Is Your Columbus Commercial Building Ready For Winter?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

As the colder months approach around Ohio, commercial property owners and managers should prepare for the challenges that winter brings. Proper winterization is essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and functional property during the frosty season.

1. Conduct a Winter Maintenance Check:

Before the winter weather sets in, schedule a thorough inspection of the property. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for blockages, and the windows and doors for proper sealing. Addressing any maintenance issues early can prevent costly damage and energy inefficiencies during the winter.

2. HVAC System Maintenance:

A well-maintained HVAC system is crucial for keeping the property warm and comfortable during winter. Have a technician inspect and clean the heating system, change air filters, and ensure that all components are functioning optimally.

3. Protect Pipes from Freezing:

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs. Insulate exposed pipes and consider installing heating cables in areas prone to freezing. Encourage tenants to keep the property heated, even during periods of vacancy, to prevent pipe-related disasters.

4. Snow and Ice Removal Plan:

Create a comprehensive snow and ice removal plan in collaboration with a reputable snow removal contractor. This plan should include designated snow removal areas, priorities for clearing different parts of the property, and an emergency response plan for severe weather events.

5. Stock Up on Winter Supplies:

Ensure an ample supply of winter essentials, such as salt, sand, snow shovels, and ice melt. These supplies are essential for maintaining safe walkways and parking lots, reducing slip and fall risks for tenants and visitors.

6. Landscape and Tree Maintenance:

Trim tree branches that could potentially break under the weight of snow and ice, posing a hazard to the property and its occupants. Additionally, remove any dead or weak trees that could fall during winter storms.

7. Check Exterior Lighting:

With shorter daylight hours in winter, proper exterior lighting is crucial for ensuring safety and security on the property. Inspect and replace any burnt-out bulbs or damaged fixtures to maintain a well-lit environment.

8. Communicate with Tenants:

Open lines of communication with tenants and inform them of your winter preparation plans. Encourage them to report any maintenance issues promptly and provide them with guidance on winter safety measures.

9. Plan for Power Outages:

Prepare for potential power outages by having a contingency plan in place. Consider investing in backup generators to keep essential systems, such as emergency lighting and security, operational during power disruptions.

10. Review Insurance Coverage:

Review your property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects against winter-related risks, such as snow damage, burst pipes, and slip and fall incidents. Make any necessary adjustments to your policy to avoid potential financial losses.

Winterizing commercial properties is a proactive approach to safeguarding investments, maintaining tenant satisfaction, and ensuring smooth operations during the colder months. By conducting proper maintenance checks, preparing for snow and ice removal, and focusing on tenant safety, commercial property owners and managers can navigate winter with confidence. Remember, early preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful and hassle-free winter season for your commercial property.

The Aftermath Of A Commercial Fire

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call SERVPRO, the fire remediation experts.

When a fire strikes on your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Columbus commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a commercial fire successfully, follow the tips below:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.
Once the fire department has put out all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.

2. Assemble Your Records.
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business' essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.

3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately.
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.

4. Get Permission To Re-enter The Building.
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can re-enter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that re-entry is safe for you and your tenants.

If you experience a fire at your commercial property, call our experts at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus today at                  (614) 261-6666!

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

Mold In Columbus Commercial Buildings

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians discovered mold growing on this wall once the drywall was removed.

Just like in your home, you also need to be concerned with mold in commercial buildings. Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as there is moisture and oxygen present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold starts to grow, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores, but you can control mold growth by controlling the moisture indoors.

In commercial buildings, moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters directing water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance

As mentioned before, the key to mold control is moisture control. Follow these mold prevention tips:

• Fix any leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.
• Look out for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing the surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air.
• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, properly flowing and unobstructed.
• Maintain a low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, 30-50% is ideal.
• Have your building and HVAC inspected and maintenance regularly.
• Clean up and dry out wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Never let foundations stay wet.

Call our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team for all of your mold remediation needs!

Keeping Your Store Clean For Customers

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team helps you stand up against harmful bacteria!

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right? By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help! It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Why Call Our SERVPRO Team For Commercial Damage?

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team can handle any size disaster!

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus, we can help if your business or commercial property floods. You may be wondering why you would need us. Sometimes the damage of water is not as simple and just cleaning up the water.

Though the water seepage will stop once the source of water has been identified and plugged, but the problem does not end there. It is essential to determine the appropriate water extraction method, which may range from the use of a wet-dry vac unit to more heavy duty equipment like submersible pumps. Once this has been completed, the process of drying and dehumidification should start. Often times, affected surfaces and areas look dry once the water has been extracted and removed, but there remains hidden water and moisture.  This would call for the use of drying and dehumidifying equipment. As such, carpets, walls, and flooring require removal, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting.

Call our SERVPRO Team 24/7/365!

The Danger of Electrical Fires

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in a local grocery store was caused by this electrical panel

Like residential homes, commercial buildings are at risk of an electrical fires and you should take precaution to prevent these hazards. Electrical equipment, plugs and wiring can all causes a fire. Older buildings can have outdated wiring which poses additional risks. If you are in doubt, call a professional electrician.

Here are a few precautions you can make to minimize your risk of an electrical fire:

1. Outlet & power cords – Make sure outlets are updated and in good working condition. Outlet should not be warm to the touch or make cracking sounds and should fit snugly. Have a professional repair them if you experience any issues.
2. Cords & Wiring – Do not use a damaged cord. If your cords are frayed, pinched or pierced, throw them out. Damaged, worn, cracked or corroded electrical wires can increase the chance of an electrical fires.

The National Fire Protection Agency suggest calling a qualified electrician if you experience:

1. Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
2. Discolored or warm wall outlets
3. Flickering or dimming lights
4. Sparks from an outlet

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus if you do experience an electrical fire in your business at- 614-261-6666.

Restoring Your Columbus Building

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts.

Restoring an office building after a flooding event has a lot of moving parts. Even when professional restorers of our team can get on the scene very quickly, many things must happen to make the space usable again. Such was the case with this specific office in Columbus that our professionals worked to restore back to its original condition.

Several steps play into flood damage restoration for this Columbus office building. As always, this process began with an overall assessment of the damage and the appropriate tools and personnel required to restore it. Once this was established, work could begin.

In the image, you can see that the flooring had to get removed by our SERVPRO technicians. This was partly because the damage was irreparable to the flooring material, and also partly an easier access point for our professionals to work to dry out the dampness in the sub-flooring and lower levels.

You can also see what is known as flood cuts throughout the office space. This process serves to remove overly saturated drywall from the affected areas but has a dual purpose to allow concentrated drying efforts to happen within the now open wall cavities. These cuts were made at two feet from the floors up the wall, but this size varies from project to project based on the affected surfaces and what amount of the drywall requires removal.

Mitigation is an important aspect of flood restoration. The better our SERVPRO technicians can stop damages from getting worse, the shorter these projects take overall and the lesser their estimated costs for your business or property. It is part of our pledge to be Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming flooding in your office building can seem overwhelming at first, even amid the restoration work. However, with the right professional restoration team, you can have a fully restored office space as quickly as possible. Trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus flood restoration specialists and give SERVPRO a call today at (614) 261-6666.

Getting Your Building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Our continued commitment to a higher standard of clean!

As we all move forward in the battle against COVID-19, inspiring safety and confidence in our communities remains the number one concern. That’s why at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County, we remain dedicated to bringing a higher standard of clean to businesses across the country through Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is our specialized viral pathogen-cleaning program that prevents the spread of COVID-19. Going far beyond standard janitorial cleaning, Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has helped tens of thousands of businesses nationwide keep their doors open safely in the face of this pandemic. And with more than 50 years of experience and expertise in biohazard decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

How does it work? Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is grounded in our unique 3 Cs:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, which is why we’ll start by learning about the unique needs of each space.
  
  
• Clean: Based on the specific needs of the business, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-approved, hospital-grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to CDC standards.
  
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Getting You Back To Business

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team had to use commercial grade desiccants for this water loss.

There are many reasons why a commercial business needs to quickly return to its normal daily operations after a water or fire disaster. The reason that is the most prevalent on the minds of the company's stakeholders is simple: profitability.  The longer a business remains idle due to an unexpected loss, the faster that losses from lost opportunity will mount. It is critical to respond quickly. 

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after fire or water damage means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to what your business and building does best.

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is a large-loss team that routinely mitigates water and fire damage losses in office complexes, medical buildings, high rise buildings, university buildings, large hotels and other commercial structures throughout the Columbus area. Whether you are in need of board-up services, commercial drying, or the mitigation of massive amounts of water from a factory floor, we have the knowledge, equipment and proven expertise to deliver fast, proven results for our commercial customers. 

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus for your all of your unexpected commercial restoration needs. Our highly trained professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your next unexpected disaster. We are always Here To Help!

Preventing Mold Growth In Your Commercial Building

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover visible mold in your commercial building, give our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team a call.

High humidity is a breeding ground for mold. The fungus feeds off moisture and can spread quickly. This often results in costly and complex black mold cleanup.

Those who manage commercial property in humid climates thus have to take additional steps to limit mold damage. Below are some tips for preventing the growth of mold in your Columbus commercial building.

Keep Water Out

If there is any kind of flood or water leak on the premises, dry or remove the wet items immediately. You should quickly address any standing water within the property, as well.

Similarly, you should take steps to prevent water from entering the property from the outside. That means cleaning the gutters regularly and fixing any cracks in the walls or roof.

Utilize an Air Conditioner

If your property is in a location with high humidity, it likely includes an air conditioning unit. You should set it to approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Also, be sure to have the unit inspected regularly to ensure it is working properly. This will prevent the need for mold cleanup in the future.

Use Dehumidifiers

The dehumidifier is a great way to lower the amount of moisture in the air. Ideally, the humidity level should be no higher than 50 percent.

Increase Ventilation

Mold reproduces quickly in stale air. While an office building can get stuffy in a hurry, there are ways to improve the ventilation. Try opening some desk drawers or closet doors. You should also limit any clutter and keep furniture away from the walls.

Limit Condensation

Condensation is another common cause of mold growth in places with high humidity. You should thus install appropriate insulation in areas prone to this type of moisture.

Even if you follow the above steps, you could still encounter mold on your property. Mold remediation specialists can help fix the problem. They can also clean up any water damage and take steps to prevent the fungus from coming.

Don't Wait! Call Us Right Away To Prevent Secondary Damages

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle water damage issues. Call our SERVPRO Team!

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in commercial properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can re-purpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus team today!

Check Your Fire Sprinkler System

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience damage due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head, call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus

Fires can happen without warning and can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage from fires totaled in about $12 million in 2012. Luckily we have fire sprinklers that are considered one of the most effective fire suppression systems available. When a building sprinkler system is activated by a fire, they are effective 96% of the time according to the NFPA. That's why it is very important for these systems to be in good condition and maintained regularly.

• Be sure to inspect all control valves to ensure that they are open, accessible, properly locked, and free from any leaks. Examine water and air pressure gauges to make sure they are showing normal ranges in good condition.
• Inspect the condition of sprinkler heads for paint, dust, or obstructions.
• Make sure there is an adequate clearance of at least 18 inches from the height of storage to the sprinkler head. This prevents anything from accidentally knocking into it.
• Have at least 6 spare heads that correspond to the type and temperature rate of the heads in use.
• Inspect all fire department connections to verify caps are in place and that no damage is present.
• Check low points on dry sprinkler systems to remove water to prevent freezing.
• Maintain adequate heat within a dry sprinkler control valve room to prevent freezing.
• Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler immediately.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned; A Higher Standard of Clean

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Please contact our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus office at 614-261-6666 to have your building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Does Your Building Have The Flu? SERVPRO Can Help!

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call our office today to have your building cleaned!

About Influenza (Flu)

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year. Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory sickness causing mild to severe symptoms. Those with the flu can spread it to others without direct contact. The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Flu

Our SERVPRO team is here for you! We can treat your buildings for Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and many other harmful viruses. Our team uses a powerful, EPA botanical disinfectant that dries with no residue and is safe for use in the most delicate of applications like nursing homes and schools. Our staff would treat your building with a fogging process then go over heavy touched areas by hand.

Call our SERVPRO office today for more information!

Preparing Your Business For Winter

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus if you experience winter damage in your commercial building.

As winter approaches, it is smart to start thinking about how to prepare your property for winter to minimize the potential for damage. Follow these tips below:

Building's Exterior

• Inspect and repair the roof. To prevent roof leaks, seal around vents and other protrusions.
• Remove all obstructions from gutters and downspouts, make sure they are properly secured.
• Drain and winterize exterior water lines to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Clear debris from drains and ensure that water is draining away from your property.
• Inspect trees and remove unsafe branches near the building and walkway.

Building's Interior

• Inspect furnaces and check the filter.
• Prohibit or minimize the use of space heaters. Assure a safe location when operating.
• Inspect wood burning stoves and chimneys for safety use.
• Protect interior pipes from freezing.
• Leave faucets dripping during intense cold.
• Test all smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fire Protection Systems

• Protect all sprinkler pipes from freezing if they are exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees.
• Have antifreeze systems tested annually for adequate concentration.
• Ensure that the heat in the rise room is kept at least 40 degrees minimum.
• Ensure that the sprinkler system is routinely serviced and operational.
• Fire pump rooms must be kept at 40 degrees minimum.
• Have your generator ready for use.

Levels Of Commercial Damage

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is ready for any size disaster.

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus are the leaders in the cleaning and restoration industry, especially when it comes to commercial buildings.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is considered a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger building.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The involved building or buildings are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a section of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of the loss, the property is further assessed, and our dedicated team is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Returning your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Duct Cleaning

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

What's lurking in your air ducts?

Commercial property managers and facility managers have a lot on their plate, keeping their properties clean and orderly. The one task that should be top of mind is duct cleaning, especially if you notice buildup or tenants complaining about respiratory irritation. Typically, you should have your building's ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Like a residential home, routine maintenance cleaning of your duct system will improve the air quality. Duct cleaning will also assist in the efficiency of your system and potentially prolong the life of the system itself. 

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus we offer commercial duct cleaning. Our team of dedicated and trained individuals focus on quality and customer relationships when handling your commercial property. 

If you're in need of duct cleaning for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus to schedule your commercial duct cleaning.

Causes Of Water Damage In Commercial Buildings

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

A flood in this commercial building was caused by a toilet overflow.

Flooding in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to access the problem. What starts out as a small water leak can instantly turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. If your commercial property isn’t in pristine condition, there is a higher chance of water damage occurring. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage in a commercial building:

1. Broken Pipes. It is very common for broken or cracked pipes to occur in commercial buildings, especially as they age. When a pipe bursts, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the whole building. A busted pipe can cause damage to the walls, ceilings, flooring, and any other contents you have filling that space.
2. Malfunctioning Sprinklers. It is a law that all commercial properties by equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. It works in conjunction with the fire alarm, and is activated when the fire alarm goes off. This causes water damage in two ways. First, if there is a fire in the building, the smoke will set off the fire alarms, activating the sprinklers causing water damage. And second, if the sprinkler system malfunctions and activates on its own, causing the water to cover the entire building.
3. Backed Up Sewer Lines. Bathrooms are another common source of possible problems. Sewer lines can get backed up, releasing water into the building. This type of water damage is extremely dangerous because the water is filled hazardous waste and other contaminants.
4. Damaged Appliances. Almost every office building has a kitchen or break room. Typically these rooms have a refrigerator or a dishwasher and when these appliances malfunction they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding entire room or more.

Causes Of Fire Damage In Commercial Buildings

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus if you experience fire damage at your commercial property.

Fires in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to access the problem. What starts out as a small fire can instantly turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. Commercial fires are more common than you think; by taking proper precautions you can help prevent damage to your property.

1. Cooking Equipment. Restaurants come first to mind when you think of buildings with cooking equipment. In commercial kitchens there are high cooking temperatures, flammable oils and grease, and an overall hectic nature.

• 65% of fires are in healthcare facilities
• 61% in restaurants
• 38% in educational facilities
• 29% in office buildings
• 13% in stores and mercantile properties

2. Heating Equipment. Depending on the climate your property is in, commercial buildings require heat to stay comfortable for several months out of the year. Furnaces, boilers, radiators, and other mechanical equipment can overheat leading to a fire.

• 14% of fires in industrial or manufacturing buildings
• 11% in office buildings
• 9% in restaurants
• 5% in healthcare facilities

3. Electrical And Lighting Equipment. Most buildings have electrical wiring behind the wall for light and power. Electricity is a fire risk. A fire can ignite due to old or defective wiring, overloaded circuits, loose connections, faulty fuses, imbalanced electrical loads, and many other electrical or lightning problems.

• 12% of fires in office buildings
• 10% in stores and mercantile properties
• 9% in restaurants
• 5% in healthcare buildings

4. Smoking Materials. If disposed of improperly, lighted cigarettes, cigars and other smoking materials can start a fire. A cigarette burning on the ground can easily catch the mulch on fire, and then slowly catching the building on fire.

• 9% of fires in office buildings
• 7% in restaurants
• 5% in healthcare facilities

Emergency Ready Profile On Your Building

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Our team can help get your Emergency Ready Profile started to protect your building.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. The Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today!

Restoring Your Dublin Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Dublin 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.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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.

About SERVPRO of NW Columbus

SERVPRO of NW Columbus 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 SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.