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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Commercial Blog Posts

How to Prevent Commercial Water Damage

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Every day, hundreds of commercial buildings experience water damage. In fact, water is the most common type of damage that commercial buildings experience. When it is not dealt with promptly and effectively, the problem can rapidly grow from a minor issue to something costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. 

How can you best protect your business from water damage and minimize the fall-out when something does happen? Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare an Emergency Plan
  • Given how integral water is to all life and most industries, it is almost guaranteed that a commercial building will have to deal with water damage at some point. Thus, one of the best things a business owner can do is prepare for that inevitability ahead of time to keep losses to a minimum. Because water damage can grow exponentially if not addressed immediately, time is of the essence. 
  • Your emergency plan should include:
    • A blueprint is showing where the shut-off points are for water, electricity and gas plus a set of instructions on how to shut them down fast.
    • A conveniently located toolbox.
    • A list of emergency phone numbers, such as the fire department, plumbers, SERVPRO of Catonsville, emergency personnel, and police.
  1. Regularly Inspect Vulnerable Areas
  • Inspect Your Roof Regularly
    • Check all rooftop penetrations, both interior and exterior.
    • Look for water stains.
    • Check all flashing, drains and seals. 
  • Inspect Your Walls Regularly
    • Check wall joints around doors and windows.
    • Check flashing and sealant integrity. 
  • Inspect Your Windows Regularly
    • Check for air seal integrity.
    • Test all locks and other mechanical parts.
    • Check flashing and joints.
    • Look for water stains or mold growth on window sills and interior walls.

Emergency plans and inspections are both measures to lessen any disruption to your commercial building. Questions about commercial water damage or how to prevent it?

Every day, thousands of commercial buildings experience water damage. In fact, water is the most common type of damage that commercial buildings experience. When it is not dealt with promptly and effectively, the problem can rapidly grow from a minor issue to something costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. 

How can you best protect your business from water damage and minimize the fall-out when something does happen? Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare an Emergency Plan
  • Given how integral water is to all life and most industries, it is almost guaranteed that a commercial building will have to deal with water damage at some point. Thus, one of the best things a business owner can do is prepare for that inevitability ahead of time to keep losses to a minimum. Because water damage can grow exponentially if not addressed immediately, time is of the essence. 
  • Your emergency plan should include:
    • A blueprint is showing where the shut-off points are for water, electricity and gas plus a set of instructions on how to shut them down fast.
    • A conveniently located toolbox.
    • A list of emergency phone numbers, such as the fire department, plumbers, SERVPRO of Catonsville, emergency personnel, and police.
  1. Regularly Inspect Vulnerable Areas
  • Inspect Your Roof Regularly
    • Check all rooftop penetrations, both interior and exterior.
    • Look for water stains.
    • Check all flashing, drains and seals. 
  • Inspect Your Walls Regularly
    • Check wall joints around doors and windows.
    • Check flashing and sealant integrity. 
  • Inspect Your Windows Regularly
    • Check for air seal integrity.
    • Test all locks and other mechanical parts.
    • Check flashing and joints.
    • Look for water stains or mold growth on window sills and interior walls.

Emergency plans and inspections are both measures to lessen any disruption to your commercial building. Questions about commercial water damage or how to prevent it? SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties/Decatur is here to help. Call us! (256) 233-4033

Do You Need Professional Mold Remediation in Your Office?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Stock Photo of the word Mold Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties for a Mold Inspection of Your Business Today!

SERVPRO Offers Reliable and Safe Mold Remediation in Any Business!

Having mold damage does not necessarily mean visible mold growth. Other indicators such as a moldy odor or an unmitigated water issue might also indicate mold. Professional mold remediation by SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties can prevent mold from spreading throughout the structure and affecting the air quality. 

SERVPRO restorers use a variety of methods during mold remediation of your office. The procedures used depend on the size of the contaminated area and the type of affected material. SERVPRO professionals can schedule mold inspections, remediations, and removal activities during off-hours when the occupants are less likely to be affected.  

Remediation Methods That SERVPRO Mold Specialists Use in Commercial Spaces

The three most common methods of mold removal that SERVPRO techs use are-

  • Wet-vacuuming- Used if a moldy area contains standing water or if the materials in the area, such as carpets, are still wet. SERVPRO techs pull up wet carpets to speed up the drying process. 
  • Damp wiping- Mold growth on hard, non-porous surfaces is removed by wet wiping with a detergent. Mold growing on porous surfaces might be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. If the damage is severe, SERVPRO mold experts might have to discard the material altogether. 
  • High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuuming- It is used as a final cleanup method of the contaminated area once the materials are fully dry. SERVPRO techs use this method to clean the dust that has settled outside the containment. 

Materials that are heavily contaminated and can’t be salvaged are double-bagged in 6-mil plastic bags and discarded according to EPA regulations.  

Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties at (256) 233-4033 to talk to our mold specialists and schedule an inspection for your business today!

Can Mold Be Contained and Cleaned Up Inside a Production Facility?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Photo of a moldy wall Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties For a Mold Inspection of Your Production Facility Today!

SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties Has the Ability to Restore Your Production Facility with Proven Methods and Techniques

You count on day to day operations at your Limestone or Lawrence County production facility to go off without a hitch. Once you or one of your employees suspect a mold infestation, you must address it as soon as possible. As the symptom of some water or moisture issue, merely handling it with cleaning products or bleach only treats the surface problem. SERVPRO has skilled technicians on staff trained to handle mold mitigation and removal so that you can have peace of mind. 

What Could Have Caused Mold to Grow Inside Our Facility? 

Several issues call for the professional assistance and guidance of SERVPRO. Some of the more common reasons for mold development include: 

  • HVAC system drainage problems
  • Leaking plumbing fixtures or water piping
  • Excessive, consistent humidity
  • Leaking windows or roofing
  • Persistent condensation
  • Improperly cleaned up flood damage 

When our crew gets called out for mold remediation, we treat the root cause of the problem and the mold to ensure your commercial space interior is safe for all employees. We will: 

  • Moisture Source: Our team will carefully inspect the moisture source that brought on the mold growth.
  • Mold Removal: We take the time to dispose of any contaminated materials, including carpeting, wood, and drywall.
  • Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Deodorization: Using EPA-registered cleaning agents and antimicrobials, SERVPRO technicians clean, deodorize, and sanitize the affected area to help prevent future mold growth.
  • Repair, Rebuild and Restore: We will take care of all of the rebuilding required to bring your business's impacted area to its original condition. 

Due to the potential health effects that may arise, it is best to have mold removal companies handle the cleanup. If you suspect there is mold growing within your commercial space, SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties can be reached at (256) 233-4033

Have SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties Check Your HVAC System!

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Image of a dirty HVAC Coil Call SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties Today for you HVAC inspection!

Companies have many reasons to have their air ducts and HVAC systems cleaned on a regular basis. Just some of the benefits business owners would have from scheduling the cleaning is:

  • Creates a cleaner living environment
  • Reduces allergens
  • Help people breathe easier
  • Removes unpleasant smells
  • Improves airflow efficiency, which can lower energy bills

We've never met a small business owner who does not want to lower their energy bills. Have you? Some businesses even require specific air quality levels, so the only way to keep this within their regulations is to schedule cleaning on a regular basis. 

When is the last time you had your air ducts or HVAC system checked? Give us a call at (256) 233-4033 and we will let you know where you stand. 

Keep Your Business Clean and Sanitized

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

A photo of a cleaning being done Call for a professional cleaning of YOUR business today!

Safe and healthy work environment

Keeping a clean workspace can help with the spread of germs and harmful bacteria. SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties can can clean and disinfect the areas that are often overlooked.

Growing your business

If you or your employees are having to clean the workspace, that is less time they have to do their jobs. SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties can come in either during, or after business hours, so you can focus on the growth of your business.

Professional Image

Whether you have customers, guests, or just your own employees in your workspace, having a cluttered and or dirty building can affect the way others perceive you. A professional cleaning company can improve your professional image and clean atmosphere.

Call to schedule a professional cleaning of YOUR business today! SERVPRO of Limestone & Lawrence Counties (256) 233-4033

Commercial Fire Damage May Require a Pack Out of Your Limestone or Lawrence County Business

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Image of soot on a commercial ceiling Fire damage is devastating for Commercial Businesses! SERVPRO can minimize the downtime and get your enterprise up and running in no time!

Limestone & Lawrence County Commercial Spaces Impacted by Fire Damage may Require Pack-Out/Move-Out Services From SERVPRO

As a business owner, you know you must watch your budget and overall business operations. If you have a fire, be it big or small, you may need to think about having items packed up and moved out to get stored or cleaned off-site. SERVPRO offers a no-fuss pack-out service for Limestone & Lawrence County business owners so that your fire damage restoration project goes off without a hitch.

Fire damage at your Limestone or Lawrence County commercial business must include clean-up of charred debris, as well as detailed smoke remediation. When needed, SERVPRO can help with affordable move-out service:

  • Pack-out/move-out allows items like equipment, office furniture, documents, and more to get packed up and moved to a secure destination during fire restoration.
  • While not always necessary, a move-out is a great way to open up space so that our skilled fire and smoke damage technicians can get to work.
  • SERVPRO always carefully logs and monitors inventory before and during moving to ensure everything is in place. 
  • Once cleaning is complete, we return all items to your Limestone or Lawrence County business. 

Minimizing additional damage during fire restoration is imperative with our team in Limestone & Lawrence Counties. Call us at (256) 233-4033 when you need emergency service. We have crews standing by 24/7 – We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Carpets and Upholstery Cleaning

Even the highest-quality items can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery at your business.

Today's carpet and upholstery materials vary dramatically. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

Preventative Maintenance

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.

IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

    • Regular vacuuming
    • Spot removal
    • Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
    • Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
    • Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties Professionals will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today. 256-233-4033

Does your business have an emergency plan?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

It is a good idea for businesses large and small to have a plan in place in the event that a disaster strikes. Normally, it is a physical document that helps to keep employees organized during an emergency. 

  1. Establish Reporting Procedures

There are the standard procedures, which include but are not limited to, dialing 911 or pulling a fire alarm. However, a company may wish to establish a system that is unique, and therefore better suited to its individual needs. One example of that would be a bank. They may have a button that is pushed during a robbery to silently notify the authorities. Your company may not need a silent alarm but rather something that could specifically relate to your line of work 

  1. Decide Exit Routes

An evacuation plan is made so that employees, should an emergency arise, know when, where, and how to evacuate. The plan should detail who can order an evacuation and explains the conditions in which they would. It should also feature exit maps or diagrams so that employees can follow escape routes easily. 

  1. Explain Emergency Procedures

In critical emergencies where equipment or tools must be used before moving forward with the contingency plan, all hazards must be explained. These hazards may include breaking glass or the how to properly use fire extinguishers. 

  1. Ensure Employee Safety

A procedure to ensure that employees evacuate safely is necessary. Someone may need to be assigned the duty of checking offices and restrooms to make sure no one gets left behind in an emergency. This step could also be accomplished by implementing a simple roll call. 

  1. Maintain Contact Information for Employees

Keeping a record of employee names and phone numbers is useful during an emergency. Having this ahead of time will make it easier to locate them either during or immediately after, an emergency. 

  1. Know Who To Call for Cleanup

It's also a good idea to have the contact information for commercial building restoration services on hand. Enlisting the help of professionals can help get your business back on its feet in a quick and stress-free manner. 

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties is here to help with all your emergency restoration needs. We are open 24/7 365 days a year to help you get back to normal. Call us at (256) 233-4033.

Water damage and your commercial property

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Unchecked water can be devastating to any structure. Water entering your commercial property risks far more potential extensive damages to stored merchandise, equipment, and shipping materials. Fast action by water remediation specialists like SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties can mitigate damages to commercial structures caused by water or flooding.

Why water damage is so destructive to commercial properties

Keep in mind that water damage to your commercial property is potentially worse than damage found in any other kind of structure. It’s extremely important to understand how to prepare your structure to resist water, or what to do if water damage or flooding occurs. Depending on the type of business it is, flooding at a commercial property can be expensive if numerous computers or other electronics are on site, or the property stores products or goods. Larger properties tend to have more contents; thus, the risk of a higher damage is very possible. As a commercial property owner, you must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting your property against water damage. SERVPRO can help you learn what to look out for and how to react to damages that can cause a slow in productivity or a loss of revenue for your company. Request a consultation with a field rep concerning the ERP Plan to better prepare you for unexpected mishaps or emergencies.

How damage goes beyond water

Hidden water, high humidity, and condensation often lead to mold contamination on your property. Cracks in your walls, ceilings, flooring, foundation, and roof allow temperature changes that drastically affect stored goods. Left unchecked, this damage can spread and cause significant loss. As with most disasters, being prepared can help prevent losses, or mitigate how extensive those losses are. Mold and lingering odors are unanticipated consequences of unchecked water damage to commercial property and need to be addressed if water damage occurs.

How SERVPRO helps commercial property owners  

SERVPRO's IICRC-industry certified technicians can perform a full inspection of your commercial property following water damage or flooding, providing you with the location of possible problems, services to correct these issues, and the preventative steps necessary to prevent reoccurring damages in the future. They will discuss any remediation solutions with you before starting any work so that you’re well aware of what to expect when water remediation services are complete, and what if any reconstruction or restoration services might be necessary. SERVPRO technicians can help steer you in the right direction on how to mitigate future problems and provide you with the personnel, equipment, and resources necessary to recover should extensive water damage exist on your property.
 
If your commercial property experiences water damage of any kind, contact SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties 24/7 at (256) 233-4033. We can help you take the stress out of your current situation and keep you informed throughout the restoration process to make things easier.

Has your business suffered a water loss?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at  commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPROS corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Commercial Flooding

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded building can wreak havoc on your business operations. Flood water is a real concern in Limestone and Lawrence Counties. It is important to do what you can now so that your business property is better protected later. Here's how you can protect your property from water damage.

Preparing Your Building

Before a flood even occurs, you can take steps to seal your building from water. Start by applying a waterproof coating to the exterior walls. Several other steps are also important.

" Install waterproof shields over windows and doors where possible.
" Strengthen walls to stand against the pressure of flood water or flood debris.
" Seal all areas where utilities enter the building.
" Anchor the building if necessary.

Protecting the Lower Levels

Inspect your basement and first floor to ensure there are no areas where flood water can easily enter the premises. Regrade any land that slopes into your property, extend or redirect gutter spouts and repair any cracks in the walls. Move any valuable equipment or furniture to higher ground and create digital backups of any important paper documentation.

Taking Other Safety Measures

Water damage is not the only thing to worry about during flooding. It is also important to properly anchor any fuel tanks to prevent the water from sweeping them away, which can cause the lines to break and fires or explosions to happen. Sewer backflow valves are also important.

Preparing for Restoration

No matter how well you prepare your building for a flood, at least some damage is still likely to occur. Call SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties today!

256-233-4033

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties is  a well-respected restoration company to help you remove moisture, dry materials and get your property ready to do business again.

Being 100 percent prepared for a natural disaster is practically impossible, but preparing now for a later storm means getting back into the swing of things as quickly as possible after any damage happens. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counites is open 24 hours a day 7 Days a week 256-233-4033.

Faster to any Size Disaster

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Green photo that says faster to any size disaster on it Call us today (256) 233-4033

From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties knows there's no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of tenants and the revenue of the property owner. Have you developed a thorough contingency plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible?

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Ready Profile. As part of a well thought-out contingency plan, your ERP will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs.

SERVPRO professionals can manage the damage with

-Over 45 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry

-More than 1700 franchises

-Detailed communication throughout the cleaning and restoration process to help keep you informed and in control

-Experience and training in mitigating damages ranging from single family homes to skyscrapers

We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties will work hard to restore the property and its contents to preloss condition.

Commercial Mold

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

This photo is mold on the ceiling of a commercial building. You can see the white ceiling with the black mold If your business has an issue with mold, give us a call today (256) 233-4033

The very idea of mold can make any home or business owner cringe. Yes, mold can be beneficial, used in making brie or penicillin, but it can also be a really big problem when it is growing undetected somewhere on your property or belongings.

It can grow just about anywhere: on clothing, food, paper, carpet and the backside of drywall, just to name a few spots. It can produce allergens and irritants and, in some cases, toxins that can cause health effects.

  • Do an audit of your property. Are there any areas that are full of moisture much of the time? Seepage into storage areas or accumulation from leaky pipes should be dried within 48 hours to avoid mold damage. Encourage workers to keep wet items picked up, hanging wet coats up and keeping rain boots and wet shoes in an area that won’t soak up moisture. Take steps to keep floors and windows dry at all times, but especially during wet weather.

If your business has an issue with mold, give us a call today for your assessment (256) 233-4033.

Commercial Covid Disinfecting

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

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

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

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

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties & SERVPRO of Decatur!

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Commercial Cleaning Services

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Does your commercial building need some help? Give us a call today (256) 233-4033.

The coronavirus crisis of 2020 has made Americans acutely aware that an important aspect of staying healthy includes cleaning and disinfecting our homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties offers specialized coronavirus cleaning services that can help ensure that your home or business is as safe as it can be. You can trust SERVPRO because we offer:

  • highly skilled and trained staff
  • hospital-grade cleaning and disinfecting products
  • top-line personal protective equipment, including N95 masks and hazmat suits
  • established and proven procedures

Coronavirus cleaning by SERVPRO gives your customers and employees the assurance that you’ve done all you can to keep them healthy. But SERVPRO can also keep your workplace clean and safe on a year-round basis, not just in an emergency.

Your Business Will Shine with our Year-Round Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties commercial cleaning services bring our well-earned reputation for reliability and attention to detail to the job of keeping your office, restaurant, retail store or manufacturing facility clean, safe and always looking its best.

Among the workplaces, large and small, that we clean are:

  • office buildings
  • high- and low-rise residential buildings
  • retail stores, including big box stores
  • medical buildings, including hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
  • restaurants
  • hotels and motels
  • manufacturing and industrial facilities
  • government and military workplaces

Contracting with SERVPRO for commercial cleaning services guarantees:

  • a safer environment for your workers and customers
  • a consistently high level of cleanliness
  • quality work by skilled personnel using industry-best equipment, products and procedures

SERVPRO also provides specialized commercial cleaning services, such as biohazard/ sewage, air duct/HVAC and odor removal. And of course, we are always available—24 hours a day—to respond to a sudden business emergency that requires expert cleanup and restoration.

The team at SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties have specialized training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your commercial building and property. Call us today (256) 233-4033.

Fire Damage Cleanup at your home or business

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today and let us help you with your fire damage (256) 233-4033

Fires are devastating, but fire damage cleanup does not have to be. Not only do the flames themselves tear through a home, business or school, but the chaos created in the act of putting them out piles on.

Although each fire and the aftermath it brings may require individualized solutions to repair, the overall process of fire damage repair can be broken down into 6 basic steps:

Making the Call

The fire damage repair process starts when you make the call. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties is staffed around the clock, so you’ll be able to reach a trained professional as soon as the need arises. Each representative knows what questions to ask to dispatch our team to your home or business to get to work.

Inspection and Assessment

The first thing the we will do is thoroughly inspect each area of the home to determine the range of the fire, smoke, soot and other damage. They will take the time to check every area for the exact damage received, making complete notes as they go. These notes will be the building blocks to create your individual plan of action for your fire damage repair.

Securing the Property Against More Damage

Fires often compromise the walls, roof, and windows of a home, leaving the home, school or business exposed to outside elements. To help maintain security and to protect against additional damage. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties will board-up any holes in the exterior walls and windows.

Water Removal as Required

Since fires are typically fought with a large amount of water, in most cases we begin with water remediation. From extraction to dehumidifiers and air movers, our team will remove excess water and help prevent any potential secondary damage.

Preliminary Clean-up for Fire Damage Repair

Smoke and soot removal process requires specialized equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough elimination of the residue from every surface of the home including walls, ceilings, doors and more.

Final Clean-up and Sanitizing

After the smoke and soot are eliminated, we will continue the fire damage repair process by cleaning all restorable items and structures of the house. A variety of cleaning techniques are used to help restore your contents to a preloss state.

These techniques include the use of air scrubbers and fogging machines to eliminate airborne odors and other contaminants.

Trust SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counites to handle your fire damage cleanup. Give us a call today (256) 233-4033. 

We can help with Covid-19 Cleaning

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Give us a call today and let us come take care of your business with a disinfecting cleaning (256) 233-4033.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to respond to the novel Coronavirus outbreak. SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. The CDC encourages cleaning of counters, tabletops, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces with a hospital-grade disinfectant.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties is here to help you during this time. We are offering proactive cleaning as well as cleaning for suspected or confirmed cases. 

Are you preparing to open your business back up? Give is a call and let us come and give you a quote for disinfecting your building before you open. We can be reached at (256) 233-4033. Our team of professionals will get the job done and help you be better prepared for business. 

Call the Professionals

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help your business during this crisis.

SERVPRO Industries, LLC has been dealing with biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi for over 50 years.  However, not with this much urgency! Nonetheless, we are ready and our awareness is heightened. Here at SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties, we have highly trained technicians that are equipped to help your business during this time.     

Cleaning - Sanitizing - Disinfecting

It is important for all parties to understand the different levels of cleaning that may or may not be possible for each surface. All surfaces can be cleaned, many surfaces can be sanitized, and some surfaces can be disinfected.

  1. General Surface Cleaning – physically removes visible dirt, organic matter, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. General surface cleaning is accomplished with water, detergent, and physical scrubbing of the surface. The guiding principal is to remove microbes if possible, rather than kill them (with a sanitizer or disinfectant). In addition, thoroughly cleaning a surface can reduce the need to disinfect because without the nutrients and moisture needed to survive and multiply, most microbes cannot live on a clean and dry surface for very long.
  2. Sanitizing – reduces but does not necessarily eliminates all the bacteria on a treated surface. Sanitizers do not have claims for viruses or fungi. To be a registered sanitizer, the test results for a product must show a reduction of at least a. 99.9% in the number of each type of bacteria tested on non-food-contact surfaces. Examples of non-food-contact sanitizers include carpet sanitizers, air sanitizers, laundry additives, and in-tank toilet bowl sanitizers.
  3. Disinfecting – works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. Disinfecting destroys or irreversibly inactivates infectious or other undesirable microbes, but not necessarily the spores of bacteria and fungi. The number of microbes killed during a disinfecting process will vary, depending on the specific chemical and how it is used.

Definitions of cleaning involving the COVID-19 virus:

1. General Cleaning- Proactive cleaning to minimize the transmission of Emerging Viral Pathogens (NO potential or actual exposure has occurred). 

2. High-Touch or Enhanced Cleanup- Request for Cleaning and Disinfection to Limit the Survival of Emerging Viral Pathogens (Confirmed or suspected exposure).

If your business has a confirmed case, someone has potentially been exposed, or you would like a proactive cleaning to limit exposure, give us a call today (256) 233-4033

Commercial Duct Cleaning

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today for a duct cleaning quote.

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 properly 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:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Odors
  • Dirt and debris
  • Other contaminants

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

  • It helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
  • May help to eliminate offensive odors.
  • It helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on air duct cleaning, call us today (256) 233-4033. 

How to handle an Automatic Fire Sprinkler Discharge

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler can protect your business from fire but how do you handle the cleanup from it? Give us a call and let us take the worry out of it.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are widely considered the single most effective tool for protecting your structure, property, and lives from a fire.  Having an automatic fire sprinkler system in place is basically the same as having firefighter protection 24/7.  Fire sprinkler heads respond individually to a number of things including: Heat from a fire, Corrosion, Mechanical Damage, and Sabotage/Vandalism.  If you do have a fire in your building you are going to be very grateful for the fire sprinkler system, if it is an accidental discharge it will become somewhat of a burden. To Make things easier in the case of an accidental discharge follow these tips below.

1. Shut Off Water Immediately

Shut off the water supply to the fire sprinkler system as soon as you can.  The faster you can turn the water off the less potential for major water damage you have.  Be aware that it will take a couple moments to stop, the water has to clear the lines first.

2. Mitigate Future Damage

You will want to clear as much as possible from the affected area so mitigate further damage.  Move furniture, valuables, and equipment to a safe dry area to limit exposure and further damage.

3. Call SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties

Call a restoration company that specializes in water damage like SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties to help mitigate and restore the area.  SERVPRO is a much better choice than DIY because we are trained in disaster cleanup and ready to help when you need us. 

4. Call Your Insurance Company

You will want to call your insurance agent as soon as you can to find out what steps to take next and the claims process.  Also, so they can send someone to assess the situation and damage.  Their assessment will determine who is responsible for the damage.

We will work very closely with your insurance company to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Call us today at (256) 233-4033. 

Does your commercial building need some TLC?

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Does your commercial building have carpet that looks like this? Let us come help!

Our professionals here at SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties are highly trained in all areas and can get your commercial building looking like new again. We specialize in commercial carpet cleaning, mold remediation, fire mitigation, water mitigation, and general cleaning/disinfecting. With all the uncertainties we are facing right now, let us come in and give you peace of mind that your facility is cleaned and disinfected. 

This photo was taken at a commercial training facility. The carpet was in bad shape and in desperate need of cleaning and disinfecting. Our team went in and spot cleaned stubborn spots and deep cleaned the entire room. The carpet looked almost new by the time we were finished. We can handle any size building or room!! If you are in need of some cleaning at your commercial space, give us a call today and let us come in and assess your situation. We can be reached at (256) 233-4033. 

Commercial Fire/Water Job

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

This is a photo of the front of the building where the truck went through and caught fire.

We were called to this job early in the morning and responded right away. A truck went through the front of the building and caught on fire. Luckily, no one was hurt. Our crews acted quickly to get all of the water out of the building and start securing the facility. After the building was dried out, we had to perform fire mitigation services and clean every surface to include the contents that were affected by the fire. It was very important for us to act quickly and take care of our customer. It has taken a while but they are slowly getting the building back in order after this horrible accident. Remember, NO job is too big or too small. If your business sustains damage of any kind, we can take care of it. Call SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties today (256) 233-4033. We have resources located all over the country to ensure that your business is up and running as fast as possible. 

Emergency Ready Plan

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today for your free Emergency Ready Plan

An estimated 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties has worked with many businesses in the area to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. 

Between 2004-2008 16,360 fires happened in retail stores and other mercantile properties such as grocery stores beauty and barbershops.

Those fires caused $648 million in property damage. Fire damage is worse after normal business hours. Fires that started between 9PM-5AM caused $75,000 dollars in damage. First that started between 5AM-9AM caused $24,000 dollars in fire damage.

More than 60% of U.S. small businesses do not have formal emergency response plans & do not back-up their data off site.

No Plan Means You're Less Likely to Recover

80% of companies that do not recover from a disaster within 1 month are likely to go out of business. 75% of companies without a business contingency plan fail within 3 years of a disaster.

70% of small business that experience major data loss go out of business within a year.

43% of companies that experience catastrophic data loss never reopen.

51% of companies with data loss closed within 2 years.

80% of companies that do not recover from a disaster within 1 month are likely to go out of business. 75% of companies without a business contingency plan fail within 3 years of a disaster.

The SERVPRO® Ready Plan is a tool for property managers and owners, both residential and commercial. It allows for the creation of an Emergency READY Profile. Please contact one our Business Development Representative to setup your free Emergency Ready Profile.256-233-4033

Commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning of the carpet and pews in a local church

Carpets and Upholstery Cleaning

Even the highest-quality items can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.

Today's carpet and upholstery materials vary dramatically. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

    • Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
    • Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
    • Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
    • Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
    • Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

Preventative Maintenance

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet.

IICRC states that 79% of soil in carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

    • Regular vacuuming
    • Spot removal
    • Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
    • Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
    • Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, traffic, type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look really dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties Professionals will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today. 256-233-4033

Commercial Water Loss

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a laundry room at an apartment complex. They had roof damage and the tarp did not hold so water flooded the room.

The longer water spreads through your building, the more damage it causes-especially as it becomes more contaminated over time. Prolonged periods of moisture in your business can also lead to mold problems. We are committed to the phrase, "Faster to any sized disaster".

With our 24/7 service, we are able to contain and treat water damage quickly, which allows us to save and restore as much of you building and property as possible.

At SERVPRO, we prefer to restore before we replace. Restoring saves money and gets the business back up and running faster.

Our technicians are highly trained and are available to help at any time. If you have water damage in your business, do not wait, call us today at (256) 233-4033. Let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Cleaning

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial post Construction Cleaning

Along with our restoration services, SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties provides a variety of cleaning services. One of the services we provide is Post-Construction Cleaning.

After restoring and rebuilding your property, there is still work to be done. It is important to get your property properly cleaned and ready to re-open. Let SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties help. There is no job to big or too small.

Both interior and exterior cleaning is needed after a remodel or new construction. When considering cleaning services please keep in mind that all walls, ceilings, floors, and fixtures will most likely need to be cleaned. Construction causes dust that gets on every surface. It is also very important to make sure you do not have duct in your heating and cooling unit.

If you are needing a quote for a post-construction clean, give us a call at (256) 233-4033.

Commercial Soot Cleaning Job

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning up a commercial building after soot affected the entire building from construction.

This was another big commercial post construction cleaning. A fireplace was removed from one of the rooms downstairs which caused soot to cover all of the surfaces in this business.

Cleaning of both the interior and exterior is typically needed after a remodel or new construction.

Interior cleaning includes:

  • Walls(removing dust, dirt, and scuff marks)
  • Ceilings and light fixtures/fans
  • All trim including baseboards and crown
  • Door faces, hardware, and frames
  • Windows and window frames
  • Ducts, vents, and heaters
  • Floors
  • Cabinetry inside and out, appliances, fixtures, and counter tops
  • All trash and plastic containment removed.

If you have just experienced a remodel, rebuild, or new construction and you would like a quote for post-construction clean, give SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties a call at (256) 233-4033

Commercial Fire Job

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Fire in 1 hotel room that affected not only that room but others.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties can help if you have had a fire at your business. This is a photo of a fire that happened in a hotel room. Not only was there fire damage but the entire room was affected by the smoke. Smoke damage can be very detrimental if not properly cleaned.

Fires can be very a stressful time for you and your business. Let SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties help. With our industry approved training, rapid response, professionalism, cutting-edge technology, and open communication, we strive to restore not only your business but your peace of mind.

SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties will make it "Like it never even happened." If you have had a disaster at your business call us at (256) 233-4033.

Commercial Fire Loss

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Photo of a commercial fire loss at a hotel.

Even small fires can leave significant property damage. Smoke can enter your ventilation system and spread soot and debris throughout your building. We can accurately assess fire and smoke damage to ensure that you can get your business back to normal as quickly as possible.

At SERVPRO of Limestone and Limestone Counties, we can create an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. When a disaster strikes, you don't want to spend time trying to figure out who to contact for what. Our ERP's include a detailed assessment of your facility along with a profile document and guide to getting you back to business faster after an incident. We even offer a mobile app for convenience.

Call us today to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile appointment for your business (256) 233-4033.

Commercial Water Damage

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Lawrence County, AL

The Lawrence County courthouse in Moulton, AL has a small electrical fire in the middle of the night which set off the sprinkler system. Because this happened after business hours, the water ran for a while before someone was able to turn it off. By the time, it was turned off, it had affected 2 floors of the courthouse and over 30,000 square feet. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties responded immediately to help mitigate the damages. The team worked day and night in order to ensure that the courthouse could open back up for business in a timely manner. 

Even though there is a lot of reconstruction that still needs to happen, the courthouse was able to open back up for business. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties worked very hard to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial Water Damage

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

This was a flooded break room at a commercial building. The pipe burst in the ceiling and flooded most of the first floor.

It doesn't matter if it is a flood, a leak, or a broken pipe in the ceiling like this picture, water does not take very long to damage your property. The janitorial staff at your business most likely will not have the tools, equipment, or training necessary to get your business back up and running after a water damage.

Our trained professionals will get you back in business as quickly and safely as we can. Our highly trained technicians can help locate the source of the problem, remove the water, and treat the affected area. The longer water spreads through your building, the more damage it causes-especially as it becomes more contaminated over time. Prolonged periods of moisture in your business could also lead to secondary issues down the road.

If your business suffers a water damage, give us a call today (256) 233-4033.

Commercial Fire Damage

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Stove top after fire damage

Unfortunately, fire damage can happen to anyone. Some of the most common reasons for fire damage include:


-forgetting to turn off heating products in the house (iron, straighteners, curling irons, microwaves, ovens, stoves, etc). 


-smoking in bedrooms


-candles


-children playing with matches/fire


-inadequate wiring 


 


The picture included shows a stovetop that we were asked to clean up after a fire had started in the kitchen. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties was called to save the day and restore the kitchen back to normal. The owner was thrilled at how fast our team was able to come out and restore the kitchen back to the way it had originally looked.  


 


If you have had a fire occur in your Athens, AL business, give SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties a call at (256) 233-4033.

Faster to any size disaster

3/15/2017 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster

From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex, fire and water losses are never planned, but they do occur. SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties knows there's no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of tenants and the revenue of the property owner. Have you developed a thorough contingency plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible?


SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Ready Profile. As part of a well thought-out contingency plan, your ERP will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs.


SERVPRO professionals can manage the damage with


-Over 45 years of business in the cleanup and restoration industry


-More than 1700 franchises


-Detailed communication throughout the cleaning and restoration process to help keep you informed and in control


-Experience and training in mitigating damages ranging from single family homes to skyscrapers


We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties will work hard to restore the property and its contents to preloss condition.

Commercial Water Damage

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage 01/08/2017 A sprinkler system pipe froze and burst above an office at a local plant causing water damage.

 


Flooding and water damage events at  commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.


Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.


SERVPRO of Limestone and Lawrence Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPROS corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.


 


 

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