Commercial Catastrophes

10/31/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Mandarin can assist in the Clean-up of Commercial Properties that have Incurred a Catastrophic Loss.

Bad things can happen to good people, and if your commercial property has suffered a catastrophic loss due to fire, storms, mold, or water damage, you need to repair the damage and get on with your business. The best way to handle that is to engage a professional loss restoration company.

Fire Damage

When a fire occurs, there’s damage from the flames, heat, smoke, and soot. In addition, your facility may have incurred significant damage from the water or other chemicals used by the firefighters to put out the fire. To clean up after a fire, you need a professional mediation company that will perform any or all of the following:

• Board up windows and doors
• Set up air filtration equipment
• Clean soot out of air ducts
• Remove damaged items
• Clean damaged items that are to be maintained
• Clean upholstery and carpet
• Deodorize to remove the smoky smell

Flood, Water, or Severe Storm Damage

When you experience a flood, other water damage, or a severe storm, any or all of the following services may need to be performed:

• Extraction of standing water
• Cleaning of damaged furnishings
• Decontamination of building contents
• Drying out all of the areas affected

Mold Remediation

When you have excess moisture in your facility due to flooding, rain, plumbing problems, or any other source, mold can begin to develop. If this happens, it needs to be dealt with promptly to protect your building, your equipment, and your people. The process of removing dangerous mold includes the following:

• Assessment of the severity of the problem
• Set up of air filtration equipment
• Treatment and removal of the mold from affected areas
• Cleaning the mold from air ducts, HVAC systems, and electronics
• Monitor moisture levels to discourage any further mold growth

Who to Call

If your business has suffered any of these calamities, SERVPRO of Mandarin can help you recover from the damage, mitigate the ongoing effects, and get your business back up and running. We maintain a staff of highly trained, IICRC Certified technicians who have the experience and know-how to mitigate your losses quickly and effectively. We have teams that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be able to respond to your emergency. As part of a national network of over 2000 franchises with special disaster recovery teams, we have access to additional manpower and equipment. In the case of a community-wide disaster, we have the capabilities to handle whatever comes our way.

For additional information about the services we offer, visit our website or call us at 904-636-0044.

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

If your Northeast Florida business has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help!

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

When it comes to water damage, it’s important to know all the ways it can occur, because this type of damage can pose a serious challenge to your business. Here are the top causes of commercial water damage. 

Roofing Issues

As with residential buildings, the roofing of commercial buildings needs to be properly maintained and routinely inspected for damage. Even small leaks can eventually lead to ceiling damage, then secondary damage throughout the building. Some roofs are imperfectly built, leading to problems right away. Older buildings may be missing shingles and/or need the roof to be replaced due to normal wear and tear over many years. Gutters and downspouts can be a problem if not kept clear and clean, leading to water pooling on the roof and eroding roofing material. If you see leaks or other roof and ceiling issues, contact professional help before the problem spreads to other parts of the building. 

Weather Events

Hurricanes and tropical storms are an obvious cause of commercial water damage to businesses near coasts, but tornadoes can also lead to water damage by damaging roofs and windows.

Windows and Waterproofing

Besides the roof, the four walls of your building can be penetrated by water if not properly maintained. Seals and weather stripping around windows and doors should be routinely inspected, and replaced if not effective. 

Pipe and Sprinkler Problems

A well-maintained and modern sprinkler system is an important safeguard against fire damage, but if any part of the system is faulty, substantial water damage can occur. This is true as well for the rest of the pipes in your commercial building, which should all be occasionally inspected. Look for leaks and have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damages. Besides pipes, sinks and toilets can leak as well. Make sure there is always someone present or on call who knows how to turn off the main water supply line to the property in case of a water damage emergency.

HVAC Issues

Your HVAC system not only maintains a comfortable temperature in your commercial building, it is also important for removing humidity. The intake vents pull air from the interior of the building and run them through cooling coils, which removes heat and moisture from the air. A faulty HVAC unit or clogged vents and/or ducts will impede this process. Excess humidity can lead to mold. Commercial buildings in climates that are especially humid may require a special separate dehumidifier unit. 

If your northeast Florida business has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of Mandarin. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your North Florida home and get everything back to like-new condition. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 638-2495.

Facts About Commercial Water Damage

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your office building has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help.

Facts About Commercial Water Damage

As a business owner, your building is most likely your greatest asset. Water damage to your property can be disastrous to deal with. Not only are you handling water damage restoration, but you are also most likely to lose business while restoring the building back to a usable state. Let’s look at some facts that can help you prevent water damage or properly restore your property if damage has already occurred.

• Maintenance is often key to preventing water damage. Sometimes, water damage is caused by plumbing leaks or appliance malfunctions. Another major source of water damage is a leaking roof, which can happen even to a new roof if a storm strikes. Keeping up with repairs and maintenance can prevent little problems from becoming major issues. Having the building inspected regularly, performing preventative maintenance, and quickly handling any plumbing or roof repair can keep your property from requiring costly and extensive work.
• Insurance doesn’t always cover water damage. If it’s determined that the water intrusion is due to normal wear and tear or a maintenance issue, the insurance company will often reject the claim. Additionally, some other sources of water damage are not covered under a typical policy. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, for instance, you may need to purchase supplemental flood insurance. Whenever you discover water damage, contacting your insurance company should be among your first steps.
• All water is not the same, and neither is all water damage. Water contamination is categorized into three types: white, gray, or black water. For each of these types of water, there’s a certain protocol for safety and cleaning procedures. When you call in a professional water damage repair and restoration team, you can be confident that they know the correct process for whichever type of water is causing your problem. Further, the cleanup needs to be done by someone who understands how to get water out of different types of material. While hard surfaces are typically salvageable, many other materials, like ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, and carpet, will probably need to be discarded and replaced.
• Time is of the essence. The longer water sits, the more damage it can do. Moisture can not only damage the property you see, but it can also seep into unexpected places and cause problems like mold and structural issues. That’s why it’s crucial for water extraction to occur immediately, to rid your property of even the hidden water and moisture. This extraction, along with water damage restoration is typically best handled by professionals who know exactly what needs to be done to protect your property from further harm.

If your building has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore North Florida area commercial property and get everything back to normal. We’ve served our community for more than 40 years, and we’re experts in water damage repair and restoration. Call (904) 638-2495.

Top Office Building Fire Risks

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you have suffered through a fire in your North Florida office building, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help with fire restoration.

Are you aware that a structure fire occurs every 63 seconds in the United States? Do you believe you are doing everything you can to promote fire safety in the workplace? Here are some helpful fire safety tips.

First, here’s a list of some common fire hazards you might encounter in the office:

• Flammable Materials: Paper and cardboard are common in just about every office. Unfortunately, they’re also extremely flammable. Keep these materials safely stored in an easy to access area away from the main office area. Get rid of unnecessary documents and trash to keep things from becoming cluttered.
• Combustible Materials: Safely storing combustible and flammable liquids and vapors is vital to the safety of your office building. A flammable liquid can burst into flames with a single spark, and vapors can cause an explosion, so be sure that your substances are contained securely. Flammable liquids must be completely sealed and kept in a dry, secure place.
• Dust and Debris: If your building isn’t well ventilated or properly clean, the dust and debris can create a fire hazard. If you use machinery that heats up, make sure it’s scrupulously clean. Grease and dust residue can result in a fire if you’re not careful.
• Overused Power Sockets: Extension cords should be used temporarily, if at all, and you should make a rule to plug in one item per socket. Overloaded power sockets can overheat and potentially start a fire.
• Unattended Electrical Equipment: Shut off and unplug electrical heaters and appliances when they’re not in use, and never leave things on overnight. Check for loose cables, broken plugs, or damaged electrical cords, and keep areas around electrical devices clear of paper.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the primary causes of office fires, so designate a smoking area far away from the building, with ashtrays and bins for proper cigarette disposal.
• Negligence: Make sure everyone in the building cleans up messes, doesn’t leave food unattended in the toaster or on a burner, and understands why negligence is hazardous.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Obstructed exits, faulty safety equipment, and blocked sprinklers can lead to tragedy in case of emergency, so make sure everything is working as it should. Additionally, take the time to teach your staff to use fire extinguishers, what to do in case of an emergency, and where to go if there’s a fire. Having an emergency plan in place and staff members who know how to execute it can save lives.

If your property has sustained fire damage, you don’t have to go it alone. If you have suffered through a fire in your North Florida are office building, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help with fire restoration. Our high-trained restoration technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your North Florida property and get everything back to normal. A trusted leader in the fire damage restoration service industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40  years. Call (904) 638-2495 or contact us through our website.

Preventing Mold in the Office

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

If you happen to discover mold in your Northeast Florida office building, make sure to call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help with mold remediation.

Mold growth is common, especially in the state of Florida. Why? Mold spores can be found everywhere, and they begin to grow when they hit a moist surface with organic material. Do you have an idea of how much organic material is in your office? Sheetrock, fabrics, carpets, wallpaper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, paper, wood, fiberglass insulation, dirt and glue are all examples of organic material. It’s no wonder so many office buildings are plagued with mold. What are some ways you can keep it out of yours?

First, if it’s so common, is mold really a big deal? In a word, yes. Mold can cause health effects and decrease worker productivity. It can also cause damage to your property, if left to grow unchecked. The best way to handle mold is to prevent it from gaining a foothold in your building. There are several measures you can take to lessen the occurrence of mold growth.

The best way to handle mold is to prevent it from gaining a foothold in your building. There are several measures you can take to lessen the occurrence of mold growth.

• Fix any obvious sources of moisture. Roof and plumbing leaks can encourage mold growth, so repair those promptly and dry the area around them. You may need a specialist to help you get the water damage under control.
• Eliminate condensation. While air conditioners can be helpful in filtering out mold spores and reducing mold growth, they can also be a source of condensation if you’re not careful. Condensation happens when humid air hits a cool surface, so if you let outdoor air inside, it will condense on air conditioner surfaces. Keep doors closed, and don’t open windows when the air conditioner is running. If the AC ducts run through an attic or basement, try to keep the air moving so that mold isn’t able to grow.
• Leave the heat on if you’re closing the building for an extended period. People typically remember to drain the pipes to prevent them from freezing while the building is closed. It’s not as common to think about preventing mold growth while your office is not in use.
• Control the building’s relative humidity. The most direct way to make conditions less favorable for mold propagation in a commercial building is to reduce the room’s humidity. Keep the relative humidity below 50 percent, but avoid reducing it under 20 percent, because that can cause the drying up of respiratory passages, leading to severe discomfort.
• If you suspect a problem, have the building tested for mold. An air quality company or an Industrial Hygienist can come and do air sampling to determine the presence and species of mold in your building. Our SERVPRO franchises work with these professionals on a weekly basis and can recommend an Industrial Hygienist or Mold Inspector that not only has advanced degrees in Chemistry and Microbiology but is also a Florida State Licensed General Contractor.

If you happen to discover mold in your Northeast Florida office building, make sure to call SERVPRO of Mandarin for help with mold remediation. Our expert restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Northeast Florida home back to its original condition. A trusted leader in the mold remediation industry, we have served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 636-0044 or contact us through our website.

Preparing Your Business in the Event of an Emergency

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes your Jacksonville business, call SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-0044.

Preparing your Business in the Event of an Emergency

What would you do if there were a few feet of water in your business? What if the roads to your business were blocked or impassable. What if you couldn't get to your employees or they couldn't get to you. Are your files backed up digitally? Can you access important employee, client, financial, or insurance information from the cloud or offsite safely and accurately?

As a business owner or manager, these are some of the questions you should be asking yourself before an emergency happens.

Our local business community is critical to restoring Jacksonville's economy after a disaster. Every business, whether you have 1 employee or 500 employees, should have a business continuity plan. Regular business meetings should touch on your company's plan to stay operational or recover quickly after a disaster. Other topics to be covered could include; how you can be successful remotely, documentation of all your insured items and property, and how you will recover your losses, and/or how long it might take to become profitable again. 

Visit the JaxReady Recovery for Businesses Page and follow the link to see if you might qualify for a Federal Disaster Business Recovery Loan.

The Dangers of Water Intrusion in Your Commercial Building

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

For professional remediation of water intrusion in commercial buildings, contact SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-0044.

Water intrusion may be more severe in commercial buildings than in a residential setting and the effects more extensive. Many commercial structures have larger volume water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines and at a higher water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is greater than a typical residence, as well. Also, commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage than a home, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls, or windows are commensurately greater in number, as well.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers and also building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators, and security equipment. Common long-term consequences of water damage like the growth of toxic mold maybe even more problematic than in a home due to the larger occupancy of a business or other commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health effects may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

• Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
• Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water. Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a biohazard and require the evacuation of the premises.
• Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snowmelt, or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics, and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

Has the Change in Weather Sparked a Need for Spring Cleaning?

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Allow SERVPRO of Mandarin to help with your Spring Cleaning Checklist! We work to ensure what you don't see is clean and performing at its best.

Spring has sprung and with it, a whole host of issues! Over the fall and winter seasons, our homes, lawns, and workplaces typically lie dormant, giving pests, mold, and other issues time to grow. Have you taken the time to check all the potential problem areas for these common issues?

Residential Leak: A slow leaking faucet may have created a wet moldy nightmare behind a wall or under a sink- leading to mold that may or may not be seen, and potential water damage. The danger a hazardous mold problem poses to your home, family, and wallet can be reduced by calling SERVPRO of Mandarin. Our experts can get to the source of the problem quickly without risking the health of your family or home. 

Commercial Leak: Commercial Leaks can cause mayhem when least expected. Burst pipes, thawing, and freezing or rainstorms can contribute to Commercial leaking and flooding. Water damage can cost business owners tens of thousands of dollars in damage as well as pose a serious health risk if not properly contained and cleaned. A sanitation process ensures that your property is safe and healthy to resume operations.

Air Duct Cleaning: Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. We professionally inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe. However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind regarding the health of your system.

Odor Removal: SERVPRO of Mandarin’s experts in deodorization are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from several sources both inside and outside a structure. We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration- Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. A sewage spill or leak is something you should NEVER attempt to contain on your own. We are experts who have specialized training in safe remediation. Don’t risk your health, we have 24/7 Emergency Services to ensure that your home or business is safe and healthy.

While spring cleaning to you may mean get organized and sprucing up the yard, don’t let these other important maintenance opportunities fall off your checklist. Use Spring Cleaning as a time to make sure your home or office is performing at its best! Call SERVPRO of Mandarin to schedule a quick check-up, ensuring what’s behind the walls is just as clean as the space you see every day!

What to Do When Your Office Is In Need of Quick Mold Remediation

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mandarin is here to help your business get back to normal as quickly as possible when mold remediation is needed following water damage!

SERVPRO Mandarin provides you with essential commercial mold remediation services and health conscious techniques.

Whether you operate a single facility or hundreds of commercial properties nationwide, commercial mold damage requires prompt action to reduce exposure to potential health effects and keep your business open and operating. Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information?

SERVPRO of Mandarin technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure a speedy recovery. Our team of experts utilizes technology designed specifically to provide you and your place of business with efficient remediation needed to ensure the health and safety of your staff and clients.

What is mold? Why is it a concern in commercial properties?

Per the EPA, “Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.”

Mold can spread quickly through your business if left untreated. SERVPRO can respond right away, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and restore everything back to its previous condition.

Mold can occur in many places. With even small leaks, moisture and water intrusions can lead to serious issues. Immediate and efficient mitigation is the only way to not lose hours of productivity and thousands of dollars in revenue and property damage.

Why SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra?

 SERVPRO Mandarin is professionally trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Our Process:

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

Step 1: Contact

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our specialist will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

We use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO uses antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also uniquely trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call SERVPRO of Mandarin today at 904-636-0044 for a quote on your commercial mold remediation project.

Visit our website for a full list of our commercial services.

Getting Your Business Back Up and Running

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration not only restores a building. It restores jobs and income to the people employed there, products or services to customers, and a healthy environment for everyone who utilizes the structure. If it’s not done right, or on time, the ultimate result can be the closing of a facility, relocation elsewhere, and severe impact on a private business or public organization’s bottom line. Because the scope of water damage in commercial settings is frequently wider and more extreme than in a residential scenario, water damage remediation specialists with experience specific to commercial buildings are positioned to provide effective emergency service when the need arises.

Here’s a typical protocol utilized in commercial water damage restoration:

• All areas contacted with water are inventoried, including affected building materials and furniture. Any wet carpet must be located and identified.
• Wet ceiling tiles may be removed and discarded after the event. Ceiling tiles usually are not salvageable.
• A moisture meter should be utilized to check for water-damaged drywall. Disinfection and mold control techniques may need to be initiated.
• Wet electrical components are assumed to be hazardous. A qualified maintenance technician or electrician should cut off power to affected areas. Inspection by a building inspector or electrician is required to determine the need to replace wet wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and light fixtures.
• Upholstered furniture wet by floodwater, roof leaks, or sewage should be discarded. Furniture contacted by drinking water can be air-dried if done within 24 hours. Laminate or hardwood furniture can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution and reused; particle board furniture may be discarded.
• Carpet contaminated by sewage must be disposed of. Carpet wet by drinking water or rainwater through roof leaks may have the water extracted and then be sterilized.

Post-Flood Contamination Risks, Look Out for Serious Hazards

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Protective Equipment worn by SERVPRO of Mandarin Professionals Protects our Technicians from the Hazards Associated with Flood and Contaminated Water.

While damage to a building after a flood is a given, flood contamination risks often come as a surprise to occupants of a building affected by the water inundation. There’s more to worry about than just wet carpets, so keep flood contamination risks in mind when contemplating the clean-up of a flooded building.

First, consult with a qualified water damage remediation expert before re-entering a flood-damaged building to make sure other, more lethal threats such as live electricity and potential structural collapse have been mitigated.

Sewage Contamination

Work under the assumption that any water you contact may be raw sewage or tainted by raw sewage.

• Wear protective clothing including, boots, gloves, eye protection, and some sort of approved face mask to protect against respiratory illness.
• Wash your hands frequently while you’re in the home. Don’t eat or drink without thorough washing first.
• Don’t eat any food contacted by water during the flood. If you need water, use bottled water until the safety of the local drinking water has been verified.
• Clean and bandage any minor cuts or scrapes immediately before continuing any clean-up work.

Chemical Contamination

Industrial chemicals that overflow during a flood, pesticides picked up by floodwaters, and gasoline and oil are all common contaminants that pose a threat after floodwaters recede. Local toxic waste disposal sites inundated by a flood may also release dangerous substances into the water.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves, boots, eyewear, and respiratory protection.
• Be alert to any symptoms of exposure to toxic chemicals, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin rashes. Discontinue clean-up work and seek medical help immediately.

For a professional assessment of flood contamination risks and advice on how to protect yourself, contact the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Mandarin – 904-636-0044.

Help... Our Office is Flooded!

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water intrusion may be more severe in commercial buildings than in a residential setting, and the effects can be more extensive. Many commercial structures have larger volumes of water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines and at a higher water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is also greater than a typical residence. Commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage than a home, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls, or windows are commensurately greater in number.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers and also building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators, and security equipment. Common long-term consequences of water damage like mold or microbial growth may be more problematic than in a home, due to the larger occupancy of a business or other commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health effects may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

• Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
• Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water. Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a biohazard and require the evacuation of the premises.
• Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snowmelt, or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics, and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Mandarin immediately at 904-636-0044 if you experience water intrusion in your business.

4 Essential Steps for Disaster Preparation and Recovery

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Teams are Standing by, 904-636-0044.

Natural disasters can be terrifying. Especially if they affect your home or business, and those that depend on you. Although it’s scary to think about, there are a wide variety of different catastrophes that could strike your business, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and more.  If one of these unfortunate events happens, you don’t want to find yourself unprepared! Discover the most important steps to take following a major disaster so you are able to recover quickly and safely.  

1.     Assess the Situation

As soon as the calamity has died down, check yourself and any family members to make sure no one is hurt. If you have any nearby neighbors, see if they are in need of any help. Turn off the gas and electricity in your home if it safe to do so, and avoid entering your home for a while, as there could be damage to your floors or ceilings that could cause them to collapse.

2.     Finding Food and Shelter

If your business no longer has running water, you can obtain it through emergency sources, such as rainwater, your hot water tank, your toilet reservoir, or ice cube trays. Shelters are usually assembled by the American Red Cross in emergency situations for those whose homes are too damaged to stay in; look for one of these if you feel your home or business is dangerous. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as local churches and community services, are also good resources for any needs you might have in these dire situations.

3.     Be Cautious

Disasters always leave a trail of destruction behind; be wary of contaminated floodwaters, fallen power lines, or any criminals taking advantage of all the chaos. Don’t turn the gas back on in your home, as there could be a leak, and make sure your house is ventilated if you’re cooking over your fireplace.

4.     Recovering Important Information

One of the last steps of disaster rehabilitation and recovery is to salvage as many of the important documents from the wreckage, such as your insurance policies, birth certificates, driver’s license, deeds, wills, financial statements, and any other precious information. Although these procedures might be difficult, it will help you and your family recover from this crisis as quickly as possible.

Call SERVPRO of Mandarin with all Your Disaster Rehabilitation Needs!

If a disaster has affected your home, call SERVPRO of Mandarin for all your cleanup needs! Our disaster restoration services are available 24/7, 365 days per year; they include water and flood damage cleanup, mold remediation, odor control, reconstruction services, trauma cleanup, and fire and smoke damage cleanup. Don’t wait another moment if your home has been devastated; call us today at 904-636-0044.

Getting Back to Work, Commercial Water Damage Restoration

3/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mandarin crews work around the clock to clean fire and water damage at this convention center in St. Johns County.

Commercial water damage restoration not only restores a building. It restores jobs and income to the people employed there, products or services to customers, and a healthy environment for everyone who utilizes the structure. If it’s not done right, or on time, the ultimate result can be the closing of a facility, relocation elsewhere, and severe impact to a private business or public organization’s bottom line. Because the scope of water damage in commercial settings is frequently wider and more extreme than in a residential scenario, water damage remediation specialists with experience specific to commercial buildings are positioned to provide effective emergency service when the need arises.

Here’s a typical protocol utilized in commercial water damage restoration:

• All areas contacted with water are inventoried, including affected building materials and furniture. Any wet carpet must be located and identified.
• Wet ceiling tiles may be removed and discarded after the event. Ceiling tiles usually are not salvageable.
• A moisture meter should be utilized to check for water-damaged drywall. Disinfection and mold control techniques may need to be initiated.
• Wet electrical components are assumed to be hazardous. A qualified maintenance technician or electrician should cut off power to affected areas. Inspection by a building inspector or electrician is required to determine the need to replace wet wiring, circuit breakers, outlets and light fixtures.
• Upholstered furniture wet by flood water, roof leaks, or sewage should be discarded. Furniture contacted by drinking water can be air-dried if done within 24 hours. Laminate or hardwood furniture can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution and reused; particle board furniture may be discarded.
• Carpet contaminated by sewage must be disposed. Carpet wet by drinking water or rain water through roof leaks may have water extracted and then be sterilized.

For experienced commercial water damage restoration, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Mandarin at 904-636-0044.

The Science of Drying

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that there is a science behind the drying process?

Having the knowledge of physics metrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to run for the towels and grab a few fans. SERVPRO of Mandarin Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards. If your business suffers from water damage, our Mandarin SERVPRO Professionals will:

Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.

Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.

Speed up mother nature by using professional drying equipment. A wet building will always seek equilibrium an try to dry naturally. When materials are wet moisture will naturally move to drier air. The problem is nature takes too long and secondary damage, like mold can occur while you are waiting for your professional building to dry. We use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven drying process to speed up the drying time in your business.

SERVPRO Commercial Emergency Ready Program

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help insure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Mandarin as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time, and can same you a lot of time and money in the future.

Tile and Grout Cleaning

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is known for our excellent tile and grout cleaning. Running any business can be a very demanding job. Sometimes owners get so caught up in the day-to-day running of the business that they forget about some other very important things, such as a spectacularly clean floor. There are huge benefits to having your tile and ground cleaned. If you have never experienced professional tile and grout cleaning, then you are in for a treat.

•  Benefit #1: The largest benefit to investing in this service, is that it will change the look of your whole business.
•  Benefit #2: The floor will look brand new, and your customers will take notice.
•  Benefit #3: When your tile, and grout is clean, it changes the whole atmosphere of your business.
•  Benefit #4: When you properly clean your tile and grout you show your employees, and customers, how much you care about their safety and health because clean floors means that you properly removed the dirt and buildup from them and made your overall building much healthier.

The floors will be cleaned, and then the grout would be sealed so that the dirt doesn't easily creep back into the grout. It is well worth the investment. Having your floors cleaned is an investment that will pay out over, and over again.

 With proper maintenance, your floors will never get back to the dull, dirty look that they had before the cleaning. With the noticeable change of your tile and grout, the confidence in the way you do business may change forever. Your confidence is not the only thing that will increase, your customer’s confidence will increase also.

 For more information on having your tile, and grout professionally cleaned, please contact us. We would be delighted to help you give your business a new look that you, and your customers will feel great about.

Fire Safety Tips for Your Commercial Business

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it recommends your building have an emergency action plan to protect yourself, employees, and your business during an emergency situation. OSHA suggests the following steps when developing such a plan.

Organize emergency preparedness procedures and share them with your employees.

Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure that all exits are marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.

Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once completed evaluate how well the plan worked. You may need to make improvements.