Commercial Water Damage Experts Explain Drying Methods

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

If your office complex in Manassas has multiple floors, problems like pipes breaking in other parts of the building could cause damage to your business as well. When water flows into your office from the ceiling, many problems can result. Moisture can cause ceiling tiles or drywall to become weak and fall onto the floor.

Water coming from the ceiling starts there and then spreads down the walls. Many commercial water damage projects involve removing moisture from ceilings, walls, contents, and flooring. Any time moisture stays inside a building more things get ruined, and foul odors develop as time passes.

The goal when SERVPRO works on any restoration project is to get all of the moisture out of the structure most quickly and efficiently. When working with businesses measures are taken not to hinder your routines. Depending on what happened, procedures can get changed so that you maintain your standard flow of revenue or activity.

In the cases where water invades your office from a floor above any water that is found on furniture or carpeting is removed with extraction equipment, a simple mop, and bucket or maybe just cloths and sponges. Our restoration technicians may be able to complete water extraction around your employee's cubicles and desks while they keep working and maintaining ordinary business procedures. After the extraction stage, the next step is to dry out moisture that cannot necessarily be seen.

Our technicians, beyond visual inspections, use monitoring devices to determine which materials in the office got wet. Once the location of the damaged areas is determined, air- moving and dehumidification systems get placed around the affected area. Our crew can position the drying tools around work areas inside your company's office, so disruptions are kept to the minimum.

The correct placement of this equipment is vital to speedy drying. Air movers are set up so that they blow air in a counterclockwise motion hitting all of the walls at a 45-degree angle. Air movers get placed against walls pointed upwards to dry out ceiling tiles. When moisture levels are higher than usual in the wall materials, the baseboard gets removed, and holes are drilled into the wall so that air can flow into the wall cavity and dry out the studs, any present insulation, and drywall cardboard backing.

Drying out moisture damaged materials inside an office complex can be more difficult than other buildings. Calling SERVPRO of Manassas at (703)656-9028 can save your business time and money

Carpet Cleaning | Manassas

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

When you have a business that your clients walk into on a daily basis, presentation is everything and having nice clean carpets goes a long way. It doesn't matter if it's commercial or residential we can do it all.

SERVPRO of Manassas specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Do You Know How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Our local SERVPRO of Manassas is Here to Help® when your home or commercial business in the surrounding areas sustain hurricane damage. Below is some information on how to stay safe during a hurricane:

Stay Informed

Listen for emergency information and alerts
If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately

Dealing with the Weather

Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding
Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water
Avoid being in a room with multiple windows. If possible, go to a room that has no windows or a designated storm shelter room within your home.

Personal Safety

Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly
Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible
Anyone over two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your home or commercial business, our local team will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 703-656-9028.

Do's & Don't | Manassas

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

DO:

Shut off the water or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
After removing lamps and tabletop items, wipe excess water from wood furniture.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Remove any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive items to a safe, dry place.
Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and draperies off damp floors.

DON'T:

Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
Leave colored rugs/items on wet carpets or floors which mat cause staining.
Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially wet concrete floors.
Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

If you have any questions please reach out to our office at 703-656-9028.

What To Look for When Troubleshooting a Commercial Irrigation System

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

How to Troubleshoot a Commercial Irrigation System

A faulty sprinkler system can be a huge problem for your business in Manassas. If sprinklers malfunction, they might spray excessive amounts of water in the area, which could disrupt business operations or even cause structural damage to the building.
If you see a problem in your building's irrigation system, you may not know how to find the source of the damage. Here are several things to look for when troubleshooting.

1. Electrical Issues in the Irrigation System
There are many electrical parts in the system that can be damaged, such as valves, solenoids, wires, and timers.

2. Broken Pipes and Sprinkler Parts
If someone steps on a sprinkler head and damages it, the sprinkler may start to malfunction. A broken sprinkler head may be easier to fix than an electrical issue.

3. Damage From Tree Roots
One of the common causes of pipe damage is pressure from tree root systems.

4. Stress From Traffic
Extensive foot traffic in the area over an irrigation system can create stress that damages pipes and supply lines. If this is an issue, you may need to evaluate the placement of the sprinkler system and how you might change it.

5. Evidence of Water Damage
If you see that standing water has leaked into a building or commercial structure, you should be wary of potential damage to the building's structures and mold growth. Even if you cannot see any flooding, there may be serious damage nonetheless. A large sprinkler leak can cause water to seep into the basement or the building's foundation.
If you suspect that there may be water damage, it is a good idea to reach out to a professional water restoration company. A team of professionals can help you assess the damage and prevent mold growth.
Looking for these common issues may help you diagnose irrigation problems. If you are unable to ascertain the source of damage yourself, seek professional help.

Is Your Dryer Safe?

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

A dryer seems like a convenient, safe appliance that lets you forget it and go. If you don’t maintain it properly, a lint fire can happen, which can cause sever fire damage to your home.

A Surprising Amount of Lint

Depending on your family size and how often you go through clothes, it is likely that you do a lot more laundry than you realize. An average family does approximately eight to 10 loads a week. Every load means small fabric, dust and dirt particles are collecting in your dryer’s lint trap, vent and duct work. Lint is highly flammable, making it vital to maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning Out the Lint

Instead of dealing with a potential dryer fire and needing expert help in repairing the damage, good habits can go a long way. Lint traps should be cleaned after very load. Most dryers make this easy. The trap usually slides out and the lint can be lifted off. Any lint that is leftover should be removed with a brush. Every few weeks, the screen should be rinsed with water. While the screen is out, vacuum in and around its entry point. Approximately once a year, unplug the dryer and inspect the vent and hose or pipe connected to the dryer. Wipe lint off the opening and clean any leftover in the hose or pipe. A brush can bused to clean the interior of the vent. Don’t forget the exterior vent. Ensure the vent flap is still attached and working properly. Vacuum or wipe out the opening. This should be done a few times a year.

Extra Safety Tips

To further avoid a lint fire, ensure your dryer is properly installed. Additionally, avoid drying clothes stained with chemicals, gas, oil or cleaning products, and only operate the dryer while at home. In most cases, a lint fire happens because of improper cleaning and maintenance. Taking a little extra to be safe is worth it.

Leading Causes of Kitchen Fires

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

Leading Causes of Kitchen Fires

On average, 49% of fires start in the kitchen making it one of the leading causes of house fires.. It only takes a quick moment for something on your stove to catch on fire, and you have a costly disaster on your hands. Here are some safety tips to avoid expensive home repairs:

Frying With Oil

66% of kitchen fires occur while cooking with oil. Anytime you fry food using oil, it needs constant attention. Grease fires can spread fast and still have the capability to cause a fire if the residue is left on the stovetop after use. If your food catches fire while cooking, safely cover a non-glass lid onto the pan to extinguish the flames, and then turn off your stove. Do not use water; this will only cause your fire to spread.

Leaving Cooking Unattended

It is imperative not to walk away from your food while you're cooking. Neglecting your food while cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. If you are cooking, it is essential to only focus on that one task. It is not recommended to multi-task while cooking because an accident can happen in a split second.

Cooking with Too High Temperatures

Although turning your stove to its highest setting seems like a good idea when cooking, setting your appliances too high is very dangerous. It is recommended to cook at medium temperatures to prevent food from combusting. If you have a gas stove, never let the flame rise above the top of the pan. Cooking requires a lot of patience; jumping the gun and attempting to cook faster than intended can put you and your family at risk.

If your kitchen catches on fire and you can’t control it, call 911 immediately. After the fire was safely put out, you may need repairs to your kitchen, including flooring, cabinets, and countertops. Keep in mind that smoke damage can also factor in the cost of repairs as it can damage your walls and the material underneath.

Here at SERVPRO we always want to help you put your best foot forward to avoid any fire, water, or mold damage. In the event that you do experience fire, water, or mold damage, we’re here to help!

Give us a call for your quote today at 703-656-9028.

From Manassas, we take pride in serving your neighborhood! SERVPRO of Manassas is Independently Owned and Operated with employees dedicated to providing a quality customer experience!

Water in the Basement

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

A residential basement flood situation in Manassas, Va can cause serious problems for those involved if not addressed in a timely manner. Check out the following resources to better understand what to do if standing water occupies your lower floors.

1. Precautions

The most important consideration for any prudent homeowner is the safety of the occupants. Never enter a completely flooded basement area until you have disconnected the home from the power grid, especially if the electrical outlets or other appliances are still in standing water. You might also consider some form of contact protection, such as a pair of boots or waders, to prevent unnecessary exposure to contaminants from gray water.

2. Assessment

Trudging through the water will do you little good without a solid plan. Depending on the form your insurance coverage takes, you may need to make an inventory of the items affected by your basement flood. Your insurer may also require that you take active steps to prevent any ongoing damage, such as routing new sources of rainwater away from the home. The drying process for affected items should begin at this point. Your insurer may insist that certain sensitive items and procedures are handled by a qualified flood damage restoration service.

3. Prevention and Maintenance

Once you have cleared all standing water from the property and moved any water-susceptible belongings, inspect the basement area to determine why water accumulated. Is the sump pump in working order? Are there any clogged or broken pipes or drains between your basement and the sewer? Take steps to inspect and repair these items. Also, note that any drywall or flooring components that have absorbed too much water may need replacement, as these can harbor bacteria and mold.

Though a wide range of natural disasters or plumbing problems can affect any homeowner, a few preventative steps can reduce the risk of a basement flood and help to mitigate the amount of property damage.

3 Strategies for Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

Three Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your House

Your Manassas, VA home is probably one of your greatest investments. Beautifying, decorating and improving your property takes hard work, so guarding it against damage can be as important as repairing existing issues. Preventing water in your home can help you avoid a variety of troubling issues, from structural problems to mold growth and more.

1. Insulate Your Water Pipes

Wrapping your home’s water pipes can protect your property from water damage in a few ways. First, it keeps the pipes warm when the temperature drops below freezing and prevents water from freezing inside them. Frozen water tends to expand and may cause the pipe to burst, resulting in a messy pipe cleanup job. Insulating your pipes can also keep your home’s water supply flowing normally, even during a cold snap when the risk of a broken pipe is higher than usual.

2. Upgrade Your Drainage System

When it comes to finding unexpected water in the home, one of the most common trouble spots is likely to be the basement. Basement floods can be common in early spring when runoff and heavy rains cause your yard to overflow. You can prevent this issue by upgrading your drainage system. Replace old gutters and downspouts and have your roof checked to ensure it is draining properly.

3. Have Your Home Inspected by a Water Remediation Company

Contacting a flood cleanup and water remediation company to inspect your home for possible flooding risks can help keep it safe. Knowledgeable flood technicians can identify and resolve issues that may increase the risks, whether you live in an area that floods often or your home’s basement is prone to taking on water. Working with a company like this can help you defend your home against water damage all year round.

Preventing water in the home probably a high priority for you as a Manassas, VA homeowner. Taking the proper steps to reduce this risk can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your happy home.

How Can I Reopen My Motel After A Fire?

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO® to Quickly and Safely Reopen Your Business

With counties starting to reopen, every business is essential once again. Families can begin to take vacations, with many of them still staying close to home for a while yet.

It’s a Large Motel, how far can One Fire reach?

Single story motels share an overhead crawlspace. Individual units spreads quickly along with the airflow, especially smoke and soot particles as the fire burns and then cools. SERVPRO specialists can follow this same airflow to clean out the residues left as the particles settle. They can clean surfaces by hand or generate a cloud of cleaning particles that neutralize odors and render the residues inert and reduce the risk of later mold growth.

Can SERVPRO do something about the Water and other Property Damage Left by the Fire Department?

Absolutely. We have specialists trained specifically on water and debris removal. They carefully demolish the unrepairable property for disposal and then use extractors to draw water off the carpets and floors. Finally, they apply special cleaning agents with shampoo machines to remove any remaining residues.

For any amount of fire damage to your business, contact SERVPRO of Manassas at 703-656-9028. We are here for you.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (703) 656-9028

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