Archived Commercial Blog Posts
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
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.
Contact us at 703-656-9028!
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.
How Can I Remove Water Quickly from Restaurant Kitchens?
2/14/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® Can Help with Fast Extraction and Drying for Westerly Businesses.
When a pipe bursts or some other clean water emergency occurs in your restaurant that leaves your staff contending with several inches or more of standing water, you do not have time to lose. Water has likely already begun migrating to dining areas and other rooms of your restaurant, so containment and mitigation are vital services that business owners look to our SERVPRO of Manassas team to provide.
With the tile flooring in your kitchen area, we can often utilize our squeegee wands on extractors to begin water cleanup in your restaurant. Many of the surfaces in the kitchen area have low-permeance, making it faster to remove standing water and reduce migration into more challenging drying areas like the dining space with carpeting and wood fixtures.
What is necessary for effective containment of water damage?
- Air movers
- Plastic sheeting containment barriers
- Air scrubbers
- Extractors
- Dehumidifiers
It is our business to get you back in business – give our SERVPRO of Manassas team a call today at (703)656-9028.
How Do I Deal with Commercial Fire and Smoke Damage?
1/24/2024 (Permalink)
I have a fire in my retail building and need help restoring it to normal. Who can help me remove the ash, water from firefighting efforts, smoke stains, and odors?
Hiring SERVPRO® is the solution after a fire has ruined your place of business. We are well-equipped to perform commercial fire and smoke damage repairs. Our restoration process includes the steps below:
- Assessment and emergency repairs
- Ventilation and salvaging of contents
- Extraction of water
- Removal of soot and cleaning
- Deodorization
- Reconstruction
Assessing the Damage and Performing Emergency Repairs
Upon arrival, our technicians evaluate the damage and perform the necessary emergency repairs to maintain the integrity of the building. These repairs may include patching holes in the roof with roof tarps and boarding up windows or openings.
Ventilation and Salvaging
To get rid of dust and harmful soot, our SERVPRO® technicians can ventilate the building. We can remove severely-damaged items for disposal and the salvageable ones for cleaning and restoration.
Extraction of Water
Fire damage invites water damage from hoses and sprinklers used to fight the fire. We can remove all the water and dry the building on a case-by-case basis to prevent the loss of tenants.
Removal of Soot and Cleaning
Soot is acidic, which gives it the ability to cause further damage if not removed immediately. Our technicians clean and remove soot from walls, ceilings, upholstery, air ducts, and the HVAC system.
Deodorization
Soot and smoke leave an unwanted foul smell in the building. Our SERVPRO® technicians can use water-based wet mist deodorizers to deodorize the structure. We apply the deodorizers using a ULV mister. This device produces a fine mist that penetrates cracks and crevices where smoke odors are present.
Reconstruction
Our SERVPRO® technicians can rebuild the damaged sections on the interior and the exterior of the building to restore it to its preloss condition.
SERVPRO of Manassas takes pride in assisting commercial property owners to get back in business after fire and smoke damage. Contact us for help at (703)656-9028.
Let Us Know How We Are Doing?!
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
Provide your feedback and let us know!
Here at SERVPRO of Manassas we strive to provide the highest quality and most efficient services to our customers no matter the size. No matter what your expectations are our SERVPRO team will strive to exceed them. Providing our customers with a positive experience after a disaster and getting your business back to normal is our top priority!
As a large team we understand you want to know how great our employees are before choosing to use our services. If you have been serviced by SERVPRO of Manassas but haven't left a review yet there is still time! We would love for you to share your SERVPRO experience with our past, present and future customers.
Click here to share your experience.
Moisture in Commercial Buildings
3/15/2023 (Permalink)
Moisture problems in commercial settings can be caused by a variety of conditions, including increased humidity, condensation, and roof and plumbing leaks. High humidity at 60% and above is the leading cause of commercial moisture problems. Some moisture problems in buildings have been caused by changes in building construction practices during the past twenty to thirty years. These changes have resulted in more tightly sealed buildings that may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture issues are also associated with delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance, due to budget and other constraints. Temporary structures, such as trailers and portable classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and mold problems.
If you suspect any moisture issues in your facility, contact your local SERVPRO of Manassas. We have handle commercial and residential facilities and can service you quickly and efficiently. "Like it never even happened."
Sewer Line Issue
2/28/2023 (Permalink)
While a blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties, legitimate concerns over sewer line functionally may be few and far between. However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage.
Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.
- Odors
While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.
- Clogged Drains
A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.
- Indentations in Landscaping
Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots on the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.
- Deformations in Landscaping
In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist in the area to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.
You should be aware of the warning signs of such a problem so that you can resolve the issue as early as possible.
Commercial Building Water Damage
2/28/2023 (Permalink)
Due to the wide variety of issues that can stem from water damage, it is one of the most difficult challenges a property owner can face. Depending on the severity, water damage can compromise structural integrity and damage belongings. When left unresolved or if not taken care of properly, water can result in the growth of mold.
What is water damage?
Water damage is the type of damage that occurs on a structure and to personal property due to excessive moisture and collected water. Most often water damage will occur where water can collect without notice. For example, they will occur in the lowest depths of one's property such as crawl spaces and the basement.
Here are some examples of the equipment used for water damage repair services:
- Air Movers: Help dry water-damaged flooring and surfaces by forcing moisture to evaporate more quickly
- Dehumidifiers: Help by maintaining the humidity of the room, a dehumidifier is a catalyst for drying an area that has excessive moisture
- Air Scrubbers: Filter out any particles in your indoor air which may include airborne contaminants including the smell of musk and smoke
- Moisture Meters: Gauges the severity of water damage on a surface or an area by assessing the moisture preset
SERVPRO of Manassas, we have state of the art equipment to ensure that your property is taken care of properly. By reducing the time it takes to dry your property, you'll be saving time and money. Call our SERVPRO Team today at (703)656-9028.
How Do Hygienists Check for Mold?
1/16/2023 (Permalink)
Hiring an environmental hygienist to perform a mold test is the most accurate method for determining whether mold is growing in a residence. Learn about the sampling techniques professionals use and how test results can increase the effectiveness of mold cleaning.
Obtaining Samples
An environmental hygienist will take samples to send to a lab for analysis. Depending on the situation, a hygienist may obtain different types of samples:
- Air
- Bulk (contents or materials)
- Spores
Any of these methods can yield conclusive results about the type of mold present in a house. Air testing may include analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds and spores. Bulk testing may focus primarily on the presence of spores. All of these methods allow for targeted mold remediation measures.
Analyzing Samples
There are several methods of lab analysis that a hygienist or mold specialist may recommend. The amount of detail and speed of these methods vary:
- Microscopy
- Culturing
- A combination of these methods
Microscopy involves visual analysis and can provide results in as little as two days. Culturing is a slower process that involves growing mold spores in a Petri dish. This process can provide more detailed results, such as the subspecies of mold, but is slower and more expensive.
Reporting Findings
A hygienist can provide test results and recommendations for mold cleaning. A homeowner may want to work with a full-service restoration company to ensure that mold remediation proceeds as efficiently as possible. Depending on the species of mold and the extent of an infestation, different cleaning or quarantining methods may be recommended.
These are the three major stages of checking for mold. An environmental hygienist can recommend the best mold cleaning methods for a particular species of fungi or type of infestation. If a homeowner is concerned about mold damage at a residence in Manassas, VA he or she should hire a certified hygienist.
Our team is ready to handle your storm damage
5/5/2022 (Permalink)
Storm season is approaching and our teams have stayed active in serving our communities following the aftermath of heavy winds, rain, and hail.
While the meteorologists can predict what will be the cause of storms, it’s hard to determine what the effects will look like once the winds have settled, the sirens go silent, and all that’s left is the debris and damage.
At SERVPRO of Manassas, we’ve witnessed firsthand the magnitude of damage these storms have caused. They wreak havoc on homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and whatever structure stands in their way.
Though we have absolutely no control over when, where, or what will be affected, we stand firm in the fact that we are “Ready for whatever happens” whenever it happens.
Our Disaster Response Team is complete with experienced project managers that travel at a moment’s notice to site locations of large-scale storm events, making us “Faster to any size disaster.” Backed by one of the largest Emergency Response Teams in the country, we are uniquely equipped and positioned to take on even the largest restoration project; whether in Central Alabama or beyond. Our fleet of cars, trucks, vans, are fully stocked with the resources needed to respond to disasters of any scale, anywhere.
Whatever this storm season looks like, it is no match for the force that is our Disaster Recovery Team.
Commercial Cleaning for businesses
3/11/2022 (Permalink)
One Chance to Make a Great First Impression
We had clients coming into town who had never visited our offices before. Although our furniture, floors, and carpets were only a couple of years old, they looked kind of dull and no longer smelled fresh and clean.
Our building manager referred us to SERVPRO of Manassas. They sent out a team that cleaned our offices from top to bottom. They cleaned the light fixtures, millwork, blinds, drapes, upholstery, carpets, floor mats, floors, bathrooms, and breakroom. By the time they completed the work, our offices looked sparkling clean and smelled wonderful.
Commercial Cleaning Services
- Carpet and Upholstery
- Drapes and Blinds
- Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
- Odor Removal and Deodorization
- Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Vandalism
- Biohazard and Sewage
- Trauma and Crime Scene
We have extensive experience cleaning all kinds of business settings and buildings:
- Small Office Buildings
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- High-Rise Residential
- Manufacturing and Industrial
- Government/Military
Local businesses can rely on SERVPRO of Manassas to clean and renew tired and dingy-looking offices and workspaces.
What is A Commercial UV Light Sanitizer System?
2/18/2022 (Permalink)
Many commercial properties have recently started using commercial UV light sanitizer systems.
During the coronavirus pandemic, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection has received a lot of coverage. The essential advantage is its ability to destroy pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
UV (ultraviolet) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It is more energetic than radio waves or electrical light but less vigorous than X-rays or gamma rays. UV light may be emitted by either natural sunlight or human-made sources such as tanning beds.
The most efficient UV light for destroying COVID-19 is to use germicidal UVC light, also known as Ultraviolet Germicidal Radiation (UVGI) technology. While ultraviolet light has newly gained momentum in the national discourse as a result of the pandemic, it's been used in hospitals and water systems for years to kill viruses, bacteria, fungus, spores, as well as other pathogenic microorganisms.
While it's the direct impact on Coronavirus is still being verified, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says UVC light disinfection has been shown to destroy other types of coronaviruses.
Is a commercial UV light sanitizer worth the investment?
As with any new product, people have many questions about how UV light sanitizers work and whether they are safe before installing them on their property. So we conducted some research to assist you in determining if a commercial UV light sanitizer is worth investing in.
As mentioned, ultraviolet disinfection is the process of killing or destroying harmful microorganisms in a controlled setting. Bacteria and viruses, as well as algae and protozoa, are examples of microorganisms. UV disinfection is used in water and air purification, waste treatment, foodservice protection, and a variety of other disinfection, including sterilization requirements.
Property owners have recently installed commercial UV light sanitation equipment due to its environmentally sustainable operation, rapid action, simple installation, minimal maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.
There are understandable concerns about the efficacy of any new technology, but evidence shows that commercial UV light sanitizers successfully destroy 99 percent of germs in most situations.
When it comes to efficiency, it is critical to choose high-quality items. Any product you install should be checked and engineered to function for beneficial purposes in your commercial property.
4 Key points on UV light sanitation
1) UV light has been used to destroy germs such as bacteria and viruses. You also may have heard of its use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, the latest Coronavirus.
2) UV light comes in a variety of forms. UVC light is the most potent form of UV light for destroying germs. It can be used to clean surfaces, the air, and liquids.
3) UVC light destroys germs such as viruses and bacteria by causing damage to molecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. As a result, the germ is unable to carry out the processes required for survival.
4) UVC light is an appealing disinfection choice because it can efficiently inhibit the new Coronavirus without chemicals.
What does the CDC say about UV light sanitation?
The latest research supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports and improves on previous research supporting the usefulness of an automated UV-C-emitting system to fight pathogens.
The CDC's suggestion for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) stance on airborne contagious diseases.
ASHRAE recommends two types of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation techniques: installation in air handlers or ventilating ducts and irradiation of occupied spaces' upper air zones with shielding of lower occupied areas. These methods sanitize the air in a room while protecting inhabitants from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Where Can UV Light Sanitation Be Used?
UV light sanitation has multiple uses. It is most commonly used in:
- Air Disinfection
- Water Disinfection
- Wastewater Treatment
- Aquarium And Pond
- Laboratory Hygiene
- Food And Beverage Protection
- Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
- Water Treatment Systems
SERVPRO Provides Commercial Pathogen Cleaning
We hope you enjoyed learning about commercial UV light sanitation. We have provided this information to you to help keep our community safe. Whether or not you choose to install a commercial UV light sanitizer, you should consider hiring a team of properly trained professionals that offers pathogen cleaning for regular maintenance on your property.
As opposed to the traditional house or business cleaning, pathogen cleanup is a service that necessitates industry experience, specialized equipment, and the required certifications.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Manassas have the experience and skills to sanitize your commercial property quickly so you can get back to functioning order.
Is your business prepared for winter weather?
2/9/2022 (Permalink)
Prepare your business for winter weather!
-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rai, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
-Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
-Ask your SERVPRO of Manassas Professional about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.
What is an Emergency Ready Profile?
It is a "snapshot" of each building owned/managed by a business, that provides critical information for emergency preparation.
Cleaning tips
1/26/2022 (Permalink)
Spring & Summer time has become a great time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects. Although spring cleaning is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for commercial places as well. The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and bacteria & messes start to grow. A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers. Here is a list of some important areas to inspect during your deep cleaning cleaning:
OUTSIDE
Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to keep clean. Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals. Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.
This is very important for the presentation of your business. Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape. Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes. Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business.
When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system. Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing. Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside. Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts. It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period.
Along with the re-birthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests. Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem. It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems each year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.
INSIDE
Simple and effective. Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas.
As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up. Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.
Reorganizing comes in two parts. The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access. Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed. The second is the reorganization of the office itself. Ideally, this is a continuing process year round. If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up and breathe some fresh air into the workplace. Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of cleaning takes priority. If you need extra help or an even deeper clean call SERVPRO of Manassas to help!
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