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!

Rental Property Fires and How to Handle Them

12/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fires at rental properties can be confusing for all involved. Here at SERVPRO of Williamsport / Montoursville, we want to try to help make this process as easy as possible. Here is some information that may help.

3 Facts About Fire Damage at a Rental Property

1. Property Owners are Responsible for Structural Damage

The owner of the property is responsible for covering damage caused by fire to the property itself. This includes anything used to build the property, and any contents that may have been included. These are covered under the property owner's home-owner's insurance.

2. Tenants are Responsible for Their Contents

These contents include clothing, furniture they brought into the home with them, electronic devices, and personal effects. This is likely to be the case regardless of the cause of a fire. It is important that renters have Renter's insurance to ensure the costs are covered. Tenants should make sure that that the policy they choose will cover replacement costs and not actual value with depreciation.

3. Renters Insurance Can Also Cover Additional Costs

Renters insurance policies may also provide a limited amount of liability coverage for negligence as well as injuries or property damage suffered by third parties. These policies may also help to offset a variety of other expenses such as additional living costs or the cost of temporary relocation.

FREE Emergency Ready Program for Your Business From SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville!

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville is a full service commercial restoration firm. We specialize in drying, cleaning and decontamination needs. Our approach uses a collaborative method to reduce operational risks, minimize downtime and save you money in order to get your business up and running after a disaster.

Consider the statistic that 50% of businesses who suffer a major disaster will never reopen. Of the businesses that reopened, most of them had a plan in place.

Several questions a business owner should consider:

Do your employees know your chain-of-command?

Do your teams know where your water shut-offs are?

Would your employees be able to direct first-responders?

The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public emergency services that provides full and accurate information will help the dispatcher send the right responders and equipment. An employee trained to administer first aid or perform CPR can be lifesaving. Action by employees with knowledge of building and process systems can help control a leak and minimize damage to the facility and the environment.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville has an excellent system in place to help streamline your emergency response plan. With the Emergency Ready Program we will help you create a functional cloud based data set that can be used for things like staff emergency manuals, emergency contact information and building emergency critical information. Because disasters can happen when you are away, your team will have all of this data wherever you need it, with a push of a button.

To strategically align your building operations to make sure you have the help you need in an emergency, give us a call today. The consultation and Emergency Readiness Program is offered at no cost to your facility, give us a call at 570-546-3500.

Have Your Commercial Ducts Serviced!

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

Indoor air problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor HVAC design, poor filtration and lack of maintenance. If left unresolved, indoor air quality problems subject the occupants to prolonged exposure to chemicals, molds, dust mites, bacteria and other pollutants.

The air quality in your residential or commercial property can cause health effects if not cleaned regularly to protect from and harmful allergens or pollutants! 

SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville has the experience and expertise to handle duct cleaning for commercial and residential clients. SERVPRO Professionals can schedule and conduct routine inspections to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) in your buildings.  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

Call SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville today at 570-546-3500 for more information, a quote, or to get on our schedule!

2021 West Branch Susquehanna BA Home Show!

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Stop on down and see us this weekend!

Come on down to the Lycoming Mall in Muncy, PA and chat with our highly knowledgeable staff about the services SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville can provide for you and your family! The 2021 West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Home Show starts today, Friday April 9 at 3 pm-7 pm, continues tomorrow, Saturday April 10 from 11 am- 7 pm, and ends on Sunday April 11 from 12 pm- 4 pm. 

There will also be a gun raffle- 2 tickets for $20.00, drawing to be held on Sunday, April 11 at 3 pm!

 To find more information about the 2021 Home Show as well as SERVPRO and the other professional vendors that will be attending the show, please click here.

For any of your fire, water, mold, duct or carpet cleaning needs, please call SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville at 570-546-3500. We make your damage "Like it never even happened."

How to Prevent Mold in Your Business

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Molds appear on various organic substances, including carpets, insulation, food, wood, and paper. Therefore it is impossible to completely remove mold spores from your commercial building. However, you need to limit the buildup of these spores in order to protect the property.
Regular carpet cleaning can reduce the amount of mold in your building. That’s because mold often grows in dark, moist areas such as the top of ceiling tiles and the back of drywall. The underside of carpeting is a common location for mold, as well.

Mold is also common in wet areas. Moisture issues that could lead to mold growth include:

• Unvented appliances
• Poor maintenance
• Gutters that direct water toward the building
• Roof leaks

Therefore, any mold prevention strategy must focus on reducing moisture. Along with carpet cleaning, the below actions can help you avoid excess mold in your facility.

Lower Humidity
Humid air is a breeding ground for mold. If possible, keep the relative humidity of your property below 50 percent.

Limit Condensation
Reducing humidity will also prevent the condensation that often leads to mold. Increasing the surface temperature can lower condensation, as well. You can do this by Improving air circulation or adding insulation to surfaces.

Fix Issues Right Away
If you do discover a leak or condensation, you cannot ignore the situation. The longer the water sticks around, the more likely it will cause mold problems. Dry the affected areas within 48 hours. Any carpet cleaning, in particular, should be thorough.
Wet foundations may also encourage mold growth. If you discover this issue during an inspection, consider adding drainage to your property.
Any mold that you do find should also be removed immediately before it spreads. To ensure the mold cleanup is done properly, you may want to hire a commercial building restoration company like SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville!

COVID-19 Disinfecting in the Williamsport, Montoursville or Surrounding Areas

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Lives and businesses have been severely disrupted since early 2020 because of the global pandemic of COVID-19 . Being able to effectively operate your business AND ensure the safety and health of your employees has become a problem for many. SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville wants you to know that we are here to help you and your business!

Call us any time at 570-546-3500 if there is a suspected or positive case from an employee or direct contact. SERVPRO can help minimize the spread of germs as we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our technicians are highly trained and IICRC certified, ensuring you receive the most effective and professional service. 

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays. Let SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville help you keep your business running efficiently and you and your employees safe and healthy!

Commercial Vandalism Cleanup- DOs and DON'Ts

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

VANDALISM DOs and DON’Ts

SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville is recognized as one of the top leaders in helping property owners recover quickly from multiple types of property damage. We want to make every type of damage to your commercial building "Like it never even happened."

We not only focus on fire and water clean up and restoration, we also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti and eggs. Have you ever wondered what you should do or not do after vandalism at your commercial property or office? Check out the tips below to find out more!

Do: 

1. Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible. This will reduce the smell and stains. 
2. Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery. 
3. Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage. 
4. Record all damage and photograph when possible with your phone or iPad.

Don't:

1. Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains. 
2. Operate damaged lamps or appliances. 
3. Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture or other contents that may be used for repair. 

We hope you never have to experience vandalism but if you do, give us a call TODAY at 570-546-3500!

Insurance Coverage After a Loss

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

When your business experiences a disaster that interrupts your regular business hours you may want to have something in your policy to provide income to you and your staff while the building is being restored. Each business owner will have to assess how much income they produce daily to know how much coverage they need. Having this insurance coverage allows the owner to focus on the consuming task of a restoration process and allows the property vacant to ensure the damages are fixed. During an extensive remediation and repair there could be significant time involved in verifying coverages, permits, inspections and delays due to weather. 

Call your agent to review your coverages on an annual basis to ensure when the time arises you and your employees are properly covered. 

SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville at 570-546-3500 for your commercial restoration needs. We work directly with your insurance adjusters to ensure the process goes as painlessly as possible, and to get you and your employees back to running your business quickly and safely.

SERVPRO Large Loss to the Rescue!

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Experiencing a large loss can be even more devastating. You might not even know where to begin. If you experience a large loss in the SERVPRO of Montoursville/Williamsport service area, make sure you give us a call right away at 570-546-3500! We have large loss emergency response teams on standby to handle any water, fire or mold emergencies that may be on a large scale. No job is too big!

Our large loss teams come from several large cities in Pennsylvania. They are more than qualified to handle any large loss. Each SERVPRO employee is required to attend multiple trainings and become certified in each area of remediation that SERVPRO handles, so you know you will be receiving the highest quality professionals to be remediating your property. 

Everyone has heard of the mold problems some of the locals schools had experienced in pervious years. Our large loss teams assisted us in the remediation of each school, and were praised by the community!

The large loss teams even handle COVID19/coronavirus disinfecting and cleaning. They have all of the equipment and cleaning supplies necessary to handle any size building. SERVPRO Large Loss will treat your property like it was their own, and have everything back up and running in no time! Call us today!

Commercial Cleaning

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville is not just a water, fire and mold restoration company, we also offer cleaning services to homes and commercial properties. Commercial cleaning can range from cleaning restaurant kitchens to removing bio-hazard contaminants. Our technicians are highly trained, professional and thorough, and will do all they can to ensure that your business gets back to running properly. Our commercial cleaning services include the following:

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

Source : www.IICRC.org

We follow strict IICRC guidelines which ensures you get the best quality of service from the highest trained professionals. When your commercial property needs a deep cleaning, or some kids get a little destructive with their "fun", or a tragedy strikes, or even when you just need maintenance like duct cleaning performed, call SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville at (570) 546-3500. 

Commercial Insurance

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Owning a business in the Williamsport / Montoursville area requires business insurance to ensure protection from a variety of potential problems. Basic property insurance is a must, but you also may benefit from flood or storm insurance. While your insurance agent is able to advise you on the policies that you should include in your commercial package, it doesn't hurt to have an overview of the information before you meet with him or her.

Types of Coverage

• Property insurance – covers general repairs, such as water damage from leaks caused by accidents or external factors
• Flood insurance – covers more extensive damage caused by prolonged rainfall, overflowing rivers and streams, and breaking dams or levees.
• Storm insurance – covers damage from wind, hail or other elements of the specific storms listed in the policy

You may also consider a business continuity policy so that you have the working capital to stay afloat while storm remediation experts are working to return your building to an inhabitable space.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that insurance policies can have different types of deductibles. Many plans have dollar deductibles, which requires a specific amount stated in the policy must be paid by the insured. These deductibles are often determined by the standard rate for the area, and raising the amount may result in lower premiums for the policy. A percentage deductible is sometimes used in storm and flood policies to lower the risk for the insurance company. Because the damage covered by these policies tends to be large, so do the payouts. This deductible depends on a percentage of the property's overall value.

When shopping for commercial insurance coverage, a basic property policy isn't enough to cover everything that might come your way. It's a good idea to add additional policies, such as flood and storm insurance, so that you can be confident that you will be able to overcome any damage that happens to your property.

OSHA Commercial Evacuation Guidelines

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster can strike anywhere at any time and SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville wants you to be prepared to ensure safety for you, your coworkers and your property. Below is an explanation from OSHA on when it is time for you to evacuate the building following a fire, smoke, water, or gas leak:

"In the event of an emergency, local emergency officials may order you to evacuate your premises. In some cases, they may instruct you to shut off the water, gas, and electricity. If you have access to radio or television, listen to newscasts to keep informed and follow whatever official orders you receive.

In other cases, a designated person within your business should be responsible for making the decision to evacuate or shut down operations. Protecting the health and safety of everyone in the facility should be the first priority. In the event of a fire, an immediate evacuation to a predetermined area away from the facility is the best way to protect employees. On the other hand, evacuating employees may not be the best response to an emergency such as a toxic gas release at a facility across town from your business.

The type of building you work in may be a factor in your decision. Most buildings are vulnerable to the effects of disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, or explosions. The extent of the damage depends on the type of emergency and the building’s construction. Modern factories and office buildings, for example, are framed in steel and are structurally more sound than neighborhood business premises may be. In a disaster such as a major earthquake or explosion, however, nearly every type of structure will be affected. Some buildings will collapse and others will be left with weakened floors and walls."

View the full text here: OSHA

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Williamsport/Montoursville offers professional carpet cleaning to both residential AND carpet cleaning. Keeping carpets cleaned and looking like new is no ordinary feat, so here are some tips:

~Purchase a properly sized entry mat- the bigger, the better.  There must be room for at least two steps to sufficiently wipe soil from feet, leaving it on the mat. A carpet with a nylon face and vinyl back is best for moisture and oils absorption and collecting a majority of the particle soil. The IICRC suggests a rental mat, since that guarantees frequent maintenance. Place entry mats on hard surfaces rather than on carpet where they can trap moisture

~Ensure vacuuming is done daily. The sooner you collect soils from the surface, the easier it is to remove them. For most carpet, you should use an upright vacuum with brush agitator. The wider the head, the more efficient.

~Deep cleaning should be accomplished on at least a semi-annual basis. This is also dependent on traffic and daily maintenance. At a minimum, some attention should be given to primary entryways on a quarterly basis.

~Treating spots immediately ensures that most can be removed with plain warm water and very little mild detergent.

~Use high-efficiency double-lined poly-fiber collection bags. This reduces periodic maintenance such as dusting of furniture, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filter exchange.

~Make sure the HVAC system is slightly positively pressurized as well, which means that air is going out when doors are opened, rather than being sucked in. Proper air exchange rates can be calibrated according to ASHRAE regulations for the building with a trained HVAC contractor.

~Ensure proper air filtration through the HVAC System. High-efficiency pleated filters, rather than inexpensive fiberglass filters, are recommended.