Recent Commercial Posts

How Do I File A Claim After A Fire?

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

When you have fire damage in your Charleston, SC home or business get in contact with your insurance company.

How Do I File A Claim After A Fire?

Fires are devastating. Whether you've had a fire in your Charleston, SC home or business, it's crucial to act quickly and make sure that your property is restored as soon as possible. If you have homeowner's insurance or commercial insurance, then it's important to understand what steps need to be taken after a fire occurs.

Inspect Damage.

When you return to your home or business following a fire, there are several steps you should take to assess the damage. The first step is to inspect the property for fire, smoke, and water damage. Use this Fire Damage Inspection Checklist to help you determine whether there is any structural damage caused by the fire:

  • Check for visible signs of smoke and soot stains on walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces throughout the structure.
  • Measure room dimensions with a measuring tape to identify areas that may have been affected by heat from the firefighters' hoses.
  • Look at areas where furniture was positioned in relation to any windows or doors—they could have blocked access for entry into certain rooms where pets were kept (e.g., bedrooms).
  • Look at electrical wiring/cables inside walls as well as switches/outlets in rooms—if they've been damaged it could lead to dangerous conditions during reoccupation after repairs are completed

Understand Your Fire Insurance Policy.

  • Understand the terms of your policy.
  • Know what is covered and what isn't.
  • Check the conditions for filing a claim. For example, you may have to provide proof that any damage was caused by fire before you can file a claim for it.
  • Check the deductible. This is the amount of money you'll be responsible for paying out-of-pocket when you file a claim on your insurance policy, so make sure that you can afford it before proceeding with filing one!
  • Check the amount of coverage available under your policy.

Contact a Fire Restoration Company.

As the owner or renter of the damaged property, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Filing a claim is the first step in securing compensation for your losses.

Your insurance agent will guide you through this process and help you prepare all the necessary paperwork. You should make sure that you have gathered all your receipts, invoices, and other documentation before calling them. This can save both time and energy when filing your claim so that it gets processed as quickly as possible.

To determine how much money should be paid out by the insurance company on behalf of their policyholders, they usually send out an inspector who inspects their home after they have filed a claim. The inspector will check what type of damage has occurred (such as smoke or fire damage) and then give them an estimate on how much it would cost to repair those damages at today's prices

Calculate Damage.

Once you have determined that a fire caused your property damage, it is important to calculate the damage. You will need this information to file an insurance claim with your provider. If you are unsure how to do this on your own, please ask us for help!

Contact Your Insurance Provider.

Once you have contacted your restoration company and received an estimate for the damage, contact your insurance provider to file a claim. Your provider will want to know:

  • The exact date, time, and location of the fire.
  • Information about any other property that may have been damaged in addition to your home or business.
  • What types of things were damaged (e.g., carpeting, furniture)?

The process for filing a claim varies from one insurance carrier to another but generally takes about 30 days from start to finish because there are so many steps involved in processing it—from getting an adjuster out on site as quickly as possible after a fire occurs through determining how much money should be paid out based on policy terms and conditions.

Conclusion

We have covered the most important aspects of filing a claim after a fire. You should now be able to get your insurance company involved, as well as contact a fire restoration company that can help put your home back together again.

Getting to the Root of Mold

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Johns Islands, SC.

Where there is water, there is mold. Mold can grow in any climate, even in Johns Island, SC. If mold is found in your business, following the proper protocol for fungus cleanup is of utmost importance to the health and productivity of your employees.

How Did the Mold Start?

Mold is microscopic, ubiquitous and fast-growing. In fact, mold begins growing within 48 hours, and what is seen on the surface is only the beginning of an extensive root system. Knowing how it takes hold and begins growing on surfaces is a great place to start. Here is a list of conditions that promote the growth of mold:

  • Areas of high humidity without proper airflow
  • Rooms or buildings with poor insulation, leading to water condensation on surfaces
  • Undiscovered leaks inside walls

The Myth About Cleaning Chemicals

When mold is found, it is common for a business to reach for frequently used chemicals, such as bleach. The problem with this approach to fungus cleanup is that the solution is not effective on all surfaces. Porous material, where the fungus grows best, soaks up the water in the product, bringing more nutrients down to the root system. The active agents, however, sit on the surface and evaporate quickly, allowing the body of the mold to continue growing unseen.

Proper Eradication

Effective cleanup of mold requires a business to act quickly and aggressively by removing the source. This process relies on techniques and equipment that are specially designed to keep airborne spores from spreading. Rather than risking costly mistakes, a business is wise to look to professional fungus cleanup specialists for this service. Specialists in Johns Island, SC, have the needed supplies and equipment, as well as knowledge of the local area’s mold cleanup protocols. Additionally, these pros can identify issues that may arise in the future, saving a business time and money and getting to the root of the problem.

If you have mold growing in your business, don’t pull out the bleach just yet. It’s usually best to contact professionals to take care of the issue.

Where There's Fire, There’s Smoke Damage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a Fire Emergency, call SERVPRO, our team is trained on how to restore fire damage like smoke and soot damaged contents.

Smoke Damage Occurs When There Is A Fire.

In the event of a fire at your commercial building, your mind may turn to damage to the structure including the frame and surfaces, both interior and exterior. In the unfortunate event of a fire to your property in Rockville, SC, you’ll also need to think about the water damage that may occur from extinguishing any blazes.

On top of that, there’s also damage that comes from smoke to consider. There’s the visible damage of soot on your building’s contents, as well as smoke odor and air particles to account for. A commercial fire restoration services provider takes a comprehensive look at your property, employing special techniques, including smoke cleaning, to bring your place to pre-damage conditions.

Professional Methods to Smoke Damage Restoration

The cleanup process includes various cleanup techniques to restore your building’s contents:

  • Ventilation: Using fans, other equipment, and open doors and windows to facilitate ventilation of your building
  • Odor removal: Making use of ozone machines, thermal foggers, and other equipment not to mask odors but to remove them entirely
  • Cleanup: Employing cleaning methods such as chemical sponges, liquid cleaners, and more to accomplish smoke cleaning, especially for upholstery, fabric, electronics, and documents among others
  • Loose particle removal: Gentle vacuuming where possible
  • Protection: Sealing off areas that have not been impacted to prevent the spread of additional damage

A Comprehensive, Customized Approach

No two fires are the same, and a complete restoration plan will vary according to the level of damage, impacted materials, and more. Your property in Rockville, SC, may require reconstruction as well as move-out services. This involves offsite storage of undamaged items for protection and to expedite reconstruction and repair. When it comes to smoke cleaning, there’s often more than meets the eye when it comes to a full restoration.

During a fire, damage occurs in many ways. Besides damage due to fire and water, you’ll have smoke and soot to contend with also. A professional restoration company uses special techniques and tools to clean the items in your building as part of a complete restoration approach.

The Surprise of Water Damage After a Commercial Fire

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

The systems businesses install to prevent fire damage can also result in damage after a fire. For example, sprinkler systems, etc.

Water Damage As A Result Of A Commercial Fire

Damaged flooring, walls, equipment, etc., are all par for the course after a fire. Business owners and commercial property owners expect these damages when they think of fire damage. However, talk to fire remediation services in Edisto Beach, SC, and they will explain that nearly all property owners do not expect the amount of damage caused by water after a fire. Still, there are multiple reasons a property sustains water damages during and in the aftermath of a fire.

1. Fire Hose Rescue Efforts

The most common cause of water damage is the rescuers themselves. The fire rescue tools include hoses; it is the primary tool used to combat large blazes. These hoses are capable of spewing out hundreds of gallons in a matter of seconds and minutes. All of that water does not evaporate in the heat of the fire; most of it is left on the floor of your building.

2. Suppression Systems

The systems businesses install to prevent fire damage can also result in damage after a fire. For example, sprinkler systems might release water in areas of the property unaffected by fire to prevent its spread. The water from suppression systems is just as damaging as water hoses, but it is also essential to save as much of your property as possible.

3. Damaged Plumbing

The heat from a fire is immense. There is a possibility that the heat from the fire melts and damages plumbing systems in the property. If the plumbing structures are compromised, it can result in further water issues, especially if a supply line is damaged.

Commercial fire damage is not reserved for smoke and soot. Water is a significant contributor to damages, and it can be a shock to many property owners after the initial disaster. Still, remediation services are familiar with water loss and can help.

4 Causes of Water Damage

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

It is a good idea to inspect your water systems on a regular basis for signs of oxidation deterioration o pH loss, for example.

4 Water Damage Causes

If you run a business in Charleston, SC, water damage can be a major hindrance to your operation. Whether you are dealing with a pipe burst cleanup or mitigating the impact of a supply line leaking, you want to address the problem as soon as possible. A trusted water restoration specialist can handle the water cleanup quickly. In the meantime, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with these four common factors of water damage.

1. Clogged Pipes

Everyone has experienced the reduced trickle of water when something gets lodged in a pipe. Fishing out the offending item gets it flowing normally again. However, a deeply lodged clog can cause a buildup of pressure in the pipe and even a burst. Because water can spill out rapidly, a pipe burst cleanup can be a major undertaking.

2. Extreme Weather

If the water in your pipes drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it will freeze. Water expands approximately 9% when frozen, sometimes forcing it to rupture the pipe it is contained in. Having your pipes insulated or heating their space can mitigate this risk.

3. Corrosion and Deterioration

Pipes and supply lines lose their integrity over time for a variety of reasons, such as pH imbalances, rust buildup and stretching. It is a good practice to regularly inspect your water systems for any of these defects.

4. Loose Hardware

Sometimes the problem is as simple as a loose nut on your supply line. If this is the case, tighten the nut where the leak is found. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause the threads of the nut to crack. If the leak persists, applying a pipe joint compound may fix the problem. Otherwise, you need to replace the hardware.

When you run a business, you want to be ready for any scenario that may occur. Being aware of these common causes of water damage can help you avoid a costly and unpleasant supply line leak or pipe burst cleanup.

Rethinking Infrastructure: An Urban Answer to Flooding

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Instead of relying on emergency sandbags to keep water away from your building’s foundation, you could have barriers built right into your property.

Rethinking Infrastructure: A Flood-Resistant City

Land development gives an air of progress, opportunity and innovation. A possible byproduct of development in Charleston, SC, however, could be an increased vulnerability to high water. Many modern cities are putting structures in place that help prevent damaging floods that could cost millions of dollars in repairs. By building these items into their infrastructure, they protect their cities and the businesses within.

Gates

Cities with waterways can benefit from a movable gate system that can be closed when conditions indicate that floodwater could become a threat. These gates may feature certain elements to stop flooding. They include:

  • Computerized walls
  • Sensors for automatic closure when water gets too high
  • Hydraulic gates that can operate even if the power goes out

By blocking excess water to the portions of rivers and canals that border the cities’ business and industrial districts, business owners have little need to fear the rise of high water when storm season hits.

Tunnels

Many cities have intricate systems of drainage tunnels that direct water away from structures into areas that can handle it without causing any damage. These tunnels often serve a dual purpose. In addition to redirecting excess floodwater, some of them are part of a hydraulic system that pushes barriers into place to slow or halt the flow.

Barriers

Many buildings in flood-prone areas are built with caution in mind. Flood mitigation experts suggest that, instead of relying on emergency sandbags to keep water away from your building’s foundation, you could have barriers built right into your property. Motorized barriers are not only easier to operate but also easier to put away once flood prevention is no longer necessary.

Low-tech options have historically prevented flood damage to some extent. As engineering innovations improve, however, many cities are beginning to rely on more consistent ways of combating high water. Through a combination of gates, tunnels and barriers built into city infrastructure, as well as individual commercial buildings, major flood issues could become a thing of the past.