3 Things You Can Do: Commercial Storm Damage

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can leave commercial buildings with significant storm or water damage, which makes minimizing further damage of the utmost importance.

In the event that your commercial property endures a storm that leaves your building with storm or water damage, minimizing further damage is of the utmost importance. Focusing on being proactive during the downtime before help arrives can be especially beneficial. Continue reading to learn more about 3 things you can do to protect your commercial property before the storm damage restoration experts get there.

1. Stay Away from the Affected Area

When standing water and electricity meet, there is a risk for electrocution. Therefore, it is imperative that people stay out of areas that have experienced water damage, especially if there are electrical appliances, wiring, or outlets in the space, which is common for rooms in commercial buildings. While keeping people out of affected areas, it is also important to refrain from turning on the lights or even unplugging electrical appliances, as these actions can be dangerous.

2. Turn Off the Water Source & Breakers

Another way to protect yourself and others working in your commercial building safe from electrical shock is by shutting off the water source and turning off the breakers immediately upon discovering water damage from a storm.

3. Protect Your Building’s Belongings

Commercial properties house many valuable items, including documents, equipment, retail items, and other products. In order to prevent further water damage to these items, it is beneficial to move valuables away from water damaged areas to facilitate drying and assess them for damage as soon as possible.

Call SERVPRO Team Wall for Commercial Storm Restoration Services

Whenever a storm – big or small – strikes, commercial property owners have valid cause for concern due to the stress and challenges that storm damage can cause. However, you can find peace of mind by trusting SERVPRO Team Wall and our storm damage restoration professionals. Call your local SERVPRO location, SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County, at (410) 229-0012 for more information about our Commercial Storm Restoration offerings. Looking to learn more about how SERVPRO can help your commercial property? Check out the pages dedicated to our other related offerings, from Commercial Water Restoration to general Commercial Restoration services, on our website. Lastly, our Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team can be of assistance in the event of larger storm events, as we have an extensive network of teams located across the country, offering services 24/7. Don’t hesitate – call SERVPRO right away to restore your commercial property to its preloss condition and prevent further damage.

Commercial Industry Offerings: An Overview

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has experience providing professional restoration services to many different industries in the commercial realm.

It is common knowledge that, here at SERVPRO, we offer commercial properties both restoration and construction services alike. But what do we mean by “commercial restoration” and what does it entail? In today’s blog, we’ll break down our commercial restoration services, focusing on our diverse industry offerings so that you know what SERVPRO can do for your commercial business after an emergency. 

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Commercial Business?

SERVPRO is experienced and trusted in the commercial restoration industry, with specializations in fire, water, mold, and storm damage restoration, as well as cleaning and construction. Our experienced team understands your needs, which means that our scheduling is flexible. We work with you and are able to work around the clock, including after hours, in order to get the job done without disrupting your commercial business’ daily operations. Our team can adjust our workspace to keep functional areas clear, which allows you to continue working. Time efficiency is our top priority, which is why we are “Faster to any disaster”, offering 24/7 emergency services and cooperating with our many SERVPRO locations across the country.

Experiences With Multiple Industries

SERVPRO has experience providing professional restoration services to many different industries in the commercial realm. In the past, we have assisted retail locations, schools and academic buildings, healthcare facilities, hospitality, and food service. This means that we also have experience working with commercial businesses of different sizes with various needs. From small apartment buildings and large office buildings to retail stores of all sizes and large government facilities, we’re experienced and prepared to handle it all.

Call SERVPRO After Any Emergency

In the event that your commercial business suffers water, storm, fire, or mold damage, be sure to call SERVPRO Team Wall for assistance at (410) 229-0012. You can also visit our website to learn more about our Commercial Restoration services, as well as our Commercial Cleaning services. Trust SERVPRO and our wide-ranging experience working with different commercial industries to make it “Like it never even happened” for your property after any disaster.

An Overview of Our Construction Services

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop, as we handle every step of the process, including inspection, estimation, mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction.

There are various jobs that may require construction services in order to completely restore the property. Suppose your commercial business suffers a devastating fire loss that compromises a section of your property’s structural integrity. This type of loss may appear overwhelming at first, but remember that SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop, as we handle every step of the process, including inspection, estimation, mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction. In today’s blog, we will share and discuss SERVPRO Team Wall’s construction and building services capabilities that can help your commercial property bounce back to its preloss condition as soon as possible.

Temporary Solutions

In the early stages of the restoration and reconstruction process, we provide roof tarp and board-up services to protect your property from further, unnecessary damage. What are the benefits of roof tarp and board-up services, you ask? While your roof undergoes inspection and repair work, a roof tarp can help in securing your property. Additionally, if the loss damages any of your property’s walls or windows, professional board-up services are required in order to protect your property from everything from the elements to animals and critters. You can learn more about our roof tarp and board-up services here. 

Commercial Building Services

Here at SERVPRO Team Wall, we know that you are busy running your business, which is why you need a single contact in the event that your commercial property experiences a loss that requires restoration and construction services. Know that we also work with your own insurance company in order to make the process smoother. Additional benefits of allowing SERVPRO Team Wall to handle the restoration and construction processes alike are timeliness, as we coordinate mitigation and construction work at the same time, and cost-efficiency. Click this link to learn more and view a digital walkthrough of our pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases.

Call SERVPRO for Your One-Stop-Shop

When your home experiences an emergency of any shape or size, you need a company that can handle it all. By streamlining the process, you don’t have to deal with multiple crews and points of contact. Instead, you have one contact and one crew that oversees the project from start to finish. Learn more about our Commercial Services and Building Services on our website. When disaster strikes, acquire the help of the company that is familiar and experienced with every step of the process by calling SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012.

Workplace Fire Hazards

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

The ability to recognize fire hazards in commercial workplaces is important for the safety of employers and employees alike.

We often hear about home fire safety, but the ability to recognize fire hazards in commercial business settings is just as important for the safety of employers and employees alike. Today’s blog will introduce three unexpected fire hazards for commercial businesses. By familiarizing yourself with workplace fire hazards, you can better protect your commercial property and those working in them.

Circuits

Almost every commercial property is equipped with electrical circuits, which are usually met with a plethora of electronic devices to which they must provide power. As a result, it is common for electrical outlets to be overloaded in workplaces. Even though it may not appear to be a fire hazard on the surface, this practice ultimately results in overheating of the circuits and, from this, fires igniting. In order to avoid the possibility of circuits overloading, be sure to unplug devices when they are not in use. 

Dust

Did you know that dust can cause fires to ignite in commercial workplace environments? A variety of surface types, ranging from metal to wood, can experience a buildup of dust. If this dust sits on top of surfaces for extended periods of time, it can become a fire hazard. In a workplace environment, dust can accumulate on computers, phones, filing cabinets, and even cords. In order to decrease your workplace’s risk for fire, be sure to regularly clean dust off of surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas. 

Flammable Liquids and Materials

There are a wide array of flammable liquids and objects commonly found in workplaces for many different reasons. If there are flammable liquids inside of your workplace, be sure to contain them and limit their exposure to sparks of flames by keeping them sealed and located in a dry place. Likewise, for combustible objects like paper materials or fabrics such as curtains, it is crucial to keep them tidy and organized. If a fire ignites, even a small spark can cause these flammable materials to catch fire, facilitating the fire’s spread and growth, which can be detrimental to the property. If possible, keep important papers in drawers or cabinets so as to prevent papers from sitting out in the open. If you have paper trash, be sure to prioritize discarding it as soon as possible.  

Fire Damage in Your Commercial Property? Contact SERVPRO

It is impossible to predict a fire damage emergency, even if your workplace proactively works to prevent fires from igniting. Accidents happen. However, commercial property owners can take comfort in SERVPRO’s professional Commercial Fire Damage Restoration services, our reputable Fire Restoration Process, as well as our ability to Care For Your Fire Damaged Belongings. Call your local office of SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County, at (410) 229-0012 at the first sign of fire damage to make it “Like it never even happened” after any emergency.

Disaster Recovery Team Tackles 3 Monumental Jobs: Job of the Quarter Q1

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

This quarter, our Disaster Recovery Team handled 3 daunting water loss projects.

Each quarter, we usually select one standout job to spotlight as our “Job of the Quarter,” but this time, we wish to highlight 3 jobs that were all handled by our Disaster Recovery Team division of SERVPRO Team Wall, which, since its initiation about 6 months ago, has handled large losses and storms. The Disaster Recovery Team handled 3 daunting water loss projects this quarter that we can’t wait to share with you in this article. Keep reading to learn more about what our Disaster Recovery Team does, the peace of mind that they help instill in our customers during unthinkable situations, and the reasons as to why these 3 jobs all deserve recognition as “Job(s) of the Quarter.” 

All 3 of these jobs were local to SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall and, as previously mentioned, were water-losses, requiring a tremendous amount of resources and teamwork. In the past, we would have pulled resources from each of our local markets to produce these jobs, but with our Disaster Recovery Team ready to go, we had everything we needed in house in order to complete the job. The cold weather in late January kept our team on its toes, as we had quite a few jobs come in, many fairly large and with extreme urgency in completion. However, our teams handled the pressure with grace and the fruits of their hard work are illustrated in the details of the following 3 jobs.

Flooding in a Senior Living Facility

A sprinkler system went off inadvertently, flooding 3 levels of a full wing of a senior living center’s facility in Baltimore this quarter. With an extensive restoration process seemingly on the horizon, the customer immediately called SERVPRO Team Wall for help. Our crew was onsite within two hours, equipped with everything they needed to initiate our professional mitigation and emergency services. This project was no small feat, as we had anywhere between 40 to 50 crew members working at any one time throughout the project, so it was all hands on deck. We also provided multiple construction services, including full floor replacement, new coats of paint for affected walls, and new carpet installation. Thanks to our Disaster Recovery Team’s expertise, experience, and hustle, residents of the facility were able to move back into their rooms within just two weeks. 

Frozen Pipes Burst in Assisted Living Facility

When water damage resulted from frozen pipes at an assisted living facility this quarter, affecting 4,000 square feet of the facility’s first level alone, SERVPRO Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team had our work cut out for ourselves. Mitigation efforts persisted for 5 days, with repair and construction work in progress for the following 14 days. For the first 5 days, approximately 15 members of our team handled the mitigation aspects, but 25 team members total worked to complete construction and repair work, through tasks such as installation of drywall, insulation, and flooring, as well as trim-work and painting. Along the way, our team faced the issues of containment, noise control, and the pressure to speedily complete the job so as to minimize disruptions to residents and employees’ lives. With the help of our Disaster Recovery Team, our individual, local teams could continue to focus on residential customers who were also experiencing frozen pipes as a result of the cold temperatures. Ultimately, our Disaster Recovery Team was able to meet the customer’s mitigation needs very quickly and efficiently, which helped the construction services go smoothly.  All-in-all, we were able to minimize the downtime for the customer by a number of weeks, restoring a sense of normalcy in everyone’s lives as quickly as possible.

Frozen Pipes Strike Again

The final job that we will spotlight in this article once again involves water damage resulting from broken pipes, but in a large commercial building of approximately 35,000 square feet with multiple tenants. As opposed to the other two jobs, this project did not require construction or repair services, as it was purely mitigation work. Therefore, we were in and out in just 8 days. All the while, anywhere between 35 and 45 crew members completed the mitigation work. Due to the size of the building, large format, 2 - desiccant drying systems with ancillary generators were utilized during the process of drying out the building. Overall, the size of the job presented the biggest challenge to our team, as many areas of the facility required a “full gut” of affected materials in order to effectively and thoroughly mitigate the space. The size of this job, with multiple levels and a 4 story open atrium, provided both a unique and challenging drying environment, but our team persevered to successfully meet the customer’s needs.

Learn More About SERVPRO Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team

Large loss situations are often intimidating and overwhelming for homeowners and commercial business owners alike, but you can find peace of mind in the fact that SERVPRO Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team has your back. Learn more about our Large Loss, Disaster Recovery Team here. You can also find more information about our Water Damage Restoration, Storm Damage Restoration, and Commercial Restoration services on our website. For professional, commercial restoration and construction services that you can trust to make it “Like it never even happened,” call your SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s Hunt Valley and Harford County office at (410) 229-0012 today.

We Do That Too: Graffiti Cleanup

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Acts of vandalism don't appear to cause significant damage, but if not remediated quickly, your property may be at risk of water and mold damage.

We like to take the time every now and again to highlight some of the lesser-known services that we offer. In today’s blog, we’re discussing our Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup services. It’s a service that we hope your property will never require, but it is important to us here at SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall that our customers know that they can rely on our expert crew members and advanced technologies whenever disaster strikes, whether it be a small prank or a major act of destruction against your property. Oftentimes, acts of vandalism do not appear to cause significant damage, but if not remediated in a timely manner, your property may be at risk of water and mold damage. Keep reading to learn more about SERVPRO’s Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup Services and how they can help your property’s loss “Like it never even happened.” 

Restoring Your Property Following Acts of Vandalism

Our Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup services are designed to assist residential and commercial properties alike. Our highly-trained crew of cleaning experts works to remove vandalism and graffiti from multiple surfaces, not limited to removing the stereotypical spray-paint graffiti from exterior walls. For example, we also clean driveways and sidewalks, as well as surfaces such as metal, asphalt, wood, plastic, glass, and even stone masonry. In order to successfully restore your property, we employ a wide range of cleaning services aside from general cleaning and graffiti removal. Our crews are trained in brick, stone, and concrete cleaning, in addition to Odor Removal and Deodorization, Debris Removal, Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Damage Restoration, and other Contents Cleaning.  

Experience Vandalism? Call SERVPRO Right Away

We know that every vandalism situation is unique. Additionally, we understand just how frustrating vandalism can be for homeowners and business owners alike. Know that you can call the Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup specialists at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012 at any time. We offer 24-Hour Emergency Services in order to restore your property to its preloss condition as soon as possible, preventing any unnecessary further damage. For more information about our other Cleaning Services, click here.

Cleaning Commercial Carpets

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO offers carpet cleaning services that can help maintain carpets and upholstery, keeping them clean for years to come?

There are many different reasons as to why you might need to have your commercial business’ carpets cleaned: water damage, fire damage, flooding, mold growth, old age, high foot traffic and dirty shoes, and so on. Because of its nature, carpet traps and collects dust, dirt, gasses, animal hair, and other soils that can contribute to an unclean, imperfect appearance. No matter how hard you try to keep your carpets clean, it is almost impossible to completely avoid soiling, especially as the years go by, but did you know that SERVPRO offers carpet cleaning services that can help maintain carpets and upholstery, keeping them clean for years to come? Keep reading to learn more about our Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning services.

Next-Level Cleaning

Here at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County, we handle both moderate and heavy soil conditions in carpet and upholstery alike. Additionally, we offer several cleaning options to match the unique needs of your business’ upholstery or carpet. Some of our advanced, specialized cleaning methods include Bonnet Cleaning, a more passive cleaning method for carpets that are short-piled, and Hot Water Extraction, which involves a deeper cleaning that can be utilized for all types of carpet. We can also treat your carpets and upholstery with Deluxe Precondition and Rinse for deeply soiled areas, the thorough and tried-and-true Showcase Premier Cleaning, and Dry Cleaning in the instance that color-fastness is a concern.

Call SERVPRO for Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

There are several actions that you can take in order to keep carpets and upholstery in your commercial business clean, such as vacuuming and utilizing walk-off mats, but a deep clean about every 12 months is recommended in order to keep carpets looking as good as new. For a professional and efficient carpet cleaning service, look no further than SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall. Our crew of trained and experienced carpet and upholstery cleaning experts, working with state-of-the-art cleaning equipment, will not only get the job done, but also leave you with the satisfaction of knowing that your commercial property’s carpets have received the highest level of cleaning. Call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County right away at (410) 229-0012 or visit our website for more information about our Commercial Restoration, Commercial Cleaning, and Residential Cleaning services.

3 Common Types of Winter Commercial Storm Damage

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

We may still enjoy a pretty snow flurry, but winter weather tends to cause business owners to hope that storms don’t result in property damage.

As kids, we put spoons under our pillows and wore our pajamas inside-out, flushed an ice cube down the toilet, or left a white crayon on the window sill for Jack Frost - whatever we could do to (allegedly) increase the chance of seeing snow and winter weather the next morning. Now, we may still enjoy a pretty snow flurry, but winter weather tends to make us commercial business owners hold our breath, hoping that storms don’t result in storm damage. In this blog, we’ll discuss 3 of the most common types of property damage resulting from winter storms, as well as ways in which such damage can be prevented, so that all you have to do when the forecast predicts winter weather is enjoy the snowflakes.

1. Leaky Roof

During the winter, our commercial property’s roof might leak due to an ice dam, damaged roof shingles, or clogged gutters. A leaky roof can result in water damage and even flooding, as precipitation eventually leaks down from the roof and seeps into ceilings and walls. The longer the water damage sits, the greater the chance of mold damage.  

2. Roof Collapse

Heavy precipitation, whether rain or snow, can place too much weight on your property’s roof. Additionally, recurring roof leaks can also cause roofs to wear down and collapse, leading to structural damage. In order to prevent your roof from collapsing, be sure to clear your roof and gutters from debris.

3. Burst Pipes

Water molecules expand when water freezes in pipes. When this ice expands, pushing water towards the faucet and increasing pressure. As a result, pipes burst under the pressure. The longer pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures during the winter, the more likely they are to burst.

Have Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO

If your commercial property falls victim to any of the above types of winter storm damage, know that SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is only a call away. Pick up the phone immediately upon discovery of storm damage and call your local SERVPRO Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County, at (410) 229-0012. Learn more about our Commercial Damage Restoration Services, as well as our Commercial Water, Storm, Fire, and Mold services, on our website. In the event that your property requires reconstruction services, we also offer Building Services, as our team can handle the entire job, from restoration to reconstruction, until your commercial property is restored to its preloss condition. Call SERVPRO and make it “Like it never even happened.” 

MSA Overview

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Sign your company’s Master Service Agreement today by calling SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012

One of the many options that we provide for our customers here at SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is called a “Master Service Agreement.” You may be wondering: What is a Master Service Agreement? What does it entail? How is it different from the other services that SERVPRO can offer me? In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of our Master Service Agreement and answer those frequently asked questions so that you can make the best decision for your commercial business in the event of an emergency.

What Is a Master Service Agreement (MSA)?

A Master Service Agreement, commonly abbreviated as MSA, is a contract that your commercial business might sign with SERVPRO Team Wall in order to establish a deeper connection with our team and make certain that you have a direct point of contact in the event of an emergency. When you sign an MSA, you will be assigned a commercial account manager within our team, who you will be able to contact at any time, making for a faster and more personalized response whenever your business is in need of our assistance. 

Overview of the MSA Process

With an MSA with SERVPRO, your account manager is standing by and will be your first point of contact when you reach out to SERVPRO. Once connected, your account manager will ask several questions, such as the location of the loss, square footage affected, and billing preferences, in order to ensure that our response is both quick and tailored to your business’ unique needs. With this information, your account manager will enlist the help of the appropriate SERVPRO office and assign a crew to service your facility. Along the way, your account manager will communicate with you verbally and electronically so that you can stay up to date on progress throughout the entire process. If our team encounters any type of problem, your account manager will contact you, serving as the liaison between you and our SERVPRO crew. Finally, the final billing will be processed through our central SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, regardless of which SERVPRO team completed the work.

Initiate Your MSA Today

One of the many perks of signing a Master Service Agreement with SERVPRO is having one, single point of contact throughout the process. This increases efficiency, facilitates consistent communication, and builds trust between your team and ours. Sign your company’s Master Service Agreement today by calling SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012. We offer a wide range of damage restoration services specifically designed for commercial businesses, including water, fire, storm, and mold remediation services. Learn more about the ways in which SERVPRO can help make your facility’s loss “Like it never even happened,” by contacting us today.

Be Prepared for Whatever Happens: ERP Overview

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

No matter your emergency, we have you covered.

SERVPRO is standing by for commercial businesses both near and far. We offer a wide variety of services, ranging from fire and water damage remediation services to commercial reconstruction and cleaning services. No matter your emergency, we have you covered. Looking to develop a readiness plan for your commercial business in the event of any emergency? Our Emergency Ready Profile is just what you need.

What Is an Emergency Ready Profile?

An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP for short) with SERVPRO offers your commercial business an emergency readiness plan that is completely customizable and free to your business. If your business should endure a loss of any kind, an ERP ensures that we will be ready to get to work as soon as possible. Because we will already have all of the unique information and details of your commercial business that we need to get started, having an ERP with SERVPRO means that we can get started faster and therefore decrease the extent of your commercial property’s damage.

How Do I Create an Emergency Ready Profile for My Commercial Business?

Creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your commercial business with SERVPRO is easy and time efficient. In order to ensure that SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall will immediately respond to any emergency that your commercial business endures, call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County today at (410) 229-0012. You’ll work with a member of our team to customize your emergency plan and communicate your specific needs. We understand the various consequences to business schedules as a result of facility emergencies. Through an Emergency Ready Profile with SERVPRO, you can trust that business interruptions will be minimized due to our rapid response time, 24-Hour Emergency Services, and top-notch Commercial Damage Restoration Services for water, fire, storm, and mold damage emergencies.

What is Biohazard Cleaning?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration Services aim to quickly remove and properly dispose of biohazards.

Found on the long list of professional Cleaning Services that we offer is “biohazard,” a service whose meaning may not be immediately apparent. What is biohazard cleaning and what does it entail? Why is it important to remediate biohazard situations as quickly as possible? All of these questions and more will be answered in this blog.

What Is a Biohazard?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a biohazard is defined as “a biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment.” These agents and substances may include bodily fluids, animal waste, and microbiological waste. Because these agents may present dangers to health, our Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration Services aim to quickly remove and properly dispose of biohazards. 

Examples of Biohazard Cleaning Scenarios

Now that we understand what biohazards entail and why it is critical to properly dispose of them in a timely manner, let’s consider potential scenarios in which biohazard cleaning may be required. Some of these scenarios, such as tear gas cleanup, crime scene residues, and chemical spills, are rarely found in residential and commercial properties. Sewage backups and accident cleanup are much more common. However, whatever the severity of your property’s biohazard damage, our biohazard cleanup specialists are prepared with the tools to carefully restore your home or business to its previous condition.

In Need of Biohazard Cleanup Services? Call SERVPRO

We understand that biohazard situations can often be traumatic and emotional experiences, which is why we strive to empathize with our customers and handle every biohazard job with the utmost care. Trust SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County’s team of highly-trained biohazard cleaning professionals and specialized resources to remove your home or business’ biohazard situation in accordance with OSHA and health guidelines as quickly as possible. Call us at (410) 229-0012 at the first sign of any biohazard scenario, as we are available at any time of day with our 24-Hour Emergency Service. In the stressful moments before help arrives, consider our Biohazard Emergency Tips, which can help you safely navigate the situation and prevent health risks until our team reaches your location.

Learning More About Our Emergency Ready Profile

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

We guarantee that our Emergency Ready Profile is customizable, mobile, shareable, and secure.

Here at SERVPRO, we strive to be “Ready for Whatever Happens.” One way in which we accomplish this goal is through our Emergency Ready Profile. Keep reading to learn more about what our ERP can do for you and your clients.

Components of the ERP

We guarantee that our Emergency Ready Profile is customizable, mobile, shareable, and secure. Your business can customize the ERP by utilizing features such as key contacts, individualized emergency shut off valve locations, access points, key maintenance and details unique to your facility, preferred vendors, and so much more. Because the ERP is accessible on mobile devices such as cell phones and laptops, we make it easy to react immediately when an emergency occurs at your facility. Multiple team members can also gain access to your ERP when facility information needs to be shared, which facilitates the maintenance of business as usual. Lastly, your ERP will be secure, as encrypted data and one-way hash passwords are utilized to keep your information safe.

Check Out The SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App

You can create and customize your home or business’ Emergency Ready Profile at your fingertips with our Ready Plan App, which is available for download in the App Store. All you need to do is register with your email and a password, select your preferred franchise location, and begin setting up your individualized emergency plan. 

Schedule Your ERP Walkthrough Today

SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile is a trailblazer in setting the highest security standards and offers risk management at no cost. To schedule a 60-minute walkthrough of what you can expect from our Emergency Ready Profile, call us at (410) 229-0012. Your home or business deserves reliable emergency protection that you can trust, which starts with downloading SERVPRO’s Ready Plan Mobile App and developing an Emergency Ready Profile today. View a sample ERP here.

What Do These HVAC Warning Signs Mean?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

HVAC systems play a critical role in the day-to-day functioning of commercial businesses. The letters “HVAC” stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, which are three elements that create a safe and comfortable environment for employees within businesses. If properly maintained, HVAC systems can last for many years, but there comes a time when every HVAC system begins to malfunction, whether it be the result of old age or insufficient maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about HVAC warning signs and what they might mean in order to keep your commercial business’ HVAC system running smoothly and know when it needs maintenance.

3 Common Warning Signs: What Do They Mean?

1. Odor

The first common warning sign of HVAC system malfunctioning is a strange odor emanating from the unit. Occasionally, this is referred to as “Dirty Sock Syndrome,” which entails an unpleasant smell, resembling that of a dirty sock, that spreads throughout the business as a result of a dirty HVAC system. HVAC systems’ unpleasant odors may be caused by mold growth within the unit. Without proper maintenance, an HVAC system’s evaporator coil can accumulate dirt, bacteria, and mold or mildew growth, creating an odor that will spread throughout the commercial business as the HVAC unit circulates air.

1. Weird Sounds

In the event that you hear a low, humming noise coming from your commercial business’ HVAC system, there should not be cause for concern. However, if your HVAC unit begins to emit louder, harsher, or rattling sounds, this may be a warning sign that something is not quite right. The rattling noise may be the result of loose parts or a failing compressor within the unit.

1. Increasing Cost

HVAC units are a necessary expense in order to maintain a comfortable work environment within any commercial business. Therefore, it is understandable if a sudden increase in your HVAC bill sparks anxiety. Usually, if your HVAC bill skyrockets, it is an indication that the unit’s filters are dirty or clogged, which causes the HVAC unit to work harder to do its job, leading to an increase in cost.

Trust SERVPRO’s HVAC Services

If your home or business’ HVAC unit displays any of the aforementioned warning signs, it is important to seek the assistance of a professional who can effectively diagnose the problem and guide you through the process of fixing the issue. You can start by calling SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012. Our team of HVAC professionals are ready to help get your HVAC unit running properly once more and get life in your business back to normal as quickly as possible. Visit our pages dedicated to our HVAC Services, as well as our other commercial offerings, including our Commercial Restoration Services and Commercial Cleaning Services. Want to learn more about the many other commercial and residential services that we offer? Be sure to also check out our long list of Building Services

Job of the Quarter: The Immaculate Conception Catholic School

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

This February, the state of Texas was paralyzed by Winter Storm Uri, bringing a deep freeze and winter weather uncommon to the state that inflicted serious storm damage upon homes and businesses state-wide. Dallas was hit especially hard, leaving homes and commercial businesses looking for help in picking up the pieces. Here at SERVPRO, we recognized our responsibility to do all that we could to help those affected. Our crews set out on the road to Texas as soon as they could, ready to be of assistance and make it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews’ ability to drop everything, travel across this country, and help our customers find relief are precisely the characteristics that qualify their efforts for the title: “Job of the Quarter.”

Storm Damage at the ICCS

We set our focus on the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Denton, where we set up camp. We learned of the damage sustained by the school after receiving a call from an adjuster on Friday, February 19th. As a result of the winter storm, the school fell victim to a broken fire suppression pipe and water damage at least one-inch deep throughout several rooms and hallways. The entire gym floor, which was made of VCT, needed to be removed. Additionally, drywall required replacement in hallways and classrooms in addition to carpeting in classrooms. In order to effectively dry the school and complete all of the restoration and rebuild work, we needed ten temp workers, fifty fans, and two desiccant dehumidifiers. In sum, our team had a lot of work on their plate.

Challenges Faced

The storm took place the week of February 13th through the 17th and our process of demolition and drying out the school took a total of eight days. Each day, eight to twelve crew members were needed in order to complete this tremendous job. In addition to the gym floor removal, our team also faced a flood of challenges. Firstly, the school was in session throughout the entire job, which forced our team to utilize containment and try to minimize noise as best they could. Our team also had to relocate six entire classrooms of contents to various storage & temporary storage solutions, which was no small job.

Our Team Is Resilient

Considering that our team was 1500 miles away from home while facing such challenging work, as well as the scale of the project, our team members’ efforts and contributions should be celebrated. After initial evaluations, Jamie ran the entire production portion of the project, documenting the damage and scope of work, managing the staff to complete the necessary demo as well as mitigation work, and allocating the drying equipment as needed. Jamie ensured that all of the onsite requirements were met with the school’s staff, which enabled us to sufficiently meet every one of the school’s needs. 

SERVPRO’s Emergency Storm Response

Like Winter Storm Uri, severe storms can seemingly come out of nowhere, leaving customers overwhelmed and unsure as to how to pick up the pieces. Our 24-Hour Emergency Service is designed especially for this purpose and everyday, we strive to be “Faster to Any Size Disaster.” If a severe storm takes you by surprise, gain the help and reassurance of our storm damage professionals by calling SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012. While we provide local services, we are also a part of a larger network of national storm resources, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, which is made up of SERVPRO franchises located across the country. Whether it is a major storm like Winter Storm Uri or smaller-scale storm damage, we hope to have the opportunity to make it “Like it never even happened,” for you or your client in the future.

Hardwood Floor Repair: We Do That Too

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Hardwood floors look stunning when running throughout commercial businesses, but they come at a price. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to keep your business’ hardwood floors in good condition for as long as you can. Water, fire, storm, and other kinds of damage can all negatively affect the quality of your business’ hardwood floors. However, sometimes, there’s no way to predict a flood, fire, or storm that will threaten the integrity of your hardwood floors. Luckily, SERVPRO is standing by, always ready to help.

How Are Hardwood Floors Damaged?

Damage to hardwood floors is usually instigated by intense heat or excessive moisture. Your business’ hardwood floors can be exposed to these elements in fire, water, or storm damage. If the damage is significant, they may require replacement.

Heat Damage

When exposed to intense heat, hardwood floorboards tend to shrink, which can cause gaps to form in the floor. On the other hand, if your floors have sustained solely soot or smoke damage, they can often be salvaged and restored. In order to prevent hardwood floor damage due to heat, be sure to prevent the temperature from climbing too high inside of your commercial business.

Moisture Damage

While intense heat causes hardwood floors to shrink, excess moisture causes floorboards to expand, as they absorb the water. In their expanded state, hardwood floorboards can buckle, become concave or convex (also known as cupping and crowning), and even come loose. Another danger when hardwood floors are exposed to moisture is mold growth. The moisture residue stemming from water damage or high humidity levels inside of your commercial business can both produce ideal breeding grounds for mold. Moisture damage and mold growth can both be prevented in your commercial business by maintaining low humidity levels indoors. Should you discover mold growing on your hardwood floors, be sure to give us a call and take advantage of our Commercial Mold Remediation services.

Let Us Be Your “One-Stop-Shop”

While we’re known here at SERVPRO for our commercial mitigation and restoration services, it is important to note that we also offer an extensive list of building services, such as hardwood floor repair. We take pride in being our customers’ “one-stop-shop”, as they can trust us to take care of the entire job from start to finish, instead of complicating the process by going through multiple companies. We understand that damage of any kind to your commercial business, whether it be water, fire, storm, or mold, disrupts business and interrupts schedules. Trust SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened,” after any emergency by letting us handle both the mitigation and rebuild processes. Call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County today at (410) 229-0012 or check out all of our building services to learn about the many ways in which we can help restore your business after an emergency.

Three Common Sources of Mold in Your Commercial Business

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Interrupting business, risking the health of employees and patrons, and threatening the structural integrity of the building, mold in the workplace is nothing short of a nightmare. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration details the impact of mold in their article, “Guide to Mold in the Workplace”. They assert that mold is able to grow on “virtually any substance”. All that’s needed for mold to grow and thrive is moisture, oxygen, and a food source. OSHA also emphasizes that mold growth indoors should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the most common areas in which mold can grow in businesses so that you can know where to look, allowing you to catch it before it grows into a more dangerous problem.

1. Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are susceptible to mold growth, as moisture and warm, humid air from outside can easily sneak into your business through these entrances. On rainy days or days when condensation is present, monitor windows and doors for accumulating moisture. If you notice an abundance of moisture, be sure to dry it quickly in order to prevent a buildup.

2. HVAC and AC Units

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) units and air conditioning units are common in a variety of different kinds of commercial businesses. The units require regular and proper maintenance in order to prevent them from malfunctioning, which can have many negative consequences to your business. A malfunctioning HVAC or AC unit can lead to increased humidity and leaking, which both perpetuate mold growth. Luckily, with regular maintenance, this is easy to prevent. Be sure to also change your unit’s filters and clean its drip pan regularly to keep it from becoming obstructed. At the first sign of a leak, call a professional for help to avoid mold growth. It may be beneficial to also seek the help of a certified commercial mold inspector if you suspect that mold growth has already taken place. Be sure to also read about our Commercial Mold Remediation services, as well as our HVAC Cleaning Services.

3. Employee Areas

While they’re not usually on display in a commercial business, employee areas such as kitchens and bathrooms can be hotspots for mold growth. These areas often contain sinks, drains, and toilets, which are all susceptible to moisture accumulation and mold if excess moisture goes unnoticed. The best way to prevent mold growth in employee areas is to clean and inspect them frequently, as well as keep an eye out for early signs of mold growth.

Remember: It Can Happen Anywhere

The aforementioned areas in commercial businesses are especially at risk for mold growth, but it’s important to remember the OSHA’s warning that mold can grow on “virtually any substance” and can therefore be found anywhere. When going about business as usual, pay close attention to any areas of your business dealing with water, including plumbing, pipes, faucets, and drains, for leaks or buildups of moisture. If any areas of your business have experienced leaks in the past, be sure to add them to your list of high-risk mold growth spots and inspect them for leaks often.

Call SERVPRO for Your Business’ Mold Remediation Needs

If you discover significant mold growth in your business, don’t wait. Call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County immediately at (410) 229-0012. We are commercial mold remediation professionals, who are committed to reducing the disruption to your business as best we can so that you can continue working as usual, making it “Like it never even happened.” For more information about our Mold Remediation Process, click here.

Surface Cleaning With Soda-Blasting

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

For Technicians at SERVPRO, staying informed on technology and techniques is imperative. That’s why SERVPRO is one of the leading companies in the Water and Fire Mitigation industry. One of our more specific cleaning techniques is soda-blasting and it just might be exactly the service you have been looking for. 

So What is Soda-Blasting?
Sodablasting is a technique performed with specialized equipment, similar to a power washer, that uses sodium bicarbonate as an abrasive material to deep clean surfaces. Commonly used on concrete walls and wood floors, soda-blasting allows our technicians to clean off layers of grime, filth, and discoloration without seriously harming or degrading the surface in question. Unlike ice blasting, soda-blasting seeks to keep the material completely intact. This is incredibly useful for working on historical pieces, support beams, and all sorts of plastic and wooden material as the structural integrity of the surface is not in question at any point.

Over the year of 2020, we had to use this technique a few times, most notably in Howard County Maryland, to deep clean the surfaces of a log cabin that had had a substantial fire which, not only charred the wood, but stained it from all the ash and soot. We suggest that this is one of the best ways to clean the surfaces of wooden materials affected by fire damage or mold as again, it deep cleans the surfaces without severely harming the structural integrity of the wood.

Why Choose Us for Your Deep Cleaning Needs?

Mostly, because we know what we’re talking about. When you call a plumber, you don’t want a guy to come and just fix the problem, you want a guy that’s investigating the problem to find out what happened and prevent it from happening again. Our techs are taught, on day one, how to spot the problem and know the correct way to go about solving it. We believe that there is never a  One-Size-Fits-All solution and that each situation is uniquely different, therefore our crews need to be knowledgeable enough to make the right decision for YOU.

If you believe that our commercial soda-blasting services are right for your home or commercial business, call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County today at (410) 229-0012. We understand the importance of getting your business back up and running as quickly as possible after enduring devastating mold, fire and smoke, or water damage. Trust SERVPRO and its soda-blasting cleanup services experts for a clean that won’t disappoint.

Asbestos Abatement - We do that too

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Asbestos Abatement – We do that too…

Asbestos. It is a term we hear a lot and one that immediately brings to mind deadly health risks linked with prolonged exposure to the material.  Mesothelioma, a tumor of the tissues lining your lungs, stomach, and heart, is one of the most prominent.

Large scale production of asbestos began in the early 1900s and its popularity in the use of building materials was a natural choice for building materials during this time due to its natural fire resistance, sound absorption, and insulation properties. It wasn’t until the 1980s when the damaging effects of exposure to asbestos was fully realized.

It was found that “when stray asbestos fibers enter the air, they can enter the body and get lodged in major body parts like lungs. These fibers remain in the body forever once inside and slowly irritate healthy cells until asbestos diseases develop.” 

In our line of work, potential exposure to asbestos is a real threat to our production team, homeowners, and businesses as we complete restoration, cleaning, and rebuild services. Specifically, as it relates to the demolition phase of our restoration process in buildings constructed prior to 1980 (when the manufacturing of asbestos-related products was not restricted or regulated). Common building materials that could contain asbestos include:

• Resilient Floor Tiles (the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives used for installing floor tile)
• Soundproofing or Decorative Material sprayed on walls and ceilings
• Patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
• Textured Paints
• Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding

It has become commonplace practice by our team to perform asbestos testing on materials described above before entering the demolition phase of our process. We utilize a third-party Industrial Hygienist to perform testing on samples and compile a protocol for abatement in the case of positive results.

In the past, we subcontracted any Asbestos Abatement services needed to third party providers. However, in 2018, our team completed the training, testing, and certification processes required to perform Asbestos Abatement in house. It is a very similar process to mold remediation and so we felt our franchise group readily able to handle this much-needed service.

We recently completed an Asbestos Abatement at a senior living facility in West Virginia. A kitchen fire weaved its way into the attic space of a 4-unit townhome. Two of the four units along with the attic suffered extensive fire damage.

Upon asbestos testing, it was found that both the mastic (glue) underneath the tiles and the joint compound on the walls and ceilings returned with positive results. Before any demolition or reconstruction could begin, our Asbestos Abatement team had to move in and do what they do best.

We set up containment, decontamination chambers, and contained showers within each townhome unit. Then the work began where we could safely remove and dispose of the tile, glue, and drywall.

At the completion of Asbestos Abatement, we then bring in the independent Industrial Hygienist for another round of testing to clear the building of any remaining traces of asbestos.

Our team received clearance and we are now currently finishing up reconstruction services. On the exterior, we replaced siding, windows, and the roof. On the interior, we installed all new electrical wiring, new ductwork, plumbing, and insulation. We installed all new kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Drywall, flooring, trim, and painting throughout the homes were completed as well.

SERVPRO is most thought of as solely water and fire restoration, but our book of services reaches far and wide. If your home, facility, or customer needs a team that can truly handle it all, please know you will be in safe hands with SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team – Team Wall.

Job of the Quarter (Q4 2020)

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

PrimeCare Medical Rebuild

Let’s face it, 2020 has handed us some pretty bizarre circumstances across the board. Adapting to these circumstances, finding alternatives, and embracing that “let’s figure it out” attitude have been the keys to those still smiling and thriving this year. We would argue to say these attitudes help people succeed at any moment in time… not just in a year filled with unpredictability.

At Team Wall we promote the “7 Pillars”. These are qualities we look for our team to embody on a day-in, day-out basis: Solutions, Hustle, Persistence, Team, Accountability, Consistency, and Quality. These are not just buzz words written on a wall, but attributes that set our customer service experience apart.

When choosing our “Job of the Quarter” we look for an example where all 7 Pillars are clearly displayed and embraced. There was no question. Our work at PrimeCare Medical not only checked this box, but squashed a common stereotype, “SERVPRO doesn’t do rebuild work”. Simply not so. We handle everything. You can count on us for every aspect of the job, from beginning to end.

It was an early morning just after 3 AM, when we received a call requesting emergency water mitigation services at an office building in Harrisburg. The building had suffered a sprinkler head malfunction, causing water discharge on the second floor that impacted over 2 dozen offices and, in short, water damage to the building’s entire structure. By 4:20 AM that morning, our team was onsite and ready to get to work. We’re not lying when we say our response time is on point.

After a meeting with the building’s ownership, we agreed to perform the rebuild upon completion of our mitigation and demo services. That sounds like a quick conversation, but a lot of dialogue surrounded the topic of “Rebuild”. The ownership had no idea SERVPRO performed reconstruction work. They were hesitant to hand this piece of the job off to us, but our lead time is what got us the opportunity. We can close up mitigation services one day and begin reconstruction the very next. That’s a hard metric to match when you are using multiple vendors and, as we know, time is always of the essence in commercial work.

Throughout the next 3 ½ weeks, our team hustled to complete water mitigation and demo work for the building’s structure and contents. Behind the scenes, we began planning for reconstruction of the affected areas. We committed to a turnaround time of 60 days. Preparation and planning, we knew, would be key to execution.

And execute we did. The customer was so pleased with our response and fulfillment of requests, that we were given additional repair work to fully complete the building’s restoration and rebuild process. Working quickly and efficiently, we agreed to have these additional repairs complete and get their company back to occupying the building within 30 days.

We know that every job is unique. That is why we keep in regular contact with our customers, making sure that we tailor our services to their specific needs. This job was no exception. We engaged in daily communication with the customer and key stakeholders in the process, keeping them updated on our progress and making sure we were meeting their needs.

SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team – Team Wall strives to be your “one-stop shop” after any disaster. We have built a strong and talented Reconstruction department that helps our team truly live up to that oh-so-famous line, “Like it never even happened.” We are extremely grateful for opportunities to help companies like PrimeCare Medical and hope to be given an opportunity to help you and your customers in the future.

"Job of the Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2020"

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Our quick turnaround time required everyone’s involvement and when we say everyone, we mean everyone all the way from technicians to one of our owners

Picking the job of the quarter is always a tough decision. Every day we have the privilege of helping our customers with a variety of needs, and similarly, every day our team members shine throughout each job with the work ethic they display and customer service experience they produce. So how do you choose one particular job that stands out? This quarter it all came down to hustle and teamwork. 

Getting The Call

At 3 PM on a sunny Saturday afternoon in June, our phone rang with a large fire damage to a 375,000 square foot logistics warehouse in Southcentral Pennsylvania. They needed service then and there. The prominent retail client this customer manages could not afford downtime, delayed shipments, and upset customers. It was up to Team Wall to make it “Like it never even happened.” However, when COVID-19 cleanings were filling our after-hours production schedules, one office alone could not guarantee the response time and resources this job demanded. But, here is what sets this job and Team Wall apart from most: Labor and Resource Efficiency.

Combining Our Powers

Forgive me for getting cheesy, but do you remember Captain Planet? “With our powers combined”? It’s the real deal for Team Wall’s SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team. We have offices in Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. This gives us the unique ability to service customers easily in a far-reaching geographic area and combine labor and equipment resources when needed. This is exactly how we were able to respond so quickly and efficiently to this fire loss and make our customer happy “beyond measure”.

Management and Production team members from both our Baltimore and Harrisburg offices arrived onsite within 1 hour of initial contact. They developed a mitigation plan and began water extraction, drying, and cleaning services immediately. A team of 45 people worked from Saturday evening through Tuesday to complete the fire mitigation and keep this busy logistics warehouse running seamlessly.

All Hands on Deck

Our quick turnaround time required everyone’s involvement and when we say everyone, we mean everyone all the way from technicians to one of our owners, Jim Wall! Check out his picture above on the scissor lift helping to install a debris chute. It was truly an all hands on deck experience.

From day one, our company has been built on hustle and superior service. Going on 12 years later, we are still exemplifying these traits in every job we produce and it’s our goal to do so for perpetuity.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve when you and your customer’s need it most. We appreciate your support and truly enjoy being “Here to Help”!

Choose Commercial Ice Blasting For Your Business’ Cleanup Needs

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley & Harford County, we provide a wide array of commercial restoration services. One such service is commercial ice blasting, which can be used to combat fire and smoke damage, water and flood damage, and even mold growth. Keep reading to learn more about our commercial ice blasting services.

What is Ice Blasting?

Ice blasting involves carbon dioxide in its solid form, which is commonly referred to as “dry ice”. When sprayed, the pellets of dry ice travel toward the contaminated surface at a high speed and upon coming into contact with the surface, sublimation occurs. In sublimation, the dry ice converts to a gas and works to remove unwanted residue from the surface, such as mold or soot.

How Can It Be Used?

Ice blasting combats several different types of damage, including mold, fire and smoke, and water. When utilized for mold removal, ice blasting successfully removes 99.9% of mold spores. Additionally, ice blasting eliminates the unpleasant, musty odor that commonly accompanies mold. When an area in your business has sustained fire or smoke damage, ice blasting works to get rid of contaminants and deodorize the affected area. Finally, when dealing with a water damaged area, ice blasting can be used to remove mold and quickly remediate flooded surfaces. Ice blasting can reach affected areas that are hard-to-reach, such as corners and crevices, making it a good solution no matter where the damaged surface may be. It’s also important to note that ice blasting is effective on many different types of surfaces. Our ice blasting services offer brick, metal, and wood ice blasting, just to name a few.

Why Choose Our Ice Blasting Commercial Services?

Ice blasting offers a solution to mold, fire and smoke, and water damage that is both effective and efficient. A non-abrasive treatment, ice blasting will not inflict any further damage to surfaces or impact surrounding areas. Another reason to choose ice blasting is that it is an environmentally-friendly, chemical-free cleaning service. Ice blasting also won’t produce any secondary waste and because the process is dry, it doesn’t add moisture to the damaged surface.

If you believe that our commercial ice blasting services are right for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County today at (410) 229-0012. We understand the importance of getting your business back up and running as quickly as possible after enduring devastating mold, fire and smoke, or water damage. Trust SERVPRO and its ice blasting cleanup services experts for a clean that won’t disappoint.

Local Church Trusts "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" to Protect Parishioners

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

The Bible Fellowship Church of Reisterstown recently trusted SERVPRO and our "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" program.

A recent survey found that 68% of respondents think about avoiding COVID-19 exposure constantly when out in public. Additionally, of respondents who constantly think about COVID-19 exposure when out in public claim that the venue must be professionally cleaned by a commercial cleaning company before the event that they would attend. In light of these concerns, SERVPRO’s recent initiative, “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned”, has stepped in to help commercial businesses ease their patrons’ concerns about potential exposure to COVID-19 upon return to public life. One such business, the Bible Fellowship Church of Reisterstown, recently trusted SERVPRO and our CSC program to thoroughly clean the church in order to ensure parishioners a safe return after Pastor Jim Crocker learned that “people were concerned about coming into the church.”

The “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned” program’s three C’s, Consult, Clean, and Certify, work to tailor the type of cleaning to the business’ specific needs, provide a hospital-grade disinfectant cleaning that adheres to CDC standards, and make the business’ employees and customers aware that by relying on SERVPRO’s trusted brand, the business has taken the proper steps to protect patrons. Pastor Jim Crocker at the Bible Fellowship Church of Reisterstown knew that by trusting SERVPRO’s “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned” program, he would “guarantee the church will be cleaned and sterilized properly.” The church is now undergoing regular cleanings to ensure both the safety and peace of mind of parishioners.

The “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned” program serves as a proactive and defensive cleaning service to reassure customers and employees that your business is regularly receiving the highest standard of cleaning. Additionally, the CSC program can be used to respond to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. SERVPRO will arrive within 24 hours in order to get your business back on its feet. For your “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned” consultation, call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County today at (410) 299-0012. For more information about the “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned” program, check out our recent blog post.

We are Cleaning Experts

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO Of Hunt Valley & Harford County - (410) 229 0012

Proactive Cleaning Services

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Anytime, Anyway, Anywhere.

In the light of the recent outbreak, several businesses have been forced to close their doors. Yet because of the nature of our jobs, we're still available, we're still on call, we're still here to support.
SERVPRO of Hunt Valley & Harford County has a range of programs to support all kinds of companies in their time of need to propel them back to their feet when it's time to re-open their business.

We are now providing Viral Cleaning, also known as Proactive Cleaning, to make sure that your location is up to code and clean in the event of a viral outbreak in your home. Through using Electrostatic Fogging, we can offer less costly per square foot operation, more extensive coverage, and provide certified evidence that your facility has been cleaned by a qualified IICRC accredited company as opposed to conventional disinfectant and sanitation services. In fact, the drug we use is free of allergens and so healthy that it has been certified for human consumption.

If you are interested in this service, please call us using the button below or, if you are so inclined, call us for further details. We're here to help, we're here to get our nation back on its feet, and we're here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Burst Pipes 101

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Making routine checkups on your plumbing is pertinent to preventing water damage.

Spring is right around the corner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that cold temperatures will disappear overnight. Rather, temperatures will fluctuate in the coming months, with some warm days that are characteristic of spring, alongside some cold days. These variable temperatures can wreak potential havoc on your commercial business through their effects on pipes, which can lead to water damage in the event that they burst. Water within the pipes expands and contracts when temperatures fluctuate, which leads to increased pressure in the pipes. Pipes burst under this pressure. Because burst pipes can cause devastating water damage to your commercial business, it is important to understand ways in which burst pipes can be prevented as well as how to best deal with the damage if pipes were to burst in your building.

Prevention

First and foremost, make sure that your commercial business is protected by an insurance plan that covers water damage caused by burst pipes, as cleanup services can be costly. Pipes that are located outdoors or in unheated places should be wrapped in insulated sleeves in order to prevent the water inside from freezing during cold weather. If pipes do freeze, it may be beneficial to let water run through the pipes in order to avoid bursting. Finally, checking pipes on a daily basis for small leaks is a helpful preventative measure to take, especially when temperatures drop.

If Pipes Burst…

Immediately turn off water, electricity, and heating systems at the first sight of burst pipes in order to limit the damage caused by the ruptured pipes. Documents, inventory, and other important items should be moved to a safe location as soon as possible, as they can become damaged or destroyed in water in the wake of burst pipes. If it is safe to do so, check the building for signs of water damage, such as stains or discoloration, musty smells, or mold growth. It may also be beneficial to open doors and windows, as doing so allows air to move through the building, drying any damp areas and preventing the growth of mold or mildew. It is important for your commercial business to quickly get back on its feet following burst pipes, so call SERVPRO in order to restore any areas of your business affected by water damage as quickly as possible.

Update Your Security With The Emergency Ready Profile

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

The Emergency Ready Profile, the next step in property security.

The SERVPRO of Hunt Valley & Harford County

Emergency READY Profile Advantage

Did you know as many as 50% of businesses never recover following a disaster? The majority of businesses that do survive had an emergency preparedness plan in place. Being fully prepared with proper planning can bring you peace of mind. When you are "Ready for whatever happens" this provides a solid level of trust with your clients and employees, so that if there is an emergency event and your business is affected by a disaster, you’ll be able to recover as quickly as possible.

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

• FREE Program!! We will provide an assessment of your facility at no cost to you.
  This is a high quality, digital profile with no need for you to allocate funds. This program provides exceptional value with zero cost.
   
• A Profile Document containing critical information needed in an emergency.
  Completion of your profile will only take a little time to complete without taking you away from your current work projects, but it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A Digital Guide to help you get back into your building after a disaster.
  Having a complete, updated Emergency Ready Profile can help minimize the amount of time your business is affected by a disaster by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes SERVPRO of Hunt Valley & Harford County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You’ll have a go-to source with a provider recognized as the industry leader right around the corner.
   
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing restoration work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as electrical box and water shut-off valve locations, as well as priority areas such as entrances, exits, and priority contact information.
  Your team will be fully ready with a quick reference of who to call, what to do, and how to do it providing you with solutions in advance of an emergency situation so you’re "Ready for whatever happens."

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Sign up below and a representative of SERVPRO of Hunt Valley & Harford County will be in contact with you in the next 24 hours.   

For a consultation, E-Mail our ERP Coordinator, Colleen Kilchenstein @ Colleen@sphvhc.com with the following!

Your Name:
Company Name:
Location:
Dates and Time Available:

We thank you for your interest! Remember, creating an ERP isn't just establishing a plan for Loss Mitigation, it's establishing a Security Standard.

Roof Damage Due to Summer Sun

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Spending our days under the sweltering summer sun, we’re all too familiar with the intensity of the sun’s rays and the red sunburn that can damage our skin when we forget to wear sunscreen. Sunburn can result in long-term skin damage, and much like causing sunburn, sun exposure can inflict damage upon roofs of businesses, as they are exposed to the sun’s rays throughout the summer. As time goes by, the severity of this type of damage can worsen, deteriorating the condition of the roof’s materials and structure, just as our sunburn can lead to skin issues later in life. In order to protect your business’ roof from irreparable damage, it is important to understand how the sun specifically causes damage to your roof.

Compared to those of the other three seasons, summer days are considerably longer with more hours of intense sunlight and therefore, increased exposure of roofs to detrimental UV rays. Depriving the roof’s wooden materials from oil by drying it out, serious architectural harm can be inflicted upon the roof. Thermal shock, a phenomenon caused by the significant temperature change from warmer temperatures during the day to colder temperatures during the night that is common during the summer, is another cause of roof damage. The roof’s materials expand and contract under these circumstances, causing their condition to decline over time and eventually damage the roof’s structure.

Once you understand the causes, learning what to look for when checking your roof for damage will further protect it. Decay, evident in the rotting, breaking, or deformation of shingles, is one indicator typically found in older roofs. If your roof is relatively new, warped shingles are far more common and you should be on the lookout for bent or curled shingles instead. Be aware that warped shingles are a sign that damage has been inflicted and will worsen over time, so once you have observed it, remember to check your roof’s condition regularly. When shingles appear to be cracked, it is an indicator that tension overpowered the shingles as they curled, permanently damaging them. Calling an expert once you’ve observed cracked shingles is recommended, as leaving them broken can lead to permanent structural damage if not dealt with quickly.

With an understanding of what causes roof damage due to sun exposure and the types of damage to expect, you will be able to keep your business’ roof safe during the summer.

Summer Weather Calls For Humidity… and Mold

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is a common result of water damage throughout the year, but mold can grow any time an abundance of moisture is present in your business. There are two ways in which mold can grow in your business during the summer due to warm temperatures. Firstly, warm temperatures that are common during the summer increase the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, causing the air to become more humid. High humidity can therefore facilitate mold growth, as mold can multiply and thrive in the moisture created by a humid atmosphere. Another common cause of mold growth during the summer is a result of condensation. Humidity from outside of the building can create condensation on surfaces if it finds its way indoors.

There are several simple things that you can do in order to prevent high humidity or condensation from spawning mold growth inside your business. In terms of humidity, regulating the indoor humidity levels can be crucial during the summer. Keep the humidity level inside your business below 60 percent during the summer in order to prevent mold from growing. If your business is located in an area that is habitually humid, it may be worthwhile to invest in a dehumidifier. In rooms with surfaces that display condensation, it is important to clean and dry those areas with a dry sponge or rag as soon as possible when condensation becomes visible. Make sure that you also keep windows and doors closed when your air conditioner is on to prevent the cold air from escaping.

If mold does ultimately grow inside your business, continue to circulate air and keep humidity levels low in order to prevent the mold from spreading any further. Call SERVPRO to assess the extent of the damage and to help your business get back on its feet, free of mold, for the rest of the summer.

Protecting Your Business From Summer Storms

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Severe storms frequently rock areas across the country during the summer months, as the combination of moisture and rising warm air in the atmosphere creates the perfect conditions for a storm to brew. As hail pummels the roof and wind whips outside of the building that houses your business, you may be anxious about damage that could potentially be inflicted upon your business in the event of a severe storm. That anxiety is completely warranted, as hail and vicious winds can cause structural damage such as damaged roofs and shattered windows. This kind of damage can lead to rather costly repairs, so preventing such damage is of utmost importance.

Firstly, make sure that your company has business insurance, since it can cover the cost to repair any damage directly caused by the storm. In addition, it would also be wise to take your own precautions by inspecting your roof regularly and cleaning out any debris that may clog gutters, therefore preventing sufficient drainage. Consider installing impact-resistant glass for windows in order to decrease the chances of windows shattering, projecting glass across the floor of your business and damaging any items in its path. In the event that windows do shatter, store valuable equipment in areas that are high off the ground and away from windows so that they cannot be damaged by flying glass. For outdoor equipment, make sure that it is secured before a storm hits.

In general, it is safe practice to monitor weather forecasts, especially if your business is located in an area that is subject to severe storms. Taking extra precautionary steps and having an emergency plan in place when storms hit will alleviate some of the stress surrounding the cleanup process and simultaneously keep your business as safe as possible.

Emergency Ready Profile App

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

As much as 50% of businesses never fully recover from a natural disaster. The overwhelming majority of the businesses that did fully recover from these events had prepared a readiness plan ahead of time. Pre-Planning can serve as a type of insurance policy that provides not only the peace of mind in case a disaster does happen, but also lessen the mental stress that comes from the fear of an event happening in the first place.

There are a multitude of different types of disasters that are easy to lose track of, and none of them are less important than the others. From a small water leak to a massive fire or flooding, there’s no downside to being as ready as possible

As such SERVPRO has developed the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) app for mobile smart phones and tablets. This is a great tool that is completely free at no cost to you, and provides many convenient and simplified processes that allow you to create and maintain your ERP with the least amount of stress or confusion as possible.

The process is very streamlined and doesn’t take very long to fill out at all and will not take you away from other important projects. The profile also establishes your SERVPRO of choice and simplifies the process of authorizing work to begin on the damage relief which can save you time and money.

Perhaps the most convenient aspect of the profile is having a quick reference for facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information which gives you immediate access to information during an emergency so you can be “Ready for whatever happens.”

Job of the Quarter - April 2019

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

Our team at work!

Each quarter SERVPRO of Hunt Valley/Lutherville highlights our “Job of the Quarter”. Basically, a loss we cleaned and restored that highlights not only our breadth of services, but the scale of work we are able to complete.

This quarter was no exception. A storage facility in Virginia Beach suffered a devastating fire started inside one of the storage units. The fire quickly turned to 167 units that were emblazoned and ended in only 80 of those units being salvageable.

We were called to the job to help clean up this unfortunate situation. “Wait a minute?”… you might be thinking, “Virginia Beach?”. That’s right. We have large loss teams that specialize in servicing our commercial clients in whatever location they may need us. The ability to respond directly to our customer’s needs outside of just our local market sets us apart from our competition. We are here to help, no matter where you need it!

Our teams hit the road running and were able to work with each individual storage unit owner to determine which items they would like to salvage and which items were to be disposed. After the debris removal was complete, the 80 salvageable units were cleaned, sanitized, and restored to pre loss conditions. The work did not end there, however. Our team then was responsible for the demolition and removal of the 87 units that were deemed a total loss. Please see our picture to the left of our team in action operating an excavator to complete the demolition portion of this job.

Helping people is certainly our passion, and in this case, we were able to get this business operational quickly and help their customers clean and organize their affected belongings quickly. We were honored to be chosen to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Top Reasons to Clean HVAC and Ducts

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Top Reasons to Clean HVAC and Ducts

Your HVAC system not only helps maintain an optimal temperature inside your building, but also prevents dust particles and other harmful contaminants from entering the interiors. A malfunctioning HVAC system, however, is more of a liability than an asset and fails miserably at performing its job. Additionally, a dysfunctional HVAC system can cause mold growth. More often than not unclean ducts are the culprits behind malfunctioning HVAC systems. Getting your HVAC system and ducts cleaned regularly pays dividends in the long run. Not sure about whether to get your system cleaned regularly? We, in this post, will give you not one but four reasons to show some love to your HVAC and duct. Take a look.

1.Helps avoid health issues

With time dirt, dust particles, mildew, mold, and allergens settle in and around HVAC ducts. The system circulates these particles with air. Inhaling air laden with these contaminants can give rise to a number of health issues such as skin allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Your HVAC's filter cannot trap all these contaminants, which is why it is necessary to get your ducts cleaned regularly.

2.Helps improve performance

Unclean and clogged ducts drag down your system's performance and can result in high energy bills. Cleaning ducts regularly help improve the airflow, which is one of the essential prerequisites for ensuring flawless performance.

3.Adds years to the system’s service life

Studies suggest that 9 out of 10 systems do not last long due to improper or inadequate maintenance. Getting your system cleaned regularly not only adds years to its service life, but also helps avoid costly fixes. Getting your system cleaned regularly can expose underlying mechanic and other issues before they snowball into major concerns.

4.Helps eliminate musty odors

HVAC systems with unclean ducts often circulate stale air with a strong metallic or musty smell. Moisture builds up in the duct often results in a burning smell. To maintain the quality of life, contact an HVAC repair expert who will perform a thorough checkup and address system issues.

SERVPRO of Hunt Valley/Lutherville is a trusted leader in the clean-up and restoration industry. We are NADCA certified and have completed HVAC and duct cleaning for both large and small commercial facilities. Please give us a call directly at 410-229-0012 for an estimate to help improve the efficiencies of your property.

Flood Damage and Storm Damage

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Damaged roof caused by storm that impacted our Cockeysville,MD area

When looking into purchasing more weather protection for your business, it is important to recognize the types of damages you could end up with. One problem associated with storms that many people may not consider a risk at first is flooding, which can wreak havoc on your business structure and ruin your inventory. Business owners in Cockeysville,MD, have often prepared for storm damage, but preparation for flood damage goes one step further.

Kinds of Damage

High gusts of wind and excessive rain can be caused by storms, but in addition to the types of damage that can occur under these conditions, flooding can also create these problems:

• Cause erosion in the base structure of your building
• Destroy inventory, especially electronics and paper supplies
• Create conditions for mold growth
• Carry in unsanitary chemicals and harmful debris

It is clear that these problems can present a real risk to your company, so it is important to figure out what the next steps should be.

Damage Prevention

Regardless of whether you are focusing on general storm or flood damage, there are several preventative measures you can take. Do this for general weather protection:

• Install a lightning rod on the roof of your building
• Keep more valuable inventory away from windows
• Strengthen walls with an extra layer of construction

Of course, flooding can bring about a whole new list of damage possibilities, so there are many other precautions you can exercise:

• Reconstructing the floor so it does not slope down
• Sealing shut areas where utilities enter the building
• Keeping valuable inventory above ground level
  

Final Step

Even though you can often carry out some of these preparatory tasks without much trouble, there is always the potential for damages when a major storm occurs. Calling a professional cleanup service after suffering flood damage is the smartest thing to do. They will assess the situation through a lens of expertise and ensure safety standards are practiced when restoring your business to its former glory.

Water Damage: The Reason You Pay for Business Insurance

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water supply line burst causing flooding in a Lutherville, MD store

Water damage can be one of the costliest repairs made by business owners. Between the broken pipes and water cleanup, owners can be left paying the expense of not only the damage caused but for the loss of business during the restoration. This combined loss is what makes business insurance so important; however, it is also essential to understand what business insurance covers, standard exclusions, and why you may benefit from additional coverage.

1. Broken Pipes

As anyone living in Lutherville, MD, knows, the winter can be problematic for even the most prepared business owners. Frigid temperatures can potentially lead to frozen water lines, which cause increased pressure and may eventually burst the line. Most commercial insurance policies likely cover the sudden damage caused by burst lines.

2. Storm Damage

Additionally, most policies will cover storm damage, like broken windows or damaged roofs, but this can depend on the type of damage. For example, hail damage that causes a broken window is likely covered; however, heavy rains that cause a flood is most likely not covered under a traditional business insurance policy.

3. Be Aware of Exclusions

Every policy will have exclusions. Some of the typical exclusions that will require additional coverage are flooding and sewer backups. The water damage caused by these two issues alone can create dire situations for a business and its continued operations, often requiring the work of a restoration company. If you want to cover these two disasters, then you may want to add an endorsement to your current policy as well as purchase flood insurance separately.

4. Combining Flood Insurance and Business Insurance

The combination of flood insurance and business insurance with an additional sewer and drain endorsement can be a balanced policy that protects you from numerous potential disasters; however, it is still essential to be aware of any exclusions or deductibles.

Water damage can cripple a business and, depending on your coverage, you, as the owner, may be left footing the bill; however, if you choose the right combination of insurance policies and endorsements, the potential risks of flooding and burst pipes may not seem like that big of a concern.

4 Common Causes of Water Damage to Commercial Properties

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen anytime in your commercial property

As a business owner in Towson, MD, you take great pride in your company. You have property insurance and conduct regular maintenance. Although you do everything right, sometimes problems arise. From a toilet overflow to a broken pipe, know the four common causes that may have your property under water and how to handle them:

1. Toilet Overflow

A toilet blockage or tank malfunction causes the water in the bowl to rise and overflow. The damage is easily contained when noticed right away by turning off the water valve on the toilet. However, with a commercial property you are not always notified as soon as the problem occurs. Rather, a regular cleaning of the restroom may reveal significant contaminated water flooding the facility.

2. Broken Pipe

At your property, a pipe may burst suddenly or a gradual leak may occur. Bursting pipes typically result from water expanding when the pipe freezes and could quickly cause flooding. Leaks usually happen due to age or degradation of the pipe and may slowly damage your property over time.

3. Supply Line Breaks

A water main often breaks due to corrosion of the pipe over time or extreme change in temperature. Although not specifically on your property, this type of damage can cause flooding at your business and in the street and surrounding areas.

4. Fire Sprinklers

A sprinkler system is an excellent way to prevent fire damage. However, sprinklers may accidentally activate if not maintained properly. In this case, turn off the water to the sprinkler system as soon as possible to prevent the need for additional water repair.

Regardless of the cause, water damage can cause significant problems to your business in Towson, MD. There are two important actions to take when a broken pipe or other malfunction wreaks havoc to your property. First, call a water restoration specialist to assess the damage, make a plan and restore your premises to preloss condition. Second, call your insurance agent, as water damage is typically covered under your commercial property policy.

For more on Towson click here. 

Prepare Your Business for Emergencies Now

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Being prepared for business fire emergencies is important for your employees to know the procedures

You hope to never have a fire in your Towson, MD, business, but if one were to occur, you don’t want to be without a contingency plan. The best way to prepare for an emergency is to create an action plan before the actual emergency. Here are four steps to take before a fire strikes.

1. Create a Thorough Plan

Discuss with your employees or managers how to make the most effective emergency strategies possible. In the written plan, include methods for reporting safety concerns, emergency contact information, the evacuation plan, emergency shut-down procedures, and individual safety policies.

2. Distribute the Contingency Plan

Your employees should be able to respond quickly to emergencies if they already know what to do. Include emergency plans in all your new employee training and hold regular meetings to make sure everyone is up-to-date on current procedures. Make it clear who is responsible for reporting emergencies and whose responsibility it is to make use of fire extinguishers or other emergency equipment.

3. Maintain Clear Evacuation Routes

Keep emergency exits clearly labeled and clear of obstacles. Keep pathways clear of loose cords or spare objects, such as garbage cans or unused furniture that sometimes gets set in back hallways and might become hazards when people try to evacuate.

4. Monitor Emergency Equipment

You have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your building, but are they in good working order? Take time to check smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure the batteries are still good and there are enough alarms for the whole building. Check the expiration date on all fire extinguishers. If you have other emergency equipment such as sprinklers or defibrillators, you can include these in your regular emergency equipment checkups.

While no one ever expects a fire, taking the time to create and maintain a contingency plan can keep your employees safe and save time and money when it is time to restore your business after a fire.

For more on Towson click here.

Wanda and Elenor have worked for SERVPRO 37 Years!

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Wanda and Sissy Holding up a signed thank you poster for their dedication.

What makes a SERVPRO Crew Chief show up for work 37 years, and counting? Just one little comment…

Wanda Albright, and her sister, Eleanor “Sissy” Helmick, have been SERVPRO of East Harford County Crew Chiefs for nearly four decades, through countless restoration industry changes and three different franchise owners, giving their all for customers and co-workers, too!

Since 1981, this dedicated pair have seen many changes in the restoration industry, and drastic growth for the company, but their focus remains the same: on those experiencing stress and trauma from damages to their homes. Wanda sums up her work’s greatest reward, helping customers and their homes return to normalcy, “I just love going into a home where it’s a disaster and I make it perfect… I like to make a difference.”

Owners Jim and Trish Wall, SERVPRO of East Harford County; SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville; and SERVPRO of Bel Air, understand employees are what makes a business great, and Wanda and Sis are, no doubt, exceptional in their dedication to customer, company, and team. “Throughout their 38+ year careers, Wanda and Sissy have always dreamed of visiting the corporate headquarters, so this past January, we made their dreams come true with an anniversary trip to Tennessee. With the help of our East Harford County General Manager, Toni Townsley, Wanda and Sissy visited SERVPRO Industries, Inc. headquarters, toured the facility, met several corporate employees, and made the SERVPRO TV news in a segment dedicated to them!” Then to top off the fun, the pair spent two nights downtown, enjoying themselves and the sights and sounds of Nashville. It was quite a memorable trip and well-deserved for such dedicated and loyal people.

And while recognition of their accomplishments and acknowledgment of their dedication is surely important to good employee morale, what exactly could keep these crew chiefs coming back year-after-year to the very same job? According to Sis Helmick, just one thing… “It makes me feel good. It makes me feel proud when someone comes to me and tells me ‘Thank you so much. You’ve helped us tremendously.’ That’s what I do it for. That one little comment.”

Board Up Services Keep Out Looters

2/10/2018 (Permalink)

If your business incurs storm or fire damage, you may need emergency board up services in Hampton, Maryland, to prevent more damage or theft. There are many reasons you may need to board up your business: storms can do a lot of damage, fires can leave your building vulnerable and weather can cause further damage.

Benefits of Board Up Services

Whether you are preparing for bad weather or recovering from damage, there are many advantages to boarding up your commercial building until the storm passes or the damage can be fixed.

• Discourage Looting. The biggest advantage is deterring theft and vandalism. Gaping holes and broken windows may invite vandals, thieves and looters to enter your facility. Don’t allow a bad situation to become worse. Board up your office to keep unwanted individuals out until the situation can be taken care of.
• Prevent further damage. Fire cleanup may take some time, depending on the level of damage. Broken windows can allow further weather in after a devastating natural disaster. Boarding your windows and holes can help secure your building.
• Maintain insurance coverage. Many insurance companies require that businesses pursue board up services to be eligible for coverage. Boarding up increases your likelihood of being able to show the damage you are claiming is due to the disaster or fire damage and did not occur in the days following.

Boarding Up

You want to make sure that your business is not easily accessible. Board up doors, windows and other points of entry accessible from a porch or fire escape. These are places that can be easily gotten into. Use plywood, 2x4s, nails and bolts for these entrance points. For holes, windows or doors more than ten feet off the ground and that are not easily accessible, plywood and nails should be sufficient.

After fire damage or a devastating natural disaster, you may have a lot on your plate dealing with damages alone. Boarding up your building can help deter vandals and protect your business from further weather damage.

Visit us at http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for your commercial restoration needs. 

The Benefits of Hiring a Fire Restoration Company

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

One of the benefits to dealing with a fire restoration company is that they can clean up after a fire sprinkler system or fire suppression system has gone off in your building. This fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system is essential for when it comes to getting your company protected from future fire damage.

SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville will take care of smoke damage and soot damage that is left behind after fire damage has taken over the home. This is why it is important to hire a fire restoration company specializing in commercial fire damage.  The utility room fire and electrical fire that you have dealt with when it comes to commercial fire damage can easily be dealt with from a fire damage expert.

One of the problems when it comes to an electrical fire or utility room fire is the amount of smoke that stays inside the room and then gets filtered through the vents. Cleaning the vents is an important part of deodorization.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Local Fire Restoration Company

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Help

There are so many different options available to you, so be sure that you contact a local company that can respond right away and are certified for fire cleaning. If you have some fire and content insurance on your property, you may also want to contact the provider to see if they will be able to cover the costs of restoration. Restoration is something that you should never attempt to do on your own, as there are many different skills and tools that you need to get the job done. This is why it is so important that you look for a local company you can hire and they will come to your home and assess the damage. Once the assessment has been done, they will be able to let you know what exactly needs to be done and other types of options that are available to you. This is something that you will find to be incredibly beneficial if you have recently dealt with some type of fire in your company office.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on fire damage.

When the Bowl Runs Over

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

The scene caused by an overflowing toilet is all too familiar to many Towson North, MD business owners. If you're reading this, you have probably stopped the flow coming from the flooded toilet. If not, commercial toilets usually have a shut-off valve that you can locate and use a screwdriver to activate. If you can't find it, a sewage company should be able to stop the water easily. Act quickly, because this kind of sewer damage can cause:

• Health hazards
• Facility water damage
• Lingering bad smell
• Secondary damage

Immediate Action

Your first step should be identifying the problem. Most situations involving sewer damage are far from pretty, but some are worse than others. If there's a presence of feces, for example, you should take extra care if attempting cleanup. If you aren't going to handle the problem yourself, you should ideally rope off the whole bathroom until help arrives.

Secondary Steps

After you determine the nature of the issue and take protective measures, it's time for cleanup to be performed. It's also important to make sure the area is completely sanitized and dry during this stage to prevent issues later on from lingering pathogens or high humidity.

Other Causes

Sometimes, damage outside of your facility can cause backflow that pushes material back through the lines. While this is less common cause of flooding than a clogged toilet or broken fixture, it does happen. Contact your utility company in cases like this as soon as possible. They are likely to have specific advice for Towson North, MD businesses in your situation.

Nobody wants to deal with a gurgling toilet, but this problem is an unfortunate fact of doing business. Sewer damage might come from inside or out of your building, but either cause needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. It's a good idea to prevent long-term issues and potential liability by dealing with all water issues decisively.
 Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on commercial water damage.

Getting Help for Commercial Fire Damage

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to the fire damage in your building, it is imperative that you get a fire restoration company to come in and help with the cleanup. Whether you dealt with an electrical fire or utility room fire, it is nice to know that there are professionals out there besides the firefighters with their fire trucks and fire hoses to help you out. This is why so many people have hired Professionals for the commercial fire damage they have dealt within their own building. Commercial fire damage is difficult to remediate yourself, and this is why it is so important to hire a professional who deals with fire restoration.

Most insurance agents will recommend that you get rid of smoke damage as well as any remaining soot damage as soon as the firefighters leave with their fire trucks and fire hoses. The reason for this is due to the fact that it can be a problem for your building if it is left to linger. There are too many things that need to be done when it comes to fire restoration, so it is always a good idea for you to contact the experts and have them work with you on a regular basis to restore your home to its former glory.

Visit http://www.SERVPROofhuntvalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Commercial Mold Damage Can Turn Retail Shoppers Away, Impact Image and Profits in Lutherville

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Moldy Bread in a Restaurant or Musty Odors in a Lutherville Office Need SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

Lutherville Businesses Benefit from SERVPRO Mold Remediation

When people go shopping, they expect not only great deals for the money they spend, but also to have an enjoyable shopping experience. Everything matters, from the lighting to the overall cleanliness of the store (both inside and out) to the customer service staff to the quality of the displays to the air quality.
 
Musty odors are one element that often makes customers decide to not return to a particular shop, and in Lutherville, commercial mold damage can cause this odor to permeate a building's interior. However, odors are not always caused by mold, and an absence of an odor does not guarantee that a retail shop is free of a mold problem. While mold exists everywhere, while it is under control and not growing wildly, it poses few problems.
 
The professional technicians at SERVPRO are trained in the remediation and monitoring of mold and have IICRC certifications in that area and several others. An entirely mold-free environment is a misnomer. Mold control and mold remediation are what we do, and we accomplish this with different measures.
 
These methods include cleaning nonporous materials, cutting away and replacing other materials that have been affected by mold, non-toxic mold-encapsulating sprays, and humidity control measures. As we work, we also use plastic sheeting and air scrubbers to contain mold spores further. This keeps the spread of mold to a minimum. When these spores cannot spread, new growth patches of fungi are mitigated.
 
Without continued humidity control in your retail store, the mold is very likely to return, so it is recommended that the source of the elevated moisture is eliminated, and also that dehumidifiers be installed. We often provide these services to our customers with excellent long-term results.
 
When you need professionals experienced in the remediation of commercial mold damage, call us, SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville. Locally owned and operated with many certifications, we are the right fit for any size disaster. Our number, (410) 229-0012, is always answered, whenever you call.

Water Removal In Your Hampton Office Building

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage of any type can shut down your office building.

Water Removal

Water damage of any type can shut down your office building. Water can cause damage which you can see and damage that is not easily visible. No matter the damage, you need to call a professional remediation service in, such as SERVPRO, even if you think the repairs are small. Water takes the path of least resistance, so it finds its way through building materials where the water eventually gets trapped and can create rot and mold growth.

Emergency water removal is the first step in preventing more damage to your property in Hampton. Once the water is out, and the area has been dried by our technicians at SERVPRO, we thoroughly inspect your property and figure out what has been affected and what is okay. We can then focus our effects on drying just what is damaged. This drying process can usually be finished in a few days and is monitored closely to ensure proper drying. Water damage can be from any of the reasons below:

Failures In Your Plumbing
These events can release hundreds of gallons of water quickly into your office building. Malfunctions can result from broken pipes, malfunctioning sprinkler systems, loose hoses and other plumbing sources.

Local Flooding
Flooding can come from sudden, heavy local rain falls. Downpours this intense can flood gutters, drains, and down spouts quickly, and the overflow can cause severe water damage to your business.

Long-Term Moisture And Humidity
Small leaks usually hide and are and overlooked, however, over time they lead to water damage problems that need repair. Ceilings, wall cavities, bathrooms, hallways, and attics are the most susceptible areas to mold growth and wood rot from continued exposure. Basements and vented crawlspaces are also environments which can be humid, leading to similar water and mold issues. Standing water can fast turn into damage that is more widespread if it is not cleaned up right away. Mold starts growing in as little as twenty-four hours after a water intrusion and can spread through your building and do much harm to the structural integrity, plus to the health of your employees and any equipment inside.

Therefore, you need to have SERVPRO of Hunt Valley/Lutherville come out to look at the damage immediately. Someone is always standing by at (410) 229-0012 to receive your call. Our powerful truck mounted water extraction equipment, and our specially trained technicians are just what you need when a water disaster strikes your office building.

Dealing With Commercial Fire Damage in Hampton

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage can escalate quickly. Call SERVPRO to help sort it out!

SERVPRO Technicians Handle All Aspects of your Commercial Fire Damage

With more than enough interruptions revolving around your normal day-to-day life, the last thing you want to deal with is a fire damage situation on your commercial property. Disaster can strike fast, though, and even small fires need the attention of a professional restoration company to limit the additional damage they may cause. Fire, soot and smoke cause damage to surrounding areas not caught up in the actual flames or heat of a fire require the proper services to be performed to restore them correctly.
 
When this sort of disaster strikes your property in Hampton, our commercial fire damage specialists are ready to help. Take advantage of our expertly trained technicians and get the services that you need to restore your property to a quality pre-fire damage condition.
 
Fires can easily get out of control; people forget that pouring water on a grease fire or an electrical fire, for instance, can cause disastrous effects and introduce a lot of additional damage to your property that didn't need to happen. SERVPRO technicians highly recommend the installation of fire extinguishers and proper fire suppression systems to add safety and security to your business.
 
Whether you experience a small localized fire or a full structure has been affected by an event, you should have the professional technicians at SERVPRO assess the damage and perform the proper restoration services to get the repairs done correctly the first time around. Having professional services attend to the situation will protect you when dealing with your insurance company or even a property owner, if you rent your business space.
 
Handling things correctly can assist with insurance documentation and limit the costs associated with damage to blackened walls; soot covered surfaces, damaged electrical wiring, flooring replacement or other company assets that have taken damage during a fire. SERVPRO has the equipment and personnel available with the experience in handling these sorts of situations, regardless of the size or extent of harm to your commercial property.
 
Work with our professionally trained staff at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley - Lutherville; we have highly skilled professional technicians with years of experience in all types of commercial fire damage restoration and clean-up available. Call us today at (410) 229-0012.

Contact A Professional Restoration Company When Dealing With Flood Damage

9/23/2016 (Permalink)

No matter the business, an interruption of any kind can make the difference between closing up or staying afloat.

Flood Damage

No matter the business, an interruption of any kind can make the difference between closing up or staying afloat. Even if your insurance policy covers business interruption, an unexpected closure can damage the relationships you have with customers and force any long-term clients to go elsewhere for their needs as a consumer. With this in mind, unexpected catastrophes and disasters can happen, and when they do, whether fire or flood, it is crucial that you get your property restored to a condition of pre-loss as fast and as possible by a reputable company like SERVPRO.

Flood damage in Hampton can strike when you least expect it, and when it comes to restoring your property to its condition before the loss, the faster a team can get to the scene and begin the work that is needed, the better. That is why you will want to call our professionals at SERVPRO, as we are proud to offer emergency response, and we will arrive quickly to start working on the job, any time of day. A large commercial loss due to flooding is a whole different situation than a leak in a wall cavity or a flooded basement. This is why you need to leave a job like this to a professional commercial restoration company like SERVPRO, as we can adequately handle the job. Our contractors have the training and experience needed, plus our fast response time will get your business back up and running quickly.

As a business proprietor, you never want to experience a catastrophe. However, if it does happen, you want to resolve the issue as soon as it is possible so that your business can go back to normal operations. Prompt response time any day or time, combined with the experience, knowledge, and professionalism is what sets our technicians above the rest. Contact us today at SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville by dialing (410) 229-0012 for more information on our commercial flood damage restoration services.

Commercial Water Damage Cockeysville - To Do or Don't List

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

When water damages your business or commercial property, it is crucial to handle the situation appropriately and safely.

Cockeysville Commercial Water Damage - To Do or Don't List

To Do or Not to Do 

When water damages your business or commercial property in Cockeysville, it is crucial to handle the situation appropriately and safely. 

Always remember you can call a commercial water damage expert in Cockeysville to help you address these challenging situations. Here are some things to do and not to do after water damage has threatened your business or property. 

To Do 

Remember whenever you are dealing with water damage you want to turn off the electricity. This eliminates the possibility of accidental shock or death by electrocution. 

Determine what type of water is present. Is it clear or clean water? Is the water black or contaminated with sewage? 

Remove all types of saturated building materials such as drywall, particle board, among others. These items include wet carpet, drywall, or even insulation. Don't be afraid to call a commercial water damage technician in Cockeysville if the damage is too large to handle on your own. Finally, remember to act quickly. The time you take to respond to the water damage helps reduce damages and costs to your commercial property or business. 

Not To Do 

Do not bite off more than you can chew. In other words, if the job is too large, call a professional right away. They have special equipment, expertise, and trained technicians to reduce damage and cost.

Don't try to dry everything on your own. Typically a damage restoration company in Cockeysville has the right tools to eradicate water from all places. They also know if something can be saved or if it needs to be replaced for health or safety reasons.  

Don't try to restore and replace things too fast. It takes some time to dry the area and treat it with sanitizers and deodorizers. This process can take more than 48 hours. Please be patient. If you rebuild too soon, mold and mold spores can grow rapidly if the area has not been thoroughly dried or cleaned. 

When commercial water damage threatens your business in Cockeysville, Call SERVPRO of Hunt Valley / Lutherville at (410) 229-0012