SERVPRO of St. Charles City Commercial Restoration Services

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Charles City helps with all your commercial restoration service needs.

SERVPRO of St. Charles City offers many different services that we offer for commercial properties. We understand that it is difficult at times to schedule services during business hours, so we can work with you to find a time that best fits you and your company's needs.

If needed we can work in one section at a time in order to keep your business open while we work, or we can attempt to schedule it before or after business hours. 

In addition to our emergency water, fire, and storm clean up services we also offer many other cleaning services. These include, but are not limited to:  

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

FIRE DAMAGE 

The faster SERVPRO of St. Charles City arrives on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results— including lower claim costs.

Within four hours of a loss notification (and usually much earlier), SERVPRO of St. Charles City will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled properly by utilizing the following services:

Structural Cleaning

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO® will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found within the structure.

Contents Cleaning

All the restorable contents in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO can provide wet or dry-cleaning services. Additionally, all other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO of St. Charles City can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items.

Deodorization

SERVPRO of St. Charles City provides specialized services that rid your insured’s home or place of business of offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.  

WATER DAMAGE

If you have recently become a victim of commercial water damage, you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages. There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible and to decrease any health risks when water damage has occurred in a commercial space.

Preparing a Space for Water Damage Restoration

Before you enter your commercial space or any flooded building, you will need to make sure the electrical power to the structure is shut off. You should also be aware that during a flooding event, small animals or reptiles tend to seek shelter inside of buildings. Be prepared to deal with the discovery of wild animals in your space.

Protect yourself from entering any flooded building by wearing an organic vapor respirator. You can purchase these at any local paint and building supply stores. You also want to have rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. The first thing you should do is ventilate the affected areas by opening the windows and placing fans where possible.

Unfortunately, there likely will be items that you need to throw away. Any items that are porous and have absorbed contaminated floodwater cannot be restored. If your commercial space has drywall, mattresses, pillows, box springs, particle board, carpets or carpet pads, these will need to be discarded if they have become saturated. However, there is good news: If you have clothing or household fabrics that can be machine-washed, you may be able to salvage them. Use your washing machine to clean these items with a 10-minute soak at the minimum in hot water with detergent. The soap and normal wash should remove most of the contamination and any staining that is present.

Be aware that your commercial space will need a thorough professional inspection, cleaning and possibly restructuring. Water damaged walls and installations must be removed and repaired, and pockets of saturation should be exposed for drying and sanitizing. Always remember that mold growth could take a few days to appear as it thrives in a moist environment with organic-type materials such as paper or particle board and in temperatures that range between 60 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep good airflow throughout the interior environment, and maintain moderate temperatures to decrease the risk of any mold growth. It is also important that you let your space dry out before any rebuilding occurs.

If you would like more information on any of the services listed above, please call SERVPRO of St. Charles City at (636) 926-0033.

Protect Your Investment from a Mold Lawsuit

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

As a commercial property manager in St. Charles, MO, you have certain responsibilities when it comes to issues of mold in the buildings that you manage.

Mold can be a touchy subject because mold insurance claims tend to be imprecise. Many insurance companies have riders that exclude certain types of mold damage so you must have a secondary insurance plan of some sort.

Here are three reasons why you as a property manager could face a mold damage lawsuit. Understanding the possibilities will help you to ensure that you have the proper coverage. 

1. Property Damage
   If it is discovered that mold has damaged the tenant's property or products, the mold claim will likely be over who is responsible for paying for damages and how much things are worth. One way to avoid this issue is to have the building inspected before you rent it and come to a formal, written agreement with the tenants about who is responsible for what in the event of damaged property.
2. Commercial Fitness
   Commercial buildings don't have to be inhabitable the way residential buildings do, but they do have to allow for the intended business to function. If a tenant feels that the building is no longer fit for its intended use, then lawsuits over mold insurance claims could result.
3. Prevention and Remediation
   Preventing mold growth and remediating existing mold are probably the most common reasons that property managers could find themselves involved in a lawsuit. Mold prevention looks like responding to concerns about leaks and dampness while remediation is about repairing an existing problem.

Especially if you've agreed with your tenant about who is responsible for what aspect of mold remediation and prevention, keeping up your end of the bargain and maintaining good records will help when faced with a legal dispute. When in doubt, hire a professional mold remediation specialist such as SERVPRO of St. Charles to provide an assessment.

It’s important to know what responsibilities you have and how to prepare for them. It is also important to know who to call when disaster strikes. SERVPRO of St. Charles City can respond quickly, 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 remediate it to preloss condition.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today – (636) 926-0033

Commercial Water Damage in St. Charles, MO

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

When you call, we answer the phone - ready to help. Fire and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we.

Whether it’s the aftereffect of a sudden storm, the result of aging pipes, or a leaky roof, water damage can strike your business at any time and have a devastating effect. To properly handle commercial water damage, St. Charles is home to a water restoration company it can trust.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration with Your Business in Mind

At SERVPRO, we know there is never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your business. Every hour your business is closed for restoration means lost revenue and productivity. Therefore, when you have an emergency, we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

We can handle any size job and move quickly so you can get back to business. As a local business, we take great pride in approaching each property as if it were our own and providing the quality restoration you expect.

Trust the Pros

We have staff ready to respond 24/7, 7 days a week. Our goal is to have an experienced technician at your door within four hours of your call. We will perform a full walkthrough and damage assessment. After the assessment, we will put together a plan and we’ll go over each step, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. We can also point out any unsalvageable so you can decide how to proceed and assist on filing your insurance claim. We can also provide mold remediation services, if necessary.

When you call, we answer the phone - ready to help. Fire and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we.

If your business suffers a major loss, call (636) 926-0033.

Do Carpeted Floors Increase the Urgency of Water Cleanup for Your Office?

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Charles City responds quickly to water damage to prevent secondary damages.

Water damage can happen at any time: day or night. Timing can complicate your decision on handling the damage, because it could be right before a busy day, or at the end of the day when the office is heading home. Water damage can take some time to restore, so you may decide to wait until its more convenient.  It is not ideal to wait when it comes to water damage.

Carpet, for example, can absorb water quickly, and when left wet over extended periods, structural damages occur that lead to the disintegration of their layered construction. By waiting, carpeting that could have been restored, may have to be disregarded. Our water damage restoration technicians have experience handling carpets and understand the details of water damage to carpeting.

Carpeting is made of various materials including fibers like nylon, wool, polypropylene, or polyester. The primary backing is made from thermoplastic or latex adhesive, while the secondary backing is made from jute or polypropylene. This layered construction is one of the reasons you should not delay water damage restoration in your office. When exposed to moisture for a prolonged period, the adhesives holding the primary fibers deteriorate, leading to irreversible damage, such as delaminating. Stains and foul odors also develop.

When you call SERVPRO of St. Charles City – we are ready to respond. We offer emergency restoration services 7 days a week, 24 hours a day – even on holidays.

Call us at (636) 926-0033 and we will come up with a plan that minimalizes the impact to your business’s busy schedule.

Dealing with Commercial Fire & Smoke Damage in St. Charles

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Charles City takes pride in assisting commercial property owners to get back in business after fire and smoke damage.

A fire has damaged my commercial property and I need help restoring it to its former state. Who can help me remove all the ash, water, odor, and smoke stains?

After a fire has damaged your commercial property, you need to call a professional to restore it. SERVPRO of St. Charles City is a locally owned and operated company that can handle the restoration of your facility.

After the initial assessment, our technicians can work to maintain the structural integrity of the building. They may also use roof tarps and board up windows or openings. Firefighting efforts often cause water damage from hoses and sprinklers. SERVPRO technicians can extract the water and dry the structure quickly and efficiently depending on the situation.

Our technicians will work to get rid of the soot and dust that has accumulated inside the building. They will also remove items that have been damaged and organize the ones that can be salvaged. Since soot is acidic, it can cause more damage the longer it remains in place. It also can cause a foul odor, which we can help remove during our restoration process.

If reconstruction services are required after the fire, we can help with commercial construction. We are truly your one-stop shop for returning your business to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of St. Charles City takes pride in assisting commercial property owners to get back in business after fire and smoke damage. We respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year throughout the greater St. Charles area, including St. Peters, O’Fallon, Weldon Spring, and Portage Des Sioux.

Call Us Today – (636) 926-0033

10,000 Gallons of Water - A Commercial Water Loss in St. Charles, MO

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your home or business you know who to call: SERVPRO of St. Charles City.

It was a cold day in the St. Charles area on January 20, 2022. The state and most of the country had been in the grips of single digit cold weather for several days.

At 5:05pm on January 20th, SERVPRO of St. Charles City received a call from one of its commercial customers in need of urgent help.

Earlier that day a fire suppression system water line had frozen and broke in the attic of one of their buildings. With devastating force, water poured from the ceiling.

Nearly 80% of the 41,000+SF building was affected by freezing cold water. 

Within 30 minutes of the call SERVPRO of St. Charles City had its initial disaster response team out. 

Working conditions onsite were not favorable. The power was out due to the running water and outdoor temperatures were nearing zero. 

Our crews worked through the night, braving the cold weather and poor conditions. 

They extracted over 10,000 gallons of water from the 30,000sf of drenched building. Crews would end up removing over 5,000sf of soaked drywall and 30,0000sf of wet delaminating carpet and take down 30,000 sf of cubicles and office equipment.

After water extraction and tear out drying equipment was set to stabilize the building and dry all salvageable materials.

Complete drying took a little over a week utilizing 42 dehumidifiers, 124 air movers and 6 air scrubbers. 

After a short period of time under difficult conditions the building is ready for reconstruction and occupancy.  

 When disaster strikes your home or business you know who to call: SERVPRO of St. Charles City. Serving St. Charles, MO, St. Peters, MO, O'Fallon, MO, Weldon Spring, MO and Portage Des Sioux, MO we are locally owned and operated and ready to help. Our business is to put you back in business. 

Make Your St. Charles Business "Ready for whatever happens".

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Set your mind at ease with a SERVPRO® Ready Plan. Call (636) 926-0033 to schedule an assessment.

Water damage can be catastrophic for business owners. One of the best ways to reduce the impact of water damage to your business is to prepare a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile. We know business owners in St. Charles, MO are busy, but our no cost assessment can reduce costs and downtime in the occurrence of a water damage emergency. Reacting without a plan can be even more devastating.

How does it work?

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
  • This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  • It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  • This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
• Establishes SERVPRO of St. Charles City as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  • You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  • This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  • Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens.

As many as 50% of businesses close following a disaster, according to the latest research. We can help make your business "Ready for whatever happens".

We serve all the greater St. Charles, MO area, including St. Peters, O’Fallon, Weldon Spring, and Portage Des Sioux.

Set your mind at ease. Call (636) 926-0033 to schedule an assessment.

Is Category 2 Water Damage Affecting Your Business?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Portage Des Sioux, MO.

It is important to keep your commercial property in Portage Des Sioux, MO, clean and safe for your employees, clients, and customers. One way to do this is to identify and professionally clean up Category 2 water damage when it occurs. Once you've determined that you have unwanted water, a commercial building restoration service can properly locate the source of the leak and perform water pipe repair.

Identify Category 2 Water

Category 2 water, also known as gray water, is water that contains contaminants. While this water may not be as obviously unsanitary as Category 3 (or black) water, it can still make people very ill. Common sources of Category 2 water include the following:

• Broken pipes carrying water from appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers
  
• A leaking toilet
  
• A failed sump pump
  
  

It's important to note that Category 1 water can also turn into Category 2 water if it's ignored and allowed to stagnate or if it travels throughout your property. For example, Category 1 water that starts on the second floor of the building and travels through the walls and floors to the first floor can become Category 2 due to fungal growth.

Work Quickly To Clean Up Damage

It is important to take steps to quickly mitigate damage from Category 2 water. Immediately turn off your main water valve if you notice a leak or burst pipe. Next, soak up as much of the water as you can using disposable, absorbable materials. It is also important to relocate all property and furniture to a clean, dry area. Determine if water pipe repair is necessary and contact a professional company to dry flooded areas.

If left unattended, damage from Category 2 water can make you and your employees sick. Protect your business, your property, and your workforce by knowing how to identify this problem and who to call when it occurs.

4 Things You Need To Know About Partial Loss

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire loss in a Weldon Spring, MO building.

Four Things You Should Know About Partial Loss

Fires don't always ravage commercial buildings in Weldon Spring, MO. Sometimes they cause small amounts of smoke damage rather than burn the structure to the ground. This type of fire loss is often called a partial loss. Even though the damage isn't as severe, your restoration may still be a long process. Here are four things you need to know about partial loss:

1. Recovery may be on the back burner. If other commercial buildings were affected by the fire, your fire restoration may not get scheduled right away. The more damaged structures may get priority over your partial loss.

2. There could be more damage than expected. You have to get an inspection done of your property even if you don't think there's much damage. The inspection will look at your roof, siding, windows, interior walls, plumbing and structure. You may find hidden points of damage in ducts and behind walls. You may have to fix air quality and mold, water, smoke and ash damage too.

3. You may have to replace undamaged items. If part of your roof or siding has been damaged, you may need to replace a larger portion of the materials than expected. To get your building back to a uniform appearance, you may need to redo the entire roof after a partial fire loss.

4. You need to work with a professional. Even though there isn't that much damage to repair, you still need to work with a fire mitigation team familiar with this type of repair work. If you fail to work with a true professional, your cleaning and repair may not be done as well as it should be.

No matter how much fire loss you have after flames break out in your commercial building, you need to take on a complete restoration. Sometimes even the seemingly easy repairs can take more work and time than initially expected.

A Quick Guide to Preventing Home Water Damage

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Charles is here to help you with any water damage in your home!

A Step-by-Step Guide To Preventing Water Damage In Your Home

Water damage is one of the costliest disasters a homeowner can experience. When water floods home basements, bathrooms, or crawl spaces, there is also the potential for personal property damage, mold, and structural integrity issues. You can safeguard your residence against many types of damage caused by water in your home with a few preventative steps.

Plumbing

Although you probably use plumbing each day, you may forget to check your pipes and appliances regularly. Here is some practical advice on preventing plumbing problems in St. Charles, MO.

• Inspect tubs and showers for cracks and caulking issues.
• Check appliances for loose hoses and damaged hose washers.
• Monitor faucet water pressure for a potential broken pipe.
• Know where the water shut-off valve is and make sure it works properly.
• Do a pipe cleanup by removing any buildup. Also, check heating, cooling, and plumbing pipes for cracks or leaks.

Basement

Water seepage often occurs in basement structures, and it is a major issue. Ground water can cause serious damage, but you can prevent most potential water damage by resealing your basement at the first sign of seepage after a heavy rain. Also, consider installing a backwater regulator valve to prevent sewer problems.

Outdoors

Inspecting your roof can prevent unwanted water from leaking into attics and damaging ceilings. If windows are missing caulk, reseal the panes to prevent rain damage. Also, take time to inspect gutters as you clean them of debris, because they can easily allow unwanted water to damage your property.

Assets

At the first sign of flood water in your home, consider calling a specialist in remediation in St. Charles, MO. The cleanup specialists can help protect your possessions by removing the water, drying the area, and setting up a dehumidifier. They can also disinfect the property to prevent mold growth.

Prevention

You may not be able to avoid all damage by water in your home, but you can prevent many potential flooding issues. By taking the preventative steps listed above, you can help safeguard your property from water damage.

Personal Protective Equipment for Safe Mold Remediation

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in Portage Des Sioux, MO.

Mold Remediation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Whether professionals are handling a mold outbreak in Portage Des Sioux, MO, or you hope to tackle the problem yourself, it is crucial that personal protective equipment is used. Cleaning up mold often involves the handling of potentially hazardous substances. Additionally, mold spores are microscopic and could become airborne or transported from one area to another during clean-up. The right equipment could prevent this and protect other areas of the property.

Items of personal protective equipment include:

• Disposable hair covers
• Safety goggles
• Air-purifying respirator
• Tyvek suits or clothing that can be immediately and appropriately laundered
• Disposable gloves
• Disposable shoe covers
  
  

Full Containment

While your property is in the process of remediation, containment is necessary to protect unaffected areas from new mold growth. There are several containment methods approved by the EPA, both full and limited. Full containment may occur when contamination of an entire building requires that layers of the wall are removed. Appropriate containment prevents the transfer of mold colonies into areas of the building that have already been treated.

Limited Containment

Limited containment could simply require a sheet of 6-mil fire-retardant polyethylene with a slit entry and flap. This sheeting may be held in place by duct tape. In many cases, containment also involves sealing off doors, pipe chases, and air vents to keep mold away from other areas of the property. Remediation experts have access to these materials and others used for containment.

Air Purification

Some air purifiers can be used to remove mold spores or at least remove odors that are caused by mold. If this method of controlling mold contamination is used to protect your Portage Des Sioux, MO, building, it's best to choose a filter that uses approved technology and is in compliance with established standards. Remember that these purifiers don't provide mold remediation; instead, they are a tool for prevention.

Preparing Your Business for a Flood

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Have a continuity plan

The Following Steps Can Help You During an Emergency

Prevention

If your office is located in an area of Weldon Spring, MO, where floods are more common, you should take steps to minimize flood damage. You can't stop heavy rains from coming down and overflowing nearby waterways. However, you can do some of the following:

• Make sure all pipes are free of cracks and leaks.
• Make sure rain gutters and downspouts send water away from the building.
• Install backflow valves in the sewage system.
  
  

What To Do About Data

Your business has sensitive information on servers, external drives, and computers. Flooding can cause irreversible damage to electronics. If you have not backed up financial data, important files, personnel records, databases, and other critical information, now is the time to do so. Use cloud-based sites to store all your digital information. For paper records, scan in files and secure them on online storage sites.

Have a Continuity Plan

If flood issues such as black water make it difficult or impossible to conduct business from your building, you need to have something in place where you can continue running your operations. Ceasing your business until professional cleanup crews make your building safe could cost your customers and production. Make it possible for people to work remotely during the restoration process. Have a satellite office where you can manage the affairs of the company.
Implement these strategies today so if flooding does occur in your building, you'll know how to act. These steps can help you during an emergency.

How To Clean Electronics After Smoke Damage

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage in Weldon Spring, MO.

When you have an electrical fire at your business, you might think that cleaning up burned items is the end of it. Unfortunately, this is not true. Smoke can be worse than fire when it comes to your electronics.

Types of Smoke Damage

There are three basic types of smoke damage. These are:

Soot - This acidic substance coats the outside and inside of most electronics. It can shorten the life of your wiring considerably.
Magnetics - Smoke carries a mild electrical charge. This charge can short any electronics that are on during the fire.
Film - Smoke leaves behind a black film on everything that it gets near. This can cause your electronics to overheat if you turn them on before cleaning them.

Each of these types can cost you thousands of dollars if you do not properly clean your electronics after a fire, even if they look undamaged at first.

When To Call In Professionals
Cleaning electronics often requires taking them apart and cleaning individual wires and components. If you are not comfortable doing this, call in a professional cleanup company in Weldon Spring, MO. They might even perform this service as part of an overall electrical fire cleaning.

What You Can Do
Although it is not recommended that you clean major appliances, television sets or electrical panels, there are some things that you can do to make it easier for the professionals. The first thing you do unplug everything. This will allow any residual charge inside the item to dissipate. Small items can be taken apart and wiped down but larger more expensive items require a bit more.
For computer cleanup, take off the case and inspect the inside. If you are comfortable, remove the hard drive and take the data off it by hooking it to an undamaged system. If you are not, a computer expert can help you with this. Be sure to tell them the computer was damaged in a fire.
An electrical fire, like any fire, can be dealt with. All you need to do is make sure that your electronics are properly cleaned and serviced to get them back in working order.

3 Tips for Avoiding Mold Growth in Your Restaurant's Kitchen

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your food mold-free

3 Tips for Avoiding Mold Growth in Your Restaurant's Kitchen

Running a restaurant in Weldon Spring, MO, can be incredibly enjoyable, but there are some issues you might encounter. One to watch out for is mold growth in the kitchen, which is essential to avoid if you're selling food. If you're wondering how to prevent this, here are three tips for avoiding mold in your restaurant kitchen.

1. Watch Your Food
One of the main ways a restaurant can attract mold growth is through its food. If your food is damp and unprotected, it could begin to get fungal spores. This can eventually result in rotten supplies, so keeping a sharp eye on your ingredients is essential. If you do find fungus, throw out everything that has it. Although it may be tempting, don't save supplies by cutting away the moldy area. Here are some tips for keeping your food mold-free:

• Get fresh supplies regularly
• Keep storage areas clean
• Inspect items that were near the mold
• Focus on your fruits and vegetables
  

2. Avoid Humidity
Humidity is an almost sure creator of mold, so avoiding it is crucial. This is especially important if you live in a climate with high humidity or your store is outdoors. If you can get your levels between thirty and fifty percent indoors, you'll be fine. Otherwise, you might want to invest in some dehumidifiers.

3. Use Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial to reducing humidity. Essentially, it keeps humid air from remaining in place. It also prevents water damage from the accumulation of moisture. Therefore, you'll want to be sure that you have the right ventilation for your space. Even if you want to save money, don't get a small system if you have a large kitchen. Avoiding mold is worth the investment.
If you stay vigilant, you can protect yourself against major mold growth in your restaurant's kitchen. In the event that you find some, a mold remediation company can get rid of it.

Questions About the Cost of Fire and Smoke Remediation

1/3/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage

Questions About the Cost of Fire and Smoke Remediation

A commercial fire can cause a lot of damage to your business in St. Charles, MO. Not only will you have to deal with fire damage, but you will also have to deal with the damage resulting from extinguishing the flames. Thus, many people wonder how professional remediation companies come up with an estimate and what can impact the cost of restoration.

Does Space Matter?
While most companies do not charge you based on square footage, the size of your business matters. The larger the affected area is, the higher your estimate will be. Here are several other factors that can impact your cost:

• Water damage remediation
• Soot removal
• Burnt material cleanup

Is Smoke Cleanup Extra?
The professionals can charge hundreds of dollars extra to clean smoke. This can go higher if the smoke has been sitting for a while.
Does the Method You Use Increase the Price?
Smoke damage can be cleaned up using thermal fogging or ozone treatment. Fogging is great if you need to remove smoke from fabrics. Ozone machines are also great at removing sources of odors. They cost about the same, so the method used should not significantly impact your cost.

Is Cigarette Smoke a Factor?
If the professionals have to deal with cigarette smoke, you are going to pay extra. This type of remediation is typically a few thousand dollars. If you have a smoking section in your business, be prepared to have a very high bill.

Will You Need to Replace Your Suppression System?
You will need to replace your fire suppression system after it activates. This will add a few hundred dollars to your bill. If you have a large business, you could be paying thousands for your sprinklers to be installed.
Restoring your business can cost a lot of money. This is especially true for larger companies. The best way to know if you are getting a fair price is to understand what goes into your estimate. This means reading up on some of the most common questions about remediation services.

What Is A Certified Water Damage Specialist?

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage experts

As a business owner in St. Charles, MO, you can appreciate the value of working with people who are experts in their respective fields. Often, working with an expert will save you time and money by eliminating the guesswork from technicians who have less experience and training. If the need ever arises for water cleanup at your property, it’s a good idea to seek out a certified water damage specialist.

Outstanding Qualifications

IICRC certified specialists in water damage restoration are trained to utilize the latest technology and best practices according to industry standards, and tailor them to your specific location and situation. They must undergo rigorous testing to be certified, and maintain their certification by enrolling in continuing education courses. These specialists are also sought out and employed by companies that value certification and have extremely high standards of quality and service.

Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS)
An additional certification a water damage specialist can receive is as a Commercial Drying Specialist, or CDS. These technicians are trained specifically in the commercial water remediation process, with knowledge of the electrical, mechanical, structural, and chemical components that are unique to commercial properties. Besides the initial water cleanup, the most important step of the process is ensuring everything in the space is thoroughly dry, so there aren’t problems later with mold, mildew, or rot. Having a CDS handle this step will give you peace of mind everything is done properly.

Water Detection Expert
Often the source of the flooding is obvious - a broken pipe, for example - but sometimes it’s less apparent. Certified specialists have extensive experience in knowing what to look for and where to find it. They will use infrared cameras to detect leaks or trapped water hidden behind walls, as well as moisture meters and other equipment to make absolutely sure there is no residual water or moisture after everything has been cleaned up.

If you experience flooding in your commercial space, you must act quickly to avoid loss and costly water damage, so don’t wait. Hiring someone who’s an expert at what they do will help you get back to doing what you do best.

How To Clean Up After a Pipe Bursts

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Portage Des Sioux, MO

Steps To Take After A Pipe Burst In Your Building

Dealing with bursting pipes in Portage Des Sioux, MO, is rarely a task one can predict doing. However, this occurrence is more common than you might think. Therefore, it's helpful to know what steps to take. While waiting for a water damage restoration company, there are a few tasks you can complete so your building stays clean.

Get Rid of the Water
This may seem obvious, but it can't be overstated how damaging water from bursting pipes can be. While you won't be able to remove as much water as a professional company, you can at least start cleaning. These are some helpful items to locate:

• Buckets
  
• Fans
  
• Towels
  
• Pumps
  
  

Using the available buckets, dump out the water with anyone at hand. The quicker the water is disposed of, the quicker your building can be fixed.

Take Away Wet Items
Objects that are already soaked are just going to get in the way. Instead of working around these items, simply remove each one. This will make the drying process easier. Once you have time, assess the damage to your property. Any ruined items should be trashed immediately as mold will begin growing. If you have questions, simply search "water damage" and you'll be able to find more specific information.

Dry Everything
If you still have time, begin drying everything you can. Bursting pipes can cause a great deal of water damage, so negating the possibility of mold is a top priority. If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on immediately. Set up fans all over the building. Lift up the carpet from affected areas to make this process faster. If you have multiple towels and willing volunteers, try to soak up water from the worst spots.
It may seem overly stressful when a pipe burst, but staying calm is important. Keep in mind that "fix broken pipe" doesn't need to be added to your to-do list. Professional companies will help, and your insurance provider can cover the expense. Simply remember these steps if such an incident occurs.

Troubleshooting Commercial Irrigation Sprinklers

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

A broken sprinkler head could cost you thousands in your Wentzville, MO commercial building

Broken sprinklers in a commercial irrigation system are a consistent problem in Wentzville, MO. All systems should be checked for irrigation problems and repaired regularly; otherwise, flooding and property damage can be caused by faulty devices.

Find the Problems

The whole irrigated area should be inspected for bad plumbing. After determining the location of the system’s sprinklers, look for the following:

• Sprinklers that spray incorrectly. Straight up, sideways, or just a trickle – you’ll likely know an abnormal spray when you see it.
• Heads that don’t pop up when the water comes on. These may spray or they may not.
• Puddles. If water is pooling on the property, it is likely that too much water is getting to that spot.
• Visually damaged heads. They can be cracked or even broken off completely.

Sprinkler heads are always at the mercy of the weather, animals and even vehicles. When they are not installed at the right depth, they can sit up higher than they were designed to and become especially vulnerable. Luckily, they are often cheap and can be replaced easily.

Replace Broken or Damaged Pieces

Probably the hardest work involved in replacing a sprinkler head in an irrigation system is making sure to purchase the correct one, which isn’t hard if you take an old one to the hardware store with you. Beyond that, it’s super-simple:

• Dig up the old head. Don’t get your biggest shovel and put all your weight into it. There are other parts that can break down there.
• Twist off the old one. This will detach it from the riser below.
• Twist on the new one. This will attach it to the riser below.

It’s really that easy. Remember that you will be working in a muddy hole, and cleanup may be needed before the new sprinkler head can twist on.

An irrigation system can do great things, but it can also cause property damage. Keeping a close eye on your system is a worthwhile task and usually not very complicated. Regular inspections and inexpensive repairs can often help avoid the need for water damage repair.

Common Types of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

4 of the Most Common Causes of Water Damage

Depending on the size and severity of the damage, something as minor as a broken pipe can cause a lot of problems in your commercial building in Portage Des Sioux, MO. It is important to know what to look out for so that you can perform regular inspections and proper maintenance on items that may lead to leaks or flooding. Here are four of the most common causes of water damage that you might run into.

Broken Pipes

If you are in an older building, your pipes are more likely to have problems. However, weather plays a big factor in this. When temperatures drop, the water inside expands, which can lead to a broken pipe. The best way to prevent this is to keep the water flowing constantly during the winter.

Toilet Overflow

An overflowing toilet is one of the more dangerous types of flooding you can run into. The water is considered unsanitary and contains bacteria and viruses if it comes from the sewer. You can help prevent this from happening by putting waste bins in each of the stalls and putting up signs asking people to properly dispose of feminine products and other trash. If you do find yourself in this situation, you may want to call a professional water repair company to help clean and disinfect the area.

Weather

Severe weather can occur in Portage Des Sioux,MO, so it is a good idea to have your roof inspected before the rainy season. Oftentimes, the leak is so small it goes unnoticed, which can lead to mold growth or other issues. Always check for signs of damage after a storm. Get even the smallest problems fixed right away so that further complications don't arise.
You can usually handle small leaks by yourself, but if you do not feel you are equipped to deal with a broken pipe, you should call a water restoration company in Portage Des Sioux, MO to come help.

How Business Interruption Insurance Helps After a Fire

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Business interruption insurance can help cover your costs during the restoration period

A fire to your O'Fallon, MO, business can cause major damage and disrupt your operations for a significant period of time. Fortunately, business interruption insurance can help cover your costs during the restoration period.

What Does Interruption Insurance Cover?

Every policy is unique, but interruption insurance usually covers regular operating expenses incurred as well as profits lost while your business is not fully operational. Some of the expenses covered include the following:

• Wages
• Taxes

Fixed expenses, such as operating costs and loan payments
Temporary relocation
Other miscellaneous expenses the business incurs in order to remain operational

Many companies close permanently after a business fire due to lost income. The funds received from an interruption policy can help your business stay afloat without losing employees, falling behind on taxes or defaulting on loans. Make sure you maintain adequate records showing income, expenses, and profits for your business and keep these in a safe location, such as cloud storage so that you have access to them when filing a claim. Discuss the details of the policy with your insurance agent to make sure you have enough coverage to see you through a disaster.

How Long Does Coverage Last?
As the name implies, business interruption insurance covers the period of interruption due to a fire or other unforeseen event. Many insurance companies define this period as extending from the day the loss occurred, i.e., the date of the fire, to the day the business has been fully restored and is back to normal operations. This includes the time needed for fire cleaning, purchasing new equipment, etc.
If your company suffers a fire, business interruption insurance can help pay for your expenses while your property is being restored. Even so, it is important to get your business back in its regular building and operating at full capacity as soon as possible. An experienced restoration service can help with this process, giving you more time to focus on taking care of your employees and customers.

How Can I Protect My Business from a Flood?

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure that all of your important computer data is backed up

How Can I Protect My Business from a Flood?

If your business is in a flood-prone area, you have every reason to prepare for the inevitable. Flooding can happen quickly during heavy rain. You can begin making long-term preparations today. Then, when you hear that there’s a flood warning, you can make more immediate preparations. Reduce flood damage as much as possible by following these steps:

1. Protect Valuables
Move any valuable items or electronic equipment to an elevated location. Unplug electronics to avoid electrocution.

2. Protect Important Documents
Keep all important documents in a waterproof location. For more security, scan the documents to make digital copies, then back them up.

3. Backup Computer Data
Make sure that all of your important computer data is backed up in case your computer equipment is damaged. Saving to the cloud is ideal since it’s stored in a secure location. You can also backup to an external hard drive to be kept in a waterproof location.

4. Clean Gutters and Drains
Keep your gutters and storm drains maintained. Doing this can potentially keep your building from flooding or will make the damage less severe if it does.

5. Review Your Insurance Policy
If you’re in a flood-prone area, make sure that you have flood insurance and that your business insurance has the proper amount of coverage. Ask your agent about business interruption coverage to cover lost business revenue and employee salaries should a disaster occur.

6. Stock Emergency Supplies
Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit for any type of emergency. Also, keep a battery-powered radio, plenty of drinking water and non-perishable food, flashlights, blankets, sandbags, and a wet/dry vacuum.

7. Create an Emergency Contact List
Make emergency contact information easily accessible to you and your employees. Include family of employees, your business associates, your insurance agent, and remediation professionals.
It’s important to prepare for potential flooding well before a water incursion occurs at your Weldon Spring, MO, building. However, some flood damage can be unavoidable. Whether your building has suffered a flood of black water or secondary damage such as mold, remediation professionals can return your building to its preloss condition.

Preventing Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in Weldon Spring, MO

Black mold can be a major problem for your Weldon Spring, MO, business. In addition to the potential health effects associated with this type of mold, it can also permanently damage the contents and structure. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent mold growth in many cases.

Where Mold Grows

Knowing where to check for mold is key in catching a problem before it becomes serious. The following are some common locations for mold growth:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Carpet
• Upholstery
• Ductwork
  

Be sure to check these areas routinely for any signs of mold growth, and begin mold cleanup as soon as possible. If you are unable to check the ductwork yourself, you can ask your HVAC technician to perform an inspection.

How To Prevent Mold Growth

All mold types, including black mold, need moisture to grow. Because fungi can survive on many surfaces and grow at a wide range of indoor temperatures, it is important to keep the building dry. Try to keep the indoor humidity below 50%. You may need to use a dehumidifier to accomplish this. Also make sure that all items are fully dry before being put away. If you discover a moisture problem, address it immediately. In addition to keeping your building dry, you can deter mold growth by keeping the mold spores in the area to a minimum. A HEPA air purifier can help with this. Additionally, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can capture more mold spores than can a traditional vacuum. During routine cleanings, make sure to use a cleaner that will kill mold spores before they have a chance to begin growing. Bleach, vinegar and many commercial cleaning solutions can accomplish this.
Even the most conscientious business owner can discover black mold and other fungi in a commercial building. Fortunately, a certified restoration company can help you get your Weldon Spring, MO, business back to normal quickly and safely.

How To Handle Water Damage That Spans Multiple Floors

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage on ceiling

If you have sewer damage from an overflowing toilet in your building in St. Charles, MO, the immediate area may not be the only cause for concern. This is especially true if the restroom in question is not on the ground floor. Sewer water can seep into the floor and wall of the restroom and then work its way down into the ceiling and the walls of the floors below. If the flood is large enough, every lower level can be affected. This changes the cleanup process for sewage remediation experts in several ways, which also changes the rate at which they are able to complete the mitigation.

Assessment

With most sewage problems, the issue is localized in one area of the building. When you have a flooded toilet on an upper level, however, it can spread to a large portion of the floors beneath it:

• Inside walls, including insulation
  
• Through ceilings, including light fixtures
  
• On wall surfaces, including wallpaper or paint treatments
  
  

All of the sewer damage must be found and included in the initial assessment. You want technicians to be as thorough as possible so that you have a realistic itemized list to present to your insurance company.

Removal

The other step that is complicated for the sewage company in a multiple-floor job is the removal of damaged material. Although there may be multiple floors involved, they may have to work on one floor at a time to maintain the structural integrity of the building. They will likely start with the area that has the most damage. Then they can work quickly through the other areas to tear out material before it has the chance to start to grow mold. Once all the affected material is gone in an area, they can start to clean and rebuild the structure.
Sewer damage involves multiple steps to clean up anyway, but the process gets a little more complicated when it spreads to other floors. Calling restoration professionals quickly when you know there's a problem is key to making the process go as smoothly as possible.

How To Prevent a Business Fire

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Have fire extinguishers available in your St. Charles, MO business

Fire Prevention Tips To Follow To Keep Your Business Safe

A business fire in St. Charles, MO, can greatly affect your bottom line. If a fire breaks out in your office building, your employees may not be able to work while the area is being restored. A store fire, meanwhile, can lead to a temporary closing and a loss of customers.
It is not just the fire’s flames that can destroy parts of your commercial building, either. Smoke damage can also occur. Thankfully, there are fire prevention tips you can follow to keep your business and employees safe.

Have Fire Extinguishers Available

A small fire can tear through a building in a hurry. You should thus make sure your building has extinguishers that your employees can use to stop a fire before it spreads. There should be at least one fire extinguisher on every floor, and employees should know where they are.

Install Sprinklers

Automatic sprinklers can prevent severe fire damage to your building. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association states that properly maintained sprinklers are 95% effective.

Unplug Appliances

Unplugging appliances at the end of each business day is a simple fire prevention step you can take. Cloth, paper and other flammable materials should also be kept away from any appliances that may overheat.

Replace and Check Wiring

Electrical wires are a common cause of commercial fires. You should thus frequently check any power cords for broken connectors or fraying. Damaged cords should be replaced immediately.
Placing too many plugs into a single outlet can also lead to fire. Only use one extension cord in each outlet, and don’t go above the maximum suggested wattage when utilizing power strips.
If a fire does occur at your business, a company that provides commercial building restoration services can get your property back to its pre-fire condition as soon as possible. However, by following the above fire prevention suggestions, you can do your part to avoid the need for such services.

How Ice Dams Contribute to Mold Growth

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

Ice dam on a St. Charles, MO building

What Happens to Your Building After a Snow Storm?

During severe weather, your St. Charles, MO, business may be more likely to experience damage to its premises. One thing that can cause a problem is the formation of an ice dam. This seemingly innocent product of melted snow can cause costly damage. Here is what happens to your building after a snow storm.

1. Snow Melts and Forms Ice on the Roof and Gutters

During a snow storm, quite a bit of snow can accumulate on your building’s roof and gutters. Heat from inside of the building or from the weather warming up can cause the snow to melt and then reform as ice. The buildup of ice can prevent the rest of the snow from draining properly as it melts, which can cause damage to your building.

2. Water Leaks Into Your Building

As the snow begins to melt, because the ice dam prevents it from draining, it can begin to trickle down inside of the walls of your building. As this continues, it can cause damage to walls as well as create the right conditions for a fungus, such as black mold, to form.

3. Mold Begins To Form

As the water creates moisture inside of the walls, fungus can begin to grow within the day. After just a short period, you might be left with a big problem that requires professional mold cleanup. The mold will continue to spread as long as the moisture is not removed. If you believe that a growth has formed, you should take action immediately.

Mold spreads very quickly, so the best way to keep your building mold-free is to remove the snow and ice from your building before it causes any damage. If you are unable to do so and an ice dam causes leaking and mold, you should hire a mold remediation service to take care of it as soon as you can.

How to handle a commercial water loss in St. Charles, MO

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a commercial water loss in St. Charles, MO, SERVPRO of St. Charles City is the premier restoration company to help you from start to finish. 

Here is a typical guideline of what will be needed to perform to get your business back to pre loss condition. 

1. Initial Assessment: This can include the initial walkthrough and determine what needs to be done from start to finish. Typically a scope of service will be written.

2. Immediate Emergency Services: SERVPRO of St. Charles City will begin extracting and removing water from the facility. 

3. Drying: SERVPRO will place drying equipment throughout your facility. Each day a member of their team will check on the progress until the structure is dry. 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us at anytime. We are always here to help! 

What to do if you have a fire in your place of business

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a fire in your business, it can create a stressful time for you and your team. Luckily, SERVPRO of St. Charles City is here to help from start to finish. Our goal is to get your property back to pre loss condition as soon as possible. 

The first step is for SERVPRO to perform the initial emergency services. Once all of the water and damaged materials are removed from the fire, SERVPRO can begin the cleaning process. Each fire job can be different, so it is important to follow all guidelines set forth by the IICRC. 

SERVPRO takes great pride in documenting each step of the project so you have accurate records of you job for your insurance company. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us at anytime. 

Can SERVPRO help with a large Commercial Loss

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Can SERVPRO of St. Charles City help with a large commercial loss?

The answer to that question is absolutely yes. SERVPRO has more equipment and manpower than any company in the St. Peters and St. Charles area. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us at anytime.

Every loss can be different, so it is important to make sure that a trained company like SERVPRO assesses each step of the job to make sure the proper steps are taken. 

It is important to make sure that plenty of notes and pictures are taken throughout the project. This can help if there are any issues with your insurance company along the way. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at anytime. 

Who is the best commercial restoration company

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Charles City is the best choice when it comes to choosing a disaster restoration company. If you own a large or small business, SERVPRO understands the importance of keeping your doors open and minimizing downtown in the nature of a catastrophic event. 

Our team is faster than any other restoration company in the St. Charles City region. Our technicians and managers are trained and certified to handle any type of water, fire or mold damage. We pride ourselves in being an educational resource to help your from start to finish. 

Documentation throughout any large project is a priority that we take seriously. We want to make sure that you have the notes and documentation for your records in case you have any issues with your insurance company. 

If you have any questions, call SERVPRO at anytime day or night. 

The Riddle of Water Damage After a Fire

1/12/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage after a fire in St. Charles, MO

Water Damage After a Fire

The flames billow during a fire in St. Charles,MO, and nothing is more welcome that the fire fighting crew with the pressurized water hoses and chemical retardants being sprayed onto the roof of your commercial building. As the flames die down, an inspector can then inform you the building is safe to reenter. That is when you notice the fire damage and water - so much water. How can you begin to deal with all that unexpected water? Try these three steps.

1. Contact a Professional

Fire and smoke restoration professionals can quickly begin work on removing the water from your building once the fire marshal, inspector or deputy allow entrance. By beginning the cleanup process as quickly as possible, future mold and mildew problems can often be alleviated.

2. Look for Water

An average fire hose can supply up to 24 gallons of water a minute when fighting a fire. That means that in 30 minutes, the hose is shooting out enough water to fill an average swimming pool with about 18 inches of water. Along with fire damage, water pressure often breaks windows, tears through doors, and enters ceiling holes. Water may find its way into unexpected places such as inside electronics, under wooden floors, and inside walls. Looking for water damage in hidden places can save time and money.

3. Create Air Flow

After removing as many of the porous items from the water as possible, and once the professional team has removed the majority of the liquid, create a method of air circulation and ventilation. Your fire restoration team may offer industrial blowers, dehumidifiers and air moving fans, but if they do not, it is still important to get the air moving to remove excess moisture from the building. This can help prevent mold and mildew, warping floors, and bulging walls.

Fire damage often includes hundreds of gallons of water. Knowing what the possible scenario is in the aftermath of a fire can help you be prepared for the unexpected. Too much water can be a bad thing, especially when it is on the floor of your commercial property.