Is Your Columbus Commercial Building Ready For Winter?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

As the colder months approach around Ohio, commercial property owners and managers should prepare for the challenges that winter brings. Proper winterization is essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and functional property during the frosty season.

1. Conduct a Winter Maintenance Check:

Before the winter weather sets in, schedule a thorough inspection of the property. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for blockages, and the windows and doors for proper sealing. Addressing any maintenance issues early can prevent costly damage and energy inefficiencies during the winter.

2. HVAC System Maintenance:

A well-maintained HVAC system is crucial for keeping the property warm and comfortable during winter. Have a technician inspect and clean the heating system, change air filters, and ensure that all components are functioning optimally.

3. Protect Pipes from Freezing:

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs. Insulate exposed pipes and consider installing heating cables in areas prone to freezing. Encourage tenants to keep the property heated, even during periods of vacancy, to prevent pipe-related disasters.

4. Snow and Ice Removal Plan:

Create a comprehensive snow and ice removal plan in collaboration with a reputable snow removal contractor. This plan should include designated snow removal areas, priorities for clearing different parts of the property, and an emergency response plan for severe weather events.

5. Stock Up on Winter Supplies:

Ensure an ample supply of winter essentials, such as salt, sand, snow shovels, and ice melt. These supplies are essential for maintaining safe walkways and parking lots, reducing slip and fall risks for tenants and visitors.

6. Landscape and Tree Maintenance:

Trim tree branches that could potentially break under the weight of snow and ice, posing a hazard to the property and its occupants. Additionally, remove any dead or weak trees that could fall during winter storms.

7. Check Exterior Lighting:

With shorter daylight hours in winter, proper exterior lighting is crucial for ensuring safety and security on the property. Inspect and replace any burnt-out bulbs or damaged fixtures to maintain a well-lit environment.

8. Communicate with Tenants:

Open lines of communication with tenants and inform them of your winter preparation plans. Encourage them to report any maintenance issues promptly and provide them with guidance on winter safety measures.

9. Plan for Power Outages:

Prepare for potential power outages by having a contingency plan in place. Consider investing in backup generators to keep essential systems, such as emergency lighting and security, operational during power disruptions.

10. Review Insurance Coverage:

Review your property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects against winter-related risks, such as snow damage, burst pipes, and slip and fall incidents. Make any necessary adjustments to your policy to avoid potential financial losses.

Winterizing commercial properties is a proactive approach to safeguarding investments, maintaining tenant satisfaction, and ensuring smooth operations during the colder months. By conducting proper maintenance checks, preparing for snow and ice removal, and focusing on tenant safety, commercial property owners and managers can navigate winter with confidence. Remember, early preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful and hassle-free winter season for your commercial property.

The Aftermath Of A Commercial Fire

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call SERVPRO, the fire remediation experts.

When a fire strikes on your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a southern Columbus commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a commercial fire successfully, follow the tips below:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.
Once the fire department has put out all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.

2. Assemble Your Records.
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business' essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.

3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately.
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.

4. Get Permission To Re-enter The Building.
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can re-enter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that re-entry is safe for you and your tenants.

If you experience a fire at your commercial property, call our experts at SERVPRO of South Columbus today at (614) 863-1392!

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Building

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let mold take over your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO today!

High humidity is a breeding ground for mold. The fungus feeds off moisture and can quickly spread. This often necessitates costly and complex black mold cleanup.

Those who own commercial property in humid climates thus have to take additional steps to limit mold damage. Below are some tips for preventing the growth of mold in your commercial building.

Keep Water Out

If there is any kind of flood or water leak on the premises, dry or remove the wet items immediately. You should quickly address any standing water within the property, as well.
Similarly, you should take steps to prevent water from entering the property from the outside. That means cleaning the gutters regularly and fixing any cracks in the walls or roof.

Utilize an Air Conditioner

If your property is in a location with high humidity, it likely includes an air conditioning unit. You should set it to approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Also, be sure to have the unit inspected regularly to ensure it is working properly. This will prevent the need for mold cleanup in the future.

Use Dehumidifiers

The dehumidifier is a great way to lower the amount of moisture in the air. Ideally, the humidity level should be no higher than 50 percent.

Increase Ventilation

Mold reproduces quickly in stale air. While an office building can get stuffy in a hurry, there are ways to improve the ventilation. Try opening some desk drawers or closet doors. You should also limit any clutter and keep furniture away from the walls.

Limit Condensation

Condensation is another common cause of mold growth in places with high humidity. You should thus install appropriate insulation in areas prone to this type of moisture.

Even if you follow the above steps, you could still encounter mold on your property. Mold remediation specialists like SERVPRO of South Columbus can help fix the problem and prevent future growth. Call us today!

Does Your Business Have a Fire Evacuation Plan?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has suffered a fire, call our SERVPRO experts who are faster to any size fire disaster!

Workplace fires may not seem like a common occurrence, but they are something that any business owner is wise to prepare for. Not only are commercial fires more commonplace than many people realize, but they can also be rather dangerous—especially when they occur at businesses that do not have a proper fire evacuation plan in place.

Not only is having an emergency action plan an OSHA-mandated requirement for many businesses, but it is also a smart choice for keeping you and your staff safe in the event of a fire breaking out. Fires can be a frightening occurrence, and without a clear course of action, panic can quickly derail the scenario and prohibit people from acting rationally.

Elements to Consider When Drafting Your Workplace Fire Evacuation Plan

- Consider Where a Fire is Likely to Break Out - 

• Fires can break out for a variety of reasons—issues in the office kitchen, overloaded electrical outlets or equipment malfunctions are all common sources of commercial fires, and these all have very different origin spots. It is important to consider where a fire is likely to break out in your space and draft plans that account for all possible scenarios so everyone can escape a fire of any kind.

- Consider Your Exits -

• Every area of your commercial space should have two exits at minimum so that people can get to safety even if one exit becomes blocked. If you are not on the ground floor, this may require purchasing safety ladders that can be routed outside of windows. Make sure that every area has at least two exits that are clear from debris and remain passable at all times.

- Consider Your Communication Plan - 

• It is important that you communicate with staff as well as emergency officials in the event of a fire. Designate a person on your staff to be in charge of calling 911, and designate another member to be in charge of communicating with employees and relaying instructions. That way there will be no confusion, and everyone will know what their role is in the scenario.

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of South Columbus for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of South Columbus is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

Experiencing Water Damage In Your Commercial Building

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians are on call 24/7 to quickly get your building cleaned up and minimize any potential downtime for your business.

Due to the wide variety of issues that can stem from water damage, it is one of the most difficult challenges a property owner can face. Depending on the severity, water damage can compromise structural integrity and damage belongings. When left unresolved or if not taken care of properly, water can result in the growth of mold. 

What is water damage?

Water damage is the type of damage that occurs on a structure and to personal property due to excessive moisture and collected water. Most often water damage will occur where water can collect without notice. For example, they will occur in the lowest depths of one's property such as crawl spaces and the basement.

Here are some examples of the equipment used for water damage repair services:

• Air Movers - help dry water-damaged flooring and surfaces by forcing moisture to evaporate more quickly
• Dehumidifiers - by maintaining the humidity of the room, a dehumidifier is a catalyst for drying an area that has excessive moisture
• Air Scrubbers - filter out any particles in your indoor air which may include airborne contaminants including the smell of musk and smoke
• Moisture Meters - gauges the severity of water damage on a surface or an area by assessing the moisture preset

At SERVPRO of South Columbus, we have state of the art equipment to ensure that your property is taken care of properly. By reducing the time it takes to dry your property, you'll be saving time and money. Call our SERVPRO Team today at (614) 863-1392.

Clean Store Happy Customers

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of South Columbus Team helps you stand up against harmful bacteria!

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right? By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help!  It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Emergency Ready Profile

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our team can help get your Emergency Ready Profile started to protect your building.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. The Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

Call SERVPRO of South Columbus at 614-863-1392 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today!

Common Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

The unexpected flood at this car dealership interrupted normal business operations but our SERVPRO Team saved the day!

Unexpected flooding in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to access the problem. What starts out as a small water leak can instantly turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. If your commercial building isn’t in pristine condition, there is a much higher chance of water damage occurring. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage in a commercial building:

1. Broken Pipes. Broken or cracked pipes are very common to occur in commercial buildings, especially as they age. When a pipe bursts, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the whole building. A busted pipe can cause damage to the walls, ceilings, flooring, and any other contents you have occupying that space.
2. Malfunctioning Sprinklers. It is a law that all commercial properties are equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. It works in conjunction with the fire alarm, and is activated when the fire alarm goes off. This causes water damage in two ways. First, if there is a fire in the building, the smoke will set off the fire alarms, activating the sprinklers causing water damage. And second, if the sprinkler system malfunctions and activates on its own, causing the water to cover the entire building.
3. Backed Up Sewer Lines. Bathrooms are another common source of possible problems. Sewer lines can get backed up, releasing water into the building. This type of water damage is extremely dangerous because the water is filled hazardous waste and other contaminants.
4. Damaged Appliances. Almost every office building has a kitchen or break room. Typically these rooms have a refrigerator or a dishwasher and when these appliances malfunction they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding entire room or more.

Steps to Take if You and Your Business are Victims of a Fire

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can happen quickly. Have a plan in place!

No matter the severity of damages, a fire is a chaotic occurrence for any business owner. In addition to loss, every hour spent restoring your business is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Once the fire has ceased and the site has been cleared, follow these steps to promptly restore order, productivity and profitability of your business.

Account for Everyone Affected

The safety of your employees and patrons is of the most importance. Be sure all of your employees and guests are accounted for proceeding the incident. Check guest sign-in sheets or logs if you use them or surveillance cameras to ensure that everyone is accounted for. Once accounted for, retrieve contact information so that you are able to get in touch with anyone affected by the fire. This may also include board members, external partners and customers. Don’t leave your staff and business partners in the dark regarding the future of your company. Any activities or services that need to be postponed or suspended should be clearly communicated and announced. Communication is key to help keep your staff calm and alerted.

Contact your Insurance Company

Promptly contact your insurance agent to report the incident, damages and loss. The quicker you report the incident the quicker the rebuilding and reimbursement processes may begin. If you happen to rent or lease your space, don’t forget to contact your property owner or manager.

Document Everything.

Once the fire has ceased and you’ve accounted for everyone who may have been affected, survey your property for damages and take photos. Avoid costly mistakes and easily fetch important facts and numbers by documenting and organizing all records. Maintain phone call logs to include times and reasons for each contact. Keep all receipts to document any expenses paid for during your business’s recovery period. Insurance companies will require proof of claimed losses, so have pertinent documentation (receipts, user manuals, credit card statements, photos, etc.) easily accessible.

Recover Critical Data Servers: hard drives and computers that hold data critical to the day-to-day operations of your business. If damaged, you run the risk of losing data as well as exposing employee and customer information. Depending on your exact case, take the necessary steps needed to recover any sensitive data.

Safeguard Your Property

Once the property has been cleared by professionals, collect and remove salvageable valuables, paperwork and data devices. As a business owner, you are responsible for mitigating damages. If the fire has caused significant damage to the structure of the building (exterior walls, doors, windows or the roof) safeguard the premises. Temporarily patch any holes, pitch tarps or make arrangements to have the building boarded up to prevent further damage, vandalism and leaks. Remember to keep all receipts of expenses for reimbursement.

Proceed With Caution

It will be tempting get your business up and running as quickly as possible following the incident, but it is important to be patient and not to rush into any repairs. Contact experienced professionals to assist in the assessment of damages as they will have the knowledge, technology and resources needed to restore your space promptly and properly.

While any disaster to your business, big or small, can be worrisome - know that you have access to the resources to restore your business. Of US based businesses, about 60% have been able to reopen their doors after a disastrous fire and many have gone on to achieve great success and profitability. Above all, it is important to be smart and remain hopeful.

Getting Your Building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Our continued commitment to a higher standard of clean!

As we all move forward in the battle against COVID-19, inspiring safety and confidence in our communities remains the number one concern. That’s why at SERVPRO of South Columbus, we remain dedicated to bringing a higher standard of clean to businesses across the country through Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is our specialized viral pathogen-cleaning program that prevents the spread of COVID-19. Going far beyond standard janitorial cleaning, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has helped tens of thousands of businesses nationwide keep their doors open safely in the face of this pandemic. And with more than 50 years of experience and expertise in biohazard decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

How does it work? Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is grounded in our unique 3 Cs:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, which is why we’ll start by learning about the unique needs of each space.
  
  
• Clean: Based on the specific needs of the business, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-approved, hospital-grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to CDC standards.
  
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

We Get You Back To Business Faster

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is Faster To Any Size Disaster!

There are many reasons why a commercial business needs to quickly return to its normal daily operations after a water or fire disaster. The reason that is the most prevalent on the minds of the company's stakeholders is simple: profitability.  The longer a business remains idle due to an unexpected loss, the faster that losses from lost opportunity will mount. It is critical to respond quickly. 

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after fire or water damage means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to what your business and building does best.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is a large-loss team that routinely mitigates water and fire damage losses in office complexes, medical buildings, high rise buildings, university buildings, large hotels and other commercial structures throughout the Columbus area. Whether you are in need of board-up services, commercial drying, or the mitigation of massive amounts of water from a factory floor, we have the knowledge, equipment and proven expertise to deliver fast, proven results for our commercial customers. 

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Columbus for your all of your unexpected commercial restoration needs. Our highly trained professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your next unexpected disaster. We are always Here To Help!

Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience unexpected damage due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head, call SERVPRO of South Columbus.

Fires can happen without warning and can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage from fires totaled in about $12 million in 2012. Luckily we have fire sprinklers that are considered one of the most effective fire suppression systems available. When a building sprinkler system is activated by a fire, they are effective 96% of the time according to the NFPA. That's why it is very important for these systems to be in good condition and maintained regularly.

• Be sure to inspect all control valves to ensure that they are open, accessible, properly locked, and free from any leaks. Examine water and air pressure gauges to make sure they are showing normal ranges in good condition.
• Inspect the condition of sprinkler heads for paint, dust, or obstructions.
• Make sure there is an adequate clearance of at least 18 inches from the height of storage to the sprinkler head. This prevents anything from accidentally knocking into it.
• Have at least 6 spare heads that correspond to the type and temperature rate of the heads in use.
• Inspect all fire department connections to verify caps are in place and that no damage is present.
• Check low points on dry sprinkler systems to remove water to prevent freezing.
• Maintain adequate heat within a dry sprinkler control valve room to prevent freezing.
• Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler immediately.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned; A Higher Standard of Clean

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Please contact our SERVPRO of South Columbus office at 614-863-1392 to have your building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Don't Wait! Call SERVPRO To Start The Water Removal Process In Your Commercial Building

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle large water damage issues. That's why our SERVPRO team is here for you!

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in Columbus properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can re-purpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392.

Restoring A Flooded Building

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts.

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Columbus that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration for this Columbus office building. As always, this process began with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this was established, work could begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the sub-flooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts throughout the office space. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your office building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Columbus flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (614) 863-1392.

Does Your Building Have The Flu? SERVPRO Can Help!

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call our office today to have your building cleaned!

About Influenza (Flu)

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year. Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory sickness causing mild to severe symptoms. Those with the flu can spread it to others without direct contact. The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Flu

Our SERVPRO team is here for you! We can treat your buildings for Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and many other harmful viruses. Our team uses a powerful, EPA botanical disinfectant that dries with no residue and is safe for use in the most delicate of applications like nursing homes and schools. Our staff would treat your building with a fogging process then go over heavy touched areas by hand.

Call our SERVPRO office today for more information!

Levels Of Commercial Damage

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Columbus came to the rescue after water damage affected this local church.

SERVPRO of South Columbus not only handles residential damage and restoration, but commercial damage as well.

When handling a commercial loss, three levels of damage are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

Is Water Damage Soaking the Bottom Line of Your Columbus Manufacturing Facility?

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage shudder your manufacturing operations. Call SERVPRO of South Columbus for fast remediation.

Commercial Water Removal Experts from Columbus Talk About Drying Cinder Blocks And Concrete Walls

Many manufacturing facilities in the Columbus region have offices that reside above them. Should the plumbing inside these offices fails, then moisture can enter your manufacturing floor from above, which can force you to conduct extensive commercial water removal. Moisture entering from the ceiling can be catastrophic because anything below the roof can get damaged due to gravity. Electrical shorts are possible if your light fixtures get filled with water.

Any time you have a plumbing failure, it is wise to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. When conducting commercial water removal in Columbus, we are Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our goal is always to return your manufacturing facility to the way it was before, "Like it never even happened." We know that when problems arise at your place of business, that loss of productivity can become expensive. We always try to conduct our restoration procedures in a way that reduces your loss of revenue.

When dealing with manufacturing facilities, our SERVPRO technicians know that many of the walls that cinder blocks and concrete make up your building's structure. One of the most critical factors when drying out cinder blocks is the blank space in between them. When water flows down cinder blocks, it can get trapped inside these gaps. Sometimes we can drain the walls by drilling holes in the mortar at the bottom of the wall.

If water has sat inside your cinder blocks for a long time, we can drill holes in other places in the walls. By creating holes in the cinder blocks, we can force air into the gaps inside them and help speed up the drying process. After your structure is dried, we can quickly patch up these holes.

If concrete inside your manufacturing plant gets wet, we can take further steps to remove the moisture from your walls or flooring slab. When moisture soaks deep into the concrete, we often use a desiccant dehumidifier to pull water from deep inside the non-porous material. Desiccant dehumidifiers work by push air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. The machine then heats the gel, releasing the moisture.

If your manufacturing plant in Bexley, Reynoldsburg, or Grove City ever suffers from a plumbing failure, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 any day of the week.

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Columbus Water Woes in Your Eatery? Call SERVPRO

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

For Professional Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Columbus--Here Is the Answer--SERVPRO!!

Professional Water Removal Gets Your Columbus Deli Department Taking Orders Again

The gourmet deli and “grab and go” selection of pre-made entrees, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more makes your Columbus grocery a destination for residents and area visitors. When alumni and families gather for reunions, orientations, and graduations, you are ready with a delicious array to make things easy and festive. Students and community members rely on you for last-minute meal solutions. If a pipe bursts or an appliance malfunctions in the prep, storage, or counter areas you need help fast.

We understand that getting right back to work after a disaster is crucial to your continued profitability, so your Columbus deli’s water removal project gets prompt attention. Our crew arrives ready to assess and create and implement a mitigation and remediation plan immediately. The risk of microbial growth in food prep and service areas is of concern, so we know the spaces must be cleared, cleaned, disinfected, and dried rapidly.

Once our project manager delivers instructions to the crew, SERVPRO’s Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians roll the equipment off our fully-stocked green service vehicles. Water two inches and deeper pumps out, and wanded extractors take care of puddled water on other surfaces.

We can power our equipment with gas and from generators onboard our trucks, minimizing disruption in other areas of your store. During the water removal, we consult with you about ways we can partition the deli off from the rest of the departments, where shopping continues as usual. Sealing the space with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and employing an air scrubber to filter and exhaust the air during the job helps us perform to industry standards out of sight. SERVPRO employees use thermal imaging to find trapped water. We release it for capture and disposal with controlled demolition techniques such as drilling holes in grout or mortar lines or making flood cuts in drywall.

SERVPRO technicians clean surfaces with products determined appropriate to use where food is prepared. We also treat surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit any mold or other pathogens. The cleaned and sanitized deli then receives applied structural drying services. Our crew monitors moisture levels and places and adapts a perimeter of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to complete the job.  

When your business needs expert water removal and drying services, SERVPRO of South Columbus has the technicians and equipment to get things back on track quickly. Call us at (614) 863-1392 day or night for an assessment of the water loss.

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Do You Have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) for Potential Commercial Flood Damage in Bexley?

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

We can help you prepare for flood damage with an Have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). The faster we can begin drying the property minimizes damages.

An Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is the Best Way to Prepare for Bexley Commercial Flood Damage

The time to share critical information with a disaster remediation company is before a water loss harms your Bexley business.  A business owner never wants to experience the disruption and frustration of significant flooding. Partnering with our experienced management team in anticipation of disaster improves our ability to respond efficiently. It is impossible to predict when a flooding crisis might occur, but it is possible to be ready for it with our help. 

Speed is crucial when responding to commercial flood damage in Bixby. Knowing the layout of your business helps our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians work effectively and efficiently. Invite us to view your site and collaborate to minimize disruptions if flooding becomes a problem in the future. 

SERVPRO offers commercial customers a customized Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP). We visit your building and sketch a detailed blueprint of each space. Essential things to flag are the location of utility shut-offs and critical equipment. After the assessment, expect us to share recommendations designed to minimize your risk of loss if flooding occurs.  Some of these recommendations may include moving stored documents or inventory to higher ground and elevating machinery and other equipment to prevent water incursion. 

We depend on you to add essential details to help us craft your individualized recovery plan. The SERVPRO ERP mobile app walks you through the process. The app allows you to share information about the contractors that build your space and systems so we can contact them with questions during the flood damage restoration. Because you might not always be available when flooding occurs, the app allows you to designate managers, employees, or other trusted individuals to act on your behalf. Your decision to use us as your preferred disaster recovery company is also made clear. 

Together our assessment and your profile comprise a digital plan our employees access if storm damage or a massive plumbing break floods your commercial building. Implementing the plan is as easy as pulling the app up on a mobile device to let us know you need a crew and equipment as soon as possible. 

You need to be there for your customers and employees no matter what crisis comes your way.  SERVPRO of South Columbus is there for you when disaster strikes. Call us at (614) 863-1392 to schedule an assessment so we can put your ERP in place. 

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Don't Let A Faulty Dishwasher In Your Columbus Restaurant Cause You To Panic, Call The Experts At SERVPRO!

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

If water-based damages suddenly overtake your business, always get help right away.

Faulty Dishwashing Equipment Can Leave Your Columbus Restaurant In Need Of Water Cleanup Services

Every restaurant needs a convenient way to clean their dirty dishes, but it can become a problem when the devices meant to clean said dishes leak water all over the kitchen instead. Having water all over the floor can create an unsafe work environment for your employees and can shut the doors of your restaurant. In order to get your business back on its feet as soon as possible, it's essential for you to reach out to professional help immediately.

The source of the leak, which left your restaurant in urgent need of local Columbus water cleanup services, came from a broken water supply line and happened right before closing time. By the time the water was shut off, water was spread throughout the kitchen. Immediately calling for can help ensure that dinner service can still run the next night.

SERVPRO understands how vital foot traffic is for your business. For this reason, we're available whenever you need us, night or day, weekends or weekdays. We operate around your schedule. After receiving your call, we can assemble a team of our Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration-certified technicians for the job. Our SERVPRO technicians can travel with haste to get to your establishment and begin the cleanup.

SERVPRO always uses advanced technology that has been specifically designed to combat water-based damages swiftly. Our technicians can use devices such as wet/dry vacuums and wand extractors to pull the water out of your kitchen as quickly as possible. Once the standing water has been addressed and removed, SERVPRO can focus on ensuring that no outlying problems remain. We can use thermal imaging technology to check for any hidden pockets of water, and we can also use moisture meters to make sure that the floor and walls do not need any drying equipment set up. Once the job has been finished, SERVPRO can leave your restaurant confident that we have returned it to pre-damage condition. “Like it never even happened.”

If water-based damages suddenly overtake your business, always get help right away. Communicate with SERVPRO of South Columbus by phoning (614) 863-1392. No matter the time, we're available to help you.

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Don't Just Sit There! Contact SERVPRO to Start the Commercial Water Removal Process in Columbus

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle water damage issues. Contact SERVPRO for a quick reply and IICRC certified remediation services.

How Professional Commercial Removal Services in Columbus can Prevent Secondary Damages

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in Columbus properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can repurpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392.

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Columbus Entrepreneurs Turn to SERVPRO to Rapidly Mitigate Water Losses to Their Properties

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

Columbus and All of Ohio Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup--Get the Factory Reopened!

Commercial Water Damage Cleanup for Your Columbus Business

Residential water damage can cause any homeowner a great deal of money. However, commercial properties can sustain even higher costs. Water can cause significant damage to any size building, yet commercial properties usually have a larger area than a residential property. Whether it is roof leaks or failed plumbing, you need to act quickly when your property in Columbus has suffered a water loss. Restoration is a big feat to tackle on your own, so you need to get the help of a professional restoration service.
 
Commercial water damage to your Columbus factory can put a halt to your operations for some time. That is why you want to put your trust in our professionals at SERVPRO to mitigate the damages and move swiftly to get your plant back to its preloss condition whenever possible.
 
Water mitigation is our first step, clearing out all the standing water before we proceed with any restoration. SERVPRO technicians use special truck-mounted pumps to do the job quickly and efficiently for inches of standing water.  Industrial dehumidifiers are used along with air movers to help dry the affected area more quickly. We can tow in large desiccant dehumidifiers with assembled ducts to directly channel capture water vapor to the exterior. The moisture levels in your building need to be controlled now, and proper ventilation is necessary.
 
Adding these machines to our restoration process control the climate and temperatures inside your building and help to prevent mold from forming on and in porous materials. Odor control is also taken into account when we are dealing with water damage restoration. If mildew and mold have started to grow, we can clean it up and eliminate odors and any potential toxicity.
 
SERVPRO staff also works with your insurance company to lessen the stress for you during the process of restoration. We understand that you have a lot of other things you have to handle and worry about, so we want to ease your stress whenever we can. We make sure your property is dealt with promptly. The faster we can extract the water and clean the building, the less money you spend and the less downtime your business has.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus doesn’t waste time getting to you and your business in when you give us a call for help. Just reach out to us anytime you need by dialing (614) 863-1392, and we can help you get back on your feet.

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What to Avoid During the Commercial Water Damage Remediation Process

10/13/2018 (Permalink)

Patrons enjoy meeting up at your cafe to catch up. Make sure they don't find another place by calling us if your cafe has suffered from water damage.

Our Commercial Water Removal Restoration in Columbus Can Restore Your Cafe

The flow of excess water from a crack in the supply line to your kitchen sink has left a mess in your neighborhood cafe. You will need professional assistance from us to get your business back in full operation. It is essential for you to call us right away because standing water can ruin the flooring and lower walls as well as the foundation of your building. Plus, if water sits for more than 48 hours, mold can begin to form, which can lead to health effects. Calling our company can help prevent further damages to your business.
 
SERVPRO provides fast commercial water removal restoration services in Columbus that may involve the use of portable or truck-mounted extractors, wands, wet vacs, and pumps. Our crews work quickly to get your business back on track and to prevent you from losing a large number of sales. Once, we eliminate all excess water from the structure, the drying phase begins. To thoroughly dry the area our team may use air movers or axial fans as well as industrial-grade dehumidifiers. These pieces of equipment help speed up the drying process by forcing out moisture and pulling in dry air. You can rely on our trained techs to work quickly and efficiently.
 
It may be necessary for our team to pack-out various items from the affected areas and to remove tables and chairs from inside the structure to prevent damages. We itemize, categorize and safely store every item and piece of furniture that we take from the cafe. Plus, we label and wrap all contents in protective sheets and keep them in a safe and dry area on or off-site until the restoration stage is complete. Our technicians are highly proficient and aim to get your business up and running as soon as possible. It is our goal to make it look "Like it never even happened."
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus offers commercial water removal services that can restore your business when possible. Call us at (614) 863-1392 any time of the day or night. We are close by and can help get your business back in operation within hours after your initial contact.

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SERVPRO of South Columbus Delivers the "Hospital Clean” Required After a Plumbing Breach

10/7/2018 (Permalink)

Hospitals require a higher level of clean to make sure that diseases aren't spread. Contact SERVPRO if your hospital facility is facing water damage.

Many Ways to Avoid Secondary Damages After Commercial Water Damage in Columbus

Hospital environments and surfaces demand enhanced cleaning and disinfecting for health and safety even under normal circumstances. Best practices in infection control practice used consistently reduce the incidence of hospital-associated infections. The challenge of monitoring and controlling infectious diseases increases when a water disaster occurs in a healthcare institution. Patients depend on a partnership of our trained crews and the highly-qualified cleaning and disinfecting staff to make it “Like it never even happened.”

When a Columbus hospital suffered a water pipe break, the cleanup and disinfection necessitated following research-based protocols. In taking on the project, we committed to working closely with the hospital housekeeping staff to ensure our efforts resulted not only in a cleaned and sanitized facility but also in the achievement of “hospital clean” -- a higher standard of clean and disinfection than typical mitigation.

The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) develop and continually review standards in environmental and surface cleaning in hospital settings. SERVPRO adopted the procedures prescribed by these reputable organizations when restoring the hospital back to pre-water loss condition.

Whenever water floods through a building, fast action is needed. The potential for microbial growth increases as time passes and the moisture remains. SERVPRO has the high-efficiency equipment to remove the water and clear the soiling that accompanies the accidental flooding. We used flood cuts and other techniques to access the water behind walls, making sure we get to all the moisture to prevent secondary complications.

Thorough environmental cleaning is the first step to reduce microbial contamination of surfaces in the hospital. The more efficient the mechanical cleaning, the more effective the action of the EPA registered disinfectants used after the cleaning procedures. SERVPRO consults with hospital personnel and their industry experts to select and administer the most properly targeted treatments at both the cleaning and the disinfecting stages.

Hospital housekeeping staff are experts in the multifaceted processes and strategies used to keep surfaces, especially those frequently touched by patients and health care workers, clean per the APSIC and CDC protocols. When SERVPRO shares this knowledge and expertise while responding after a plumbing crisis the best outcomes are more assured. Our successful Columbus hospital water restoration project is proof of the benefit of this collaboration.  

SERVPRO of South Columbus is up for any water damage restoration challenge, ready to meet or exceed the expectations of any commercial customer. Contact us at (614) 863-1392 when disaster strikes your business so we can work together toward a solution.

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Secrets of Faster Commercial Water Removal in Columbus

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Retail Shops in Columbus Call on SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Assessment and an Action Plan by SERVPRO Can Mitigate Water Damage to Commercial Enterprises

Water damage in many regular businesses in Columbus might not be a common occurrence probably because, in most of them, there is little interaction with water. For example, if you have a bookstore, only the restroom might have free-flowing water installations. The limited presence leaves you less prepared for such an eventuality, but with the services we offer, your business can bounce back soon enough.
 
During commercial water removal in Columbus, speed is crucial because apart from the damage the water is likely to cause, extended downtime might lead customers to seek services elsewhere. Working with a professional like SERVPRO provides a realistic chance of getting your business back on track fast enough because we have a professional team and industry-leading equipment. With our truck-mounted water extractors, we can remove water from your property within a few hours, or portable wet vacs and mops and buckets for smaller removal efforts.
 
One thing that slows down the recovery process is the kind of contents on the premises. In a bookstore, you might have to move shelves or boxes fully stacked with stationery before taking steps to address the affected areas. One of the effective steps to take in such a scenario is a pack-out. Moving all or most of the contents away from the business premises makes extracting the water more effectively done and also relocate paper materials out of harm's way. Our SERVPRO team is well equipped to handle pack-outs. Among other things, we gather contents, wrap them in protective sheets and a label them correctly so that when we return them, it can be "Like it never even happened," whenever possible.
 
Proper water removal takes more than just running a few drying or extraction equipment. Once the water floods the property, it might reach areas such as wall cavities, which are not readily accessible. One way our SERVPRO team removes water from the hidden areas faster is by drilling holes in the walls. If there is insulation, we make flood cuts, but if there is no insulation, weep holes work. These holes allow for increased circulation of air in the wall cavities, drying the premises faster.
 
When the unexpected water loss occurs, you should call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392. We evaluate the situation and find a way to get you back in business fast.

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Restoring A Flooded Columbus Office Building

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts.

Restoring A Flooded Building

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Columbus that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration for this Columbus office building. As always, this process began with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this was established, work could begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the subflooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts throughout the office space. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your office building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Columbus flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (614) 863-1392.

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Restoring Water Damage to Your Columbus University Dormitory

5/27/2018 (Permalink)

Dorm life is an extension of home life. Make sure to contact SERVPRO if your college dorm area experiences water damage.

SERVPRO Technicians Make Your Water Damage Emergency Our Priority

Columbus has a lot of student housing and dormitories, and given the unpredictability of some of the students that attend universities here, you cannot always prevent disasters and damages to the facility. Water emergencies and concerns are among the most typical of restoration needs for these facilities, and this can get attributed to any number of causes stretching far beyond the negligence of the ordinary college student.

Regardless of how the commercial water damage affects your Columbus campus dormitory or facility, cleaning up the mess and restoring and damages that it might have caused are high priorities for the school. Lingering effects could have a negative impact on the reputation of the school, not to mention dangerous or potentially hazardous conditions that could result from not remedying the problem immediately.

For these types of situations that exceed far beyond the effectiveness of conventional cleaning approaches, you can put your trust in SERVPRO. Our team can arrive quickly to assess the damage and get to work on restoring the damages, cleaning up the mess, and drying the area entirely.

While you likely employ a staff of individuals that see to the cleanliness and maintenance of all of the buildings on campus, many water damage situations exceed the limitations of traditional drying efforts. Failure to eliminate the moisture and dampness lingering after a water incident can lead to compounding damages like microbial / mold growth. With the potential health effects now attributed to these fungal growths, this could be a severe issue for relocating students, not to mention a considerable blast to your school's reputation.

While you might not always require restoration services for the water incidents that affect dormitories and housing on your campus, it is always a good practice to know whom to call when you need professional assistance. Our SERVPRO of South Columbus team of water damage restoration specialists is available 24/7 to help you overcome any disaster that your facility might face. You can reach our emergency response team anytime by calling (614) 863-1392.

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Quality Mold Damage Remediation Services In Columbus

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

You can stay ahead of mold in your hotel by understanding what to look for or be aware of, making it possible to catch problems before they get worse.

Mold Damage Remediation Services

Your Columbus hotel may have mold contamination without you even knowing. However, anytime you have a water problem, such as plumbing leaks, faulty appliances, or incidents in guest rooms, mold growth has the perfect environment to grow.

You can stay ahead of mold damage in your Columbus area hotel by understanding what to look for or be aware of, making it possible to catch problems before they get out of hand. Mold releases a dank, musty odor. Since mold can remain hidden, this smell might be the only clue you get about its existence. Whenever you sense a problem, take action immediately and contact a qualified mold remediation specialist.

SERVPRO’s fully-licensed IICRC technician can check for visible signs of mold in your hotel without disturbing growth areas and avoid spreading the infection to other areas of your hotel. Mold can hide in your walls, behind wallpaper, in carpeting, and enjoys any moist, humid climates found on your property. Your basement, attic, storeroom, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen all supply an inviting environment for mold.

You should have the proper ventilation installed for any area that maintains high humidity levels or has condensation problems. Mold can spread within 24-48 hrs if any water leak or flood area does not receive the proper attention immediately. Once you locate a mold problem in your hotel, do not wait. Contact SERVPRO for 24-hr emergency response to your mold remediation problem.

Our IICRC technicians understand how mold grows and what attracts the fungus to common areas found in your hotel. We can locate the existing problem, remove and dispose of contaminated materials, and help you stop the mold problem on your property in its tracks. With access to water extraction, drying, cleaning, and deodorization equipment of all shapes and sizes, SERVPRO can handle any size mold problem you may find in your hotel.

Contact SERVPRO of South Columbus for access to the personnel, equipment, and resources needed to clean and restore your Lithopolis, Bexley, or Grove City business, today. We have teams established right here in our community to offer assistance whenever necessary, call today (614) 863-1392.

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Use SERVPRO ERP to Hasten Water Removal from a Mall in Columbus

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in shopping malls can be taken care of faster when businesses take advantage of SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile system.

Preparation Can Help Speed Up the Restoration Process and Minimize Damages

Water removal from a mall in Columbus can be difficult for us to handle under normal circumstances due to many different confounding factors and variables. Malls are massive, unique in layout, and contain an extraordinarily high number of water lines and outlets, all of which can be prone to ruptures, leaks, and catastrophes without any notice. However, diligent mall renters and owners can help to improve our speed and quality of care through the use of the SERVPRO ERP system.

The Emergency Ready Profile system is designed to help businesses like shopping malls in Columbus receive water removal and other services from SERVPRO with as little delay between disaster and repair as possible. For fast, sudden events such as water line ruptures, less than an hour of time shaved off of our reaction can mean thousands of dollars saved for you. Without fast action, water can accumulate and cause severe damage and potentially lead to even more significant problems, such as a nasty mold infestation. Thus, for astute business owners, an immediate reaction to water disasters should be a priority.

SERVPRO ERP allows a business owner to create individualized, unique profiles for each location, building, and sub-unit in his or her possession. This makes the system ideal for establishments such as shopping malls that contain a wide variety of smaller stores and layouts that have unique setups and situations that could otherwise impede our efforts to remove water from the facility. By uploading floor plans, blueprints, critical access point locations, and other relevant bits of data, you can grant our technicians access to essential information with only the touch of a button when things go wrong. For more extensive floods that encompass most or all of the mall, the same system can be used to indicate a bigger problem and convey relevant information about the whole place to our first responders. Through this system, you can protect your buildings and businesses faster and with greater efficacy in the future.

SERVPRO of South Columbus is ready 24/7 to respond to calls for help. If your business needs water removed from the premises, call us at (614) 863-1392.

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Tips to Keep in Mind for Warehouses with Water Damage in Columbus

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to keep an up to date list of all inventory in your warehouse or commercial space in the case of water damage.

SERVPRO is Here to Help with Your Commercial Water Damage Needs

The nature of most warehouses means that floods can create unique and challenging safety situations. If the warehouse space begins to flood, restorations can be complicated, and safety conditions are often less than ideal. While SERVPRO technicians are experienced enough to recognize the risks and stipulations of water damage to a warehouse in Columbus, employees, managers, and other individuals associated with the building may not be. Keep these words of advice in mind if your warehouse should ever flood, in a storm or otherwise.

Damage Can Happen High Up, But Only If You Let It

Even if the floodwaters stop short of specific elevations in your Columbus warehouse, water damage may still occur to items and materials above water level with time. This is a result of relative humidity: whenever an enclosed space floods, the relative humidity in that space tends to rise drastically. Only by contacting SERVPRO quickly and receiving emergency mitigation service can you avoid the risks associated with high humidity. With time, excessively humid conditions can foster mold growth, oxidize some metals, and hasten the degradation of sensitive organic matter such as paper and cardboard. We bring in heavy dehumidifying equipment to take care of humidity before it becomes an issue.

High Places Should Be Accessible in an Emergency

Should the flood happen suddenly, you want to make sure that higher places in the building can be reached quickly. While it may make sense to cordon these places off from most workers during day-to-day operations, keeping them locked away could lead to a costly lawsuit in an emergency. Try to keep access points spread out so that two workers on opposite ends of the facility can both be safe.

Keep Your Inventory Updated and Verifiable

When insurance adjusters and representatives come to do their business, they typically want to see recent, verifiable, and complete inventory lists to determine appropriate coverage. Remember that it is in their best interests not to cover your losses - make sure that you have proof of everything lost in the disaster. SERVPRO can assist here on request with professional inventory evaluation services.

SERVPRO of South Columbus has the tools, personnel, and contacts necessary to take on even the most significant industrial-scale disasters in the local area. Contact us at (614) 863-1392.

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Professional Commercial Water Removal Services In Columbus

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Whenever a water damage disaster strikes, there is a possibility that the documents which you use for book-keeping in your store are affected.

Commercial Water Removal Services

As a business owner in Columbus, you need to be prepared for natural disasters so that you know the correct measures to take when your property suffers water damage. The working of commercial water removal service providers can help in preventing your retail store or office from experiencing further damage. It all starts with understanding how the certified technicians work to solve the problem.

Whenever a water damage disaster strikes, there is a possibility that the documents which you use for book-keeping in your retail store or the electronics you sell are affected. When that happens, and you live in Columbus, you do not have to panic. All you need is a commercial water removal service provider like SERVPRO to attend to your damaged property.

When it comes to document drying, it all begins with determining the appropriate method to save the damaged documents and books. As an owner, you have to act quickly and make decisions with the restorers to minimize the extent of the damage. It is important to note that achieving the earlier state of the water damaged documents and books is not possible, but preventing further loss is essential. Vacuum thermal-drying, vacuum freeze drying, freeze-drying, dehumidification and air-drying are some of the methods that certified technicians from SERVPRO use to dry the documents.

When attending to your electronics, trained restorers will first make sure that no electrical hazards are present. Here, we are referring to equipment like microwaves, stereos, TVs, computers, VCRs and any appliances that have a circuit board. First, they disconnect trip breakers and batteries and then cover the electronics with plastic to prevent entry of additional water into the appliances. After that, a dehumidification equipment is set up to stabilize conditions in order for relevant emergency and evaluation procedures to take place.

One of the reasons as to why you should work with experts from certified companies like SERVPRO is because they follow all local and state regulations in their work. Trained restoration technicians always share ideas with you as a business owner so that the safety of your employees and property is guaranteed. The use of specialized methods and equipment is what makes their work simple and reliable.

SERVPRO of South Columbus treats every water, mold, fire and storm damage disaster as an emergency. Call us at (614) 863-1392 to be served by a trusted industry leader.

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Professional Tips on How to Minimize Commercial Water Damage for Columbus Business Owners

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can turn into flooding which can be damaging for your business. Contact SERVPRO to go over prevention tips or remediation after damage.

Getting an Inspection From SERVPRO can Offer Great Prevention Tips for Business Proprietors

Water belongs in rivers and lakes, showers and toilets, pipes and sinks. When it finds its way out of these places, the impact is not pretty. Often, business owners in Columbus let their guard down when a small seepage occurs. Unbeknown to them, small water leakages can lead to massive consequences, including structural damage, corrosion, soggy walls, soaked carpets, and even mold growth.
 
The presence of commercial water damage in any Columbus premises should be dealt with forcefully. If you need someone for the job, SERVPRO is there to help. We are trusted, locally-based, and can respond quickly to your emergency any time of the day. Most importantly, our technicians are highly trained, highly experienced, and certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
 
There are several things you can do to minimize your risk of commercial water damage. For instance, insulating exposed pipes can protect them from external factors that may cause them to rupture, leading to a huge flood. You can usually find piping insulation in a local hardware store.
 
Keeping the heat at sufficient levels can go a long way towards preventing water pipes from freezing during cold spells (especially during weekends or when the premises are vacant). At SERVPRO, we receive numerous cases of water damage resulting from frozen pipes. The frozen water causes the pipes to expand. Progressive freezing and expansion of the water within the pipes can lead to a buildup of pressure between the closed faucet and the ice blockage, eventually causing it to burst.
 
Another way you can prevent water damage to your business is regularly inspecting and removing debris, leaves, and buildup from the drainage, downspouts, and gutters on the building. These things can cause a backdrop of water, which ultimately drains down the walls and onto the floor. Here, it may cause a flood or spread to valuable items in the building such as furniture and vital documents (especially when no one is around).
 
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to commercial water damage. However, when you need quick water damage restoration services, SERVPRO of South Columbus is at your disposal. Call us today at (614) 863-1392.

For more information about the City of Columbus, Ohio visit: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/

Wet Feet & Soaked Shoes mean Commercial Water Removal Methods are Needed in Your Columbus Grocery

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

Contain the Water in Your Columbus Grocery Store, Or Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Services

Keep Customers Coming Back with Rapid Water Removal and Cleanup

The majority of grocery stores have at least two different sprinkler systems inside – one for fire and another for the produce section. Either of these systems can malfunction, spreading water in every direction before hitting the floor. These breakdowns do not include broken water lines and other situations that can produce flooding in bakeries, cafes, or restrooms in a grocery store.
 
Water damage in a Columbus grocery store is an incident that managers know food shoppers can do without. They need to have a clean, dry, and highly sanitary location to purchase food and flooded stores need commercial water removal to restore the normal shopping experience customers expect. Filth and mud can become huge turn offs to that shopping, decreasing the number of products placed in carts. SERVPRO can assist in the efforts in returning your store to its former state.
 
Our technicians are trained according to IICRC methods, enabling them to restore everything within a facility, no matter the size, and always regardless of the extent of the damage. Your business is a crucial part of our local economy, and we understand that anything that impacts you negatively can adversely affect our domestic economic health.
 
How much water exists when we arrive determines which equipment we start with to remove the water from your store. Once water no longer presents a challenge as a hazard on floors, we begin extracting moisture from all surfaces. Groceries stores with water-logged products find it helpful to use our inventory system, so insurance claims are completed more efficiently with fewer requests for revision.
 
Shelves and other display areas must be completely dry before new products' placement, and because simply being dry is not enough when it comes to food safety, we also sanitize all surfaces. Dehumidifiers remove moisture in the air while heaters and air blowers increase the evaporation rate. Repainting walls and other areas can only happen after they are completely dry.
 
In addition to sanitization, inhibitors that are safe once dry can also be applied to prevent the growth of any microbes such as mold and mildew. Once completed, we can deodorize your grocery safely with hydroxyl generators, producing a freshness in the air.
 
For water removal in your sopping wet grocery, call SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392 as soon as possible. We can restore your grocery quickly and make it “Like it never even happened.”

More about this city here.

Water Damage to Your Warehouse in Columbus

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Regular upkeep and maintenance on your warehouse can save you money in the long run.

Don't Let Water Damage Leave Your Merchandise Exposed to the Elements

Warehouses are usually huge structures and made to hold many products and inventory. In many cases, unfortunately, they are not properly inspected or kept up, resulting in leaks in roofs or many other problems. Sometimes, when a facility does not have a staff full-time, leaks can go undetected for extended periods of time, even months. By the time they are found, there is significant water damage done to the structure, plus to any products that are stored there.
 
Water can damage your Columbus warehouse in various ways. The most serious commercial water damage seen is the damage to the structure. Roofs are severely compromised from torrential rainfall or the weight of ice or snow that is piled up. Sometimes, a partial or complete collapse of the roof happens, leaving the inside of the warehouse open to the weather outside, and it only takes one rainstorm to create more damage. You need a professional water remediation company such as SERVPRO to help you clean up any damage after it occurs.
 
Water can get into the wiring of the building and the HVAC system, wreaking havoc with the functioning of these items and sometimes causing a partial or total breakdown. The systems are then offline until repairs are made and a qualified technician approves them.
 
Structural damage is the worst part of water damage to your warehouse, but the effect on the materials stored inside is terrible as well. These are many times your main source of income, and any damage or destruction to them has an enormous economic impact on your business, especially if the warehouse is the only place your company stores its wares.
 
The administrative wing in your warehouse could also be damaged by the water, meaning that you can lose important files like inventory records, orders pending, truck schedules, orders processed, plus customer databases and employee records. If you do not have provisions to have these items backed up offsite, then many working hours are lost trying to get everything reorganized. SERVPRO needs to be called in to fix any water damage and clean up the affected areas so you can get your business back up and be running efficiently.
 
Mold can be a problem as well, as it is the most common result of water damage. Our technicians at SERVPRO can check for mold and make sure to clean up any which has already started to grow.
 
When your warehouse has suffered from water damage of any kind, allow SERVPRO of South Columbus to help you repair the damage. It is easy to reach us by dialing (614) 863-1393 anytime that you need assistance. We can fix the damage quickly to avoid any further damage and ensure your business is running smoothly again.

How Much Can Mold Damage Affect an Office in Obetz?

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Test For Mold in Your Obetz Office for Good Air Quality

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Business Losses Due to Mold

When mold damage hits an office, it can be difficult to immediately tell how much business is going to be impacted by restoration efforts. In some cases, workers may not even notice SERVPRO personnel and operations, but in others, a full temporary closure of the building may be necessary. We make every effort to keep the business running as usual during a mold remediation, but knowing what could and could not happen makes the difference between a company well-prepared for the challenges ahead and one that will struggle.
 
If Mold Damage is Limited
Depending on where the mold damage is in your Obetz office building, day-to-day operations may continue entirely unabated. Many cases of mold damage occur in hard-to-reach or out-of-the-way areas, meaning that any quarantines and machinery we put in place will be mostly avoided by most staff. However, other cases may come up in more populated areas including office spaces, break rooms and canteens, and bathrooms, directly impeding the routines of you and your employees. Business is only significantly interrupted in these cases if the mold is growing in a building's sole bathroom. If this is the case, bringing in portable toilets may be necessary.
 
If Mold Has Spread
If SERVPRO determines that the mold damage has spread beyond a small area, more drastic measures may be taken. In some cases, we will have to quarantine off multiple rooms and do significant work in there, as well as regularly measuring other areas for signs and symptoms of mold growth. If the mold is particularly far-reaching or has the potential to cause health effects, we may temporarily close the building until it is safe to reopen. In either case, larger mold colonies have little to no chance of not interrupting your business and must be dealt with quickly so that the situation doesn't get further out of hand.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus has the tools, training, and technicians to handle mold damage in offices of all sizes. Contact the mold remediation professions at the first sign of mold growth at (614) 863-1392.

Aspects of Columbus Businesses that Make Them Vulnerable to Mold

11/19/2016 (Permalink)

Columbus Mold Damage to a Business Calls on SERVPRO for Remediation

SERVPRO Can Help Keep Your Business in Business

Mold can strike in any business, but some contain more risk factors than others, and thus are more susceptible to mold damage. Although you should note that there are many more potential causes and sources of mold growth, these businesses and materials can help to create a more welcoming environment for unwanted mold and fungi. If your commercial establishment meets any of the following criteria, you could be at an elevated risk of severe mold damage.

Gardening Supplies and Plants
Businesses that sell gardening supplies and plants, such as some hardware stores and florist shops, may be at an elevated risk for commercial mold damage in Columbus. Plants, fertilizer, and other products often create an excellent food and moisture source for mold spores looking for ideal growing conditions, in some cases directly leading to an explosively growing mold colony. Furthermore, you may receive shipments that already have mold in them, which if unnoticed could potentially spread by air or contact with the building's structure.
 
Uncleanly Tenants or Renters
If you are a landlord for a tenant or commercial renter with a history of hygiene or cleanliness issues, mold may enter the building at a very early stage. Mold thrives on musty and unclean conditions, especially when food or liquids are not properly cleaned up, and so do well with these renters. Furthermore, an unkempt tenant may be unwilling to come to you early on in the mold's growth, meaning the problem may have exploded by the time you're able to deal with it.
 
Older Building Materials
No matter what your business specializes in, the fact remains that older buildings are usually more vulnerable to mold damage than newer ones if they are poorly maintained. Old buildings have more leaks and less waterproofing, meaning that mold can, in many cases, easily find a water source and start growing. Another viewpoint is that newer buildings are more air-tight, allowing for less circulation. If the HVAC system is not performing its work properly, we have that condition that we hear more and more about, "a sick building." Try asking SERVPRO about our mold-resistant paints and building upgrades to remedy some of these problems.
 
SERVPRO of South Columbus are local experts in commercial damage and mold remediation, and for years have helped the community to overcome disasters on their properties. Call us at (614) 863-1392 for our help dealing with your mold emergency.

Commercial Water Damage Deserves Professional Repairs and Restoration

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

Save Water & Ongoing Damage In Columbus by Calling SERVPRO

SERVPRO Can Protect Your Investment Property from Water Damage

If you own rental property, you know that upkeep and maintenance is an ongoing task. However, if you neglect your property, your investment in it is lost, even if only partially. Real estate is often an ongoing investment, in addition to it being an ongoing source of income. However, it is those instances where the damage experienced is unprepared for and completely unexpected that can seem like the most problematic.

Ongoing commercial water damage in Columbus area properties can be mitigated when you call us at SERVPRO. We have professional team members who are experienced and trained in IICRC methods of water damage restoration. These experts are ASD, Applied Structural Drying, and WRT, Water Remediation Technicians, we versed in the business of limiting water damage to retail properties. These methods are designed to use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to dry out the water completely and remaining moisture to acceptable humidity levels in any home or office.

Rental Properties and Water Damage
We understand that your real estate properties were purchased to benefit you and your family and that any damage caused to these rental units can adversely affect your financial well-being. We also know that water damage that is unknown to you and then left behind or caused by tenants might have existed for some time before your knowledge. This can often mean that water damage has been allowed to spread and that mold levels can be much higher than what is acceptable.

We are experienced in eliminating all types of damage caused by water, from mold and mildew to structural deficits that can affect your ability to re-rent units to the public. We can quickly help you get your property damaged by water ready for new tenants and ensure that they are structurally sound, and that mold is remediated to help prevent adverse health effects to your tenants.

 Call us, SERVPRO of South Columbus at (614) 863-1392, for the fastest possible response to your commercial water damage problems. We understand your concerns for your investment's security, and your desire to provide safe housing to area residents.

Commercial Facilities

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

Large Warehouse Water Damage

If you work in a commercial facility or industrial space, like a warehouse, then most do not ever think about that 8 inch water main bursting, or the machine that overheats and starts smoking badly or even catches on fire!  This situation can lead to missed orders, downtime to workers, and lost clients because they need the product you are providing, and now look to other suppliers.

That is where SERVPRO can help.  We have a faster response to any water or fire disaster than anyone, because we are local.  If we need other resources because of the size and scope of the project, then we can essculate as needed.  We ask when you need back up (of course the answer is now!!) and then bring in the resources to work 24/7 as needed to meet or exceed the deadline.  How?  We scale into a project--most commercial projects are under $25k and the local (us), take care of it; however, the more important it is to "be back up and running, NOW" it is, the quicker we bring in the required resources to attack it! We have agreements in place with other local SERVPROs, Large Loss Response Team SERVPRO's; and Extreme Response Team SERVPRO's to tackle it.  No job is to small, to large, to sensitive, or to confidential--we have solutions!  Check us out online:     www.SERVPROsouthcolumbus.com

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