3 Mold Prevention Tips for Your Commercial Property

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Philadelphia / SE Delaware County to help with the proper mold remediation

Here Are Some Other Mold Prevention Tips

Mold is not something to be taken lightly. The fungus can appear on paper, carpets and other parts of your Folcroft, PA  commercial building. Mold can even grow above ceiling tiles and behind walls. The fungus can cause extensive harm to your property that necessitates professional mold remediation services.

Mold is especially common in moist areas. You can thus reduce mold by limiting the amount of water damage to your building. Here are some other mold prevention tips.

1. Ventilate Properly
Commercial kitchens and laundry rooms can release moisture into the air that encourages mold growth. Make sure that any stoves and dryers are vented outdoors. You may also want to purchase dehumidifiers for your property. Clean these dehumidifiers regularly so they do not produce any additional moisture.

Energy-efficient buildings, in particular, may trap moisture in the air. If your property has energy-efficient appliances, consider running an exhaust fan or opening the window when they are being used.

2. Dry Wet Spots

Ideally, you should prevent leaks and other causes of water damage to your property. However, accidental floods may still occur. If you do discover standing water in your building, you need to address it within 48 hours. Any equipment or furniture that cannot be completely dried should be removed from the premises. Mold can even grow on wet clothes, so hang them to dry outside if possible.

3. Reduce Humidity

Humid locations are particularly vulnerable to mold. Keep the indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent at all times. You can purchase a moisture meter at a hardware store to make sure you are staying within this recommended guideline. Keep an eye out for condensation and other signs of humidity.

Since mold appears naturally in the environment, you cannot completely eradicate it from your property. However, by reducing moisture and immediately addressing any water damage, you can prevent excessive mold growth that could destroy your building.

How To Unclog a Drain Without Using Harmful Chemicals

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

You can try with a plunger to unclog the drain

Different Ways To Unclog Your Drain

Chemical cleaners may work on your clogged drain, but they can also damage your pipes. The chemicals produce heat which can cause metal and plastic pipes to warp. Using chemicals on drains that are completely blocked is especially bad since they will just sit on top of the blockage causing more damage to your Collingdale, PA pipes. There are some safe and effective alternatives to unclogging your drains, however.

1. Plunger

A sink plunger should be placed over the drain opening so that it seals the area completely. The vacuum created by the pumping action can sometimes clear the clog.

2. Wire Hanger

If a plunger doesn't work, try using a straightened wire hanger. Push the wire down into the drain and then slowly push it out and then back in several times to break up the blockage.

3. Drain Snake

You can rent a drain snake from your local hardware store in, to fix the clogged drain. Place the auger end into the drain and turn it while feeding the cable into the opening. Continue to twist the snake handle until you reach the blockage, allowing the cable to latch onto the clog. Slowly pull out the cable, along with the clog.

4. Baking Soda and White Vinegar

A great alternative to a chemical drain cleaner is using baking soda and white vinegar. The combination of the two ingredients causes a chemical reaction that eats through the blockage, without damaging the pipes. First, pour 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, followed immediately by 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover the opening with a rag and leave it for about 30 minutes. Boil some water and pour it down the drain slowly.

It's important to remember that if you require any sewage cleaning, call a water damage repair service as soon as possible.

You don't need harsh chemicals to fix your clogged drain if you try these quick and inexpensive solutions.

Understanding Roof Damage Mitigation

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

When a severe storm hits your Philadelphia, PA, home, the mix of rain, hail, and wind may result in roof damage.

Understanding Roof Damage Repair

When a severe storm hits your Philadelphia, PA, home, the mix of rain, hail, and wind may result in roof damage. After the storm calms, the first step should be to call your insurance company. Considering that many others could also be filing a claim, it could mean a significant wait time until the adjuster comes. In the meantime, it is likely that your policy requires you to mitigate against further damage. Calling a storm damage restoration specialist to complete an inspection will help provide guidance and a plan of action for restoration during the wait.

What Does Mitigation Mean?

Hail and wind damage can expose the roof, break windows and damage siding. If another storm moves in, those weakened areas will be more likely to suffer secondary issues, such as water damage or mold growth. In many cases, if mitigation measures aren’t taken, it may affect the claim. To avoid that, the following steps should be taken:

• Cover any broken or cracked windows or skylights with plastic.
• If there is an obvious leak roof, install a tarp in the attic to temporarily board it up. Ensure buckets are placed under the roof to catch any additional water leaking in.
• A tarp should also be used on areas where there is missing or damaged siding.
• Remove debris that could cause additional damage, such as hanging or fallen branches.

Extra Steps to Take

When roof damage happens, precautions need to be taken to ensure the claims process goes as smoothly as possible. Be sure to document all losses before any temporary mitigation, as well as after. When immediate repairs are needed, save any associated receipts. If there was hail, try to collect a piece and place in the freezer.

Dealing with roof damage isn’t always a fast fix. Be sure to protect your home from further damage by making temporary repairs. That will help minimize issues and may benefit your claim.

Why Do Insurers Prefer To Work With Certain Vendors?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

An Insurance agent or restoration professional based in Folcroft, PA, it can be worthwhile to work with a franchise that is part of a national network

Why Do Insurers Prefer Certain Vendors To Work With?

Insurance companies tend to rely on the same vendors to do restoration work. An insurance agent can connect with restoration professionals who are qualified, proven, trusted, and verified. Learn more about a few reasons why it is worthwhile for restoration franchises to comply with the 21 requirements of the National Account Participation Agreement.

Preferred Vendors are Proven and Trusted
One of the main reasons why insurers prefer certain vendors is that they get the job done right the first time, every time. Here are a few reasons insurance companies appreciate working with franchisees that meet the terms of the SERVPRO National Account Participation Agreement:

• High standards for restoration work
• Regular employee background checks
• Transparent pricing

An insurance agent can appreciate the high standards that a major restoration company maintains across franchise locations. Rather than relying on limited information and dubious guarantees from independent service providers, a national franchise can guarantee the highest level of service.

Vendor Program Participation Agreements

A restoration franchise must meet 21 requirements in order to participate in a national referral program and work on insurance claims. This voluntary compliance measure opens up a regional franchise to more clients and preferred vendor status.
Preferred Vendors Make Accurate Estimates

The main reason insurers prefer some vendors over others is that skilled restoration firms excel at the task. From making estimates that account for the full extent of damage to staying on schedule to limit temporary displacement or business disruption, insurance representatives and policyholders both stand to benefit from using a preferred restoration vendor.

Whether you are an insurance agent or restoration professional based in Folcroft, PA, it can be worthwhile to work with a franchise that is part of a national network. Insurers rely on preferred vendors to complete mitigation, cleanup, and restoration work on budget and on schedule.

4 Benefits of Window Shutters

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Board up your windows in your Collingdale, PA home. This could avoid moisture from slanting rain out of windows and prevent them from cracking.

Window Shutters Have 4 Advantages

Protecting your home in Collingdale, PA, from damages caused by high winds can take a few different forms. The most logical and permanent protection involves a durable siding such as professionally installed vinyl or aluminum siding or, even better, a brick facade. The next step is to look for window protection, and this could come in the form of shutters, which have the ability to improve your home in several ways.

1. Nice Looks
With many different styles to choose from—paneled, louvered, board and batten, and Bermuda— a window covering on the exterior of your home can add a certain appeal and even improve property values. You can choose from a variety of materials such as cedar, basswood, vinyl, and faux wood.

2. High Winds Protection
If you are worried about storms, it doesn't hurt to put up a covering over your windows. This could prevent windows from cracking and it might even keep out moisture from slanting rain. Storm shutters offer powerful protection from extreme weather.

3. Privacy
You probably don't want people peering into your home, so putting a solid covering over the windows can only enhance your level of privacy. This creates a cozy feel for your castle even on the stormiest nights.

4. Energy Efficiency
A shutter system over your windows is a good way to control the cold coming into your home and the heat leaving your home in the cold months, and vice versa in the warm months. This also allows you to control the solar radiation coming into your abode, which can make a big difference in your comfort level.

Storm protection takes on many guises, but if your home is impacted by wet weather be sure to reach out to a professional storm mitigation team. Highly-trained technicians can take care of water damage and restore your home to its original condition, even after high winds have come through.

How To Cover Commercial Flood Damage Costs

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flood insurance is especially helpful for property owners located within the flood zones indicated on FEMA maps.

How To Cover Flood Damage Costs In A Commercial Setting

Commercial building owners frequently fail to plan ahead for flooding. General commercial insurance policies that cover property damage often exclude floods and sewer backups.

Additional coverage through a supplementary policy or rider is necessary to cover damage resulting from these incidents at properties in Darby Township, PA.

Maintain Flood Insurance

The expenses of cleaning up flood damage and replacing property destroyed by contaminated water can rapidly rise to thousands of dollars. Any of the following measures may need to be taken:

• Extracting standing water
• Tearing out damaged materials
• Cleaning and disinfecting

Damage caused by flood water is excluded from most primary commercial property policies. It is necessary to have a separate flood policy through the FEMA-related National Flood Insurance Program or arrange with a private insurer to cover the cost of flood cleanup.

Carry Interruption Coverage

Neither general commercial insurance nor flood insurance policies will cover ongoing expenses or offset revenue lost during the period after a flood in which businesses may not be able to operate. An interruption insurance endorsement, rider or an additional policy may be necessary to keep affected operations afloat.

Make a Flood Claim

In the event that flooding damages a building, a property owner should make a flood claim. It is important to note that the NFIP typically has a 30-day waiting period for policies to go into effect. For this reason, it is a good idea to get flood insurance for a commercial property in an area that has an elevated risk of flooding sooner rather than later.

Building owners may want to obtain coverage through the NFIP or private insurers. Flood insurance is particularly helpful for owners of properties located within flood zones indicated on FEMA maps of Darby Township, PA. General commercial insurance property policies are also crucial. Supplementary sewer damage coverage can also help to ensure water damage from any source is covered.

How To Keep Your Business Secure After a Fire

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

It can be difficult to deal with a building fire. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to secure your company's location.

How To Keep Your Company Safe After A Fire

One thing that no business owner wants to think about is their business catching on fire. However, you want to prepare effectively in the unfortunate event that your workplace succumbs to fire damage.

As well as knowing what to do during a fire, you have to consider what to do afterward. Dealing with a building fire in Folcroft, PA, can be difficult. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to secure your company location.

1. Board Up Openings in Your Building To Prevent Looting

Many openings throughout your building will likely appear after a major fire. These openings subject your property to theft, which is the last thing you want to experience after a building fire. Be sure to cover any gaps that people could enter through as soon as it is safe to do so.

2. Notify Law Enforcement

After a fire, you should notify local police immediately. Law enforcement will act in conjunction with boarding up to protect everything in your establishment from theft and vandalism in the event of fire damage.

3. Shut Off All Utilities

Immediately call your utility providers to stop service to your establishment temporarily. By canceling your utilities, you can save yourself from continually paying for utilities and protect your building from suffering additional electrical and water damage.

4. Take Pictures of Everything Before Cleaning Up

Protect your financial security and avoid extra hassle with the insurance company by photographing every aspect of your building before beginning the fire cleanup process. Taking this extra step can help you get additional compensation from the insurance company for covering professional fire restoration services.

Hopefully, you will never have to endure the experience of your building experiencing fire damage. If you do, however, it is essential to know the proper steps to ensure your security in Folcroft, PA.

Essential Tips To Prevent Business Fires

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

One of the leading causes of office fires is electrical malfunctions, but these can be prevented with heightened awareness and appropriate action.

Tips For Preventing Business Fires. 

An unexpected fire can be disastrous for any business, especially if you are not adequately prepared for one. Reduce your risk of emergency and keep your Collingdale, PA, business safe with these essential tips for fire prevention and damage reduction.

Stock Up On Business Fire Essentials

No matter what type of commercial space you're dealing with, never overlook stocking it with the necessary fire safety equipment. The right equipment can extinguish small fires before they develop into damaging conflagrations and reduce overall fire damage, which if severe enough, requires professional building restoration services. Having proper safety equipment can speed up the emergency response time as well.
Invest in keeping the following in your building at all times:

• Fire extinguishers, at least one per floor
  
• Smoke detectors
  
• Fire alarm system to notify personnel to evacuate in case a fire does break out
• Automated ceiling sprinklers

Determine Potential Causes

Fire prevention doesn't stop with having smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. It requires being consistently proactive in keeping the office space safe. Consider every factor that may lead to combustion, from electrical wiring to the use of flammable liquids or even a stray cigarette.
Once you've determined all potential causes, establish protocols to reduce the chance of flames breaking out. This may include replacing wiring, storing liquids in safe spaces and creating a designated smoking area with proper receptacles.

Be Aware of All Things Electric

One of the leading causes of office fires is electrical malfunctions, but these can be prevented with heightened awareness and appropriate action. Be mindful of the electronic and electrical equipment in your surroundings and note any hazards you see, such as a damaged outlet or an overheated appliance. Noticing these concerns early and taking measures to fix them can lower the risk of an electrical fire.

Don't let your business go up smoke by ignoring these important fire prevention measures. Protect your space with the proper emergency equipment, be attentive to electrical hazards and identify solutions for all potential causes.

3 Steps to Take in Case of a Leak

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your building has water damage from an active leak, contact your local SERVPRO to help.

Three Steps To Take In The Event Of A Leak

Water damage from broken pipes can mean costly repairs for business owners in Sharon Hill, PA. Some leaks can go unnoticed for months before they become visible on walls or ceilings. Leaks can be caused by:

• Broken pipes
• Broken water heaters
• Loose water supply lines

Business owners should know what steps to take in case of a leak to prevent worse damage from developing on their property. Here are 3 steps to take in case of a leak.

1. Stop the Leak

The first action you should take is to locate the leak. This will help you identify the type of water you will be cleaning and the repairs you will need. When you know the source, shut off the main water supply line to stop water from leaking into the building. Empty the plumbing system of the remaining water by opening as many faucets as possible.

2. Clean Up As Much of the Water As Possible

Before you sop up the water, make sure it is safe for you to handle this job. Some leaks are sourced from toxic wastewater and should be handled by professionals. If it is safe, clean the water with any towels or rags you have on hand. A water vacuum is a handy tool for leaks and floods from damaged pipes. Water cleanup will prevent damage to floors and walls.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance companies will cover water damage from a broken pipe. Contact your insurance company before settling on fixing water damages yourself. Making a list of local companies that help with cleanup and repairs is helpful for quick response in emergency water situations. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance companies and will aid in water cleanup and restoration of your property.

If your building has water damage from an active leak, contact your local SERVPRO to help. Business owners in Sharon Hill, PA, can prevent panic in a water damage emergency by being prepared and knowing their cleanup and restoration options.

Getting Ready for the Insurance Adjuster

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Because water damage occurs unexpectedly, it's a good idea to be prepared ahead of time so you aren't hit with a big bill if the worst happens.

Preparing For The Insurance Adjuster

When your home in Collingdale, PA, has sustained water damage, it can be overwhelming to process what happened and know what to do next. However, as soon as you have a handle on the extent of the damage, it's important to place a claim with your insurance company as quickly as possible. Soon after you file your claim, a home adjuster should be sent out to assess the damage and file a report.

While you're waiting for the adjuster's visit, here are a few tips to help the claims process go smoothly:

Know What To Ask Your Agent

Have your questions written down before calling your insurance company and be sure to ask:

• When to expect the visit from the adjuster
• What receipts you need to provide
  
• What the deadline is for filing
  
• What your deductible is
  
• Whether your policy covers the damage you incurred
• How long it will take to process your insurance claim

Itemize the Damage Thoroughly

Create your own "damage report." In addition to writing out a detailed list, photograph and videotape the overall damage and the damage to each item on your list. If you've saved receipts, collect them and make copies to give to the home adjuster, or if you don't have them, research the current replacement costs for what's been damaged. Get written estimates for repairs and include that along with everything else.

Act Quickly To Repair Damages

If your repairs require expertise not in your skillset, call in the appropriate contractors to begin the work as soon as possible. In many cases, your best option is to hire a water damage remediation service to address everything from the initial cleanup to preventing further damage in the future. Even better, these professionals can work with your insurance company to help speed along the claims process.

If you don't already have it, ask your home adjuster or agent whether you can add a flood insurance rider to your policy. Because water damage occurs unexpectedly, it's a good idea to be prepared ahead of time so you aren't hit with a big bill if the worst happens.

3 Commercial Liability Risks Associated With Mold

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to help you with the proper mold remediation by using specified equipment and antimicrobial chemicals to prevent any more growth.

Mold Poses Three Commercial Liability Risks

If you own or manage a commercial building or multifamily dwelling, you may want to know more about your potential liability for mold. Structures with numerous occupants who could be exposed to black mold or any other species have different levels of liability based on usage. Here are three potential liability risks that could be relevant for a building located in Essington, PA.

1. Failure To Inspect and Address the Problem

A landlord who refuses to respond to tenant reports of water damage or mold in a timely manner may be held liable for mold damage and exposure. Multifamily residential buildings often have more implications in terms of liability than commercial leases. The terms of a commercial property lease may assign liability for water damage caused by fixtures or structural systems and any secondary mold damage.

2. Negligence In Property Maintenance

Failure on the part of a building owner or manager to maintain a property may increase liability. Depending on the terms of a lease, structural systems such as plumbing may be the responsibility of owners, whereas lessees may be liable for damage inside a property.

3. Refusal To Remediate Mold Damage

Visible mold or hidden growth discovered during an independent inspection could be held against a property owner who refuses to pay for mold remediation. The degree of liability depends on the extent of an infestation and the type of fungus. Mold that has spread throughout a structure or a toxigenic black mold infestation may prove more costly.

As soon as a commercial or residential tenant reports water damage at a building in Essington, PA, building maintenance should respond in a timely manner. Mold may start growing within just 48 to 72 hours after moisture levels rise. A lack of response and general negligence may make a property owner more liable for black mold or other potentially harmful fungus.

The 3 Most Important Parts of a Business Continuity Plan

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Business owners must have a plan in place to resume operations as soon as possible following a major storm or an on-site disaster.

The Three Most Critical Elements Of A Business Continuity Plan

Planning for the unexpected always poses challenges. A plan to resume business as soon as possible after a major storm or an on-site disaster is essential for business owners. Learn more about the three most important parts of a continuity plan for a business operating in Collingdale, PA.

1. A Business Impact Analysis

Analyzing business impact is an attempt to account for the effects of a shutdown caused by a disaster or emergency. Closure due to flooding may be a practical scenario for a business located in an area with a high flood risk. A BIA should account for the event, its effects on business activity, potential losses and timeframes for recovery.

2. An Implementation Checklist

In addition to the calculations that inform a continuity plan, it is also important for business owners to make a checklist for implementation. In the event of a disaster, the measures that should be taken may be less obvious than they were while planning ahead for eventualities. A checklist of measures to take for each type of damage along with current contact information for your insurer and preferred restoration service can be helpful.

3. A Recovery Strategy

A business should consider whether it is possible to operate off-site in the event of a fire or localized disaster. Incidents that also affect customers and suppliers such as major storm damage may have a different timeline and set of expectations. It can be helpful to account for as many contingencies as possible, as plans may be useful even if they do not completely predict adverse conditions.

Making a continuity plan grants business owners and stakeholders a good opportunity to assess every element of operations. Calculating the impact that an interruption could have on a business over days or weeks is helpful for obtaining business interruption insurance to offset lost revenue and helping management plan ahead for any eventuality.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Business To Weather an Intense Storm

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flood water, harsh winds and rain can harm your establishment. Get ahead of trouble by having a plan and taking action to minimize issues.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Business For A Severe Storm

The weather report calls for severe storms, and as the day passes, the impending system appears worse than expected. What should a proprietor do? Are there actions to take to ward off problems? After all, if a significant weather system passes through Sharon Hill, PA, your business could be impacted by tornadoes, flood water, intense wind speeds and hail.

These conditions prove destructive for properties. Business owners should understand how to get ready for the storm and restore the premises once it passes.

1. Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan

A flooded building proves chaotic. Get organized. With other team members, put together a notebook of safety procedures. Within the documents, have copies of insurance policies, the number for a water restoration company and instructions on safeguarding the premises and employees. Designate points of contact.
Also, gather and store the following supplies within a back room:

• A battery-operated weather radio
• Flashlights
• First aid kit
• Extra batters
• Water bottles
• Non-perishable snacks

2. Move Valuables to Higher Levels

If flood water breaches the walls, valuables and structures become contaminated and ruined, some of which may not be salvageable. Protect your property by moving important items up off the ground.

3. Create Flood Barriers

Use sandbags around the perimeter to reduce water penetration. It's best to have them on hand for a prompt response. Begin in low-lying sections, placing plastic sheeting down first. Then, stack the bags as if laying down bricks, with one slightly overlapping the other.

4. Store Electronic Data

If electronics sustain water damage, saved data is likely lost. Take the time to save your critical emails, documents and invoices to the cloud and a hard drive. It's better to have it in multiple places.

Flood water and harsh winds and rain can harm your establishment. Get ahead of trouble by having a plan and taking action to minimize issues. This effort could save remediation time and reduce repair costs.

How To Know if Belongings Should Be Restored or Replaced

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring items is less expensive than replacing them. SERVPRO saves you money by repairing as many items as possible rather than replacing them.

How To Decide Whether To Restore Or Replace Your Belongings

If your business in Folcroft, PA, has suffered from water or fire damage, you may be struggling to figure out what items should be replaced and what items should be restored. It can be difficult to figure out which option will be more cost effective. SERVPRO's pretesting methods can help determine what can be restored to keep your insurance claim as low as possible.

Restoration

This water and fire restoration service can repair many different types of items, including:

• Upholstered furniture
• Photos and documents
• Fabric
• Electronics
• Carpet and rugs

They are able to clean soot off of surfaces, sanitize items, freeze dry documents, prevent mold growth and more.

Pretests

Insurance companies tend to prefer restoring items as opposed to replacing them. SERVPRO performs pretesting on items before attempting to restore them. This testing allows them to determine if an item can be restored before spending any time or money on efforts to restore the item. If they are able to restore an item, they will. If an item cannot be restored, they will recommend replacing it instead.

Insurance

Restoring belongings is generally less expensive than replacing them. SERVPRO of South Philadelphia, saves you money by repairing as many items as possible, so you don't have to replace them. Testing belongings before restoring them also allows you to create a more accurate list of the costs associated with damages for your insurance agent. It also lowers your insurance claim by avoiding unnecessary restoration costs.

If your belongings have been damaged by water or fire, a restoration service that pretests damaged items can help. Pretesting is an important part of the restoration process. It allows the restoration service to determine what belongings can be restored before attempting to repair anything. This maximizes the number of items that are restored and minimizes costs associated with replacing items and unnecessary restoration attempts. Keeping those costs down lowers your insurance claim.

3 Ways To Limit Secondary Damage

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Mitigating water damage and acting quickly to dry and restore a commercial structure can help prevent mold and other secondary damage.

3 Methods For Reducing Secondary Damage

Secondary damage may occur any time primary damage goes untreated. If water damage has recently occurred at a building in Collingdale, PA, black mold and other secondary consequences could result without timely restoration. Here are three ways to limit the severity of primary damage caused by water.

1. Mitigate Primary Damage

Mitigation is the most time-sensitive step toward stopping an incident from causing additional damage. In the event of water damage from a pipe break, these measures include collecting as much water as possible to keep porous building materials such as carpet or drywall from becoming saturated. Extracting standing water with a mop and bucket or wet/dry vac can also be effective for controlling primary damage.

2. Dry Water Damage

If water damage saturates any porous materials, fast drying is essential. Porous carpet or drywall that become soaked with category 1 clean water may remain intact as long as drying occurs within hours of primary damage. Restoration professionals often recommend the use of air movers, fans or dehumidifiers. Any absorbent materials that remain wet for longer than 48 to 72 hours or are located in areas where high humidity levels persist after damage are more likely to suffer further damage, such as black mold.

3. Restore Primary Damage

Primary water damage that is not properly restored can lead to further damage. This is particularly the case if the water that caused damage is category 2 gray water or category 3 water. These types of contaminated water may contain microbes or other substances that could make a mold problem more likely.

Mitigating water damage and taking timely measures toward drying and restoration can go a long way toward preventing black mold or other secondary damage at a commercial structure. Contact a plumber and have water damage dried, cleaned or disinfected by experts at a restoration company located in Collingdale, PA.

What Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover When a Pipe Breaks?

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

If a pipe breaks in your home, your insurance will likely cover most of the damage caused by a resulting flood, but not everything.

When A Pipe Bursts, What Will Your Homeowner's Insurance Cover?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell what will be covered under your homeowners insurance and what won’t. If a pipe breaks in your Collingdale, PA home, your insurance will likely cover most of the damage caused by a resulting flood, but there are some things that you may still be responsible for.

What Does the Insurance Company Consider?

When determining whether or not they will cover the damage caused by a broken pipe, there are a few things that your insurance company will consider first.

• Was the break easily preventable?
• Was the incident sudden and accidental?
• Was it the result of negligence?

If it is determined that the pipe was broken as a result of something that was your fault, you may be denied coverage for the damage even if it causes a flood. However, if it was something that you could not have done anything about, then any damage should be covered under your insurance.

What Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover?

If it is determined that the break is not your fault, then the insurance company should cover the damage. This can include replacing affected property as well as any needed water damage repairs. Depending on the extent of the damage, this might include replacing walls, flooring, or furniture.

What Will You Need to Do?

While the insurance coverage will apply to any damage done to your property, you will more than likely be responsible for replacing the damaged pipe. Unless the pipe burst due to something other than normal wear and tear, your insurance will not cover it and you will need to fix the broken pipe yourself.

Broken pipes can cause your home to flood, so you should do whatever you can to prevent it. If you don’t and your insurance company determines that you are at fault, it can end up being quite expensive to repair. However, if you keep up with proper maintenance of your home, then any accidents should be covered.

Trust SERVPRO To Help With Your Home Emergency Claims

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

When you need water removed from your business or home, there is nobody better to call than SERVPRO of South Philadelphia / SE Delaware County.

SERVPRO Is Here To Assist You With Your Home Emergency Claims

As you go throughout your days, you may not think much about your insurance coverage or which company you would hire in the event of a disaster at home. But if something unfortunate happens and you need competent help, it’s nice to know SERVPRO is there for you. This trusted emergency cleanup and response company will not only handle the restoration dirty work, but the team can assist with insurance claims as well.

How They Work With Insurance Companies

Good insurance coverage will protect you from heavy losses following a disaster at your Collingdale, PA, home that requires emergency response. When the insurance company and SERVPRO work together, you can expect a smooth and effective process while you recover from the incident.

• Recommends restoration instead of replacement when possible.
• Keeps a detailed inventory of losses.
• Has convenient electronic claim services.
• Experienced, highly qualified, professional

The Company Strives to Save Money in the Process

Following a flood or other disaster at a home, it may be impossible to salvage or repair much of anything. However, SERVPRO will do all in its power to ensure your home and belongings are restored. The company will pretest everything to evaluate what it can restore, thus saving money on the insurance claims process.

Inventory

To make a claim with the insurance company, it’s best to provide the agent with a detailed list of everything you lost in the disaster or everything that sustained damage. SERVPRO offers superior claim services by listing everything in an itemized, organized manner so the insurance company can get a full picture of the extent of the damages. This process can be done electronically for speed and efficiency purposes.

Professional Company

For a seamless process in making a disaster claim, you need a competent, multi-faceted restoration team on your side. This company will communicate with the insurance team to help ensure you get the coverage you need.

You don’t have to clean up after a disaster, and you shouldn’t have to work with the insurance company on your own either. SERVPRO can also work with you on claim services to give you the peace of mind that you’ll get the insurance benefits you expect.

How To Prevent a Dryer Fire

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning out a lint filter on a regular basis is an important fire-prevention measure that can also maintain the efficiency of a dryer.

How To Avoid Dryer Fires

Dryer fires are relatively common causes of household fires, particularly during the fall and winter months. Up to 34 percent of these fires result from failure to clean lint out of dryer filters or exhausts. A homeowner should take the following measures to prevent a lint fire.

Clean Up Lint

Cleaning out a lint filter on a regular basis is an important fire-prevention measure that can also maintain the efficiency of a dryer. There are several methods for lint cleaning:

• Remove lint from the filter by hand after each drying cycle
  
• Clear the area surrounding the dryer twice a month
  
• Remove impacted buildup from the filter with a firm-bristled nylon brush every six months

Maintaining a clean laundry area can decrease lint fire risks. Lint that backs up or works its way through a filer will end up in the dryer exhaust, which should also be regularly cleaned.

Clean the Dryer Exhaust

There are several ways to clean out a dryer exhaust. Homeowners can use several types of cleaning equipment:

• Vent cleaning rod with power drill attachment
  
• Manual cleaning rod
  
• Vacuum attachment

All of these methods can remove lint from the dryer end. It is also a good idea to clear out the exterior vent. For the best results, perform maintenance every few months and hire professionals to clear a dryer exhaust once a year.

Dispose of Lint

Regularly dispose of all collected lint. It can be easy to overlook a trash container filled with this flammable material. Lint poses a fire hazard as long as it remains anywhere near a dryer.

As many as 3,000 residential dryer fires break out every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These measures may reduce the risk of a lint fire at a household in Folcroft, PA. A residential restoration service can clean up and repair damage caused by a dryer fire.

Emergency Preparation: Ensuring Commercial Generators are Maintained

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help in your time of need. We are storm damage restoration experts who are available 24 hours a day to respond when you need us.

Emergency Preparedness: Keeping Commercial Generators In Working Order

A generator is a pivotal piece of machinery for many businesses, especially medical and manufacturing practices. These tools ensure that a business can maintain operations in the event of a power failure, and whether for safety concerns or production value they must be maintained. Failure to perform adequate maintenance can lead to a litany of issues, but there are four that are the most common.

1. Battery Failure

The leading cause of generator problems is battery failure. Failure occurs because a battery has not been charged properly or it needs to be replaced due to age. Most failures can be avoided by making sure that all cables, chargers and batteries are checked regularly and that their condition remains in good standing.

2. Leaks

Generator leaks are common and usually preventable through routine maintenance. These leaks can occur in the fuel, oil or coolant lines. Those leaks occurring in the coolant line are likely due to a block in the hoses leading to the heater. However, all leaks are preventable with regular checkups.

3. Low Fuel

Another common problem is faulty fuel gauges leading to low fuel. In order to avoid this issue, you can get in the practice of manually checking fuel tanks and having additional fuel storage on hand at your facility.

4. Starting Issues

If your machine is not set to auto, then it will not start up when a power outage occurs. However, if this is not your issue, then you can try a manual reset of the system. If that fails to work, then you can contact a storm preparedness specialist in the Sharon Hill, PA, area to figure out other possible causes.

A generator can be a potential life-saver, both figuratively and literally, for many business owners. However, these machines do have their kinks and must be regularly maintained to function correctly in the event of an emergency.

Smoke Residue in Electronics

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your business suffers soot and smoke damage after a house fire, give SERVPRO a call. Our team of fire damage experts will restore it efficiently

Electronics Smoke Remainder

A commercial fire in Folcroft, PA, might have a number of invisible effects that you or your staff wouldn’t ordinarily consider. Review the following safety and maintenance tips in order to prevent unnecessary additional property damage such as an electrical fire.

1. The Effects of Smoke

While the damage may not be obvious initially, electronics can suffer from a number of different malfunctions as a result of smoke damage. The soot and residues that accumulate on conductive materials such as copper or circuit boards can cause shorts if the airborne contaminants from the fire were themselves electrically conductive. Acids in the soot can degrade metal contact points over time, even if there was no initial loss in functionality. Perhaps most importantly, an insulating layer of smoke can cause heat retention in some devices, resulting in a potential electrical fire.

2. Initial Steps

The best preventative measures you can take after a fire event are related to data and documentation rather than restoration. Make an inventory of all affected devices for insurance purposes. If the device was involved in handling information, such as a computer, make any necessary data backups on a separate hard drive or another form of non-volatile memory. Every device that is not absolutely essential to business operations should be disconnected to await computer cleanup.

3. Professional Help

Do not attempt to clean or repair any electronic devices yourself. Contact a qualified fire restoration service to begin the removal of smoke from your sensitive equipment. This is especially true of larger appliances, as these can present a safety hazard when opened. A professional service can mitigate these risks and is more likely to be able to repair your electronics, which will save your business money in the long run.

The modern business requires a number of different electronic devices to stay functional. Prevent an electrical fire or other catastrophe by having a plan to restore or replace the necessary parts of your infrastructure.

A Running Shower and an Overflowing Toilet Indicate a Severe Sewer Blockage

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

If your toilet overflow caused a significant flood, remember to call SERVPRO, we can help you with any flood or water damage in your home.

A Severe Sewer Blockage Is Indicated By A Running Shower And An Overflowing Toilet.

You just discovered that your morning shower caused a toilet overflow downstairs. This overflow indicates that you have a severe plumbing problem and have several concerns:

1. You face a messy sewage cleaning job.
2.  The sewer blockage is below the level of the toilet.
3.  Other drains may be affected.

You May Be Able To Clear the Clogged Pipe Yourself

Before attempting to clear the pipe, it is essential to perform an initial cleanup of the overflowed sewer water. That is the most dangerous category of water and disinfecting the entire area is recommended. Gloves and a mask are also essential.

If the obstruction is in your house, there is an excellent chance that you can clear the clogged pipe yourself. However, a blockage outside your home will likely require the services of a plumber or even your Department of Public Works.
Determine the location of the blockage by checking the other drains in your home. If any pipes are open, the clog is likely in your home. Unfortunately, the tests may cause more water to back up into the toilet and require additional sewage cleaning. You should take this into account while cleaning the overflow area.

The Plumbing Auger Is the Tool Of Choice For Clearing Blocked Drains

An auger is a long thin coiled wire with a flared tip. You insert it into the toilet as far as it goes. If it encounters the blockage, a twisting and back-and-forth motion and running water will remove the clog. If you don’t own and can’t borrow an auger, someone in the plumbing department of a Sharon Hill, PA, hardware store can help you find the right one.

If your toilet overflow caused a significant flood, consider bringing in flood restoration experts with their specialized equipment and expertise to perform your sewage cleaning. When they are finished treating your home, it will be “Like it never even happened”.