RESTORING A COMMERCIAL BUILDING AFTER WATER DAMAGE

9/13/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage in any building can be a catastrophic event but when the building is a commercial enterprise it can be debilitating if not handled properly and quickly. The first step in assessing water damage in a commercial environment is performing a risk assessmentto determine what risks or potential risks exist to occupants, workers, and other personnel. Electrical hazards, slip hazards, HVAC system contamination and bacterial contamination are just some examples of potential risks during and after a water damage event.The second step in assessing a water damage event is to mitigate damages to prevent secondary damages and to incorporate a drying plan to reduce downtime. Secondary damages can include mold growth, permanent damages to carpet, wall coverings, artwork, critical documents, etc. Let’s break down some of these topics into a greater discussion.

Step 1: Determine the Risks

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards can include power strips in offices getting wet, water from above impacting junction boxes, lights, fire alarm systems etc. All power to impacted areas where electrical systems could be impacted should be immediately shut off at the circuit breaker panel if safe to do so. A qualified electrician should be hired to assess any damages and to ensure all areas are safe from shock hazards.

Slip and Fall Hazards

Slip and fall hazards are some of the most common hazards in any water damage event. Every effort should be made to reduce risks to include water removal, proper warning signs and restricting access to damaged areas.

HVAC System Contaminations

HVAC systems should be assessedto determine if any moisture has impacted the system. Contaminated water poses an imminent risk to occupants in the building due to the risk of bacteria, MVOS’s and other microorganisms becoming airborne. Even clean water when stagnant in the HVAC system for an extended period (typically over 48 hours) rapidly degrades and can result in deteriorated air quality and potential exposure risks. After water damage events impacting a mechanical system, a qualified HVAC expert should assess the system and the associated ductwork should be cleaned by a NADCA certified firm.

Bacterial Contamination

Category 1 or “clean” water damage situations are much less of a risk in terms of immediate health risks to occupant health and safety. Category 2 (contaminated water with potential risk of harm such as groundwater) and category 3 (significant contamination such as sewage) water damage disasters pose a much greater risk to occupant health due to potential viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and disease-causing pathogens typically present in this type of water. Immediate evacuation of occupants is often prudent in category 2 water damage events and is almost always required in category 3 water damage events.

Step 2: Mitigate Commercial Water Damage

Proper mitigation during water damage is a critical step in restoring a building–but what exactly does mitigation mean with respect to restoring a building? Mitigation involves removing all excess water, quickly identifying salvageable vs non-salvageable building materials/contents, quickly identifying class 4 areas of damage which are difficult/technical drying challenges with bound moisture and establishing a restoration plan for demolition and drying. The ultimate goal of mitigation in commercial settings is to dry the structure with as little demolition as possible and to limit downtime of the operation.

The Key to Success is Having a Water Damage Clean up Process in Place

Good communication throughout the entire process is key to a successful outcome. This includes communication with facilities management, subcontractors, water mitigation techs, etc. Every step should be thoroughly documented, including photos, notes, and moisture mapping. A pre-set disaster emergency response plan is the best way to ensure a rapid response and timely building restoration. Most progressive companies have some type of plan in place which should include all of the building’s mechanical information, electrical layouts/shut-offs, water shutoffs, location of critical documents, staging areas and contact information for key employees/contractors.

No one ever wishes for a water damage event to strike their building, but chances are that at some point you’ll be the victim of a water damage disaster. When disaster does strike have a plan already in place and more importantly ensure you call in a qualified expert to perform the required mitigation. With a well thought out and well-executed mitigation/drying plan you’ll be up and running in no time.

Sewer Backup Insurance: How To Know If You Actually Need It

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

Sewage! Hardly anyone wants to talk about it, much less find sewage water bubbling up in their bathroom. But sewer and water backups can happen regardless of where you live, so homeowners need to prevent and prepare—these events can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Standard homeowners insurance covers damage when the water originates from inside the home (like from a water heater or washing machine ), but it usually doesn’t cover damage from water/ sewer backups. For protection in such gnarly incidents, you’ll need additional coverage, sometimes called a rider. The good news is that the average cost is $50 to $250 a year—arguably inexpensive for the amount of protection you get. If you don’t want to get stuck with the bill when your sump pump fails, consider adding this overage to your home insurance policy.

What You Need to Know About Mold and Moisture in Crawl Spaces

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

Crawl spaces can be vulnerable to moisture and mold. The original reason they began being built was to simply provide a buffer between your home and the wet ground below. However, in modern times we realize they are (unfortunately) a space that collects water and is great at holding in the humid air. This brings issues such as structural damage, mold growth, and even pest infestations.

While crawl spaces ventilation methods exist, these areas differ from the rest of the living space. Considering they are underground, ventilation won’t work the same “down there” as in other parts of the house. These systems are slowly being phased out of standard building practices.

Let’s say you have crawl space vents during a rainstorm or a bout of humid weather. This won’t help with keeping things dry whatsoever. With condensation developing and remaining on surfaces, mold will inevitably begin to grow in these conditions. 

How Does Mold Grow in Crawl Spaces?

First let’s discuss what can cause microbial growth in crawl spaces to happen in the first place. 

Vapor Barriers 

This is more common in cooler climates (and not necessarily needed in every crawlspace), but vapor barriers make a huge difference in the amount of moisture in the air within your crawl space. By preventing diffusion of moisture from the soil to the air, moisture will remain in the dirt instead of building up and possibly condensation on your framing, insulation, etc. This alone is a solid preventative measure to contain moisture levels.

Flooding

Crawlspace flooding periodically shouldn’t cause significant problems if it isn’t too often. Heavy rain for days on end will cause an elevated water table – this is the area between the topsoil (dry) and the ground below that (saturated). After (for example,) snow melts, the water table is high and because the ground cannot hold any more of that water, it seeps into your foundation cracks because it simply has nowhere to go. 

What are Some Mold Prevention Measures?

Preventative measures need to be taken.

• Ensure that your foundation is in good condition; any cracks should be repaired as soon as they are discovered.
• If you find that you might have drainage issues then you may need a professional to assess any problems with grading. A sump-pump can be a good way to stay ahead of flooding – when the water level reaches a specific level it will turn on by itself and then pump the water out!
• As for moisture issues (not necessarily flooding), a vapor barrier is probably your best option. Again, this will help prevent moisture from moving from the soil to the crawl space and up into your home. 

SERVPRO EXPERTS

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a professional restoration and cleanup company that offers a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties that have been damaged by water, fire, mold, or other disasters. There are several reasons why SERVPRO may be a good choice for restoration and cleanup services:

1. Fast response time: SERVPRO has a 24/7 emergency response team that can quickly respond to disasters and start the cleanup and restoration process as soon as possible.

2. Professional expertise: SERVPRO technicians are trained and certified to handle a wide range of restoration and cleanup services. They use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that the job is done right.

3. Comprehensive services: SERVPRO offers a wide range of services, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and more. This means that they can handle all aspects of the restoration and cleanup process, from start to finish.

4. Insurance coordination: SERVPRO works closely with insurance companies to ensure that the restoration and cleanup process is covered by insurance. They can also help with filing insurance claims and providing documentation for insurance purposes.

5. Customer satisfaction: SERVPRO is committed to customer satisfaction and offers a satisfaction guarantee for their services. They also provide ongoing communication throughout the restoration and cleanup process to ensure that customers are informed and satisfied with the work being done.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz team of experts at 323-667-3100

How to Prepare For a Rain Storm

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing for a rain storm can help protect your home and property and ensure that you and your family stay safe. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a rain storm:

• Check your gutters and downspouts: Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and in good working order. This will help ensure that rainwater can be properly channeled away from your home.

• Secure outdoor items: Bring in any outdoor furniture, toys, or other items that could be blown around by high winds or flooding. This will help prevent damage to your property and neighboring properties.

• Check your roof: Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles or other issues that could cause leaks during a heavy rainstorm.

•  Trim trees and shrubs: Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your home and could potentially cause damage in high winds.

• Stock up on supplies: Be sure to stock up on supplies, such as food, water, batteries, and flashlights, in case of power outages or other emergency situations.

•  Create an emergency plan: Make sure that you have an emergency plan in place in case of severe weather. This should include a plan for where to go if you need to evacuate and a plan for how to communicate with family members if you are separated.

  By taking these steps, you can help ensure that you are prepared for a rain storm and minimize the risk of damage to your home and property.

How to remove Soot from Concrete

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

Brick Soot

Fires can happen anywhere. While the cause of fires vary, every year thousands of homes, commercial properties, and industrial facilities deal with the cleanup after a blaze. In the aftermath of a fire, structural engineers and insurance companies will work together to determine if a property can be salvaged. In many cases, a fire restoration specialist will work with the owner to resurrect the property from the ashes. 

The approach a fire restoration specialist takes to remove soot from brick can be different depending on the cause of the fire, how long it burned, what the fire consumed, type of fire damage and where the soot accumulated. These factors, plus the amount of square footage damaged will determine the recommended cleaning methods. Fires that involve diesel fuel, plastics, rubber, or other petroleum based products typically create an oily soot while fires that involve wood and other construction materials can leave fine powder residue.

Brick is particularly susceptible to water absorption and subsequent damage. Caution should be used when pressure washing brick with liquid cleaning products, as they can penetrate porous masonry products (including mortar and brick) which can lead to material breakdown and deterioration.

Micro-abrasive cleaning is a dry option that cleans the surface soot without the need to deal with liquid runoff. Sponge Blasting is one of the faster methods of soot removal.

How To Safely Remove Mold from your Home

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Bathroom Mold and Mildew

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in damp, humid environments. Mold spores are everywhere – in the air, on surfaces, and in the dust. When these spores come into contact with moisture, they can start to grow and multiply. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and dark places. It can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or any other area of the home that doesn’t have good ventilation.

One of the best ways to remove mold is to use a mixture of water and bleach. This solution will kill most types of mold and spores. However, it’s important to use caution when using bleach as it can be harmful to your skin and eyes. If you’re not comfortable using bleach, you can also use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill most types of mold.

If you have mold in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to remove it. As a matter of fact, mold can be dangerous to your health, so it’s important to remove it as soon as you see it. Although there are many do-it-yourself mold removal products on the market, we recommend that you leave this job to the professionals. Our team of experts has the experience and training necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your home. 

Restoring Commercial Spaces: A Comprehensive Guide to Mold Remediation

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth can be a significant problem in commercial spaces, posing health risks to occupants and potentially damaging the structure itself. When faced with mold infestation, timely and effective restoration is essential to ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, and visitors.

• The first step in commercial mold restoration is identifying the presence of mold. This can be done through visual inspections, moisture mapping, and air quality testing. Trained professionals can assess the extent of the mold problem and determine the type of mold present, allowing for a targeted restoration plan.
• Once mold has been detected, a comprehensive restoration strategy should be developed. This plan should outline the necessary steps to eliminate the mold, prevent further growth, and restore the affected areas. Factors such as the size of the affected area, the type of mold, and the underlying cause of moisture must be considered during this planning phase.
• Mold remediation involves the removal, cleaning, and sanitization of affected materials. Depending on the severity of the mold infestation, this process may include removing damaged materials, such as drywall or carpeting, or cleaning and treating salvageable items. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to ensure the safety of restoration professionals and prevent the spread of mold spores.
• To prevent future mold growth, it is imperative to identify and address the underlying moisture sources that led to the infestation. Leaks, inadequate ventilation, or high humidity levels must be corrected to create an environment inhospitable to mold. This may involve repairing plumbing issues, improving ventilation systems, or implementing moisture control measures
• After the mold has been successfully removed and moisture sources have been addressed, the affected areas can be restored. This may include replacing damaged materials, repainting surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation and insulation. It is important to work with experienced contractors who specialize in commercial mold restoration to ensure a thorough and efficient restoration process.
• Even after the restoration process, it is crucial to monitor the commercial space for any signs of recurring mold growth. Implementing regular inspections, maintaining proper ventilation, and promptly addressing any moisture-related issues can help prevent future mold infestations and ensure a healthy environment for occupants.

Six Dangers of Standing Water

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Standing water in your home after a flood is a water damage disaster waiting to happen. In fact, one of the absolute worst things you can do is wait around before taking steps to ensure the quick removal of the standing floodwater. There are many reasons why this is the case and the damage can pile up quickly as standing is left in your home. 

Bacteria

Floodwater is often originally contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants. When there is sewage in the water, specific types of bacteria that are common are E. coli and Salmonella. Even in floodwater that was clean to begin with, however, bacteria will begin to grow in the floodwater given enough time. You should be very cautious about coming into contact with floodwater that contains bacteria so you don’t get yourself sick.

Mold 

One of the problems that become most apparent as standing water remains after a flood is mold. In just a short amount of time, mold can go from beginning to grow to becoming a pervasive problem spreading throughout your home. The health problems stemming from mold are usually minor symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, sneezing, irritated skin, red/itchy eyes. In more serious cases mold has been linked to asthma and (somewhat controversially) lung disease. However, contrary to what some people think, mold does NOT cause cancer.

Viruses

Stagnant water will allow viruses to breed including the Norwalk virus and rotaviruses. Insects and mosquitoes may also carry other viruses. In essence, viruses are a serious concern from stagnant floodwater that should not be taken lightly.

Parasites

The most common parasites in standing water are Entamoeba, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. These may grow in clean water but are much more common in gray water and sewage.

Structural Damage

Standing water poses a serious hazard to the structure of your home. The exposure to the water can ruin drywall, cause wood to swell, and possibly even ruin certain portions of your home so they need to be replaced completely.

Pests And Rodents

Stagnant water can also attract insects and rodents. Mosquitoes may carry malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika fever. Rats, mice, and other small rodents can carry a variety of bacteria and diseases. Not to mention, these pests and rodents are just plain gross and the last thing anyone wants to deal with in their home on top of water damage.

Biohazard Cleanup

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Traumatic events can be mentally straining, but following an occurrence, a third-party company should come in to remediate the incident. Similar to surface cleaning, each of these involves a similar process to disinfect and sanitize the area from all hazards.

Biohazard Remediation

Cleanup and disinfection of any biohazard situation. These situations include commercial, industrial and residential accidents, chemical spills, contamination, and hoarding events. 

Biological Waste

Materials that have been contaminated by or contain hazardous material.

Blood Removal

The process of removing blood marks and stains from the surrounding area. The use of chemicals and reactive agents are applied to destroy any harmful pathogens and fully clear the area from any markings. It is a part of the trauma remediation process.

Crime Scene Cleanup

Crime scene cleanup is the process of cleaning up a key location where a crime of some nature has unfolded. 

Decontamination

The removal of hazardous substances from an area, object, or person to prevent any potential health effects.

Disinfectant

A disinfectant is a chemical mixture used to destroy bacteria. These strong chemicals are regulated by OSHA and CDC standards and approved by the EPA for use in various situations.

Hazardous Materials Response (HAZMAT)

A group of trained professionals with the skills to handle and control hazardous substances

Hoarder Scene Cleanup

When a professional team goes onsite to thoroughly clean and sanitize the hazardous hoarder mess. These professionals will assist in cleaning and disposing of potentially harmful items or extreme clutter.

Homicide Cleanup

A homicide cleanup is the process of cleaning up a crime scene where a homicide was involved. This process is done AFTER police have conducted their investigation and all evidence has been gathered.