What, Exactly, Is a Flood Cut?

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

One of the most common procedures performed after severe flooding is a flood cut.

The Aftermath Of a Flood

If you want to give your business the best possible care in the aftermath of a flood, you need to know exactly what your flood restoration company has in store for your building. One of the most common procedures performed after severe flooding is a flood cut, a service performed by professional restoration companies in Indiana, PA, to mitigate damage and restore materials that have already been damaged by the flood waters. There are a few noteworthy things to know about this process:

• It’s done to preserve your business’s remaining drywall.
• It cuts off an additional length of drywall to prevent contamination.
• It’s not always necessary; that depends on the type of flood water.
  
  

The Cutting Line

While this process is done to preserve the majority of your drywall, it’s typically not just the damaged materials that are removed during a flood cut. Instead, the restoration crew will begin cutting between 12 and 18 inches above where the water damage ends. This is done so that moisture issues behind the wall can be addressed as well, reducing the likelihood for mold growth and other problems in the future.

Preventing Contamination

Typically, you only need to worry about a tear-out if your flood water is ranked as “black water.” During this type of flooding, the water can be contaminated with bacteria, sewage or other harmful waste, which pose health threats to you and your employees. When dealing with this type of water, it’s always best to perform a flood cut to completely remove the affected walls in order to reduce the likelihood of contamination to the rest of your building.

Dealing with flooding in Indiana, PA, is never fun or convenient. However, by knowing what your building is in for, you can better prepare your business and your employees for emergency situations and restoration work in the years to come.

Tips To Make Filing an Insurance Claim Easier

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our team of restoration professionals will respond immediately when you need us most.

Making an Insurance Claim Less Difficult

Filing a commercial insurance claim can seem like an intimidating process, especially if you haven't been down this road before. By following a few important steps, though, you are likely to find the experience not all that difficult. The end result is that the process will be efficient with fewer frustrations and your company in South Bend, PA, will get the payment it deserves in a timely manner. This is especially important when you are dealing with the impacts of a water, fire, or storm emergency. The first step is to use a SERVPRO franchise in your area, as this leader in restoration services, located in nearly 2,000 communities in the U.S. and Canada, is a preferred vendor for many insurance companies. 

Working With Insurance Professionals
You will probably be pleased to find that those who work in the insurance field are looking to provide you with the best service possible. Your insurance agent wants to keep your business, and that means following through on the benefits you have earned by paying insurance premiums. To make the process run smoothly, keep these best practices in mind:

• Provide honest and timely information
  
• Work with a commercial damage restoration franchise 
  
• Follow an established claims inventory service
  
• Partner with established professionals
  
• Work with a team that has certification standards
  
  

Filing the Insurance Claim
The paperwork for a claim will be less burdensome for your company when working with a restoration company that plays a close role in all insurance matters. You will not need to reinvent the wheel and take a lead role in the process. You can expect vendor qualification compliance and professionalism from beginning to end. Not only will your facility be restored to its original condition after a disaster, but you will also reap the financial benefits of working with professionals. Filing a complete and accurate insurance claim helps keep your company strong during challenging conditions.

5 Myths About Polybutylene Plumbing

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Most polybutylene systems won't fail for years.

Polybutylene Plumbing: 5 Myths

If you are running your business out of an older building, chances are the plumbing is using some materials of questionable integrity. Here are some myths about one particular material that may convince you it is time for new plumbing.

1. Only Pipes With Plastic Fittings Experience Problems

This is not true. Your system may have metal fittings, but that doesn’t mean it won't fail. This is because systems with metal fittings still contain polybutylene pipes and plastic valves, which can fail. However, systems with plastic fittings have more components that can break and have a greater failure rate. Basically, it is a classic bad versus worse scenario.

2. Replacing Them Is Expensive

Replacing older pipes costs roughly the same as putting in new carpet or redoing the roof. To put this cost into perspective, it is usually cheaper than replacing all of your windows or waterproofing the basement. However, this is contingent on you using a re-piping specialist. While it can be an unexpected cost associated with a business, it can prevent you from needing water restoration professionals.

3. Everything Is Covered Due to the Class-Action Settlement Fund

The class-action settlement was very generous. However, it doesn't cover everything. There are serious limitations on free pipe replacements in Homer City, PA.

4. Problems Occur Due to Poor Installation

While installation problems can occur with polybutylene pipes, this is not the main problem. More common factors include degraded fittings, water quality issues, chlorine levels, and age. One or more of these factors can contribute to a failure over time. In other words, even those that were installed perfectly are still susceptible to failure.

5. These Pipes Have Lasted 10 Years, so They Are Still Good

This is not true. Most polybutylene systems won't fail for years. In fact, it usually takes about 10 years for leaks to develop.
Like many business owners, you probably want to avoid water damage in your building. If this is the case, you should consider these common myths about older pipes and whether you should replace yours.

Business Owners Should Expect Experts To Do These 3 Things During Mold Remediation

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Indiana, PA.

Mold Remediation Process

One of the major concerns about water damage is moisture's ability to trigger black mold growth. Business owners may go from dealing with a broken pipe or toilet overflow to being told that fungus has infested the space. When this happens, proprietors should prepare for several stages of cleanup. To minimize the spread and restore the building, owners should expect to see the following three things.

1. Block Off the Contaminated Space
A water remediation company in Indiana, PA, must start mold cleanup by cutting off the microbes' ability to migrate. After a thorough inspection, the experts determine what is harmed. They cut off the area from foot traffic and set up negative air chambers to stop airflow. It's best not to enter the space, allowing only the professionals to enter and leave. They wear protective gear to limit exposure levels.

2. Remove Moisture Promptly
Black mold feeds on water, so specialists perform a meticulous inspection to see how much dampness is present. With the supply stopped, the reproduction begins to slow down too. Moisture reading tools inform specialists about troublesome spots, guiding the team as to where to start extraction and drying procedures.
Carpet and drywall are concerning since they are porous substances that cannot be treated with chemicals. Tear out these items to reduce wetness and spore count. Flood cuts are made, usually a few feet above the waterline, to ensure proper cleanup. Industrial dehumidifiers run around the clock. These devices extract moisture from the air and materials, quickening the drying time.

3. Sanitize What Is Left
Once aired out, the mold remediation crew washes the rest of the interior and applies an antimicrobial spray. These work effectively on non-porous substances, killing lingering microbes. Content cleaning crews use high-tech equipment to tend to electronics and valuable documents.
Water damage may easily lead to black mold, so it's imperative to act immediately. Secure the impacted areas, and focus on getting these locations dry. With the help of professionals, owners can hinder mold development and restore the property.

First Aid Kit Requirements for the Workplace

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

A first aid kit is a critical part of a safe working environment.

First Aid Kit

Most would agree on the importance of being prepared for emergencies. In the event that first aid is needed, a well-stocked kit is a must. Many people may not realize that OSHA actually requires that all workplaces have a first aid kit on site, and larger spaces are mandated to have multiple ones available. If you own a commercial building in Willet, PA, read on for information on the supplies you need to have on hand.

Stocking First Aid Supplies

In addition to equipment for resuscitation and directions for obtaining emergency assistance, there are a variety of supplies that should be available to employees. At a minimum, worksites should provide the following items in an emergency kit:

• Scissors and medical tape
  
• Latex gloves
  
• Gauze pads
  
• Band-Aids and bandages
  
• Items for wound cleaning
  
• Tweezers
  
• Splint
  
• Elastic wraps
  
  

Maintaining a First Aid Kit

While the above list contains the components that are required, it’s a good idea to include additional items, depending on the type of work being done on the site. Consider the specific needs of employees. Keep the kit in a visible place that can be accessed easily in the event of an emergency, and store materials away from temperatures that may cause damage. You may also want to keep more than the required number of each item, and be sure to replace any pieces that are used right away.

Preparing for Disaster

Businesses everywhere are susceptible to catastrophes such as flooding, fires or storms. Having first aid supplies at the ready can provide the tools your employees may need in the event of an emergency. Once any medical needs have been addressed, you can contact a commercial restoration service to assist with necessary cleanup and repairs.

A first aid kit is a critical part of a safe working environment. Be sure that your building has the essential items to meet the needs of all staff members and to satisfy OSHA requirements.