3 Winter Roof Damage Issues Business Owners Need To Know

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Winter can be a hard time for business owners. Winter can cause damage to their homes but they also have to worry about their business. Here are some common issues that business owners need to be aware of as winter approaches.

Ice Dam Formation

When the warm air is rising from the inside of your building, it loosens the shingles as well as the snow on top of the shingles. The melted snow travels to colder parts of the roof where it freezes once again. That creates a blockade for the other snow that melts and falls which causes the water sitting there to seep through the lose shingles or any cracks on that roof. This will lead to water leaking into your building. One good way to prevent this is to keep the gutter clean and install a heat trace cable in the gutter to melt the snow and keep that flow going.

Icicle Formation

Similar to the ice dam formation, icicles are formed when the snow on the roof travels then freezes up on the edge of the roof. They can cause damage to your shingles and gutter and fall on the pedestrians walking by.  The simple tactic of using a rake and removing the icicles should do the trick.

Heavy Rooftop Snow Loads

All roofs are designed and built differently, which means they all support different weights. If a huge snow storm hits and your roof is left with a very large load of snow on it, your roof is running a very high risk of collapsing. And if it is bad enough, it can all fall through into your building and damage the contents in your building. If you see any signs of this problem call SERVPRO immediately.

With all of this being said, having a roof inspection before anything hits is a good idea to keep the building in good shape and everything inside that building. These points can also apply to your home as well. 

Commercial Plumbing Issues

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

It is that time of, leaves are falling and the temperature is dropping, but work must continue. The temperature is dropping which can affect your commercial building.

Pipe Bursting 

It is important to keep your pipes in your building in good shape to prevent any problems. As the days get colder, you are running the risk of your pipes freezing over which can cause crack and leaks. This can happen no mater the material. Plastic, copper, or steel can freeze which will make the pipes crack or even burst. A pipe burst can let go around 200 gallons in just one day which will cause major water damage to your commercial building.

Prevention

If you are expecting freezing temperatures, be one step ahead and close the water supply lines and washer connections. To circulate heat to the hidden pipes underneath all sinks, make sure to leave those cabinets open to allow the heat in your home help prevent those pipes from freezing.

A pipe bursting in your business could be a huge problem. It could restrain you from working. There will most likely be standing water inside the building. Call SERVPRO of Howell / Wall immediately after you discover the problem and we will be there to take care of the problem and cut that time that you are not in business way down. 

Call Today (732) 355-3517

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Howell/Wall Business Suffers From Water Damage

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let water stop your business take these steps to move your Howell/Wall business after water damage.

Let’s face it, water damage is threatening to your property’s value and can cause some serious, well damage. Whether you’re facing a storm; a flood; leaks from a weakened roof, HVAC or busted pipes; or experience overflowing appliances, water damage can wreak havoc in an array of emergency situations. To prevent further damage and to increase chances of salvation, it is critical to act quickly within the first 24 hours. Considering you have safely evacuated the premises and safety officials have declared it safe, follow these steps to immediately rectify your business from water damage.

Avoid Additional Risks

Upon returning to your property, survey the premises and document any visible structural damage that may further endanger you and your property. Look for signs of warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, and holes. If safety officials haven’t done so already, contact utility companies to cease all water and electrical sources. Even if the power is still out upon your return, physically turn off the main power line and individual fuses to avoid risk of electrocution should the power be reactivated.

Document Everything

While surveying your property, take photos and document all damages. Digital photos will allow you to properly store, back-up and transfer files quickly and conveniently. Be sure to document all damages prior to removing any water or starting on any repairs; otherwise, you risk decreasing the extent of your insurance coverage.

Contact your Insurance Provider

Contacting your insurance provider is critical immediately following water damage and your return to the property. Your insurance provider will be able to assess the situation, file a claim, determine whether or not the damage is severe enough to send an adjuster, and provide invaluable next steps. They will also ask for the documentation you’ve collected so it’s important to have that readily available. Pro Tip: if government authorities have declared your region a ‘disaster area’, property owners may have access to increased resources, services and financial assistance.

Secure the Property

Place board over broken windows, fasten tarps, and carryout other measures to avoid further leaks and water damage. Be sure to document all of your efforts to secure your property from further damage. If these precautionary steps are not taken and something else happens, additional damages may not be covered by your insurance provider.

Mitigate Mold Damage

It only takes 24-48 hours for mold to develop following a flood or water damage. If items have been wet for less than 48 hours, they may be salvageable. Remove wet contents such as carpeting and furniture as soon as possible. If an item has been exposed longer than 48 hours, it may be harder and more expensive to salvage. If possible, you can start the drying out process within 24 hours and eliminate mold and mildew growth by:

Removing wet furniture or lifting it off of carpet
Place aluminum foil or other carpet separators on furniture to prevent carpet stains
Remove and hang area rugs to dry
Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out wet areas
Turn air conditioning on to help remove humidity and speed the drying process
Contact SERVPRO of Howell/Wall.

If any amounts of water need more than a mop and you’ve followed the immediate steps to secure your business, water removal may require professional attention. SERVPRO of Howell/Wall has the expertise, training and equipment to quickly remedy water damages and help your business get back to working order faster. Give SERVPRO of Howell/Wall a call at (732) 355-3517.

KEEPING YOUR RESTAURANT’S CARPETING CLEAN

7/8/2018 (Permalink)

Your restaurant’s nightly checklist has to be followed to the letter in order to keep your business in great shape and ready for the next business day. Every item has to be thoroughly washed and sparkling clean on a daily basis; the kitchen flooring, stovetops and ovens, utensils, pots and coffee makers…. And then there’s the front of house - bathrooms, host stand, and bar area with all your glassware that needs attention. But you and your team have it all handled, every day.

Flooring in a busy restaurant can be a challenge, as well. Many eateries choose to install hardwood floors, which have to be treated regularly to avoid damage from high heels, spills, and scratches from table and chair movement.

Perhaps, however, your establishment has carpeting. A nightly vacuum and spot cleaning will go a long way towards preventing potential mold growth and other issues that can cause unpleasant odors, but your carpeting will still need a regular deep cleaning to keep floors looking the way you want them to. With carpeting, spills on carpeting don’t come up quite as easily or as completely as those on hardwood flooring, and a carpet in need of deep cleaning can look dull and worn, with the colors no longer as bright and fresh; that can reflect negatively on your guest’s experience. Make sure a deep cleaning is on your cleaning checklist!

Here at SERVPRO of Howell/Wall, we are equipped to handle the toughest carpet cleaning jobs. Our business is experienced with cleanups from fire and water damage in both homes and large commercial enterprises, and mold remediation is one of our specialties! Call us today at (732) 355-3517. You can also visit our website: SERVPRO of Howell/Wall

WHY YOU SHOULD PRIORITIZE KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS CLEAN

7/8/2018 (Permalink)

Those shows about failing businesses and restaurants are often entertaining and even humorous, at least to us as viewers. But they also highlight an essential detail that businesses sometimes overlook: a clean work area. That might not sound like a big deal, but a clean business sends a powerful message to staff and customers alike.

Listed here are some of the benefits of prioritizing workplace cleanliness:

• It reduces the need to replace supplies and equipment as often. When dirt and grime are left to build up, they will cause unnecessary wear-and-tear on your office equipment. The keys on your PC keyboard can get sticky, which necessitates a call to IT. Flooring can become stained and unkempt, and office furniture left uncared for is unsightly, sending the wrong message to everyone. Regular cleaning and maintenance will save you costly replacements of these items. SERVPRO of Howell/Wall specializes in all areas of commercial cleaning and restoration.
• It can help you find and fix damages before they becomes a problem. Regular deep cleaning can help you catch problems you might not notice otherwise and keep you looking good while doing it. You will see the signs of water damage and mold growth much more quickly, and as we all know, damage from leaks are much easier to deal with at the beginning of the issue. The longer damage from a water leak goes on, the higher the costs for repairs are going to be. Taking care of mold is also important for the health of your workforce. Mold spores can often be toxic, and its presence can be a health code violation. SERVPRO of Howell/Wall is your area specialist for mold remediation.
  
  
• It can help employees avoid illnesses and positively affect morale. A dirty working environment can encourage the accumulation of bacteria and viruses, which will adversely affect your employees. Clutter and grime also make it difficult to concentrate and has been proven to cause stress, especially for those people who are highly sensitive to uncomfortable surroundings. When your workers are happy and productive, your customers and clients will know it, and an atmosphere of positivity will affect your business by encouraging repeat sales and referrals.
  
  
• It gives your business an image and reputation of trustworthiness. If your business looks like a mess, most people will assume it’s failing; how can they trust you to care about their concerns if you don’t care about your own? Water-stained walls, unkempt furniture and machinery, dusty light fixtures; all these things will give your prospective customers the idea that you are not a careful proprietor. Not the best way to get people to come back!

Call us here at SERVPRO of Howell/Wall for help with all your commercial cleaning needs. We are experienced in cleanup after water and fire damage, and mold remediation is one of our specialties! Our phone number is: (732) 355-3517, or you can visit our website: SERVPRO of Howell/Wall

Keeping Your Home or Business Fresh!

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

What Is Duct Cleaning?

This process refers to the cleaning of various system components of your heating and cooling system. The components that should be regularly cleaned include grilles, supply and return air ducts, heat exchangers, coils, and unit housing.

When not cleaned, these components can become contaminated with dust, dirt, and pollen. In addition, moisture can even result in mold growth, which often has harmful health effects. A thorough cleaning, however, can prevent such contamination and keep your indoor air at a high quality. 

How Can It Help Remove Foul Odors?

When the ducts are thoroughly cleaned with proper equipment, professionals can remove dander, mold, dust, and other contaminants in your air vents. These particles are generally the cause of foul odors. For example, mold often causes a musty smell, while pet fur and dander trapped in the ducts may cause other odors. To truly remove these smells, the process sanitizes and deodorizes all areas that are affected.

Commercial Cleaning Services

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you are a business owner, or run a particular business that receives a lot of visitors and foot-traffic, you know how important it is to keep your business looking clean and in good shape. A lot of times, you don't have the time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office.

When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Howell/Wall for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of Howell/Wall offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

Restoring Your Monmouth County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Monmouth County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Howell/Wall

SERVPRO of Howell/Wall specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Restoring Your Howell/Wall Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business.

Flooding and water damage events at Howell/Wall commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Howell/Wall

SERVPRO of Howell/Wall specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Howell/Wall Company Profile