5 Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

If you're looking for more information about how we can help with commercial water damage in your area, contact us today!

Water damage can happen in any building, whether it's a home or an office. It could be a burst pipe or an overflowing sink that causes the problem, but regardless of what the source is, water damage can be costly to fix and disruptive to business operations. If you're looking for ways to minimize the impact of commercial water damage on your company, here are some common causes:

HVAC Units

If you're in the commercial real estate business, then you know that HVAC units are a common cause of water damage. This is because they can leak and flood. They can also cause mold growth if they're not properly maintained or cleaned out regularly.

If your HVAC unit isn't functioning properly, this will lead to higher utility bills--and if it's damaged beyond repair, it could result in structural damage as well!

Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems are a common source of water damage. They often go unnoticed until there is damage, as they are found in high-rise buildings and commercial buildings. Sprinklers can cause water damage in the following ways:

• The sprinkler system is activated by itself or accidentally by someone else. This can happen if someone trips over a hose, for example.
• The sprinkler system malfunctions in some way and begins to leak.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are a common source of water damage in commercial buildings. Water heaters can leak from the top or bottom of the tank, as well as from any one of several valves on both sides of the appliance. Leaks from these areas can lead to wet floors or even flooding if left unchecked.

Plumbing Issues

A plumbing issue can cause a lot of damage to your property. If you have a water leak in the piping, it can cause mold and mildew to grow on your walls and floors. There are many reasons why plumbing problems occur: clogs, frozen pipes, burst pipes - even if they're not obvious at first glance and they occur very frequently, especially in older properties.

Roof Leaks

You might think that you know the cause of a roof leak, but it can be difficult to diagnose. Roof leaks can be caused by everything from defective flashing around the chimney or skylights to defective roofing membranes and even improper installation techniques.

Roof leaks can cause significant damage. It is important to have a professional routinely inspect your roofing to ensure that there are no flaws or risks with your roofing.

Water damage is a serious issue, but it's important to remember that there are things you can do to protect yourself from these types of incidents. If you're looking for more information about how we can help with commercial water damage in your area, contact us today!

How do You Estimate a Fire Damage?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

We understand how devastating a commercial fire can be to your business.

Estimating Fire Damage

The first step in estimating fire damage is to take a look at the affected area and determine what kind of damage has been done. This involves looking at the structure itself and the contents within, including any furniture or equipment that might have been damaged by smoke or water. It also involves making sure that there is no hidden damage (such as mold growth) that can't be seen at first glance but could become visible later on down the line.

Scope of Damage

The first thing we need to do is determine the scope of the damage. Is it contained, or did the flames spread throughout the building? We will look at specific areas of the damaged property. During this step, we will determine how big the affected area is. The affected area will include the building and its contents, as well as the exterior of the building. This also includes any other areas that have been damaged by fire, such as roofs or landscaping.

If your home or business has been completely consumed by flames and burned down to its foundations, then our job will be much simpler than if only part of your home has been destroyed by a fire. In this case, we will write down all visible damages as well as any structural components that appear structurally unsound (such as cracked walls or crumbling floors).

When estimating losses after an extensive fire damage situation, remember that there may be hidden dangers lurking behind walls and under floor coverings that could cause further danger once removed from their original setting.

Assessing the Condition of the Structure

If you're assessing a building that has been damaged, it's important to evaluate whether or not the structure is salvageable. If the building can be salvaged, rebuilding will likely cost less than replacing it entirely. If not, demolition may be necessary and a new building will need to be constructed on-site.

Determining Whether to Restore or Replace

While the ability to restore your property after a fire is a huge benefit, it's not always possible. In fact, more often than not, restoration is not an option.

Before you make any decisions about which items should be restored and which should be replaced, you'll want to consider whether or not they can be restored. 

Restoration is generally only recommended if the item in question has sentimental value or is important for your livelihood (for example, a guitar). If not, it may be time for some fresh air and new memories.

Call the Professionals

We understand how devastating a commercial fire can be to your business. An estimate is the first step toward recovering from the damage, but it’s also an important part of knowing what to expect and making informed decisions.

Our experienced technicians can help you get back on track after a commercial fire in your Muncy, PA business—and in some cases, they may even be able to save your property from total destruction. We know how complex this process is because we have experience with various types of fires, including electrical fires (which are surprisingly common), grease fires, gas explosions, and more. 

When you work with us for fire damage restoration services after a disaster strikes your company or business location you will have access to our specialized knowledge base about all things related to fire damage restoration for commercial properties like yours.

At SERVPRO of  Williamsport/Montoursville, we have the experience, training, and skills to help you through this difficult time. We understand that your business is more than just a building or an inventory list—it’s what keeps your family fed, clothed, and happy. That’s why we take pride in being able to restore your property back to its original state so that you can continue doing what you love most: serving customers!

Do You Have Business Interruption Insurance?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you own a business, you are probably aware of the importance of protecting your investment by purchasing property insurance. However, while property insurance can help you get your business running again, it doesn't pay for the income you lose while your business is inoperable. Interruption insurance can help keep your business from suffering financial distress while you wait for needed repairs. See what business interruption insurance can do for you:

• Replaces Lost Income
  Depending on how severe your damage is, it could take weeks or even months to fully restore your business to preloss condition. During this business interruption, you may not be able to operate at all, or may only be able to operate at reduced capacity. This coverage replaces income lost based on your past financial records, as long as is a covered cause of loss
• Helps You Pay the Bills
  You will need to pay the mortgage or rent on your facility, as well as any utilities that still need to be connected when your business isn't operating Don't forget about making payments on any business loans, paying your taxes and any other business expenses.
• Provides Money To Pay Employees
  Your employees probably can't afford to go without a paycheck while your business is shut down due to a loss. This insurance helps you keep employees on the payroll so that you don't need to hire new employees after you reopen.
  
  

Get Your Commercial Ducts Cleaned NOW!

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is in the air- which also means it is in your ducting system! Allergens, like pollen, dander and dust particles, get sucked into your ducting system and subsequently blown around your business (or home). These contaminants also accumulate in your ducting system and cause your heating or cooling efficiency to drop as much as 25%-40%, as well as your air quality being affected. When your efficiency drops, your system has to work harder to produce the same sort of effects, which can lead to more maintenance or service repairs.

With heating season dwindling down and summer quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to get your business's ducts cleaned. Give us a call at SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville at 570-546-3500. Our highly trained technicians will come take a look at your unit and ducting, give you a reasonable quote, and have your businesses air quality like new!

Commercial Properties Need Their Ducts Clean Too!

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Do you own a business or manage a commercial property in Williamsport, Montoursville or the surrounding areas?  SERVPRO of Williamsport / Montoursville cleans and deodorizes the ducting at commercial properties as well as residential!  With our high tech equipment and highly trained technicians, we can handle any size job. 

While businesses typically tend to take care to clean and update their heating units many owners often do not realize the importance of having their ducts cleaned yearly.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit and having your duct work cleaned include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.
• Helps prevent the spread of airborne allergens and bacteria.

If you or someone you know owns a business, please contact us! Protect your business and employees! Give SERVPRO of Williamsport / Montoursville a call at 570-546-3500 today, and we will get your business ducting clean and efficient for you!