Do I Need Fire Insurance For My Building?

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

If your business is located in an area with high fire risk, you should consider purchasing fire insurance.

Protecting Your Business Against Fires

You may not think about fire insurance, but it's important for your business. Fires can cause significant damage to a building and pose a risk to the safety of your employees and customers. While you have many options when it comes to protecting your business against fires, one of the most basic choices is whether or not you should get fire insurance coverage. The answer depends on several factors including how old your building is, where it's located and what kind of business you operate. In this article, we'll look at some common questions about fire insurance so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of coverage makes sense for your situation.

Fires Destroy More Than Just Things

Fires can be devastating. Not only do they destroy valuables, but they also have the power to consume or destroy all a business's hard work and investment. If your business is located in an area with high fire risk, you should consider purchasing fire insurance.

The cost of rebuilding is one important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase fire insurance. The amount of money it will take to rebuild your building depends on many factors including what type of structure you had before, how much damage there was during the fire, and whether or not there were any injuries sustained as a result of said fire.

Sometimes Fire Insurance is Required

Fire insurance is not required by law, but it's a good idea for many businesses. If your business is financing its building or leasing it to tenants, the bank might require fire insurance as a condition of its loan.

Fire Insurance Coverage

Fire insurance can help protect your business from the financial impact of both property and business interruption losses. Property insurance will cover the value of goods damaged or destroyed in a fire, and business interruption insurance will pay for lost income if you are forced to close down temporarily due to a catastrophic event such as a fire. Both types of coverage can be purchased separately or together, depending on your needs and budget.

In addition to protecting your building and its contents, fire insurance can also cover computer equipment that may be damaged by smoke inhalation or water seepage into electrical equipment during an emergency response effort by firefighters.

Fire insurance can help protect your investment and save money in the event of an unexpected fire in the future. It’s a good idea for any business, but it is especially important for businesses that have inventory or equipment. A fire can be devastating to these types of businesses and significantly impact their ability to operate. If you suffer damage from a fire, your insurance policy will pay for repairs or replacement costs up to the limits listed on your policy.

Fire insurance is a great way to protect your business and investment, even while you are away from your building. There are many other types of insurance and property policies that can help protect against fire, so it's important to talk with an insurance agent before deciding on which policy works best.

When your Baton Rouge business catches on fire, Give SERVPRO of Lafayette a call!

Ways To Save Water in Your Commercial Building

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Monitoring your water meter is the best way to catch a troublesome area.

Methods for Conserving Water in Commercial Buildings

Owning a commercial property comes with a lot of expenses, and many of them aren't completely under your control. Unless everyone who works in your building in Lafayette, LA is committed to water conservation, your utility bill may be higher than you expect. You can still take some steps, however, to address water issues and reduce the overall amount used.

Energy Efficient Appliances
Start by simply choosing appliances that require less water usage. Check the energy rating on several appliances in your break room and throughout the building:

• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Water fountain

When you look for ways to reduce consumption at the source, you can lower your usage overall.

Touch-Free Upgrades
The public restroom is probably your number one culprit for water waste. You may have lost count of the number of times you have walked in to discover that a faucet has been left on or a toilet is still running. The cost of touch-free options or another water upgrade may seem daunting at first, but they are likely to pay for themselves within months by helping you overcome the water issues that lead to high utility bills.

Meter Monitoring
You should always know how much water you are using in your building. Monitoring your water meter is the best way to catch a troublesome area. It's also a good idea to keep your outside irrigation and your internal water usage on separate meters so that you can more easily identify where the waste is coming from.

Quick Mitigation
If you discover that your meter is running higher than usual, this could be an indication that you have a leak somewhere. Call your plumber to fix the problem and contact water damage specialists to mitigate any issues caused by the leak.
Keeping track of your building's water issues is only one way to lower your utility bill. By employing multiple strategies, you can reduce your water usage and cost.

3 Steps To Prepare To Use a Fire Extinguisher

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

The acronym PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

Three Steps To Prepare To Use a Fire Extinguisher

Extinguishers for fire are essential safety equipment, but many people are not sure how to use these tools when the flames are rising. Here are three steps that an employee delegated fire safety responsibilities or a manager of a commercial property can take to prepare to effectively use a fire extinguisher at a building in Lafayette, LA.

1. Check the Class of Extinguisher
There are five main extinguisher classes: A, B, C, D and K. Class A extinguishers are best for combustible solid materials. Class B extinguishers are formulated for flammable liquids and gasses. Use Class C extinguishers for electrical fires, Class D extinguishers for metallic fires and Class K extinguishers for cooking fires.

2. Check the Fire Extinguisher Date
An extinguisher must be functional in order to limit the need for fire damage restoration. Check the label or cylinder body of the canister for a date. The plastic ring or boot of an extinguisher can cover the date. Based on the date, it may be necessary to refill or replace the extinguisher.

3. Memorize the PASS Method
The acronym PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. Suppress a fire by pulling the extinguisher pin, aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeezing the lever and sweeping the fire suppressant spray from side to side. The spray from an extinguisher can spread a kitchen fire involving grease. Smother a grease fire with a heat-resistant pot lid or powder suppressants such as baking soda and salt.
You should always use a fire extinguisher as intended. Set yourself up for success beforehand by checking to make sure that the fire suppressants in an extinguisher are rated for efficacy at putting out the substances that are most likely to ignite in each area of a commercial building in Lafayette, LA.

Mold: Fascinating Facts

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Small moisture problems become big mold problems.

Mold Information

When studied from afar, mold, a type of fungus, is a fascinating organism. When experienced up close in your place of business in Lafayette, LA, black mold and other varieties are more disturbing than anything else. To start with the interesting facets of mold, it is found just about everywhere. It can even be found in desert climates. More than likely, it is in your building at all times without causing any problems. It needs water to grow and proliferate into bothersome colonies. A moisture source such as high humidity in a room, a steady water leak or standing water is often enough to foster a fungal outbreak.

Mold Damage

Another interesting trait of black mold is that it forms roots and penetrates into porous materials. A mold outbreak brings a number of unpleasant consequences:

• An ugly, slimy appearance
• Musty odors
• Poor indoor air quality
• Extensive damage to a property

Mold can break down wood and paper materials as well as penetrate into furniture, clothing and carpeting. A mold cleanup is needed when the colonies are causing any of these negative problems. Allowing the mold to grow unchecked will result in the spread of mold throughout your building. This will significantly complicate the restoration of your property.

Mold Remediation

The removal of mold from a property cannot be done with regular cleaning methods. Special techniques and equipment are needed as well as the expertise of an experienced mold mitigation company. A SERVPRO franchise is always Here to Help. Certified technicians will use thermal imaging to locate a water source in your building. These highly-trained workers will employ containment barriers to stop the spread, and they will use vacuums to suck up mold spores killed by effective fungicides. A professional cleaning will ensure that the mold won't return again. Whether your building has black mold or another variety of mold, a proven process will rid your property of this fascinating but harmful organism.

Tips for Commercial Roof Upkeep

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping your gutters and storm drains clear ensures your roof drains any runoff properly.

Commercial Roof Maintenance Suggestions

You rely on your roof to protect your business, but your roof relies on you to protect it from the hazards of the elements in Lafayette, LA, with proper commercial roof upkeep, maintenance, and repair. You can spring a roof leak just from weathering over time, or from wind damage. Here are just a few tips to keep your roof watertight, intact, and ready to stand up to anything:

• Create a repair plan. Your first step in roof upkeep is to have a repair plan before the first roof leak happens. Don’t get caught off guard. Ensure you have the numbers for your insurance company and repair technicians on hand, and have any materials needed in place to implement a temporary leak stopper until professionals can repair it.
• Inspect after major weather events. Hailstorms, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and windstorms are your most likely culprits for weather damage, but even earthquakes can cause cracks or lost shingles on your roof. After events, conduct a thorough inspection of your rooftops.
• Clean your gutters and storm drains. Keeping your gutters and storm drains clear ensures your roof drains any runoff properly. Without proper drainage, standing water can easily cause long-term damage to your roof.
• Keep trees and other foliage clear. Not only can falling branches damage your roof and cause a roof leak, but branches and vines lashed in the wind can rip off sections of your roof or cause abrasive damage. Avoid this by trimming all foliage and trees to a clearance of a certain distance around your building’s roof.
• Inspect indoors for any tell-tale signs. Sometimes, leaks may not be readily apparent from an outside inspection. Dark spots and water spots on the ceiling, as well as problems with interior systems, may be your warning signs. Conduct periodic inspections to identify any issues early on.

Prevent a problem before it happens by taking proper care of your roof. You can also contract professionals to help check for wind damage and to weatherproof your roof to prevent future costly mishaps.

A Quick Guide to Commercial Storm Insurance

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Severe winds can cause damage to your property.

As a business owner in Lafayette, LA, insuring your property is a no-brainer. However, not all people know specifically how storm insurance works or what it covers. Here are some brief tips to help you understand this often-misunderstood type of insurance coverage.

Categories of Coverage

Not all storms, or deductibles, are created equal. The best way to understand your specific coverage is to read your commercial insurance policy or speak with the agent. Generally, insurance policies reference these three categories:

• Windstorm – This includes any damage to the property resulting from wind or hail that does not fall into one of the other categories.
• Hurricane – The definition of a hurricane differs by state and storm insurance company. Some define it by wind speed; others consider the amount of time between the National Weather Service (NWS) announcement and the time of the damage.
• Named Storm – When a tropical storm is severe and widespread, the NWS names it. For some insurance coverage, this may fall into the hurricane category.

Differences in Deductibles

When you first buy property insurance, you consider your deductible. This is the amount of money that you, the business owner, must pay out of pocket prior to receiving insurance funds. When the damage is the result of a natural disaster, however, people are often surprised that the same deductible does not apply. Instead of a standard amount of money, coverage is a percentage of the total cost for storm restoration professionals to mitigate and repair the damage. A typical rate is between one and five percent.

Whether severe winds in Lafayette, LA, knocks a tree into your commercial building or a hurricane causes significant destruction, understanding storm insurance is critical to getting your business up and running again. When the unexpected happens, take comfort in the notion that your insurance agent and local restoration company are Here to Help.

When Your Toilet Floods, Act Quickly

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

The key to dealing with a flooded toilet is acting quickly.

Act Quickly If Your Toilet Floods

There is nothing worse than when you need to use the bathroom only to step through the door and see that there is water pooling on the floor. Sewer damage can strike at any time, causing substantial amounts of both superficial and structural damage. The key to dealing with a flooded toilet is acting quickly and knowing the right steps to take to deal with the situation effectively. If your building in Lafayette, LA, is flooded, use the following steps as a guide.

1. Turn Off the Water

The first and most important step will be to stop the flow of water. This can be achieved in two ways. The first is to lift and secure the float inside the toilet to stop the tank from refilling and causing further flooding. The second step is to shut off the water valve, stopping the water at the source.

2. Stay Safe

Sewer damage can be classed as an emergency and should be dealt with by a sewage company, as the overflowing water can contain harmful bacteria. Take measures to avoid contact with any contaminated water; this can include wearing rubber gloves and boots. You also want to be wary of any structural damage that may have occurred. If the water has flooded through multiple floors, the structure may be unsafe. When mixed, water and electricity create another hazard, and this must be taken into account before entering the flooded area.

3. Call a Professional

When there is structural damage and potential bacteria from flooding, it is best to bring in the professionals. Commercial building restoration services can provide all the equipment and skill necessary to safely clean up contaminated water and remove and repair damaged walls and floors. Industrial fans may be used to make sure that all areas are thoroughly dried before being disinfected and ready for repairs take place.

Flooding can be a major inconvenience, but by following these steps, the hindrances caused by sewer damage can be dealt with quickly and effectively. Having the knowledge to act quickly can minimize the damages caused by a flood.

Smoke Cleaning 101

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Lafayette, LA.

No matter how serious the incident, recovering from a fire can seem to consume all of your time and energy. Determining the extent of the damage alone can prove exhausting. Whether your commercial building's contents needs dry-cleaning or a more heavy-duty procedure, the following information and tips can keep your post-fire remediation on track.

Types of Damage

Before selecting the type of content cleaning approach, you may want to closely observe what type of smoke damage occurred to your Lafayette, LA, building in the first place. There are two primary kinds:

• Dry smoke damage usually happens after a fast-burning fire.
  
• Wet smoke residue builds up from smoldering fires of lower temperatures.
  
  

Your choice in cleaning strategies can depend on the type of fire that took place, so you may also want to consult the opinion of fire damage experts.

Dry-Cleaning

This type of cleaning is for more than that nice blazer or wool sweater. In fact, it is usually the best method for getting smoke odors out of permeable materials. Think of items in the building such as curtains, rugs and upholstery. These materials likely require more than a wash cycle in a standard machine. Once the professionals have allowed reentry into the building, make sure to get these porous items out immediately for some fresh air and dry-cleaning.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Some materials may need the magic touch of ultrasonic cleaning to fully get that smoke damage out. This type of cleaning can be used on materials such as metals, plastics, and glass, and involves high-pressure waves combined with cleaning solutions to clean grime and residue from nonporous surfaces. Items that you haven't moved to content storage can get a second chance with this cleaning strategy.

It may appear as if your Lafayette, LA, building may never get back to normal after a fire. However, these content cleaning methods can properly get smoke residue out of your items, so you can get back to business.

What Is Mold and Why Does It Smell Musty?

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold found in a Lafayette, PA building.

You may not learn about the mold problem in your building until you hear complaints about the irritating musty odor. Some people think that the smell actually comes from tiny particles of mold in the air or from mold spores. Neither are true. Odors from molds are caused by mycotoxins, which are gases released during the digestive process of some molds.

What Is Mold?

Molds are fungi, just like mushrooms. Some scientists think the mycotoxin production from certain types of molds is actually an adaptation developed to protect the molds from animals and insects. Nobody is sure how many varieties of mold live on our planet because they are so abundant, living wherever oxygen and moisture are found, even in Lafayette, LA. Since molds exist abundantly in our environment, it's just about impossible to keep them out. Here are a few ways the spores can enter a building:

• On pets and clothing
  
• Through windows and doors
  
• Via cooling, ventilation, and heating systems
  
  

The problem is when mold spores land in a hospitable environment, one with organic material, moisture, and oxygen. That is when the mold begins to grow and form colonies. As it grows, it consumes organic material as food, producing that familiar musty smell.

How Can You Prevent Mold?

The best way to prevent molds is to make sure you are not providing a welcome environment for their growth and development. You can manage your building's environment by reducing humidity with ventilation systems and dehumidifiers, fixing leaky areas from pipes or roofing, and proper remediation of water damage.

When you do follow that musty odor to the source and discover mold in your building, at least you can count on professional mold remediation specialists to clean up the problem. During the cleaning process, professionals use HEPA air filtration equipment and containment procedures to reduce further spread of mold spores inside your building. This cleanup process will prevent mycotoxin production, making the environment more hospitable to your human-building occupants again.

Commercial Storm Damage Also Includes Freezing Winter Storms

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Keep an eye out for a frozen pipe.

Storm damage is often associated with storms of rain or wind. However, winter storms in Lafayette, LA, pose their own unique threats. A frozen pipe can easily turn into a burst pipe. Keeping prepared by knowing how to address this danger can save your business from unnecessary damage.

Understand the Causes of Freezing Pipes

To properly keep an eye out for a frozen pipe, you must understand which pipes are most susceptible to freezing. There are several causes for freezing pipes at a business:

• Sprinkler lines that are not properly monitored or maintained
• Improperly insulated or sealed attic, partitions, walls, chases, doors or windows
• Exterior pipes with inadequate insulation
• Heating systems that do not circulate air properly
  
  

Keep Pipes Unfrozen

Before winter, it is recommended to have every external sprinkler drained. Instructions for doing this can be found in the system’s instruction manual, or the process can be contracted out to a service.

Water pipes need proper insulation to keep heat inside. All pipes indoors can be sleeved or have the area around them restructured for insulation. Outdoor pipes should be relocated if they cannot be securely kept warm with insulation’s help.

During winter, the building’s temperature should be kept the same throughout the day, even if no one is present. A burst pipe is much more expensive than running the building’s heating.

Thaw Pipes If They’re Frozen

If water flow seems extremely slow during cold weather, the pipe is likely frozen. You can unthaw a pipe by running the faucet while using a hairdryer, heated towel, or space heater on the affected pipe. Once water flows well, the pipe is safe. If there is difficulty locating or thawing the pipe, a plumber can help.

Fix Water Damage As Soon As Possible

Whether it’s standing water from thawing runoff or a burst pipe, water damage cleanup experts can help remove the frigid water and stop its damage. Winter storms don’t have to mean a burst pipe, and preventative measures from understanding winter’s hazards keep your business away from that problem.

3 Tips for Correctly Using Fire Extinguishers

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Extinguishers can help you put out the blaze before it causes major harm.

Steps For Utilizing Extinguishers

You know how important it is to keep a fire extinguisher in your commercial building. However, this valuable piece of equipment is pointless if no one can use it correctly. Make sure that your employees or tenants understand the below steps for utilizing extinguishers.

1. Choose the Correct Extinguisher
Everyone on the premises should know where the extinguishers are. They should also be able to quickly identify which extinguisher to use in different scenarios.
A Class A extinguisher works only on fires caused by combustibles such as paper, cloth and wood. Class B extinguishers are for flammable liquids, including gasoline, oil and petroleum. Class C extinguishers should be used on electrical fires, and Class K extinguishers are for fires sparked by cooking oils, greases and fats. While Class B and Class C extinguishers should be able to suppress combustible fires, a Class A extinguisher is not effective during grease or electrical fires.
You must also make sure the fire extinguisher you pick has not expired. Ideally, you should replace all of the extinguishers on your property as needed.

2. Apply the Extinguisher
Using fire extinguishers is fairly easy. You just pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the blaze, squeeze the handle and sweep the nozzle from side to side. The PASS acronym (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) can help you remember these steps. Before you begin this process, make sure you know how to exit the room if the fire continues to burn.

3. Ensure the Fire Is Out
Do not assume that the danger is over once you have finished using the fire extinguisher. Keep watching the area to make sure the blaze does not start again. Once you are sure the flames are out, call fire damage restoration professionals to assess the premises.
A kitchen fire or other blaze in your Lafayette, LA, property can quickly destroy valuable equipment and structures. Extinguishers can help you put out the blaze before it causes major harm.

Should You Sue Your Landlord for Mold?

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold in a rental unit in Lafayette, LA

If you believe that there is black mold in your rental unit, you may be able to sue your landlord to cover relevant expenses, such as the cost of hiring a remediation company. Here is some information to help you understand the lawsuit process and if it is right for you.

What Does Suing Your Landlord Involve?

When you have an uncooperative landlord, you may need to sue them. Depending on your mold-related losses, you may be able to settle this in the small claims court in Lafayette, LA. Generally, this is for any losses under $10,000. If your expenses are greater than this, you will need to hire an attorney and file a more formal claim. Your mold-related expenses can include:

• Medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Cleanup fees
• Pain and suffering

Is Mold Dangerous?
Black mold can cause health issues. Additionally, it can do a lot of damage to your property. This means you could be facing higher bills and have to shut down your small business due to mold.

Is It Your Landlord’s Responsibility?
Landlords must provide you with a suitable building to run your business out of. Typically, this means that landlords are responsible for ensuring the building meets regulatory codes. While minor plumbing issues may not be their responsibility, things that contribute to mold growth generally are. However, always refer to your lease agreement for final decisions. If this contract mentions that the landlord is responsible for ensuring proper ventilation and controlling moisture levels, they can be considered responsible for any black mold growth.
While it may seem harmless at first, mold can actually do a lot of damage to your rental property. If you face the costs of mold remediation, medical treatment, and shutting down your business due to mold, you could be able to sue your landlord. In the end, you should check to see if the mold growth is your landlord's responsibility before hiring an attorney.

Follow These 3 Tips When Dealing With Smoke-Damaged Electronics

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

How does smoke damage electronics

Follow These 3 Tips When Dealing With Smoke-Damaged Electronics

Computers, phones, and other electronic devices are important to any modern business operating in Lafayette, LA. The smoke from an electrical fire can severely damage this equipment and potentially affect your income. If these devices are only partially affected, you can still salvage them by cleaning them. The following tips can help you restore these items without increasing the existing damage.

1. Depower the Affected Devices
The greatest priority during the cleaning process is safety. The components inside the items can harm you and others if the damage is not cleaned carefully. The best method to ensure everyone's wellbeing is to turn off and unplug all the smoke-damaged devices. If they are turned on while they are open, electricity on the inner components can hurt others. Additionally, if you try to activate them before they are completely clean, they can get permanently damaged.

2. Remove the Memory
An electrical fire does not necessarily mean a complete loss to your business. If the devices still have their hard drives intact, the information they hold is still safe. You should locate and remove the hard drives before the computer cleanup. Once you retrieve them, transfer the memory to other computers so you can still access it until the original devices are fixed.

3. Contact the Professionals
The smoke damage can be more complex than you might anticipate. The film residue can cause the devices to overheat, while the leftover magnetic charge can short circuit them. The soot's acidic nature can also deteriorate the components. If you lack the resources to fix the problem effectively, it is best to contact fire damage remediation professionals. These employees know the appropriate methods and use the right equipment to repair damaged commercial equipment.
As a business owner, you can appreciate how important electronics are to accomplish major tasks. If the smoke and soot from an electrical fire impact your computers and appliances, follow these tips to prevent further damage before the experts arrive.

What Does Commercial Property insurance Cover?

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage

As a business owner, you want to be sure your business in Lafayette, LA, is adequately protected -- but navigating the world of commercial insurance options can be overwhelming. Commercial property insurance is one of the main coverage types that most businesses need.

What’s Covered?

Commercial property insurance policies cover damage to your business’s physical property caused by fire or other disasters. For example, if a fire broke out at your business, commercial property insurance would cover the costs of building repairs and fire damage restoration. You need this type of insurance if you own or rent a building for your business, including home-based businesses.
In addition to buildings, commercial property policies usually cover other physical assets, such as:

• Tools and equipment
  
• Parking and/or storage facilities
  
• Signs and fences
  
• Inventory
  
• Furniture
  
• Valuable documents and records
  
• Leased items, such as furniture, copiers, or phone systems
  
  

What’s Not Covered?
Commercial property insurance is one of the three major types of commercial insurance that most businesses need. It’s frequently bundled with commercial liability insurance, which covers damage to someone else’s property that is caused by you or by someone working for you, and business interruption insurance, which covers lost income and expenses while your business is closed for repairs due to a covered peril. Anything that would typically be covered under one of these other types of insurance is generally excluded from coverage under a commercial property policy.
Commercial property policies also frequently contain exclusions for:

• Damage due to certain perils, such as floods
  
• Intentional damage
  
• Damage which occurred while the property was controlled by a tenant
  
• Damage at other business locations
  
• Anything involving company vehicles
  
  

All insurance policies are different, so it’s important to review your commercial insurance policy documents carefully and to contact your agent with any questions about coverage. Commercial property insurance is an important part of the overall coverage you need to fully protect your business.

5 Culprits of Commercial Water Damage

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it is a broken pipe, flash flood, or another common culprit, taking fast action is key to minimizing excess water turning into severe damage.

When faced with water damage to your Lafayette, LA, business, even a small amount can lead to downtime while a water remediation and restoration company return the structure to normal. Although unexpected flooding or a broken pipe may be unavoidable, there are five common culprits that business owners should keep an eye on.

1. Mother Nature
The impact of an extreme natural disaster may be out of your hands, but being prepared for the next big storm or potential flash flooding can help minimize water issues. Simple maintenance procedures, such as cleaning gutters, installing flood barriers, or keeping sandbags on-site, can help guide the flow of water away from the building or reduce how much enters.

2. Roof
While it can be easy to forget about the structural component that is protecting the inside of the building, the roof is a top contender for leaks. Regular inspections are needed to ensure it is free of damage and properly draining. Any missing shingles, dips, damaged flashing or penetrable fixtures, such as skylights or drainpipes, can allow water in to easily degrade the roof.

3. Plumbing
Along with broken pipes, clogs, cracks, and backups are the main reasons a water repair is needed. That is especially true for older buildings. Regularly checking for signs of moisture, rust or leaks is vital to the system working. If frequently faced with plumping issues, a leak detection system can be installed that allows for quicker action to be taken.

4. Equipment
From the water heater to the HVAC system and other equipment, small leaks left unchecked can turn into big problems. Check for signs of leaks and inspect parts that are frequently replaced, such as hoses, gaskets, and filters.

5. Sprinklers
Business owners lucky enough to have a sprinkler system have peace of mind in case of a fire, but improper maintenance can lead to it being accidentally triggered or leaking. These systems should be checked monthly and quarterly as well as inspected by a professional once a year.

Whether it is a broken pipe, flash flood, or another common culprit, taking fast action is key to minimizing excess water turning into severe damage.

Flood Damage Can Spell Big Trouble For Acoustic Ceiling Tiles In Your Lafayette Property

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Flood Damage Experts In Lafayette Discuss Problems With Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

Most office complexes in Lafayette are built with acoustic ceiling tiles that make up the interior ceiling. If the roof ever leaks after a storm, commercial flood damage could result. Once ceiling tiles inside your office complex come into contact with water they can start to deteriorate. Once the tiles get saturated, they can lose their structural integrity and crumble and fall off from their metal tracks. If any building materials inside your office ever get wet, it is wise to call in a professional commercial flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO.

Over time the materials that make up the roof of your office complex can weaken and start to leak in moisture after a severe thunderstorm. If the amount of water is excessive, your commercial flood damage project in Lafayette can get worse if the issues do not get treated right away. Whenever moisture comes into the building from the ceiling, it can negatively affect your walls, carpets and other materials as it follows gravity and goes from your ceiling to your floor. If moisture stays inside your ceiling cavity for more than 48 hours, mold can develop on organic substances making up your roof's structure.

In many situations when acoustic ceiling tiles get wet, our SERVPRO technicians remove the tiles to be able to dry out other materials above the tiles. Acoustic ceiling tiles can be dried out if they did not get saturated and have not started to crumble. However, tiles are often replaced when they get wet due to the fact that they are rather inexpensive to replace. Removing ceiling tiles also allows a port of entry so that our technicians can set up fans that push air into the ceiling cavity and dry it out.

In some situations, our crew also removes and replaces the metal frames the tiles sit on if they have received moisture damage. If a roof leak in your office complex ever causes your acoustic ceiling tiles to get wet or crumble, call SERVPRO of Lafayette at (337) 269-6332 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Click here for more about Lafayette.

We Can Remove Foul Odors From Your Jewelry Shop In Abbeville After A Flood

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

When Commercial Flood Damage Leaves Your Jewelry Shop In Abbeville With Offensive Odors

After minor flooding in your Abbeville jewelry store happens, different problems can begin to develop. One of these involves offensive odors that no amount of air freshener spray seems to quell. Both carpets and other floor coverings can harbor microscopic substances that emit smells long after the rest of the damage appears cleared away and eliminated.

The standard encouraged by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and used by SERVPRO when mitigating businesses in Abbeville of commercial flood damage calls for the removal and disposal of affected carpeting and padding. Restoration methods used for carpeting saturated by a broken pipe simply cannot thoroughly clean a carpet after flooding happens. Additional cleaning, no matter how intense, cannot remove enough of the foreign materials.

The substances attach to carpet fibers and also find their way into the cells and pores of the padding. These can leave your floors a breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes. Wet carpeting can also keep subflooring damp. SERVPRO's specialists remove these from your jewelry store and check the flooring below for flood damage. Once they know that the structure remains sound, the specialists can address the odors that detract from your customers' shopping experience.

Odor control of flood-damaged buildings works at the molecular level. Instead of masking unwanted scents with more agreeable ones, technicians from SERVPRO use methods that eliminate the odors where they develop. Fogging helps destroy odors throughout a room, including the flooring. The chemicals used during this process infiltrate the tiniest areas and bond with unwanted substances. Now heavier, these can no longer fill your store with offensive odors. Relying on other methods, such as powerfully effective hydroxyl generators can leave a fresh and pleasant scent behind.

SERVPRO of Lafayette also serves other businesses in Rayne, Church Point, and Franklin, helping undo the harm caused by flood damage. Contact us at (337) 269-6332 to give your business a fresh start and create a better atmosphere for your customers.

Click here for more about Abbeville.

Smoke Damaged Electronics: Should You DIY?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

How does smoke damage electronics?

Smoke Damaged Electronics: Should You DIY?

An electrical fire can cause significant and costly damage, and while much of that damage will be to the building structure itself, you may soon discover that it extends to your electronics. Unfortunately, much of your computer and electronic equipment will not be salvageable. However, with professional computer cleanup services, you may be able to save some of it.

How Smoke Damages Electronics

Equipment that didn’t fall victim to fire damage may have fallen victim to smoke damage. Smoke can damage computer and electronic equipment in one of three ways:

Magnetic Charge: Most people do not know this, but smoke has a magnetic charge. This magnetic charge could cause certain electronics to short. Shortages due to smoke often happen with computers, televisions, and appliances.
Black Film: Following an electrical fire, the black film from smoke may seep into your electronic components and coat the interior mechanisms. This coating acts like an insulator of sorts and can cause your gadgets to overheat. Electronics that regularly overheat have a far shorter lifespan than those that don’t.
Acidity from Soot: Soot is another type of fire damage people don’t regularly think about. Soot, which is highly acidic, can seep into your electronics and lead to premature degradation.

How To Handle Fire Damaged Electronics
Some people try to conduct computer cleanup on their own, but you should strongly consider calling a professional. The best thing you can do to save yourself considerable hassle and expense is power down the device and remove any external memory or storage. This first step is important, as trying to powerup a fire damaged device before it’s cleaned can cause irreparable damage.
Once you remove any external hard drives, transfer salvageable devices over to a fire damage remediation specialist in Lafayette, LA. If you attempt to make repairs yourself, you risk making things much worse. A professional, on the other hand, can adeptly clean away damage left by the electrical fire and make sure your device is usable again.

Deducting Storm Damage on Your Taxes

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

If your building has been affected by storm damage act quickly to get any insurance coverage

When storm damage affects your Lafayette, LA, property, there's a chance that you may qualify for tax breaks to help you offset losses your insurance company denied. When disasters, such as blizzards, earthquakes, hurricanes, and major storms, damage your buildings and inventory, find whether you'll be reimbursed for damages through the insurance company. If your property is insured, but the damage isn't covered by your insurance, apply for a tax write-off.

Should You Deduct Losses?

Refer to the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, for specific requirements that are up to date. As you consider your next move, however, the following information can serve as a guide:

• You need to deduct the loss during the same year the damage happened.
  
• Property owners in federally declared disaster areas have a slightly larger window of tie to deduct losses.
  
• Base your estimated loss on the value of your property before the damages, as well as decrease (specifically due to the damages) in the fair market value.
  
• Even if the insurance provided some coverage, you may be eligible for this tax deductible.
  
  

If you think there's any chance of getting this tax write-off after storm damage affects your property, look up Form 4684 (Casualties and Thefts) and plan to claim the deductible on Schedule A (Itemized Deductions.) Contact an experienced tax preparer or attorney to work through the process specific to commercial property owners.

When Should You Prepare?

Don't wait until hurricane season to figure out how you'll handle the damages and losses caused by storms. It's better to understand your insurance coverage and tax-deductible options well in advance of approaching storms. As you learn more about the potential for damages and how to respond, you'll be better prepared to create a comprehensive storm emergency protocol. Don't forget to include contact information for your insurance representative and cleanup and reconstruction professionals.

Why Not Wait for Trouble?

If your buildings or property have been affected by storm damage, act quickly to get any insurance coverage or tax write-offs that apply. Any delay could lead to significant losses. If you don't file, you may never know whether you qualify or how much help you could have received.