Commercial Systems Prone to Water Damage: SERVPRO of Cookeville

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Systems Prone to Water Damage: SERVPRO of Cookeville

Commercial properties present unique risks when it comes to water damage. Unlike residential homes, which are usually one story and have easily accessible crawl spaces and attics, commercial buildings can be many stories high with flat roofs and multiple storefront windows. They also often have expensive specialized equipment that can be very costly to repair or replace if damaged by water. In this blog post, we will discuss the different parts of a commercial building that are at risk for water damage, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.

Plumbing Systems

The first and most obvious risk for water damage in a commercial property is the plumbing system. Because commercial buildings have more bathrooms, kitchens, and other water-using fixtures, they also have larger and more complex plumbing systems. These systems are often located in hard-to-reach places, making them difficult to repair if they spring a leak.

One of the main water damage challenges according to The Hartford Insurance is an improperly maintained sprinkler system. By law, most commercial buildings must have a fire sprinkler system, but many building owners forget to regularly maintain and test these systems. While a well-maintained fire sprinkler system can help prevent extensive fire damage in the event of a fire, improper maintenance or disaster planning can cause extensive water damage that can flood multiple floors.

Another plumbing risk is burst pipes. Commercial buildings, especially high rises tend to run at a higher pressure than residential buildings. Therefore, a burst pipe has the potential to release significantly more water than a home.

One of the ways in which we help commercial property owners prevent catastrophic property damage before it happens is through our app-based Emergency Response Planning program (ERP).

Roofing Systems

In addition to the plumbing system, there are several exterior commercial building components that can experience water damage. One of the most common is the flat roof. Because flat roofs are not sloped like traditional pitched roofs, they tend to pool water instead of shedding it. This can lead to leaks and eventually, if left unaddressed, major water damage.

Some common commercial roofing systems include:

• Built-up Roofing (BUR): Often called tar and gravel roofs, these commercial roofing systems are built with a semi-continuous membrane installed in layers, then covered in aggregate. While they are usually simple to maintain, best practices suggest inspecting the roof for deterioration and possible leak points at least twice yearly.
• Thermoplastic Single-Ply Membrane Roofing (PVC & TPO): These roofs are installed in large rolls that are then welded together at the seams with heat. The material is very durable and oil resistant. However, the heat-welding methods require skilled installation, which can lead to weak points and leak-prone areas if not performed correctly.
• EPDM Roofing: Some roofers call these "rubber roofs" because the material they are made of ethylene propylene diene monomer is very rubber-like. This kind of roof is derived from oil and natural gas and appears dark gray or black. When installed correctly and with the highest thickness available, this type of commercial roof will last a very long time with little to no issues. Unless you experience storm damage in your area, an annual check for leaks around the roof penetrations should suffice.

Window Systems

Commercial window systems are built for durability and use; however, they can often present a unique water damage challenge for commercial facilities. Most aluminum glazing systems aren't intended to be 100% waterproof. Most commercial window systems are meant to limit water penetration during extreme circumstances while also weeping water back out to the exterior.

By directing all moisture to the sill flashing, storefront systems limit water penetration. It's critical that the sill flashing be installed correctly to avoid water damage. Making sure that sealant is put on the top of the rear leg before installing the sill is one of the most important aspects of a good installation.

The most essential aspect of maintaining water penetration with a storefront is end dam fastening and sealing. Water will enter the building through the jamb locations if end dams are not properly fastened and sealed. Improperly (or missing) end dams can cause significant water damage to the interior drywall or flooring around commercial storefront windows.

Like anything else in a building, time and the elements can cause wear and tear and failure of these commercial window water control systems.

Commercial Water Damage Inspection Services

So if you notice moisture or water damage around your storefront windows, you should consider calling SERVPRO of Cookeville to inspect for potential water damage issues. Our technicians are trained to identify, troubleshoot, and restore all types of commercial water issues.

Call today to schedule your commercial service!

931-528-9292

Fire Hazards in Commercial Office Buildings and Tips to Prevent Them

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Our homes and our businesses in Cookeville or The Upper Cumberland are our castles, which is why we work hard to make them as safe and secure as possible. Unfortunately, there are some hazards that may not be obvious and can cause damage to your office, in the form of fire or water damage. Even more unfortunate? The cost of these damages, which could run into the thousands of dollars, and can come out of your pocket—whether you’re an individual homeowner or a business owner or landlord. Here are some common causes of fire and water damage in commercial office buildings, as well as tips on how to prevent them from occurring and damaging your home or commercial property.

Understanding Building Fire Damage

Most office building fires are small. But even a small fire can do a lot of damage if it gets out of control or isn’t contained early on. One of the biggest dangers is smoke and fire damage to your home or commercial office's interiors. Smoke can permeate materials, carpets, walls, flooring, ceilings—even drywall joints—leaving hidden danger behind long after flames have been extinguished. Even if you can’t see any visible signs of fire or smoke damage, you should always have an experienced professional examine your property for lingering toxins from before you move back in.

According to this report by the NFPA, there are 7 main causes of fires in commercial office buildings. Cooking Equipment, Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, heating equipment, intentional damage, smoking materials, exposure to other fire sources, and electronic, office, or entertainment equipment. This statistic includes general business offices, banks, veterinary or research offices, engineering, mailing firms, and post offices.

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

Most office fires are caused by cooking equipment, accounting for slightly over one in every four commercial office fires. However, while these fires are the most common, they do not account for most of the property damage to office buildings. That position is taken by the intentional damage category. Intentional damage alone accounts for a full 20% of commercial fire property damage. Intentional Property Damage occurs when a person seeks to purposely damage the office property through arson.

Two other leading causes of fire in office buildings are heating equipment, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment. Together, they account for 18% of property damage to commercial office buildings. These can include things such as space heaters, light fixtures, electrical wiring, outlets, electrical appliances, extension cords, and more.

While lower on the list, smoking materials, electronic, office, or entertainment equipment account for 12% of commercial office property damage.

Lastly, exposure fires, as defined by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), are fires resulting from another fire outside of the commercial building itself. This kind of commercial fire damage accounted for 18% of property loss.

What Can I Do to Prevent A Building Fire?

If your building was constructed with modern building materials, fire damage should be a rare occurrence. But it can still happen if you’re not careful. Make sure all smoking materials are safely extinguished before leaving work each day. A smoldering cigarette can ignite more easily than you think. Also, make sure to regularly inspect your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire suppression systems to ensure they’re working properly. If a smoke alarm goes off for no reason at all, make sure to replace or recharge its batteries immediately.

The NFPA uncovered another intriguing statistic about fires on weekends and between the nighttime hours of 7 pm and 7 am. 19% of fires occurred on weekends but accounted for 31% of fire-related property losses. Meanwhile, fires at night accounted for less than one-third of office property fires yet caused 67% of direct property damage due to fires.

Automatic Fire Detection & Fire Extinguishing Systems: This shows that one of the most important steps you can take towards protecting your office building from fire damage is to install and maintain automatic detection and fire extinguishing systems.

Camera monitoring systems would be best for large-scale commercial properties. Otherwise, self-installed solutions such as those recommended in this article by PC Mag will work well.

For fire suppression systems, the best solution is to pay a proper fire protection services consultant such as Fire Protection Services LLC. Make sure to ask them to help you develop and implement a fire suppression system maintenance plan.

Cooking Equipment Fire Prevention:The best way to prevent fires with cooking equipment is to train your staff properly in its use, cleaning, and maintenance.

When it comes to electrical distribution and lighting equipment, there is a multitude of reasons why fire may start. But according to this article by firerescue1.com, faulty outlets or appliances, light fixtures, extension cords, space heaters, and wiring issues were the 5 most common electrical fire causes.

Electrical Hazards Fire Prevention: To prevent faulty outlet or wiring fire hazards, the first step is to make sure to have a certified electrical contractor or property inspector review your commercial property before purchase. Even if you or a tenant are already occupying your commercial office space, a proper inspection by a certified electrical contractor to ensure code compliance of all building materials and installations will protect you from potentially expensive fire repairs. This is especially important to protect you from having to pay for potential property damages out of pocket.

To protect your commercial property from fire damage due to light fixtures or extension cords, the most important tip is to ensure you follow the manufacturer's maximum recommended wattage and amperage guidance.

A good rule of thumb for selecting an extension cord is the smaller the wire gauge rating, the greater the capacity. According to this article by the Spruce, 12-gauge extension cords can handle up to 1920 watts (16 Amps), 14-gauge cords can handle 1440 watts (12 Amps), 16-gauge  can handle 840 Watts (7 Amps), and 18-gauge cords 600 Watts (5 Amps). In addition to wattage capacities, another thing you should look at when choosing a commercial electrical power solution is cord lengths. The longer the cord, the more important it becomes to have a higher wattage extension cord.

For light fixtures, you should follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent property fire damage. However, what you should look out for are potentially dangerous light bulb wattages and materials around your lighting fixtures that could catch fire. High-wattage incandescent bulbs installed on light fixtures that are rated for lower-wattage bulbs can spark flames because of overheating. Also, keeping flammable materials around light fixtures, or allowing dust buildup increases the risk for fire damage.

Accidental Fire Sprinkler Discharge

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Sprinkler Discharge

In 20 minutes, a single fire sprinkler can spray hundreds of gallons of water onto a fire or just onto your most important documents and equipment, flooding the office. It’s certainly not action movie common in the Upper Cumberland but overhead sprinklers do get discharged when fire is not involved. If it happens to you, take these steps:

1. Turn Off the Water Fast

This seems simple, but it may require planning. First, if you are the responsible party working at a property, you need to know where the water shut off is. That is information you should find out ahead of time, especially if you or others working on the property are working near the sprinklers or carrying items that could hit a sprinkler.

Secondly, if you have employees working at your property, they need two things: an emergency plan that includes detection of accidentally discharged fire sprinklers and knowledge of the location of the water shut off valve. This is particularly important if you are not regularly onsite. If your employees wait for the fire department to handle the sprinklers, the flooding could be extensive.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

It may be tempting to wander into the wetness and start deciding what’s what, but it will probably save time in the long run if you let your insurance company make decisions and follow its directions. It'll most likely want to investigate the situation without any extra considerations. If there is something you want to do before someone from your insurance company arrives, just check with your insurer ahead of time.

3. Hire Restoration Services

You should have approval from your insurance company before you choose a water damage restoration company. A quality restoration job will put your property back together like the water damage never happened.

The accidental discharge of a fire sprinkler can cause devastating levels of damage. However, the faster the sprinkler gets turned off, the less flooding and other damage there will be. Following the directions that your insurance company gives you will help you get back in business in a dry and restored office.

Commercial Restoration in the Upper Cumberland? SERVPRO Of Cookeville Is Here To Help!

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Every hour spent on commercial restoration due to fire, water, mold, or other disasters is another hour of revenue and productivity lost trying to get back to business. Keeping up with your bottom line can be overwhelming while getting your business spic and span for clients and leads after a disaster. That’s where SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury comes into the picture. We are equipped with advanced technology, rapid response times, and the industry knowledge to restore your Upper Cumberland business “Like it never even happened.” Below, we will delve into the cornerstones of our business, fire and water damage, and what those restoration processes entail for a business. 

What Does Commercial Water Damage Restoration Include In Green Hills?

• While commercial water damage can present unique challenges, like odor control, mold, and drying techniques, we have the training and certifications to manage each water damage scenario through to the end. 
• We have technicians specializing in water damage, including applied structural drying, odor control, and upholstery cleaning.
• We can restore what you may have thought was replaceable, from document drying to dry cleaning to hardwood floor repair!

What Does Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Include In Green Hills? 

• Few things are more devastating than fire damage to your Upper Cumberland commercial business. If the unthinkable happens, have us as your emergency contact so we can come onto the scene to do an inspection and fire damage assessment of the property. 
• We will immediately provide board-up and roof-tarp services, after which we will bring in our water damage technicians to remove any excess water damage if the damage is present. 
• Restoration will only happen after all soot particles and musty odors have been thoroughly removed, and all surfaces have been deodorized and sanitized. Our fire damage technicians specialize in these processes and smoke restoration and fabric cleaning.  

We are proud to be your Upper Cumberland neighbors! We take an active role in our community because we know how impactful a natural disaster can be on your life and your Upper Cumberland business. If you need commercial restoration in Cookeville and the surrounding Upper Cumberland area, give us a call at (931) 528-9292. We’re happy to help. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Mold Remediation In Your Commercial Building

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

All it takes is a dripping pipe or even excess humidity for a mold colony to form in your Nashville commercial building. Once this happens, microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, making it that much harder to remove all mold from your Upper Cumberland building without the proper equipment and safety measures. 

What’s the 411 on Mold? 

• Aside from being microscopic, mold spores float in the air and can enter your building through windows, HVAC systems, doors, or even take a trip to your building through your clothing or a pet. Talk about an unannounced guest! 

• Mold spores flourish in moisture-rich environments. This means mold can grow dramatically in the presence of water, forming mold colonies. Adding insult to injury, these colonies oftentimes produce health effects. 

• Before the mold remediation process, our team of professionals must address any water or moisture in the building environment before proceeding with the inspection and mold damage assessment. 

• Excess humidity is also a culprit to mold growth in your Nashville commercial building. That’s why it’s important to keep indoor humidity below 45 percent. 

• To find out where affected areas are in your building, mold often has a strong, musty smell, which can help you in your mold remediation journey. 

The Dos And Don’ts of Mold Damage

• As obvious as it may be, DO stay out of the affected area(s) and turn off all HVAC systems and fans!
• Call SERVPRO of Cookeville, where our highly trained technicians specialize in mold remediation with advanced technology and expertise in this field. 
• No matter what, DON’T touch or disturb the mold!
• DON’T try to dry the area without professional supervision.
• DON’T blow air across the surfaces where the mold resides. This will cause the mold to spread faster. 
• DON’T spray disinfectants or bleach on mold. 

Not only can mold cause damage to your Nashville commercial building, but it can also be hazardous to your health. If you think your building may show signs of mold damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Cookeville today at 931-528-9292. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Why Estimate?

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Many properties are ravaged by storm and water damage every year. The problem isn’t necessarily the water damage; what is particularly problematic is the way in which the damage could be remediated. Especially when the areas of water damage are spread out over a large commercial property, it’s imperative that you call a Commercial Restoration Company to get an estimate before stepping in to tackle the project.

Getting an Estimate

When you’ve got your back against the wall and in need of storm damage repairs, it’s better to go in with a plan and a budget rather than just trying to wing it. That’s where an estimate comes in handy. If you consider the estimate as a blueprint for what you need to do to restore your commercial property to its original luster, it will serve you well from start to finish of your project.

The Importance of an Estimate

An estimate isn’t just an important step to take from an insurance standpoint (i.e. making sure to cross your t’s and dot your I’s); it’s also the preferred way to begin a storm restoration project. Having an estimate in hand helps both you and the restoration company agree on the terms of the arrangement and the budgeting of the project. That way, it allows you to see exactly what needs to be done without guessing. This is not just helpful for you, the customer, from a budgeting standpoint; it’s also incredibly important for the company to ensure they are able to deliver on their expectations in the end.

Who to Call for your Commercial Property

Having an estimate before starting any storm restoration repairs comes recommended by all reputable storm restoration companies. If you’re in need of commercial storm damage repairs, it’s important that you call SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury today at 931-528-9292 for a consultation to get your estimate and start getting the ball rolling on your project.

Can Electronics Be Salvaged After A Fire?

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Can Electronics Be Salvaged After A Fire?

When your business endures a fire in the Upper Cumberland, you may suspect everything, especially the electronics, are unsalvageable. Whether an electrical fire or another kind, there's a chance you can clean some of the damaged electronics to salvage them.

1. Remove the Memory
You probably can't determine if the equipment is salvageable or not until quite a bit later. Still, you should remove the device's memory to ensure your data stays as safe as possible. Computer hard drives and camera memory cards may be protected from smoke damage. However, they need to be removed and stored safely until someone can inspect them. Even if the equipment itself can't be repaired, you can hopefully retain the critical data.

2. Unplug
Next, you'll need to unplug your electronic equipment. Electronics that have been exposed to smoke run the risk of starting an electrical fire. Unplugging these devices also reduces the risk of incurring more damage before cleaning.

3. Check Warranties
Keep all your warranties in a safe and accessible place. Some of your equipment may still be under warranty, as many warranties cover smoke damage.

4. Clean
It's better to leave cleaning up to fire damage restoration professionals, but you can try it yourself. Similar to computer cleanup, most devices require the removal of the outer casing. Once you inspect the inside, you can see the extent of the damage. You may find damage or just smoke and soot residue. Spraying the area with compressed air could get rid of the contaminants. Also, wipe down all non-electronic areas, such as vents, with a damp cloth.

5. Air Out
Airing the device out can help dry out any moisture and remove smoke odor. Let it air out for a few days, if possible.

If your business suffers fire damage from an electrical fire, it's crucial to take precautions when handling your affected possessions.

Electronics require extra care, so now you know how to clean them. Call us if you need any extra assistance at 931-528-9292! 

When To Shut Off the Water at a Commercial Building

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial building owners and managers may need to shut off the main water supply for several reasons. Bursting pipes and plumbing work in or around a structure may necessitate turning off the flow of water through the pipes of a structure for a temporary period of time. Find out more about three scenarios in which it could be necessary to turn off a building’s water.

1. When A Supply Line Breaks
Shutting off the water supply is the most effective way to limit damage until a broken line can be fixed. While the water that remains in a pipe at the time of shutoff will still leak, the flow will be slower and soon come to a stop. Collecting leaking water in containers may enable a business or commercial property owner to reduce the amount of cleanup and restoration necessary.

2. During Plumbing Maintenance or Repairs
A plumber can fix broken pipe and inspect plumbing before turning the water in a structure back on. If a pipe has not necessitated emergency maintenance, a licensed plumbing professional can identify whether it is necessary to shut off the water.

3. When Municipal Water Service Is Scheduled
Municipal service in response to bursting pipes or other major water damage may also require turning off the main valve. This valve is typically located between where water pipes enter a structure and the water meter. A special T-wrench may be necessary to shut off an outdoor water main shutoff valve, which could make it necessary to contact the water company.

Bursting pipes or other plumbing problems may require temporarily shutting off the water supply to a building. In the event of water damage, it may also be necessary to access an outdoor shutoff for a commercial structure. Structures supplied by private wells should be shut off at the pump.

3 Common Signs a Commercial Property Has A Mold Issue

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Learn the signs of a commercial mold issue before you get your property inspected 

Mold issues seem to be popping up all over the Upper Cumberland. It is possible to find mold growth outside, indoors, at work, and at home. Did you know that mold is commonly found in office buildings and many other commercial buildings? When it comes to mold growth, no indoor area is entirely free of mold spores. 

The purpose of this blog post is to help you identify if your commercial property has a mold issue and what steps you should take to ensure you are getting the best mold remediation services.  

Why are mold inspections necessary? 

Mold inspections are essential when you believe your property has a mold issue. A mold inspection done by a professional will help you identify how much mold is present in your building. When choosing a mold inspector, make sure you hire a reputable company that is experts in their field. 

Many contractors will say that they know how to do mold inspection, but really only a professional mold inspector understands that mold can be difficult to locate; mold likes to hide in dark hard to reach areas. 

The issue with mold is that it pollutes the environment and will challenge your establishment's structural integrity. In some cases, our professionals have found that commercial buildings hold off on mold remediation to avoid business interruptions. Rather than holding off, you need to contact mold restoration experts right away to prevent further damages to your property. The professionals at SERVPRO of Cookeville are just one call away from being at your doorsteps!

Three common signs of commercial mold

1) Musty odors

Drywall, wallpaper, tile, and other flooring types often hide mold growth, and therefore, the smell could be your only way of identifying it. Mold will have a powerful, musty smell around the area where mold is hidden. Wh have found that the mustiest odors come from carpet mold issues.  Call for a mold inspection if you notice an odor and can not identify the source.

2) Visible mold damage

Familiar places where mold will show as discoloration:

• Wallpaper Seams
• Window Sills
• Tile Grout
• Ceiling corners
• Wall Switch Plates
• HVAC Drip Pans

3) Water stains

Mold is usually associated with water damage. It would be best to call a professional mold remediation company if you notice any dark spots on ceiling tiles and walls, bubbling on wallpapers, or stains on carpets that are spreading. 

The common reason for water stains: 

• Flood damage
• Storm damage
• Pipes Breaks 
• Faulty appliances 

The importance of a mold sample

When you contact a professional mold inspector, they will come and do a thorough evaluation of your property and take an air quality test and a mold sample to see what kind of mold is present in your property. Remember, mold can grow and severely contaminate a property when left unattended. If it goes unattended long enough, it may reduce the air quality of your property. 

5 common types of molds found at a commercial property

1. Aspergillus
2. Cladosporium
3. Alternaria
4. Stachybotrys
5.  Penicillium 

Contact the mold professionals at SERVPRO

In most cases, once we know what kind of mold is present, we will begin the mold remediation process. Removal and remediation of mold will typically require water restoration services because most mold issues are the result of water damage loss.

Commercial mold removal steps are:

• Fixing the water leak issue.
• Isolating the contaminated area.
• Removing damaged material.
• Placing contaminated materials in a plastic bag.
• Drying
• Mold cleaning 

If left untreated, mold will quickly spread through the commercial property. Fortunately, the experts at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek react promptly to contain the mold infestation and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your property. Our IICRC certified team is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and has qualified experience in restoring mold damage. Contact us today!

How To Survive Commercial Property Large Loss

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

How to Survive Large Loss

Large commercial property loss is a facility manager’s nightmare. The sudden occurrence of water damage from a burst pipe, the horror of a fire, the devastation from a tornado causes your business and operations to cease. How do you survive such a large, catastrophic property loss? Will you be able to stay in business? How will you serve your customers? What happens to your employees?

SERVPRO is your large loss expert. With over 50 years of experience in large commercial loss from catastrophic weather, fires, and water damage, we’ve amassed knowledge, equipment, and project management techniques that have helped thousands of businesses survive large loss. We can help you, too.

What is Large Loss, and Why Does it Matter?

Large loss can be defined by the dollar amount of the claim (over $50,000), the facility size, the square footage of the building affected, or the number of floors affected by the loss.

Large loss affects any facility in any industry including hospitality, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, property management, and schools. Large loss can demolish a mom & pop shop or devastate a global corporate operation by halting operations, displacing occupants, and threatening to shut down your business. No one is exempt from the threat of large loss, but there are strategies you can employ to ensure business continuity and swift recovery. Knowing and executing these strategies is vital to surviving large commercial property loss.

How to Prepare for Large Loss 

In order to survive a large commercial property loss from fire, storm, or water damage, pre-planning is paramount. Take advantage of SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile which includes:

Emergency Ready Profile: SERVPRO will work with you to create an Emergency Ready Profile for your unique property. This plan allows us to gather advanced knowledge before disaster strikes so that our team is ready to work with your team to mitigate damage quickly and efficiently.

Pre-disaster walk through consultation:  Your SERVPRO representative will visit your facility and identify any areas of vulnerability as well as gain familiarity with ‘the lay of the land’ to speed response and recovery maneuvers.

Priority Response: As an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) Client, you are our priority in the event of a wide-spread weather event. We’ll have a crew on site within 2 hours of your call (usually sooner than that). Catastrophic weather affects large populations - you want to be first in line to begin mitigation and repairs. We assure local and accessible project management with your SERVPRO contact plus the added capacity of equipment and manpower availability during a time when everyone is frantic to secure restoration services.

How to Survive a Large Loss:

When the inevitable, devastating large loss occurs, what actually happens? How does SERVPRO ensure the survival of your business operations? Each loss is different owing to the type of property disaster (water damage, fire and smoke damage, hurricane and wind damage) and the industry affected. 

When you call SERVPRO, a project manager will return your call promptly and have a crew on-site within 2 hours or less. It’s vital to call SERVPRO right away to avoid costly delays from further, secondary damage.

 An assessment will be made; the first actions will be the safety of occupants and security of your property. SERVPRO’s safety assessment and emergency response can include: boarding up areas exposed by fire or wind damage such as walls, doors, and windows. SERVPRO can also erect security fencing to protect against injuries or intruders.

Next, SERVPRO will initiate emergency mitigation. In the case of large loss water damage, we’ll employ large scale drying response techniques with drying equipment. Choosing SERVPRO to mitigate your large loss means that you have access to our huge capacity and selection of water mitigation equipment to extract large volumes of water and dry any type of structure. 

SERVPRO will help you with business continuity during the loss by rerouting occupants and customers safely and arranging removal and recovery of affected contents. Should you need temporary storage of equipment or contents, we can assist with arrangements. Temporary operations and office space can be secured so that you can continue to service your valuable customers during the disruption.

Meanwhile, we’re working with your insurance adjuster to expedite your claim. Your project manager will be onsite frequently with support staff to manage the large loss details. While the mitigation is proceeding, plans for reconstruction are being made and those materials and trades such as electrical, drywall, and plumbing are arranged for you. Building permits will be obtained on your behalf so that rebuilding can begin quickly.

As a SERVPRO ERP Client, you and other key decision-makers can all be kept in the loop. Communication is integral to surviving large commercial property loss and SERVPRO has the tools to accomplish transparent communication with you.

More Than Just Surviving Large Loss

Commercial large loss is overwhelming, but with SERVPRO as your strategic large loss partner, you have pre-planning resources to avoid or minimize damage, in-loss response and resources, and our expert coaching and support along the way. Many business owners have been enriched by the relationship with SERVPRO during a large loss and emerge with renewed business vigor and success. Don’t just survive large loss - thrive!

Prepare to Survive and Thrive!

We sincerely hope that you never experience a commercial large loss but unfortunately, it’s not usually “if”, it’s “when”. Prepare to survive, prepare to thrive with SERVPRO by securing your Emergency Ready Profile. Give us a call or contact us today to get started.

Smoke Damage and Your Company: Talking to Your Insurance

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Tips To Keep In Mind When Talking To Your Insurance Agent

If your Cookeville, TN, business has been through a fire, it may contain some smoke damage. In many cases you may believe that your insurance policy should cover this. However, the process of filing a claim can seem tricky. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when talking to your insurance agent.

1. Create Records of the Damage

Before your insurance agent arrives on the scene you can begin documenting any fire or soot damage you may find. You will want to date everything and note locations and type of damage, the estimated value of the original item, and when possible take photographs. This will help your agent begin the claim process when they arrive.

2. Know What Your Policy Contains

It is also your responsibility to know what your insurance policy contains before any smoke damage occurs. This way you can know what is covered and what is not, and purchase any additional policies you may desire to fill in any coverage gaps.

3. Call a Professional for Help

In many cases your insurance agent may have a professional restoration service they recommend to help with any repair and smoke cleaning. These services already have the tools and knowledge needed to safely restore the property to working condition. They may also have tools in place that can help your insurance agent check up-to-date information, as well as streamline parts of the claim filing process.

When discussing your claim with your insurance agent, it's important to have documented everything. You may even want to include photographs where possible. You should also know what your policy contains as well as any additional insurance coverage you may have purchased for your company. This may include smoke damage as well as damages caused by the fire itself. It's also a good idea to ask your agent if they recommend a professional service, as some of these already have tools in place to help make the documentation and claim filing easier.

Dealing With Leaky Pipes at Your Commercial Property

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to running your commercial building in the Upper Cumberland, you probably know that time is money. Being forced to close in order to orchestrate a pipe burst cleanup isn't ideal for your business. It's a good idea to have a plan in place to make the process as efficient as possible.

Spot Sources of Water Damage

If your commercial real estate is old or hasn't been properly maintained, your plumbing might not be in the best shape. Something like your supply line leaking or a sewer backup can cause serious water damage. Water damage can compromise the structural safety of the building. There are common signs to keep an eye out for, including:

• Pooling water in the kitchen or bathroom areas
• Consistent dripping from a particular spot in your ceiling
• Overflowing toilets
• Backed up drains
  
  

Mitigate Water Damage

If you find evidence of potential water damage, it's best to turn off your water completely. Clean up what you can and call in the professionals, to avoid causing further damage. Certified commercial water restoration technicians follow strict protocols to ensure the area is properly cleaned, dried and restored- especially when it comes to a pipe burst cleanup. They also know how to specifically handle upholstery and odor control.

Prevent Water Damage

To keep another big water cleanup from happening again, you may want to organize a maintenance schedule for all of your water-related systems. That way you can catch issues early and replace what you need to before the mess. You don't need to keep track of all of this yourself, there are plenty of companies out there that provide support for commercial buildings.

Managing commercial property can be a lot of work, especially when encountering seemingly inevitable obstacles like a pipe burst cleanup. If you know what to look for and have a plan prepared, you can make it easier for your future self.

Prepare Your Business for a Fire

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Running a business in Cookeville, TN, can be difficult enough, not to mention the potential issues you may run into that don't even involve your day-to-day business transactions. Thousands of businesses in the U.S., both small and large, have been destroyed by fires. Unfortunately, fire safety isn't a top priority for many business owners, so they're not prepared when an incident occurs. Not only can this threaten the lives of their employees, but it also increases the chances of the business becoming a complete loss. Here are a few ways you can create a contingency plan for your business to avoid a devastation like this.

3 Steps To Prepare for a Fire

1. Invest in Fire Insurance

Most businesses don't have the finances to make a comeback after a serious fire, because losses often include the building (walls, flooring, roofing, etc.), inventory, important documents and equipment. Luckily, many business insurance plans include fire coverage. Take a close look at your policy to make sure fire coverage is included. If it's not, it may be worth paying extra for it.

1. Install Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Systems

Fire damage can be significantly decreased with proper alarm systems. Find one that will immediately notify authorities of the emergency so firefighters can put out the fire before it spreads. Automatic sprinkler systems can be a good investment to help slow down a fire until help arrives.

1. Create an Employee Evacuation Plan

Without proper planning and organization, chaos can quickly ensue during an emergency, putting many people in danger. Create an evacuation plan so your employees know where to go (and where not to go) when they hear the fire alarm. Practice it twice a year and revise it as necessary.

It's still possible to be impacted by a fire, even with a solid contingency plan in place. In these cases, look for a reputable fire restoration company in your area to help get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

The Process of Drying Important Documents After a Flood

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

When your business in Cookeville, TN, experiences flooding, it is likely to affect more than the floors and the furniture. Many of your important documents may also be damaged. If you have wet documents as the result of a flood at your company, a document restoration company can help you salvage them. This process has four or five steps, depending on the type of documents being restored.

1. Drying

The first thing restoration specialists have to do is remove the excess water. Document drying can be performed with a variety of methods, but one of the most effective ways to dry important documents, books or photographs is freeze-drying. Freezing the documents halts deterioration and allows documents to maintain their basic structure by solidifying them.

2. Sterilizing

Wet documents are often breeding grounds for bacteria after a flood. Many restoration companies use gamma irradiation to penetrate the fibers of documents and kill any microorganisms that are embedded within without the use of chemicals or heat.

3. Deodorizing

Another benefit of gamma irradiation is that it deodorizes your important papers that have been affected by potentially smelly floodwaters. If you must keep the paper itself, you want a process that removes any trace of musty odor.

4. Digitizing

A flood often changes the way businesses keep records. One way to safeguard your documents from future flooding incidents is to digitize and back up your important data. Recovered documents can be digitized, which helps you maximize your protection and also saves storage space.

5. Re-jacketing

For items that cannot be fully digitized, such as books, restoration experts in Cookeville, TN, may be able to replace the book jacket. This process can help you save the book even if the cover is not salvageable.

Floods can cause a great deal of devastation, but that does not mean that all is lost. Restoration professionals may have the tools you need to recover wet documents so that you don't lose important information.

Call us at 931.528.9292 for more information!

Restoring Your Cookeville Commercial Property After Water Damage

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

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

5 Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Holes, cracks, or other injuries to your roof can allow water into your building

5 Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

From faulty fire sprinklers to a broken pipe, there are many ways unwanted water can enter your commercial space in Monterey, TN. When it comes to preventing excess water, knowledge is power. Here are five of the most common causes of commercial water damage.

1. Malfunctioning Fire Sprinklers

Sprinklers are a must-have for maximum fire safety. If they malfunction, however, they can shower your commercial property with unwanted water. Routine checkups can prevent your sprinkler system from activating when you don't want it to.

2. Roof Damage

Holes, cracks, or other injuries to your roof can allow water into your building. Just like your sprinkler system, the best way to prevent roof problems is to perform regular inspections and repair small issues before they become big ones. If your building has gutters, keeping them clean can prevent water problems too.

3. Broken Pipes

Your building likely relies on a large network of pipes to deliver water to wherever you need it. Lots of pipes means lots of opportunities for something to go wrong, whether that's a poorly installed joint or a broken pipe. When a pipe bursts, it can cause considerable flooding in your building, so be sure to protect your pipes against freezing by insulating them or, when temperatures drop extremely low, leaving a small stream of water running.

4. Toilet Overflow

A backed-up sewer line can cause myriad problems for your commercial space. In addition to water damage, an overflowing toilet can also unleash contaminated water into your building. When that happens, it's best to leave cleanup and water repair to an experienced water damage restoration company

5. Water Heater Damage

Over time, your building's water heater may start to show its age. If your water heater loses its seal, cracks, or otherwise malfunctions, it can cause water damage. Regular maintenance and flushing of your water heater can prolong the life of your unit.
When you maintain a commercial building, the potential for water damage is always on your radar. While it's virtually impossible to prevent every broken pipe or overflowing toilet, with consistent inspections and maintenance, you can reduce the likelihood of water damage to your property.

Smoke Damage and Your Company: Talking to Your Insurance

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Call a professional for help

Tips To Keep In Mind When Talking To Your Insurance Agent

If your Cookeville, TN, business has been through a fire, it may contain some smoke damage. In many cases you may believe that your insurance policy should cover this. However, the process of filing a claim can seem tricky. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when talking to your insurance agent.

1. Create Records of the Damage

Before your insurance agent arrives on the scene you can begin documenting any fire or soot damage you may find. You will want to date everything and note locations and type of damage, the estimated value of the original item, and when possible take photographs. This will help your agent begin the claim process when they arrive.

2. Know What Your Policy Contains

It is also your responsibility to know what your insurance policy contains before any smoke damage occurs. This way you can know what is covered and what is not, and purchase any additional policies you may desire to fill in any coverage gaps.

3. Call a Professional for Help

In many cases your insurance agent may have a professional restoration service they recommend to help with any repair and smoke cleaning. These services already have the tools and knowledge needed to safely restore the property to working condition. They may also have tools in place that can help your insurance agent check up-to-date information, as well as streamline parts of the claim filing process.
When discussing your claim with your insurance agent, it's important to have documented everything. You may even want to include photographs where possible. You should also know what your policy contains as well as any additional insurance coverage you may have purchased for your company. This may include smoke damage as well as damages caused by the fire itself. It's also a good idea to ask your agent if they recommend a professional service, as some of these already have tools in place to help make the documentation and claim filing easier.

Dealing With Leaky Pipes at Your Commercial Property

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage cleanup in Woodbury,TN

When it comes to running your commercial building in Woodbury, TN, you probably know that time is money. Being forced to close in order to orchestrate a pipe burst cleanup isn't ideal for your business. It's a good idea to have a plan in place to make the process as efficient as possible.

Spot Sources of Water Damage

If your commercial real estate is old or hasn't been properly maintained, your plumbing might not be in the best shape. Something like your supply line leaking or a sewer backup can cause serious water damage. Water damage can compromise the structural safety of the building. There are common signs to keep an eye out for, including:

• Pooling water in the kitchen or bathroom areas
  
• Consistent dripping from a particular spot in your ceiling
  
• Overflowing toilets
  
• Backed up drains
  
  

Mitigate Water Damage

If you find evidence of potential water damage, it's best to turn off your water completely. Clean up what you can and call in the professionals, to avoid causing further damage. Certified commercial water restoration technicians follow strict protocols to ensure the area is properly cleaned, dried and restored- especially when it comes to a pipe burst cleanup. They also know how to specifically handle upholstery and odor control.

Prevent Water Damage

To keep another big water cleanup from happening again, you may want to organize a maintenance schedule for all of your water-related systems. That way you can catch issues early and replace what you need to before the mess. You don't need to keep track of all of this yourself, there are plenty of companies out there that provide support for commercial buildings.

Managing commercial property can be a lot of work, especially when encountering seemingly inevitable obstacles like a pipe burst cleanup. If you know what to look for and have a plan prepared, you can make it easier for your future self.

Prepare Your Business for a Fire

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Prepare your Business for a Fire by having an evacuation plan.

Running a business in Cookeville, TN, is difficult enough, not to mention the potential issues you may run into that don't even involve your day-to-day business transactions. Thousands of businesses in the U.S., both small and large, have been destroyed by fires. Unfortunately, fire safety isn't a top priority for many business owners, so they're not prepared when an incident occurs. Not only can this threaten the lives of their employees, but it also increases the chances of the business becoming a complete loss. Here are a few ways you can create a contingency plan for your business to avoid a devastation like this.

3 Steps To Prepare for a Fire

1. Invest in Fire Insurance

Most businesses don't have the finances to make a comeback after a serious fire, because losses often include the building (walls, flooring, roofing, etc.), inventory, important documents and equipment. Luckily, many business insurance plans include fire coverage. Take a close look at your policy to make sure fire coverage is included. If it's not, it may be worth paying extra for it.

2. Install Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Systems

Fire damage can be significantly decreased with proper alarm systems. Find one that will immediately notify authorities of the emergency so firefighters can put out the fire before it spreads. Automatic sprinkler systems can be a good investment to help slow down a fire until help arrives.

3. Create an Employee Evacuation Plan

Without proper planning and organization, chaos can quickly ensue during an emergency, putting many people in danger. Create an evacuation plan so your employees know where to go (and where not to go) when they hear the fire alarm. Practice it twice a year and revise it as necessary.

It's still possible to be impacted by a fire, even with a solid contingency plan in place. In these cases, look for a reputable fire restoration company in your area to help get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

What If This Is Your Business?

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

Would you be ready?

As many as 50% of businesses never reopen after a disaster. In case you misread that, FIFTY PERCENT of businesses never reopen. In just two years’ time, over 50 % of businesses experienced an unforeseen interruption, and the vast majority (81%) of these interruptions caused the business to be closed one or more days. An estimated 95% of disasters are man-made or internal, such as fire or internal flooding.

Now that the statistics are out of the way, what can you do about it?

I'm sure your business has evacuation plans and basic emergency plans:

• Do you know where they are?
• Do all of your employees know where the gas shut off is?
• Would you have access to all of your primary contact numbers should the office catch on fire?

SERVPRO of Cookeville / Carthage / Smithville / Woodbury provides free Emergency Ready Profiles for all commercial properties. These ERP's provide facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. It is a startup approach that provides critical information needed to begin mitigation and emergency services, saving you time and money. All of this in one folder for easy access.

But wait! There's more! (You better have said that in a Billy Mays voice.) Once all of your facility's information has been captured, SERVPRO of Cookeville will provide you with a digital copy via our mobile app. The app is password secured, but has the abilty of profile sharing should you want to delegate it to some of your team.

So I ask you again, what if this is your business? Would you be part of the 50% that never reopens? Would you know who to call? By working with SERVPRO of Cookeville to develop your personalized EMERGENCY READY PROFILE your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any man-made or natural disaster. SERVPRO of Cookeville / Carthage / Smithville / Woodbury is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Fire Suppression System: Performing a Water Flow Test

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler system is required in commercial properties

Fire Suppression System: Performing a Water Flow Test

A fire sprinkler is a common and often required fire prevention tool in commercial properties. However, it is necessary to test your system at least a couple of times a year and have a full-blown inspection at least once a year. To check your system, follow these four steps.

1. Notify Proper Authorities

If your fire suppression system is connected to a central alarm, then it is necessary to notify the property authorities about your test. While it may not be apparent, a test of your system will notify the authorities, and it will not come through as a false alarm. Reach out to your alarm provider and your local fire department to ensure that they do not respond to the test alarm.

2. Open the Test Valve

Every fire sprinkler system will have an inspector’s test valve. To test the water flow within the system, you merely turn the valve so that it is in line with the water pipe. This will pressurize the system, creating a controlled alarm without dousing your property with water.

3. Wait For Alarm To Sound and Confirm

Once the valve is open, you will need to wait about 60 seconds, at which point the alarm will sound. When the alarm sounds, call your alarm provider to ensure that the signal was received.

4. Close the Valve and Notify Authorities

Once you have confirmed that the alarm is operating correctly, you can slowly close the valve. After the valve is shut and the signal is off, call the fire department and your alarm company to let them know the test is finished.

Additionally, once everything is off, walk your property and check for any leaks that may have occurred during the test. If you find leaks, you can call a fire remediation specialist in the Cookeville, TN, area for not only the fire sprinkler cleanup but also to replace any damaged lines.

A fire sprinkler system is a lifesaving piece of equipment. Performing water flow tests and scheduling annual inspections will ensure the functionality of your system for years to come.

How Smart Business Owners Prepare for Emergencies

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Evacuation procedure, including escape routes in Carthage,TN

If you are like most business owners in Carthage, TN, you want to do what you can to protect your business from catastrophe. Of course, safeguarding your building and other physical assets is only part of the equation. You also must take steps to ensure your employees and customers are safe during an emergency. By taking your routine fire drill to the next level, you increase your odds of avoiding disaster.

Develop an Emergency Action Plan

Business owners have a duty to protect their employees and customers from injury. Before planning your drill, you must draft an action plan. To comply with OSHA regulations, business action plans must include at least the following components:

• A procedure for reporting emergencies
• An evacuation procedure, including escape routes
• A description for continuing essential operations
• A method for accounting for employees during the situation
• An assignment of rescue and medical duties for designated employees
• A detailed list of contact personnel inside and outside the organization

Hold Periodic Drills
Your organization’s action plan is only good if your employees know how to implement it. The best way to train your employees is to hold a fire drill. During the drill, encourage employees to follow the action plan completely. You may also want to collaborate with emergency responders to make the drill as realistic as possible. Remember, planned drills are usually not as good as surprise one.

Evaluate the Success of Your Action Plan
After you complete a drill, you must have a method for evaluating its success. Ask each department to prepare a report card. Then, look for holes in your action plan. If the plan needs rewriting, do so before your organization’s next drill.

While you can probably use a restoration service to repair your business after a catastrophe, you can’t replace human life. With a complete action plan and a regular fire drill schedule, you can likely boost your odds of keeping everyone in your company safe during a disaster.

Key Steps You Should Complete During Sprinkler System Maintenance

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial water loss in Smithville, TN

Depending on the nature of your Smithville, TN, business, your sprinkler system may be a vital component of your success. Because it’s idle during winter, it’s important to ensure that this system is functioning properly before you restart it at the beginning of the growing season. To accomplish this, you should complete routine irrigation maintenance.

Optimal Performance

An irrigation system evaluation enables you to identify any existing issues that may interfere with optimal performance, such as broken sprinkler heads, clogs and water leaks. It also ensures your system is ready to go when you need it to perform, helping to minimize potentially harmful irrigation delays.

Initial Steps

Before you turn your system’s water on, you may want to remove sprinkler heads. This may help clear debris near valves, reducing the risk of obstructions.

When you’re ready to initiate water flow, increase pressure slowly. If you immediately turn the water on full strength, the intense initial pressure may cause some components to crack or burst.

Maintenance Checklist

Once the water is turned on, you can evaluate how individual components are functioning. To complete an efficient irrigation maintenance review, you should take the following steps:

• Ensure the system has adequate water pressure
• Confirm that each valve has the proper orientation
• Verify the rotation of heads and adjust as needed
• Clean filters, if necessary
• Inspect and clean sensors

It’s also important to check your system’s controller. You may need to reprogram this component to setup automatic watering. You may also need to replace backup batteries.

Avoid Sprinkler Flooding

Every business owner wants their sprinkler system to efficiently perform its duty. Completing annual irrigation maintenance can help minimize the risk of performance issues as well as potentially destructive sprinkler flooding. Flooding can be costly, especially if it flows into your building and necessitates the need for extensive cleanup efforts. In short, an annual irrigation system evaluation helps to ensure optimal performance as well as protect your property and financial interests.

3 Steps for Preparing for Mold Remediation

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

These steps can effectively address mold issues.

There are many misconceptions about mold, making it difficult for property owners to understand how long the process should take and how to budget for the work. For example, many people don't understand that mold exists everywhere. Spores get into buildings through open doors, ventilation systems, and on clothing. Consider the following facts about mold:

• Spores are microscopic and can't be completely removed from a building.
• Moist and mildly humid conditions promote mold growth.
• Mold removal (or remediation) begins by identifying areas of moisture and correcting those issues.
• Black mold, or stachybotrys chartarum, isn't always toxic. However, when you find any type of mold in your building, you should stay away from that area without disturbing the mold.

With these facts in mind, take the following steps when preparing for mold remediation. Many Cookeville, TN, businesses have built these steps into their maintenance protocols to avoid costly repairs in the future.

1. Learn how moisture gets into your buildings. Before you call a mold removal professional, you can begin resolving this problem by finding the source of moisture. This often requires visually inspecting your entire property. If mold has spread throughout your building, the source of the problem may be pretty far from the initial source of moisture. Professionals will also want to inspect the source of trouble to prevent future mold growth.

2. Make a record of the problem. Insurance companies in Cookeville, TN, often require proof of mold before agreeing to pay for remediation. Your written records and photos of the area could also be used by professionals when they plan their remediation efforts. Your records may also be used to determine the extent of the problem.

3. Plan for three to seven days of remediation work. The mold removal process typically includes the same steps:

• Resolving the water problem
• Isolating areas of mold contamination
• Misting contaminated areas to control dust
• Removing and disposing of damaged materials
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying infected areas
• Replacing removed materials

These steps can effectively address mold issues. After the area has been cleared by professionals, you can safely begin using that part of your property again. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcookevillecarthagesmithvillewoodbury.com/.

The Process of Drying Important Documents After a Flood

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Floods can cause a great deal of devastation, but that does not mean that all is lost.

When your business in Cookeville, TN, experiences flooding, it is likely to affect more than the floors and the furniture. Many of your important documents may also be damaged. If you have wet documents as the result of a flood at your company, a document restoration company can help you salvage them. This process has four or five steps, depending on the type of documents being restored.

1. Drying

The first thing restoration specialists have to do is remove the excess water. Document drying can be performed with a variety of methods, but one of the most effective ways to dry important documents, books or photographs is freeze-drying. Freezing the documents halts deterioration and allows documents to maintain their basic structure by solidifying them.

2. Sterilizing

Wet documents are often breeding grounds for bacteria after a flood. Many restoration companies use gamma irradiation to penetrate the fibers of documents and kill any microorganisms that are embedded within without the use of chemicals or heat.

3. Deodorizing

Another benefit of gamma irradiation is that it deodorizes your important papers that have been affected by potentially smelly floodwaters. If you must keep the paper itself, you want a process that removes any trace of musty odor.

4. Digitizing

A flood often changes the way businesses keep records. One way to safeguard your documents from future flooding incidents is to digitize and back up your important data. Recovered documents can be digitized, which helps you maximize your protection and also saves storage space.

5. Re-jacketing

For items that cannot be fully digitized, such as books, restoration experts in Cookeville, TN, may be able to replace the book jacket. This process can help you save the book even if the cover is not salvageable.

Floods can cause a great deal of devastation, but that does not mean that all is lost. Restoration professionals may have the tools you need to recover wet documents so that you don't lose important information. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcookevillecarthagesmithvillewoodbury.com/.

Restoring Your Cookeville Commercial Property After a Water Damage

9/13/2016 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

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