We are the premier service professionals ready to help your business in even the biggest jobs. Fire, water, mold, we can handle it.
When a fire happens, it can bring your business to a sudden halt. Thankfully, SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. When a fire happens, give us a call so we can get you back to normal and up and running as soon as possible.
Whether it’s a leaky pipe or like the flood gates opened and there is water everywhere, SERVPRO has you covered. We have the highest quality equipment available so you can get everything up and running in no time.
Noticing a foul odor? Starting to see dark spots? Well, you might have a mold problem. Don’t fret, SERVPRO can help. We are experts at mold remediation. Your business is safe with us.
When looking at commercial insurance policies for a Maple Grove, MN business, many company owners may be wondering if flood insurance is a good choice for their property. Here are a few things to consider.
1. What May Be Covered
In most cases, a flood policy will cover damage caused by nature or accidents. This usually includes incidents such as a broken pipe or sewer backup, along with rain overflow and other storm damage. It is the policy holder’s responsibility to know exactly what their plan covers, but most normal flooding falls under these categories. In many cases, the insurance provider may also cover the cost of repair and cleanup, as well as recommend a professional restoration service.
2. What May Not Be Covered
Many commercial insurance policies will not cover flooding that comes as a result of neglect. This means that if you knew one area needed repairs, you failed to take action, and flooding occurred as a result, then your insurance provider may decline coverage.
3. What a Restoration Company Can Do
Insurance providers may have recommendations for a restoration company that may be able to help. A professional restoration service is equipped to help with large-scale disasters according to FEMA guidelines. They also offer services such as electronic inventory management system, which can be used to document items and repair requirements as they go. The database can be updated by the restoration team and accessed by the insurance agents allowing them to have the most up-to-date information as they keep track of the claim.
When looking at their commercial insurance policy, it's up to the policyholder to know what exactly is included. In most cases, flooding caused by accidents or natural disasters will be covered. Flooding caused by neglect, however, probably will not. A professional restoration team may have the tools necessary to work with the insurance company in order to help process the claim and keep all required information updated.
Prepare your Commercial Building for a Winter Storm
Take These Steps To Prepare Your Building for a Winter Storm
As the first winter weather of the season rolls into Minnesota, it could be too late to consider winterizing your building. Being proactive is key when it comes to potential storm damage. As cooler temperatures approach, it’s a good time to go over last-minute details before the cold sets in. Consider taking these steps to prepare your building for a winter storm:
1. Inspect the Roof
Get your roof professionally inspected before the first signs of winter weather. Damaged flashings and loose or missing shingles could result in severe damage to the interior of the building if left to sit through the winter.
2. Cut Back Tree Limbs
Ice and snow really weigh down tree limbs. Be sure to trim back overhanging, loose or dead branches before winter weather hits. Otherwise, you risk damage to your roof, windows, gutter system, among other things.
3. Clean Gutters
A winter storm can wreak havoc on a gutter system. Make sure to keep gutters free of all leaves and debris. A combination of full gutters and snow can form ice dams which can cause interior damage.
4. Inspect Insulation and Weather Stripping
Make sure that your building has a sufficient amount of insulation and weather stripping. They can make all the difference when it comes to the cost of your heating bill.
5. Leave the Heat On
Leave the heat on even in areas that aren’t being used. Set the thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Inspect HVAC System
Get a full HVAC inspection before cold weather arrives. This will ensure that everything is in proper working order before the need for heat arises.
7. Inspect Exposed Pipes
Make sure that the pipes are properly insulated to protect them from freezing and bursting. By sealing any cracks or openings you will go a step further to prevent a pipe break. When it comes to winter in Maple Grove, MN being proactive can ultimately save time and possibly even a lot of expense. If your building sustains damage from a winter storm, be sure to call storm cleanup professionals to help.
Emergency Preparation: Ensuring Commercial Generators are maintained
A generator is a pivotal piece of machinery for many businesses, especially medical and manufacturing practices. These tools ensure that a business can maintain operations in the event of a power failure, and whether for safety concerns or production value they must be maintained. Failure to perform adequate maintenance can lead to a litany of issues, but there are four that are the most common.
1. Battery Failure
The leading cause of generator problems is battery failure. Failure occurs because a battery has not been charged properly or it needs to be replaced due to age. Most failures can be avoided by making sure that all cables, chargers and batteries are checked regularly and that their condition remains in good standing.
2. Leaks
Generator leaks are common and usually preventable through routine maintenance. These leaks can occur in the fuel, oil or coolant lines. Those leaks occurring in the coolant line are likely due to a block in the hoses leading to the heater. However, all leaks are preventable with regular checkups.
3. Low Fuel
Another common problem is faulty fuel gauges leading to low fuel. In order to avoid this issue, you can get in the practice of manually checking fuel tanks and having additional fuel storage on hand at your facility.
4. Starting Issues
If your machine is not set to auto, then it will not start up when a power outage occurs. However, if this is not your issue, then you can try a manual reset of the system. If that fails to work, then you can contact a storm preparedness specialist in the Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin area to figure out other possible causes.
A generator can be a potential life-saver, both figuratively and literally, for many business owners. However, these machines do have their kinks and must be regularly maintained to function correctly in the event of an emergency.
The Top 4 Recommended Locations for Fire Alarms in Your Home
While you might assume that when you bought your home in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin that it came already installed with all the smoke alarms you need to keep your family safe, this is not always the case. As more research has been conducted over the years on fires and how they spread, requirements have changed. Many older homes do not meet these standards which can be dangerous in the case a fire does occur. Keep your family safe by ensuring a fire alarm is located in the following four locations!
1. Bedrooms
The National Fire Protection Association suggests the placement of a fire alarm in every bedroom of the house. This ensures that if a fire occurs while your family is asleep, the alarms will wake quickly wake up everyone.
2. Outside Every Sleeping Area
Not only should alarms be inside every bedroom, there should be a smoke alarm right outside the room or any other sleeping areas as well. This is so you can react and start to escape before any fire or smoke even enters your room.
3. 10 Feet From Your Kitchen
Kitchen fires result in approximately 50 percent of all home fires, many of which result in serious fire damage to your home. Make sure a fire alarm is located 10 feet from your kitchen rather than inside it since smoke or steam from cooking can easily trigger it.
4. Every Level of Your Home
Ensure that there is as least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Don’t forget your basement! Serious fire and smoke damage can occur from an undetected fire that starts in the basement.
It doesn’t take long for a house fire to quickly get out of hand! That’s why it is so important to have all the required fire alarms installed so you can quickly get everyone out of your house and get in contact with the fire department and a fire restoration company to minimize the fire damage to your home.
Artwork poses a difficult challenge when it comes to mold cleaning. The usual mold remediation and prevention techniques won’t work. You can't:
Abrasive-blast the mold away with baking soda
Treat the moldy area with chemicals and paint
Throw it away
Make the environment inhospitable
Mold and Oil Paintings Both Like Warmth and Moisture
A home with low relative humidity inhibits mold growth. Unfortunately, it also damages oil paintings. Both do very well when the relative humidity is 45 percent. They also enjoy a room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Displaying your artwork in this environment makes it susceptible to mold.
Mold Cleaning of Paintings Is Simple for the Experts Art restoration is a science unto itself. Its practitioners often restore paintings that are centuries old. These paintings may show damage, neglect, or need cleaning. The removal of mold is one of the many tasks they perform on a regular basis.
With your moldy oil paintings, there is one question. How important are they to you? A family heirloom deserves expert attention. If it's a painting you don't care as much about, mold removal might be an interesting experience. There are four simple steps:
1. Place the painting in the sun for a few hours and let it dry completely
2. Taking care not to damage the paint, don a mask and brush away the dried mold using a soft brush
3. Using a weak bleach solution, treat the moldy areas with a light spray
4. Return the painting to the sun for drying Moldy Artwork May Point to a Bigger Problem Finding mold damage on an oil painting is not a cause for panic. It suggests that it is time to check the rest of your home. Look for signs of mold in wet, damp or humid areas.
Further signs of infestation mean that you are due for mold cleaning. You will locate a team of mold remediation experts in the Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin area who can move in and address the problem. They can also find someone to restore your paintings.
4 Reasons to Consider an Alternative Clog-Clearing Strategy
An obstruction inside your home’s plumbing system can cause slow drains or overflowing toilets that mandate a prompt sewage cleaning. When you need to fix a clogged drain or pipe, you may have a variety of tools at your disposal, including auger snakes, plungers and chemical solutions. While utilizing drain cleaner may seem like the easiest option, it may ultimately be the worst choice. There are four specific reasons why you should consider an alternative clog-clearing strategy.
1. Warped Plastic
Typically, chemical cleansers breakdown obstructions by producing heat. This reaction can warp plastic pipes, increasing the potential for leaks and subsequent water damage.
2. Corroded Metal
Drain cleaners can also wreak havoc on metal plumbing lines. If the pipe is completely blocked, chemicals may have little effect on the clog. As a result, the solution may sit inside the tube for an extended period, potentially resulting in detrimental corrosion.
3. Shifted Obstructions
Residue from fats, oils and grease can buildup over time and contribute to a clogged drain. Addressing this problem with chemicals can create future issues. For example, instead of dissolving the obstruction, the solution may simply shift debris further down the line. This, in turn, can result in a significant blockage that may require professional attention.
4. Toxic Formula
In addition to potentially damaging pipes, drain cleaner can also present hazards to humans and wildlife. You may suffer chemical burns if the cleanser touches your skin. Fumes may also irritate your eyes and throat. The solution’s composition can also poison any animal that ingests it.
Performing a sewage cleaning and addressing a clogged drain can be unpleasant experiences for any homeowner in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin. Attempting to correct the problem with hazardous chemical solutions can cause additional problems that may eventually destroy components of your home's plumbing system. To help prevent accidental injuries and minimize the risks of leaks and significant water damage, you should employ non-caustic tools to clear obstructions.
Most commercial insurance policies cover fire damage. These policies should also cover additional or secondary damage caused by water used to extinguish a fire or smoke. The following factors may impact the cost and limits of a business insurance policy.
The Type of Business
Businesses that use hazardous or flammable equipment may have higher insurance premiums. These operations may involve
Alcohol
Chemicals
Cooking equipment
Smoking
Vehicles
The premiums for a bar, garage, or a conventional office building may vary widely based on the difference in fire risk levels. Business owners should make sure that a sufficient level of coverage is available for the potential costs of damage cleanup and restoration and liability.
Structural Components
A building made of combustible materials such as wood may pose a greater fire risk than a structure that is built out of fire-resistant materials. Owners should consider the risk of fire in the primary structure in addition to any additions or modifications. The degree to which building materials may succumb to fire and the distance of a business from the nearest fire station may drive up the cost of a commercial insurance policy.
Fire Safety Equipment
It is also crucial that a business be equipped with fire safety equipment. This may include
Alarms and detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sprinklers
Some regional building codes require hardwired fire alarms. These systems should also have a battery backup in case of power failure. Battery-powered smoke detectors should also be regularly tested and the batteries should be changed. Have fire suppression systems and equipment such as extinguishers periodically inspected to ensure that critical components will function in the event of a fire.
All of these factors may impact the costs of commercial insurance coverage for a business located in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin. A business owner may want to compare commercial policies to find the right level of coverage for fire damage.
For Immediate Service in Maple Grove/Corcoran/Brooklyn Park/Champlin, Call SERVPRO
SERVPRO of Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 763-498-6500
Residential Storm Services
Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Building/Reconstruction Services
Commercial Storm Services
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Maple Grove commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.
Most likely, as a business owner in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin you're always looking for ways to save money and increase the bottom line. Sometimes, costs are hidden in ways that you haven't even thought about. For instance, did you know that a water leak or a hidden pipe break could be costing you thousands of dollars a year? Take a look below at the most common sources of leakage or breakage to make sure this doesn't happen to you.
1. Toilet Leaks
One leaking toilet can waste up to 73,000 gallons of water in a year. That translates to a lot of money! If you have several toilets in your office space, you could have an even bigger money drain. This can easily be avoided by replacing worn-out gaskets and flanges.
2. Faucets
A small drip from a leaky faucet could cause you to lose up to 20 gallons a day. Multiply this by the number of taps in your building, and you could be looking at a great deal of wasted money. In many cases, just changing out a washer can stop the water leak.
3. Exterior Spigots
A leaking spigot is a potential source of leaks that's easy to forget. A spigot that's leaking can not only waste money, but could cause damage to the building's foundation.
4. Leaky Water Heaters
It's possible for a water heater to leak for months without anyone noticing. In addition to simply wasting water, this kind of leak could cause damage to floors and walls, as well as water damage from mold or mildew.
5. Broken Pipes
A broken pipe is a problem that's not always easy to detect. It's a good idea to have a water mitigation professional check your building once a year to look for hidden problems like this.
A water leak can cost you lots of money if left unchecked. But by following the tips outlined above, you can prevent damage and water loss before it happens.
A pipe break calls for fast action. Mitigation, repair, and restoration are critical to limit the extent of primary and secondary damage. The following measures can help homeowners minimize the severity of water damage caused by bursting pipes.
Limit Damage
Water originating from a broken supply line is likely to be clean and treated. Limit damage by:
Shutting off the water main
Collecting water in a trash can with wheels or other containers
Puncturing a swollen ceiling and draining water into a container
These methods can limit the amount of damage sustained by a ceiling, wall cavity or home interior.
Avoid Electrical Hazards
Homeowners should steer clear of other hazards between stopping and fixing a leak. Avoid making contact with nearby:
Plugged-in appliances
Electrical fixtures
Wiring
A homeowner can shut off the power at a breaker box. If you are not sure about the safety of this measure, contact an electrician or power company.
Contact a Plumber
Call a plumber to fix broken pipe. Keep the water supply turned off and continue collecting residual water until the plumber arrives. A homeowner may use:
Mops
Towels
Wet-Vac
Remove as much water as possible to limit the extent of the damage. Residential damage mitigation experts can complete this process with professional equipment.
Dry the Area
Depending on the extent of damage caused by bursting pipes, a homeowner may want to contact a mitigation and restoration service. Promoting fast drying is crucial. Specialists recommend using:
Air movers
Fans
Dehumidifiers
This equipment can shorten drying times and prevent mold growth. If you do not have access to these appliances, hire a damage mitigation service.
Homeowners should act quickly in response to a broken pipe at a residence in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin. Water damage mitigation and restoration professionals can clean up damage caused by bursting pipes in a timely manner and prevent secondary damage from occurring.
Most homes in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin have at least one smoke alarm installed. In fact, this important piece of equipment is required by most fire ordinances. Many fire damage restoration professionals agree that proper maintenance can help ensure the alarms in your home remain in working order. Here are some tips you may wish to know.
1. When To Replace the Alarm
A smoke detector is designed to have a long life, so you can expect yours to last for up to 10 years. Each alarm should have its manufacture date printed on the back so that you can check it if needed. If your alarm is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
2. When To Replace the Batteries
Many experts recommend changing the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. It’s recommended to choose a consistent time every year, such as daylight savings, so that it's easier to remember to change them out. After replacing the batteries, it’s advised to hit the test button on your alarm to help ensure the appliance is in working order.
3. Where To Install the Alarm
One of the most commonly asked questions is where should alarms be installed in the home. Experts recommend installing them on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside the bedrooms as well. For example, you can place a single alarm in the shared hallway outside several bedrooms with a smoke detector inside each individual bedroom. You may also want to include an alarm in your kitchen or main living area.
With the proper maintenance, your smoke alarm should stay in working condition for 10 years. Remember to replace the batteries and test the alarm regularly to help ensure functionality. It’s also a good idea to ensure that every level of your home has a working alarm along with one in each bedroom.
Given a choice, would your tenants prefer restrooms with mildew or clean conditions? Answering the question is simple, but preventing bathroom mold at your property may not be as easy. Here are three easy steps to keep your washrooms sanitary, sparkling and mildew-free.
1. Prevent
Once mold takes hold, it spreads swiftly, especially in humid environments. Take precautions in bathrooms to stop it before it starts:
Use mildew-resistant shower curtain liners.
Encourage occupants to wipe down the interior of showers after use.
Install an exhaust fan to increase ventilation.
Mount an air conditioning or dehumidifying unit.
Paint with a brand that contains mildewcide.
2. Replace
Sometimes bathroom mold is not entirely preventable. If renters report a musty smell or unsightly black spots, do not ignore the problem. Transform unpleasant mildew to clean surroundings by replacing the following:
Shower curtains, especially when not washable
Black, peeling or rotting caulk around the tub
Grout between tiles in shower walls or floors
3. Repair
Mold loves standing water. A leaking toilet, overflowing tub or breaking pipe all have the potential to cause water damage. After the primary water source is fixed, work with a mold remediation specialist to identify and remediate secondary visible and hidden mold. Act fast because mold growth starts in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Common hiding places include:
In or behind drywall
On top of and under flooring, including floorboards
On ceilings, especially above showers and under leaky areas
Behind wallpaper
On wood or particle board vanities
Unfortunately, it is possible to grow mildew in clean conditions, especially in rooms with high levels of humidity. Bathroom mold is fairly common, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to avert it. When prevention at your commercial property in Monticello, MN, is not enough, say goodbye to mildew by replacing impacted areas or working with professionals to repair the damage.
Feeling overwhelmed is an understatement in the aftermath of a commercial property fire in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin. As you walk through your building, you see fire, water and smoke damage. Decrease your anxiety by understanding the process of returning your property to pre-fire condition.
Before Cleanup Begins
There are several steps that take place before the restoration process starts. As a business owner, remember to keep documentation and remain in the loop. If you do not understand something, ask questions and seek clarification.
Typically, a fire restoration company first inspects your property to understand the magnitude of the fire, water and soot damage.
To prevent secondary damage and theft, professionals may board up windows or tarp the roof.
Check with your commercial property insurance agent to verify coverage. Oftentimes, insurance companies partner directly with restoration professionals.
The Cleanup Process
There are a multitude of steps when mitigating a fire disaster. Depending on the damage, this may include drying, cleaning, disinfecting, repairing or replacing materials.
Often, the first area targeted is water damage left from firefighting efforts or sprinkler systems. This type of damage spreads fast and can result in mold growth in as little as 24-48 hours. Water removal and drying is completed with professional-grade equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers.
Smoke cleaning is a crucial component after a fire, as smoke damage and soot damage are usually present on most exposed surfaces. There are different techniques to clean and disinfect walls, ceilings, furniture and the air itself.
Once structures and contents are dry and clean, technicians use a variety of specialized methods to restore the building and your inventory to preloss condition.
A fire at your commercial property in Buffalo, MN, is very stressful. Fire, water and smoke damage likely permeate your every thought. Understand the restoration process ahead of you to reduce the fear of the unknown and put yourself on the road to recovery.
Give us a call today (763)498-6500
Roof Readiness: Protecting Your Roof Against Impending Winter Storms
While the inclement and frigid weather of Minnesota is unpredictable and leads many homeowners to have emergency restoration services on speed dial, a home doesn’t have to be a victim to any looming winter storm. There are at least four practical steps homeowners can take to help ensure they quite literally maintain the roof over their heads.
1. Clear and Maintain Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is not just a springtime gig. Maintaining clean gutters year-round helps to ensure that your roof remains structurally sound. In the winter, clogged gutters can lead to ice buildup, which eventually accumulates under your shingles and can lead to roof rot.
2. Trim Your Trees
The last thing you want to experience during a winter storm is the thunderous boom of a maple plummeting through your living room ceiling. Maintaining and trimming your trees at the change of every season can help you avoid the chaos and property loss from loose branches or rotted out trunks.
3. Replace Missing or Damaged Flashing
An essential aspect of roof health is to keep water out. Missing or damaged flashing can allow the ice and snow of a blizzard to seep into your attic space. Once moisture enters in, it can lead to the development and spread of mold, mildew and rot. Before the winter settles in, you may want to perform a visual inspection of your roofline to ensure everything is hunky-dory.
4. Repair and Inspect Your Chimney
In addition to inspecting your roof for cosmetic damage, like missing shingles, you should also examine your chimney. A leaning chimney or a chimney with old and cracking mortar can cause significant roof damage if not dealt with before the cold sets in. Frigid temperatures and exposure to ice can cause old or already cracking mortar to separate and fail. Additionally, if your chimney is already leaning, then the added weight of snow and ice can cause it to collapse.
Before any winter storm has time to pummel your roof, take the time to inspect it and the surrounding area. Stay safe and keep your roof over your head.
Smoke odors are persistent. Methods such as air filtration, ventilation, or wiping residue off of surfaces are not likely to be sufficient. Particles of smoke drift into air ducts, nooks and crannies, and porous materials such as carpeting, drapery, and furniture. The only way to completely eliminate smoke odor is to permanently neutralize the presence of these particles. Here are five smoke cleaning methods suitable for smoke damage restoration.
5 smoke cleaning methods
1. Ozone Machines
Ozone machines release molecules that follow the same path as smoke particles and oxidize these sources of odor. This method is popular because it works quickly, but all occupants, pets, and plants must be temporarily evacuated.
2. Hydroxyl Generators
Hydroxyl generators destroy smoke particles with radicals generated by ultraviolet light. This method does not require evacuation, but may take anywhere from three to five times as long as an ozone machine.
3. HVAC Air Scrubbers
These scrubbers connect to the central air system to circulate air and filter out smoke particles. As these systems do not neutralize odor molecules, a faint smoke odor may linger. Some odor mitigation professionals may combine an air scrubber with another smoke cleaning method.
4. Thermal Foggers
Thermal foggers fill a home with fog for approximately 30 minutes before the residence is ventilated and allowed to dry. This highly effective odor elimination method also calls for evacuation and workers must wear respirators.
5. Vapor Modification
Vapor modification neutralizes odors by dispersing an aromatic compound in a mineral oil base with the assistance of a blower or fan. There is no need to evacuate during this treatment.
Out of these five methods, only two – ozone machines and thermal foggers – require evacuation. The other three methods can be pursued while you remain at home. A smoke cleaning service can work with you to determine which treatment options are right for a residence in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin.
3 Types of Hail Damage That Should Worry Business Owners
Protecting a business from a storm requires diligence. When extreme weather targets the area, savvy business owners know they must worry about roof damage and other types of issues. When hail falls from the sky, though, the results can be both unexpected and tough to locate. Here are three types of hail damage that most worry business owners.
1. Damage to the Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of any business' building. Not only does the roof provide shelter for employees and customers, but it also protects both inventory and equipment. When chunks of ice hit roofing systems, they often cause roof damage. Missing shingles, dented framing and other problems are common following even minimal amounts of hail.
2. Wet Insulation
If hail damages a roof, leaks become increasingly possible. Since most businesses have insulation in their rafters, a leaky roof can cause wet insulation. Without remediation from a reputable restoration service, soggy insulation can attract mold, mildew, fungus and other unwanted contaminants. As such, it is important to inspect both the roof and insulation after a major hailstorm.
3. Water Accumulation
When water stays where it is supposed to stay, it is usually a benefit to business owners. Unfortunately, with a roof leak, water can accumulate inside buildings. Commonly, water pools inside walls and beneath floors. Because this water is not easy to see, business owners often don’t realize it is present until it has promoted mold or fungal growth. Contracting with a remediation specialist is often the best strategy for locating accumulated water and drying out the area.
When the sky turns gray in Maple Grove/Corcoran/Brooklyn Park/Champlin, business owners often worry about hail causing roof damage. Unfortunately, visible damage isn’t the only type of risk associated with hail. To preserve the value and usability of your business, you must be aware of all types of hail-related problems.
Carpet is porous and may pose a challenge in the event of water damage. If this flooring material has been exposed to water from a pipe break, leak, or flood, you may be wondering whether it should be restored or replaced. Here are three considerations to help you make the right decision.
1. Which Type of Water Caused the Damage
Category One water is clean and treated. This is the type of water released in the event of a supply pipe break. Carpeting soaked with clean water may be able to be restored. Take action as soon as you notice the leak to reduce the amount of water to which flooring is exposed and the amount of time it remains saturated. Carpeting exposed to Category Two water, which may contain chemicals and microbes, or Category Three black water containing solid waste should be replaced.
2. How Long Was the Carpeting Exposed to Water?
Mold can start to develop within 24 to 72 hours of exposure to water. Fungi thrive in damp conditions such as those created by carpeting. Even if mold does not develop on the surface, moisture can permeate to the subfloor where conditions are ideal for mold spores to thrive. Carpeting exposed to water for a prolonged period of time poses a mold risk and should be torn up.
3. Which Method Is Most Cost-Effective?
If carpeting will require extensive cleaning, you should determine whether it is less expensive to attempt to restore or replace the flooring. Also consider whether keeping carpeting exposed to water may increase the possibility of mold, which will require mitigation.
Certified water damage restoration experts can recommend the best approach for dealing with wet carpet in your home. These companies have equipment that can make cleaning and drying water damage from a pipe break, flood, or leak easier and faster.
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
Smoke and soot facts:
Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 763-498-6500
Should You Wait for an Adjuster After Storm Damage?
After a severe storm or flooding in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin you may wonder whether to wait for a flood insurance adjuster before trying to mitigate flood damage. Here are three reasons not to wait before documenting damage and taking steps to limit the extent of secondary damage to your home.
1. Documentation Is All You Need to File a Claim
An insurance adjuster does not need to witness damage firsthand to process a claim, but you do need to document the damage. Take extensive dated photographic or video evidence. Keep records of possessions, as well as their condition and value, and locate receipts for high-value items if possible. Footage and itemized records should be enough to prove your home and possessions sustained the damage you claim.
2. Adjusters Are Likely To Be Backlogged
Depending on the extent of a flood or storm and how many homes and businesses were affected, it may take adjusters a while to follow up on your flood insurance claims. It is better to document and immediately take steps to mitigate damage to keep conditions in your home from worsening. As a matter of fact, your insurance may not provide as much of a payout if you cannot prove you did everything in your power to limit damage in a timely manner.
3. Secondary Damage Can Start In Hours
The longer water damage sits, the more likely it is that building materials and contents will need to be replaced rather than restored. Mold damage can start to emerge within only 24 to 48 hours following a flood. You should take steps to eliminate the presence of water and moisture in your home as soon as possible.
Don't wait for a flood insurance adjuster following adverse weather or flooding. Contact water and storm damage specialists if you need assistance with flood damage mitigation or restoration.
Category One water damage is caused by a leak involving clean water. While the affected area may not need to be disinfected, it is important to eliminate all standing water and thoroughly dry the area as soon as possible. Find out more about the origin and risks of a Category One leak.
Where Does Category 1 Water Come From?
There are two common sources of a Category One leak:
• Broken pipe • Supply line
Exposure to clean leaking water can still cause primary water damage and set the stage for secondary damage such as mold in a commercial property. Handle these leaks just as quickly as you would a leak involving contaminated Category Two gray water or Category Three black water.
How Do You Clean Up Category 1 Water?
Depending on the size of the leak, you may use a mop, towels, a wet vac, or another method for pumping out water. Clean water should not contain pathogens, solid waste, or chemicals, and so the cleanup process is not involved as for a Category Two or Three leak. Leaks involving contaminated water call for cleaning and disinfection. It is still necessary to thoroughly dry the area exposed to excess water to prevent mold from forming.
What Are the Risks of a Category 1 Leak?
A Category One leak can still cause primary water damage and pose a risk of secondary. If water that starts out clean filters through a floor or ceiling, it will become Category Two water and disinfection will become necessary. It is important to address this type of leak as quickly as possible to prevent the situation from becoming more serious.
If you experience a leak of Category One clean water at a commercial property in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin you may be able to perform cleanup yourself. If the leak is extensive, contact a commercial water damage restoration firm.
Believe it or not, there are over 100,000 known types of mold on the planet. In the average home in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin mold growth likely to be found includes Aspergillus and Cladosporium, or perhaps black mold, Stachybotrys atra. Mold remediation services are usually not difficult to find and can be quite effective at taking care of the problem. Mold is not only unsightly; it can also compromise the integrity of building materials or home furnishings.
Types of Mold and Where They Grow
Mold growth can occur in conditions where there has been water damage due to leaks, floods or excessively high humidity. Common types of household mold include the following:
• Aspergillus is a genus of several hundred mold species. It can grow on food, air conditioning systems, compost or porous surfaces damaged by water. • Cladosporium is a genus that grows indoors and outdoors and can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Its spores are present in air and it thrives on live or dead plant material, textiles and food. • Stachybotrys atra is commonly called black mold and often grows in building materials containing cellulose that have been damaged by moisture.
Household Mold Remediation
Though microscopic spores proliferate in the natural world, mold can become a problematic if allowed to colonize in a home damaged by excessive moisture, humidity or flooding. It sometimes, but not always, produces a musty odor that is easily detected.
Addressing the problem in the home begins with remediating the source of moisture. Porous materials that cannot be cleaned, such as drywall, will require replacement. Thoroughly drying the environment is a must to prevent the return of mold after remediation. Keeping home humidity below 45% is recommended to keep mold at bay.
Even the most vigilant homeowner can experience an episode of mold growth. Once detected, a timely response can prevent the spread of damage to building materials and belongings.
3 Ways to Prepare Your Commercial Building For a Storm
When strong storms sweep into Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin they can wreak havoc on your commercial property. This can be distressing, as high winds, heavy rain and flood water have the ability to cause thousands of dollars in damage to your building and its inventory. However, if you know a storm is inevitable, there are a few strategies you can use to prepare and possibly minimize the damage.
1. Back Up All Your Data
Your company’s data can be destroyed in a flash if it is stored in the basement of a flooded building. Paper archives can be especially vulnerable, so you may want to take time to move boxes or file cabinets to a safe location where the information can be transformed into electronic data and stored in the cloud. Avoid archiving information in company computers, especially those on the ground floor and vulnerable to flood water. In fact, you might be better off moving any company computers to a higher floor, if possible.
2. Remove Items From the Floor
Inventory, machinery and valuable company tools that sit at ground level can be susceptible to water damage. You may want to remove these items from the building or put them up on high, stable shelving. Heavier machinery can be lifted up onto stacked wooden pallets, which may keep them dry and unharmed during flooding.
3. Have a Restoration Plan in Place
It can be difficult to gauge how much damage your business may suffer before a flood, so it is wise to have a restoration plan in place before a disaster happens. Contact your local flood damage and mitigation service to discuss what the company’s technicians can do for you in the event that your building takes on damage. Discuss possible services like odor cleanup and mold mitigation.
Flood water and high winds in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin can damage your commercial building and put you in serious debt. However, careful planning and having a mitigation and restoration strategy in place may help you come through a flood with the least possible amount of damage.
When most people think of fire damage mitigation, they usually think of cleaning the damage done to the building. A lot of the damage that occurs to your commercial property during a fire, however, happens to the items inside the building. Fire restoration specialists use various methods, including dry-cleaning and ultrasonic waves, to clean salvageable items after a fire.
Textiles
Many of the items you find in the building after a fire are able to be washed, and that simple process typically restores them to their former state. Various textiles fall in this category:
Technicians use powerful detergents to clean soot and smoke off the fabrics. Many fabrics respond well to dry-cleaning. Once the items are cleaned, they can be stored until the building is ready again.
Porous Furniture
A lot of office furniture is built for economy rather than longevity. It is often constructed of particle board that tends to take on water. This can make it difficult to save during content cleaning. If the furniture has not been significantly warped by the fire suppression process, however, it can often be wiped clean with mild detergent and a cloth. A vacuum with a HEPA filter attachment can often be used to suck the soot and smoke residue out of porous furniture.
Nonporous Items
Many items placed in content storage to await cleaning after a fire can be cleaned by ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic cleaning is very thorough, reaching into cracks and crevices that other cleaning methods miss. A machine generates ultrasonic waves, which pass through a cleaning solution, creating tiny bubbles. The implosion of these bubbles cleans the item. After the item is cleaned, it can be properly dried and is then ready to use again.
Whether items are salvaged by dry-cleaning or some other method, content cleaning is an integral part of fire remediation. It is the goal of the team of specialists to save everything they can.
It is important to maintain a dryer vent on a regular basis. Completing several tasks that range from clearing the lint filter to snaking out the vent pipe can significantly reduce the risk of a lint fire. Clearing excess lint from the filter, pipe, and area surrounding your dryer is the best way to prevent a dryer fire form breaking out in your home.
1. Clean the lint filter after every load and dispose of lint. This simple step can reduce the amount of lint buildup in the dryer vent pipe and around the dryer.
2. Inspect the back of the dryer for buildup twice a month. Even if you dispose of lint, it may still gather around a dryer. This combustible material raises the possibility of a lint fire breaking out.
3. Snake out the vent pipe every three months. A backed-up vent pipe is a common cause of dryer fires.
4. Brush out the lint filter every six months. Even if you regularly clean the lint filter on your dryer, lint still gets impacted into the mesh of the filter. Using a firm bristled nylon brush can eliminate all traces of lint buildup and keep your filter working at optimal efficiency.
5. Schedule a professional cleaning as soon as your dryer starts taking longer to dry clothes. If your standard cycles are no longer getting your clothing dry, this can be a sign that your dryer is due for more thorough maintenance.
Homeowners report nearly 3,000 dryer fires in the United States every year. These fires are also seasonal, and tend to break out in the fall or winter months. The month of January is notable for a record number of dryer fires. If a lint fire breaks out in your laundry room and damages your home, contact a fire and smoke restoration service.
You can thank your water heater for the hot water that fuels your dishwashers, showers, and baths. These appliances are in almost every household and are used to heat up cold water that runs through the pipes. However, many homeowners don’t maintain their heaters as well as they should, which can increase the risk of water damage. Here are a few tips about this helpful appliance.
What Your Water Heater Does
The large cylinder contains a heating mechanism that heats the water inside. The water goes through a pipe within the machine and is heated. The heater is a great insulator, so the heat remains inside the cylinder and doesn’t escape into the air. The heated water within the appliance moves through the pipes to your faucet on demand.
Why The Heater Should Be Maintained
These appliances are large and full of water, so they can be a big hazard. Most steel tanks are glass-lined to prevent damage and leakage, but this doesn’t mean that problems can’t occur. If the heater suffers from a hole or piercing, it should be replaced quickly.
There are a few ways that these appliances can be damaged:
• High pressure • Large sediment build-up • Rust
These issues can cause a lot of damage and might require you to get professional water damage repair.
How To Take Care of Your Water Heater
It’s important to take care of your home by keeping an eye on your appliance. One of the best ways to maintain your heater is to flush it often.
To do this, first drain away the water. Once all the water has left the appliance through the pipes, refill it up halfway with cold water. Access the water heater flush panel to clear away sediment and fill up the heater with fresh water. This can help prevent blockage and reduce high pressure. Periodically inspect your water heater and look for any signs of damage or build-up. By doing this, you can reduce the risk of water damage.
When flood water invades your home, it can be frightening for anyone who lives there. Floods that build because of rainstorms might be especially troubling because it can be difficult to control the flow of water. While you may want to try and minimize any damage caused by flooding, this may do more harm than good. When flooding occurs, there are a few ways you can stay safe and avoid further damage to your home.
1. Don’t Enter Flooded Areas
You might want to rescue important or treasured items once your home floods, but doing so might be dangerous. Even indoor flood water can rise quickly and trap you before you realize the danger. It is better to get yourself and your family to safety and call in a flood damage and restoration service to drain away the water and retrieve your belongings, even if the flooding is not severe.
2. Don’t Turn off Any Electrical Services
Electrical and fuse panels might pose a serious risk of electric shock once they take on water damage. Even if you wear rubber gloves and boots, they might not protect you completely. Seal off rooms where any electrical systems are present and avoid trying to operate light switches or affected appliances.
3. Don’t Touch Contaminated Water Without Protection
If you must enter your flooded home and wade through water from overflowing creeks or streams, it is wise to protect yourself with rubber gloves, long boots and a face mask, as this type of water is usually contaminated. Urine, feces and other sewage runoff may be present, even if the water is not visibly dirty. It is best to allow flood professionals to handle and remove it.
Flood water can invade your Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin home without warning during torrential rainstorms. Knowing how to keep yourself and your family safe and what to avoid may help you ride out any natural disaster, no matter what type of weather causes it.
If you have recently cleaned off mold in an area of your Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin building and noticed that the organism later came back to the same spot, there is an underlying problem. Mold growth is likely thriving off water damage you may not notice or from not being thoroughly cleaned. With these four remedies, you can reduce the chance of mold coming back to that location.
1. Use a Special Mold Cleaner
Most industrial cleaners are not tailored for mold cleanup. Bleach can be used, but it may not be extensive enough. Special cleaners can be sprayed in an area without much risk of discoloring or damage to the building unlike bleach. Coating an area in the cleaner kills the localized mold to stop it from reproducing and coming back to the certain spot.
2. Reduce Humidity in the Area
High humidity in an area can contribute to mold’s resurgence. It may be worth investing in a dehumidifier or adjusting the ventilation to make a less ideal environment for the mold to reproduce.
3. Treat Any Water Damage
On top of posing potential damage to your property, water damage can lead to mold repeatedly finding a home in the unnaturally wet spot. A water and mold damage treatment company can remove the mold’s desired moisture from the room to stop it from thriving. With the building sterilized and cleaned, the problematic mold growth should no longer have a survivable location.
4. Throw Out or Professionally Clean Any Potentially Infected Items
Some furniture and fabrics may serve as hosts for mold. Without extensive professional cleaning, these typically wooden items will spread spores that cause more mold infestation. If the items cannot be cleaned, they should be thrown out while being kept away from the building to prevent additional contamination.
More often than not when dealing with problematic spots, there is something in the area that continues to spread the mold growth. Identifying which it is and taking appropriate action will keep the repeatedly affected spot and the rest of your commercial property mold-free.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.
Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 763-498-6500
When the floods invade a home, the success of the restoration and repair work depends on the expertise of your home renovation contractor. Home water damage can affect the dry wall, and you need to know the materials you need to remove before you create a home restoration and flood mitigation budget. Modern homes have a vast range of materials that can be damaged by the floods.
Since most people value the visual aesthetics more than the durability of these finishes, the damage could be significant. Water cleanup will help you to undertake a professional analysis of the water damage before you embark on the restoration. When undertaking the renovation process, be sure to replace the fragile materials with durable options such as concrete and stone walls. While wood floors might appear beautiful, wood is susceptible to flood damage. If you do not address the problem soon, you might have to replace the entire floor.
Keeping the Home Dry
Drying a home after water damage is a crucial step toward combating the mold development. Wood can warp, swell, and start rotting after a few days. Since the natural stone is durable, it will only require a wire brush to restore its original glow. If you live in a flood-prone area, choose your building materials wisely. Drying the water in business terraces can reduce flood damage and contribute to the mitigation and control of mold development. Also, you should rethink the home design. The designs that allow water to pass under the crawlspaces can protect your home from floods. The secret is to raise the floor above the flood level to prevent such damage. Floods can also promote the mold damage as a result of the damp conditions. Water in business parking lots should flow to the main drainage systems or retention basins tom prevent flooding problems. Home restoration after the flood damage can be a costly venture, but you can cut the costs if you take the necessary flood mitigation procedures seriously. Water in home indoor areas can be difficult to remove since the damp conditions will persist for a while.
Backflow Valves
The best way to ensure that the water in home trenches does not find its way into the home is to install some backflow valves. The key to preventing the damp conditions is to waterproof your home, repair the cracks, inspect the roof, and monitor the plumbing system. Flood mitigation involves replacing the fragile materials with durable and resilient options. While drying the home is a key step when it comes to combating the water damage, you need to remove the molds as well. Homeowners should also inspect their drainage systems to look out for blockages that might curtail the flow of storm water during a flood. All water in business roofs should flow into the gutters without leakages that might cause some flooding problems. During the water cleanup, you should take a holistic approach where you dry the home, combat the mold, and mitigate the damage. After the thorough water cleanup, be sure to dry the home before you embark on the refinishing process.
Water in Home Drains Can Spread Mold
Flood mitigation can help you to save on water cleanup, drying, and restoration. Installing the backflow valves is another way to prevent water from flowing back into your home during a heavy storm. Flood damage comes in many forms, but the severity of the problem depends on the magnitude of the floods. Backflow valves also come in handy in the sewer since they prevent the sewerage from going back to the house. You can reduce the degree of water damage by drying the house as soon as possible. The water in home gardens should not get inside the buildings. The drains can also spread the spores throughout the home. The water in business drainage systems should not flow backwards, and backflow valves come in handy in such a scenario.
Few things can send shivers of fear down the spine of a homeowner like the words ‘water damage’. Most people can imagine the horrors water cleanup entails, but few have experienced water damage from a leaky roof, pipe burst, or storm flood. Water can damage personal possessions, destroy flooring, and ruin walls. Worrying about costs to repair or restore the water-soaked area can be overwhelming, and the loss of treasured keepsakes can be heartbreaking.
Calm Attention
It can be difficult to remain calm as you walk through a foot of flooding water inside your home, but the key to dealing efficiently with the situation can be as simple as remaining unruffled. In the first few minutes after discovering the water, consider the following steps:
• Take pictures of the damaged area. • Phone your insurance agent to report the situation. • Contact a water restoration and repair team.
These simple actions can help immensely when you file your insurance claim.
Prompt Action
Standing water can do a great deal of destruction, so the longer you wait to remove the liquid the more damage the water can do. As it sits, the liquid can continue to seep into walls, drip into lower areas of the home, and soak into furniture. Whether the damage is from a pipe burst or a broken water line, the water repair and restoration team can quickly remove the standing water and prevent additional damage.
Interminable Repairs
Once the standing water is gone, the repairs can begin. The process may seem endless; however, the restoration team can use dehumidifiers and industrial fans to quickly dry your home and prevent mold. After a check of the walls to ensure the area inside is dry, the restoration team can move to examining the structural integrity of the building. If areas of concern are found, the team can begin repairs, and the restoration of your home can soon be completed.
Rapid Recovery
Once flood water from a pipe burst is discovered, prompt action can be crucial. Ask the restoration team for tips on drying out personal possessions and begin the road to a rapid recovery.
3 Common Types of Water Damage Your Commercial Building Could Experience
As a Maple Grove, MN commercial property owner, it is wise to be aware of certain dangers that could damage your building and cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair and cleanup costs. One common cause of trouble is unexpected water damage from a broken pipe or other plumbing malfunction. When this occurs, you might be facing a considerable flood, standing water and other issues that may take days or even weeks to resolve. Knowing what causes these water hazards may help you take effective steps in preventing them.
1. Frozen Plumbing Pipes
When temperatures fall, your building’s water pipes may be prone to freezing. When this happens, water inside the pipes expands as it turns to ice, which can put pressure on a pipe until it bursts. The resulting flood can be considerable, especially if this happens overnight or on a weekend and the broken pipe is not discovered until hours later. Wrap or insulate outdoor and basement pipes to ensure they are protected against cold temperatures.
2. Malfunctioning Toilet
Old toilets with poor water pressure tend to clog more easily than those that flush efficiently. Repeated clogs may cause toilet backup and black water flooding, which will probably require the services of a water damage and cleanup company. Consider replacing your building’s toilets with new auto-flush models that can handle repeated use without getting clogged.
3. Corroded Pipes
Underground water lines are often exposed to different kinds of soil conditions and corrosive substances. Over time, this can damage the pipeline and cause it to burst, resulting in a costly water repair bill. Replacing metal pipes with long-lasting PVC lines can reduce the risk of breakage.
Your commercial property can be prone to different types of water damage that could cost you time and money you cannot afford to lose. Knowing the most common types of water mishaps, such as a broken pipe, and how to prevent them can protect your investment and keep your business humming.
If you have recently experienced a fire in a commercial property in Maple Grove, MN you may not be sure exactly where the fire damage stops and additional or secondary damage starts. Here are a few pointers regarding which types of damage are typically attributed to a fire. Be sure to factor these items in when filing a commercial property insurance claim.
Building materials and structure: • Fire may compromise the roof and windows of a building • Fire may weaken or otherwise undermine the load-carrying capacity of a building's frame or structure • Fire may destroy safety features or other aspects of the property needed to meet commercial building code requirements
Contents: • Fire may damage furniture or fixtures to the point where they need to be replaced • Electronics that have sustained fire damage, melted, or become filled with smoke will need to be cleaned or replaced
Lost profits: • A fire may prevent you from operating your business as normal schedule
Business interruption insurance coverage can help you cover losses accrued after a fire during the restoration period. This window of time starts after the fire is fully extinguished and continues until the insurance provider deems the property restored. You will need to document fire-damaged building materials and contents that are no longer viable for your insurer to accept and process your claim.
If a fire has occurred in your commercial property, you may be contending with damage caused not only by fire and smoke but by water from suppression systems or fire hoses. It can be very difficult to determine what is or is not fire damage. If you are still not sure, you should rely on the expertise of fire mitigation specialists. These restoration experts can help you provide your insurance adjuster with the information they need to process your claim and restore or replace damaged or lost assets.
Lawn slime is exactly what it sounds like – a creeping, invasive slime that seemingly crops up overnight on your St. Michael, MN lawn, often in brightly colored patches. Not only is this slime disgusting, but it can prevent your grass and other cultivated plants from growing. It also poses a safety hazard for slipping on the sticky, gooey mess. But did you know that lawn slime is actually a form of outdoor mold?
Getting to the Root of Lawn Slime
Lawn slime, like any other fungus, feeds on organic matter. Lawn slime in particular prefers dead and decaying matter, and if it’s been a while since you raked the lawn you might have created perfect breeding grounds for lawn slime to grow. Conditions that favor lawn slime include:
• Dark, shaded places, such as beneath thick trees, under bushes, and under heavy leaf, twig, and needle thatch • Areas with trapped moisture, such as muddy gravel and peat beds or boggy areas • Accumulations of dead matter such as dead leaves and other rotting foliage • Hot, humid and/or rainy weather • Overwatering • Improper mowing • Wrong grass type for your yard, leading to dry grass and decaying, dead matter
Keeping Lawn Slime Away
Unlike indoor mold, lawn slime rarely responds to the sort of mold remediation techniques used on household mold. Raking up lawn slime is a start, but as a fungus it often has a network of fibrous matter that extends through places you can’t see. It also doesn’t respond much to chemical treatments or other mold deterrents.
The best offense is a good defense, so avoid lawn slime by keeping your lawn clear of debris, trimming overhanging trees to reduce shadows, and using a sandy soil type that lawn slime has difficulty taking root in. Avoid overwatering your lawn and creating conditions ripe for lawn slime breeding. With a little diligence, you can keep your lawn slime-free.
Restore Your Post Fire Electronics With These Tips
Whether your home was recently subject to a small kitchen fire or a large house fire, there is a good chance that some or all of your electronics have been affected. Your electronics are equipped with little fans that keep them cool while they’re operating. Unfortunately, they also tend to suck in little dust and dirt particles. While dust and dirt buildup is standard for electronics, soot and smoke is not. Furthermore, whereas small amounts of dust and dirt are harmless, small amounts of soot and smoke can wreak havoc. For this reason, it is essential that cleaning your electronics is part of your fire cleanup routine. Here are some smoke damage tips you can use to save your electronics post-fire:
• Shut down your equipment and disconnect all cables. • Open your electronics and allow them to dry. • Don appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and gloves, to prevent inhaling soot yourself. • Ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment. • “Sweep out” all the dust with a can of compressed air. You may find it handy to have a toothbrush or small paintbrush on hand for this step. • Clean delicate components with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. • Allow all components time to dry, then reassemble.
Reach Out to Your Fire Cleanup Team for Advice
You should not attempt to clean your electronics on your own if you do not feel confident in doing so. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you may end up damaging delicate components and ruining your equipment for good. A fire restoration team can refer you to an electronics specialist and/or advise you on the equipment you need to clean your equipment safely and effectively.
Dealing with fire and smoke damage can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be bank-breaking. Save your electronics with the fire cleanup tips above to reduce the overall cost of damage.
Maintaining the employee bathrooms in your commercial building can be a challenge. From finding effective mildew clean techniques to preventing plumbing leaks, there are many different bases to cover when it comes to keeping a restroom clean and free of mold. However, there are a few strategies you can employ to keep mildew and other types of damaging fungi at bay.
1. Be Vigilant About Stopping Leaks
Moisture from leaking plumbing can be a major contributor to mold growth, especially if it occurs out of sight. Bathroom mold behind toilets and under sinks might grow unchecked unless you maintain your building’s pipes. Having a water damage and remediation company inspect your building’s bathrooms for moisture issues can stop them before they cause any major fungi issues.
2. Replace Old Caulk and Grout
Remodeling your employee bathrooms can be an effective way to deal with moldy grout and caulk. These substances can retain moisture and may be resistant to mildew clean techniques once mold sets in. Consider using antibacterial grout, paint and other building materials during the remodel. You may want to ask your contractor for advice about how to keep the risk of water damage low, especially if you have more than one shift working in the building.
3. Involve Employees
One effective measure for keeping your building’s bathrooms clean is to hold your employees responsible. Even if you have a cleaning service, make it clear to your workers that they are to avoid water spills and keep an eye out for plumbing leaks. Remind them that clean, dry bathrooms are everyone’s responsibility and any mold remediation costs may take money away from other vital areas of your business.
Keeping the bathrooms in your commercial building dry and free of mold does not have to be an ongoing battle. Working with a company that specializes in mildew clean processes and ensuring your employees are helping you maintain the bathrooms can keep mold and water damage at bay.
Quick Guide to Creating a Continuity Plan for Your Business
Flooding and storm damage can lead to the need for you to shut down your Maple Grove, MN business for a time. This disruption can lead to a loss of revenue and customers. Because you want your business to be resilient, you should create a business continuity plan prior to any disasters. This type of plan can help you keep your company running smoothly even while dealing with a major remediation. Use this quick guide to help you create a plan for your company.
1. Consider Business Impact
How would your business be impacted by a flood or serious storm damage? You need to think about the time-sensitive processes and the resources required to complete them. This will help you better figure out what you need to focus on should there be an emergency.
2. Create Recovery Strategies
Setting up an emergency response plan gives you the knowledge you need to run your company without your normal resources, like an office building or warehouse. This plan may include recovery strategies for your building and everyday business activities.
3. Know Your Resources
If you want your business to get back on its feet after a disaster, you need to know who to call. Creating a relationship with a commercial restoration team can prepare you for any type of disaster. However, you may also want to learn about the government programs available to help you.
4. Train Your Employees
Once you have your business continuity plan created, you need to make sure everyone knows how to react to different situations. Run exercises to prepare your employees for floods, tornadoes, snowstorms and other potential disasters. If your team is trained and ready to respond quickly, you have a better chance of minimizing the downtime.
Creating a business continuity plan can help you and your employees prepare for a wide range of disasters. Working with a government agency or commercial cleanup and restoration crew can make it easier for you to create a plan that works for your company.
Flood insurance is a necessity in many parts of the country, but unfortunately, it’s expensive and difficult to get. Because of this, many homeowners go without the much-needed protection. If you do not have flood coverage but were recently the victim of a costly flood, you may qualify for FEMA. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding the federal assistance program; to clear some of them up, this post answers some of the more commonly asked questions regarding the program:
• Who qualifies for the program? • Does the program pay for all repairs or contract work? • Do renters qualify? • What kind of grants are available?
Who Qualifies for the Program?
Federal disaster assistance is available to individuals who live in disaster-designated areas and who sustained serious damage to their homes, vehicles and other property. These individuals typically live in a floodplain but not always. The government usually reserves funds for a small number of specified counties at one time. Check with FEMA.gov to see if Maple Grove is one of them.
Does the Program Cover All Repairs and Contract Work?
The grants given by the program may cover damages and repairs not covered by flood insurance but may not cover all damage. Whether or not a grant will help you restore your home to pre-flood condition really just depends on the extent of damage you’re dealing with.
Do Renters Qualify?
Yes, renters do qualify for FEMA grants. Renters may also qualify for an SBA disaster loan.
What Kind of Grants Are Available?
Several types of grants are available to help homeowners through such a difficult time in their lives. Grants may help to pay for uninsured and underinsured personal property losses and healthcare expenses, emergency home repairs, temporary housing and funeral expenses.
Even if you have flood insurance, it may not be enough. Federal disaster aid is in place to help individuals cover the cost of disaster-related expenses and to get back on their feet. Visit FEMA.gov to learn more.
While many people think of mold as having a musty odor, the truth is mold can release a wide variety of unpleasant odors, depending on the type mycotoxin it releases. If you notice a strange smell you can’t seem to get rid of, you may be dealing with mold.
What Causes the Smell?
Mold releases small molecules called mycotoxin that cause bad smells. Different species of mold have different odors. Some of the most common mold odors smell like:
• Cat urine • Car exhaust • Grease • Earthy • Musty • Old cheese
If you smell mold in your home, it means you have a mold problem, even if you can’t see it. You’ll need to eliminate the mold in your house in order to get rid of the smell.
Get Rid of the Source
Perform a visual inspection of the room or area where the smell is strongest. Check in the back of closets, behind furniture and under carpets. If you can’t locate any mold, you may need to call in mold remediation specialists in St. Michael, MN, to help. They will know how to locate moist areas in your home and check inside walls to locate the mold.
Killing mold is not enough to get rid of odors. It must be removed completely, either by scrubbing it off building materials with a biocide or by removing affected materials and replacing them.
Prevent Reoccurrence
If you notice the odor returns, chances are good the mold has also returned. It’s critical to discover the cause of excess moisture in your home and eliminate it to prevent mold regrowth. Check for leaks and broken water pipes to discover where the moisture is coming from. Your mold remediation specialist can help you do this.
You can also install a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA air filtration device, to help speed the process of musty odor elimination. These air filters are designed to remove very small molecules from the air, including mycotoxin. Just remember that an air filter can’t solve your mold problem. You still have to eliminate the mold to eliminate the odor.
Water damage is one of the costliest disasters a homeowner can experience. When water floods home basements, bathrooms, or crawl spaces, there is also the potential for personal property damage, mold, and structural integrity issues. You can safeguard your residence against many types of damage caused by water in your home with a few preventative steps.
Plumbing
Although you probably use plumbing each day, you may forget to check your pipes and appliances regularly. Here is some practical advice on preventing plumbing problems in Maple Grove, MN
• Inspect tubs and showers for cracks and caulking issues. • Check appliances for loose hoses and damaged hose washers. • Monitor faucet water pressure for a potential broken pipe. • Know where the water shut-off valve is and make sure it works properly. • Do a pipe cleanup by removing any buildup. Also, check heating, cooling, and plumbing pipes for cracks or leaks.
Basement
Water seepage often occurs in basement structures, and it is a major issue. Ground water can cause serious damage, but you can prevent most potential water damage by resealing your basement at the first sign of seepage after a heavy rain. Also, consider installing a backwater regulator valve to prevent sewer problems.
Outdoors
Inspecting your roof can prevent unwanted water from leaking into attics and damaging ceilings. If windows are missing caulk, reseal the panes to prevent rain damage. Also, take time to inspect gutters as you clean them of debris, because they can easily allow unwanted water to damage your property.
Assets
At the first sign of flood water in your home, consider calling a specialist in remediation. The cleanup specialists can help protect your possessions by removing the water, drying the area, and setting up a dehumidifier. They can also disinfect the property to prevent mold growth.
Prevention
You may not be able to avoid all damage by water in your home, but you can prevent many potential flooding issues. By taking the preventative steps listed above, you can help safeguard your property from water damage.
How To Prevent Ice Dams From Damaging the Roof of Your Building
The cold weather in Maple Grove, MN, can create conditions for an ice dam to form on the edge of your roof. Knowing how to prevent them can help you to avoid issues such as roof damage and flooding.
What Are Ice Dams?
It may include large hanging icicles and chunks of ice. They can form on lower areas of the roof because they do not receive as much heat from the building as higher areas and therefore do not get hot enough to melt. As warm air from the building rises to higher areas of the roof, the snow and ice there may begin to thaw, resulting in meltwater that can become stuck behind the blockage.
Why Can They Be a Problem?
A wall of ice can prevent melting snow and ice from being able to properly drain from the roof. This can lead to damage in the insulation, walls or roof of your building, potentially causing leaks and messy water damage.
How Can You Prevent Them?
By preventing the higher areas of your roof from heating up enough to melt, you can keep ice buildup from becoming a problem. This can be accomplished by taking several steps to keep heat from the building from reaching the roof.
These steps can include:
• Closing areas where air can leak upwards • Adding insulation • Installing roof or soffit vents
You may need to use a combination of these measures to ensure that dams do not form. Insulation can be especially important, and if your building has less than 8 inches you should add more. Heat cord or tape can also be added to melt off forming ice from the edge of your building’s roof.
Snow and ice can be unavoidable during winter, but you can prevent them from becoming a big problem. Avoid the hard-to-deal-with damage that can result from an ice dam by taking some time to stop it from forming.
Keep Your Facility Fungus-Free With These Mold Prevention Tips
Mold spores are extremely tiny and lightweight, and as a result, they can spread easily from room to room, just wafting in the air until they find a place to breed. All it takes to attract spores and encourage mold growth are water and humidity. If spores find a nice, warm and wet environment, they could grow into hazardous and damaging fungi within a matter of days. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your facility spore-free and to prevent mold problems from brewing:
• Deep clean regularly. This may entail carpet cleaning, cleaning out your facility’s HVAC system and disinfecting all surfaces on a regular basis. • Identify and remedy any moisture issues. If you know of a leak, have it fixed. If your building condensates, up the temperature or invest in better insulation. • Keep humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. • Minimize mold spores by cleaning and dusting often.
You Can’t Prevent Spores, But You Can Prevent Mold
Spores are everywhere, and they can enter your building on someone’s clothes, via food or even upon a light breeze. Because of this, it is impossible to eliminate them from your building entirely. That said, you can prevent spores from finding an ideal breeding ground with regular cleaning.
Carpet cleaning is often overlooked, but the mold prevention team recommends deep-cleaning your carpets on a monthly basis, at least. If you have the resources, you should really deep-clean your floors once a week, and when it’s raining or snowing outside, you should have them cleaned daily. Carpet retains a lot of moisture and it doesn’t receive a lot of sunlight, making it the perfect place for spores to land and make a home.
If you want to prevent mold problems from surfacing in your building, talk to your local mold remediation team about what more you can do to keep your facility as spore-free as possible. From carpet cleaning to moisture control, a little maintenance can go a long way.
Commercial fire damage can wreak havok on a person's business and life. Once a business is ravaged with fire damage, there are a number of things that must be done immediately to mitigate as much damage as possible. Firefighters are only responsible for fire suppression. Once the fire trucks leave, you're on your own. In most cases, fire suppression will also take place when the fire sprinkler system engages.
Only a professional inspection can pinpoint how the fire started. It could be a utility room fire or some other accidental fire. If it is a utility room fire, the fire sprinkler system should engage for the purpose of fire suppression.
Aside from smoke damage, soot damage and the obvious fire damage, the business will get soaked from fire hoses and the fire sprinkler system. This also means a significant amount of water damage to the business. After the firefighters pack up their fire trucks and leave, a fire restoration company must be called as soon as possible. The commercial fire damage left in the wake will be a huge job.
Electrical fires are by far the biggest culprit when fires break out. And they almost always happen in the place where the most wires are found -- the utility room. utility room fires can prove devastating. Not only do these type of fire move quickly, they pose an electrocution risk.
When the fire restoration team arrives, they will go through a number of steps before they get started. The fire sprinkler system should be shut off at this point. The first step is securing the home for safety purposes. They will then assess the fire damage in every room to determine the extent. The plan of action is developed from the assessment. Commercial fire damage is a huge deal, but experienced restoration teams are more than equipped to handle the job.
The fire restoration team will then begin the process of boarding up and tarping areas that need it. Electrical fires can cause a great deal of damage to the property. The water pressure from fire hoses can also do damage as well. The areas that are exposed will be boarded up. If the roof is damaged, tarp will be placed over it.
The team will then focus on water removal and drying. Once fire hoses drench the business with water, it will have to be extracted. Large hoses, much like the fire hoses used by the firefighters extract water from carpeting, floors, upholsters and furniture. After water is removed, industrial dryers will dry all remnants of water that remain.
The business will have a significant amount of smoke and soot damage. Professionals will use specialized equipment to eliminate soot and smoke damage from walls, ceilings and other affected surfaces. The most important part of the process is cleaning and sanitizing. Soot damage is removed with industrial scrubbers. Foggers are used to tackle any lingering smoke damage.
Restoration after commercial fire damage is the last step to getting the business back up and running. A person's business is their livelihood. The sooner the fire damage is fixed, the sooner things can get back on track.
If a business owner is stricken by an electrical fire, a professional restoration service should be contacted as soon as the fire trucks leave. Firefighters can only help with fire suppression, but a professional fire restoration team can remove smoke damage, soot damage and bring the business back to its pre electrical fire condition. If done correctly, the home should be back to its pre-electrical fire shape.
Utility room fires can wreak a great deal of damage on a business. The longer the business is down, the more money is lost. Let a reputable fire restoration team help out once the fire trucks are gone.
The effects of fire damage can be catastrophic and far reaching whether it's a fire in home or fire in business. When the flames are extinguished and the fire fighters go home, business or home owners are left to come up with a plan of attack to put the pieces back together of their property. A fire damage restoration company is able to help people along with this process. For a fire restoration company, a game plan typically follows the same general outline of events.
Initial Contact and Evaluation
Most ideally, fire cleanup would begin immediately. Many fire damage restoration businesses provide a round the clock call service in order to schedule an appointment. At the first meeting, your technician will evaluate water damage, fire damage, soot damage, smoke smell severity, and smoke damage. The restoration company will assess every component of damage on site.
Address Immediate Concerns
While the entire scope of a project is critical to figure out from the get go, there are several things that need to be taken care of and addressed during the initial visit. First and foremost, because fire hoses release thousands of gallons of water during a fire containment effort, water damage is an immediate concern. Most drying methods for post fire in home or fire in business involves first pumping any standing water out. Then, a dehumidifier is integrated to complete the drying administrations.
Among the first restoration steps is also board up and roof tarp services. The board up process involves identifying any areas on windows or walls that have exposed the inside of the structure to the elements. Technicians then board up those areas to protect the home or business from additional damage. Tarping serves the same essential function, but it covers holes in the roof with a tarp to provide temporary protection. After a fire in home or a fire in business, board up and roof tarping are an imperative step for a restoration company.
Side Effects of a Fire Cleanup
Even if the fire is small, there is almost no way to avoid soot damage, smoke damage, and smoke smell inundation. Sometimes when fire damage occurs, people forget about the secondary effects of that incidents. Smoke damage and soot damage cast dark coloring across surfaces and can stain them if unattended. Soot damage often peppers and leaves a residue and can often times be wiped away by a restoration professional. Smoke damage, under good circumstances, can sometimes be wiped away, but on occasion surfaces must be replaced or sanded and refinished to return them to their original state. Sometimes in commercial fire damage situations, smoke damage and soot damage can impact neighboring businesses as well.
Part of a fire damage restoration company's fire cleanup efforts will also include sanitizing and deep cleaning the property. A lingering shadow of smoke smell is an intensive situation to eradicate. Most companies will utilize industrial strength air washers coupled with fogging machines in order to address an area's smoke smell condition.
Restoration
The concluding steps of a fire cleanup project, whether it's for commercial fire damage or residential, is the actual structural restoration. The professional restoration company that you've selected should be knowledgeable about the coding requirements in a commercial fire damage situation, but also residential. They should also be well informed in safety stipulations. Maintaining aesthetic and function as they replace dry-wall, paint, carpet, etc. is at the core of this step in the process.
Finding yourself in the horrible circumstance of a post commercial fire damage or residential fire damage situation can feel daunting. However, knowing the general outline of what will happen after a fire in business or fire in home can give you peace of mind in knowing that a solution is attainable and forthcoming. Whether it's board up services, structural restoration, or sanitizing the space, a fire damage restoration company will get you through it all.
As a homeowner, you probably don't want to have to think about your roof leak or getting a roof repair. You probably don't want to deal with flooding, river flooding, hail damage, or hurricane damage. You don't want think consider how frozen pipes and ice damage can cause roof damage or a roof leak. Unfortunately, it might be time to contact a home restoration expert to deal with storm remediation. If you've been thinking about home restoration or water restoration, the time to get started is now. If you aren't sure whether it's time to reach out to a storm restoration or home restoration expert, there are a few things you need to consider.
Have you recently experienced a severe storm? If you have recently experienced river flooding, flooding, storm damage, hail damage, or hurricane damage, your house may have been physically damaged and you may need storm remediation. Many homeowners don't realize just how severe roof damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, and ground water can be after a severe storm. Pay attention to when there are storms in your area, as any place that is prone to hail damage, hurricane damage, or storm damage may be susceptible to problems.
Does your home have standing ground water? Does your area frequently have river flooding? Flooding due to high rains? Ground water after flooding? Standing flood water in your yard? Many homes experience flooding after river flooding in the area, but flooding can also be caused by frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause flood water to accumulate inside your home. Frozen pipes can create many problems for homeowners, including flood water and ground water if they burst. Does your house have flood water? It could be time to seek storm remediation. A water restoration expert can help to remove ground water with a flood pump. Did you know that a flood pump can be used by a water restoration expert to remove water? A flood pump can effectively remove water from your house. Make sure you contact a water restoration and storm restoration professional when you're ready for someone to use a flood pump at your house.
Is there visible damage to your home? If you experience ice damage, storm damage, hurricane damage, or hail damage in your area, make sure you visually inspect your home. Do you notice holes in the side of your house from hail damage? Do you have a roof leak from roof damage? Do you need a roof repair? Do you have visible storm damage? Wind damage, roof damage, ice damage, and a roof leak can all impact your house. Wind damage can present in many different ways. For example, wind damage can impact the siding on your home, but wind damage can also cause a tree to fall onto your roof. This can lead to roof damage and a roof leak. Unfortunately, this means you'll need a roof repair.
Whether you've dealt with a roof repair or other storm restoration before, it's important that you visible examine your home for ice damage, ice damming, or anything else that might require storm restoration or storm remediation. An ice dam can form during periods of high snow. Ice damming can lead to many problems with your home that will require storm restoration, so if you're concerned about ice damming or you think you might have an ice dam, make sure you reach out. Never leave an ice dam. An ice dam won't go away on its own, and ice damming is a serious problem. Understand that the sooner you seek assistance for your storm-related damage, the sooner your house can be restored.
If you're ever in doubt about getting help from a storm restoration professional, go ahead and reach out. He or she can help repair problems with your home and fix any damage you may have experienced.
Why You Need Professional Water Damage Restoration
Why You Need Professional Water Damage Restoration
Water damage is an important aspect to focus on once water in a home or water in a business has gotten in. Many home and business owners don't focus enough on mitigation once there has been a pipe break, supply line break, or other catastrophes. As such, water damage worsens. This can be avoided by calling a professional restoration company.
Avoid Heavy Flood Damage
It's hard to deal with a lot of water inside of a flooded home or business. Many people are not equipped to deal with it on their own. By calling in restoration professionals, they will help with the water cleanup. Buildings that wait too long to schedule water cleanup end up with more damage.
The mitigation is done to ensure that there is not a significant amount of flood damage. Through water cleanup, it's easier to see what has actually been damaged. Whether there was a pipe break, a supply line break, or something else, the water has to be cleaned up. Without professional assistance, it could take weeks for the water to dissipate on its own.
Salvage Various Items
There might be furniture, drywall, and other things damaged from water. If there was a pipe break or supply line break, the flood damage will be focused on where the problem occurred. Regardless, the water in a home or water in a business has to be out. Drying will help to salvage some items.
Professional drying techniques will ensure that water cleanup is made easier. Some drywall, for example, could be saved if drying happens quickly. Without the drying, then it's more likely that the water will continue to soak into materials. The flooded home or business will then need to be gutted more extensively to remove any items that have suffered flood damage. This could include carpeting, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and more.
Learn About What Needs to Be Done
A long list of things needs to be done when there is water in a home or water in a business. If there was a pipe break or supply line break, the plumbing needs to be repaired. It's also important that a restoration company uses sensors and leak detection equipment to locate all levels of water damage.
A restoration plan should be created to determine what needs to be done. The plan is different for everyone. Restoration professionals will work to oversee the flooded home or business so that everything gets fixed. If there was a lot of mitigation done, the water damage might not be that bad. If there was very little mitigation done, then there might be a lot of water in a home or water in a business to overcome.
Whatever the situation, professionals can work to see that a flooded home or business is repaired properly. The plan might be a time consuming one based on the level of damage and what needs to be restored.
Rebuild What Has Been Lost
A lot might have been lost. The good news is that when working with a professional restoration company, it's easier for a home or business to rebuild. There might be the need to remove a lot of damaged items, repair some items, and rebuild others.
The time it takes to rebuild could take days or even weeks depending on the level of damage. This will be part of what is determined within the restoration plan.
Regardless of why water entered a building, professional services are important. The right restoration company can make it easier to rebuild so it's as if the water damage never even happened.
Steps to Take to Ensure a Business’ Revival After a Commercial Fire
Steps to Take to Ensure a Business’ Revival After a Commercial Fire
The natural disaster of a fire including an electrical fire can be devastating to a business, especially in the absence of the necessary equipment such as a fire sprinkler system and a fire truck company. The firm's future depends on the owner’s vigilance in executing the necessary steps to ensure that it does not take long to revive the business. An easy case to handle would be when the owner had a pre-existing full documentation of the property, a trustworthy insurance and a vigorous fire suppression strategy. In most cases, owners are surprised at the amount the insurance firm is willing to compensate. This could be caused by factors that can be eliminated when the owner follows a procedural recovery process.
Contact the insurance company
The first step after dousing of the fire truck operators is to contact the insurance company. It is imperative to understand that the insurance company will be more cooperative when the owner does not tamper with the damaged property before making contact. If the business’ building was on lease, the landlord should also be contacted immediately to work out the recovery of the fire damage, smoke damage and soot damage.
Secure the remaining property
Unguarded property is a target for looting. After the fire truck, the firefighter and his team leave, contact the police if they are not already on site. They will organize a security check up on the area routinely. Hire a private security team who will give a detailed protection program for maximized security. Also, purchase a fire sprinkler system and a fire hose that may be needed in the case of a reignited fire.
Ensure all utilities are off
Part of fire restoration is ensuring that sparks do not reignite the flames. Check in with the firefighter to make sure that all switches are turned off to prevent a reoccurring electrical fire. Additionally, ask them to test the utility room fire for any useful fire hose or fire sprinkler system that may come in handy if they get another call.
Begin planning the building’s fire restoration solutions A commercial fire damage leaves the enterprise’s owner the sole responsibility of handling its mitigation because fire suppression is only the first step. These include addressing the smoke damage, soot damage and fire damage. Make plans to secure a broken exterior from causing further damage. Check in with the firefighter for the availability of tarps in the fire truck that can be used to board up the roof.
Inform all the business’ contacts on proceedings The first group that may need an immediate update on the firm are the clients, suppliers, employees and vendors. Share your new contact information with the firefighter team, the post office, the police department and the utility company for concerns with the utility room fire.
Plan the retrieval of business valuables
Part of handling the responsibilities of fire restoration in a commercial fire damage is contracting a competent fire restoration company. After getting clearance from the fire suppression team, the company will begin the recovery of items affected by soot damage, smoke damage and fire damage. In accompaniment with the company, retrieve the necessary documents such as insurance policies, inventories and business permits. Also, check for the survivability of other tools like the fire hose in the utility room fire. Retain caution while traversing the room to prevent reoccurrence of an electrical fire from unseen loose cables.
Thoroughly review all documentations
A commercial fire damage involves a lot of players in the recovery process. Consequentially, several documents may need a careful evaluation before signing.
Restoration of smoke damage, soot damage and fire damage can be strenuous and sometimes expensive. An electrical fire can be especially difficult since no one may be at fault. The utility room fire may not have had adequate tools such as a fire hose or a fire sprinkler system when the need was dire. Hence the fire suppression may take longer, and the damage may be extensive. Recovery of commercial fire damage is possible with rightful strategies to ultimately revive the enterprise’s exuberance.
Anyone who lives close to a river deals with the risk of river flooding every time it storms. The flood water that spills over the banks can mix with ground water and cause dirty water to rise several inches or more off the floor. Flooding is far from the only type of storm damage that requires storm remediation. Wind damage, roof damage, ice damage, hail damage and even hurricane damage can all cause problems that require extensive storm restoration work.
Winter Storms
Some people are lucky enough that they live in regions where ice damage rarely happens. As long as the temperature reaches the freezing point or drops lower though, there is a risk of winter storm damage that will need some type of home restoration. This can include ice damming that leads to an ice dam that makes the gutters fall off the house. An ice dam can keep growing as the temperature changes and make the problem of ice damming even worse. Frozen pipes are also a common problem that occurs in the winter. These frozen pipes can prevent those living or using the building from getting access to hot and cold water. They also risk frozen pipes breaking and causing water to back up inside the building and even inside the walls. That flood water can do much more damage than river flooding can.
Spring Storms
Spring storms can cause a roof leak or worsen a roof leak that the owner never noticed before. A standard roof leak that is no bigger than the size of a quarter can allow hundreds of gallons of water to fall inside and cause more damage than ordinary flooding would. The best way to deal with the roof repair needed is with professional storm remediation. This roof repair may require the covering of the roof leak and the removal of damaged shingles. Owners may need some water restoration work done inside their buildings too. Hail damage and other types of damage that leave behind standing water will require the use of a flood pump.
Summer Storms
While hail damage is common in the spring, hail damage can also occur in the summer. Another potential problem relates to wind damage or hurricane damage. Hurricane damage often occurs because of the high winds that those storms bring. These high winds can cause roof damage and force ground water in through a broken window or a hole that requires a roof repair. Storm restoration experts will use a flood pump to remove the flood water and use home restoration methods to restore the home.
Fall Storms
As the temperature and pressure changes, fall can bring river flooding as well as storms that cause roof damage or wind damage. Frozen pipes and ice damming are common later in the season as the temperature drops even lower. The ice damage that building owners see can relate to the ground water that gets inside or because of roof damage that leaves the building exposed. Those working in the fields of water restoration and storm restoration can use a flood pump to remove any excess water and knock down an ice dam that might form as the air becomes cooler. They can use home restoration and water restoration methods and methods to help with any type of storm remediation.
Each season of the year brings different types of potential storm damage, including wind damage, ice damage and hurricane damage. Professionals will inspect the property first to determine the best methods to use with the storm remediation. They may use a flood pump to reduce the impact that river flooding does as it brings ground water and flood water into a home, and they can use drying methods to cover flooding caused by ice damming. A storm restoration professional can melt an ice dam, do a roof repair, handle problems caused by flooding and work with specialized tools like a flood pump. They also offer all the home restoration and water restoration procedures that building owners need.
Getting the Most Out of Professional Water Damage Restoration
Water damage is incredibly common, as it effects millions of homes across the country every year. This could be due to flood damage from living near a body of water or from a simple pipe break or supply line break. No matter what the cause, it is important that you hire a restoration company as soon as possible to get proper mitigation done. Having drying and water cleanup done by the experts is well worth what you spend on it.
How to Handle Water Damage and Flood Damage
If you have a flooded home and are dealing with extensive flood damage and water damage, it's essential that you call a restoration company. The restoration company and mitigation experts are there to handle the water damage for you if you have had water in your home or water in the business that you currently own. They do all of the restoration and drying for you so that you're not left doing it yourself.
Mitigation and Restoration from an Expert Restoration Company
Restoration involves quite a few steps, so it is important to realize that the mitigation experts will come to handle the water damage for a few weeks before it is finally gone for good. This involves all of the drying and restoration that needs to be done in your flooded home. Flood damage is difficult to deal with yourself, so it is always a good idea to hire a company that specifically does water cleanup for you.
Why You Need to Work with the Mitigation Pros
Water cleanup might seem easy enough, but it is actually quite difficult and can be problematic if you have been having issues with drying the area. Your flooded home can get much worse if it is left to absorb into carpeting and any flooring that you might have. To prevent this from happening, call in the pros as soon as you notice any water in the home or if you currently have some water in your business. They will also be able to check for a pipe break or supply line break if this is something that has been an issue for you. Water cleanup can also be quite affordable, especially if you have some type of insurance.
What to Do if You Have a Flooded Home
The first thing for you to do if you have water in your business office or have noticed water in the home that you live in is to call the pros. You are also going to want to check for a supply line break or a pipe break that might mean there is a bigger problem for you to deal with. If you notice a pipe break, be sure to call in a plumber who is going to be the one to fix it for you. If there is a large supply line break, you may need to call in the experts locally with whom you get your water from.
Handling Water in Your Home or Water in a Business Area
Once you notice any type of water, it is important to act quick and do what you need to do. The problem that a lot of people face is that they do not know the first thing about getting the water damage handled on their own, and so they are left with a significant amount of problems that they will find to be an issue at home or in the office. You will also find that there are tons of experts out there who are more than willing to take you on as a client so that your home or office can go back to normal without any problems. There are a lot of people dealing with these problems, so be sure to call in the experts as soon as you notice you have some type of standing water.
Property damage due to flooding or another form of standing water is one of the most common repairs that homeowners have to account for, considering the myriad of ways in which this problem may occur. A supply line break, whether hidden or visible, may be the culprit and cost mitigation is necessary. Water damage can often result in costly repairs as the standing water may affect several areas of the home simultaneously with each area requiring a particular form of maintenance in order to return your home back to its previous condition. A flooded home must enter the drying process as soon as possible to avoid microbial buildup. When your home or business is affected by flood damage, there are several steps that are necessary to take in order resolve the issue in a quick and effective manner, particularly concerning drying as it is essential to the restoration process.
Contacting the restoration company of your choice is the first step involving water cleanup. The restoration company is usually equipped to handle multiple aspects of the cleanup process, including fire damage, flood damage, and backed-up sewage. While this may be the case, the job of the restoration company is only to remove the water, returning the home or business to a dry living environment, so contacting a separate company may be necessary in order to complete the necessary repairs. If the restoration company has acquired a license in the state that you are living in, they may be able to expedite the process by handling several, or all aspects of the water cleanup. Due to the fact that water damage may strike at any given moment, the majority of the restoration companies on the market are available 24 hours a day.
For the mitigation of further water damage in a flooded home, it is imperative that you seek professional care immediately, as the longer the standing water remains, the more expensive repair costs may be. When seeking professional help to alleviate the water damage, it is important that you list the most pertinent information, including insurance information, contact information, and the origin of the flood damage. When contacting your insurance company, it is probable that they may recommend a list of viable options regarding restoration companies, as they, along with the claims adjusters often have working relationships with those companies. In an effort to continue damage mitigation, it is important to review your personal policy with your insurance company which will keep all parties aware of their individual responsibilities. One of the most important factors to mention when addressing your restoration company is the presence of electricity, such as a live wire, on the premises. Unresolved electricity issues during a situation involving flood damage can be a serious hazard for those operating in the home or business, and should, therefore, be addressed immediately.
A detailed inspection must take place to kick off the restoration process in order to assess the damages and find the point of origin regarding water in the home or water in the business. Water in the home and water in the business can often bring about damages that result in separate water cleanup processes due to the nature of operations. Time is one of the most significant aspects to consider regarding water in the home or water in a business, as water in the business may lead to operational losses as well as increased costs. Drying is the next step in the restoration process.
The water extraction process is the first step in water cleanup. Whether your issues result from standing water in a business or standing water in the home, any objects that obstruct the drying process must be removed immediately to avoid exacerbating the issues. Industrial hardware, such as submersible pumps may be utilized in order to remove any standing water in the flooded home. A pipe break, such as the ice maker supply line break, are common issues that lead to a flooded home. The pipe break in a flooded home should be identified as a visible or hidden supply line break in order to quickly alleviate the issue. A hidden pipe break is normally more difficult to resolve than a visible pipe break, as the issue may not be a spontaneous occurrence, and therefore may have been damaging the home for a significant period of time before its discovery. For the mitigation of costs, identifying a supply line break as soon as possible is necessary.
What A Home or Business Owner Can Expect From Fire Restoration
What A Home or Business Owner Can Expect From Fire Restoration
Fire damage restoration, whether it is for a large business structure or a small residence, is a vital step in getting things back to normal. Fire damage can lead to structural problems, soot damage, an unpleasant smoke smell and other types of long-term issues that must be cleaned up before the structure can be restored to service. Most importantly, fire damage restoration is not something that can be put off, as problems such as smoke damage will only get worse as time goes by. For this reason, securing the services of a skilled restoration company can help avoid the costs associated with long-term home or commercial fire damage.
The First Steps
An effective fire damage restoration process will begin as soon as the firefighters leave the building. The fire damage cleanup process will involve surveying the structure to determine what type of damage has been done, removing water from the premises, and ensuring that the electricity and water are turned off until the fire damage restoration service can be certain that they have not been damaged.
In addition, the company will board up any access points in order to prevent the possibility of theft or vandalism. In many regions, it will also be necessary to board up the structure to avoid further weather damage. When evaluating commercial fire damage, the restoration company will also work to determine what damage has been done to the company’s inventory.
Restoring the Structure
The restoration process will include examining the structure for smoke damage. In many cases, smoke and soot damage can permeate the structure, leaving a smoke smell even after the fire has been extinguished. The restoration company may be able to paint over some interior furnishings, while in other cases, wood and carpets may have to be replaced. In addition, soot damage to HVAC systems may require the cleaning, repair or replacement of ducting in order to eliminate the smoke smell.
Electrical Components
A fire in a home or business can often do serious damage to the electrical systems. This is especially important when looking at commercial fire damage, as many commercial buildings have extensive electrical systems. Direct fire damage can result in the electrical wiring being rendered unsafe, while soot damage can cause sensitive electronic systems to malfunction. In addition, a fire in a business or home that has burned electronic or plastic items may have left toxic chemicals behind in addition to unpleasant smoke smell. In such a case, the fire cleanup process will involve removing any such dangerous chemicals from the building. Fortunately, fire restoration companies are trained in how to handle and dispose of such hazardous materials.
Windows and Doors
In many cases, windows and doors will have to be replaced. Fire damage can destroy them, while firefighters often break down windows or doors in order to gain access to a fire in a home or business. Although these openings will have to be boarded up, the fire cleanup process will involve them being completely removed so that new doors and windows can be installed. Some restoration companies will be able to direct the owner to a contractor who can quickly replace these windows.
Commercial Fire Cleanup Vs. Home Cleanup
A fire in a business is far different from a fire in a home, and a skilled remediation service will understand this. For commercial fire damage, getting the business back up and running can be vital, while fire damage in a home may require a softer touch, so as to ensure that none of the home’s remaining family items are damaged during the process.
More importantly, many businesses, even while soot and smoke damage is being repaired, will be functioning. The restoration service may be required to board up windows and doors while working around employees and customers. A fire in a home, unlike a fire in a business, may allow the restoration service to work while the homeowner remains at alternate accommodations.
Ultimately, securing the service of a restoration company can help victims of a fire in a business or home quickly recover from their misfortune. Whether only a quick fire cleanup is needed, or extensive smoke damage has rendered the structure nearly uninhabitable, the best answer to the owner’s woes is a skilled and experienced fire cleanup service.
It is a requirement for home and business owners to have a clear grasp of mold remediation and mold removal so that they can hire the right professionals. Commercial mold damage is continuously growing, and it is important that the home and business owners receive remedies to any mold damage from the best contractors. Every property owner deserves high-quality services and at the best price.
Finding mold in your home or suffering a commercial mold damage are critical issues that need to be addressed swiftly. It is important that clients find a restoration company that offers the best action plan to clean up the mold damage. Mold mitigation can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to doing the work the proper way. Any mold that is observed growing on any premises must be removed.
Mold growth is among the worst contaminants, and it can have serious outcomes to the value of your property. Mold in a home can grow indoors on wet and damp surfaces such as carpets, insulation material, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, wood, and drywall. Mold growth takes place within 48 hours after being left unchecked and it will affect the livability of your home because of its smelly odor. Moreover, the physical structure of your home or business premise is affected by mold damage.
If a property owner suspects that his or her home or business has a mold problem, he or she should consult a restoration company to inspect the premises. If the mold is found, the professionals have the right equipment and training to carry out mold remediation.
There are things about mold in home that every owner needs to understand. Mold is usually a microscopic fungus that exists both indoors and outdoors, and its size makes it hard for mold removal. Mitigation of mold growth behind a wall is especially the hardest because of its location. On the other hand, mildew thrives on moisture, and the fungus can multiply rapidly when exposed to water.
The qualified professionals in any restoration company are aware that before mold removal and remediation commences, any presence of moisture or water ought to be addressed to avoid mold return. Usually, mold damage emits a strong smelly odor, which helps individuals to identify the areas with possible mold problems, especially mold growth behind a wall.
Dry rot is a type of fungus that causes decay on wood turning it to powder, and its mitigation is most imperative. Moreover, there is a type of mold called black mold, also referred to as toxic mold. Some reports highlight the dangers of black mold, and they can be quite frightening. For that reason, any black mold in a home or business premises should be treated with caution. Moreover, it is advisable to keep off areas with mold growth and not to touch areas with black mold.
Commercial mold damage removal as a profession offers its clients tips on what to do before aid from skilled contractors arrives. The occurrence of mildew on the walls of homes gives an appearance that is not appealing, and the damage by mildew can be compared to that of dry rot because each is a type of fungus. Luckily the restoration company contractors are well qualified to handle any type mold growth implying that the mold growth behind your wall won' pose any problem to them.
The professionals remove any smelly odor caused by mold growth through deodorization. Deodorization mainly involves either the removal or concealment of any unpleasant smell. It doesn't matter if the smelly odor is as a result of mildew, black mold, or dry rot, the odor can only be removed through deodorization.
Usually, the commercial mold damage removal is the best because it involves a series of five steps so that proper mold removal and remediation can be carried out. This will include the mitigation of the physical damage caused by dry rot on wooden surfaces, the mold growth behind a wall, and the deodorization of unpleasant odors.
The major steps are as follows: 1. Learn about the moisture source 2. Documenting the mold problem and creating a remediation plan 3. Calculation of the extent of contamination 4. Remediate mold contamination, and 5. Determining if the cleanup has been successful
The Process of Residential Fire Damage Restoration
The Process of Residential Fire Damage Restoration
One of the most devastating events that can happen in a person's life is fire in home. The typical homeowner oftentimes has no real idea what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a fire in home. A homeowner is best able to effectively address a fire in home by understanding the overall process of residential fire damage recovery.
Fire Cleanup
A crucial phase in the overall fire damage recovery process if the immediate fire cleanup. The horrible reality is that following a fire in home, or fire in business, a tremendous amount of debris of different types is likely to exist.
The best way to efficiently and effectively undertake fire cleanup is through the engagement of a fire recovery specialist. Not only does a professional ensure that a fire cleanup is thoroughly completed, but a pro makes certain that it is accomplished in a safe manner. The fact is that fire-related debris can contain harmful substances.
Addressing Smoke Damage, Soot Damage, Smoke Smell
When it comes to fire damage recovery, a trio of challenging issues must be addressed. These are smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell. Once again, professional assistance is fundamental to ensuring that smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell properly are addressed.
A key element of addressing this trio of issues if proper equipment. When considering engaging a residential fire recovery professional, an examination of the type of equipment utilized by a specialist needs to occur. A homeowner needs to ensure that a fire recovery professional has access to proper equipment, designed to effectively address smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell issues.
Fire Damage Restoration
Finally, when considering engaging a residential fire recovery professional, focus needs to be on whether such a specialist provides a comprehensive range of fire damage restoration services. For example, there are so-called specialists that hold themselves out as providing the complete spectrum of fire damage restoration services that focus only on one of two aspects of the process. A homeowner is best served by engaging a professional capable of addressing all aspects of the residential fire damage restoration process.
Commercial Fire Damage
Addressing commercial fire damage includes essentially the same elements found in a fire in home situation. However, there are elements to a fire in business recovery situation that different from what occurs in a residential situation.
Commercial fire damage needs to be addressed with definite efficiency. The stark reality is that oftentimes a business must shutter while the fire in business recovery process is underway. As a result, a commercial fire damage recovery effort must involve a professional with experiencing in completing such a recovery project with optimal efficiency. Indeed, the future of a commercial enterprise after a fire in business very well may depend upon such an efficient recovery process.
Experienced Fire Damage Recovery Specialists
In considering a professional firm to take on a residential fire recovery process, information about the specialists on the fire damage recovery team needs to be considered. For example, it is important that fire in home recovery specialists are appropriately licensed, bonded, certified, and insured. An examination of the depth of experience of each team member must occur as well.
Emergency Response
Fire damage recovery is most successful when the remediation process commences immediately. Any significant delay results in the condition at a fire-damaged residence to worsen.
When seeking residential fire recovery assistance, identifying a firm that can respond immediately to a situation at a residence is imperative. This includes specialists arriving promptly to the scene of a residential fire to provide a solid estimate and action plan for undertaking a recovery and restoration of the premises.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than a fire. Whether it is fire damage in home or fire damage in business, seeing precious items either go up in smoke or suffer smoke damage is devastating.
Once the fire engines have left the scene and things have cooled down, it is time to call a fire damage restoration company. These companies are well equipped to do a complete cleanup job quickly and efficiently. All companies engaged in home and in business fire problems are guided by strict EPA regulations regarding chemicals and other products they use, which means they will leave the premises clean and in good condition.
PRIMARY STEPS
It is important to choose a Fire damage company that has a proven reputation. When these professionals arrive they will survey the damage, explain what fire cleanup needs to be done and provide a written estimate.
Their first fire cleanup job will be to remove articles such as rugs, furniture and other objects that have been damaged by the fire in home or fire in business. They will then use their equipment, which includes blowers, suckers and other gear to remove the water from the area.
Once the water has been dissipated from the room, or rooms, they will work on removing the smoke smell, all fire cleanup damage and soot damage from the area. This will include floors, walls and ceilings. A great deal of this work requires special machinery but a lot of the work is done by hand.
Any furniture or other items that have suffered from smoke damage, or smoke smell, will have a thorough fire cleanup with the smoke damage removed. Often these items can be fully restored to their original condition.
SERIOUS DAMAGE
Many times when there is a fire in home or a fire in business there will be damage to the windows, walls or other parts of the structure. In this case, the first thing the fire damage restoration company will do is to secure the building. This may include placing plywood over the windows, tarps on the roof and so forth. They will be sure that the property is safe from vandals, animals or other intruders.
Commercial fire damage is especially serious. As a rule, there are combustible materials with a fire in business properties, which burn rapidly and do a great deal of fire damage.
In addition to the usual equipment, commercial fire damage restoration professionals will have to use special liquid cleaners to remove all the smoke damage, soot damage and a smoke smell from a fire in home or a fire in business.
Naturally, the business will want repairs made quickly by commercial fire damage professionals, especially if it is interfering with regular daily activities. A fire in business means loss of sales and repairs need to be done as quickly as possible.
RESTORATION WORK
The fire damage restoration company is equipped to make complete repairs to any fire damaged building. This includes replacing studs and drywall, painting and other tasks which will restore the building to its pre-fire condition. They are equipped to make major or minor reconstruction repairs if necessary. This is especially important in commercial fire damage.
CHOOSING A COMPANY
In many cases, an insurance company will be involved when there is a fire. They will want to inspect the Fire damage and determine the cost. A good fire damage restoration company will know how to work with the insurance company and come to an agreeable price.
If the person suffering a fire in home or fire in business does not not have insurance it is imperative that they talk with the fire damage restoration company and obtain a solid estimate on the cost of total repairs. The company should explain exactly what work they will do and the length of time involved.
Fortunately, with modern equipment and supplies, commercial fire damage and fire in home damage such as soot damage and smoke smell, can be addressed in a manner that restores the buildings to their original condition. This means that there will be no sign of smoke smell, soot damage or smoke damage apparent in the restored buildings, which allows people to return to their normal way of life.
Restoring Your Maple Grove Area Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
Flooding and water damage events in Maple Grove, MN area 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.
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.
The methods of fighting commercial fires have changed over the centuries, but water is still a go-to resource for extinguishing a blaze. In ancient Roman times, the first fire departments arrived on the scene, but sometimes had ulterior motives: they would only offer to help if the building owner would sell the property. Fortunately, the fire service has improved since then. For building owners, a fire sprinkler system offers a quick and effective response to a fire in Maple Grove, MN It can catch a fire in its early stages, either putting out the fire or at least slowing its spread. A few tips can help you get the most out of your system.
Install the Right System
If you run a small business, the cost of a fire sprinkler system will be a factor in what type you buy. It's possible to install a system that only covers certain critical areas of your company, such as a computer or electrical area. It's always a good idea to work with a licensed and insured contractor to install the system in accordance with pertinent codes and standards. The contractor may recommend a chemical corrosion inhibitor which helps prevent leaking and improves hydraulic performance. Remember, sprinkler systems have numerous benefits, including the following:
Automatic operation triggered by heat
Superior fire suppression
Rapid activation
Enhanced peace of mind
Reduced insurance premiums
Make the Right Moves Once a fire sprinkler unit is in your building, make sure to maintain it properly. Also, equip your company with a robust alarm system and an adequate supply of fire extinguishers. If your sprinklers do go off, you will need fire sprinkler cleanup by a trusted fire remediation team. Water damage is always a consequence of putting out a fire and should be taken care of by professionals. They can also take care of any fire damage in the building and remove the effects of soot and smoke damage, restoring your building to good condition again.
Flood damage to your Maple Grove, MN business can be a major problem. However, insurance companies and their clients often have different ideas about what constitutes flooding.
Types of Water Damage
Although insurance companies are very specific about the definition of flooding, there are several ways your building can incur water damage. The following are three types of damages that can lead to inundation:
Storm damage
Water damage
Flood damage
Storms can damage roofs, burst pipes, break windows and cause other issues that allow water to enter the building. If storm damage leads to water incursion, most property owners' policies will cover this. Also if the building floods because of a burst pipe, the insurance company will classify that as water damage rather than flooding. That also goes for other common water-related issues, including malfunctioning appliances and many roof leaks. However, if your building is involved in a flood, as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you must have flood insurance to be covered. Floods are defined as water covering at least two acres or two separate properties. Additionally, the water must come from one of the following sources: mudflow, surface water runoff or overflow of inland or tidal water (due to heavy rainfall or erosion). If the damage is classified as flood-related, standard property owners' insurance will not cover it.
Water Damage Restoration Process
Regardless of the cause of the water damage, it is important to get your property cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. First, remove the standing water. There are specialized pumps and vacuums for this. Then dry out the remaining water. You may need to use fans or dehumidifiers. Next, sanitize all affected items. Everything that cannot be fully cleaned and dried should be thrown away. Finally, restore or replace all damaged items. Just as there are a variety of causes for water and flood damage, there are different specifications for cleaning up afterward. An experienced restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.
Mold can damage surfaces in your home and require costly cleanup. When you suspect mold in your home, your instinct is to eliminate it quickly. It is wise to act as soon as you see signs of mold or smell a musty odor. If you suspect your home is infested with mold, it is not recommended you attempt the mold remediation yourself. The safest strategy is to consult a mold specialist who can test your home for mold, evaluate the severity of your infestation and recommend a cleanup and removal protocol. If an expert determines your problem does not involve a toxic variety, such as black mold, you can move forward with addressing the problem.
Mold-Removal Mis-Steps
In an effort to remove mold, well-meaning homeowners often contribute to the problem of returning or spreading.
Removing mold-infested materials is not effective unless the surrounding humidity level is reduced. Using bleach products does not generally eliminate mold and can make it worse by masking the visible signs of a problem. Using mold-resistant paint over existing paint can trap spores between paint layers where they continue to grow. Holding on to items once infested with mold creates a high likelihood of a recurrence. Attempting to self-clean mold, such as black mold, is strongly discouraged.
If you’ve made any of these mistakes, be reassured that there are effective ways to eradicate mold from your home.
Getting Rid of Mold For Good
The key to controlling mold is eliminating the root of the problem. A plumbing or roof leak can create a favorable environment for mold. Once you permanently address these issues, you decrease the chances of post-cleanup mold recurrence. It’s essential you discard all property in your home that was once affected by mold. If mold found its way into your Maple Grove, MN home, avoid mold cleanup until toxicity is ruled out. Once you remedy any moisture problems, your cleanup efforts will be more successful. As difficult as it is, let go of that mold-damaged first-edition book. You may be rewarded by a mold-free home.
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Maple Grove
When it's winter in Maple Grove, MN it's important to be prepared. A winter storm can come with high winds, heavy snow, and ice. All of these things can cause damage to your business. Here are some tips for how to best prepare for upcoming storm damage.
Watch the Weather
The more advance warning you have, the more time you will have to prepare for a storm. There are multiple ways you can check your weather forecast:
Your local news station
The weather app on your phone
Online
Setting up alerts on your phone to go off when you are under a winter storm watch or warning can also give you some indication for when a storm pops up unexpectedly.
Secure Light Items
If you have items outside that can blow away in a storm, either bring them inside or secure them. Not only do you want to avoid losing these items, but you also want to prevent it from flying and hitting another item, causing damage.
Eliminate Pipe Risks
The cold weather that comes with winter storms can cause a pipe to break. There are a couple of ways to prevent this. For pipes that face an outside wall or may be exposed to cold temperatures, leave the water dripping. In addition, be sure that you keep the thermostat at the same temperature at night as you do during the day.
Prepare for Power Outage
Heavy snow from a storm can cause tree branches to fall onto power lines. Sometimes, the weight of the snow is enough to bring a power line down. Prepare for a potential outage by making sure all of your data is backed up. Storm damage from a winter storm can be devastating, but there are some things you can do to help prevent it. Watch the weather to know when a storm is coming, secure items that may fly away, keep water dripping from faucets and be ready for a power outage. When you do experience storm damage, trust your storm restoration experts to help repair the damage.
3 Tell-Tale Signs You Need to Clean the Dryer Vent
Warning Signs That Tell It's Time To Clean The Dryer Vent
Cleaning your dryer vents isn’t just a nice thing-to-do as a homeowner in Maple Grove, MN It is one of the most important house projects that could save you from a potential dryer fire. In return, the appliance works efficiently and serves you for a long time without breaking. Warning signs that tell it’s time to clean the dryer vent include:
Clothes take longer to dry
Burning smell
Vent trap doesn’t open correctly
1. Clothes Take Longer to Dry When a dryer vent is clogged, clothes take longer to dry as hot air and moisture cannot leave the drum freely. That translates to 2 or more cycles on top of your regular rounds for the clothes dry. This prolonged usage puts more wear and tear on the appliance and therefore cutting its lifetime by almost half.
2. Burning Smell If you detect a burning smell from your dryer, please turn it off immediately. That could be a clog in the lint trap or the drum, and you are looking at a possible lint fire. Hot clothes and longer drying time accompany this symptom, and the best cause of action is to clear the clog before further usage. It is also a good idea to inform everyone who uses the machine about this issue.
3. The Vent Trap Doesn’t Open Properly A stuck vent trap is also another sign of lint build-up. It could be the result of overdue maintenance, and it will kill your appliance eventually. However, this is an extreme case. So, you might want to check for debris or lint around the dryer hose to catch this problem before it causes a nasty clog or a lint fire. Dryers are a blessing to the 21st century and should be treated as such. Don’t wait till the appliance to malfunction so you can start troubleshooting. Regular maintenance will save you money and prevent a lint fire in the long run.
If your Maple Grove, MN home gets infiltrated with sewage water, it’s much more than just cleaning up a spill. Sewer cleanup requires more consideration and steps to clean. Unlike a pipe burst or appliance malfunction, which results in clean or gray water in the home, a sewer backup contains highly contaminated black water.
Safety First
Even a flooded toilet has the potential to include black water. While the first inclination may be to grab some towels and start mopping it up, doing so could spread contaminants. Hiring a professional water remediation expert can ensure that the process is done correctly and nothing is left behind. Signs you should avoid the mess and call for help include:
Multiple rooms are flooded.
The source is clearly from a sewer or septic tank backup.
The water has been sitting for more than 24 hours.
Besides cleaning up the mess, a professional with have the tools and knowledge to ensure a proper, efficient cleanup. The right team will quickly remove sewage dirt, prevent mold or other bacteria from spreading, and are better equipped to salvage more of your personal belongings, as well as components of the home.
Small Spills For minor issues, it is important to take precautions when tackling sewer cleanup on your own. Before starting the process, open windows to air the home out. Wear PPE, including eye protection, rubber gloves and disposable clothing. Any solids should be shoveled and placed in heavy-duty plastic bags for removal. A bucket can be used to remove standing water, and a wet/dry vacuum can finish off the remaining water. Any items that can be removed should be placed outdoors to dry out. All areas or items that have been affected should be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant. When it comes to sewer cleanup, the best bet is to get expert help to avoid unnecessary risks. They will quickly restore your home back to “Like it never even happened.”
Common Plumbing or Sewage Problems in Commercial Buildings
Your sewage and water systems are important parts of your property. However, a blocked sewer or another plumbing problem can cause a messy situation. You thus need to keep an eye out for the below water and sewage issues. While they are common, they can lead to disaster if not handled properly.
Broken or Damaged Pipes
When a pipe breaks, it causes a lot of destruction in a short amount of time. You thus have to be proactive. If you notice a small crack in a pipe, it needs to be repaired right away.
Don’t forget to check the copper pipes, too. While they are durable, they are not immune to damage. In fact, small pinhole leaks can occur in just two years. If you can't see the pipes themselves, check for stains on the ceiling or bulges in the tiling. These could be evidence of water leaking and building up alongside the pipes.
Sewer Line Deterioration
While typical cast-iron sewer lines last at least 25 years, they could fail or deteriorate sooner. This could cause a toilet overflow or other smelly problems. If your building has a clogged drain or a gas odor, you could have a blocked sewer line. Indentations or deformations in the landscaping are also possible warning signs.
Foundation Damage
Hidden plumbing problems can cause the building's foundation to move or crack. Soil displacement and poor drainage can shift the foundation, reducing the structural integrity of the premises. Root intrusion of the pipes is another common cause of foundation issues. Clogged drains or changes in water pressure may be signs that roots have infiltrated the plumbing system. If your building has any of the above issues, contact a plumber to fix the problem immediately. Quick intervention can prevent the situation from escalating. Water damage repair experts in Maple Grove, MN can also address any damage caused by a blocked sewer or other plumbing disasters.
3 Things to Understand About an Electronic Claims Service
Reasons You May Find The Electronic Claim Service Interesting
After a storm or fire at your Minnesota business, contacting your local SERVPRO may be one of the best decisions you can make for your restoration needs. This restoration service even has tools that can help make filing an insurance claim easier. One of these you may find particularly interesting for several reasons is the electronic claims service.
1. All Your Claim Information in One Place
The electronic claims system is a great way to help keep the information necessary for your claim in one location. This can include lists of damaged items, photographs of the damage, and progress tracking. Keeping this information together can make it easier for your agent to find what the need when working on the claim.
2. Up to Date Progress Tracking
When it comes to keeping track of your Insurance claim, it may help to be able to access an up to date progress report on the restoration. That is one of the features of the electronic system. As each step of the process is completed your SERVPRO team can update the tracking progress so that you and your insurance agent can stay abreast of the status of any repairs.
3. Electronic Access for You and Your Agent
This system also allows your and your insurance agent to access this information electronically. Doing so can save valuable time when it means you don’t have to play phone tag, or interrupt repair work in order to request information. Easy access can also be useful if you need to check something quickly in order to complete any paperwork. This service can help streamline keeping track of your insurance claim. Not only does it keep an itemized list, but the system can also store the photographs you may need of the space. It also allows you and your agent to access the information electronically and keep track of the restoration progress.
Give us a call today (763)498-6500
Can You Sue Your Property Manager Over Mold Issues?
Can You Sue Your Property Manager Over Mold Issues?
If your business in Maple Grove, MN recently suffered from fungus growth, you probably have filed mold insurance claims with both your own insurer and the landlords. After all, your policy probably initiated cleanup procedures, and the building's policy may have aided in paying off the structural repairs. This overall process is tedious, long and expensive. In fact, depending on your coverage, you may have suffered more than your deductible. You may have faced months of lost revenue, hurting your company's ability to survive. At this point, you may wonder whether you can sue your property manager for failing to provide adequate space. It might be possible. Here are a few things to consider.
1. What Were the Damages?
The mold remediation company should conduct an inspection, looking for the origin of the contamination. Spores multiply when they come into contact with water, so if a leak occurred it could cause the problem. Make sure the plumbing and roofing is examined, and consider why a problem occurred in the pipes or the shingles. Document everything because the source of the issue is significant to your lawsuit.
2. Who Is Responsible?
When mold insurance claims are considered, the companies need to understand if anyone was at fault or neglected duties. Property managers, for instance, have an obligation to protect the building and those that use it. Lawsuits might be feasible if you can prove any of the following occurred:
The property manager ignored the initial issue
Management was aware of faulty equipment or parts
Property management made choices that endangered tenants
3. Was Prevention Encouraged?
How much effort did managers put into maintaining the property? Routine inspections could prevent fungus growth and a mold claim. Roof specialists and plumbers should come in once or twice a year, looking for small leaks in piping and shingles. Mold insurance claims are expensive. If you think that a lawsuit is possible, consider whether your landlords or owners failed to repair something in a timely manner or keep your employees safe. You would need to prove negligence or endangerment.
Fire Restoration Often Includes Water Damage Cleanup
Fire Restoration Often Includes Water Damage Cleanup
Being prepared in case of a fire in your Minnesota, business is key for the safety of everyone onsite as well as keeping damage to a minimum. After following proper fire protocols, the next step is fire cleanup. Along with that, water cleanup will likely be part of the process.
Extinguishing the Flames Leaves Water Behind
Although smoke cleanup and rummaging through burnt items is to be expected after a fire, many may forget the massive amounts of water required to extinguish the flames. Depending on the extent of the fire, it could result in more water cleanup than expected. The main water damage concerns include:
Wood Damage – Floors, furniture and other items made from wood quickly soak up water. As it retains the water, buckling and other damage can take root. Items severely damaged will likely need to be replaced.
Ceilings – Along with inspecting for any fire damage to the structure of the building, ceilings with water damage will need to be repaired immediately.
Drywall – The walls of a building often take the brunt of both fire and water issues. If they made it unscathed from the flames, there could still be hidden water issues. Any areas affected will need to be replaced to avoid further deterioration and mold growth.
Electrical – Water can find its way into electrical equipment and outlets without being detected. A close inspection of all electrical components should be conducted.
Count On Professional Help
Lingering water left unattended can cause big problems long after the fire has taken place. A water damage specialist has the expertise to properly dry, clean and restore your business back to new. Along with repairing physical issues, they can also help with the restoration of items such as documents, furniture, paintings and more. While you might not be expecting water cleanup after a fire, it’s important to make sure water damage doesn’t go unchecked. Getting the right help can help get your business back to normal.
According to the US Fire Administration, nearly 2,900 residential fires are caused by dryers, and 34% of those fires are likely caused by a lint fire, meaning a failure to maintain or clean the appliance. Therefore, dryer fires can be prevented, and the best way to ensure your safety from these appliance disasters is to follow the three keys of ownership.
Proper installation Routine cleaning Inspection and maintenance
Proper Installation
A dryer fire can occur because of poor installation. A professional installer will ensure that all electrical components are correctly connected and that all plugs and outlets are compatible. Also, while using a third party installer is wise, you should also make sure you read all the manufacturer's warnings and instructions before use.
Routine Cleaning
If you fail to clean your dryer regularly, then you are putting yourself and your family at risk of a lint fire. To prevent such an issue, you need to not only clear the lint filter but ensure that lint is removed from any other likely areas. For example, you can develop a lint buildup in the back of the dryer at the exhaust connection. Also, lint can buildup in the vent pipe. For any difficult cleaning call on a professional.
Inspection and Maintenance
Most remediation companies and other appliance repair professionals in Maple Grove, MN recommend performing routine checks on dryers, typically every three to six months. These inspections should cover the cleaning, testing and possibly replacing of integral components.
If you are in the market for a new dryer or are concerned about the possibility of a dryer or lint fire, then follow the advice above. Dryer fires are often preventable fires. Therefore, ensure that they are correctly installed, cleaned regularly and inspected every three to six months. Your home does not have to become a part of the statistics. Be an educated appliance owner.
You have already dealt with the green and black mold monster that lurked in your basement, but for some reason, it has returned with a vengeance. What should you do? Why is it back? Despite what some removal services will have you believe, mold is never truly gone. The tiny microscopic spores can never be entirely eliminated. However, with proper removal and maintenance, you should not have to deal with a full infestation again. Although, if that happens, then there are several reasons why.
Failed Remediation Unresolved Issue Poor Ventilation High Humidity
Failed Remediation
Mold remediation is a skill, and any companies offering this service should hold the appropriate licensing and certifications required by your state. Unfortunately, there are many duplicitous operations out there, and it is possible that they failed to clean your home appropriately. Therefore, if you need further mold removal, call a reputable home restoration service in Maple Grove, MN
Unresolved Issue
If you did not hire a professional for your mold cleanup, then it is possible that you did not remedy the situation. Sure, you might have removed every visible speck of mold, but if you didn't find or fix the water leak or humidity problem, then mold will probably reappear in the same area as before.
Poor Ventilation
Perhaps you did hire a reputable company, and you did resolve the root cause of the original black mold infestation. The new mold growth may be just that, new. If your home is not adequately ventilated, then areas like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room can become humid and filled with excess moisture, providing a habitat for mold.
High Humidity
Also, regardless of ventilation, if your home has a humidity problem, then it is conducive to mold growth. Therefore, invest in several dehumidifiers to try and control the moisture levels in your home. Common and black mold thrives in moist, humid and dark environments. The best way to eliminate perpetual mold growth is to reduce and control the elements that make your home habitable to spores.
Four Ways To Prevent Sewage from Backing Up Into Your Basement
Any time there is a heavy storm in Maple Grove, MN you know that the basement of your home is in danger of flooding. Some of this excess water has the potential to come from sewer backup, and that can lead to an extensive remediation process. Here are four ways to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement during a storm.
1. Clear Pipes
One way to keep sewage from coming up through your pipes when it rains is to make sure excess sewage doesn't get caught in there to begin with. If you notice water draining slowly, use a drain snake to clear the pipes. This can help you prevent the need for sewer cleaning.
2. Monitor Roots
The roots of trees near your home can cause problems with your sewer system. If the roots grow into the pipes or knock them loose, storm damage from the sewer is almost inevitable during a heavy rain. Have your system inspected at least once a year, preferably before the rainy season starts, and fix any problems you find.
3. Install Valve
A backflow prevention valve can can keep sewer backup out of your home. It is installed at the exit point from your basement into the sewer line. This valve keeps sewage flowing only one way - out of your home and into the sewer where it belongs.
4. Plug Drain
If you have one-way drain plugs installed in each drain, you can prevent backflow into your home even if it comes up through your pipes. It works similarly to the valve; it keeps water draining in one direction. Even if you have other measures in place, it's good to have drain plugs just in case sewage gets past the other barriers. If you do get a sewer backup during a storm, you will probably need to call storm damage mitigation specialists to disinfect every place it affects. The best protection is prevention.
The Important Differences Between Flood and Storm Damage
Learn the Crucial Differences Between floods and Storms
Water damage can cause plenty of trouble for your Maple Grove, MN business location. While you can thankfully rely on solid insurance and repair plans, they may not always apply to every water-related incident. Flood damage may carry different insurance demands or solutions than destruction caused by a storm. It may be in your best interest to learn the crucial differences between floods and storms to find the most effective answer for the problem.
Damage Created by Floods
Flooding is commonly associated with accumulated water from excessive rain and storms. While most floods emerge as their aftermath, not every flood is created by a storm. For instance, a flaw in your commercial building's plumbing system can lead to a water leak. When that leak is ignored, it builds up until it creates a water surplus. Overflowing water from nearby lakes, rivers or other sources can also create a flood.
Damage Created by Storms
Even though you might associate storms with an overabundance of water and flood damage in general, they can create other destruction not directly associated with pouring water.
Strong winds
Debris and dangerous objects
Lightning damage
Water from defective drains or gutters
Storms have plenty of other elements at play, so you can expect multiple damage sources besides just extra water. As you hire emergency restoration services, consider all the water and non-water damage on the property.
Why the Difference Matters
Learning the different origins of the water damage can play a significant role in how much insurance you can claim. Most commercial buildings have an insurance plan that covers storm damage and its various sources. However, they often do not cover floods or offer very limited coverage. Look for the right policy that includes flooding or consider getting a separate plan that includes it. Even though some property owners interchangeably use storm and flood damage, they are not the same. Knowing the difference ensures you receive the right repair treatment in Clearwater, MN and get the correct insurance policy.
A broken pipe or natural disaster can lead to water in home. That water can damage your carpets, furniture and valuables. Water damage repair specialists in Maple Grove, MN can perform dry cleaning to restore your belongings. Before they arrive, there are some steps you can take to care for your items.
Air Dry Inside When Possible
You may be tempted to bring all of your wet belongings outside so they can dry in the hot sun. However, certain items may buckle or split if they dry too quickly. You should instead let them air dry inside your house. Air-dryable items include leathers, organic materials, textiles and paintings. Be sure to remove any wet paintings from their frames and to keep them away from direct sunlight.
Prevent Mold Growth
Water in home does not just make your valuables wet. Moist environments can also lead to the growth of excess mold, which can cause further damage to your valuables. You can reduce the chances of mold growth by limiting the humidity in your home. That means utilizing air conditioners, open windows, dehumidifiers and fans to boost air flow. This can assist in the drying process, as well.
Rinse and Clean Wet Items
To remove the dirty flood waters from your belongings, rinse them off with a hose spray or clear water. Next, use a damp cloth or soft brush to remove debris and silt. Any metal objects should be rinsed and dried immediately. However, heavy mud can be left on larger metal items while they dry. Specialists can remove the caked mud later.
Preserve Books, Documents and Photos
Even these valuable items can be saved after a flood. You can carefully remove them from any frames or mats and place them in a refrigerator or freezer for preservation. Make sure to only use appliances that weren’t damaged by the water. Water in home can seem devastating. Yet by following the above steps and calling your local restoration experts, you can get your house and belongings back to normal.
There are many different types of accidents that can potentially lead to a house fire and require fire cleanup services, which is why it is important to always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Three common causes of home fires include cooking fires, a cigarette fire, and candle fires. Find out how you can protect your home in Maple Grove, MN by reading the tips in this guide.
1. Kitchen Fire
From leaving cooking food unattended to accidentally allowing grease to splatter, there are many opportunities for a fire to start in your kitchen. Always make sure to stay near food whenever you are cooking and never leave food in the oven or in a slow cooker when you leave the house. Keep all flammable objects off the stove. When cooking with oil, have a lid nearby and don’t overheat the grease.
2. Smoking Indoors
Cigarette fires are the leading cause of fire deaths, which is why it is important to always practice safe smoking habits. While only smoking outdoors is the best way to prevent a fire from starting indoors, bedrooms should be kept completely off-limits. Steer clear of all flammable objects and make sure to avoid an ashtray fire by always putting out butts and properly disposing of ashtray contents.
3. Candles
Many people use candles around their homes, especially during the holidays. Always make sure to burn candles from away from flammable items, such as curtains and towels. Blow out candles before exiting a room, leaving the house, or falling asleep. Keep candles far out of reach from curious animals and children. Additionally, never let candles burn all the way down to avoid overheating the container. These tips are all great ways to avoid the devastation a candle, kitchen, or cigarette fire can cause. The best tactic in keeping your home safe from a fire is to always remain aware of your surroundings and address any hazards you see right away.
Even though mold is a natural organism, it can be worrying to see it inside your Maple grove, MN home, especially since it could be a danger to its soundness and hygiene. Something that may appear more intimidating is black mold, mostly due to its darker color. Read on to learn more about this specific mold, what causes its growth and mold cleanup and repair options.
What Is It?
This type of mold is also known as stachybotrys chartarum. Despite the name, it is not always black, as it sometimes takes a dark green color instead. The spores for this mold are found in both indoor and outdoor locations. While you may find it in the soil or in the grain, most of the time, it can make its way inside someone’s home or building through doors, vents or other entrances.
Why Does It Grow in Your Home?
Stachybotrys chartarum may thrive inside people’s homes due to the high number of cellulose sources found there:
Fiber
Paper and paper-derived materials
Wood and wood-derived materials
Carboard
Ceiling tiles
Drywall, paint and carpet also can attract black mold. It usually grows in very moist places, such as those caused by leaks, floods, condensation or humidity. The specific combination of high cellulose and low nitrogen in these environments can encourage the mold’s growth.
How Can You Get Rid of It?
You may treat this type of mold as any other kind. It can have the same effects on your property, such as structural damage and a strong, unpleasant odor. As such, you might need to remove it from the affected area as soon as possible. Mold remediation specialists can help you eliminate the mold and restore the area to its previous state.
Despite the darker hue, black mold essentially has the same behavior and weaknesses as regular mold. You may stop its destructive impact on your home in Maple Grove, MN, with proper cleanup and repair services.
Lower your Commercial Water Bill with these Simple Upgrades
The Following Four Upgrades Can Help You Manage Your Monthly Water Bill
As a commercial business owner in Maple Grove, MN you are always looking for ways to become more efficient and cost effective in your business practices. If you've experienced water issues in your facility, you know the costs can range based on the repair work needed and the resulting water damage restoration. Whether you want to lower your operating costs or prevent costly repairs, the following four upgrades can help you to manage your monthly water bill.
1. Hands-Free Faucets
For some, the initial cost of replacing and installing sink fixtures may feel like a bit of an investment. But when replacing old sink heads with touch-less faucets, think of the long-term savings and water waste prevention. With a touch-less faucet, motion sensors turn on the water only when washing. This prevents sinks from being uselessly left on and may save you money in the following ways:
Less water used
Less water wasted
Prevention of sink flooding
2. Efficient Flush Valves
Are you operating in an older facility? If your building is over 25 years old, it may be time to switch-out old toilet flush valves. This water upgrade will save you three-to-five times the water used by older valves. This is a fairly inexpensive fix and can save you a good amount of money with time.
3. Drip Irrigation
Does your business pay for on-site irrigation? Some of the most costly water issues are a result of poor irrigation planning. From haphazard watering patterns to leaking sprinkler heads, these water-wasting practices quickly add up in cost. One simple solution might be installing a drip irrigation system. These concentrated sprinkler heads use a fraction of the water and deliver it right to the plant, making them over 60% more efficient in some cases.
4. Timely Plumbing Repairs
While regular plumbing inspection may not be considered an upgrade to your building, plumbing professionals can address the need for immediate repairs. Likewise, they can alert you of water issues that may be costing you hundreds of dollars each month. Consider these four suggestions when looking to reduce your commercial water costs.
Take the Following Steps To Protect Your Home From Water Damage
Are your household pipes draining slowly? Do you hear bubbling from sinks or toilets? If so, somewhere in the drainage system, you may have a clog. Overtime, this issue can become troublesome, leaving the property vulnerable to sewage backup. Homeowners in Maple Grove, MN should take the following steps to protect their homes from water damage.
1. Trash It, Don't Flush It
Tossing items down the drain seems like a simple and easy solution. These lines, however, are not built for objects. Solids such as feminine products, flushable wipes, and paper towels are hazards. These do not dissolve and can cause backups; therefore, they belong in the waste can instead.
2. Cut the Grease
Oils do not mix with water, and fluids such as grease solidify in the drain. Locate a cup or container to hold these substances. Once they've cooled, dispose of them properly in the trash.
3. Clear the Lines
When major clogs occur, call in sewer cleaning specialists who can evaluate the situation and stop backups before they occur. After locating the access point, the crew should use a long cable called a snake to push out any blockages.
4. Trim the Trees
Large, bountiful trees are beautiful, but if they grow too close to the pipes, it can become problematic, creating holes and breaking the line. Keep plants trimmed to avoid this situation.
5. Add a Preventative Valve
During heavy rains, water levels rise. At times, this could overload the sewer lines and cause flooding into basements or lower-level areas of the home. Consider installing and maintaining a backup valve. The device redirects the water flow away from the residence, offering an additional layer of storm damage protection. If a flood does occur, locate the shut-off valve and turn off the water supply. Then, call a professional restoration company to handle the cleanup and repairs. The crew can fix your home so it looks and feels “Like it never even happened."
Homeowners should take steps to avoid flooding. Continually monitor the building's water flow, and keep lines free and open. Such actions may stave off larger, more costly issues such as a sewer backup.
Frozen pipes at your home in Maple Grove, MN can turn into a major problem if not dealt with immediately. Resulting burst pipes can lead to flooding, which can mean costly repairs. But there are several paths you can take to try to resolve the problem yourself before a disaster occurs.
Open the Faucets
Try turning on faucets to determine which pipes are frozen. If they are frozen, very little or no water will run out. Open the faucet (both hot and cold) of the affected pipe and let nearby faucets trickle. This running water can sometimes thaw some of the frozen water in the pipes within a couple of hours. It will also release water as the ice melts. Running water is less likely to freeze than water sitting in the pipes. It’s important to start with faucets first and work your way from there. This will keep pipe pressure to a minimum as the ice is thawing.
Heat the Air
Place a space heater or heat lamp near (but not touching) the pipe. Depending on the size of the room, several heat sources may be needed. Turning up the central heat at the property may also help.
Heat the Pipe
A hairdryer can be used to help warm frozen pipes. Use the hairdryer in a sweeping motion, constantly moving it to avoid uneven heating or overheating the pipe.
Wrap the Pipe
Electrical heat tape applies heat directly to the pipe. Wrap one layer of the tape around the affected pipe in a spiral motion and plug it in. Heat tape can be left attached to the pipe; just plug it in as needed.
Apply Salt
Since salt lowers the melting point of ice, pouring a tablespoon of salt down a drain can help to unfreeze the pipe. Frozen pipes need to be dealt with quickly and safely to prevent bursting. If your house experiences damage from pipe freeze, you can rely on winter storm damage restoration professionals to get it back to normal as soon as possible.
2 Types of Fires That Are Not Covered By Home Insurance
A home fire in Maple Grove, MN can be overwhelming. While an emergency restoration services company can help with the fire cleanup, you still have to replace your belongings and possibly find a new place to live. That is why you need insurance that covers fire damage. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers damage to the structure of your house and your personal items within the property. It also covers and moving expenses. This insurance typically covers a variety of perils, including:
Theft
Smoke
Vandalism
Lightning
Fire
However, there are two types of fires that are not usually covered by home insurance. They are a vacant home fire and an arson insurance fraud fire.
Vacant House Fire
A home fire in a vacant house may not be covered by a typical insurance policy. A vacant house is usually defined as one that has not been occupied for at least 30 straight days. This means that a fire to a winter or summer home can be considered vacant. If you know that you will not be in your house for an extended period of time, you can choose to buy vacant home insurance. This will cover you in case a fire or other disaster damaged the house while it is unoccupied.
Arson Insurance Fraud
Some property owners intentionally set fires to their homes in an attempt to receive money from their insurance company. However, insurers have become fully aware of this practice and know how to spot evidence of suspicious fires. Insurance companies will thus send their own investigators to the scene to determine whether the fire was intentionally set. If they conclude that the homeowner started the fire on purpose, the insurance claim will be denied. If your house wasn’t vacant at the time of the fire, and if you didn’t intentionally set the home fire, the fire damage cleanup should be covered by your insurance policy. This will help you return to your normal life more quickly.
3 Fire Extinguisher Facts Every Business Should Know
A fire extinguisher is a crucial piece of safety equipment that can save lives and spare commercial properties from extensive damage mandating professional cleanup and restoration. Because of this, every business in Maple Grove, MN should maintain at least one functional device. To ensure it’s readily available in an emergency, every owner and manager should also recognize three key facts about this vital fire suppression tool.
1. Device Doesn’t Last Forever
Extinguishers do not have an indefinite shelf life. Unfortunately, they also do not typically come with an expiration date sticker. To determine the viability of your device, you should complete annual inspections and check for compromised components. Specific defects that may make it unusable include a broken handle, missing locking pin or a cracked nozzle. The gauge should also be in the green. If it’s not, replace the device.
2. Multiple Types Exist
A fire extinguisher is designed to battle specific types of infernos. Class K units, for example, can douse a kitchen fire sparked by grease while a Class A device is designated for use with blazes involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. Additional distinctions include Class C for electrical fires and Class B for flammable liquids. Attempting to smother flames with the wrong type of device can be ineffective. To combat this potential dilemma, evaluate your company’s specific fire risks and purchase your extinguisher accordingly. Check the canister’s label to confirm the class. You can also purchase a multipurpose device, which can be used against a variety of blazes.
3. Should Be Accessible and Visible
Minimizing fire damage requires prompt action. To ensure an expedited response, mount your extinguisher in a safe, accessible place and post signage to identify its location. You should also ensure staff recognize this area and refrain from blocking the site. Because an inferno can erupt suddenly, having a functioning fire extinguisher easily accessible is a crucial safety strategy. Understanding key aspects of the device can ensure it’s in prime operating condition and ready to perform in an emergency.
What to do if you Have a Water Damaged Light Fixture
Proper Precautions to Take When Addressing Water in Light Fixtures
When you think about water damage in your Maple Grove, MN home, you likely think about the affect it can have on the structure of your house. However, there is one location that you may not consider. In some cases, you may end up with water in light fixtures. This can be dangerous, so make sure to take proper precautions when addressing the situation.
1. Turn Off the Electricity
The first thing that you should do if you notice water in a light fixture is to turn off the power to your home. Trying to turn off the light with a switch could be unsafe, so do not attempt to do this. Instead, you should find your home’s breaker box and shut off power to the entire house.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
If the water is coming from a broken or leaking pipe, the next step you should take is to turn off the water supply to your house. This will prevent additional water from entering the home and causing more damage.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
In most cases, water damage will be covered by your homeowners insurance, so you should contact your agent quickly to file a claim. Unless the water came from a broken pipe or appliance due to your own negligence, your insurance company will likely pay for the resulting damage.
4. Hire a Professional to Replace the Fixture and Make Repairs
Because water and electricity is a dangerous combination, you should never attempt to make these repairs on your own. Contact an emergency restoration service to repair any floor and ceiling damage as well as the leak or broken pipe. An electrician should replace the light fixture before you attempt to use it again.
If you notice water in a light fixture, you should have this taken care of right away. Do not ignore it, as this can cause bigger problems and can be a hazard to your safety.
If your Maple Grove, MN home has been damaged in a fire, then you will likely need to have professional fire restoration done. There are several steps to ensure your home is as close to a pre-fire condition as possible. Here are a few things that you can expect to happen during the process.
1. Inspection
The first thing that may happen after you contact the emergency restoration company is an inspection. Workers will come in and assess the extent of the damage to determine the best way to proceed.
2. Remediation
After the inspection, remediation can be done to minimize any further damage to your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can include boarding up doors, windows and missing walls as well as placing tarps over damaged roofing.
3. Water and Smoke Removal
If the fire was severe and was put out with a hose, then you may have water damage along with fire and smoke damage. Both water and smoke will need to be removed quickly during fire restoration to prevent it from getting worse. Dehumidifiers and air filters will likely be used during this stage.
4. Cleanup and Sanitization
Damage cleaning is an important step in the process and can be done before repairs begin. If you have damaged belongings that can be salvaged, these will be cleaned along with the structure of the building. Air scrubbers can be used to remove smoke odors from the home.
5. Restoration
The last step is to restore your home to its previous condition. Restoration can include rebuilding areas of the house, replacing carpets and flooring, repainting rooms, and making any other necessary repairs.
While both a fire and the aftermath can be distressing, professionals can help you get your home back. With the proper equipment, both the structure of your house as well as many of the items in it can be saved during fire restoration.
Are you a Maple Grove, MN business owner who wonders what commercial storm insurance actually covers? It is important to understand your coverage in order to be prepared for an emergency if it should occur. Here are three things that are covered by most policies in addition to damage to your actual building itself.
1. Wind damage. If your area is particularly prone to windstorm issues, you will be happy to learn that most wind-related storm damage is covered by commercial insurance. Remember to keep records of any damage directly caused by wind, such as pictures and receipts from repair work.
2. Theft and Vandalism. Unfortunately, criminal acts can become a concern when dealing with storms and similar disasters, so most policies will cover both vandalism and theft that can affect your building as a result of a storm.
3. Business equipment. If your supplies, furnishings, office fixtures and other equipment are damaged during bad weather, most storm insurance policies will cover it.
Keep in mind that damage from floods, earthquakes and hurricanes may not be a part of your standard insurance coverage without an added rider. Talk to your insurance agent about including these coverages to better protect your business and your investments.
Getting Help After a Storm
If you ever find yourself facing storm-related damage at your business, wait until the weather dies down to seek help. Then, call a trusted commercial storm damage company in the St Michael, MN, area for assistance with cleanup and remediation. While you may feel the urge to take matters into your own hands, it is better for you, your business, and your insurance claims to get help from trained technicians who know what to do in such a situation.
Storm insurance and storm damage in general can be hard to navigate for even the savviest of business owners. Talking to your insurance agent and other knowledgeable professionals can help take some of the burden off of you and put you in a position to take control after a storm.
A winter storm in Maple Grove, MN can wreak havoc almost anywhere, but it may be especially dangerous to your commercial building. High winds, heavy snowfall and freezing rain are all capable of causing severe damage that could be costly to repair. However, there are a few actions you can take that may help you protect your building from harm before bad weather hits.
1. Insulate Outdoor Pipes
When frigid temperatures arrive, your building’s pipes can be vulnerable to freezing. When this happens, the frozen water trapped inside can expand and cause one or more pipes in your building to burst, resulting in a serious flood. Properly insulating your outdoor pipes and allowing water to drip in sinks overnight can prevent freezing and the damage it can cause.
2. Have Your Roof Inspected
High winds and wet, heavy snow can cause major storm damage to your building’s roof. If the structure is old, it may be especially vulnerable. However, having your roof inspected and upgraded before the cold weather comes can prevent serious problems, such as leaks, sagging and even collapse.
3. Be Prepared for Remediation
It can be difficult to know how well your building is going to weather a strong winter storm, so it is wise to prepare for any damage by connecting with a storm damage and disaster restoration service beforehand. Having this service on call can help you feel confident that someone will arrive quickly to remediate floods and other types of problems a violent storm might cause. Working with such a service can also help you understand which areas of your business may be the most vulnerable and allow you to gather information on how you can protect them when bad weather strikes.
When a winter storm bears down on Maple Grove, MN , it can be stressful for you as a business owner. However, knowing how to protect your property with a bit of preparation and a few handy tips may help you face the unknown with increased peace of mind.
When Storms or Floods hit Maple Grove, SERVPRO is Ready!
SERVPRO of Maple Grove specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Maple Grove, MN we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 763-498-6500
If you have water in home or water in business, it is imperative to act fast and get things under control. Many people are unaware of the appropriate steps to take when a flood damage occurs in their property.
An influx of water into your property can happen at any time and for any number of reasons. Water damage can occur due to a toilet overflow, a washing machine malfunction or a burst pipe. Regardless of the cause of the situation, excess water in home or water in business can have devastating impacts and result in costly damage very quickly.
A flood or water in home or water in business can destroy furniture, cause wood floors to rot, and damage belongings. In addition, flood or excess water or moisture can compromise or weaken the structural stability of your building. If the situation is not handled properly, a water or flood problem can quickly create a hazardous environment.
When water or flood damage occurs in your residential or commercial property, it is essential that you contact a qualified professional restoration service to handle the various aspects promptly and efficiently.
A water damage is an urgent situation, and professionals understand that. Water cleanup experts respond quickly, in order to prevent further damage to the property and your belongings. They know how to handle emergency water or flood situations and can start restoration services right away.
They understand how chaotic the clean up and restoration process can be, and they strive to minimize your stress throughout the process. A water cleanup professional will give tips or recommendations on what you need to do while waiting for their arrival.
Inspection
There are a number of steps professionals usually take to get the affected area under control. First, they conduct an initial assessment of the affected area and determine the best approach to take. They will take thorough documentation to help you with your insurance claim process and can guide you in completing and sending the necessary documents and information to your insurance company.
Water Extraction
After inspection of the area, mitigation professionals will immediately begin the extraction process. They will use their advanced techniques to extract any standing water, moisture or sewage debris. They will move wet furniture and other belongings to a safe, dry area.
Cleaning And Drying
Water cleanup specialists have sophisticated testing equipment and infrared moisture detection cameras, which enable them to perform this task efficiently and effectively. They test the moisture level and look for appearance of mold or other dangerous microorganisms. Once the sanitization and disinfection of the area is completed and the area is fully prepped, they then start the drying process using powerful drying and dehumidification equipment.
State Of The Art Equipment
Water damage professional teams are fully equipped with high-tech equipment and tools for extracting water and doing flood damage control for homes and businesses. They have moisture detection equipment, large fans for drying, and the latest structural drying equipment.
These tools and equipment enable them to perform the task properly, removing water in home or water in business. Their use of powerful equipment helps bring a flooded home or commercial environment back to normal condition.
To learn more about water mitigation or flood damage restorations and the process involved in getting things back to normal in your home or business, you should contact a reliable and reputable restoration company or professional.
Insurance companies tend to work with mitigation and restoration services that have a track record of successfully completing jobs. An insurance agent will be more likely to approve a claim supported by an accurate estimate and easy access to important information. Here are three reasons why insurers trust Preferred Vendors.
1. Rigorous Operational Standards
In order to obtain referrals for insurance claims, a SERVPRO franchise must meet internal corporate standards. The Participation Agreement sets forth 21 guidelines for franchises. Locations in the vendor program must perform background checks, maintain insurance and meet other requirements necessary for achieving the highest service standards.
2. Accurate and Reasonable Estimates
Preferred Vendors also tend to provide more accurate estimates. Increased accuracy may be possible through pretesting or a careful on-site inspection. A franchise uploads information to an internal database. An insurance agent or adjuster can then sign onto an electronic claims service to access estimates and other information at any time. The accuracy and availability of this information sets the best mitigation and restoration firms apart.
3. Ability To Meet or Exceed Expectations
Leading vendors tend to have a history of successful jobs. Even if a franchise location is new, the owner and employees should have IICRC certification and training that enables them to effectively perform mitigation and restoration procedures. Agents and adjusters can assess the performance of any location with information available on the Claims Information Center. In addition to estimates and details on individual claims, this service also makes it easy to compare factors such as job file costs and response times.
All of these factors distinguish Preferred Vendors from other options in Maple Grove, MN An insurance agent or client should make sure that a local SERVPRO franchise participates in the vendor program. These credentials make it more likely than an insurance claim will be processed and settled in a timely manner.
A regular part of maintenance on your home in Maple Grove, MN is periodic flushing of your water heater. It's a simple process, but taking safety precautions and making sure the water and sediment have a place to go are important. Water remediation experts recommend the following steps to avoid flooding your home.
1. Turn off Power
Before you begin the water heater flush, make sure all power is off. The pilot light on gas models should go out, and the circuit that supplies an electric model should be switched off.
2. Put on Gloves
As you may expect, water from the heater will be hot, so it's important to wear protective gear over your hands. Heavy duty work gloves protect you from getting burned.
3. Set up Drain Hose
Connect the hose you are using to the drain valve on your water heater. Place the other end of the hose in the area where you want the water and sediment to deposit.
4. Drain the Heater
Opening the drain valve allows water to flow through. You can turn on the hot water faucet in your kitchen to speed up the process. Flush it a couple of times to make sure all the sludge is gone and then close the valves to prepare to refill the heater.
5. Fill the Tank
Turn the water back on to fill the tank. You know it is filled when an open faucet goes from weak, to steady stream of water and no more air is coming out of the line.
6. Turn on Power
After confirming the tank is full, you can turn the power on without damaging the heater. Turning the power on lets the water inside it begin to heat up.
Your water heater needs regular care just like any other appliance in your home. Flushing the sediment out allows it to continue working efficiently.
IICRC Sets A High Standard For Inspection, Cleaning And Restoration
IICRC Sets A High Standard For Inspection, Cleaning And Restoration
Nearly everyone respects certification. It gives businesses and trained professionals credibility in the marketplace. It gives customers confidence in the qualifications of those holding the certification. IICRC is the gold standard for certification in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. The Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is more than just another credential. People and businesses earn and keep this certification through:
Education
Initial certification
Continuing education
Membership
Comprehensive Certification Offers Clients Peace of Mind
Comprehensive certification is not a single certificate. There are at least thirty different categories of inspection, cleaning and restoration certificates available. The institute provides training and testing for each one. It awards students a mitigation certificate upon successful completion of each category.
An IICRC certified provider employs professionals with one or more mitigation certificate. Each inspection, cleaning or restoration job requires a combination of certified skills. The business assembles a team with the appropriate skills and dispatches them to the job. The mix of professionals on the job changes as the list of required skills changes.
Happy Clients Are the Foundation of a Certified Provider
A provider may survive with an occasional unhappy customer. A provider cannot survive without its certification. A certified provider holds itself and its employees to a high standard. This high standard is what certification is all about. Failing to meet this standard jeopardizes the value of the certification for others. This failure can lead to discipline and, eventually, revocation of the certificate. Without that, the provider is out of business.
The same level of standards applies to individuals and their certifications. Revocation is a real possibility if there are problems. It makes attaining employment in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry difficult.
Certification Is a Key to Provider Selection
Find an inspection, cleaning and restoration provider with an IICRC, and you are off to a good start. Next, you want one located nearby in the Maple Grove, MN area. Confidence in the provider will give you confidence in the quality of the job once it is complete.
Water can cause extensive damage to a commercial building within a matter of hours. Standing water and residual moisture should be extracted and drying methods used to avoid secondary damage, such as mold growth. Here are five of the most important damage tips for mitigation and cleanup.
1. Extract Standing Water Eliminating standing water with portable pumps or a wet vac is the first step toward addressing water damage. Water damage mitigation professionals can perform a fast and thorough extraction and provide cleaning tips for building materials and contents. 2. Increase Airflow Restoration specialists may recommend the use of ventilation equipment such as air movers or fans to promote drying. Ventilation is an ideal drying method after a pipe burst introduces clean water into a structure. Areas exposed to contaminated water for long enough for mold to start forming may be an exception, as circulating air can spread spores. 3. Consider Heated Methods Heat may be helpful for expediting drying in some situations. The degree of contamination, duration of damage, and affected materials are essential considerations for determining the best drying methods. Restoration experts can offer case-specific damage tips. 4. Lower Humidity Levels Reducing residual moisture levels in the air and porous or semi-porous materials is helpful after any type of water damage. Mold needs moisture and food sources to flourish. A combination of cleaning, disinfecting, and lowering humidity discourages fungi from growing. 5. Wait Until Drying Is Complete Rebuilding or restoration should not begin until the portion of a structure that has suffered water damage has been cleaned, disinfected, and thoroughly dried. This includes replacing any building materials torn out due to contamination. Lowering moisture levels within 24 to 48 hours after water damage is essential for avoiding mold. Trained water damage professionals can quickly extract water and recommend the best damage tips.
Even the smallest water leak is capable of costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and remediation, but the earlier you catch the issue, the sooner and more efficiently it can be fixed. Lucky for you, SERVPRO is "Faster to Any Size Disaster." There are many causes of a water leak, including but not limited to:
Pipe break
The freeze/thaw cycle
Broken seals
High water pressure
Clogged lines
But how do you know when you need to call your local Annandale, MN, water damage specialists?
1. Staining on Walls Discoloration on walls or ceilings is one of the most common signs of water damage. Always look out for those mysterious-looking brown patches, and act fast if you spot one. Water staining doesn't develop overnight — the water may have been leaking for days or even weeks by the time the discoloration becomes perceptible.
2. Pricey Water Bills If your water bill has been increasing even though your usage has remained about the same, you might be relieved to hear that this could be a sign of a pipe break or other water line malfunction. All that expensive water is going somewhere, and it's crucial to put a stop to it before it does too much damage.
3. Poor Water Pressure (or None at All!) Another sign of a leaky pipe is a sudden change in your water pressure or no water coming out of the faucets at all. This is caused by the water draining out of the pipe break and not leaving enough water to be distributed to the rest of the system. If you encounter this issue, the water is likely gushing out in a place where you don't want it, so make sure to get help before it develops into a full-fledged flood. By keeping an eye out for these three signs of a water leak, you might just be protecting your commercial building from a messy and costly disaster.
SERVPRO provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Minnesota. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
We know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, and we would like to help take some of the stress away. Call us to find out about our cost-free Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) and how they can help you, especially during this time. We are continuing to operate at this time and are here to help. We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their property at no cost. We offer a free app for all phones to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically prior to any incident or unexpected disaster. Everything can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes. This information can be shared very easily with staff and whoever else needs to be ahold of the information and contacts. An ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. If also details the location and directions for the different parts of the building. This is essential since every building is different in one way or another. We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs. We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We here at SERVPRO of Maple Grove stand by being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation. These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our team members to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.
Can One Company Address All Wright County's Storm Aftermath Needs?
The last thing a reputable water damage restorer wants to do is abandon customers in the middle of a storm damage project. This concern is why SERVPRO combines our water damage and flood restoration expertise supported by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training with our ability to arrange rebuilding services. Our approach invites you to depend on our skilled and experienced crews to streamline the journey from the severe exterior and interior damage to our goal of making it "Like it never even happened." We provide:
Dynamic safety hazard assessment throughout the project
Emergency services halting water damage
Ceiling repairs from water damages
Management of leaking roofs from storm damage
Basement flooding cleanup
Cleaning up after a sewer backup (standard when municipal sanitary systems are overburdened after torrential rains
Call today and let us take the stress out of your mess! 763-295-1161
Do Business Owners Need to Hire Separate Restorers For Water and Fire Damage?
The sheer quantities of firefighting water after commercial fire damage can be shocking. When hiring a fire restoration company, it is essential to employ a firm prioritizing the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training as both Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) for employees.
SERVPRO crews have disaster recovery training in both fire and water mitigation and remediation for commercial properties.
Fast Action Can Protect Damaged Drywall in Falcon Heights from Greater Soot Exposure
Clearing smoke and soot damage from your home after a fire is a significant undertaking, but one that is possible with the proper restoration professionals. Eliminating residues is a combination of wet and dry cleaning strategies that can start as soon as our team arrives.
Determining the Type of Soil and Soot Damage
Among the first steps that begin fire damage restoration in Falcon Heights homes is a thorough inspection of the property to determine where soot and smoke damage exist. Not only must our professionals identify the presence of these damage effects, but we must also pinpoint the type of smoke residues to ensure the appropriate cleaning.
Can Wet Cleaning Work on Painted Walls?
In many ways, wet cleaning is the preferred method of removing soot and smoke residues from painted or finished surfaces. While the general premise of this cleaning is universal, the process varies somewhat with different paints or coatings including:
Water-Based Paint – often latex-based and typically easy to clean with water-based products.
Oil-Soluble – soluble in turpentine or mineral spirits, enamels are easy to wash with the right products.
Clear Finish – oil-based and typically easy to clean. Pretesting ensures the right products for the job.
Deodorization Options When Repainting
One of the advantages to having a wall that must get resurfaced is the ability of our team to manage smoke odors trapped in the porous materials. Drywall and ceiling systems can be painted and finished, yet when aromas become trapped in the pores of these materials, a special odor-sealing primer can be used first to prevent unexpected revivals of noxious smells in the future.
There are multiple obstacles to cleaning and restoring fire-damaged homes in the area. With the humidity and colder seasons, threats of wet smoke damage can overwhelm a property. Our experienced SERVPRO of Wright County restoration team can help with effective mitigation and restoration solutions after a fire when you call 763-295-1161
What Can Homeowners Do After a Water Intrusion to Help Clean up?
SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Repair in Maple Grove and beyond.
When a dishwasher hose breaks loose, and water comes pouring into your kitchen, it can cause extensive damage. We often get questions from homeowners asking us what they can do before we arrive. Many times, they attempt to recover the area themselves. That can lead to hidden damage such as mold.
What You Can Do Before We Arrive
You can use towels to soak up excess water. Furniture can be raised and put on blocks to avoid immediate damage. Your priority should be to call SERVPRO for water damage repair services . Doing this prevents further primary damage and secondary damage.
Professional Expertise & Equipment is Needed to Ensure a Quality Job
Homeowners need to be careful attempting restoration because DIY processes can cause issues. Our team is available 24 / 7 to mitigate water damage. Our services include:
Providing emergency services such as tarping and containment
Using moisture meters, probes, and infrared cameras to track hidden moisture
Diagnosing the correct ratio of dehumidifiers to air movers for efficient drying
Employing controlled demolition when necessary
Repairing and restoring after thoroughly cleaning
Leaving your residence “Like it never even happened.”
For quality water damage, repair services, contact SERVPRO of Maple Grove. You can reach our helpful staff at 763-498-6500. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Our workforce holds certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) focused on rapid water removal and structural drying. Our experience with snowmelt flooding also supports practical recommendations to mitigate or altogether avoid snowmelt flooding in the future:
Remove snow from your house's perimeter and create drain "ditches" in the snowbanks so water moves away from your foundation.
Keep gutters and downspouts cleared of leaves and other debris to minimize ice dam development.
Upgrade insulation and seal roof edges to limit the escape of warm air.
Reach out to SERVPRO of Maple Grove when the surrounding snowpack floods your dwelling as the weather warms or rain and sleet adds to the mix. Our service vehicles are ready, and our trained crews are poised to respond after your call to 763-498-6500
Handling mold remediation in commercial buildings might seem like a simple task, doable by your cleaning crew. On the contrary, inhibiting mold growth and harm require specialized training and equipment and a firm grasp of moisture management strategies. Our IICRC-certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) must also hold Water Restoration Technician (WRT) certification. We use the EPA-developed Mold Remediation Protocol:
Locate and contain the mold, using barriers and negative pressure air scrubbers to isolate the moldy area
Remove mold by brushing, scraping, or utilizing gentle but effective soda or dry ice blasting
Bagging moldy materials for lawful disposal
Wipe down with EPA-registered cleaners and antimicrobials
Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment
Elimination of leaks and other moisture sources to prevent recurrence
Call SERVPRO of Maple Grove to schedule an evaluation and plan to remediate mold damage in your business.
Temperatures are just going to get colder and colder as we enter into the winter months. By following this checklist, you ensure that your family and you will be safe while spending more time in your home.
Turning off the space heater
Alliant Energy has mentioned that customers should expect an increase in utility bills this winter as the gas price has increased since last year. Many consumers are looking at alternatives to counteract the rise by looking into other heating alternatives such as space heaters. If you want to read more about our tips on using a space heater properly, please read "Heating Alternatives."
Cutting the bottom of the Christmas Tree's trunk
If you're like me, you might have a family tradition of going out to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out the best-looking tree. During our first year of having a real tree, my family learned the importance of cutting off a part of the trunk. This is critical because the sap will harden the bottom of the trunk, especially as it sits on the lot. When the sap hardens, the tree can't absorb any moisture from the stand. This causes the needles to dry out, making them very flammable.
Blowing out candles
Don't you love going down the isles and smelling all of the new season scents; Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, or Evergreen are some of the best. When you mix in these longer, cooler nights, all you really want to do is snuggle up the couch with all of your favorite scents. When you forget to blow out the candles, which is an accident waiting to happen. This is because pets, especially cats, are rebellious and knock things off the counter. When using candles, you should use a candle warmer to help lessen the chance of a fire-related accident. Another practice that you should keep in mind is the 3-foot radius rule, which means you should move anything flammable away from the candle when in use.
Getting your chimney cleaned
Getting your chimney checked and cleaned is something that everyone likes to cut corners around. When a chimney settles during the summer, it becomes a perfect home for creatures such as birds, squirrels, and sometimes raccoons. Another risk you run into is that by not cleaning the chimney, there is a chance that toxic gases can enter your home.
By making it an effort to check off the list, you ensure that your home is prepared for the colder months ahead.
As we enter the Holiday season all of here at SERVPRO of Wright County want to encourage you to practice safety first. Below are some simple ideas to help keep you and your family safe through the Holidays. As always you can count on us 24/7 to help with any of your fire or water damage needs. Call 763-295-1161 today and let us take the stress out of your mess.
Every water damage job is different as there are different grades of water, different amounts, different floors and contents affected, and different causes. With that being said, we maintain a standard procedure to ensure the safety of the client and this allows us to build out the best call to action for every job.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
Cleanup and restoration begin with a phone call. We have a representative to answer your phone call 24/7/365. They will lead you through several questions to better understand your needs for the water event.
Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment
Our SERVPRO professional completes a detailed inspection of your property and determines the scope of the damage.
Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction
This step removes the majority of the water from your home or business.
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Our team of professionals will manipulate temperature and relative humidity to remove the remaining moisture. Daily monitoring will occur until the materials reach an acceptable drying goal.
Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing
Walls, floors, and other surfaces of the property will likely need professional cleaning treatments once the area is dry. Restoring contents, odor removal, and deodorization, and sanitizing treatments occur during this step.
Step 6: Restoration
This is the final step in the process of restoring your property to its pre-water damage condition.
Our staff here at SERVPRO of Maple Grove is highly trained in property damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup.
We offer all our employees extensive continued training and education in the restoration fields to ensure you have the best customer experience possible in your time of need.
We use the IICRC practice guidelines for fire damage, water damage restoration, and mold remediation.
It is a certification and standard-setting organization. IICRC standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry.
There are many certifications that our team members earn. SERVPRO of Maple Grove makes sure to keep up with the certifications as technology and material are continually changing.
Our goal is to be well prepared and ready for any size disaster that comes our way.
Let us at SERVPRO of Maple Grove take the stress our of your mess.
Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 763-295-1161
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
Why Choose a SERVPRO Franchise Professional?
They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
They specialize in water and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have extensive water damage restoration training that enables them to get you back to normal.
They Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have a national network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Team strategically located throughout the country.
Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Maple Grove at 763-498-6500
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning products.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide emergency water restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.
Need Emergency Service? Call Now 763-498-6500
A Fast Response Is Crucial
In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency.
An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately.
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes:
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO franchise professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 franchises
Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies
Have Questions? Call Today 763-498-6500
Why Choose a SERVPRO Franchise Professional?
They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO franchise professionals are dedicated to responding immediately to water emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Retail Facilities
Education Facilities
Hospitality Facilities
Property Management
Healthcare Facilities
Food Service Facilities
Have Questions? Call Today 763-498-6500
Getting Back to Business, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward to provide your employees and customers ongoing safety as you operate after the COVID-19 pandemic. As America’s #1 cleanup and restoration brand, we have developed a program that is grounded in our 3 C’s – Consult, Clean and Certify.
Commercial Building Restoration Services
We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on a SERVPRO Franchise Professional to get the job done right the first time. They’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Service.
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies
Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today 763-498-6500
Why Choose SERVPRO Franchise Professionals?
They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
They specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have extensive training and equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Their “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable. They’re trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. Learn more about the fire damage restoration process.
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. Storm and water damage affect not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Maple Grove understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home. The first 24 hours after a storm causing widespread flooding and water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Maple Grove can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 763-498-6500
SERVPRO of Maple Grove is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to clean or restore your business. We offer commercial cleaning services along with your water, fire, storm, or mold restoration emergencies. Our crews understand the stress and chaos of keeping your property clean and in working conditions. We are ready to respond anytime day or night for your commercial restoration clean up emergency. Your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of Maple Grove has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Small Office Buildings
Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
Apartment Buildings
Restaurants
Hotel/Motels
Small Retail Stores
Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
High-Rise Residential
Manufacturing & Industrial
Government/Military
Have Questions? Call Today – 763-498-6500
Commercial Building Restoration Services
SERVPRO of Maple Grove responds quickly to your fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,700 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
When the dirt, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need SERVPRO of Maple Grove. You can depend on us to get the job done right and get it done quickly. Our highly trained technicians use top-of-the-line equipment to make your business shine again. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services:
Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your business or family. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll treat your home and belongings the same. Our Maple Grove area SERVPRO has the experience and training to address your fire damage.
What's interesting about fire damage is that it is devastating on several layers. There is the damage from the fire, the damage from burning, the contents damaged, the soot and smoke damage, and then there is also the damage from the fire fighting efforts, the water.
Once the dust settles you'll learn that a percentage of your property was damaged from the fire, and another percentage from the firefighting efforts. In these moments SERVPRO of Maple Grove is here. We help, we restore and we put things back together.
Mold is a highly ubiquitous invader commonly found in moist spots in buildings. It has the ability to grow on surfaces made from many materials, including dust, carpet, insulation, drywall, tile, paint and more. Its presence in homes may result in mold damage as the microbe eats away at materials. If the fungus's spread is visible, testing is generally unnecessary and individuals can skip to the step of contacting a professional cleanup and restoration service in Wright County, MN, for mold cleaning. However, if it cannot be seen, homeowners who suspect mold has invaded their property because of odor or another reason need to contact a certified environmental hygienist to perform testing. Consulting a professional is the best choice for several reasons.
1. Hygienists Are Trained They are certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene only after undergoing thorough credentialing. They have the experience and training needed to properly identify mold growth.
2. Hygienists Provide More Than a Lab Test They also offer much more than a DIY kit, including:
A visual inspection that narrows down potential areas where the fungus may be (and mold cleaning is needed) and involves the use of equipment (borescopes, thermographic readings, moisture meters and more) Professionally performed tests that follow specific scientific procedures Recommendations for mold remediation based on the visual inspection, tests and experience
3. Hygienists Are More Reliable Than Home Kits There are many at-home mold testing kits on the market. The problem with the vast majority (if not all) of them is that they aren't that useful. For one thing, they do not offer a visual inspection, which is more important than a person might think and can only be performed by someone (i.e. a certified hygienist) who knows what to look for. For another, they test for the presence of mold, which is pointless since it is in every home. They also often fail to produce quantitative and accurate results. The Environmental Protection Agency specifically recommends that mold testing be left to certified hygienists. They are more capable of performing the job correctly and identifying the areas where mold cleaning is needed.
Let us help with all your Mold questions and concerns. Call today. 763-498-6500
Under What Circumstances is Commercial Flood Insurance Required?
For many businesses in the U.S., flood insurance is an optional affair. It is not required and it is up to the company to decide if the risk/reward calculation makes sense. The management team will consider many items when making this decision:
What would the premiums cost?
How large could the losses be in a flood?
How likely is a flood in a specific area?
A company in Maple Grove, MN might gamble that the risk of a flood is low and that they do not need the extra insurance. If the company is right, it will save by not paying premiums and it can put this money to other uses. If the company is wrong and it is hit with a devastating flood, the company could potentially lose hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Mandatory Flood Insurance In some situations, a commercial enterprise must purchase insurance against floods. The parameters for this requirement include the following situations:
The company is located in a high-risk floodplain
The company has a mortgage with a federally regulated or insured lender
The lender requires insurance for floods
The reasons for this requirement are many and fairly complex. However, it boils down to the fact that both lenders and government entities do not want to have to bail out companies that rack up large expenses and losses in a flood.
Helpful Commercial Insurance Businesses cannot take the risk of not having a primary insurance policy that covers storm damage, fire damage and other perils. In the case of significant damage, the primary policy will pay for a variety of losses as well as the cleanup efforts of a qualified restoration company. In the long run, the services of trained technicians will likely save money by making necessary repairs to get the company back on its feet again. While flood insurance is often discretionary, it is frequently a worthwhile purchase. The losses from a flood have the potential to cause great hardship to a company.
3 Essential Steps for Fire Prevention at Your Business
The safety of employees, customers, property and inventory are high priorities for any business owner. You want to make sure that you do what you can to maintain a building that is free from danger. Here are three steps for fire prevention you need to take to protect against one of the most common hazards that your business could face.
1. Invest in Proper Equipment In order to reduce the risk of injury and extensive fire damage, make sure that you have the correct equipment on hand. You should have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor. Keep a stocked first aid kit in case of any minor injuries as well. To help your employees in case of a larger fire, put together an emergency kit including:
Masks to fight smoke inhalation
Bottles of water
A flashlight
Spare batteries
2. Know the Risks Complete an assessment of your entire building to determine what additional fire prevention steps need to be taken. Look for potential hazards, such as areas with lots of paper or other items that would quickly fuel a blaze. Make sure that you have clear pathways to all exits. If your municipality offers it, request a visit from a fire marshal to help identify further sources of danger.
3. Make a Plan Make sure that your employees know exactly what to do in case a business fire breaks out. Create a plan that includes escape plans, emergency contact numbers and the location of all safety equipment. Go through the plan at least annually with employees. If you have a large staff, perform fire drills regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do. Proper fire prevention steps are the key to keeping your business safe. Even if the unthinkable does happen, having knowledgeable and well-trained employees will help prevent injuries or severe destruction. Be sure to get a professional fire damage assessment afterward to ensure your building gets the rehab it needs to return to normal operations.
Candles are a popular choice for lighting, décor, ceremonial uses, and even fragrance. While they can be beautiful, candles can also be dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 21 candle fires are reported each day. It only takes a matter of minutes for a candle fire to spread to other parts of your home. These tips can help you use candles safely.
1. Pay Attention to Placement Be sure to put candles in a sturdy holder or container that won’t be easily knocked over. Place the holder on a flat, sturdy surface. Choose a location that is safely away from children and pets and is at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, such as books, decorations, curtains, furniture, paper, or clothing. Avoid candles if anyone in your home uses an oxygen tank.
2. Don’t Walk Away Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially if there are other people in the house. Keep an eye on the wax level and be sure to put the candle out before it gets too low. If the flame gets too close to the bottom of the container or side of the holder, the holder could become extremely hot or even explode, sparking a candle fire.
3. Consider Alternatives Today, there are many options available that mimic a candle’s soft, flickering glow. Battery-operated flameless candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Because they don’t emit heat, these candle alternatives can be safely used just about anywhere. If scent is your primary motivation for using candles, consider using a fragrance diffuser with scented essential oils, or a plug-in air freshener. If you keep candles on hand for power outages, swap them for battery-powered flashlights. Keep fresh batteries with the flashlights to be sure you’re prepared. A flickering candle may look lovely or smell amazing, but no candle is worth the potential injuries, smoke cleanup, and structural repairs that can accompany a candle fire.
How to Prevent Wind Damage to your Commercial Building
Wind can damage your commercial building in many ways. You could end up with missing shingles or a roof leak. However, there are some ways to mitigate the harm to your property.
Outdoor Areas You probably do not keep all of your assets inside. You may have some of the following outside, as well:
Sheds
Equipment
Inventory
Make sure all of these items are anchored to the ground. Anything that cannot be secured should be brought inside. You should properly attach outdoor signs to your property, as well. Do not forget that wind can knock large shrubs and trees into the top of your building. To prevent a damaged roof, trim any branches that have grown close to the structure.
Doors and Walls Before the storm comes, seal any crevices or cracks so the wind cannot enter your property. Similarly, you should secure all windows and siding. Pay special attention to the exit and entrance doors. Install a triple hinge and a deadbolt lock on each door.
Roofs Have an inspector check out your building prior to the storm. The expert can tell you if you are at risk for a roof leak. The inspector should notify you if the shingles are loose or fail to meet local building codes. Make sure the inspector looks at the sheathing, skylights and HVAC units, as well.
Company Vehicles Your vehicles are a valuable part of your business. Fixing them after a storm can be expensive. To keep them safe, store them inside when possible. If you have to park them outside, avoid placing them under power lines, lamp posts, or trees. You could also ask one of your employees to take the vehicle home with him and keep it in his garage until the storm passes. A wind storm does not have to cause a roof leak or other forms of damage to your property. By protecting your building ahead of time, you can limit your need for commercial cleanup and restoration services.
Here Are Three Of The Best Ways To Avoid A Basement Flood
If you own a home with a basement in Minnesota, you've likely already thought about what to do if your basement floods. But as the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Preventing basement flooding before it happens can save you time, stress and money on water damage and pipe repair.
1. Keep Your Foundation Dry The largest culprit behind basement flooding is a cracked foundation, as water will naturally follow the path of least resistance. Check thoroughly for any cracks that are leaking in your foundation. If you find any, repair them right away with caulk or hydraulic cement. It's also important to ensure that storm water is directed away from your foundation. If needed, you can purchase downspout extensions, which help divert the water and aid in keeping your foundation dry.
2. Check Your Windows If you have window wells (a window that is below grade), it's easy for water to collect there and potentially lead to flooding Using window well covers can prevent this from happening. If you have any other external windows or doors in your basement, check them regularly to ensure their seals are water-tight.
3. Invest in a Flood Alarm Flood alarms are sensors that track differences in moisture levels and are installed by your baseboards. They're perfect for smart homes, as they connect easily and alert you if it detects any flooding. This way, you can head off any potential basement flood and get a handle on it before it escalates and requires professional mitigation or pipe repair. Keeping your basement dry is one of the best ways to protect your home and its contents. No method of prevention is foolproof, but using a combination of these and other prevention tips can greatly lessen your chances of flooding in your basement.
Give us a call today (763)-498-6500
How Does SERVPRO's Electronic Claims Service Help?
How Does SERVPRO's Electronic Claims Service Help?
When your Maple Grove, MN client files an insurance claim on their damaged property, it's critical to get the process underway as quickly as possible. Over the years, SERVPRO has become a trusted leader in the damage mitigation and restoration industry. SERVPRO's electronic claims service provides several benefits:
1. Easier Collaboration When information passes through the hands of insurance agents, adjusters and damage restoration professionals, it helps to have all the data in one location. Unlike paper documents, electronic files provide everyone access, allowing for collaboration without the risk of data loss. An insurance agent can prepare a claim by reviewing the electronic claims system. Damage information and photos are just a couple of parts of the electronic claims service, along with access to nationwide comparisons.
2. More Security SERVPRO's electronic claims service offers more security than paper records stored in an office filing cabinet. Security teams back up and monitor the digital files. Not only is the information protected from being physically destroyed (e.g., by fire), but its confidentiality is also more secure.
3. More Accessibility Data related to the insurance claim can be easily viewed and inputted from the office or in the field by everyone involved. The insurance agent, adjuster and remediation specialists can access it via smartphone, tablet, or computer.
4. Less Risk of Errors Everyone engaged in the claims process sees updates online through the electronic claims service. This ensures that all remain on the same page, reducing the chance of mistakes. Fewer mistakes mean a more accurate compensation value so the restoration can be completed as quickly as possible.
5. Quicker Resolution When restoration professionals submit detailed data regarding damage and the cost estimates, the agent and adjuster can also view it. This real-time exchange makes for a much faster resolution than the traditional claims process, in which information is typically distributed through the mail. The longer the insurance claim process, the more damage can affect the property. The SERVPRO electronic claims service ensures that it's handled quickly and efficiently. Call us today at (763)498-6500
Being proactive when it comes to plumbing problems is a great way to prevent disasters and extend the life of your business’s plumbing system. Conversely, ignoring minor signs and waiting for disaster to strike can lead to costly repairs and additional damage. If you want to save money, and perhaps save your sanity, learning how to stay ahead of your plumbing issues is especially important.
1. Find a Professional Plumber Even before you become aware of any potential issues, it is a good idea to get the contact information of a reliable plumbing service. Knowing who to call in the event of a broken pipe or similar emergency can save you from the headache of scrambling to find one later when the need is urgent. It is also recommended to have the number of a commercial water clean-up services available, in the event of an unforeseen water disaster.
2. Schedule Routine Inspection and Maintenance Routine maintenance is important for ensuring your plumbing system is working properly. Plumbers will advise you on proactive measures, such as upgrading old equipment that is no longer reliable. Upgrading can save you money in the long run by helping you avoid leaks and other damage.
3. Fix Small Problems Take care of minor plumbing problems like dripping faucets and slow draining sinks before they morph into expensive issues. Dripping faucets may not seem like a bit deal, but they can run up your water bill over time.
4. Watch Your Monthly Usage Keeping an eye on your monthly water bill can help you spot problems that go unnoticed to the naked eye. If your bill skyrockets without any explanation, you could have an underlying problem, such as a faulty pipe behind your walls or a major leak in your water main. Being proactive is one of the most effective ways to ensure you catch plumbing problems in your building before they start. Investing the time and money to maintain a good working system will far outweigh the cost of major repairs down the road.
As a commercial property owner or manager in Maple Grove, MN you know there are many tasks you must perform to keep buildings running smoothly. If you’ve ever noticed a musty odor when you run the heating or air conditioning, it might be time to check the ducts for black mold. An understanding of the signs, and how to prevent mold in the future, will help you identify the problem. Here are a few things to look for.
Signs of Mold Even though it is small, mold leaves signs that will alert you to its presence. When determining the source of a musty odor, the first thing you should do is check for the telltale symptoms of mold:
Black dust near air ducts
Moisture or discoloration on floors or walls
Foul odors when air is flowing
If you notice any of these signs, the best thing to do is call a mold remediation specialist. Cleaning and sanitizing mold-affected items requires specialized equipment and expertise, so this is not a DIY situation. If you try to clean it on your own, you'll likely make the problem worse.
Prevent Mold After your building is free of black mold, you’ll want to prevent it from coming back. Here are a few simple things you can do:
Improve ventilation
Keep gutters clean
Change the HVAC air filter regularly
Install a humidity sensor
Inspect bathrooms and kitchens for water leaks
These tasks will help you keep your building free of excess moisture, which causes mold growth. Depending on your climate, you may want to consider a system-wide dehumidifier to keep levels under control. In addition, you can schedule an annual duct cleaning to ensure mold doesn’t grow unnoticed. Black mold is a tiny organism that can create significant problems if not addressed in a timely manner. By ensuring your building has clean ducts, you’ll maintain a healthy space for everyone inside.
Three Things To Do To Ensure the Safety of Your Staff and Your Building
As a new business owner in Maple Grove, MN you made sure that a sprinkler system was installed. When did you last think about it? Unfortunately, sprinkler systems often get left off of the yearly maintenance to-do list because they don't malfunction like an HVAC system where people notice if something is wrong. In the event of a fire at your business, you want to feel confident that your fire sprinkler system is going to do its job.
Maintain Plan to periodically check your sprinkler system for obvious issues. Perhaps one of the sprinklers was damaged when a piece of equipment bumped it, or a pipe was bent during some type of maintenance. If you notice anything like that, call your fire suppression system contractor to come and replace the parts. Check too for dust build-up or rust.
Inspect The National Fire Protection Association sets standards for regular maintenance, inspection, and testing of fire sprinkler systems. Following these regulations keeps your business up-to-code and ensures that your system is ready if it's needed. Test You don't have to set off the sprinkler system in your building to test it. Completing the main drain test will likely fall under the scope of a whole system inspection, but if for any reason you're concerned that your sprinkler system may not be working properly, you can test it yourself. In the event that your sprinkler system does go off due to a fire, it is important to contact your system contractor to reset the sprinklers promptly. Then, follow up with a local fire and water remediation team that will assist in the fire sprinkler cleanup process as well as with soot and smoke damage mitigation. Don't allow your fire sprinkler system to be forgotten. Regular maintenance, inspection, and testing will keep your business and employees safe.
4 Essential Steps to Take When Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim
4 Essential Steps to Take When Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim
Dealing with water damage in your Maple Grove, MN home is hard enough without adding insurance policies. Unfortunately, filing an insurance claim is an essential task for avoiding monetary loss. In order to make it easier, here are four essential steps to take when you're filing a water damage claim.
1. Contact Your Insurance Providers Ignoring the existence of your insurance company can sound tempting. However, you must stay in contact at all times. First, make sure you understand your policy completely. Call the organization if you have any questions, no matter how minor. These are some possible queries to bring up:
What's the timeline for filing an insurance claim?
What are the mandatory steps to take?
Will my damage be covered?
Next, make sure that your providers are taking the right steps. If you experience any problems, now isn't the time to let anything slide.
2. Document Damages In order to prove the need for monetary reimbursement, you'll require proof. Specifically, every spot in your home that's damaged must be documented. Take photos of items with visible flood damage. When an adjuster comes, be sure the individual inspects every problematic area. This can protect you from any claims of fraud or denials of your predicament.
3. Keep Monetary Records Another important step in getting reimbursed is documenting your financial losses. Any money spent on remediation experts and replacements should be written down and presented to your providers. If there's a way to get proof of purchase, do so.
4. Fill Out Necessary Forms Paperwork isn't exciting, but it's vital to fill it out as quickly as possible. The sooner you get your claim done the sooner you can recover after, for instance, a pipe burst. Make sure that you fill out each form with complete accuracy. Filing an insurance claim, while daunting, may save you a substantial amount of money. If you stay thorough at every step, your home may be back to normal in no time.
Floods are some of the most common and most damaging disasters that U.S. homeowners face. However, there are some steps you can take to enjoy a bit of flood safety.
Prevent Electrocution
When flood water meets your electrical outlets, furnace, and other electrical equipment, there's a significant risk of electrocution. Even a tiny amount of water, combined with electricity, can cause serious injury. Reach out to a licensed plumber or experienced water damage remediation pro to determine your probable flood level and then move circuit breakers, sockets, and wiring above that level. Make sure your water heater and other equipment are located above that level as well. Steering clear of water and electricity is one of the most important safety tips you can follow.
Block Sewage Backups
When storm water overwhelms that sewer system, that system could back up into your home. Some expert recommendations include installing gate valves on every pipe that enters your home. A backflow valve, at the interior or exterior of your home, is a good option for keeping sewage out when flood waters rise.
Maintain Water Management Systems
Check the downspouts, drains, and gutters around your home. Are they free of debris, so water can easily flow through? These systems are meant to keep water away from your foundation, so it's vital that you keep them clear and in good condition.
Elevate Outside Equipment
If you have appliances outside, such as air conditioners, fuel tanks, and generators, store these in an elevated position, such as on flood-proof cement blocks. Make sure this equipment is anchored in place, so rushing water doesn't carry them off. This flood safety tip prevents you from some financial losses and also protects the community around you. Before there's any risk of flood, take a look at how water moves around your Maple Grove, MN house. Does the ground slope near your foundation causing puddles to form? Is there a lot of standing water in your street? Flood safety starts before the storms roll in; do what you can today to prevent flooding in the future.
Floods are some of the most common and most damaging disasters that U.S. homeowners face. However, there are some steps you can take to enjoy a bit of flood safety.
Prevent Electrocution
When flood water meets your electrical outlets, furnace, and other electrical equipment, there's a significant risk of electrocution. Even a tiny amount of water, combined with electricity, can cause serious injury. Reach out to a licensed plumber or experienced water damage remediation pro to determine your probable flood level and then move circuit breakers, sockets, and wiring above that level. Make sure your water heater and other equipment are located above that level as well. Steering clear of water and electricity is one of the most important safety tips you can follow.
Block Sewage Backups
When storm water overwhelms that sewer system, that system could back up into your home. Some expert recommendations include installing gate valves on every pipe that enters your home. A backflow valve, at the interior or exterior of your home, is a good option for keeping sewage out when flood waters rise.
Maintain Water Management Systems
Check the downspouts, drains, and gutters around your home. Are they free of debris, so water can easily flow through? These systems are meant to keep water away from your foundation, so it's vital that you keep them clear and in good condition.
Elevate Outside Equipment
If you have appliances outside, such as air conditioners, fuel tanks, and generators, store these in an elevated position, such as on flood-proof cement blocks. Make sure this equipment is anchored in place, so rushing water doesn't carry them off. This flood safety tip prevents you from some financial losses and also protects the community around you. Before there's any risk of flood, take a look at how water moves around your house. Does the ground slope near your foundation causing puddles to form? Is there a lot of standing water in your street? Flood safety starts before the storms roll in; do what you can today to prevent flooding in the future.
Steps To Prepare Your Commercial Building For Spring
Spring, with its birds and flowers, can be beautiful. However, the season also brings challenges, including flooding from either snowmelt and heavy rains. The following are four steps you can take to prepare your Maple Grove, MN commercial building for spring.
1. Clean the Gutters The gutters on your building are responsible for diverting water away from the structure. Make sure they are clear of any debris so that they function their best.
2. Clear the Snow If your business is located in an area that receives heavy snowfall, the snowmelt is likely to cause a spring flood. Remove the snow from the roof and from around the foundation. If the snow is unevenly distributed around the property, try to spread it out. Doing so will help prevent large pools of water from forming when the temperatures rise.
3. Make Sure the Sump Pump Works If your business experiences flooding, whether from heavy rains or a frozen pipe burst, a sump pump can help. If the building has a sump pump, it will be located in either the basement or the crawl space. To test it, simply pour in enough water to activate the pump. While you're working with the device, it is a good idea to clean out any debris that may have built up.
4. Protect Documents and Other Important Items No one expects their company property to incur water damage. Still, anticipating disasters can help you avoid future stress and headache if you do your best to protect your building’s contents before it happens. Although an experienced restoration service can usually help you get your business back to preloss condition, it is generally easier to prevent damage in the first place. Make sure there are electronic copies of all critical documents. Move important equipment to higher ground. Put smaller items in waterproof storage bags. In many cases, flooding happens without much warning. Spring floods, however, are often predictable. This gives you the opportunity to be proactive in protecting your business.
After a fire in your home or business, pretty much everything inside and many of the things you have outside will be affected and damaged in some way. When it comes to your electronics, you need to be very careful:
Smoke and soot contain chemicals that cause the delicate workings of computers, appliances, and other electronics to corrode.
Smoke causes electronics to overheat. This happens when smoke reaches the wiring and other components inside your devices. A coating develops that insulates parts, and eventually, the smoke's magnetic charge leads to overheating.
As firefighters combat flames, they use water and fire-retardant products. When these substances get into devices, further damage could occur.
As the fire cleanup process begins, remember that fire-affected electronics could pose a safety hazard for you and those in your family. It's best to turn this part of the cleanup effort over to professionals.
Protect Your Home and Devices Before a Fire Happens You can take proactive steps to protect the information on your computer. You can use an external backup program that saves to the cloud, so you have a second copy of the important files and photos on your hard drive. You can also use an external hard drive that you keep in a second location. Another way to protect your appliances from fire is to use outlets, cords, and extension cords appropriately. By not overloading the outlets, you decrease the risk of fire. If you're not sure that your outlets are suitable for the load of many devices, contact an electrician or fire professional for advice.
Allow Professionals To Lead the Cleanup Efforts There are many steps you can take to save money after a home fire, but cleaning and using your television, stereo, computer, and other devices can cause more harm than has already occurred. It's best to allow fire and smoke damage restoration technicians to take care of electronics. When fire cleanup efforts are supervised by technicians, you can be confident in the results.
Give us a call today (763)498-6500
What to do When Making an Insurance Claim After Water Damage
Take The Following Steps If You Find Yourself In This Situation
Whether it comes from bursting pipes, a broken appliance or a leaky roof, water can cause significant damage to your Maple Grove, MN home. It can damage building materials, cause mold growth and ruin electronics. Homeowners insurance can help you pay for repairs. Take the following steps if you find yourself in this situation.
1. Call Right Away It is important to start your insurance claim as quickly as possible. Not only will this result in completing the process sooner, but it will also help ensure that your claim isn’t affected. Some policies require you to report water damage within a certain time. If this is not done, it can reduce the amount you receive or can result in your claim being denied.
2. Document the Damage Your insurance adjuster will need information on the areas of the house that were damaged, including whether there are bursting pipes and flooding, as well as any belongings that may need to be repaired or replaced. You should provide a list with pictures and the estimated value of included items.
3. Perform Mitigation Mitigation is the process of preventing damage from spreading and worsening. This should be done quickly to reduce the amount of time and money needed to make repairs. An emergency cleanup and restoration company can inspect your home, fix broken pipes, remove water and repair the building along with damaged belongings.
4. Go Over Your Policy Because individual insurance policies will vary, you should read over yours carefully. Make sure that you are familiar with anything that is required of you while making a claim as well as what is covered by your insurance. This will help the process go more smoothly. Bursting pipes and other causes of damage can be frustrating to deal with. Making an insurance claim can also be stressful if you are unprepared. Following these steps can help you get through the situation more easily.
Read On To Have Your Most Common Questions Answered
If your home in Minnesota is experiencing unwanted fungal growth, black mold is most likely the culprit. If you're unsure which type of mold you're dealing with, then it's a good idea to have a professional mold inspection conducted, even if it only serves to confirm your suspicions.
1. What Does Black Mold Look Like? Much like the name implies, this fungus appears black or dark green in color. When you find it, it looks like a dark stain spreading across the surface of the affected area. In some cases, it may even have a fuzzy or a slimy texture.
2. Where Does it Typically Grow? This specific variety of mold needs water in order to thrive. As such, you can typically find it growing in areas of your home that come into contact with a lot of water, such as your kitchen, bathroom, basement, laundry room and garage. It's not uncommon to discover it growing in areas that have recently suffered from water damage as well.
3. How Do You Get Mold? House mold is a result of excessive moisture. This can come in the form of especially high indoor humidity levels, excessive amounts of condensation or simply neglecting to clean spills and puddles for too long. Mold growth is also a form of secondary damage after a flood. If your home has recently suffered any type of water damage, then you should have a professional mold inspection conducted.
4. How Can You Get Rid of Mold? The good news is that you should be able to solve the majority of mold problems by yourself, provided they haven't gone unnoticed for too long. You can use commercial mold cleaners to do the job, or create your own non-toxic cleaner using equal parts white vinegar and water. Always make sure to call for a professional mold inspection if you're unsure of the situation. Likewise, you should contact mold remediation experts if you find that your home's mold issue is too large for you to handle by yourself.
Give us a call today (763)498-6500
3 Huge Expenses That Only Flood Insuance Will Cover
Without Flood Coverage You Could Be Paying These Costs Yourself
Most business owners carry property insurance for commercial buildings, but the majority are not insured against flood damage. For insurance purposes, “flood damage” refers to damage caused by storm winds or storm surges, mudslides or flash floods, or overflowing lakes and rivers. This kind of damage is covered exclusively by commercial flood insurance; it is never covered by any other type of policy.
1. Restoration and Repairs Without a flood policy, you’ll be on the hook to pay for the initial cleanup and debris removal, the cost to repair or replace damaged ceilings, walls, floors, and/or major systems like plumbing or electrical. Also, since floodwater is filled with contaminants like mold and bacteria, you’ll need to pay for professional decontamination and other remediation and restoration expenses. Furthermore, if floodwater damages any inventory, equipment, tools and machinery, furniture, or electronics, these losses are not covered by commercial property insurance.
2. Compliance Upgrades If flood damage to your building requires substantial repairs, the local code enforcement for Maple Grove, MN will likely oversee the work and issue the necessary permits. However, if the relevant codes or building standards have changed since your building was built, you’ll have to upgrade the building to comply with the new standards. Only flood insurance policies include “Increased Cost of Compliance” coverage, which covers the costs of these necessary upgrades.
3. Preventative Measures Flood coverage is the only kind of commercial insurance that will pay for the cost of placing sandbags or boarding up windows before a predicted storm or flood event or cover the cost of moving valuables and storing them offsite ahead of a storm. Some locations are at a higher risk for flood damage than others, although roughly one-third of all flood damage claims each year occur in low-risk areas. If you’re not prepared to pay for the costs of flood damage out of pocket, a commercial flood insurance policy could be a wise investment.
You hope that your commercial property in Maple grove, MN never sustains fire damage. Unfortunately, fires can occur without warning. Since fires frequently take place when workers are present, you need to prepare your employees accordingly. You should thus create an emergency kit. You and your employees should also learn basic first aid. Everyone in your building should know these basic tips for treating burns in the workplace.
Identifying the Burn
First, you must determine if the burn is major or minor. A major burn:
Makes the skin look leathery and dry
Covers the feet, groin, face, hands or buttocks, or is at least three inches in diameter
May have brown, black or white patches
Appears deep
A minor burn, meanwhile, is typically red or blistered. It can be painful but may not require emergency care.
Treating Major Burns If one of your workers suffers a major burn while escaping the fire damage, you need to cover the burn with a clean, cool cloth or bandage. Elevate the burned area and remove any restrictive items such as belts or jewelry. Make sure the employee is breathing well, as shallow breaths could be a sign of shock. Finally, avoid immersing large severe burns in water, as this increases the risk of hypothermia.
Treating Minor Burns Minor burns should still be addressed immediately. Put a wet compress on the burn or hold the burned area under cool water. Then apply a lotion with moisturizer or aloe vera. Finish by covering the burn with a gauze bandage. Do not wrap the bandage too tightly. Otherwise, you may put excess pressure on the burn. Keeping your workers safe should be a top priority during and after a fire. Once everyone is out of the building, administer any necessary burn first aid. Then make sure that the employees stay away from the property until the first responders or fire damage restoration professionals say it is safe to re-enter.
There are a number of ways water can cause problems at your Maple Grove, MN place of business, including damaged pipes,. Fortunately, a local restoration service can help. Here are three common water damage problems they have the ability to help solve.
1. Storm
A storm can cause a number of issues that may lead to water damage problems at your place of business. High winds can remove shingles from the roof or blow damaging debris into the building. Storm rains can also fill clogged gutters or drainage areas and cause them to overflow which can cause a number of problems if left unattended. No matter what the storm cause problem is, your local restoration team should be able to help.
2. Broken Pipe
In many cases, a business can suffer water problems due to damaged pipes. Leaking pipes can leave puddles of water in areas around bathrooms, employee break rooms, service sinks, and emergency eyewash stations. If you notice a leak it’s important to have the problem fixed as quickly as possible, as allowing the water to sit can give it the chance to soak in and cause damage..
3. Flood
There are a number of ways flooding can occur including storms and broken pikes as discussed earlier. Flooding can also come from sewer back up or a drainage overflow. Fortunately, a restoration service can help with all these problems. It’s also important to note that because the path of water flow is difficult to trace in a flood scenario, flood water is classified as black water which means certain sanitation steps will need to be followed during cleanup. Your restoration crew should already be aware of the necessary processes.
After a large storm, damaged pipes, or flooding have cause water damage to your business it’s important to contact a professional for help. Will a little time and work that can have the property looking “Like it never even happened.”
Few plumbing issues frustrate homeowners in Maple Grove, MN as much as a clogged drain. If your sink or toilet is draining slowly, you might consider reaching for a drain cleaner to break up the following:
Tangled hair
Excess oils
Soap buildup
Food particles
Here are some options for cleaning drains and how they work.
Chemical Cleaners Many people are familiar with these popular drain-cleaning solutions. Harsh chemicals work on clogs by creating heat that breaks up substances that stand in the way of water flow. This option requires careful consideration. Chemicals can settle on weak, old, and heavily clogged pipes, causing them to corrode and possibly rupture, leading to flooding. If this happens, it may be necessary to contact a sewage cleaning company to clean up contaminated water.
Plungers Anyone who has a house with old pipes might prefer using a plunger to remedy a clogged drain. When clogs are not dense or only in one location, a forceful water rush can push trapped material through the pipe to restore water flow.
Augers These devices, also called drain snakes, are long, flexible steel cables that can reach far into drains until they contact the clogging substance. Depending on what causes the clog, the substance can either be broken apart or pulled out. It is necessary to maneuver the snake carefully to avoid damaging or puncturing a pipe.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners Instead of chemical drain cleaners, enzyme-based products are a safer option to avoid and eliminate clogs. These products employ good bacteria that slowly and gently eat away at organic substances like hair, mold, and food. Caring for your home's plumbing means using appropriate methods to clean your pipes and break up clogs that will inevitably form within them. If repairing a clogged drain leads to pipe damage and flooding, you can count on a professional cleaning service to dry your belongings and prevent mold spread.
For help pointing you in the right direction with any of your plumbing needs feel free to call our local office for assistance at 763-498-6500
When a fire starts in your home, you only have so much time to leave the premises and call for help. Every second counts. If you encounter a fire in your home in Maple Grove, MN you will be thankful to have a fire alarm that notifies you about the emergency. Your home should be outfitted with multiple alarms so that you are made immediately aware of the situation, no matter where the fire begins.
How Many Alarms Do You Need? There is no exact number of alarms to have on hand, as everything depends on the size and layout of your home. In general, it is recommended that you have at least one alarm on each floor. You are also advised to place alarms inside or nearby the following rooms:
Bedrooms
Basements
Garages
Attics
It is not possible to have too many alarms, and it is far better to ensure that your home is highly protected in order to avoid the devastating effects of fire. The sooner you know about a fire, the more quickly you can get assistance and avoid severe fire damage.
What Type of Alarm Should You Buy? There are numerous types of alarms, and you should buy whatever you think is most appropriate for your home. Some alarms are designed to detect carbon monoxide and smoke, while others are interconnected and detect the presence of smoke only. You can get a fire alarm that you think provides the greatest protection.
What Should I Do After a Fire? Though alarms are an important source of protection, they cannot always keep your home free of fire or smoke damage. If your home is several damaged after a fire, then a professional fire restoration team can make repairs and even remove smoke smells from your carpet. With professional assistance, you can make sure that your home is restored to its former condition.
When fire damage strikes in Maple Grove, MN it pays to have a comprehensive plan in place. A complete plan includes the following elements:
A quick response from fire remediation specialists
Action to secure the building from looters
Equipment in place to deal with water removal
A dry-cleaning strategy for uniforms and other fabrics
The storage of contents
The restoration of the building
All of these steps are necessary to get your business up and running again. The fire remediation professionals will work quickly to restore your building to its condition before the fire happened.
Why Content Cleaning Is Crucial
When a fire sweeps through your commercial building, there is likely to be some structural damage. There will also be damage from smoke and soot and this will have to be addressed before the building will be functional again. Specialized equipment in the hands of trained technicians will be needed. For clothes, dry-cleaning is the most effective approach, as it removes smoke odors and cleans away soot. For non-porous items, ultrasonic measures provide the best cleaning.
Another immediate concern is removing the excess moisture in the building. This can come from flooding due to a storm or from the efforts of the fire fighting crew. Ventilation devices, scrubbers and thermal foggers are employed to remove the excess water and humidity. This is a crucial task to make certain mold doesn't begin to grow in areas of the building. Water removal will also help with retaining the viability of electrical equipment such as computer software and hardware. Content storage may be needed to remove items from the building while the cleanup is going on. This gets the items out of the way and keeps them protected while the work is going on.
Relying on a smart plan is the quickest way to recover after a commercial fire. Actions such as dry-cleaning, water removal and drying allow your business to get up and running as rapidly as possible.
Give us a call today (763) 498-6500
4 Ways to Limit Mold Damage in Your Commercial Building
Because mold spores can be found in most locations, black mold growth is a common problem that arises in many commercial buildings in Minnesota. It can be a frustrating issue to deal with and can take time to remove. Luckily, there are steps you can take to limit the damage.
1. Remove Water Damage Quickly Mold needs moisture to grow, so the fungus often makes an appearance after a building has been water damaged. To prevent the growth from spreading, water should be removed as soon as possible and the building should be thoroughly dried.
2. Lower Humidity Mold growth isn’t always caused by water damage. High humidity can contribute to a moisture problem in the building and can lead to mold infestation. Using dehumidifiers or keeping windows open can help lower the moisture level in the building and prevent mold from forming.
3. Limit Airflow If there is already black mold developing, then you should take measures to keep it from moving to other areas. One way to do this is to limit air circulation. Until mold cleanup can be done, you should keep the HVAC system, as well as any fans or air conditioners, turned off. If these are in use, they can easily move mold spores to other locations.
4. Hire a Professional You might think that mold removal is a simple task, particularly if you only see one small area of growth. However, the process can be more difficult than it seems. Some mold may be hiding beneath the surface and, unless this is removed, it will continue to return. It is also easy to inadvertently spread the mold if the area is not properly contained during cleanup. If you have found black mold in your building or suspect that there may be growth, you should contact a mold remediation company right away. Waiting too long will allow the mold to spread further. A professional service can remove the fungus thoroughly and help keep it from returning.
Even the smallest water leak is capable of costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and remediation, but the earlier you catch the issue, the sooner and more efficiently it can be fixed. Lucky for you, SERVPRO of Maple Grove, MN, is Faster to Any Size Disaster. There are many causes of a water leak, including but not limited to:
Pipe break
The freeze/thaw cycle
Broken seals
High water pressure
Clogged lines
But how do you know when you need to call your local Maple Grove, MN water damage specialists?
1. Staining on Walls Discoloration on walls or ceilings is one of the most common signs of water damage. Always look out for those mysterious-looking brown patches, and act fast if you spot one. Water staining doesn't develop overnight — the water may have been leaking for days or even weeks by the time the discoloration becomes perceptible.
2. Pricey Water Bills If your water bill has been increasing even though your usage has remained about the same, you might be relieved to hear that this could be a sign of a pipe break or other water line malfunction. All that expensive water is going somewhere, and it's crucial to put a stop to it before it does too much damage.
3. Poor Water Pressure (or None at All!) Another sign of a leaky pipe is a sudden change in your water pressure or no water coming out of the faucets at all. This is caused by the water draining out of the pipe break and not leaving enough water to be distributed to the rest of the system. If you encounter this issue, the water is likely gushing out in a place where you don't want it, so make sure to get help before it develops into a full-fledged flood. By keeping an eye out for these three signs of a water leak, you might just be protecting your commercial building from a messy and costly disaster.
6 Steps for Conducting a Workplace Emergency Drill
If a disaster gets out of control at your Maple Grove, MN commercial building, do your employees know how to react? Everyone remembers doing emergency drills in grade school, but how many workplaces do them? A disaster can happen anywhere, so it pays to be prepared. Follow these steps to design and conduct a drill, as well as create a thorough disaster safety plan.
1. Create a Plan A plan of policies and procedures should, at the very least, include maps, floor plans, and designated safe areas. Encourage the ownership of emergency roles and responsibilities by specified employees.
2. Meet With Your Employees Hold a meeting to review procedures with all staff. Allow them to share ideas and ask questions. Post the plan in conspicuous locations throughout the building and give a copy to each employee.
3. Conduct a Practice Drill It’s important to run through a practice drill with all staff. Everyone needs to understand how to get out of the building as quickly and safely as possible. A designated safe area should be stressed as the post-escape meetup point.
4. Note the Results of the Drill Track the time that it takes to complete the drill. Share that information with employees to encourage self-correction. Also, make note of any problems that occurred so that you can find a better approach.
5. Make Improvements Some people won’t take a practice drill seriously, but it’s important to have everyone ready in case a disaster occurs. Set goals and offer incentives for a job well done.
6. Practice Regularly It’ll probably take a few drills to get the proper response; you’ll need to practice until the actions become second nature. Since no disaster will be exactly as you expect, create several different scenarios to practice. Running a drill regularly helps ensure that everyone stays safe during a workplace emergency. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to protect your employees on the job. If your building sustains damage from a disaster, storm restoration experts can make repairs so your employees continue to have a safe place to work.
Key Steps to Orchestrating a Fire Drill in the Office
You probably remember being in school and going through periodic drills to get ready for the possibility of a fire. You may have scoffed at these occasions, but the information and practice are valuable. As a business leader, you should carry on the same tradition and consistently hold a fire drill. You hope to never experience a fire in your workplace, but the knowledge and preparation can give you peace of mind.
Map Out the Building
Regardless of the size of your office, you and everyone at work need to be aware of the layout and design. Study the map and determine the most effective and the safest exit routes from every floor and from every portion of the facility during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the locations of fire extinguishers and any life saving devices that may be available. (AED)
Assign Roles
A fire drill should definitely not be a free-for-all where everyone rushes out of the building without order There are critical responsibilities that people should play in this scenario. These include the following:
Team lead or floor warden, who is responsible for making sure everyone gets out safely
Communication specialist, who can teach employees about the drill steps and what to do in an emergency
Design specialist, who can come up with the physical or digital representation of the escape route and meeting place.
Talk About It
Before having a drill, it is essential that all employees in the organization understand what will take place and what they will do once it begins. In groups meetings or in a company gathering, discuss the critical components of your drill, including where to meet and the importance of leaving promptly but calmly.
Practice
Have a drill at least once a year. This will benefit newer employees and refresh the memories of more seasoned workers. Afterward, discuss with the group what went well and what improvements are necessary. After a fire, you can rely on experienced fire restoration specialists to get your building back to working order. However, you must do your part to evacuate safely and avoid injuries or other mishaps.
Biggest Reasons to Contact a Professional Water Clean-up Company After a Flood
Have you detected a water leak somewhere in your residential or commercial building? Don't disregard this or think it will go away on its own. If you neglect this seemingly minor issue, it could easily turn into something much worse. Water damage often occurs over a long period of time, sometimes without you even noticing it. Of course, in other instances, flooding happens all at once following a natural disaster or plumbing emergency. No matter what causes these incidents, make sure you enlist the expertise of a professional to help you clean up.
Potential Consequences of Flooding
Water can infiltrate your office because of broken pipes, due to a backed-up sewer or after heavy rains. Any of these events can create problems for your business. Some of the following effects can result:
Damage to documents, electronics and other important materials
Damage to the structure of your building
Damage to carpet or furniture
Disruption of business operations or the need to relocate to another facility.
The Pros Have Experience
With SERVPRO of Maple Grove you get a reputable professional water cleanup company. We are one of the best companies in the area with a proven track record of helping businesses of any size deal with water problems. With experience comes keen knowledge of how to effective tackle this type of emergency. There is no guesswork involved; instead, the company will use best practices and sound tactics to clean up the water, sanitize the affected area and rebuild where necessary.
The Pros Have the Tools
For most water damage cleanup, only heavy-duty equipment will be successful against the size of the flooding problem. Professional water mitigation specialists use high-powered tools such as water extractors, fans and sanitizing agents to ensure your workplace is once again safe and comfortable. Water damage doesn't have to derail your business for the long term. When you choose the right specialists, you can overcome this type of incident quickly and completely.
If your Wright County home floods, mold growth is a major concern. The following steps outline how to clean up after a flood to prevent further damage. Make sure the property is safe. Standing water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. You will need to call an electrician or the power company to fully disconnect your home from all electricity. The electric meter needs to be removed. Turning off the power at the circuit breaker is insufficient when dealing with flood conditions.
Dry the property. Mold growth can occur within 24 hours, so it is important to dry out your home as soon as possible. Using buckets or pumps (plugged into a dry area), extract the standing water. Then use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out all remaining moisture. It might be helpful to take smaller items outside to dry in the sunshine. Windows and doors can be opened to speed drying time.
Clean affected areas. Flood water often contains bacteria, so it is important to properly sanitize all items that come into contact with the water. Even originally uncontaminated water, such as from a supply line, can breed bacteria if allowed to stand for more than two days. There are a variety of disinfectants on the market, so you should be able to find one appropriate for the item you are cleaning. You will likely need several types of cleaners. Some items, especially those with porous surfaces, cannot be thoroughly disinfected. These items should be thrown away.
Repair and replace damaged items. When everything is clean and dry, it is time to begin making repairs. Depending on your skill level, you may be able to do some of these repairs yourself. If you have delicate items, such as antiques or electronics, you may need to hire a specialist. Water damage and subsequent mold growth is an unfortunately common occurrence, and the cleanup process can be daunting. Fortunately, an experienced restoration team can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely. Call us today to schedule your inspection.
Homes around the globe, even those in Minnesota are susceptible to mold. Spores can be dangerously destructive, so periodically conduct a comprehensive mold inspection throughout your residence and proactively seek out these nefarious threats.
What to Look for When Checking for Mold
Detecting mold is easy, but understanding the below facts about mold will help speed up the discovery process.
Not all molds look the same. They come in many colors, ranging from green to yellow or even blue and orange, as well as different shapes. Keep an eye out for these variations. Mold requires moisture in order to survive, so pay close attention to heavily damp areas featuring faucets, leaky pipes or steam. Mold has a distinct, musty smell so let your nose guide you in the right direction. Check out places mold commonly accumulates, such as inside HVAC ducts, covering the interiors of old, unpacked boxes or within long-neglected car trunks. Washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators have all been known to suffer from mold.
By conducting a surface mold inspection using only your eyes and nose, you can usually identify whether or not a problem lurks nearby. Keep in mind that while black mold (scientifically known as stachybotrys chartarum) is non-toxic, many other types of mold may not be. Remember, wearing protective equipment before crawling into areas you suspect might be infected is always a wise precaution.
What to Do if You Find Mold If you believe mold has grown in or around any section of your home, call a mold removal specialist urgently. The consequences of waiting to remove house mold can be disastrous. Never compound mold damage by allowing it to worsen over time. Finding mold isn’t difficult, but no matter where you discover mold hiding it must be taken care of promptly. Periodically conducting a complete mold inspection throughout your home means early diagnosis, an easy step towards minimizing mold cleanup.
Storms pass through Maple Grove, MN often. When these chains of weather are particularly nasty, your commercial building may get beaten down and damaged. Storms can lead to hail, water or wind damage, but often the problems caused by storms are associated with mold growth. There are several reasons why your building may be at a higher risk for mold after a storm.
4 Reasons Why Mold May Grow After a Storm
Less protection. When winds tear your roof off, your building is open to all sorts of issues. Even light rain can cause water pockets to form in your attic or down your walls. Storms have a way of weakening the protection your building has, which could translate to more water problems and fungus growth.
Standing water. Some storms are accompanied by large amounts of water. If your basement is left flooded after bad weather rolls through, you need to get the issue addressed as quickly as possible. Storm water is often full of contaminants, which can cause mold to start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after the initial flood.
Passing time. Bad weather has a way of making normal activities hard to do. If the storm caused roads to shut down or your building to be unsafe, it may take a while for you or a remediation team to get into the building. This passing time increases the chances that bacteria and mold spores will cause bigger issues on your property.
Missed issues. Even if you were able to address roof repairs, broken windows and flooding right away, there is always the chance that a small problem was missed during the restoration. Even a small hole in the siding of your building can grow and cause a bigger mess. This small hole, for example, could let water in between your siding and sheathing. When this happens, mold growth is likely.
Mold growth does not always happen after storms. If you suspect fungus could be growing in your commercial space, it may be a good idea to get it looked at as soon as possible.
After an Apartment Fire, Who’s Responsible for Damages: Landlord or Tenant?
After an Apartment Fire, Who’s Responsible for Damages: Landlord or Tenant?
Many people who choose to rent do so because renting comes with less responsibility than owning. Most aspects of building ownership fall to the landlord, including building maintenance, lawncare, property taxes, and repairs. However, tenants still have some obligation to keep the property safe and clean, an obligation that comes into question following an apartment fire. If you own a commercial building, and if you wonder who pays for fire damage — you or the tenant — know that the answer depends on a few different factors:
The type of damage sustained
Who started the fire
State laws
Each of these factors plays into the legal liability following a commercial fire.
Property Vs. Personal Damage In most cases, who pays for damages largely depends on the type of damage that occurred. When it comes to structural damages, such as damage to the walls, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing, you, the landlord, must pay. However, the tenant is responsible for the loss of personal property, such as clothing, electronics, and jewelry, following an apartment fire.
Fault The standard way of dealing with fire damage may not apply if one party can prove, without a doubt, that the other was wholly responsible for the fire. For instance, if a tenant informed you about water damage on the ceiling near an electrical wire, and if you failed to act within a reasonable time to remedy the issue, you may have to pay for all damages caused by an ensuing fire. “All damages” include loss of personal property, relocation expenses, lost wages, and the cost of new housing. On the other hand, if you can prove the tenant’s negligence caused the fire, the tenant may have to pay for structural damages. Negligence may include falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or having a bonfire too close to the structure.
State Laws Many states require landlords to keep rental units “habitable.” If a small apartment fire results in damages to an aspect that renders the unit uninhabitable, such as the toilet or kitchen sink, you may have to pay for repairs, regardless of fault. You can minimize the cost of fire damage by acting quickly. A fire restoration company in Maple Grove, MN can help you restore your unit in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.
Use the Claims Information Center for an Easier Claims Process
Use the Claims Information Center for an Easier Claims Process
As an insurance agent, haven't you ever wished the insurance claim process was more organized and approachable? The need for data analysis and evidence collection makes the process a nightmare for many people involved, especially without the help of digital tools. SERVPRO, a disaster restoration specialist in Minnesota, understands the challenges of the insurance adjuster, which is why they developed the Claims Information Center. This tool helps agents throughout the claims process in three significant ways. 1. Tracking 2. Troubleshooting 3. Research
Tracking Tracking an insurance claim is the key to the entire claims process. You need to know how a project is progressing and how funds are being used. The dashboard of the Claims Information Center allows agents to track everything from their home screen.
Troubleshooting In massive projects, hiccups can occur, and most of the time, these issues require the agents to revisit a site in-person, which is often time-consuming and wholly unnecessary. The Claims Information Center allows an agent to access and correct minor problems without the need to contact contractors or visit job sites.
Research The claims Information Center is more than an organization tool; it is also a research powerhouse. SERVPRO has been in business for a while now and has compiled pertinent data to several types of claims. Not only does the company have a collection of standard claims, but they also have it organized by county, city, and state. Beyond the numbers, insurers can also find information on standard response times for specific types of claims. The Claims Information Center is beneficial for insurance adjusters during and throughout the insurance claim process. Next time you are dealing with a client disaster, consider working through SERVPRO, one of the top-tier cleaning companies in the country. They are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and they understand that an insurance agent's ability to do their job well depends on the tools they have.
Give us a call today (763)498-6500
Prevent Damage to your Home by Flushing the Water Heater
Follow The Below Steps To Keep Your Heater Working Well
Sediment can build up in your water heater over time and damage the appliance. The heater may even malfunction completely, causing a flood that necessitates cleanup and restoration specialists. Luckily, there is an easy way to maintain your heater. You just have to perform a regular water heater flush. The process is simple, and all you need is a drainage area, a hose, and a screwdriver. Follow the below steps to keep your heater working well for years to come.
1. Turn Off the Heater Gas heaters can be turned off by extinguishing the pilot that controls the device. If you have an electric heater, you can power it down via the circuit breaker.
2. Attach the Hose Next, connect one end of the garden hose to the drain valve of the water heater. The other side of the hose should be placed in an area that won't be harmed by excess sediment and warm water.
3. Drain the Water Tank Start by opening the drain valve of the heater and allowing the water to flow for several minutes. To speed up the process, you should then turn on the hot water faucet in your kitchen. Wait a few more minutes before turning off the water supply valve. This should cause the flow of water to cease. You may want to do another quick flush before closing the valve again.
4. Turn On the Water Supply After the sediment and water have been drained from the heater, close the valves for good and turn on the water supply. To make sure the tank is full, check to see when the water is flowing smoothly from the kitchen faucet.
5. Turn On the Power Once the tank has filled up with water, you can restore power to the heater. Don't forget to turn off the kitchen faucet, as well. Flushing your water heater allows the appliance to work properly. It is a simple step you can take that prevents long-term damage to your Maple Grove, MN home.
During a fire restoration at your Maple Grove, MN home there are a few things you may see the fire damage restoration service do. These steps are designed to help the professionals working on your home complete the work in a way that can return the affected area to pre-fire conditions. Here are three common steps.
1. Damage Assessment
One of the first parts of a restoration is a damage assessment. This will allow the crew working on your home to come up with a plan for damage cleaning, repairs, item cleaning, and fishing steps. Having a plan can allow them to proceed safely and efficiently so they can complete cleaning and repairs in a timely manner.
2. Item Cleaning
Another thing a fire restoration service may offer is the ability to clean and restore damaged household items. This may depend on the damage severity and item material, but in many cases personal items can be restored. This includes furniture, clothing, books, electronics, home decor, and more. If you have questions about weather certain items are salvageable and how, a restoration professional can help.
3. Odor Removal
The restoration team working on your home can also take care of any orders that might linger after smoke damage. They can do this using a combination of cleaners and an ozone machine. Depending on the repair type they can also use deodorizing paint. Severely damaged materials may need to be replaced completely, but the professionals working on your home should be able to do so in a way that leaves a seamless transition between the original materials and the new.
The fire restoration service working on your home may go through a number of different steps to return your home to pre-fire conditions. They may first assess the damage and create a restoration plan. You will also see them clean affected items and work of removing any smoke odor. If you have any questions these professionals can help.
Water can cause extensive damage to a commercial building within a matter of hours. Standing water and residual moisture should be extracted and drying methods used to avoid secondary damage, such as mold growth. Here are five of the most important damage tips for mitigation and cleanup.
1. Extract Standing Water Eliminating standing water with portable pumps or a wet vac is the first step toward addressing water damage. Water damage mitigation professionals can perform a fast and thorough extraction and provide cleaning tips for building materials and contents. 2. Increase Airflow Restoration specialists may recommend the use of ventilation equipment such as air movers or fans to promote drying. Ventilation is an ideal drying method after a pipe burst introduces clean water into a structure. Areas exposed to contaminated water for long enough for mold to start forming may be an exception, as circulating air can spread spores. 3. Consider Heated Methods Heat may be helpful for expediting drying in some situations. The degree of contamination, duration of damage, and affected materials are essential considerations for determining the best drying methods. Restoration experts can offer case-specific damage tips. 4. Lower Humidity Levels Reducing residual moisture levels in the air and porous or semi-porous materials is helpful after any type of water damage. Mold needs moisture and food sources to flourish. A combination of cleaning, disinfecting, and lowering humidity discourages fungi from growing. 5. Wait Until Drying Is Complete Rebuilding or restoration should not begin until the portion of a structure that has suffered water damage has been cleaned, disinfected, and thoroughly dried. This includes replacing any building materials torn out due to contamination. Lowering moisture levels within 24 to 48 hours after water damage is essential for avoiding mold. Trained water damage professionals can quickly extract water and recommend the best damage tips for a building in Maple Grove, MN.
Remediating mold damage requires the right equipment, cleaning solutions, and methods to eliminate a fungal infestation. Restoration professionals take the following steps to remove black mold and other types of fungi and restore a commercial building.
1. Contain the Infestation Once mold has been found in a structure, the affected area should be contained. Negative air pressure draws contaminated air and mold spores out of a building. Heavy plastic sheeting creates a physical barrier around an infestation. An airlock or decontamination chamber is also necessary for full containment.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment Mold cleanup workers should wear at least an N-95 respirator, eye protection, and gloves. More severe problems call for half-face or full-face air-purifying respirators with P100 filter cartridges. The most extensive or toxigenic infestations require full-face powered air-purifying respirators.
3. Tear Out Ruined Materials Drywall, insulation, and other contaminated porous materials may need to be torn out and replaced. The species of mold, such as toxigenic black mold, may determine whether removal and replacement is the best approach.
4. Clean and Disinfect Materials that remain intact will need to be cleaned and disinfected with a solution that has fungicide properties. These treatments eliminate the entire structure of mold down to the mycelium and hyphae.
5. Dry the Area Moisture is the primary risk factor for mold. Dry the cleaned area and maintain humidity levels between 30 percent and 50 percent.
6. Restore the Area Mold remediation concludes with the replacement of building materials. Building owners may want to select mold-resistant alternatives or have an antifungal coating applied to materials. These steps are necessary to stop the spread of fungi and limit safety risks posed by toxigenic species such as black mold. Removing mold, cleaning the affected area, and maintaining low moisture levels can prevent a problem from recurring at a building in Maple Grove, MN.
When water damage from a flood invades your Maple Grove, MN home, it can be overwhelming. Along with saturated cherished belongings, it may mean extensive repairs and lingering problems. While you may want to jump in and start the cleanup process, it is important to understand that not all water is the same or safe.
Types of Flood Waters
The source of the water issue plays a big role in the cleanup process. There are three types of water categories.
Clean Water: It includes water without contaminants. It may be the result of a pipe burst, damaged appliance, toilet holding tanks, or rainwater. If left unchecked, it can turn into the next category. Gray Water: Culprits creating this type often include dishwashers, sinks, washing machines, or aquariums. Over time, the contamination can spread and bump this up to the third water category. Black Water: This is the most unsanitary water. During flooding, soil, debris, and sewage get mixed in with the water, which means bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi, and viruses could be in the water.
Drying Out and Cleaning Up Water damage created by the first two categories needs to be immediately addressed. If the affected area can be dried out within 48 hours, it minimizes the chances of further damage. After that time has passed, it is best to consider it black water and get the help of a flood, water, and mold damage expert. Cleanup for this category of water requires extra safety measures during the cleanup process, as well as advanced tools to eradicate mold growth and any lingering odors. While some water damage may seem a breeze to clean up, taking a moment to consider the source of the problem is important for your safety. Instead of dealing with the hassle, count on a professional to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Owning a business comes with many responsibilities, not the least of which is maintaining your commercial property. Along with regular building maintenance, have a plan in place in case of natural disasters, such as hail storms. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for possible hail damage.
Know the Common Types of Hail Damage
Think through potential types of damage so you can make sure you have each one covered. Here are a few common types:
Roof Damage: This is a very common area of hail damage. Be sure to have your roof regularly inspected and repaired, especially after a hail storm. Regular maintenance can help prevent severe roof damage.
Glass Damage: If you have skylights, be sure that they are impact-resistant. Windows can be at risk too, depending on the angle of the hail coming down. Consider using impact-resistant glass here as well.
Property Damage: Hail can also cause damage to the property surrounding your building. This could include trees, HVAC units, or even commercial vehicles kept on your property.
Make Sure You are Covered Once you have reviewed potential sources of storm damage, make sure that you have adequate commercial property insurance. This type of insurance will cover the financial impact of storm-related damage, which is an important protection for the financial health of your company. In the event of storm damage, initiate a claim with your insurance company and request authorization for a Minnesota storm damage company to come in to do repairs. You don't want to be left with roof damage or other property damage impeding your ability to get back to business.
Protect Employees Have an emergency plan in place to make sure employees stay safe in the event of a hail storm. Designate a gathering area safely away from windows, and communicate a procedure to follow with your employees. Consider practicing emergency drills. No one wants to think about their business suffering storm damage, but early preparation can save a lot of hassle in the event of damaging hail. Make sure you have your bases covered to protect your property, your employees and your hard work.
As we start to hear birds chirping and temperatures inching upwards, that means we are seeing the first signs of spring. What a wonderful time of year. Full of life and excitement. We are excited to be done with winter here at SERVPRO.
While gearing up for Spring, there are some important things to be aware of regarding spring snows. Often, a Spring storm in Minnesota can bring with it snow, ice, rain, or a combination of all three. The high moisture content of the precipitation can cause issues in your home or business if snow melt has already saturated ground water levels. With the ground saturated, any new precipitation can cause issues with your sump pump or through foundation cracks and leaks. Be prepared for what Spring storms can bring.
As we know, overnight temperatures drop below freezing still here in March. SERVPRO of Wright County offers these cold weather tips:
Know the location of your water shut-off valve and test it regularly.
If a pipe breaks, you won't want to have to find it then or, worse, wait for someone to arrive at your place to find it for you. In most single-family homes, the shut-off valve is in the basement or the crawl space on a wall facing the street.
Turn off outdoor faucets, and be sure to disconnect hoses from them.
Ensure the faucet and the outside portion of the pipes are fully drained. A valve inside many houses will shut off the water's flow; then open and close the tap outside to release any water in the pipe. Disconnect the hose to ensure that freeze-proof faucets will drain and to avoid damage to the hose from freezing water.
Winterize unheated or vacant buildings.
If your vacant building has a fire protection system, make sure there is no danger that the water servicing this system might freeze.
Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before.
Pipes close to exterior walls or in unheated basements can be wrapped with pieces of insulation. Never put heat tape on the water meter to avoid damaging plastic components of the meter.
SERVPRO of Maple Grove responds to many fire damage emergencies each year in Aurora, and sometimes the cause of the fire has been pet-related. To date, these fires have not been attributed to “animal arson,” but they have been attributed to animal accidents. Pets are curious and can bump into or knock over cooking equipment, candles, lamps, and space heaters. Here are some pet fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your furry friends safe around a fire:
Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems been checked by a professional?
Call Us!
When your home or commercial business fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO has a team of technicians on call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 763-498-6500 We’ll restore your fire damage in Minnesota, “Like it never even happened.”
Do you know what to do if there is a high wind warning in your area? SERVPRO responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year, and many of these involve wind damage. Here is some information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the types of wind alerts they issue:
High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel.
High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.
Wind Advisory: Take Action: Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects outdoors should be secured, and caution should be taken if driving.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind gusts of 58 miles per hour and/or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.
Preparing for High Winds
Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away
Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure objects that could blow away and cause damage or injury
Call Us Today!
When Minnesota residents and businesses have storm issues, they can rely on SERVPRO of Maple Grove to restore their damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 763-498-6500
Your primary sump pump should not be treated any different than any other appliance in your home - without power, it is completely worthless. As a safeguard, invest in a high quality battery back-up sump pump. A battery kept continually charged by the backup system operates a separate pump linked to the discharge pipe, providing you hours of protection until power is restored. Some backup pumps even monitor the condition of the battery and alert you when it needs to be replaced.
Frozen Discharge Pipe
If the discharge pipe is not installed pitched properly, water will collect and eventually freeze, causing a blockage.
Switch Stuck in Place
There are several different types of sump float switches. Vertical and tethered floats are the most common. Vertical floats seem to work the best as tethered floats are known for getting stuck on the side walls of the sump pit (resulting in a flooded basement).
Over-worked / Under-Powered Sump Pump
Not all pumps are created equal. Make sure you install the correct horsepower pump capable of keeping up with your flow of water.
Old Age
It is generally recommended that sump pumps should be replaced every five to seven years in order to be reasonably safe. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Have a water damage from a sump pump failure? Call SERVPRO of Wright County at (763) 295-1161
During uncertain times, SERVPRO of Wright County is prepared to help you when it matters the most.
Responding during difficult times is what we do, it’s who we are and what we know. Right now, during the most unprecedented moment we share with you, we continue to answer the calls of our neighbors who need us most.
SERVPRO of Wright County remains open to you as our employees and services are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your home or business is in need of cleaning and sanitizing, or any of our core water and fire services, call SERVPRO of Wright County at (763) 295-1161. We are here and ready to serve our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SERVPRO of Maple Grove restores storm damage every year for Minnesota businesses. We use industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved cleaning methods and techniques.
Water Extraction Equipment
We use powerful water extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your business or home.
Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal
Drying Equipment
We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.
Air scrubbers
Thermal foggers and deodorization agents
Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments
The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and contaminants on your property.
Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture
Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms
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Minnesota commercial businesses and residents can rely on SERVPRO® to respond to commercial storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 763-498-6500
Have you inspected your water heater lately? SERVPRO of Maple Grove has been restoring water damage for Minnesota residents for years, and we know that routine inspection and maintenance of water heaters and plumbing systems can prevent major water damage in many cases. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety for inspecting and maintaining your water heater:
Inspect your anode rod every two years, or every year once the warranty has expired, to determine if it needs replacement
Flush water heater tanks every six months to remove any sediment by attaching a garden hose to the valve at the base. For safety, first, turn off the power and run the hot water until it is cool.
Get an annual inspection from a plumbing professional, including the shut-off valve and all piping. Signs of broken valves and loose or wet joints and rust are a sign that more severe damage is coming.
Call Us Today!
Water damage can happen at any time of the day or night. When you have a water damage emergency in your home or commercial business, we are Here to Help. The professionals at SERVPRO® of Wright County are here to restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 763-498-6500
A pipe break calls for fast action. Mitigation, repair, and restoration are critical to limit the extent of primary and secondary damage. The following measures can help homeowners minimize the severity of water damage caused by bursting pipes.
Limit Damage
Water originating from a broken supply line is likely to be clean and treated. Limit damage by:
Shutting off the water main
Collecting water in a trash can with wheels or other containers
Puncturing a swollen ceiling and draining water into a container
These methods can limit the amount of damage sustained by a ceiling, wall cavity or home interior.
Avoid Electrical Hazards
Homeowners should steer clear of other hazards between stopping and fixing a leak. Avoid making contact with nearby:
Plugged-in appliances
Electrical fixtures
Wiring
A homeowner can shut off the power at a breaker box. If you are not sure about the safety of this measure, contact an electrician or power company.
Contact a Plumber
Call a plumber to fix broken pipe. Keep the water supply turned off and continue collecting residual water until the plumber arrives. A homeowner may use:
Mops
Towels
Wet-Vac
Remove as much water as possible to limit the extent of the damage. Residential damage mitigation experts can complete this process with professional equipment.
Dry the Area
Depending on the extent of damage caused by bursting pipes, a homeowner may want to contact a mitigation and restoration service. Promoting fast drying is crucial. Specialists recommend using:
Air movers
Fans
Dehumidifiers
This equipment can shorten drying times and prevent mold growth. If you do not have access to these appliances, hire a damage mitigation service.
Homeowners should act quickly in response to a broken pipe. Water damage mitigation and restoration professionals can clean up damage caused by bursting pipes in a timely manner and prevent secondary damage from occurring.
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