Recent Commercial Posts
Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.
Different Types of Water Damage
Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.
Primary Damage
When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage.
Secondary Damage
Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.
Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.
What Controls Humidity?
Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues.
Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.
Specific Humidity
The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number.
If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 694-9082, available 24 hours a day.
Guide: Clean Out Office Space Clutter This New Year
1/28/2022 (Permalink)
The turn of a new year inspires us to clean out the clutter. Homes, garages, and sheds are usually stocked of old unneeded or forgotten items. As we make room for new outdoor equipment and begin pulling out the things we haven't used most of the past year, we sometimes forget about our office spaces? Often, work is seen as separate and those spaces can often become stagnant.
This new year, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast wants to remind you that having a clean and organized office space is just as important as a clean and organized home.
Getting rid of old papers, creating a new organization system, and removing the clutter can help make your work more efficient and easier to handle.
Tips to Help Get You Started
- Gather and redistribute
Gather up every item that isn't where it "belongs" and put it where it does. If it doesn't have a home, give it one or toss it.
Note: Consider an adhesive hook for hanging coats, scarves, lanyards and other items that take up space or look cluttered. It's an inexpensive way to make your office space tidy.
- Clear off your desk
Remove everything, clean it thoroughly, and put back only those essential items for daily use.
- Organize your desktop
Now that you've streamlined your desktop, it's a good idea to organize it. Use desktop organizers, baskets, and file folders to organize the items on your desk. Use trays for papers, and boxes for smaller items.
- Organize your drawers
Put items used together in the same drawer space, stamps with envelopes, sticky pads with notepads, etc. Use drawer organizers for small items – paper clips, tacks, etc. Use a separate drawer for personal items.
- Proximity
Position the equipment and supplies that you use most within reach. Things that you rarely use can be stored or put away.
- Sort mail
Don't just stick mail in a pile to be sorted or rifle through and take out the pieces you need right now and toss the junk before it begins to pile up. Sort it as soon as you get it – To act, To read, To file, To delegate or handoff.
- Assign discard dates
You don't need to keep every piece of paper indefinitely. Mark on files or documents when they can be tossed or shredded.
Note: Legal or financial documents must be kept for a specified length of time. Make sure you know what those requirements are.
- Filter your emails
Some emails are essential to read; others are just not that important. When you use the filter system to label different types of emails, you know their priority and reply first.
- Consider going digital
How much of the paperwork that you have could be scanned and saved? You may be able to eliminate some of the files and folders you've used in the past by scanning and uploading them to your computer. Make sure you are doing regular back-ups.
- Straighten your desk
Do a quick straighten at the end of the day, so you have a clean start the next day.
Deep Cleaning
Now that you've decluttered and organized your space, you may notice the dirt and dust left behind where you've moved your desk from, or the path you take to talk to and from your office might look a bit dirtier than others. Let SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast take it from here, cleaning the carpets and furniture in your office and business to make it all look fresh and new again.
Freshen Up Your Walls
You spend a lot of time in your office space, so give it some TLC. Add photos of family or beautiful paintings to the walls. Ceiling and wall cleaning should also be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business, too. If you're thinking about adding a fresh coat of paint to your office to help freshen it up after you've reorganized, you should also clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly.
Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast can help. Schedule your cleaning today by calling (813) 710-6203.
Emergency READY Profile: How to Prepare Your Business for a Disaster
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Download SERVPRO's ERP app today at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/Home/MobileApp.
Being a property manager or landlord isn't a 9 to 5 job. Mishaps don't care if you're on vacation or out of the office. Problems can arise 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Be prepared before disaster strikes. Deal with unforeseen circumstances by implementing our Emergency READY Profile (ERP), as many as 50% of businesses have to shut down after a disaster.
Being Prepared is FREE
Your company's ERP profile is FREE and can help you in the event of a disaster. We simply take down a few basic pieces of contact information and we are at your door in case of an emergency.
What Does an Emergency Ready Profile Look Like?
- A no cost assessment of your facility.
This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing 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 shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Businesses that survive a disaster had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. ERP helps your business have a plan in place and helps keep you and your staff members informed on handling fire and water damage.
For additional information regarding SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile (ERP), visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com or call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 710-6316.
Make Sure Your Tampa Southeast Commercial Property Has the Right Insurance
1/14/2022 (Permalink)
Do you have the right insurance?Fires are devastating to small businesses in Tampa Southeast, Florida, because they cause extensive damage to equipment and property, and disrupt daily operations, leading to heavy financial losses. Fortunately, fire insurance policies are available, offering financial benefits like:
- Coverage for physical damages
- Replacement or repair of office fixtures
- Protection against lost business income
- Compensation for costs of doing business in a temporary location
In some situations, this type of policy covers lost data, the interruption of digital operations, and other computer-related business dealings. Ask your insurance provider for specific information.
Identify and Reduce Fire Risks
If you own the property or building where your business operates, you may work closely with your insurance company or a fire restoration professional to identify the most common risks and take steps to protect your premises. Even if you don't own the building, you can look for problem spots such as overloaded power strips and extension cords, stacks of flammable materials near heat sources, aging appliances, and indoor smoking areas. You may be eligible for fire insurance that covers your business contents.
Look Outside of Your Business Walls
Fires are generally unexpected and very destructive. In fact, many businesses did have appropriate preventative measures in place before suffering damage. Fires aren't always the result of something that occurs within the workplace.
Sometimes, the emergency is caused by the activities of neighboring businesses, extreme weather, rioting, or vandalism. You may require coverage for the costs of smoke cleanup even if flames never reach your building.
Understand Your Coverage Needs
As you consider your business needs and discuss coverage options with your insurance provider, be realistic about your needs. Too many business owners purchase minimum coverage and then don't have the necessary funding for complete fire restoration services. Ask your insurance representative about replacement cost versus cash value terms and eligibility requirements. Make sure you have enough coverage to get you through the entire restoration process.
Small businesses may be particularly susceptible to damages, but the right fire insurance coverage offers important protection. Make sure your business has the coverage it needs before you need it.
Commercial Mold Removal
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast received a call to check an old restaurant purchased to give it a new life. This result led to an extensive mold job for SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast. Upon entering this abandoned space, it became clear immediately this was a mold remediation job for the experts! So we went to work! With mold covering the walls, the bar area, baseboards, and crown "mold"ing (pun intended), our crew had to suit up with PPE, including respirators and Tyvek suits, to ensure protection!
Mold remediation is a tedious job for a home. Still, when it is a commercial property like a restaurant, containment set up, so contaminated unaffected areas aren't with mold exposure are disposed of. When the demo was complete, industrial hygienists came to ensure that the commercial property was good to go! Mold remediation in a commercial property is a tedious yet rewarding job when we get to see a building brought back to life! When mold is identified at your commercial building, give us a call at (813) 722-1276. We are available 24/7 and can respond immediately.
What is SERVPRO's Cleaning Process for a Commercial Large Loss?
1/3/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is ready to clean after a commercial large loss. We can handle large restoration jobs in Tampa, FL.
SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies
From 1980 to 2020, on average, the U.S. endured 7 severe climate events per year. Throughout the past year, that number has more than doubled, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Although statistics help describe the destruction brought on by natural disasters, no measurement can quantify the loss and trauma to individuals, families, and communities. The struggle of those involved as they work to rebuild a sense of normalcy is often not seen.
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of 17 SERVPRO franchise licenses in 6 locations throughout 3 southern states, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.
Our flexible, efficient team can tackle damage at private businesses, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and more. SERVPRO of Montgomery County professionals are highly trained in fire, storm, and water damage mitigation. When mitigating damage on a large scale, our team uses the following framework:
Control the Environment
Commercial-sized desiccant dehumidifiers remove water from the air and dense materials while increasing the air temperature, further drying the structure, and helping to better control the environment.
Remove Contaminated Material
To ensure a safe and efficient clean-up, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast crews will remove contaminated material and items that are beyond repair and remove restorable items for off-site cleaning.
Dry the Structure
Various sized air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the structure to accelerate the drying process.
Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.”
What is SERVPRO’s Cleaning Process for a Commercial Large Loss?
12/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast crews are ready to clean after a commercial large loss. We can handle large restoration jobs in Tampa, FL.
SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies
From 1980 to 2020, on average, the U.S. endured 7 severe climate events per year. Throughout the past year, that number has more than doubled, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Although statistics help describe the destruction brought on by natural disasters, no measurement can quantify the loss and trauma to individuals, families, and communities. The struggle of those involved as they work to rebuild a sense of normalcy is often not seen.
SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of 17 SERVPRO franchise licenses in 6 locations throughout 3 southern states, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.
Our flexible, efficient team can tackle damage at private businesses, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and more. SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast professionals are highly trained in fire, storm, and water damage mitigation. When mitigating damage on a large scale, our team uses the following framework:
Control the Environment
Commercial-sized desiccant dehumidifiers remove water from the air and dense materials while increasing the air temperature, further drying the structure, and helping to better control the environment.
Remove Contaminated Material
To ensure a safe and efficient clean-up, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast crews will remove contaminated material and items that are beyond repair and remove restorable items for off-site cleaning.
Dry the Structure
Various sized air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the structure to accelerate the drying process.
Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.”
Water Damage Mitigation Is Time Sensitive
10/25/2021 (Permalink)
You depend on your business to keep money flowing in, and you rely on the building where location keeps business going. However, when a pipe or supply line springs a leak, it can throw a kink into your week. The time it takes for you to arrange pipe burst cleanup can make the difference between a simple cleanup or extensive water damage.
The First Few Minutes
A variety of events can cause water damage:
• Pipes breaking
• Supply line leaking
• Toilet overflowing
• Adverse weather flooding
• Foundation cracking
If all you need is pipe burst cleanup or supply line repair, the first few minutes of water cleanup are crucial. Turning off the source stops water from making the problem worse.
The First Few Hours
The longer water sits, the potential havoc it wreaks. Walls can start to disintegrate, and items made of pressed wood can swell and warp if exposed to humidity. Water from burst pipes and supply lines can still damage the furniture, floors, and supplies in your workplace. Call SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast at (813) 694-9092.
The First Few Days
In the first few days, the water damage that persists can interrupt your business, harming your business bottom line. It can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria growth.
To limit the extent of water damage to your business, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast needs to begin pipe burst cleanup as soon as possible. By acting quickly, you may be able to turn a potentially massive setback into an easy fix. For additional information about commercial restoration, call now at (813) 694-9092.
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