We Can Clean Your Hotel!

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Dirt and germs that are tracked in by foot traffic and baggage accumulate on your hotel carpeting, accelerating the breakdown of fibers and matting. The clean and classy impression you want your hotel guests to experience is going to be negatively affected by unkempt carpeting. Today, we would like to share a few simple tips and reminders that can help you maintain your carpet to the highest standards possible. 

SPOTS AND STAINS. There isn’t really much difference between spots and stains. All that it takes for a spot to become a stain is to forget about it for a while! Any spot should be immediately soaked up with a paper towel or another absorbent material to soak up as much of the spill as possible. This should keep the spot from becoming a more unsightly stain. 

PRE-TREATMENTS. Carpet cleaning chemicals can leave behind residue that will actually collect even more dirt. The next thing you know, your carpeting is a dingy mess. Only properly diluted chemicals that break down these stains and rinse clean should be used for spots. Allow your pre-spray to penetrate the spots for a while so that they can do their work. 

REGULAR (DAILY) CARE. Regular cleaning, such as daily vacuuming, can vastly reduce your need for deep cleaning when it is done with high-quality equipment. Shop for properly dated filters and backpack-style vacuums, and remember that correctly completing periodic deep carpet extraction cleaning in your hotel is essential to keep carpeting dry, which prevents mold growth. Daily vacuuming removes dirt and dust quickly before it has time to get wet and become embedded in your carpeting. 

TEAMWORK. Make sure your team knows how to clean your hotel carpets correctly, using all the established machinery and cleaning solvents as per manufacturer’s directions. The most efficient way to ensure that your carpeting lasts is to establish a routine maintenance plan that is executed by properly trained cleaners. 

DEEP CLEANING. Call a professional cleaning company to come in and help you when it’s time for large-scale deep cleaning of your hotel carpets. Here at SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties, we have the expertise to ensure that your carpets are looking like new in a timely manner. 

Have you Experienced Water Damage in your Commercial Building?

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

These issues can leave unwelcome and defiantly unwanted odors in the air. This odor is most always displeasing to customers, employees or yourself. Based on the source of the issue, we have 5 tips to help solve the problem: 

1. Ventilate the Building and Evaluate the Situation - Allows any lingering scents to disperse through a window, if possible. You can then work to identify and locate any centralized, problematic scents. If sewage loss is causing the odor, it’s best to stay away from the contaminated water and contact SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham Counties to mitigate. 

2. Dry Wet Carpeting and Flooring - Carpet holds moisture and it could be the source of the scent. A wet and dry vacuum, which can be rented if needed, can shampoo the carpet and then dry it afterward. This sanitizes the area to potentially remove some of the smell. 

3. Scrub Moldy Surfaces - Mold growth left alone will continue to reproduce and spread along with its musty odor.

4. Spray Furniture and Upholstery - Furniture can be sprayed and scrubbed. Porous materials are likely not able to be fully cleaned this way since the fungus settles within. 

5. Consult Professionals for Extensive Cleanup - There are many instances that commercial-grade machines will need to be used to remove the malodor. An expert SERVPRO technician can help remove problems caused by floodwater and/or other water damage. When dealing with flood odors, most do-it-yourself remedies will fix only the symptom. Trust the help from SERVPRO of Lee & South Chatham where we can assist you to remove most of the unwanted smells alongside any mold growth or other nuisance.

Top Causes of Commercial Fires

3/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your commercial business can be catastrophic. It does not matter what your business does, it can mean downtime, loss of goods, costly equipment loss, loss of property, or worse. A fire can quickly move through a building and even put your team at risk. If you are not prepared it can be a situation that escalates faster than you are ready to handle. Good planning can help ensure that a fire does not happen or if it does, how it can be handled quickly and effectively. Below the United States Fire Administration has listed the top five leading causes of a commercial fire. 

Top causes of fires in commercial buildings

According to data from the United States Fire Administration, between 2006 and 2015, the top causes of fires in commercial buildings were: 

Cooking

Cooking is a huge danger, and it was a culprit behind 30,900 fires within the past decade. This is why it is so important to install fire alarms and a sprinkler system in your kitchen to prevent against the worst! 

Unintentional and Careless Behavior

This is a broad category. Unintentional and careless behavior, better known as accidents, caused more than 10,900 fires. While it’s hard to stop people from being careless, business owners and property managers can’t afford to be. 

Arson

Intentionally set fires represented 9,800 of the total fires in these properties. 

Electrical malfunction

Problems with the electricity or wiring in a building caused around 7,000 fires in the past decade. 

Heating problems

Problematic HVAC systems are the culprit behind about 6,000 commercial fires nationwide. 

Trust that SERVPRO of Birmingham keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened,” and your business is back up and running!

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in your Commercial Business

3/7/2020 (Permalink)

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

#1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

#4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

#7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO of Birmingham, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. 

Top Causes of Commercial Fires

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your commercial business can be catastrophic. It does not matter what your business does, it can mean downtime, loss of goods, costly equipment loss, loss of property, or worse. A fire can quickly move through a building and even put your team at risk. If you are not prepared it can be a situation that escalates faster than you are ready to handle. Good planning can help ensure that a fire does not happen or if it does, how it can be handled quickly and effectively. Below the United States Fire Administration has listed the top five leading causes of a commercial fire. 

Top causes of fires in commercial buildings

According to data from the United States Fire Administration, between 2006 and 2015, the top causes of fires in commercial buildings were: 

Cooking

Cooking is a huge danger, and it was a culprit behind 30,900 fires within the past decade. This is why it is so important to install fire alarms and a sprinkler system in your kitchen to prevent against the worst! 

Unintentional and Careless Behavior

This is a broad category. Unintentional and careless behavior, better known as accidents, caused more than 10,900 fires. While it’s hard to stop people from being careless, business owners and property managers can’t afford to be. 

Arson

Intentionally set fires represented 9,800 of the total fires in these properties. 

Electrical malfunction

Problems with the electricity or wiring in a building caused around 7,000 fires in the past decade. 

Heating problems

Problematic HVAC systems are the culprit behind about 6,000 commercial fires nationwide. 

Trust that SERVPRO of Birmingham keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened,” and your business is back up and running!

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in your Business

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

#1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

#4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

#7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO of Fayetteville, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. If you find mold in your place of business, call us 910-860-1163

Restoring Your Office Building After A Flood

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Office Building and Getting You Back in Business 

Workplaces in Fayetteville need to remain clean, safe areas that employees can come to without worry about the impact their environment might have on their health. Flooding from storms or overflowed lakes can create a swamp-like environment very quickly inside your business. SERVPRO knows what your business needs to get back to normal.

When water damage occurs in a commercial space it poses unique challenges. Employees can sustain injuries from flood damage within your office building. Keeping them and your clients safe from harm is an important responsibility. We can help you restore safe conditions by eliminating damaged materials, waterlogged carpeting, wet conditions throughout your building, and the many pathogens that can make people ill.

Removing damaged materials such as wall dividers and other items eliminates a large portion of the water that can keep your building damp and ripe for mold growth. When we remove these materials, we remain highly aware of the risk of contamination from pathogens that persist in such wet substances. We are prepared with the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) significantly reduces the risk we experience.

The first step is to remove the water and dry out the space. After we cut and pull up your office's carpeting, we roll the pieces into small-sized bundles that we can then easily bag up for disposal. We do the same thing with the padding. No amount of restorative work can successfully restore carpeting to sufficient cleanliness, although we can occasionally clean and disinfect decorative rugs in much smaller sizes back to a safe condition.

Drying out your business goes a long way toward preventing extensive water damage, mold growth, and other problems in the future. We use different machines that draw moisture out of materials that retain floodwaters and help accelerate the process by increasing the temperature inside. Heat helps the air hold more moisture, which we then remove from the air with desiccant machines and dehumidifiers.

Cleaning all of the surfaces exposed to floodwaters helps eliminate the last traces of visible flood damage, keeping your employees safe. Odors can continue to affect the interior atmosphere, but we can also eliminate this problem through various means. Deodorizing agents applied in specific areas to thermal fogging techniques do more than mask odors – they actually eliminate the particles that cause the odors to exist at all.

SERVPRO of Fayetteville can restore your business quickly and efficiently so you and your employees can get back to normal routines sooner. We work in the Fayetteville, Hope Mills and areas in Cumberland County, helping business owners recover from flood damage that might otherwise cause their business to fail. Call SERVPRO at (910) 860-1163 so. We will respond quickly to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Restoring Commercial Property Presents Unique Challenges

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Fayetteville, we understand that every day you are not operational due to water, storm, or fire damage is a day you are losing business revenue. 

Flooding and water damage events at Fayetteville or Cumberland County 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.

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 Fayetteville

SERVPRO of Fayetteville 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. Call us 24/ 7, we are faster to any disaster!

Protecting Your Business by Reducing Fire Hazards

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

As a business owner, there will be many safety issues to consider regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors. You should spend a little extra time planning for and working toward reducing the risk of a fire. There are several steps you can take to protect your business which include focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education. 

First, you should look around your facility to assess the fire hazard risks. In some areas, the local government may provide a visit from a fire marshal who will help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan.

Make sure that you have the right fire protection equipment in place. This would include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor.

Last, but definitely not least, make provision for your employees’ safety. Make sure that everyone knows what to do in case of fire by creating a fire plan and reviewing it with your staff. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep the fire safety protocol fresh, and take time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are located.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO of Fayetteville is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Category 3 Water Damage- Black Water

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

CAT 3 water damage

Have you heard of the term "Black Water"?

In the restoration industry there are three categories of water and as industry professionals it is our job to determine which category of water each damage has. The most severe category is Category 3 which is also commonly called CAT 3, Black Water or Dirty Water. Category 3 water (Black Water) is highly contaminated water that is potentially toxic to anyone inside the dwelling.

The water is considered category 3 (Black Water) if it meets any of the following criteria. Sources include sewage backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces or stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth. If Category 1 or Category 2 has been left untreated for more than three days, it is likely that it will develop into Category 3 (Black Water). If your damage is deemed as Category 3 (Black Water), it is likely that many pieces of your property will need to be replaced. Anything porous, such as furniture, carpeting and drywall is grossly contaminated. Category 3 water, although referred to as Black Water or Dirty Water is not always visually black or dirty. In fact, most times it is completely translucent.

If you are ever faced with damage to your home or business you must act fast, find your source and call the professionals at SERVPRO of Fayetteville. We will assess the damage and ensure that it is properly mitigated to ensure your safety.