related to water issues, taking steps to deter potential criminal activities may keep insurance costs down, as well as provide peace of mind.

Mitigation – The truth is that some things are unavoidable. If Mother Nature brings on torrential rains and flooding, there is no way to control it. Knowing that it can happen and planning before that situation arises will better solidify the property and ensure a safe evacuation if necessary.

Develop a Solid Plan
Understanding risks and the potential cost, such as lost income or increased expenses, can give you a leg up if an emergency situation arises. Developing a communication and emergency plan helps ensure a smoother process in dealing with flooding or other potentially devastating events. Part of that is also completely understanding your coverage and what will happen if a claim is made.

A water loss can significantly impact a business, but owners don’t have to go it alone. Being prepared beforehand via having insurance, identifying risks and potential solutions, and finding trusted water mitigation and restoration expert can reduce the loss.

Is Security Fencing Necessary After a Commercial Fire?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

It’s highly recommended that you install a security fence

Is Security Fencing Necessary After a Commercial Fire?

Suffering a major fire at your business can be a real challenge for you and your employees. Once you know that everyone is safe it’s time to start thinking about the next step — limiting the amount of damage to the property itself. One of the most effective methods is installing a temporary security fence. Fencing will greatly reduce or prevent:

1. Animal Entry
Animals can wreak havoc on a building. While you may not be able to completely keep animals out, proper fencing should limit it considerably. From animal waste to chewed wires, a building can suffer a lot of avoidable destruction.

2. Vandalism
Vandals can cause a variety of problems in a vacant building; the loss can be significant in mere minutes. From broken windows, graffiti, and fire damage to a ransacked property, in general. You may want to consider barbed wire at the top of your fence if you think vandalism is likely.

3. Theft
For some people, your vacated property is an opportunity to steal. A security fence will make it difficult for someone to enter the premises, and next to impossible to exit with stolen items, especially if those items are large.

4. Liability Issues
Trespassing is illegal, but you could still be sued for personal injury if an intruder gets hurt on your property. This could be particularly serious if it involves a child. Protective fencing will keep children and others from roaming around on your property.

5. Insurance Problems
Your insurance company will expect you to take every reasonable step to limit additional loss to the affected property. Damage from negligence after the fact probably won’t be covered. Installing fencing will prove that you’re taking precautions to contain the area while keeping as many external hazards out as much as possible.
If your commercial building sustains major fire damage in Sumner, OK, it’s highly recommended that you install a security fence. Then, remediation professionals can work to return your building to its preloss condition.

3 Ways Towns Are Preparing for a Flooded Future

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

It is better if everyone used porous pavements for the walkways only

Flood Mitigation Tips

Science can only do so much when it comes to flood prevention. It can only offer people a head-start so they can evacuate and save whatever they can. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of water in most floods.
Here are some of the best flood mitigation tips for Guthrie, OK  and other flood-prone areas across the nation:

Water parks
Detention basin
Porous paving

1. Water Parks
For many years, most coastal cities used retention walls as a way to prevent flooding. These structures do a great job of reducing the amount of water that gets into the streets, resulting in little to no flooding. Still, the concrete walls cost a fortune to build and even more on maintenance. That’s why most towns have started exploring other options, such as the Dutch-inspired water parks. These parks have vegetation and a sophisticated drainage system that tries to embrace the water rather than try to keep it out.

2. Detention Basins
Detention basins are often included while designing water parks. You can think of them as a temporary reservoir where the floodwater can stay before it is released back to the ocean or taken elsewhere. Also, basins act as a warning system for a massive incoming flood, giving people time to evacuate and reducing the cost of flood cleaning significantly.

3. Porous Paving
The ground plays a significant role in reducing the amount of surface water, but it cannot do its job when covered in concrete and other non-porous materials. So, it is better if everyone used porous pavements for the walkways only. Then leave the remaining space for a lawn or flower garden. That will restore the natural balance and play a big role in flood prevention.
With science pointing to even more unpredictable weather in the future, flood prevention measures are more critical than ever before. Implement whatever you can on a business level then hope for the best.

4 Steps To Expect During Mold Remediation

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Building suffering from mold damage in Sumner, OK

4 Steps To Expect During Mold Remediation

Keeping your Sumner, OK, building in top shape is likely a high priority. One way to do this is to make sure it is free of black mold. Many buildings develop a mold problem at some point, particularly if there has been some kind of water damage. The following are some steps that may be taken when bringing your building back to its previous condition.

1. Inspection

The first step in having mold removed is an inspection. This should be done by a professional to ensure that all instances of black mold in the building are found. Each area will need to be thoroughly searched. There are several common locations for hidden growth including the following:

• Behind walls
• Underneath carpets and flooring
• Inside drains and pipes

2. Containment

If mold is found in your building, it will need to be contained before any work can begin. This will keep spores from traveling to other locations and increasing the size of the infestation. Tarps and negative air pressure may be used during this process to keep mold from leaving the area.

3. Cleanup

Once the areas are identified and secured, the process of mold cleanup begins. Some materials such as drywall and carpeting are very porous and difficult to clean, so they may need to be removed. Other non-porous areas can be cleaned with antifungal products. Affected belongings, particularly those with mild damage, can often be salvaged using professional equipment.

4. Restoration

The final step in the process of removing black mold is restoration. This will include replacing any materials that were removed during cleaning. Some walls may need to be repainted as well. If there are lingering odors, air scrubbers and filters may be used to remove them.
Mold can be difficult to remove, especially if it spreads throughout large areas of the building, so it should be taken care of as soon as possible. However, you should not attempt to remove any mold on your own, as this can make the problem worse. A professional mold remediation specialist will provide the best results and can thoroughly rid the building of any growth.

Important Pieces of a Business Continuity Plan

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

A business continuity plan is essential

As a business leader, you know how important it is to run an efficient organization. You work hard to hire capable employees, meet customers' needs, produce high-quality goods and offer meaningful services. But are you prepared in the event of an emergency? If a natural disaster such as a flood hits your Guthrie, OK, office, you need to be ready to not only mitigate damage but to carry on day-to-day work. A business continuity plan can help with that.

Importance of Developing a Plan

You might not worry much about minor environmental issues, but even moderate storm damage can affect the way you run your business. A plan to continue operations is vital to your company's health in the following ways:

• Allows you to keep up with production
  
• Allows employees to keep working without having to take paid time off
  
• Allows you to fill orders and be competitive with other companies in the marketplace
  
• Helps with a smooth transition during an emergency
  
  

Work-From-Home Options

Set up ways in which your employees can work from home, if possible. Many roles can work remotely if an incident such as flooding makes it dangerous or impractical to stay in the office. Make sure your employees can access servers and can communicate with others in the organization.

Have Backup Equipment

Even if you can stay in the building, the machinery and equipment may not be in working condition. In your continuity plan, identify offsite or additional resources such as information technology that you can connect to and use.

Relocating

If working from home isn't an option for some employees, or for anyone, consider partnering with another company. You may also be able to move to another part of the building while professional cleanup teams are repairing the affecting areas. This may require staggering shifts to make room for everyone.
A business continuity plan is essential. Follow these steps so your company doesn't suffer.

How To Recognize Category 2 Water Damage

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Perry, OK

The water cleanup process includes several phases, one of which is disinfecting any contaminated areas. When water damage experts assess the problem in your building in Perry, OK, they must determine the level of the water's contamination. They do this by placing it in the appropriate category. After a water pipe repair, you may have Category 2 damage, even though the water was clean when it came out of the pipe.

Contamination Levels

There are three categories of water damage contamination that experts use to determine the scope of the cleanup process:

• Category 1 - Clean water, usually from a broken pipe or supply line
  
• Category 2 - Dirty water, usually from an appliance such as a refrigerator
  
• Category 3 - Contaminated water, usually from sewer lines or storm flooding
  
  

If water pipe repair is completed and the subsequent damage is mitigated quickly, the contamination level is likely to stay at a Category 1. The longer water damage sits, however, the more likely it is to move to Category 2 damage as it becomes contaminated by the dirt and the breakdown of materials. Then you have to add a step to the cleanup process to disinfect your building.

Disinfection Process

The longer you take to call cleanup experts, the more likely your flooded building is to have Category 2 damage. When experts arrive, they can test for contamination to determine if they need to add an extra cleaning step. They start by removing materials that can't be salvaged. Then they use industrial cleaners or purification machines to remove any bacteria that have started to grow in the affected area. Only after this disinfection has been completed can your structure be restored to its former state.
Fast action is necessary with any damage to your building. If you need water pipe repair, you probably need water damage remediation. Call your local experts quickly to avoid further damage that can complicate the remediation process.

Quick Guide to Landlord Responsibilities After a Fire

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Apartment Fire in Stillwater, OK.

When a fire breaks out on a rental property, it can be hard to figure out who has to pay for the damages. Whether you rent out commercial or living space, the liability after a fire in Stillwater, OK, is pretty straightforward. Your tenants have to cover the damages done to their personal belongings, such as televisions, furniture and paintings. However, you are responsible for most damages done to the building itself. As a building owner, you may be responsible for the following tasks after an apartment fire.

Landlord's Responsabilities After a Fire

• Communicating With Fire Fighters: These first responders can help you assess the safety of your building. You and your tenants will likely want to enter the apartments to get an idea of the damage done. However, you cannot enter the building until it is deemed safe.
• Starting Claims Process: You have to get in touch with your insurance provider to report the apartment fire. Your agent may give you a list of fire restoration professionals that they prefer you use. You may also want to make sure your renter calls his or her insurance provider to start the claims process for personal belongings.
• Documenting Fire Damage: You need to take pictures of the structure, make lists of damaged appliances and record other furnishings you owned that were damaged.
• Securing the Property: You need to secure the property for two reasons. First, you need to protect the safety of those who may want to enter the building, such as your renters. Putting up warning signs may be enough to keep people out until it is safe to enter. Second, you need to keep vandals and thieves out. You may need to board up windows and put up a security fence.

After an apartment fire, you need to take the proper steps to ensure that everyone, including yourself, is safe and fully aware of the damage liabilities. While you aren't responsible for all of the damages, you do have a lot of financial responsibility. 

Cleaning Up Your Business Post-Flood: 2 Reasons You Shouldn't Wait

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Stillwater, OK.

No matter what one does to prepare, unfortunate accidents can occur at anyone’s business in Stillwater, OK. Should a pipe burst, for example, it can cause major flooding throughout the entire building. The business owner, upon discovery, may feel that it is not always necessary to respond right away. After all, the damage has already been done. The building is flooded, and goods have already been damaged or destroyed: What is the point of immediate action? Would it really be harmful to take a few days to come up with a game plan?

It may not seem like a big deal, but it can be imperative that the business owner deal with his or her building’s damages as soon as possible. If one were to procrastinate dealing with the damages to his or her building that resulted from the flooding, there are two major damage concerns of which he or she should be aware.

2 Major Post-Flood Concerns

1. Humidity

When a building is flooded, direct damage caused by the water is the obvious primary concern. However, one may overlook the secondary source of damage post-flood: humidity. The humid conditions that are created by the burst pipe can be responsible for making an environment in which mold can grow.

2. Mold Growth

If a pipe burst in a building, time is often of the essence when it comes to preventing the growth of mold. Mold can grow when water has been sitting for as few as 24 hours. Many organizations recommend drying the affected building quickly, within 24-48 hours, to prevent the growth of mold. It is generally a good idea to utilize a 24-hour emergency cleanup service to avoid irreparable damage. 

If a pipe burst and caused flooding in one’s place of business, he or she should not hesitate when it comes to mold cleanup and prevention. Fast action with a quality cleanup service can prevent massive damage, saving the owner both time and money in the long run.

Water Damage and Your Wood Floor

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Recognize the signs of damage to wood flooring

Several Problems to Expect from a Wet Floor

A wood floor throughout your property has an enormous amount of visual appeal and brings an elegance to properties that is hard to match with any other flooring materials. Unfortunately, it is also susceptible to a lot of damage when moisture is introduced through a pipe burst or toilet overflow. Even the small amount from a spilled cup of water can cause damage. There are several problems to expect from a wet floor:

• Cupping happens when the edges of wood planks expand, and the middles of the planks remain the same. This may be caused by seasonal humidity and water absorption.
  
• Cracks may appear between wood planks in the floor. These gaps are often caused by high humidity levels in the room.
  
• Buckling is the result of a lot of water on the floor. The middle of the plank grows, and the edges remain the same.
  
  

These damages may all become present when water is left on the floor or seeps under wood planks.

Contact Water Damage Experts

In the event of significant flooding, such as that of a pipe burst, your best strategy is to contact water remediation and restoration professionals. While waiting for those Ceres, OK, technicians to arrive, there are some steps you can do to minimize the damage.

Increase Airflow

Start by increasing ventilation to the area; open up doors and windows for increased airflow. Next, remove water as quickly as possible. Be careful to remove mud, silt, and other debris carefully to avoid scratching the surface of the wood floor.

Maintain a Consistent, Dry Environment

When professionals have said that it's safe to turn the power on, use heaters or air conditioners to maintain a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees. You may have noticed cupping, gaps, or buckling. These problems should be resolved through technicians' and your efforts. Sometimes, the signs of water damage will disappear as the wood dries completely.
Act immediately to resolve the flooding from a pipe burst situation. Recognize the signs of damage to wood flooring, and while waiting for technicians to arrive, reduce damages by taking quick action.

Indoor Environmental Specialists Play a Role in Controlling Mold You Can't See

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

As a property owner or manager, concern over mold growth may one of your top priorities.

As a property owner or manager, concern over mold growth may one of your top priorities. Any dark, humid space with a suitable organic substance can provide the ideal breeding ground for this intruder. Unfortunately, those organic substances are plentiful in the walls, ceilings, and floors of any property. One common problem for commercial property owners is that mold can become a problem before there's any visible proof of its existence. This is where an indoor environmental specialist comes in.

What These Professionals Do

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification and other national and international professional agencies, the work of an indoor environmental professional includes the following:

• Assessing fungal ecologies on the property, including systems and contents
• Creating sampling strategies
• Sampling the indoor environment
• Interpreting data
• Determining the course of corrective action
  

Many states have initiated standards and exams that professionals must adhere to before they can claim the title of an indoor environmental specialist. This move helps property managers feel confident in the work of the technicians.

A Hidden Threat to Your Properties

The unfortunate truth is that by the time you see visible evidence of mold growth, the problem could be widespread. Don't wait to see those black spots or to smell unpleasant odors before scheduling a mold test. Professionals in Perry, OK should visit your properties annually, at least, to make sure your properties aren't hosting unwanted colonies of mold and mildew.

A Combination of Understanding and Professional Efforts

The more you know about mold, the better you can control the environmental factors that support its growth. As you learn more about the conditions that spread spores and cause mold to thrive, you can take any necessary steps to prevent further trouble. An indoor environmental specialist is a key player in these actions. Schedule routine inspections and be sure to carry out the strategies that professionals recommend for the protection of your Perry, OK properties.

3 Tips for Maintaining a Commercial Irrigation System

12/30/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Irrigation System Maintenance

If you have an irrigation system at your business in Stillwater, OK, odds are you may experience a problem with your system. Irrigation flooding can lead to potential water damage and require the services of a water damage restoration professional. Fortunately, when your system goes haywire there are a few things you can do to help mitigate any trouble.

1. Know Your Zones

Some irrigation problems may be occurring in one part of the yard over another. This can indicate that the main problem is located within a specific zone. Knowing where your zones are can help you know which sections to check for potential issues, and examine the area for the source. For example, a big tree in one zone may have wrapped a root around an irrigation pipe.

2. Check the Valves

it's a good idea to check the on/off position of all the valves when experiencing irrigation problems. When going over the irrigation system it’s also important to look for debris. Things like rocks and twigs can get inside open valves and clog up the pipe. A blockage could be the source of any trouble the system may be having.

3. Contact a Specialist

If the problem with your system isn’t obvious, or isn’t something you can fix on your own, it’s best to contact a professional to look over the irrigation. They can look for potential electrical trouble as well as at the system’s hardware, and will have the right tools to fix problems that may be occurring with the pipes.

A broken irrigation system could be a result of a number of problems, but it’s important to get it fixed before you start experiencing water damage problems as well. When problems start occurring with your irrigation look at if any specific areas are having more trouble than others. It’s also a good idea to ensure all the valves are in the correct on or off position, and that none are clogged by debris. When in doubt, contact a professional.

What Is Category 2 Water Damage?

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Contact a water damage restoration service in Stillwater, OK, to restore any damage.

Category Two water damage involves gray water that may contain bacteria or chemicals but does not contain solid waste. Leaks involving Category Two water may be caused by sewer backups or result from leaks of clean Category One water that calls for water pipe repair becoming contaminated. Learn more about what differentiates Category Two water from clean water and Category Three black water.

Where Does Category 2 Water Originate?

Category Two water often originates as Category One water. For instance, if clean water from a broken pipe sits too long or filters down from one flooded floor through building materials to a lower floor, this water has become Category Two. Shower and toilet water that does not contain solid waste is also considered Category Two.

What Is The Category 2 Cleanup Procedure?

As Category Two water may contain bacteria, it is necessary to disinfect the area affected by a leak. Cleanup should commence with the removal of all water followed by cleaning, disinfection, and thorough drying to reduce risks of infection or mold. Be sure to address the cause of the problem, whether this involves clearing a sewer blockage or water pipe repair.

Do Category 2 Leaks Pose Any Risks?

Category Two water may contain bacteria and pose a risk to persons with compromised immune systems. The major risk with any water leak that originates from a broken pipe or any other source is mold. Thoroughly dry the exposed area, including all porous or semi-porous materials and contents, to prevent mold from starting to grow.

Commercial property owners dealing with a Category Two leak should take steps to fix the cause and prevent the situation from becoming more serious. Schedule a water pipe repair or clear any clogs causing backups and clean and dry the flooded area. Contact a water damage restoration service in Stillwater, OK, to restore any damage. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/.

Fire Extinguishers: A How-To Guide

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

If you've ever had a fire in your Stillwater, OK, business and had to call professionals for restoration, you understand how devastating it can be. That's why it's so important to both have a good fire extinguisher at the ready and know how to use it. Here are the steps to follow to make sure you're ready to stop a fire quickly and safely.

1. Know What You're Dealing With

Timely use of an extinguisher can prevent fire damage before it happens. But first, assess the situation. If the fire is already too large, it's a better idea to call the fire department or trigger the fire alarm and make sure you and others around you get to a safe place. If it's a fire that's small enough to be put out safely and you have ready access to a fire extinguisher, you next need to know what kind of fire it is.

2. Fire Classification

Fire experts use the following classifications for different types of fires:
• Type A Fires: plastics, rubber, wood, paper and cloth
• Type B Fires: paints, solvents, propane, gasoline and other flammable gases and liquids
• Type C Fires: plugged-in electrical equipment, including computers, wiring, fuse boxes and appliances
• Type D Fires: metals, or flakes of metal or combustible powders
• Type E Fires: fats and cooking oils, common in a kitchen fire

By looking at the side of the fire extinguisher, you can check the letter classification to make sure it's the correct type to put out the fire. Many extinguishers are rated for putting out more than one type of fire.

3. The PASS Method

Most extinguishers can be used by following the PASS method, with each letter standing for the first word of a step. The first "P" stands for "pull the pin." At the top of the extinguisher is a pin that must be removed before operation. Next comes "A" for "aim the nozzle." Aim for the bottom of the flames, where the combustible material is, not at the top. The first "S" stands for "squeeze the handle," which starts the flow of the extinguishing material, and the second "S" is for "sweep from side to side." Continue extinguishing until the fire is completely out.

Using the steps above will ensure that you're using your extinguisher correctly and can stop fire damage before it gets started. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/.

Discolored Ceiling Tiles Are Often the Result of Leaks

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

In most cases, tile discoloration happens when moisture has broken through the tile material and caused water damage.

Discoloration of ceiling tiles in a building is usually the result of water infiltration; often, this leads to issues with tile mold. Locations like Stillwater, OK, are hardly unique in this regard, as the phenomenon is quite common. Knowing a bit about how to address this issue can help a building owner decide whether or not it is necessary to call in a professional service to remediate the damage.

Identify the Cause of the Discoloration

In most cases, tile discoloration happens when moisture has broken through the tile material and caused water damage. There are at least three common reasons why this occurs.

1. A roof leak is often the culprit of water infiltration. Heavy precipitation and wind that lifts roofing material or flashing can allow rain, sleet, snow or snowmelt inside, and gravity does the rest.
2. A failure in the HVAC system can allow moisture to collect and condense. This water can soak ceiling tiles and stain them. Tile mold can be another unwelcome outcome.
3. Interior plumbing that runs above ceilings can fail in a multitude of ways and send water or other liquids onto the ceiling tiles beneath.

Determine the Extent of the Damage

After a stain or discoloration on a ceiling tile has been noticed, it is important not to delay looking for the source. Timely remediation of the leak, whether it is a trickle or something more, can save property owners further aggravation and expense. After the repair has been made, assess how widespread the discoloration is and swap out the stained tiles with new ones.

Besides being aesthetically displeasing, stains on ceiling tiles in a building are a signal that all is not well and watertight up above. It is important to read this sign as early as possible to avoid an escalation of the problem, such as the development of tile mold. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/. 

How To Troubleshoot a Commercial Irrigation System

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Irrigation problems are a surprising source of water damage to commercial buildings. This is due in part to the fact that they usually run at night, so it may be hours before leaks and malfunctions are discovered. In the meantime, water has been flooding inside. After you call a water damage mitigation specialist in Stillwater, OK, to help with the cleanup, you’ll need to figure out what went wrong. Troubleshooting a commercial irrigation system can be tricky, but there are somethings you can look out for.

If some of the zones aren’t turning on or water pressure is low, there are a number of issues that could be causing it. Here is a list of clues to look out for that might help you discover the causes.

1. Check the valves. It may seem obvious, but it never hurts to make sure the valves are open to allow water to flow into a zone. Likewise, if a valve’s manual bleed has been left open, it can cause a big drop in water pressure, even when there’s a lot of water.
2. Is there a patch of tall grass? Look around the property for any small patches where the grass has sprouted up. This can point you to a cut line in the system where water is spilling out, preventing it from getting to the zone in question or sapping pressure for your irrigation system.
3. Look for a big tree. Tree roots can wrap around underground irrigation lines and choke them off. If you have a large tree on your property, there’s a fair chance the roots could be interfering with water flow to the affected zone.
5. It could be electrical. Bad connections can be fairly common in an irrigation system. When connectors get corroded, it can cause problems. Locating electrical problems usually requires specialized equipment, so you may be better off calling in an expert from Stillwater, OK, to help.
For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/.

Fire and Firefighter Damage

2/18/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage can happen suddenly and quickly.

An electrical fire or a utility room fire may cause problems including smoke damage and soot damage. When the water fire sprinkler systems starts to water the space, any business owner may find that the areas inside of the business have become soaked with water.

A firefighter may have used a fire hose to get rid of the fire. In the process, he may have created fire suppression efforts that have cause additional damage to the windows and doors.

A fire truck may be on parts of the property and created damage to the parking lot as the fire hose is dragged along the edges by a firefighter. Commercial fire damage can include additional damage to the space such as smoke damage and soot damage as well as serious problems from fire damage.

It's important for any owner of a business to be aware of the fact that fire restoration methods may need to be long term and require a lot of help to finally complete.

There is more information about commercial fire restoration on our website www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com.

3 Methods for Cleaning Your Contents After Fire Damage

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

The devastation of a commercial fire in Stillwater, OK, goes beyond the actual disaster itself and right into having to clean up after the event. Knowing whether you can salvage your belongings can be difficult when they all seem to be covered in smoke, debris and soot. Thankfully, there are methods of content cleaning and content storage that can work in your favor, such as dry cleaning your clothes and other various ideas. Here are three methods for cleaning and restoring your belongings, giving you the chance to save not only money but also precious memories:

1. Dry clean your clothes to eliminate smoke odors and soot. Any clothing items that weren’t fully destroyed in the blaze can be saved through the simple process of dry cleaning. The smoky odor should be diminished or erased completely, while any soot or stains are washed away with the chemical solvent used to dry clean fabrics.

2. Upholstered furniture can be foam-cleaned. Since furniture is hard to clean through soap and water methods without causing further damage, foam cleaning can be administered to remove the smell of smoke and any remnants of soot or debris. The fabric won’t bleed or shrink using this technique, allowing your furniture to be brought back to life to its original state.

3. Clean keepsakes or mementos through simple spraying and wiping. Depending on the items in question, most soot or smoke damage can be sprayed and wiped down to extract any remaining smells or grime. Immersion cleaning could also work for specialty items, where the item is dipped in an efficient cleaning solution and restored.

Many fire restoration specialists help to save your belongings from fire damage, offering opportunities to help with dry cleaning, content cleaning and ideas for content storage. Despite the disaster that has occurred in your Stillwater, OK, building, you can still manage to hold onto your most prized possessions.

For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com.

RECOVERING LIFE | Local disaster recovery company announces plans to donate life saving devices to our public schools

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

In the coming weeks SERVPRO of South Tulsa County, Edmond, and Stillwater/Guthrie will begin donating and installing AED devices in local schools.

February 13, 2018

SERVPRO of South Tulsa County, Edmond, and Stillwater/Guthrie is pleased to announce that they will soon be helping to supply Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to local schools in need.  

“We want to help make sure that they are ready for any situation that could come up” says Lacey Davis, SERVPRO of South Tulsa County Emergency Preparedness Specialist.  

An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias which lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Often confused with a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest is a serious condition that in some cases may be fatal. 

“Emergency preparedness is really the very core of our particular franchises. Through educating clients and the public about catastrophic disaster readiness to active shooter preparedness to emergency medical response, we feel that we are at least taking positive steps in the right direction regarding topics that are important to our core values as a company” said Dave Jones, President of SERVPRO of South Tulsa County, Edmond and Stillwater/Guthrie.

“Children’s safety and well being is paramount to those values in every single situation.  Anything we can do to assist with those issues is vital” says Dave Jones, SERVPRO of South Tulsa County, Edmond and Stillwater/Guthrie President.  

The AED devices treat the conditions through defibrillation, which allows the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. More importantly AEDs are designed to be used by a layperson through simple audio and visual commands and is taught in many first aid, certified first responder, and basic life support level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes. 

SERVPRO has franchises in South Tulsa, Stillwater/Guthrie, and Edmond, and surrounding communities. “Our mission within our three franchises is to constantly strive to educate our clients on the importance of preparedness in all situations.” 

“We continue to spend countless hours assisting our clients with individualized Emergency Ready Plans (ERP) all over the state of Oklahoma.  These Plans are tailor fit for each client per their priorities and business models” Jones said. “For instance, your local school system will have much different priorities than your local car dealership.  We can assist with any type and size of commercial business, not for profit, municipality, school system, agricultural, industrial, and residential needs to become more prepared in the case of a disaster situation.”

Schools interested in being considered for a donation or interested in an Emergency Ready Plan should contact Lacey Davis at lacey@SERVPROsouthtulsa.com or by calling (918) 437-2095. 

# # #

For further information or to request interviews: 

Lacey Davis: lacey@SERVPROsouthtulsa.com

Phone: 918-437-2095 Cell: 918-515-0334

Website: SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com

Commercial Steps to Make a Claim

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Making a Claim after a Water Loss

A water loss in your building, if large enough, will merit calling the insurance company. They will ask some simple questions to get started on a claim. Here is the information that you will need to have gathered.

1. Stop the water flow or leaks if possible. If you have a burst water pipe, you need to take steps to stop the leak. Turn off the water main or get the pipe repaired quickly.
2. Contact your insurance company as soon as the water is off. Most insurance companies offer a 24/7 claims service. Customer service can help you get the claim started.
3. Take pictures or video of the damage. The insurance adjuster will need this critical information for your claim.
4. Start getting the water out.
   If you have water remaining inside the building have a water mitigation company remove and dry out the building.

The restoration process of a building after a water damage has its own set of steps and does take some time. Visit our site for more information about water damage.

Signs That Your Business Needs Professional Restoration Services

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

If your business has a broken pipe or sewage backup, you may wonder if you can handle it yourself or if you need a professional sewer cleanup company. A restoration business in Stillwater, OK can help with pipe burst cleanup as well as restoration after these problems:

• Flooded basements
• Flooding from rain
• Supply line leaks
• Frozen pipes
• Overflowing sewage

Of course, not all of these incidents are equally serious. So how can you know when to contact the professionals? Here are a few signs:

There Is Sewage of Any Kind

When water contacts human feces, it becomes black water. This categorization means that the water is not safe for you to touch. It can contain bacteria and other toxic substances. As such, you should allow the professionals to take care of it.

Restoration companies have special gear to take care of sewage. It can protect the technicians while they thoroughly clean your business. This is the expertise you need in the face of the black water. Furthermore, if the water is from a rainstorm, it is considered black water.

You Intend To File an Insurance Claim

Is the problem big enough to get your business insurance involved? If so, that’s almost a certain sign that you need to call a restoration company. After all, if you’re willing to pay the deductible, it’s probably a significant flood. Furthermore, some insurance plans may require you to call a contractor.

You’re Asking the Question

If you’re looking at a flood and wondering if you need help, the chances are that you do. The pipe burst cleanup process can be overwhelming for someone who is inexperienced. Call in the experts if you’re unsure.

Do you need professionals for your pipe burst cleanup? If you have sewage backup, intend to file with your insurance or aren’t sure if you can do it alone, contact the experts in Stillwater, OK. They can guide you through the process and make it easy for you.

Visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com for more information on commercial water damage.

The 3 Black Water Categories

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

When a flood happens, and water damage occurs within a building in Stillwater, OK the water that remains is known as black water. This type of flood water is extremely contaminated, and it can be dangerous to those who come into contact with it.

The 3 Black Water Categories

Black water can be categorized into three different groupings that vary in terms of severity. These include:

Level I Black Water—This type of black water contamination usually originates inside of a building and only affects a small area. It does not penetrate the structure of the building, affect porous materials or exist within the area for very long. An example of this type of damage would include an overflowing toilet.

Level II Black Water—This type of black water damage also originates within a building, but the scope of the damage is significantly greater. Any drapery, carpet, drywall, and other porous materials exposed to the water must be removed.

Level III Black Water—This type of black water infiltrates a building from an outside source, like a main sewage line or a septic system. An overflowing river or stream can also create this type of black water. Generally speaking, this category of disaster is associated with more contamination over an extended period of time.

Know that regardless of the extent of the damage or where it originated, this type of water is dangerous because it can carry harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses.

Don’t Wait to Take Care of the Problem

The longer contaminated water remains in your building, the more water damage it will cause. For this reason, it is best to contact a disaster restoration professional soon after your building is infiltrated by water. Have the name and contact information of this company on-hand in a convenient location so you can reach out for help soon after a disaster occurs at your location.
Visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com for more information on water damage.