Restoring Property After Water Damage Event

3/29/2024 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a hotel room with water damage caused by a broken sprinkler line on the 3rd floor.

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Minot

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

Safety with Space Heaters

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

Safety with a Space Heater

With Winter in full swing, many of us have broken out space heaters to keep ourselves warm. Whether it is at work or at home, space heaters are a great way to stay toasty when the temperatures get to be in the negatives for days on end.

When using a space heater however, it is important to follow best safety practices to prevent a fire. Space heaters are perfectly safe, when used properly. Use the tips below and keep your home and office safe, and warm, this winter.

• Leave the heater on level floor, don’t place on carpet - it can overheat and start a fire.
• Do not use in bathroom, unless it is designed for it - moisture can damage the heater.
• Keep three feet away from flammable materials and out of the way of children and pets.
• Should always be plugged directly into wall outlet, don’t use with extension cord because it can cause overheating.
• Don’t leave heater unattended, make sure to unplug when not in use.
• Never sleep with a space heater on.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor.

If your space heater shows signs of wear such as broken cords, power fluctuations, or inconsistent temperature, immediately replace. An old space heater can malfunction and start a fire or overheat and leave an odor/smoke smell in the air. Never overuse a space heater and if you smell burning, immediately unplug and discontinue use.

When dealing with frigid temperatures, space heaters are a quick solution to help fight the cold. Using them safely will keep you warm and your home or office safe this winter.

Safety with Space Heaters

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Be safe with space heaters!

With winter in full swing, many of us have broken out space heaters to keep ourselves warm. Whether it is at work or at home, space heaters are a great way to stay toasty when the temperatures get to be in the negatives for days on end. 

When using a space heater, however, it is important to follow best safety practices to prevent a fire. Space heaters are perfectly safe when used properly. Use the tips below and keep your home and office safe and warm this winter.

• Leave the heater on level floor. Don't place on carpet - it can overheat and start a fire.
• Do not use in bathroom, unless it is designed for it - moisture can damage the heater.
• Keep three feet away from flammable materials and out of the way of children and pets.
• Should always be plugged directly into wall outlet. Don't use with extension cord because it can cause overheating.
• Don't leave heater unattended. Make sure to unplug when not in use.
• Never sleep with a space heater on.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor.

If your space heater shows signs of wear such as broken cords, power fluctuations, or inconsistent temperature, immediately replace. An old space heaters can malfunction and start a fire or overheat and leave an odor/smoke smell in the air. Never overuse a space heater and if you smell burning, immediately unplug and discontinue use.

When dealing with frigid temperatures, space heaters are a quick solution to help fight the cold. Using them safely will keep you warm and your home or office safe this winter. 

Dealing with Commercial Water Damage

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water loss at at a commercial property

When dealing with water damage, bigger is almost always worse. The more water that is flowing through a space, the worse the damage will usually be. Water damage in commercial buildings has the potential to be far more disastrous than a residential home, because of how many more pipes there are in a commercial building. More bathrooms, appliances, and sprinkler systems mean there are a greater number of chances for water loss, whether this is from a frozen pipe or one that has not been maintained properly. 

With commercial loss, it also means more equipment will need to be used to dry out the area. More equipment means more manpower needed to move the equipment. This trend can keep compounding out to show how commercial job can have costs add up quickly.

It is also the cost of not doing business that makes a large water loss so damaging. Not being able to have a store/location open for days, weeks, or months at a time can mean a devastating loss of profit which will just make a water loss worse. This is why SERVPRO of Bismarck uses every method to expedite the restoration process, such as working directly with insurance providers, offering construction services, and using state of the art equipment to get the restoration process completed fast!

Large commercial water losses can be scary. SERVPRO of Bismarck relies on our experience to get the damage under control and back to normal. 

Dealing with Large Commercial Water Damage

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Large water loss to your business is no fun!

When it comes to commercial water damage, bigger is always worse. Commercial buildings are more susceptible than residential homes due to having more water lines for sprinklers, bathrooms, faucets, etc. These water lines are also not routinely used and therefore are more susceptible to leaks/breaks. When a water line in a commercial property breaks, it can be disastrous. 

Large commercial water damage can be especially disastrous if it happens on an upper level, as water will run down into the levels below, causing damage all along the way. 

Large scale damage like this is hard to mitigate as all floors need to be dried out and protected against mold growth. This can involve removing wet materials and contents or drying out and cleaning existing contents to prevent replacement. 

When drying out a large, multi-story area, you need to have lots of equipment and personnel to handle the job. At SERVPRO of Bismarck, we have a large, highly trained crew that specializes in handling large commercial losses. Our corporate playbook is used to make sure timelines are being met, work is completed up the highest standards, and expenses are being kept in check. SERVPRO is one of the top industry leaders in large loss restoration and SERVPRO of Bismarck strives to keep up that reputation. 

Large water losses can be devastating for a business. With SERVPRO of Bismarck we have the right equipment, knowledge, and people to get the job done right. 

Dealing with Storm Damage at Your Commercial Property

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

The windows of this building were broken due to high winds in a storm

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and can cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There is never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour lost of revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we will be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Bismarck has the training, experience, and equipment to handle any large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean up your property and manage the restoration project to its completion. 

Spring Maintenance Checklist for Your Commercial Property

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your commercial property in tip-top shape!

As we begin to transition from cold weather temperatures to warmer spring weather, here is a checklist of points on your property to check for winter damage and begin planning repairs. Compared to our typical North Dakota winter, this one has been pretty mild. But, there was still a handful of weather events that had the potential for major damage. As our state continues thawing out, here are some things to check over and ensure for quality. 

We are currently in a dangerous time of the year as daytime temperatures begin regularly going over 32 degrees, and the nighttime temperatures continue to dip well below the freezing point. The cycle of thawing and freezing can have a harsh effect on many parts of your building. Things like pipes, window seals, and drainage systems can become blocked or damaged. These should be constantly maintained throughout the year with a heavy focus during the winter and early spring months.

Additionally, here are things to look for during spring inspection:

• Pipes with minimal water flow
• Poor drainage pipes
• Cracks in the foundation, walkways, parking lots and patios
• Broken or loose pavement
• Sink holes
• Missing roof shingles
• Separation or erosion in siding and masonry 
• Rotting or loose boards
• Chipped paint
• Broken, cracked, or leaky windows
• Landscaping debris such as leaves or branches

If you notice any of the damages listed above, you should start making preparations for repairs. Additionally, be sure to contact your insurance company if you suspect the cause of damage. While you may not have noticed the damage until days, weeks, or months later, it is still possible that you have not yet exceeded the timeline to file an insurance claim. For example, if a windstorm caused damage to your roof, but you were unable to get a roof inspection due to the cold, slippery conditions, you can still file a claim and be covered. When in doubt it never hurts to ask your insurance company if your damage is covered. 

How Sprinkler Systems Work to Put Out Fires in Commercial Buildings

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Facts about sprinkler systems

A staple of modern fire prevention, sprinkler systems are a modern marvel when it comes to protecting buildings, their assets, and the people who live and work inside of them. Sprinkler systems are highly sophisticated and have saved countless lives and properties since their implementation in the early 1800s. Below are three main steps that set off a sprinkler system. 

1. A sprinkler head turns on when it detects high temperatures. Fire sprinklers turn when high heat triggers the system rather than being activated by smoke. Hot air rises during a fire and spreads across the ceiling until it reaches a sprinkler head and activates the fire suppression system. Many sprinkler head designs feature a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid that expands when it comes into contact with air between 135 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquid shatters the glass container when the surrounding air reaches temperatures in this range, activating the sprinkler head. 

2. Sprinkler heads dispense pressurized water from the pipe system. Each fire sprinkler head is attached to a pipe that brings in water. When a sprinkler head becomes activated, a valve connected to the head opens and sends water out through the sprinkler head to douse the fire. Water pressure is important, as it causes water to spray out over a larger area. 

3. Sprinkler heads function individually to limit water damage. Each sprinkler head in a sprinkler system functions separately. Many small fires can be extinguished with only one or two activated sprinkler heads. Sprinkler pose less of a water damage risk to a property than a fire hose. Some restoration specialists estimate that the average sprinkler system dispenses six times less water than a hose. 

Why Commercial Buildings Should Use Professional Cleaners to Battle COVID-19

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fight COVID-19 with SERVPRO

As we continue to battle through the Covid-19 pandemic, commercial buildings have been doing a great job of continuing to implement different measures for keeping the people in those facilities safe. Here are the reasons why a commercial building may consider, or need, to bring in a professional cleaning staff. 

Having a Emergency Response Plan

As Covid-19 continues to spread throughout our community, more people will be exposed and test positive for the illness. What will your workplace do when that happens? If there is an outbreak in your workplace, a response needs to be in place so:

• Employees can be safe
• Work can resume without the fear of infection from the work environment

A proactive plan should be developed that includes preventative measures to reduce potential exposure and also reactive measures for when exposure happens when a positive testing co-worker enters the workspace. This second situation, one where a person potentially left the virus in the workplace, is where a professional cleaning staff should be considered. 

While normal custodial staff are equipped to handle regular cleaning operations, Covid-19 is different. This highly infectious illness could be transmitted to a unprepared custodial staff if they are not trained in wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). If they are exposed, it opens a legal gray area in which they can claim they were knowingly exposed to biological contamination without the right equipment. 

At SERVPRO of Bismarck, we equip all our technicians with the right PPE, which includes gloves, respirators, and full suits for protection. Additionally, we have high-grade that have been recommended for CDC use against Covid-19. This, combined with full coverage insurance for our technicians, allows us to confidently send them into a biologically contaminated space. 

Give us a call today to talk about setting up a Covid-19 response plan. This will allow you to have a response plan to place in battle the spread of Covid-19 if it should enter your workplace. 

Why Every Business Needs an Emergency Ready Profile

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Bismarck handle your emergency!

Life throws challenges at us all the time, and as a business owner, you are constantly overcoming new challenges that arise throughout the day. Most of the time, these challenges don't slow down your everyday operations. But when disaster strikes, your entire company can be put on hold until it is resolved. A pipe busting, a break room fire, or flooded first floor can put businesses on hold for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the severity. Oftentimes a business can never recover after major building damage. 

While you never know what disaster will strike, preparing for the worst can mitigate secondary damage and reduce the times the doors are closed. A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a free assessment strategically designed to:

• Prevent damage from any disaster
• Establish clear communication and authorization for work to begin
• Help your business recover from any unexpected event

The ERP is not a full contingency plan, but rather an addition to your existing plan.

An ERP is a free assessment of your company's facilities and potential threats to their structural integrity. This profile is established by identifying high risk events that are specific to your facilities and addressing response options. An example would be a restaurant being at a high risk of fire damage, due to cooking and hazardous conditions in a kitchen. Therefore, planning where a fire would take place, identifying key access points such as switches to turn off gas and power lines and then having contact info for the local fire department, insurance agents, and SERVPRO of Bismarck to clean any damage that occurs. 

As a restoration company, the sooner we receive a call, the sooner we can have staff on site. Establishing SERVPRO of Bismarck as your Priority Service Provider means we can respond to your emergency faster than normal and get your business open ahead of schedule. 

Ceiling Tile Discoloration: Culprits and Causes

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for tiles looking like this!

Imagine it, you've found the perfect home for your business, with just one or two pesky discolored ceiling tiles. It's not a big deal, right? Not quite. Beyond being unsightly, ceiling tile discoloration can have serious causes, from water damage to tile mold. Before you overlook a stain or two, learn some of their top causes in Bismarck. 

About Ceiling Tiles

Dropped tile ceilings are a common go-to for many commercial buildings across the country. Reasons include:

• Affordability
• Easy removal for access to HVAC and electrical system
• Clean, simple appearance

Dropped tiles can create a pleasant, conservative look, but can quickly take on a downright ugly appearance when they become stained. Here are some of the reasons why that happens.

Age

Dropped tile ceilings have been popular for decades in buildings. And in some, have been in place for that long. The older the tiles the more likely they've been exposed to cigarette smoke and pollutants. The result can be a darker color that may be impossible to get rid of. 

Water Damage

Brown spots are often the biggest giveaway to a leak somewhere above the tile. They often start small and radiate outward over time. Beyond being an eyesore, these spots often signal bigger problems like tile mold, like tile mold, and should never be ignored. 

Lighting

The ultraviolent light common in offices is not great for ceiling tiles. Over time, tiles exposed to UV rays can take on a sickly hue that isn't very attractive. 

From water leaks and tile mold to harsh light, there are lots of things that can trigger tile discoloration. When you see tile discoloration, it's worth the time and money to replace the tile. Because tile mold can spread, if you suspect water damage is the culprit, make sure you consult a mold remediation company like SERVPRO of Bismarck. It could save you money and headaches in the long run!

Two Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Property

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for Managing Commercial Property

In today's world, oftentimes the people who are managing commercial properties are not the owners. Think of a retail setting. There is probably a manager who is in charge of overseeing the operations, including the management of the property. This manager is most likely concerned with the variety of other tasks, like promoting sales or managing staff. This means you shouldn't assume that they are handling the property management as well. 

Two things you can do to make sure your properties are taken care of are:

• Make sure you have the best available technology
• Have staff trained in correct management

Technology could include:

• Upgraded security systems
• Energy efficient lights and heating systems
• Upgraded windows and doors for efficiency and security

Another step would be to develop a plan and inform staff of it. This could range from a simple daily checklist, to a full emergency response plan in the event of a disaster. 

Emergency response plans are great for directing staff for what to do if there is an emergency. Things to include in this plan are:

• Contact numbers for contractors to come in and stop any further damage. 
• Meet up locations in case the building needs to be evacuated
• Business continuity plans for what will happen if the building cannot be occupied for a period of time

At SERVPRO of Bismarck we assist companies with putting together these plans and take pride in out attention to detail and planning these for you.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your business is managed safely and properly. 

Dealing with Fire Damage at Your Commercial Property

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a business

A fire anywhere is never easy to deal with, especially if it's your own business where it can be hard to stop or continue operations to clean up the destruction left behind. That's why SERVPRO of Bismarck is "here to help" you get your business back on track. 

Let SERVPRO of Bismarck:

• sanitize and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged
• use specialized equipment to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces
• remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment
• restore any minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet
• restore any major repairs such as the reconstruction of various rooms in your business

At SERVPRO of Bismarck, we're dedicated to getting your business back into the swing of things and making you feel "like it never even happened".