Archived Commercial Blog Posts
Bird poop can do more damage to your commercial property than you may think.
3/18/2022 (Permalink)
Birds may be harmless, small, and graceful creatures. They can also become a pest to your commercial properties. They may do more damage than you may think below are some areas where properties have had damages done due to bird droppings to their nests:
Roof damage: Starling, pigeon and sparrow nests are often built-in rain gutters, drains and the underside of roof corners. Warehouses may experience great damage, even collapsed roofs, when drainage systems are blocked, and standing water is forced to rise. A collapsed roof that results in death or serious physical damage could put a company out of business. Bird droppings can eat away at many substrates, especially tar-based roofing materials. Droppings that can accumulate on roofs will eat into the material and eventually cause leaks. The life expectancy of a warehouse roof can be cut in half by a light, but continuous, layer of bird droppings.
Blocked ventilation systems: Bird nests built in chimneys and ventilation systems can not only spread diseases through the system, but they can block airflow to the building.
Fires: Nests are usually flammable due to their construction of twigs, straw, and dried droppings. Nests constructed in electric signs and machinery pose a severe fire risk.
Property: Left undisturbed, bird waste can damage almost any building material. Wood, stone, steel, and iron can all be damaged by bird droppings, which have a pH level like vinegar. If allowed to accumulate, droppings can clog gutters, discolor paint, corrode I-beams, ruin cloth awnings, and short out electrical equipment. Droppings commonly eat into and destroy wood, paper and cardboard packaging of products stored outdoors on pallets.
If you experience any damages give SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo a call at 805-541-1271.
Source: Nachi.org
Mold In Your Commercial Property
2/28/2022 (Permalink)
Mold removal from a property can be expensive, but it can cost you more money if you wait to remediate the damage. In the case of mold affecting an indoor area after water damage occurs, SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo will be able to set up containment areas for the affected area. Doing so will minimize the invasion to your place of business as we handle the mold issue in your commercial space.
Spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a property. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.
An increase in humidity in the commercial space or property may be caused by stagnant water around the area, so be aware that mold can develop in those conditions. Mold spores thrive on moisture and heat. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to this. Because of this, it is important to try to keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Tips for property owners with A/C
2/28/2022 (Permalink)
Have a weekly cleaning schedule to make sure that the exterior part of your AC is free from debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.
Your thermostat must be set at a right temp and mode. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.
If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.
SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo helps out Commercial Properties
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Loss
Providing 24/7 emergency service
We have offered San Luis Obispo fire and mold repair, but we can also restore damage caused by biohazards, rodent infestations, storms, natural disasters, and even floods. With our access to special disaster recovery teams strategically placed throughout the county for optimal response time, we can respond to disasters as fast as you may need us to restore your property and make it “Like it never even happened.”
Our staff is highly skilled to suit all property damage restoration needs. We are constantly investing in advanced training methods and techniques to stay up to date on the latest advancements in mold remediation and fire damage restoration so we’re always at the top of our game!
We’re highly trained in all areas of damage control, both commercial and residential, to supply you with the best restoration services in San Luis Obispo, whenever and wherever you need us. While we’re doing our job, you can rest easily knowing that the problem has now been placed in the hands of our highly qualified staff.
We even offer cleanup services!
Every hour you spend cleaning is an hour of productivity and revenue lost. In the time you spent cleaning up, you could have been running your business! At SERVPRO, in addition to restoration, we also offer cleanup and inspection services. Whether it be carpet or upholstery cleaning, construction cleanup, sewage cleanup, biohazard cleanup, trauma scene cleanup, rodent infestation cleanup, or even something as simple as mold remediation, let us take care of it.
The process of estimating a commercial or home fire damage property
7/20/2021 (Permalink)
Fire Damage
Fires are one of the most common disasters to strike personal to commercial properties, especially in the central coast. We have had our fair share of large fire in our area. However, every year in the U.S., there are over 100,000 fires, with fire damage losses to commercial properties exceeding $2 billion every year. Generally, the damage estimate is done by either the insurance field adjuster or a qualified Preferred Vendor. If you have had significant fire damage to your property, you will need to make an insurance claim. If you do not have insurance, your restoration expert may find you low-cost options to reduce the cost of the damages. In widespread fires like wildfires, there may be disaster grants available, too. Insurance companies and restoration experts work closely together to ensure high-quality standards, but each may have different goals. When you choose SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo to do the assessment, their goal will be to get you the highest-quality restoration. In many cases, items can be restored instead of replaced. This can help keep a place looking more authentic, along with saving items that you would prefer to keep. SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo will have a much better idea about what their custom soot and smoke cleanup solvents will be able to save and what must be replaced. The estimate process should be transparent, and you should ask any questions that arise as it is explained to you.
Fires in a Commercial Business
10/28/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial Fire
SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo technicians overcome various cleaning challenges. A burning building consists of several complex reactions between different elements. We learn that fire damage presents different cleaning and restoration situations that depend greatly on how these different elements interact during the progress of a fire. When dealing with the removal of smoke residues, we consider several factors.
Hotter fires make surfaces expand, allowing residue and odors to penetrate more efficiently. While heat also chars materials or melts the finish on a surface, making refinishing required to restore the surface properly.
Conditions help residues set faster and permanently stain surfaces. Fire suppression systems and Firefighting efforts, along with damp weather and normal condensation on various surfaces combine with smoke residues, causing surfaces to become discolored.
With knowledge of these different factors that cause changes during a fire event, SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo technicians work hard to deliver the services you need to restore your business to a quality preloss condition.
SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo now offers commercial duct cleaning.
8/25/2020 (Permalink)
Dirty Air Duct
SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo has not incorporated Duct Cleaning into our services for the past year. It is really beneficial for the air quality in a Residential property or Commercial property.
Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.
If not professionally installed, maintained, and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the air of your commercial business. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your business.
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:
Fire Prevention Tips for Commercial Properties
1/31/2020 (Permalink)
Building on Fire
Since time is money in the business world, taking extra steps could affect your daily profits. However, the extra effort required is definitely marginal when compared to the extreme consequences and costs that come coupled with a fire. Choose the route to being proactive using the steps below. You’ll find knowing that you and your tenants are protected is truly priceless.
When a structural fire occurs it affects not only your tenants. It also affects the commercial building itself but also the components within. This may mean damage to or loss of personal possessions, equipment, inventory, and materials necessary to operate a business. There is nothing but value in putting a fire prevention plan in place with so much at stake.
1). Implement Fire Emergency Procedures
2). Reduce Fire Hazards
3). Install and Maintain Safety Equipment
A fire prevention plan is the best way to avoid fire and smoke from adversely affecting your tenants and your commercial buildings. Should such a disaster occur, know that help is available to restore your property and that of your tenants’ to preloss condition. At SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo, we are here to provide the remediation services you need. Our restoration Professionals are experts at repairing structural damage to removing smoke odors.
If you have any fire damages to your commercial property call the professionals at SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-1271 "Like it never even happened"
6 Common Leaks in Commercial Properties
1/31/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage in commercial building
Water leaks pose a very significant threat to commercial buildings, in particular, as they use much bigger amounts of water than residences – either for their business activities or simply because of the large number of people using the water fixtures in the facility on a daily basis. Therefore, leaks in commercial buildings lead to the waste of hundreds of gallons of water per day and can substantially increase the company’s monthly bills.
1). Toilet Leaks
2). Faucet Leaks
3). Plumbing Leaks
4). Roof Leaks
5). Ceiling Leaks
6). Basement Leaks
To avoid such troubles, property owners need to maintain their buildings in excellent condition and seek efficient professional solutions from SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo at the first sign of a water problem.
If you have any water damage in your commercial property call the professionals at SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-2171 "Like it never even happened"
4 Helpful Clues for Commercial Properties
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Amazing Commercial Property
A commercial property is potentially the largest investment that a business will make. In order to protect that investment, you should regularly inspect the property for potential water leaks, rust and mold.
If left unattended, water damage can severely impact the structure of the property or even create other complications, such as mold; which poses a major health risk. Use these 4 methods for detecting water damage within your commercial property.
1. Inspect the Floors
Wether you have wood, tile, concrete or carpet flooring water will show signs of water damage. For instance tile and wood will crack, buckle or warp. Concrete will erode or have cracks. Carpet, will be wet or smell like mold.
2. Stains
Water stains on the floor typically around toilets, sinks, ceilings and walls, are some of the most common signs of water damage. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.
3. Inspect Outer Perimeter of Building
Observe the exterior of your commercial property. What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage. Often times gutter spouts, rain gutters won't be transporting water properly. Any of those issues could threaten the foundation of the property.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Mold
Corrosion around pipe connections could be caused by water seepage. Visual signs of mold mean moisture is contacting microscopic mold spores, often in the nooks and crannies of your commercial property. Don’t rely solely on sight, when water stagnates, mold and bacteria can grow. Producing a musty, unpleasant smell.
If you do experience any water damage to your commercial property call the professionals at SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-1271 "Like it never even happened."
6 Water Damage Facts for Commercial Properties
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial Property
All commercial buildings are different, but each is at risk of facing water damage. Even small problems, like minor roof or pipe leaks, can lead to the spread of water damage and even mold growth. With damage like this, the value of your commercial property can quickly decrease. 6 commercial water damage facts:
1. Mold Damage
After water has affected a particular area, mold can grow in as little as 24 – 48 hours. All excess water and humid conditions should be dried out right away to prevent the risk of mold growth.
2. Water has to Dry Out
While the water evaporates in the area, moisture will accumulate in the walls, ceiling, and even the floor below, promoting mold growth. If this happens, it’s important to call SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-1271 to conduct a deep inspection to make sure that mold hasn’t already infected your property or spread to other areas.
3. Cleaning Methods for Building Materials
The same restoration process cannot be used for all building materials. Hard surfaces like concrete can be salvaged but porous materials like cellulose insulation and flooring materials will need to be removed and replaced.
4. Water Extraction
Excess water can lead to costly repairs in permanently damaged material if not extracted immediately. SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo knows exactly how to remove excess water in emergency situations like flooding or burst pipes. Hiring these specialists will also ensure that all hidden water damage and moisture from behind the walls and underneath the floors is also removed properly to prevent the risk of mold growth
5. Timing
As soon as you find water damage on your property, taking the necessary steps right away can make a big difference in financial costs. Simply knowing the basic first steps during an emergency can prevent the damage from spreading further.
6. Contact your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company immediately after finding water damage. The insurance company can also guide you through the first steps to prevent the damage from spreading.
If you have any damage to your commercial property call the professionals at SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-1271 "Like it never even happened."
Fire Aftermath of Commercial Properties
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Building on fire
The destructive power of fire can leave businesses and commercial properties devastated. When a fire occurs, SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo works to assist business owners and proprietors to move forward and put their lives and businesses back together. The restoration process after a commercial fire is laborious and time-consuming. The goal of commercial fire damage restoration is to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of a business or commercial property after a fire. In a fire’s aftermath, much of the damage restoration focuses on eliminating the persistent smoke odors and the accompanying soot and residual water. Every trace of the contaminants responsible for odors must be scrubbed clean and deodorized. High-powered equipment such as air scrubbers can help clear the air of particulates and odors. Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers mitigate residual water and moisture from putting out the fire.
The Odors from Smoke
As with most fires, commercial fires leave a pungent odor that permeates the building, furnishings, fixtures, and air throughout the property. Those odors are in large part a result of the fire source itself—the debris from the fire, the soot and residual water and chemicals that were used to extinguish the fire. The debris must be dealt with first.
Restoration crews from SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo move to quickly remove the debris and soot from the premises. Materials such as charred furnishings, rugs, and ceiling tiles are carried out until the property is emptied of any burned remnants of the fire. Debris removal also mitigates odors by removing microscopic dust particles, airborne and settled, that derives from soot deposits and burned debris. Debris removal reduces the intensity of odors, but will not completely eliminate them. Soot and residual water also combine to contribute to smoke odors, and they must be dealt with.
Removal of Soot
Thick layers of soot mixed with moisture cover a good portion of commercial fire sites. Soot is the black, powdered carbon and chemical byproduct of the burned material after a fire. Depending on the material burned in commercial fires, the chemical or acidic composition of soot can cause further damage on its own to just about any surface it is in contact with. Soot can stain porous and textured surfaces, permanently discolor granite, plastics, grout and the unburned fixtures made of wood or textiles.
Residual Water
Not only is mold a problem after flooding but after fires as well. Residual water from extinguishing the fire can lead to mold spreading throughout the property if it is not properly mitigated. The smoky odor after a fire rapidly combines with mold to further contaminate the air and interact with surfaces. The longer such odors interact with surfaces the more difficult it will be to completely eliminate the odor.
Fires to your commercial property can be devastating and catastrophic. The biggest challenge will be to replace, repair or restore the property to resume business as usual. To do so as quickly as possible, call the professionals at SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-1271 "Like it never even happened."
Where to Find Mold in Commercial Buildings
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Abandon office with mold
If mold is suspected in your commercial building where people work or go to school, exposure increases since they are exposed to the mold spores for most of the hours in the day. This increased exposure can lead to more severe symptoms.
These symptoms can include things like upper respiratory infections, chronic lung illness, chest inflammation, and more.
Where Can Mold Hide In a Commercial Building?
If you are the owner of a commercial building, mold prevention should be one of your primary maintenance goals. Use these mold prevention tips to keep your commercial property free of mold.
- Watch for and clean up any wet spots.
- Fix plumbing leaks.
- Install dehumidifiers to get rid of condensation and excess moisture.
- Make sure that any appliances that generate moisture (like dryers) have a vent leading to the outdoors to keep moisture outside.
- Keep HVAC drip pans dry, clean, and empty.
- Make sure HVAC systems have recommended maintenance.
- Keep humidity levels below 60 percent.
- Keep foundations dry by providing proper drainage in your landscaping.
If you have any mold damage to your commercial property call SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo (805)541-1271 "Like it never even happened."
What employers should do to prevent mold
10/9/2019 (Permalink)
Moldy Office Space
What Employers Should Do to Prevent Mold
There are some important steps that employers can take to make sure that their employees are not exposed to mold. These preventative measures are some of the most important things that employers should know about mold. Following these tips can help save time, money, and the health of their employees.
- Have a reliable and certified building maintenance crew who are well-informed about mold and mold causes.
- Have all the plumbing checked regularly throughout the year.
- Check the building construction and design.
- Make sure there is proper ventilation in each area of the building.
- During summer months, open windows or run air conditioning regularly.
- Use mildew resistant paint in offices where workers spend most of their time.
- Consider replacing old carpets or wooden shelving that might have been exposed to moisture in the past.
Always let your employees know that you’re doing everything possible to prevent mold from growing in your building. When workers feel like their employers understand their health risks and are taking proper precautions to keep them safe, they’re less likely to file claims.
What to do if Mold is Found
If you find mold or you suspect mold is in your building, you can give us a call to SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo. The consequences of mold are too high to not take it seriously. Primarily, the health of your employees always come first. You never want to be responsible for the health effects that your workers can contract in a moldy environment. In addition, the structure of your building will be severely compromised if mold is found and if it is not remediated on time. Lastly, legal expenses from mold litigation can be overwhelming. Don’t put yourself in a tough position when it comes to mold.
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