Archived Commercial Blog Posts

Commercial Water Removal Experts

Name: SERVPRO of Abilene
Address: 4573 Farm to Market 18, Abilene, TX, 79602
Telephone: (325) 672-5661

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Abilene we are ready and prepared to be there for your commercial water damage.

When a vast Abilene commercial building, like a warehouse or a bus garage, suffers from a supply line leak, the quantity of water let loose inside can be substantial. Even if you have a high-quality and committed cleaning staff, managing tremendous amounts of water pouring into your building can quickly overwhelm your on-site housekeeping crew. A half-inch pipe spews 50 gallons per minute. Larger pipes up to four inches in diameter can unleash 3,400 gallons per minute. Conventional cleaning equipment is not up to the challenge.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster

We respond quickly to a major water loss, turning off the water main immediately upon arrival if needed before planning your water removal project. If the electricity is off as a safety measure, we do not miss a beat. We put into operation a fleet of high-capacity gas-powered pumps and truck-mounted water extractors. Because our service vehicles stock multiple pumps and onboard powered, it is relatively straightforward for us to scale up our response to your water loss. We arrive promptly and roll out the needed equipment, ready to pull liquid water from all areas affected.

Moisture Detection and Metering

Our emergency response team initially focuses on the visible water, but even more crucial are efforts we take to search for water migration patterns in your commercial building. SERVPRO employs the following tools to locate hidden water and determine saturation levels in porous materials to inform drying goals:

Thermal imaging cameras

Using temperature variations recorded, technicians can pinpoint building cavities that likely hold trapped water.

Moisture detectors

Prongs sample materials, indicating if water is present. Detectors help us outline the perimeters of the total water incursion, so we do not leave any moisture lingering and destroying materials or encouraging mold growth.

Moisture Meters

The devices measure the amount of moisture in porous materials. We also use them to establish and monitor progress toward drying goals by providing data on unaffected structures within your commercial building.

Rely on SERVPRO of Abilene to respond to the scale needed to resolve substantial water removal challenges in your commercial building. Call us at (325) 672-5661 around the clock for help within hours.

Who is responsible for a water leak in a property, the landlord or the tenant?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can advise you on some steps from being a renter to being an owner.

The responsible for most restoration work in a property lies with the landlord. If you are renting a freehold property, you are likely only responsible for a small portion of the property and not the building or tenant's possessions. If a tenant does report flooding or water leaks, you should respond quickly to maintain good relations and protect your property from potentially expensive damages. At SERVPRO, we work closely with landlords and other businesses to help recover losses urgently.

If I am renting a freehold property to tenants, what am I responsible for in a water emergency?

Contracts differ, and you should check with both your freeholder and your insurance provider about coverage when organizing commercial water cleanup in the Big Country. Generally speaking, you are likely to be responsible for fittings and fixtures in the property. These include any permanent attachments in the property such as linoleum, carpeting and potentially some appliances. Water can cause significant damage to fittings and fixtures as well as being a high risk for secondary water damages like mold growth.

What can I do to restore the property's fittings and fixtures after a water leak?

Instructing your tenants to shut-off the water supply is essential to controlling losses in a water incident
You can expect to need both water extraction and drying services to bring the property back to its original state successfully
Removing carpets may be beneficial to prevent them from soaking the sub floor allowing airflow beneath floating carpets may be vital to preventing microbial growth
Expert pre-conditioning and carpet cleaning may be necessary depending on the type of water as well as the length of exposure to moisture for the carpet- longer than seventy-two hours can lead to permanent harm
Professional restorers can detach and reinstall carpets without risking further harm

Is bonnet cleaning an effective way to restore wet carpets?

Bonnet cleaning is a useful method that is the least aggressive on carpets. However, you may risk causing further harm if the carpets are delaminating, the seams are loose or on thick fiber carpets. SERVPRO technicians can carefully detach the carpet to inspect areas of risk before performing bonnet cleaning. We first vacuum the carpet to prevent any residual grit from causing damage during rotary cleaning. Remember to moisten the bonnet pad before working. The heat and friction that this method produces can harm dry carpet fibers if misapplied.

Is there a difference between clean water spills and water leaks from unclean supplies?

Clean water spills can generally return to a good condition with light intervention. However, water can deteriorate other times and with the interaction of other substances. The longer water sits, the more likely it is to deteriorate. This deterioration can make carpet cleaning more challenging for landlords. We offer cleaning services for any scale of water contamination, including black water caused by sewer backups or flooding.

Landlords can benefit from our hot water extraction technique which is very effective on moderate carpet soiling. The RX-20 is a rotary extraction tool that releases a liquid or powder emulsifier directly onto the carpet surface. Using the inbuilt vacuum of the RX-20 restorers can continually run over the affected area until the soils, water and solution are sufficiently extracted. Any cleaning wastes from extraction are securely stored in tanks for disposal in an open sewer point or at a wastewater facility.

As an owner of multiple apartments in the same building, do I need to arrange services individually for each tenant?

SERVPRO restoration teams are large enough to cover a set of apartments in one arranged service. Our business emergency contact line is available twenty-four hours a day for commercial clients. During your service, we can communicate with you throughout to ensure that we are performing as you expect. We can also benefit from your intimate knowledge of architecture, build and any warranties you may have to ensure a smooth procedure from start to finish.

What are the dangerous factors of a water emergency?

Water migration can result in damp spots inside wall-cavities. These can be tough to spot and challenging to restore. Without proper care, they can cause significant harm
Water deterioration can result in rising costs. Mold colonies can form in as little as forty-eight hours in ideal conditions
Safety concerns from slip and trip hazards are a critical factor in any restoration involving water
Subfloor inspections are essential to ensure there are no hidden damages that could occur further down the line.

The fastest way to recover from a commercial water emergency is to enlist professional assistance. Our teams are here to help guide you through the recovery procedure and ensure that there are no unforeseen damages like mold growth. If your business suffers from a water emergency, contact SERVPRO of Abilene at (325) 672-5661.

IICRC

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Abilene is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up to date on the latest changes in the industry.
Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for the Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Fast Mold Redediation for your Abilene Restaurant

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

If steamy pots lead to mold damage, call SERVPRO of Abilene for fast and reliable mold remediation.

Abilene restaurants, bakeries, and other food preparation enterprises know inspections are regularly conducted to ensure public health and safety. Mold growth is one of the negative marks your business can receive, so you want to move on mold remediation before the inspector comes. Stick to creating your delicious savory and sweet treats and hire us to manage the mold.

Mold damage in your Abilene bakery and restaurant not only violates health regulations but also repels your customers if they see or hear about it. In a perfect world, your business would never need to deal with mold growth, but the conditions supportive of mold spores germination are common in most food preparation areas. Mold prefers temperatures from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but some strains thrive at temperatures as low as 30 or high as 120 degrees. Water, even in the form of steam or high humidity fuels the growth of the fungi, and organic materials offer a food source. All commercial kitchens present this type of environment. We are familiar with the challenges of mold remediation in these circumstances.

Expect SERVPRO mold remediation technicians to assess both the current mold damage and the various sources of moisture observed. Unless your business addresses the moisture issues, mold can recur. In kitchens, one of the essentials is an adequate ventilation system, including exhaust fans that move the steam out of the area. Spills, neglected plumbing leaks, and condensation from coolers, freezers, and ice machines all contribute to the water mold spores seek to absorb.

SERVPRO technicians apply proper methods using the IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation when responding to your mold emergency. The restoration industry outlines the best practices in this standard and guide, and we as industry leaders follow the recommendations and steps.

We do our best to complete the mold remediation while allowing your business to operate. The SERVPRO team erects physical barriers to contain the moldy area, a zone outside of which your staff and customers remain during the process. Air quality cannot be compromised, so we frequently use negative air pressure machines to prevent the contaminated air from drifting into the rest of your business and that employ HEPA filters to catch airborne debris before venting to the outdoors.

Once contained, our technicians remove the mold, using wiping, scraping, and abrasive techniques like soda blasting. SERVPRO clears the residues with HEPA filtered vacuums, and bag the debris for disposal according to local codes. EPA-registered antimicrobial formulations treat surfaces to inhibit future mold growth and damage.

Let SERVPRO of Abilene partner with you when mold damage threatens your food service business. Call us for an evaluation of even a minor infestation at (325)672-5661 -- the sooner, the better to retain your hard-earned reputation for unique and tasty delicacies.

Commercial Fire Cleanup in Abilene Breakroom

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can happen to a commercial property or business for many reasons. Natural disasters such as lightning are rare or more common causes like electrical wiring overloads and failures, arson and employees and residents misusing appliances such as microwave ovens.

The foundation for a successful restoration begins with commercial fire damage cleanup In Abilene, SERVPRO, was called to assist a local business establishment that had a fire in a small backroom area. An employee made popcorn set the timer on too long and left the area. Although extinguished quickly, the fire left residue throughout the back area of the facility and a strong odor. The owner thought this would harm his business because potential customers were going to encounter the smell that from the first moment they walked through the door.

When our technicians arrived at the site, they immediately had the owner turn off the HVAC and contained the breakroom area to stop any further issues with soot and odors spreading. We moved the uniforms they had on site to a locked, separate glass area, so they were not in danger of any contamination from soot or odor. Our technicians began hand vacuuming the fire extinguisher residue and removed the charred microwave that was contributing heavily to the smell in the room.

Once removing the visible loose debris, SERVPRO techs wiped down the surfaces with our professional-strength cleaners to eradicate any fire damage residues remaining, and this lowers odors. To ensure that we left no odor-causing particulates in the area, our technicians set up an air scrubber which pulls air in the room through a series of HEPA-filters and can capture tiny particles smaller than the human eye can see that are still capable of causing odors.

After completing the cleanup efforts, the owner was walked through the area to ensure our work met his approval.

SERVPRO of Abilene knows commercial fire cleanup is crucial to getting your business back on track. Call us at (325)672-5661 when you need fast, professional restoration for your fire loss.

Managing The Processes Of Commercial Water Removal

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Unique Approaches for Commercial Water Removal in Security Law Firms

It is not easy to associate water spills with offices of a law firm, but it can happen if a pipe bursts in the washrooms or fire suppression sprinklers release water unexpectedly. Such incidents can have consequences extending beyond the confines of the firm because most clients that seek services of the law firm cannot afford to wait if the offices remain closed for long. We offer professional water removal services that help restore operations after a spill “Like it never even happened.”

Managing the processes of commercial water removal in security so that partial operations can continue in the firm can be helpful. Many steps can help guarantee this including extracting water fast before it reaches all areas in the office. Our SERVPRO technicians use high capacity truck-mounted water extractors and submersible pumps to remove standing water quickly. We also use plastic sheets to create exclusion zones allowing operations to continue normally in unaffected areas while we proceed with removal.

Law offices may be a beehive of activity during the day but have very little activity during the night. Capitalizing on the low activity periods to carry out some aspects of removal such as drying can help expedite the process. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to several sets of air movers, dehumidifiers and other drying equipment allowing us to maximize our efforts during the periods with low activity. We are also very flexible to work at any hour ensuring minimal interruptions to your regular activities.

Presence of documents and electronics such as computers in a law firm can complicate the removal process. Moving and drying such items requires care to prevent additional damages after the initial exposure to water. At SERVPRO we have IICRC certified WRT, Water Restoration Technicians who can handle wet documents or electronics safely. We freeze wet documents to prevent further damage then use sublimation to dry them. The process changes water from the frozen solid form directly to a gas.

In case of water problems in your Abilene office, SERVPRO of Abilene can help craft a solution that helps keep your services accessible. You can reach us at (325)672-5661 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Don't Share Your Office With Mold

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let mold be your new office decoration!

Since mold can grow on pretty much any organic surface where oxygen and moisture are readily available, the interior of your factory building in Abilene could be under attack at any time. You could even have a mold problem growing out of sight, so being diligent with the maintenance and upkeep of your building is essential. Not only can mold damage your building it can cause health effects for your workers as well. Therefore, it is necessary to clean it up right away, and recruiting the help of a remediation company such as SERVPRO helps get the job done faster and more efficiently. With our professional training and equipment, you can trust us to make your building look as if nothing ever happened.

Before our SERVPRO staff can help with the mold damage in your building, we take precautions such as establishing a containment area. We do this so that the mold does not spread to clean parts of your structure while we work. Containment can include installing plastic sheeting and creating negative air pressure inside the contaminated area. We also seal HVAC vents to stop the contamination getting into your duct system. Clean rooms are also established and used for decontaminating materials and equipment, as well as decontamination rooms for leaving and entering the work area.

To protect your building from a mold outbreak, it is also essential to make any repairs, such as fixing leaky roofs, cracked foundations, and unsealed windows and door frames. If you make the repairs as they occur and catch leaks and water damage before the wetness sits too long, you can do a lot to keep mold growth away.

SERVPRO of Abilene are experts at mold remediation, so you can trust us to thoroughly clean your business structure in Abilene or Sweetwater after an outbreak. Once you suspect you have an issue, give us a call at (325)672-5661 so we can stop it from spreading further.

Do You Know Where Your Water Supply Cut Off Is?

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

When the unfortunate happens, and a water pipe bursts in your business property, do you know where to run and turn off your water supply?

That is where SERVPRO of Abilene comes in! One of the many services we provide is what we call, an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile). We create an Emergency Ready Profile personalized specifically for your business. The ERP helps make a plan for your business in case a disaster were to happen in your property, such as a bursting pipe that causes a flood.

Benefits from an ERP:

A no cost assessment of your facility.
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
Establishes that SERVPRO of Abilene as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

These benefits help with a much faster response time to your business, which helps avoid any further damages to your property.

Call us today to schedule your free ERP, SERVPRO of Abilene: 325-672-5661

How to Recognize Mold and What to do Next

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

In Abilene TX there are many hazards that a small business owner or landlord has to take into account when maintaining their buildings and places of work. One of these hazards is mold and the smelly mycotoxin that always accompanies it. When allowed to go unchecked, this hazard can potentially ruin the hard work that has gone into a building or grind the business conducted within to a halt. To help prevent this, here are a few steps for renters and maintenance workers on how to recognize and fix mold growth.

1. Use Your Eyes

Mold can easily be mistaken for dirt or dust if not thoroughly inspected. Depending on what fungus present, the mold could take on a variety of different shades and textures. However, mold may not have a visual presence.

2. Use Your Nose

Spores often incubate where small hidden leaks show up or where condensation builds as a result of a possibly broken air condition unit or something similar. When this happens, investigators can rely on their noses. Mold growth is often revealed by a variation of a musty odor.

However, it's important to take note of any new smells. This is due to the scent of mold changing based on the spore count and where it is in its life cycle. After all, the smell is formed by the mycotoxin released by mold eating and multiplying.

3. Fix the Problem

Once the mold has been found, whether it’s out in the open or recently excavated, it’s important to immediately focus on mold remediation. This is because mold spreads quickly, often manifesting within 48–72 hours. If it looks like the mold is relatively contained and has only covered a small surface area, it is possible to get it cleaned up. In this case, cleaners should use the proper equipment and maintain safety standards during the process.

When maintaining a building, it’s good to be perceptive. If the mold has spread, remember that it’s important to call in a professional cleaning service. Safety should always be a priority when dealing with mold and its mycotoxins. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on commercial mold damage.

Be Prepared Before You Loose Power at Your Business

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common each year. With bad weather often comes immense blizzards, powerful wind gales, and awe-inspiring electrical storms. These storm conditions can occur suddenly, and your business may find itself in the middle of a blackout condition when electricity comes to a standstill during a workday. A power outage in Abilene can be frustrating, but if your company is prepared, the outage needn’t be devastating. Here are a few tips to help you weather almost any storm. Plan Ahead Losing data, production time, and possible revenue can disrupt your business for more than the length of the storm. By planning ahead, you can help your company get back to business quickly with very little trouble after a power disruption. Here are a few things to include in your survival plan:

• Flashlights – To ease fear and promote safe movement.

• Portable generator and fuel – A portable source of power for emergency electricity that can be critical in heating, lighting, and preventing injuries.

• Bottled water – For customer and employee safety.

• UPS stations - To protect computer files and allow employees to save work during an outage.

• Safe room – A protected area which individuals can gather within during extreme weather.

• Disaster Help – A number to call for restoration specialists, if needed. You may have a plan in place in case of a power outage. You may have signs all over the company with explicit instructions regarding possible outages. You may even mention details of your preparedness plan at a monthly meeting. The problem is, however, people sometimes panic when they feel a loss of control in the dark. To alleviate any possible fear or concerns, run a blackout test two or three times a year. Not only can your employees be more prepared, but this may also help insure your portable generator is working correctly. Defeat Panic!

Abilene may have unpredictable weather conditions at times, but your company can be prepared for the unexpected. If a power outage hits your business, keep work flowing and employees calm by planning ahead. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more tips.

Commercial vs Residential

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Abilene we have the opportunity to work with some great individuals and companies. One of the main goals for SERVPRO as a whole is to have heavy and genuine influence and presence in the communities and Counties. The franchise is able to keep that rapport with business owners and homeowners alike. Being able to access both commercial and residential accounts allows growth not just at a monetary level but also growth within the community. One of the driving forces behind SERVPRO's success is the way in which the brand converses with its clients. From being there one on one with a homeowner helping them through the mitigation process to meeting with Centers of Influence on large commercial accounts. Creating Emergency Ready Plans for their businesses and making them feel at ease when it comes to disaster restoration. The opportunities for SERVPRO are endless and it allows our reach of services to continue to grow and develop.

Abilene Damage Remediation Experts

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Are you a business owner in the Big Country? Have you experienced a recent water, fire or bio-hazard damage at your commercial property? Are you looking for a reputable company with commercial remediation experience that offers a full service including construction? Then, look no further because SERVPRO of Abilene is here to help. Conveniently available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, SERVPRO of Abilene is able to work within the parameters of any commercial job site. Our goal is to get your business up and running as soon as possible to limit the interruption to your business. We have worked around schedules so that businesses could stay open while remediation occurred on the off hours in order to avoid monetary disruption. We know commercial losses are complex and we will work with you directly to help facilitate your needs. Call us at (325)672-5661 to see how we can help get your business back into business.

Our business is to get your business back to work for you in Abilene and the Big Country. SERVPRO of Abilene is here to help.

Abilene Government Facilities

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Government facilities in Abilene need to stay open as much as possible when they experience a water or fire damage event. SERVPRO of Abilene is dedicated to working with all businesses to quickly remediate the damage to minimize the downtime required to finish the process. We are committed to answer the call and quickly assess the damage to begin mitigation procedures. This helps to ensure minimum service interruptions and lower recovery costs. SERVPRO of Abilene Franchise Professionals respond to disaster situations with the right personnel & equipment to provide timely mitigation. From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility's janitorial service, SERVPRO of Abilene Professionals are committed to timely response and total customer satisfaction.

With over 40 years experience in cleanup and restoration..SERVPRO of Abilene Professionals are faster to any size disaster.

Abilene Building Safety