Rebuilding After the Blaze: The Crucial Role of SERVPRO in Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

10/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire is a devastating force that can leave a trail of destruction in its wake, especially when it strikes commercial buildings. In the aftermath of such a disaster, the process of restoration and recovery is paramount. This blog post will explore the importance of hiring SERVPRO to remediate all damage caused by a fire to your commercial building.

Immediate Response and Expertise

One of the key advantages of choosing SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner is their ability to provide an immediate response. After a fire, time is of the essence, and their team of professionals is trained to act swiftly to minimize further damage. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is crucial for an effective response.

Assessment and Planning

The restoration process begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner will evaluate the extent of the fire, smoke, and water damage to your commercial property. Following this assessment, a comprehensive restoration plan is developed, outlining the steps needed to bring your building back to its pre-fire condition.

Specialized Equipment and Techniques

SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner is equipped with the latest technology and specialized equipment designed for fire damage restoration. They use advanced techniques to clean, repair, and restore various materials and surfaces in your commercial building. This includes addressing the challenges posed by smoke and soot residue, as well as the water damage resulting from firefighting efforts.

Water Extraction and Drying

Water damage is often an overlooked consequence of battling commercial fires. SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner is well-versed in water extraction and drying techniques to prevent mold growth, structural damage, and other associated issues. Their proactive approach ensures that all water is efficiently removed from your property.

Smoke and Soot Removal

The lingering smell of smoke and soot can be pervasive and challenging to eliminate. SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner employs industry-best practices to thoroughly clean and deodorize your commercial building. This includes the use of air purifiers and ozone generators to improve indoor air quality.

Content Restoration

In addition to the building itself, the contents of your commercial property may also suffer damage. SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner provides content restoration services, helping salvage and restore valuable items and professional documentation that would otherwise be lost.

Faster Recovery, Less Business Disruption

By enlisting SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner's services, you expedite the recovery process. Minimizing downtime for your business is vital, and their expertise and efficient restoration methods help get you back on your feet sooner, reducing disruption to your operations.

Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most significant benefit of hiring SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that a team of professionals is managing the restoration process allows you to focus on other aspects of getting your business back to normal.

Fire damage to a commercial building can be a daunting experience, but with the expertise and support of SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner, you can confidently address and remediate all damage caused by a fire. Their prompt response, specialized equipment, and proven techniques make them an invaluable partner in the restoration process. Don't underestimate the importance of professional fire damage restoration—your commercial property and business's future depend on it.

Puyallup / Sumner Busniesses: We Specialize in Water and Flood Damage, Cleanup and Restoration

10/13/2023 (Permalink)

Service Technicians on a commercial water damage job site.

Floods are a significant threat to commercial businesses, often resulting in extensive water damage, financial losses, and even long-term issues like mold growth. In this blog post, we'll delve into the critical aspects of flood prevention and what to do if your commercial business experiences a flood. When disaster strikes, turn to SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner at 1-800-SERVPRO, the leading experts in commercial remediation and restoration.

Flood Prevention: Safeguarding Your Business

Preventing a flood is the most effective strategy to protect your commercial property. Here are some essential flood prevention measures:

1. Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas in and around your business premises. Analyze local flood maps to understand your property's vulnerability.

2. Elevate Electrical Systems: Elevate critical electrical systems, such as fuse boxes and circuit breakers, to prevent water damage in the event of a flood.

3. Sump Pumps and Flood Barriers: Install sump pumps in basements or vulnerable areas to drain excess water quickly. Additionally, consider using flood barriers to keep water out.

4. Secure Utilities: Elevate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, as well as other essential utilities, to minimize potential damage during a flood.

5. Proper Drainage: Keep gutters, downspouts, and drains clear of debris, ensuring that water is directed away from your property.

6. Emergency Ready Plan: Contact SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner to create an emergency ready plan and ensure all employees are aware of it. This plan should include evacuation procedures and contact information for emergency services.

What to Do If Your Business Experiences a Flood

Despite taking preventive measures, floods can still occur. It's crucial to act swiftly to minimize damage and get your business back on track. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Safety First: Prioritize the safety of employees and visitors. Evacuate the premises if necessary.

2. Stop the Source: If the flooding is caused by a burst pipe or malfunctioning appliance, shut off the water source if it's safe to do so.

3. Contact SERVPRO: In the event of a flood, time is of the essence. Call SERVPRO at 1-800-SERVPRO for immediate assistance. They are the leading experts in commercial remediation, specializing in comprehensive restoration services for businesses.

4. Document Damage: Take photographs and detailed notes of the damage for insurance claims and records.

5. Initial Cleanup: While waiting for professional assistance, begin the cleanup process by removing standing water and salvaging critical business assets and documents.

The Ongoing Threat: Mold Remediation

In the aftermath of a flood, mold can quickly become a serious concern. Mold growth poses health risks and can further damage your property. SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner, with its extensive experience in mold remediation, will ensure your business is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent the growth and spread of mold.

Flood prevention is the first line of defense for safeguarding your commercial business against the devastating impact of floods. Nevertheless, if your business experiences a flood, acting promptly, ensuring safety, and engaging professionals like SERVPRO is essential. Their expertise in water damage restoration, flood remediation, and mold remediation will help you recover and restore your business "Like it never even happened". When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of Auburn / Enumclaw at 1-800-SERVPRO, the leading experts in commercial remediation and restoration. Don't wait; protect your business, your assets, and the safety of your employees today.

About SERVPRO of Puyallup / Sumner

Our team is proud to be a part of these amazing communities and can be there for you whether you live in one of the above locations or anywhere in the country. We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after fire, smoke or water damage and can mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business.

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. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO Team Friermuth. If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today!

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What does commercial property insurance policy cover?

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

Is your commercial property covered by insurance?

What Does A Commercial Property Insurance Policy Cover?

Commercial property insurance is one of the most confusing types of insurance policies. This is because there are so many different sub-types of coverage and so many ways that the policy can be customized. In this article, we're going to go through each type of commercial property coverage so that you know exactly what your policy covers.

Understanding what a commercial property insurance policy covers can be confusing.

You understand that a property insurance policy covers the physical structure of your building, but what about all the other important aspects of owning a business? A commercial property insurance policy also provides coverage for:

• Business income - you'll be reimbursed for any lost income if your business must close temporarily due to damage from an insured peril
• Building ordinance or law - this protects against legal expenses when you must comply with new building ordinances and laws
• Personal property inventory can be covered up to $100,000 under most policies

There are three types of coverage on a commercial property insurance policy.

These include business income, commercial property, and building ordinances or laws.

• Business income: This coverage reimburses you for your business's operational costs if it has been shut down due to damage caused by fire or smoke, theft, vandalism, or other covered perils.
• Commercial property: This coverage protects against losses if insured properties are damaged or destroyed by covered perils like fire and vandalism.
• Building ordinance or law: It pays for expenses related to rebuilding damaged structures under local laws and ordinances when they're in compliance with those laws at the time of loss.

The first coverage is Commercial Property.

The first coverage is commercial property. Commercial property insurance covers the building and the land on which it sits. It covers you for fire damage or natural disasters, but it also covers your own negligence and vandalism. The policy will also cover losses caused by theft, wind damage, water damage from plumbing issues, or floods caused by weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes. This can be a combination policy that includes separate coverage for each component of your building:

If one part of your building is damaged in an accident or disaster, then that portion will be covered under its own specific policy limit (the amount of money assigned to pay for damages associated with certain types of damages).

The second coverage of the policy is Building Ordinance or Law.

A building ordinance or law coverage on a commercial property insurance policy is required by most cities and counties where you operate your business. It provides protection from liability for any damage that may result from violating local codes. This coverage is also often required by lenders to secure financing.

The third coverage is Business Income for business owners with retail, office, or other types of service space.

If you are a business owner, buying this coverage is highly recommended. Business income coverage protects a business against loss of income due to direct physical damage or interruption of business because of a covered peril. This policy pays the business owner's net operating profit during the period in which their property was damaged, and they could not conduct normal operations.

Business income covers losses that occur during the following time periods:

• From the date of loss to the date when your building is repaired or replaced and ready for normal use
• From the date when it becomes impossible for you to conduct your regular trade or profession because of an insured peril until it becomes possible again

The most confusing type of coverage is Commercial Property because there are so many sub-types of coverage involved.

The most confusing type of coverage is Commercial Property because there are so many sub-types of coverage involved. There are two main categories: fire and water damage, which can be further broken down into several other types of damage. Commercial property insurance is the most confusing because it addresses all the different types of accidents that could happen to your building or property and the things inside it.

At the end of the day, commercial property insurance is an important protection for your business. If something happens to your building or inventory, it’s essential that you have enough coverage to cover any expenses related to repairs or replacement.

What To Do About Water Damage at Your Commercial Property

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business experiences storm or flood damage, call our SERVPRO of Puyallup/Sumner team today!

What Should You Do If Your Commercial Property Has Water Damage?

Anything from faulty plumbing to severe weather can quickly become a problem for your Graham, WA, commercial property. Never fear, however, because there are several ways you can prevent damage and quickly respond when disaster strikes. Below you will learn about the causes of water damage, tips for cleanup and restoration, and tools to prevent damage in the future. 

Causes of Water Troubles

Here is a list of common sources and access points for water damage: 

Severe weather can range from flooding to freezing temperatures and harm a building’s foundation.
Fire will set off ceiling sprinklers and may require additional use of firehoses to extinguish, thus saturating the ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture.
Broken pipes, aged plumbing, and leaking HVAC are common causes of water leaks. 

Roof damage and improper window seals are access points for weather damage and water.

Tips for Water Cleanup

If water has already damaged your property, it is important to respond quickly and appropriately. An important reminder: never enter a building with standing water until cleared in case electricity is still running to the building. Your first step is to call a professional water restoration company. These crews will assess the damage, pump the water out, remove damaged materials, and use industrial cleaners and equipment to clean and thoroughly dry the affected space. 

There are actions you can take to aid the cleaning progress:

• Use buckets and mops to remove excess water to allow for better drying.
• Remove loose items from the floor.
• Remove and hang wet fabrics.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers when it is safe to use electricity. 

Tools for Preventing Damage

Take care of your property by scheduling regular maintenance. Annually, schedule checkups for HVAC, roofing, fire sprinklers, electrical, and plumbing. Also, have a professional inspection and restoration company perform an overall water damage inspection. 

Water can cause many problems for your commercial property, but there are steps you can take to prevent this damage. Understand your property’s risk factors to better prepare for water trouble mitigation and protect your investment. 

Do I Need Fire Insurance for my Commercial Building?

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Cleanup and restoration can be completed quickly for businesses with fire insurance because the costs are primarily covered by the insurance company.

Is Fire Insurance Required For My Commercial Building?

While a mortage company will most likely require a business to carry fire insurance, once a property is free of any liens, the business owner may or may not choose to continue to carry coverage. Yet, in Graham, WA, it is in the best interest of all businesses to have fire insurance in addition to other types of business insurance. 

Risks Associated With Not Having Fire Insurance
Fires remain one of the most common types of disasters businesses experience. They can also create devastating damage that can be hard to overcome without insurance. 

Fire insurance protects a business in several ways:

• It covers costs associated with smoke cleanup.
  
• It covers repairs for structural damages.
  
• It covers repairs associated with fire suppression materials. 
• It may also cover any fees charged for fire-fighting services. 

How Do Businesses Recover From Fire?

Once a fire has occurred, many structures are uninhabitable until fire restoration takes place. It is the job of the restoration company to assess the damage, take action to prevent further damage, and finally, restore the structure to its former state, which is hospitable to the work that takes place within the structure. 

For businesses that have fire insurance in their policies, the cleanup and restoration can happen quite speedily due to the expenses being mostly covered through the insurance company. The insurance company and restoration company work together to ensure that business can resume as quickly as possible.

For a business without insurance, the recovery process can be more painful to the business, assuming it has the capital to make recovery possible. Unfortunately, for many businesses, this type of disaster was not in the short-term budget. 

Nobody plans to experience disasters such as fires; they simply happen and at the most inopportune times. Keeping an updated insurance policy that includes fire insurance will ensure business operations can continue despite the inconveniences of fire damage. 

5 Things to Include in a Fire Damage Estimate

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire it is crucial to take the time to properly assess all the damage that has occurred in order to get a fair restoration estimate.

5 Factors To Consider When Estimating Fire Damage

If you were the victim of a fire at your business in Sumner, WA, you know how overwhelming the aftermath can be. But it's crucial to take the time to adequately assess all of the damage that occurred to get a fair restoration estimate. Here are five things to include in a claim.

1. Restoration Costs

Fire isn't the only element that can cause damage to your business during a fire. Water used during firefighting can also cause damage. An emergency restoration service can be on-site to assess all the damage and outline a plan to clean and restore your space as soon as the building is deemed safe.

2. Board Up Services

Windows often break during a fire, and doors may be damaged. Your restoration estimate can include the costs of board-up services. Tarps might also be used to keep water off of damaged roofs in the event of rain.

3. Debris Cleanup

One often forgotten side effect of a commercial fire is the amount of debris left behind. All damaged materials have to be thrown away, and the lot must be cleaned before you can begin to rebuild. A debris cleanup service does the work, removes the trash, and disposes of it responsibly.

4. Storage Costs

If you had a functional sprinkler system in your building, some of your belongings are likely salvageable. After the restoration process is completed and everything is clean, you'll need a place to store office furniture, product, and equipment while your building is repaired or rebuilt.

5. Repairs After Fire Damage

Results of fire damage look different for different businesses. A business in an older building might suffer more damage that needs heavy repairs than one in a newer building. Repair costs can be included in your claim.

When you file a claim with your insurance company after a fire, it's vital to have an estimate covering every aspect of getting you back to work so that you aren't stuck with steep bills later.

3 Major Reasons Why Security Fencing Is Necessary

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

A security fence surrounding your business after a fire decreases the likelihood of intruders and all of their inherent problems.

Three Major Reasons Why Security Fencing Is Required

When professional restoration representatives work with you to recover your business from fire and smoke damage, they may offer security fence installation around your property. While this measure might not seem as immediate as tarps and boards, it does contribute to the overall process. Explore the following reasons why fencing can protect your commercial building and assist with the restoration.

1. Damage Prevention

After a fire, the location is most likely in a vulnerable state. The broken windows, damaged walls and other unexpected openings can allow people to enter the building without permission. They might seek to destroy the property further or just explore the area, but their actions can escalate the damage, delay the reconstruction efforts and increase the overall expenses. Wild animals can also wander inside and cause similar effects. A solid fence can prevent these intrusions and their consequences.

2. Crime Deterrence

Another advantage of surrounding your business with a security fence is the deterrence of crime. Fire damage can make this place the target of criminals who aim to vandalize the property or steal any potential valuables. Additionally, there might be some equipment left overnight during the clean up or repair. Its damage or theft can set back the procedures. Fencing adds a layer of security that can help you have some peace of mind.

3. Liability Issues

A building impacted by fire, even during restoration, can be hazardous. Anyone who trespasses can be injured by weak structures, sharp edges, exposed wiring and broken gas lines. Other possible dangerous elements include ash, soot, and contaminated water. All these factors can harm interlopers, and as the property owner, you could be held legally liable for their injuries. Sufficient fencing not only reduces possible breaches, but it also demonstrates due diligence in preventing harm.

While boards, tarps and other sealing measures provide safety and protection throughout your property, there is always room for improvement. A security fence that surrounds your Puyallup, WA, business decreases the probability of intruders and all their inherent problems.

How To Troubleshoot Your Commercial Sprinkler System

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

A broken irrigation system can wreak havoc on your landscape. You could end up with brown grass or a flooded building.

Troubleshooting A Commercial Sprinkler System

Once you bought your irrigation system for your commercial property, you may have stopped thinking about it. You figured that the sprinklers would run smoothly, and that you could focus on other aspects of your Sumner, WA, business.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Irrigation problems can occur. Water could stop flowing to one part of your landscape, causing the bushes and grass to die. Malfunctioning sprinklers may even cause flooding that necessitates emergency restoration services. If your sprinklers do stop working, you can limit the water damage by fixing the problem right away. Here are some troubleshooting tips.

No Pressure

A zone failure occurs when one section of the sprinkler system no longer functions properly. Issues with any of the following could be a sign of zone failure:

• Solenoid
• Valve
• Wire
• Timer

The electrical impulse may be the source of the irrigation system breakdown. You can use a volt meter to test this impulse. Start by checking the wires operating the timer. Then move on to the solenoid.

It is not just electrical issues that cause failing zones. A tree root could also block the pipes in one area of the property. You may have to trim the tree or

kill the roots to solve this problem.

Sometimes, the entire sprinkler system malfunctions. If this happens, start by making sure all the valves are open. You should also use a wire locator to see if there are any cuts in the wires.

Low Pressure

If the water is flowing but the pressure is low, you should again check the solenoid. It could be loose or clogged by debris. The flow control valve may have also destroyed the diaphragm.

A broken irrigation system can wreak havoc on your landscape. You could end up with brown grass or a flooded building. Troubleshooting any issues immediately should limit the harm to your property.

3 Strategies for Maintaining a Commercial Roof

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a team of licensed water damage restoration professionals who are ready to restore your home or business after storm damage at any time.

3 Ways To Keep A Commercial Roof In Good Shape

If high winds, torrential rainstorms and other bad weather events impact Puyallup, WA, will your commercial building be ready to withstand roof damage? Roofing materials can be vulnerable to such issues and result in leaks and flooding that could seriously harm your building’s interior. However, there are a few strategies you can use to ensure that your roof is protected.

1. Order an Annual Inspection

Having your commercial roof inspected annually can uncover flaws and problems that might grow worse during a bad weather. For example, if your building’s roof is missing some of its tiles, rain and melting snow could weaken these areas and cause leaks. A thorough inspection by a roofing professional can shed some light on the state of your roof. If you suspect your roof is leaking from a recent storm, it is wise to call in a repair company right away, as leaks can damage drywall, insulation and wiring in your building’s attic.

2. Consider a Roofing Refit

If you are concerned about your roof sustaining wind damage, you may want to consider having it refitted with tougher materials. Metal, synthetic rubber and treated asphalt roofs are all durable options that can last 20 years or more. A roof rebuild can help guard your business against all different kinds of bad weather all year round. Your local roofing contractor or a storm damage and flood remediation service can advise you on which material is best suited for your building.

3. Waterproof Your Existing Roof

If you cannot fit the cost of a new roof into your budget, then consider having your existing roof treated with a waterproof material. Many types of roof damage occur during heavy rains, when tiles, flashing and other roofing materials are harmed or weakened by running or pooled water. Having your commercial roof waterproofed can prevent these issues before they begin.

Roof damage can be costly for you as a Puyallup, WA, business owner. Protecting your building’s roof with regular inspections and other types of preventative maintenance might be the first, best defense in keeping it in good shape.