Recent Commercial Posts

How To Prepare Your Company for a Fire

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare Everyone In Your Workplace For a Disaster

To ensure the safety of your employees in Saratoga Springs, it’s important to prepare everyone in your workplace for a potential fire. Because fires can be fast, unexpected, and chaotic, creating a fire contingency plan is a valuable part of your company’s safety procedures. Here are a few things you can do to prepare everyone in your workplace for a disaster:

Have an Evacuation Plan

Employees should be able to identify several escape routes, especially if your building has more than one floor. Some vital parts of your company’s escape plan should include:

  • A way of accounting for your employees
  • A designated assembly area for those in your workplace
  • A list of individuals who are authorized to take charge in the event of an evacuation

By including these important parts in your escape route plan, you can help ensure the safety of your employees during an evacuation.


Install an Alarm System

Having smoke detectors and fire alarms can notify and protect employees from harm. Be sure to install any needed alarms, and check them regularly. Your employees should be taught the distinction between alarms so that they know which actions to take. Informing your company of a fire is a vital part of a smart fire contingency plan.

Inform Your Employees

Hold a meeting or conduct training sessions to help prepare your employees for a fire in the building. Present the escape plan and discuss evacuation procedures. You can also inform your company about the various ways to report a fire, such as pulling a manual fire alarm or calling an internal emergency number. By teaching your workers what to do when a disaster occurs, you can reduce risk and confusion.

With these steps, you can prepare each of your employees for a fire. Be sure to take precautions to stop fire hazards from even beginning. Having a fire contingency plan and an evacuation plan for the whole company is one of the best ways to be prepared.

SERVPRO: Professional Commercial Cleaning Service Provider That Fit Your Needs

7/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a renowned commercial cleaning services company operating around the Saratoga Springs area. We specialize in almost all cleaning needs for all types of properties, from workplaces to homes.

Finding a professional Commercial Cleaning Services in Saratoga Springs can often be hectic. It's time to get rid of this inconvenience and hire the services of the best commercial cleaning company with SERVPRO. Our experience ensures impeccable protection that not only creates a productive workplace but also reassures customers with our attentiveness.

With our commercial cleaning services, you’ll get customized services from the same cleaning team that helps to creates trust and understanding. However, you’ll get the flexibility, expediency, and professionalism of a long-lasting company that can adapt to short-term changes and offers emergency services if necessary.

We believe that a personal, friendly, and professional approach to our work is the reason that we have so many longtime customers who regularly recommend our services to others. Our team of highly qualified and experienced professionals will turn your office into a bright and clean space.

Why Choose SERVPRO Commercial Cleaning Service in Saratoga Springs?

  • Fully equipped and highly qualified personnel
  • Friendly, personal service
  • Flexible service options
  • Highly skilled and proficient in health and safety standards
  • Use only the safest products
  • Various cleaning services such as carpet cleaning and removing stubborn stains
  • A dedicated team with the highest cleaning and maintenance standards

If you are looking for reliable and high-quality Commercial Cleaning Services in Saratoga Springs, get in touch with us right away. Our Team of Experienced & Professionals Cleaners will show up on time at your doorstep.

Professional Air Ducts Commercial Cleaning Services

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Have you noticed dust comes out of the air ducts in your home/office every time you turn on the HVAC system? Have you seen dust or pet hair trapped in the ventilation openings or dirt in the air register grill? This could be a sign that your duct system needs to be cleaned.

To ensure good cleaning of your air duct system, you should use the services of a seasoned professional. Professional/Commercial service providers use safe and proven methods to clean your ducts. In addition, they handle the latest technology to provide the best duct cleaning services for your HVAC system.

So, if you are looking for an air duct cleaning service in Saratoga Springs, you can expect the following from a reputable service provider:

  • High-quality service: Professional duct cleaning service providers will guarantee proper cleaning as they have knowledge and experience in handling complex systems.

  • High customer satisfaction: Competent service providers put the customer at the center of all problems. Apart from high-end services, these service providers also offer support services to ensure superior customer satisfaction.

  • No hidden fees: Professional duct cleaning service providers guarantee full transparency in their communications. Unlike many other service providers, reputable air duct cleaning service providers provide their customers with an upfront cost for their services with no hidden fees.

Apart from the above, a reputable and professional duct cleaning company like SERVPRO has a team of skilled professionals who have extensive knowledge of the HVAC industry. These professionals can resolve all your questions and complete your project within the allotted timeframe.

If you think your office ducts need cleaning, call us at (518) 580-1111, to have them cleaned professionally.

Important Ways That A Commercial Cleaning Service Benefits All Business Owners

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Are you committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for your employees? Are you looking for ways to improve the efficiency and appearance of your company? If so, we'd like to offer some advice on how a commercial cleaning service can benefit your business.

  • Creating a Safe Workplace: When your office space is dusty and dirty, you are more likely to encourage the spread of flu and other illnesses among your employees. Keeping the office clean avoids this. Healthy and happy employees are more productive and do a better job. So, taking care of their health contributes to the bottom line of the company. Cleaning company staff are trained in the most effective ways to clean offices, eliminating potential safety issues.

  • Increase Your Productivity: A clean and tidy office actually contributes to profits. A messy office can lead to an unhealthy work environment. This will also affect productivity because employees will not be satisfied in a messy workplace.

  • Give Your Business A Professional Image: A clean and tidy office and work environment also give your business a professional image. A negative first impression can cause you to lose customers and lose a lot of respect in the professional world. Make sure everyone who walks through your front door knows that you are a professional company from a clean atmosphere.

SERVPRO's cleaning staff is committed to providing quality and professional Commercial cleaning in Saratoga Springs. We also use environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices in all of our services. Whether you are looking for monthly or weekly office cleaning, we are here to get the job done with unmatched skill and professionalism. 

What Makes Professional Cleaning for Saratoga Springs Offices Necessary?

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Many SERVPRO services exceed the capabilities of janitorial services for your Saratoga building.

Your office building has a steady flow of client and employee traffic all day long, making it critical to always keep your best aesthetic foot forward. After a disaster or as deep and thorough cleaning services are needed, our SERVPRO team is Here to Help.

Graffiti and Vandalism Removal

Commercial cleaning for Saratoga businesses points to many services experienced SERVPRO professionals can provide. The exterior of the property is always susceptible to the unpredictability of vandals, and that is why we have powerful solvents and cleaners for brick and siding to make your property like new.

Deep-Cleaning Carpets

Glue-down and low pile carpeting are staples of busy office buildings. While the design allows for more efficient cleaning and surface vacuuming, deeper cleaning solutions are still beneficial at times. Stains, deep-seated soils, and dinginess can all become telling signs of a pressing need for deluxe conditioning and hot water extraction carpet cleaning.

Duct and HVAC Cleaning

Another advantage of choosing SERVPRO for commercial office cleaning is our experience and training with complex services like HVAC cleaning. Specialists on our team follow strict guidelines established by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) for thorough and timely removal of:

  • Dust
  • Dirt
  • Mold
  • Allergens

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

In recent years, offices and commercial properties all began to see how inadequate surface cleaning practices had become in their respective facilities. Our SERVPRO team boasts experience and industrial-grade disinfectants, surface cleaners, and fogging solutions to remove possible pathogenic threats in high-traffic areas.

Commercial cleaning encompasses many possible needs that your business might have. Caring for facilities like office buildings means having several unique strategies to target these specific situations. We have industry-leading equipment and cleaning products to keep your business looking its best. Give our SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort team a call today at (518) 580-1111.

Don’t Be Sorry, Be Proactive about Preventative Business Measures

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

A pipe break can lead to water damage which ultimately leads to filing a business claim. The claim process can be extensive and can cause an interruption in the business for days or possibly weeks. Taking small steps now, however, can reduce the risk of having to file any water-related claim.

Steps to Avoid a Pipe Break

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Insulating any pipes that are exposed to frigid temperatures can reduce the risk of burst pipes. The insulation will prevent the buildup of ice inside the pipe; therefore, reducing the risk of increased pressure.

2. Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Allowing a building to go below 55°F consistently dramatically increases the risks of frozen pipes and pipe breaks as well as filing a business claim and should be avoided if possible.

3. Keep Drainage Areas Clear

Preventing minor flooding can be as easy as keeping drainage areas clear. This can be done by inspecting drains, downspouts, and gutters frequently to ensure that there are no blockages that would encourage backflow.

4. Remove Excess Snow

Another way of preventing minor flooding and even possible roof damage is to remove any excess snow. Snow not only increases the load on your roof but during the thaw it is possible that the melting snow will seep into minor imperfections and weaken the structure of the roof.

5. Fix Leaks and Cracks

It may also be a good idea to regularly walk the perimeter of your building, checking the foundation in the exterior for any cracks or leaks. Any minor imperfections can usually be corrected with exterior sealants; however, significant cracks may require the use of a restoration company.

6. Protect Valuable Items

While performing any of these preventative steps can reduce the risk of water damage, it may still be wise to protect any valuable items by keeping them above ground level and even in waterproof bins.

While a business claim is not necessarily a bad thing, it can take time to process, and that is valuable time that your business cannot afford to lose, which is why it’s better to be proactive rather than sorry.

Business Interruption: Minimizing Flood Loss and Delays

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

The last thing any business wants after experiencing flooding or any disaster is extensive business interruption. Business interruption accounts for any losses incurred as a company attempts to recover from the loss.

Important Tips to minimize Flood Loss and Delays

After a flood, a business might need to shut down all operations or move essential operations off-site. The closure and move might cost the company revenue. Business interruption insurance can help mitigate any financial losses, but coverage depends on the policy.

The goal to a quick recovery is to hire a restoration service in Saratoga Springs, NY, especially a company with familiarity in water loss. These services can help in a few key areas, including:

  • Loss mitigation
  • Disaster Cleanup
  • Property restoration

Flooding and Business Interruption

Many businesses, especially aging operations, can experience a broken pipe, leading to a flood. Depending on the hours of operation, a break can go unnoticed for several hours or several days, resulting in a significant accumulation of water.

The longer water is left to stand, the greater the opportunity for compounding problems. For instance, a flood can lead to mold development in as few as 48 hours.

Companies should have guards, cameras, or notification systems in place to reduce the risk of extensive flooding or unmonitored periods. However, beyond preventative measures, companies should also have a qualified mitigation service on standby for remediation and recovery.

Mitigation and Recovery

Extensive or large water damage is costly, and it is time-consuming to clean and repair. The standard restoration service has a three-pronged approach to the recovery process: mitigate, clean, and restore.

Mitigation involves stopping the flow of water and limiting or restricting the damage. It can include shutting off and repairing pipes or supply valves or using tarps and buckets to trap and catch water.

Cleaning is aimed at removing excess water and disinfecting the facility. Most restoration services will use various tools, including:

  • Shop vacuums
  • Fans
  • Blowers
  • Dehumidifiers

Finally, the service will focus on restoration, which means restoring the facility to pre-disaster conditions. As a business owner, you likely care about the timeline to recovery and restoration, but that will depend on the specific cause of your business's disaster.

Qualified Restoration Services

The key to working with a restoration professional is to only work with those who are qualified. A company should have a license and insurance. You should verify this information with the certifying bodies, ensuring you are working with a real and proven professional.

One credential to look for in any restoration service is the IICRC. Any company bearing those initials has proven its understanding of fundamental disaster response requirements. Insurance is also essential for any restoration service. Suppose the company working on your site does not have adequate or proper insurance. In that case, your business is potentially on the hook for any damages or injuries that occur on your property.

While no business owner wants to experience flooding, it can happen. The best any owner can do is limit their exposure and business interruption through planning and making necessary connections and arrangements with qualified restoration services. It is vital that you do not waste time after a flood. The sooner your property is restored, the sooner you can get back to business.

How Does Water Damage Restoration by Gansevoort Professionals Compare to Handling by Janitorial Staff?

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Professionalism and Preparation by SERVPRO Help Improve the Outcome of Water Damage Repair

Whenever burst pipes or leaking roofs from storms release water into unwanted areas of your Concord business premises, you must find a way to restore normalcy first. It is easy to dismiss the exercise as something your regular janitorial staff can handle easily. However, professional restorers might offer some extra benefits.

The differences noted when water damage restoration of Gansevoort properties is handled by professionals arise for various reasons, including the level of preparation, technical skills, and attitude of the work crews. Unlike your staff, who may view water removal and drying of materials as an additional burden on top of their regular work, professional restorers are prepared to get the situation under control quickly and hand over the property to you. SERVPRO provides highly trained and IICRC certified Water Restoration Technicians to ensure such a quick turnaround. 

Speedy results are also realized because of better preparation before the job starts:

  • Estimating the number and type of restoration equipment needed
  • Better evaluation of the loss situation
  • Identification and addressing of any safety issues 

Water damage may require a wide array of equipment, including extractors such as dry/wet vacuums, cleaning equipment such as rotating brushes, and drying equipment. If structural materials deteriorate extensively from moisture exposure, controlled demolition may be required, necessitating the use of cutting saws, drills, pry bars, and rubber hammers, among others. The need for specialized tools your cleaning staff might not have means the task is likely to be more inconvenient. 

Finally, water damage remediation may not be as clear-cut as you expect. SERVPRO professionals are ready to guide, educate and offer any information that a property owner might need to resolve immediate or long-term issues.

SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs/Gansevoort handles water damage conveniently for business owners ensuring minimal disruptions. Call us at (518) 580-1111. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Document Drying for Commercial Business

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

After a commercial disaster in Gansevoort, NY, a  commercial business could lose important documents and photos. You're in luck, at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort, we offer document drying services for your important files! 

So, what's the document drying process?

  • Inventory

When we get to your commercial property, we will take inventory of all items, including the important documents that need drying. 

  • Drying

The documents will be freeze-dried (in short terms) and vacuum-sealed to achieve sublimation.

  • Decontamination

The documents will go through a process called Gamma Irradiation. Meaning: the documents (or other items) will be decontaminated using gamma rays. The gamma rays break down any molecules that are causing contamination. Especially in a category 3 situation (aka sewage), the documents (and other items) need to be decontaminated. 

  • Cleaning

Depending on the level of soil, we will take the proper steps to wipe, dust, remove soot or other contaminants from your belongings. 

  • Deodorizing

Documents that have been in a fire or water damage situation will have some sort of odor, one that you won't want to smell. All your important documents will be deodorized before heading back to you!

4 Lesser-Known Ways to Prepare Your Business for a Fire

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

4 Lesser-Known Ways to Prepare Your Business for a Fire

The possibility that your Gansevoort, NY, business building will experience a fire is likely a rare subject of your thoughts. However, the potential for a business fire to create disaster makes it essential to prioritize. While you may know the essential preventative measures, not all are widely acknowledged. So, here are four lesser-known ways to prepare your business for a fire.

1. Check the Lighting
If you should undergo a business fire, the first priority will be to exit the building. Unfortunately, this will be difficult if you can't find an exit. This is why lighting is so important. Make sure that employees will be able to clearly see where each escape route is. These are some areas to focus on:

  • Hallways
  • Doors
  • Signage

If possible, try to acquire emergency lighting that won't be affected by power outages.

2. Teach Fire Extinguisher Usage
While most every business trains its employees in how to exit a building, fire extinguishers may be neglected. However, the ability to put a fire out is an essential skill during such a disaster. Hold training sessions for this purpose, particularly for those that express a lack of knowledge in the subject.

3. Lower Storage
When storing items, be sure that everything is at least 24 inches away from the ceiling. In one respect, this fire preparation stops the damage from spreading too far. In another, it helps firemen use water in buildings that don't have sprinklers.

4. Inspect Extension Cords
It can be tempting to leave extension cords perpetually plugged in, especially if you work in an office setting. However, this can be a hazard and cause fire damage. Try to implement a policy of unplugging the cords after use.

No business owner wants to experience a fire, but you may find yourself faced with one. If this occurs, you'll want to know that you are fully prepared for a business fire. Just be sure to take immediate action and contact fire restoration experts afterward.

7 Essential Elements of an Emergency Action Plan

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

An evacuation plan for a first floor office building. A fire drill can help with evacuation preparation.

What To Include In Your Emergency Action Plan

You never know when a disaster, such as a fire, storm, flood or gas leak, could affect your commercial property and everyone in it. Your business in Saratoga Springs, needs an emergency action plan that you practice beforehand. It may seem odd to have a fire drill in the middle of the day, but if a problem occurs, you will be glad you took the time to do so. Your plan should include the following elements.

1. Clearly Mapped Routes

A map of your planned route to safety should be posted in various places throughout the building. You need at least one map for evacuating the building in case of a fire and one map for getting to a safe area in the building in case of a storm.

2. Evacuation Procedures

Everyone in the building should know how an emergency is announced and what to do when that happens. A fire drill can help teach the proper evacuation procedure to employees.

3. Reporting Plan

You need to decide how you are going to report a problem to the proper authorities. Pull stations and panic buttons may be installed to assist with timely reporting.

4. Designated Tasks for Personnel

Each task that must be accomplished needs to have a specific person assigned to it ahead of time. Don't wait until you are in the moment to decide who needs to shut down operations.

5. Clear Chain of Command

No matter how many people you have performing different tasks, someone needs to be in charge. Decide on a chain of command ahead of time.

6. Current Contact List of Building Occupants

Whether you leave the building or retreat to a safe spot within it, you will need a way to confirm that everyone who should be there arrives safely. Keep an up-to-date contact list in your emergency kit.

7. Data Backup

Any emergency has the potential to destroy important documents. While some may be able to be recovered by restoration professionals, it's important to have a backup in case they are ruined.

A fire drill can help with evacuation preparation. Having a clear plan can save lives

What Happens When Your Apartment Building Floods?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

An apartment building. A water loss in an apartment building can quickly become a literal disaster.

When the fire sprinkler system accidentally goes off or a water heater malfunctions on the 8th floor of an apartment building, the water damage can be extensive and overwhelming. A water loss in an apartment building can quickly become a literal disaster. Here, we will review what to expect if there is flooding in your apartment building. 

What To Expect When Your Apartment Building Floods

1.  Water Damaged Ceilings

When you live in or manage a multi-level building and there is flooding on one of the upper floors, you can expect widespread ceiling water damage. Water will have nowhere to go but down, seeping through carpet, hardwood, penetrating subfloors, and making its way to the apartments below. 

2.  Water Damage to Floors 

Expect to need to replace or dry wet carpets or pull up hardwood floors.

3.  Electrical Issues 

Flood water may have entered your apartment through light fixtures or even poured out of electrical sockets. In cases of major flooding, your apartment building may even have to turn off the power for a certain amount of time until it has been deemed safe to turn it back on. 

4.  Possible Mold Growth 

Flooding in an apartment building is widespread and it can be a while before the moisture on every level is addressed. Mold may begin to grow in as little as 48 hours after water damage, so you should keep an eye out. 

5.  Loud Equipment 

Your apartment management company will likely call their preferred water damage restoration company to handle the cleanup and repairs. This will include stationing commercial grade fans and dehumidifiers throughout the building and even in your apartment. The equipment is usually left for 3-5 days, depending on the extent of damages. 

6.  Demolition 

Since water will freely flow between the floors of the apartment building, the water damage restoration process will surely include opening up ceilings, pulling up carpets, removing trim and moldings, or even removing portions of wet walls. While it may be overwhelming in the moment, these steps will ensure your building is dried out after water damage and will help prevent a widespread mold problem down the line. 

7.  A Flooded Basement 

If your apartment building has a shared basement with laundry or storage - you may not be able to access it for a certain amount of time. When floods happen in apartment buildings, the water will usually collect in the basement. Do not enter it until it has been cleaned up and deemed safe to enter. 

8.  Possible Need to File an Insurance Claim 

The apartment’s management company’s insurance will likely foot the bill for any structural damages and drying out the building, but if any of your personal belongings or contents are affected by flooding, it won’t be covered by their claim. In these cases, you will have to file your own claim with your renters or condo insurance.

Apartment Building Flooded? Call SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort For 24/7 Service - 518-508-1111

My Saratoga Business Has Mold – Who Do I Call?

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growing on drywall. Contact SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort for commercial mold removal!

SERVPRO provides mold remediation and mold removal to keep businesses open

Finding mold in a business is never a good thing. Mold spores travel through the air and are carried around on everything from clothes to the wind. They are everywhere, and you cannot get rid of them. Mold can develop anywhere there is moisture and a food source. 

How Does Containment Work with Black Mold Damage Repairs?

Mold is made up of tube-like filaments known as hyphae. As the colony grows, the mold spreads. This allows for the development of more mold spores, which then look for moisture and food. If you see mold, it is time for mold removal. One of the tools we used when dealing with mold removal is containment. Containment makes it difficult for mold spores to get away from the impacted area. Containment helps with other things involving mold removal and the impacted material such as:

  • Silica dust
  • Particles left from soda blasting
  • Dust from mold removal techniques
  • Easier cleanup
  • Preventing further damage
  • Safer mold remediation

SERVPRO uses various containment methods such as polyethylene sheeting, tape for sealing, decontamination areas if needed, and HEPA filters in our vacuums and air scrubbers.

Contact SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort at (518) 508-1111 for commercial mold removal. We are mold specialists who understand just what your business needs.

Keeping your business fresh!

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

A before and after of a duct full of dust and dirt and then cleaned. When not cleaned, ducts can become contaminated with dust, dirt, and pollen, which can result in mold growth.

What Is Duct Cleaning?

This process refers to the cleaning of various system components of your heating and cooling system. The components that should be regularly cleaned include grilles, supply and return air ducts, heat exchangers, coils, and unit housing.

When not cleaned, these components can become contaminated with dust, dirt, and pollen. In addition, moisture can even result in mold growth, which often has health effects. A thorough cleaning, however, can prevent such contamination and keep your indoor air at a high quality. 

How Can It Help Remove Foul Odors?

When the ducts are thoroughly cleaned with proper equipment, professionals can remove dander, mold, dust, and other contaminants in your air vents. These particles are generally the cause of foul odors. For example, mold often causes a musty smell, while pet fur and dander trapped in the ducts may cause other odors. To truly remove these smells, the process sanitizes and deodorizes all areas that are affected.

Looking to Freshen up? Call the pros at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort at (518) 508-1111!

5 Ways to Avert a Fire Disaster

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Five Ways To Avert a Major Disaster

Business and commercial property owners can take fire preparation measures to reduce the likelihood of a total loss at a building in Saratoga Springs. Here are five ways in which it may be possible to avert a major disaster.

  1. Have a Plan In Place

Planning ahead for what to do in the event of a fire is the most essential disaster preparation measure. A complete fire plan might include protocols for contacting emergency help, performing critical functions, attempting suppression, safe evacuation, and burn first aid.

  1. Train Employees or Occupants 

Employees or occupants cannot be expected to execute an emergency plan without previous fire preparation. Business and building owners should schedule training sessions that cover fire safety practices such as proper handling and storage of combustible or flammable materials during daily operations and what to do if a fire breaks out.

  1. Regularly Practice Evacuation

Fire drills can help the occupants of a structure know the best routes to take in the event of a fire. It can also be helpful to post maps throughout a structure that indicates the fastest ways out of a building.

  1. Maintain Fire Suppression Equipment 

Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems may limit the extent of fire damage. While sprinklers may cause some water damage, only the sprinklers that detect dangerously elevated temperatures should activate.

  1. Back-Up Records Off-Site 

A fire can cause a significant amount of damage without reaching the level of a total disaster. Recovery may be easier if essential records are digitized and stored remotely or paper records are archived in another location.

These fire preparation measures may reduce risks and the severity of a blaze at a commercial building in Saratoga Springs, NY. Planning, training, and proper equipment go a long way toward limiting damage. It is also important to meet fire code requirements and equip a structure with suppression equipment.

3 Things Business Owners Should Know After a Partial Loss From a Fire

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

A fleet of SERVPRO trucks that says Disaster Recovery Team. If you have a fire in your commercial building, call SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort today!

What To Expect After a Partial Fire Loss

A fire in your office or business can wreak havoc. Fire loss is often one of the first things business owners think about, and many people believe that a partial loss will mean a quick, inexpensive cleanup process. However, this may not be the case, and it can be helpful to know what to expect after a partial loss.

  1. An Insurance Claim for Partial Loss Can Be Complex

Although you make an insurance claim after a partial loss, just as you would if fire and smoke damage had affected the entirety of your business, partial losses can make your claim more complex. It can take an extended period of time for an insurance adjuster to determine what items were damaged in the fire and what items weren't affected by the fire. Providing your adjuster with photographs and other forms of documentation of your business before the fire might help to expedite the process.

  1. Unseen Damage Is Often Present

With a partial fire loss, people often think that a building has been minimally damaged. Unfortunately, there is often hidden damage associated with partial losses. During a fire, the air quality in a business is often affected by smoke and soot, and though your building's air ducts aren't visible, damage may be present. Additionally, both water and mold damage commonly occur after fires when sprinklers and fire hoses are used to extinguish the flames.

  1. Restoration May Still Be Necessary

Though a partial loss from a fire means that some elements of your business are unaffected, restoration may be needed depending on what areas in your business were impacted. If structural elements of your building were damaged in a fire, restoration is often essential. Many business owners find it useful to employ fire restoration experts who can assist in cleanup and restoration.

When considering a fire loss, it's often wise to understand what a partial loss from a fire may involve. By understanding the complications that can come from a partial loss, such as difficulties with an insurance claim, unseen damage and the potential need for restoration, you can better plan for a fire and its effects.

Why Does Mold Keep Growing In the Same Spot?

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

A mold specialist in a hazmat suit assessing the mold damage on the wall. If you have mold in your business, call the experts at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort!

Why Mold Tends To Return?

A building owner or manager may think a mold problem has been solved only to have new colonies form in the same place. Mold growth can only occur if moisture and nutrients remain present. Any traces of former colonies can also support regrowth. Learn more about why mold tends to return to the same locations.

Favorable Conditions

Mold thrives in locations with moisture, food and favorable conditions. A combination of the following factors can support growth:

  • Moisture
  • Nutrients
  • High humidity
  • Warm temperatures
  • Little ventilation
  • Undisturbed areas

It is not sufficient to eliminate any one of these factors, although a lack of moisture can limit the ability of mold to become established and multiply. A building owner or manager should also get rid of contaminated materials and lower temperatures. Once mold is no longer a problem, owners or managers can try increasing ventilation or treating the area with fungicides or preventative solutions.

Persistent Leaks

If a pipe or portion of a roof is prone to leak, mold growth will be more likely in the affected area. Rely on plumbers or roofers to fix the problem and cleanup and restoration professionals to limit primary and secondary damage due to water. If the problem recurs and conditions remain conducive, mold may resume growing in the same place.

Untreated Damage

Just as recurring water damage may cause mold to return to the same spot, untreated mold damage can also lay a foundation for future growth. When mold penetrates a porous surface, the hyphae may remain even if the surface appears clean. These filaments fulfill functions similar to roots and can support regrowth.

If conditions remain unchanged or damage is allowed to persist, mold growth will be likely to reoccur. A property owner or manager should rely on the expertise of water and mold damage specialists at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort.