Content cleaning and fire damage

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Content Restoration and Fire Damage

After a fire, your most important job is to get the damage cleaned up as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Stone Oak offers content cleaning services to help you restore the valuables inside your home or business after a fire incident.

Non-porous items, such as clothing, can be dry-cleaned

If your clothing has been near the fire, it is possible that they will smell like smoke. They might also be covered in soot.  In these instances, the clothes might feel like they are ruined. That is not the case! Sending your clothes to a professional dry cleaner can save your clothing.

The clothing should be dry-cleaned at least twice before being worn again. This will ensure that any residual odors are removed as much as possible before wearing them again.

High frequency sound waves are used to clean some items

Ultrasonic cleaning is an option for some items that are not porous. Porosity refers to the ability of an object to absorb moisture, so porous materials include clothing and carpeting. Non-porous objects include glass, mirrors, and ceramics.

The process involves placing the item in a tank with water and detergent solution, then vibrating it at high frequency with sound waves until dirt is loosened from the surface. This can be effective for removing dust from non-porous items like electronics or kitchenware, but it's not suitable for clothing or other textiles because they're too absorbent.

Content cleaning is an important part of fire mitigation

Content cleaning is an important part of mitigating fire damage because it reduces the amount of material that must be replaced. SERVPRO of Stone Oak can help with content cleaning and smoke damage.

Our SERVPRO technicians are highly trained to mitigate fire damage and clean up after a fire. We use specialized equipment to clean smoke and soot from interior structures as well as personal possessions, including clothing, furniture, and treasured family heirlooms. The goal of content cleaning is to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition as much as possible. If part of an item cannot be saved, we will work with you to replace those items within your insurance policy limits.

If you have fire damage, call SERVPRO of Stone Oak for help today.

SERVPRO of Stone Oak is a local company with many years of experience. We can help you get back to normal after a fire by assisting with insurance claims, content cleaning & storage, and cleanup & restoration. We are available 24/7, day or night. 

Our trained technicians will arrive on time to begin the process immediately. The sooner we start cleaning up your space, the more likely it is that we can save any important belongings from secondary damages, such as water damage or mold growth. 

While many companies might try and sell you on services they don’t actually offer (like water extraction), we at SERVPRO understand how important it is for our customers to trust us when they need us most — that’s why we only use certified professional technicians who are trained in both fire and water restoration services!

If you’ve recently experienced fire damage, SERVPRO of Stone Oak can help. We provide emergency cleaning services and work with insurance companies to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to restore your home or business to preloss condition as quickly as possible so that you can get back on track with your life. Contact us today to learn more!

Can Commercial Tenants Get Flood Insurance?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Flood Insurance

Renter’s insurance covers the contents of a space rented by a commercial tenant. A lessee can obtain insurance coverage that specifically applies to damage caused by flooding, which is often excluded from general commercial renters policies. The availability of National Flood Insurance Program policies varies based on the location of rented property in Stone Oak, TX.

Renters Policies May Exclude Flood Damage
Renters policies for commercial structures tend to cut out damage caused by flooding. Exposure to contaminated water can damage or destroy any of the following high-value contents:

• Appliances and devices
• Fixtures
• Inventory
  
  

While a property owner and lessor is responsible for restoring a structure damaged by flooding, a tenant or lessee is responsible for replacing damaged contents. For this reason, it can be helpful to seek out dedicated flood coverage for commercial renters.

The NFIP Offers Renters Insurance
The NFIP is administered by FEMA. While this program does offer renter's insurance, a tenant must see whether the NFIP is available in the area in which a property is located. In general, the NFIP is more likely to be an option in designated flood zones.

Private Insurers Provide Flood Policies
If the NFIP does not offer policies that cover a rented commercial space, a business owner may want to obtain a flood policy through a private company. Check the limits and terms of any policy to ensure that it covers the costs of replacing ruined commercial contents. It may be possible to obtain a rider on a general commercial property insurance policy for rented premises or a business may have to obtain a separate policy.
Flood insurance coverage may be available through the NFIP for business owners who rent property located in a flood zone in Stone Oak, TX. If an NFIP policy is not available, a private insurer may offer renter’s insurance for flooding in addition to general commercial insurance.

What Mold Damage Is and Isn't Covered by Commercial Insurance?

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

What Is and Isn't Covered by Commercial Insurance When It Comes To Mold Damage?

Finding mold in your Stone Oak, TX, building is highly unpleasant, particularly if it's spread a great deal. Getting rid of the growth may require extensive work from a mold remediation company. Unfortunately, this could result in a monetary loss. Therefore, investigating your commercial insurance coverage is paramount. If you're able to get financial assistance, the process may be much easier. So, here is what is and isn't covered by most commercial fungus insurance policies.

Covered
Receiving coverage for commercial mold damage is tricky. Most policies have an exclusion for mold. However, you may be compensated if you have a specified cause of loss. This term covers a specific group of reasonings for property damage. Here are a few that you may have experienced:

• Vandalism
  
• Water damage
  
• Riots
  
• Fire
  
• Smoke
  
• Lightning
  
  

If any of these occurred, there's a good chance that you'll be covered. There's also a possibility that your mold growth has caused one of these losses. While mold couldn't exactly start a riot, it may result in water damage or something similar. This is another exception to the exclusion, so you might receive mold insurance assistance in cleaning the initial fungus problem. One last reason for being covered is having limited fungus coverage. If you live in a particularly humid area, this may be wise to invest in.

Not Covered
Most commercial insurance policies cover very little in terms of mold damage. Since the specified causes of loss aren't likely to result in mold, you probably won't receive an exception from the exclusion. This is especially true if the damage was caused by maintenance neglect. If you didn't conduct regular checks on your property, your insurance company will be unlikely to help you. You will definitely be turned down if you were aware of the mold for a while.
Commercial insurance can be difficult to navigate, so be sure to do research on your own policy. While most fungus damage isn't covered by commercial insurance, it's important to be thorough.

4 Common Water Problems That Occur in Commercial Buildings

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling damage caused by water.

Four Water Problems That Occur In Commercial Buildings

Maintaining a building in San Antonio, TX, can be rewarding, but you'll have to deal with some issues now and then. Something that's bound to come up multiple times is water damage. From leaking pipes to floods, your building is bound to undergo something of the sort. If you want to better prepare yourself, here are four common water problems that occur in commercial buildings.

1. Cast-Iron Sewer Line Failure

Since sewer lines form a connection between your building and the main sewer drain, each one needs to remain intact. Problems like clogging could cause substantial damage. While these lines are supposed to last around twenty-five years, you may experience issues like a toilet backup. These are some signs that your sewer lines are in trouble:

• Constantly clogged drains
  
• Smells from sewer gas
  
• Yard indentations
  
  

2. Foundational Problems

Foundational problems are particularly problematic. Water damage can cause these issues, but it may also be caused by the resulting damage. If your drainage isn't properly functioning, you could acquire building problems. After the cracks or movements occur, this may open the door for more water damage, particularly with your plumbing. Keep an eye out for foundational damage around the structure.

3. Issues With Copper Pipes

While copper pipes are quite strong, there's always the chance that an issue like a pipe break will occur. This could be due to anything from old age to the state of the water. Whatever the reason, you'll want to see if you can get the pipes fixed. Replacing your entire system would be far more expensive than doing repairs.

4. Burst Water Pipes

If your water pipes begin to leak, you may see stains on your ceiling or walls. If left alone, leaking pipes can cause substantial damage to the building. For instance, mold may begin to form.
By keeping an eye out for these problems, you may be able to stop some from happening. If you do experience water damage (such as leaking pipes), call a water damage repair company for help.

How To Prevent Mold Growth

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

How To Keep Your Commercial Building Mold-Free

Black mold is one of the more notorious varieties of mold growth, but all types can be problematic for your Stone Oak, TX, business. Knowing the most common locations for mold growth as well as a few preventive measures can help you keep your commercial building mold-free and ready for business.

Mold Growth Locations

Mold needs warmth, water and a food source to grow. Anywhere with these three elements can foster mold growth. Unfortunately, most indoor locations are sufficiently warm and have a variety of food sources available. The following are some common places black mold and other varieties of fungus may grow in a commercial building:

• Bathrooms
  
• Live plants
  
• Paperwork
  
• Air ducts
  
  

Perform routine inspections for signs of mold growth to catch problems early. Large, uncontrolled areas of mold growth are likely to require a professional restoration service.

Preventive Measures

Keeping your commercial building dry is a sure-fire way to prevent a mold infestation. Without moisture, the spores will not be able to grow. Keep the indoor humidity below 50%, and clean up spills and leaks as quickly as possible. It may be necessary to run a dehumidifier in humid areas.
Routine maintenance of the HVAC system also decreases the likelihood of a mold infestation. Clean ducts have less dust for mold to eat and are less likely to spread mold spores throughout the building.
Installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter is another way to decrease the number of spores circulating through the air. High-quality filtration systems are able to capture many of the spores before they have a chance to colonize.
Decreasing the number of mold spores and minimizing the food and moisture available will hinder the growth of black mold and other fungal nuisances. While it may be impossible to prevent all mold growth, routine inspections can help you spot new growth before it becomes a major problem.

How To Prevent and Remove Bathroom Mildew

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Facts - Bathroom Mildew

Cleaning a bathroom of fungal invaders can be an unpleasant task. When spores do appear, however, performing a thorough mildew clean becomes essential. Here are a few facts every business needs to know regarding bathroom mildew infestations.

Ways To Prevent Bathroom Mildew

Mildew and other forms of bathroom mold can be prevented in the following ways:

• Make certain that sinks are dried regularly. Have an exhaust fan running during all hours.
  
• Clean the restroom with antibacterial agents.
• All forms of bacteria and dust must be eliminated.
  
• Repair the plumbing. Leaks cause dampness that creates conditions for mildew, so check that pipes are functioning correctly.
  
  

Covering walls with mold-resistant paint is another tactic that may help avoid the need for a comprehensive mildew clean. Employing a mold prevention specialist to apply a protective stain on bathroom walls in Stone Oak, TX, could save significant dollars.

How To Get Rid of Bathroom Mildew

Eliminating mildew from lavatories requires extra care so that risks are reduced. What follows are a number of guidelines you should closely adhere to when handling the job.
Never enter contaminated areas without wearing a recommended respirator. If scraping is going to be involved, plastic gloves and goggles are also necessary.

Remove everything from the infected restroom and toss items that display traces of mildew. Ventilation grills should be closed off with polyethylene sheeting and duct tape. Outward-facing box fans can be placed inside open windows to eliminate floating particulates.
Hard surfaces are to be scrubbed with chlorine bleach. Pour the solution onto a cloth and rub affected walls and floors with slow, deliberate motions. Doing so reduces the number of spores that get stirred up while you work.
Performing a thorough mildew clean is a laborious challenge that carries with it a significant risk. Avoid the need for executing this undesirable activity by making sure mildew and other growths are unable to thrive within your office restroom.

Tips for Developing a Business Continuity Plan

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Three Things To Include In the Plan For Your Business

Having a continuity plan in place can be an important step for many San Antonio, TX, businesses. These plans cannot only help you save time in the event of a storm or flood, but they can also help you get your business up and running if the worst should happen. Here are three things you may want to include in the plan for your business.

1. Know Which Issues Your Business is Most Likely to Face

Knowing if a property may be in danger of flooding or storm damage can help you know what events to plan for. Look at the location of the property, such as if you're at the bottom of a watershed, as well as the regular weather patterns. This may also allow you to take preventive measures ahead of time, such as installing a drainage system.

2. Keep Track of Time Sensitive Business Details

Another thing many business owners choose to include in their continuity plan is time-sensitive business details that may need to be taken care of regardless of if the business is currently open. These may include any bills that need to be paid, such as rent, as well as anyone that may need to be contacted if the company were to temporarily shut down for repairs.

3. Have a Recovery Strategy

In many cases constructing a plan can help you know ahead of time which recovery steps you may need to take. This will allow you to collect numbers for services such as a professional restoration team that can conduct cleaning and repairs. This can allow you to record the contact information for a local and reliable team you trust to do the work before an incident happens.

Constructing a continuity plan can help your business in a number of aspects. Formulating this plan will allow you to know what issues the property is most likely to face, and create a recovery strategy. This plan will also allow you to keep track of any time-sensitive business details that you may need to stay on top of in the event your company needs to close for a while due to repairs.