Maintaining Fire Safety: A Guide to Inspecting Your Commercial Building's Fire Sprinklers

4/9/2023 (Permalink)

As a business owner or manager, the safety of your employees and property is of utmost importance. One crucial aspect of safety in a commercial building is the proper functioning of fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers can prevent small fires from turning into large ones, potentially saving lives and property damage. However, fire sprinklers are not a "set and forget" system. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Here's a guide on how to inspect the fire sprinklers in your commercial building:

Check the fire sprinkler system documentation

Before inspecting the fire sprinkler system, make sure you have access to the system documentation. This documentation should contain the installation drawings, hydraulic calculations, and specifications of the system. If you don't have this documentation, contact the company that installed the system or a licensed fire protection contractor to obtain it.

Look for visible signs of damage or obstruction

Inspect the fire sprinklers and look for any visible signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or corrosion. Check for any obstructions that could prevent the sprinklers from discharging water in the event of a fire. Obstructions can include storage items or debris, such as dust or cobwebs, that may have accumulated over time.

Check the control valves and alarm devices

Make sure the control valves and alarm devices are in proper working condition. Test the alarm devices, such as the fire alarm and flow switches, to ensure they are working correctly. Check the control valves to ensure they are open, allowing water to flow through the system.

Inspect the pipes and fittings

Inspect the pipes and fittings that connect the fire sprinklers. Look for any signs of leaks, rust, or damage. Check the pipe hangers and supports to ensure they are secure and not damaged. Make sure the pipes are properly labeled and identified for ease of maintenance and inspection.

Test the water supply and pressure

The water supply and pressure are critical to the operation of the fire sprinkler system. Test the water supply and pressure to ensure they meet the specifications outlined in the system documentation. This testing should be performed by a licensed fire protection contractor, and the results should be recorded for future reference.

Schedule regular inspections and maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure the fire sprinkler system continues to operate correctly. Schedule annual inspections with a licensed fire protection contractor to check the system for any issues and perform any necessary maintenance. Additionally, perform visual inspections of the system regularly to identify any visible issues that require attention.

In conclusion, inspecting your fire sprinkler system is critical to maintaining the safety of your employees and property. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and prevent potential issues before they become significant problems. By following these steps and working with a licensed fire protection contractor, you can ensure your fire sprinkler system remains in proper working condition.

Electronics Cleaning After a Fire

10/14/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning Electronics After a Fire

When a fire damages your electronic equipment, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You want to get the items cleaned and restored as soon as possible so that you can put the whole ordeal behind you. However, there are many different types of electronic equipment and each type requires different cleaning methods. If you do not clean these items properly, they could become damaged beyond repair or even cause injury if they are used without cleaning first.

There are many ways that your electronic devices and appliances can be damaged. A fire, flood, storm, or water leak can cause damage to the internal workings of your devices and leave them irreparable. An electrical storm can also cause damage to electronics.

If you have experienced any of these events, it is important that you understand how to properly clean electronics after a fire or other disaster has occurred.

How to Clean Electronics

You should remove all power cords, batteries, and other accessories before cleaning your device. Turn off the device, unplug it from the electrical outlet and then wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to gently remove any visible dirt or dust. Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.

If you want to go deeper than that, you can use rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs to clean out any smaller crevices on your electronic equipment (don’t forget to let them air-dry). To get rid of stubborn stains or discoloration caused by smoke damage, try using toothpaste—just make sure not to rub too hard when scrubbing!

Finally, you will want to plug your electronics in and make sure they function properly. 

Follow These Steps Carefully

Electronics cleaning after a fire is possible, but it requires skilled labor to ensure the items will function properly again.

If you lost your electronics in a fire and are wondering whether they can be salvaged, take heart: there is hope! Your devices may not look quite as nice as before the fire, but if they’re still working then there’s no reason why you shouldn't be able to use them. However, before trying to clean up any damage from the smoke and soot that's sure to have accumulated on your damaged devices, make sure that they actually still work. This can be accomplished by plugging them into an outlet or powering them up with batteries (if applicable). If these steps fail to yield results—and if you're certain your devices don't have any water damage—then move on to step two: cleaning off any visible grime or ash left behind by smoke inhalation using cotton swabs dipped in glass cleaner or alcohol wipes; this should help remove most of what has been deposited onto surfaces such as screens and keyboards. Finally, once these initial steps have been taken care of successfully without damaging anything further inside those electronic items which might still need some attention like CPUs (central processing units) or motherboards

We understand that the damage caused by a fire can be overwhelming. But we’re here to help. Our experienced technicians will work with you to clean and restore your electronic equipment after it has been damaged by fire or smoke. We offer competitive rates on all of our services so that you get quality service at an affordable price point. Contact us today for more information about how we can help!

Important Watertight Features of Your Building

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Roof leak in Solana, FL.

How To Keep Water Out Of Your Commercial Property

If you expect your Solana, FL, building to keep water out during a storm, you need to make sure it is watertight. A leaky roof, for example, can lead to rain damage even in the mildest of storms. As you try to figure out how to keep water out of your commercial property, you need to think about the watertight elements, including the following:

• Roofing
• Siding
• Windows

Checking out these features before the stormy season can help you reduce the need for a commercial restoration specialist.

Roofing

This system acts as the top layer of your building envelope. Not only do the shingles play a role in keeping moisture from seeping into your building, but so does the underlayment, edging and roof deck. You need to make sure every component of your roof is in top shape to ensure your property is at its best.

Siding

The siding and sheathing work together to create a watertight barrier around the sides of your building. Cracked or warped siding could allow rain damage to affect your property. Even a loose board could spell disaster if the wind gets strong enough to rip it off.

Windows

The doors and windows of your property act as a vulnerable point. Rain may be able to pool along with the frames of the fixtures if they are not properly installed. When water seeps through the frames, you may end up with black mold growth in places you don't want it. Before a storm hits, you need to check each window and door to make sure the weather stripping is in good condition. You could also check the panes and jambs for signs of defects.

The building envelope helps keep the rain damage to a minimum. If any part of this system is damaged or missing, you may end up with a lot of water in your space after any storm. It may be beneficial to hire a professional inspector.

Don't Give Up on Wet Documents After a Flood

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Wet Documents After a Flood

A flood can wreak havoc on your personal belongings, especially delicate paper goods. Wet documents such as birth certificates, deeds, and sentimental photos are difficult to replace. Don’t let a flood in Punta Gorda, FL, destroy your important documents.

Take Action Immediately After Flooding

The aftermath of a flood event in your home or business can be overwhelming – prioritizing your actions can help. Your important documents should be at the top of your list. To prevent permanent damage, you can take steps yourself before professional help arrives: 

Gather all wet documents and remove them from moisture. Ensure they do not get wet again.
Do not lay the documents flat. Place them upright and separate so that they have a better chance of drying and do not stick together.
Take pictures and assess. Certain types of damage are irreversible, such as advanced mold or running ink.

Save Whatever Paperwork You Can

Standard paper documents, photos, X-rays and books can usually be safely restored if done correctly; your best bet would be to go through professional document restoration services.

Currently, there are advanced technological strategies for document drying available. Vacuum freezing uses temperature and pressure to sublimate moisture. Additionally, gamma irradiation can be used to sterilize chemicals and bacteria that were deposited by the floodwater.

Practice Prevention

The best way to maintain peace of mind during a flood or other disaster is to plan ahead. One way to protect your most precious documents is to digitize them. Scan and upload them to the cloud service of your choice. For added security, encrypt those files and save them to multiple flash drives.

Dealing with wet documents is a devastating flood result. Prevention is critical, but if a flood should occur, you should know that you can take steps to save your important paperwork.

3 Things To Know About Mold

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Properly and safely remediate mold is not an easy task and it can be dangerous too. Call SERVPRO if you need help!

Mold: 3 Facts You Should Be Aware Of

Although molds are a natural part of the environment, no one ever wants to find out that they have mold growing in their building. But how do you know if you have mold? Is mold there, even if you can’t see it? And what is an indoor environmental specialist? Here are three important things you need to know in order to prevent mold growth in your Burnt Store, FL, building.

1. Mold Is Everywhere

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. It’s impossible to completely eliminate mold; however, it’s important to control mold so that it doesn’t become a problem. Commercial buildings can be susceptible to mold because of high humidity levels, numerous water sources or unidentified leaks. Many business owners or maintenance managers are unfamiliar with what mold looks like. An indoor environmental specialist is someone who is certified to identify mold and moisture problems. You can rely on professionals in the restoration industry if you think you might have mold.

2. Moisture Feeds Mold

Many people mistakenly think that they can simply wipe mold away. Conversely, the process for remediating mold growth involves more steps. The source of moisture that is feeding the mold must be identified and removed. For example, if mold is found in a bathroom, then an inspection should be done to check the humidity level and ensure proper ventilation. Additionally, pipes should be checked for potential leaks. Once the source of moisture has been removed, it’s necessary to thoroughly clean the area. Mold remediation specialists contain the mold, clean the air, remove damaged materials and clean belongings.

3. Mold Tests Are Available

Mold can’t always be seen. If you notice a musty smell in your building, then it’s a good sign that mold is growing. A mold remediation specialist can do a mold test to help you find the mold and determine the next steps for fixing the problem.
Mold is present everywhere but only becomes a problem if moisture feeds the mold spores. If you notice any musty smells or water spots on ceilings or walls, then it’s time to get help from an indoor environmental specialist.

Water and Wood Flooring Don’t Mix: How To Minimize Water Damage

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

As water damage specialists, we are prepared and ready to serve you at a moment's notice. Here is an example of how we work in business.

Water and Wood Flooring Don't Mix: How to Prevent Water Damage to Your Floors

Some things are perfect together: peanut butter and jelly, and nuts and bolts, and socks and shoes, Water and wood flooring; however, do not belong together. What do you do when you find a water mess on your flooring? Learn more now so you don’t waste time searching the internet for help when you have a pipe burst in your building in Burnt Store, FL.

How Does Water Damage Wood?

Since wood is porous and absorbent, water easily fills those nooks and crannies where it wreaks havoc on structure. There are a few ways a wood floor may respond to water damage, and sometimes these symptoms are the first signs of a wet floor:

• Cupping. Just as it sounds, the wood curls upward on the sides, making a cup shape.
• Buckling. This is when the wood bows up and pulls away from the subfloor.

These problems happen whether you have hardwoods or laminates, and even if your floor is sealed. That’s why it is so important to practice routine plumbing inspections and maintenance to avoid damage from something like a water pipe burst.

What To Do When You Have a Leak?

The way to minimize damage is to remove the water as quickly as possible. Here are the key steps:

1. Remove water immediately by pumping, mopping or absorbing with rags or paper.
   
2. Dry the floor thoroughly with fans and special equipment to remove excess moisture.
   
3. Monitor moisture levels to ensure proper drying.
   
4. You may need to remove some boards to allow the subfloor to dry.

Repairing a wood floor may be possible even if some warping happened, but sometimes you may need to replace some or all of the boards. Do not make repairs until drying is complete.

Knowing When To Call for Help

Sometimes, the first sign of a water leak or pipe burst is the fact that your floor is wet or warping. Knowing how to clean the mess and when to call a professional water remediation specialist are important skills that can help minimize damage and costs.

Easy Fixes for 3 Common Irrigation Problems

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

When you find water damage in your building in Punta Gorda, FL, but there is no leaky pipe and not a cloud in the sky, be sure to check your outdoor irrigation system for the source of your troubles. Most commercial properties rely on a sprinkler system to maintain the landscape, but these systems still require some regular maintenance to prevent problems. Learning how to troubleshoot your irrigation network is simple and will save you some headaches.

Remember to shut off the water supply when replacing or fixing parts. The most common problems you might encounter are:

1. Low water pressure. Inspect the irrigation system to make sure all valves are open and all drains are closed. If you still have low water pressure, you may have a leak. Find the source by checking for flooded ground. Lastly, check each sprinkler head from beginning to end, looking for one that is not working well. Gently dig into the ground to check the line that leads to that sprinkler and repair at the site with a fresh cut and a water-tight coupling.

2. Sprinkler heads are not spraying. When a sprinkler is only partially spraying or not spraying at all, investigate for signs of a break or crack first. If broken, simply replace it with a new head. If no break is detected, the head is probably clogged and can be cleaned and replaced. Remove dirt in the area to keep the lines clean when unscrewing heads for replacement.

3. Spray pattern problems. The irrigation system may have a problem with a spray pattern that is hitting a structure on the property or not covering enough landscape. You can make adjustments with a turn of a screwdriver directly in the slot on top of the head.

The most common irrigation problems are simple to fix but can cause big problems when flooding goes undetected and damages your building. Fortunately for you, experienced water damage specialists can handle all your needs from cleanup to restoration.

4 Steps to Stop a Flushing Toilet

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

You can rely on professionals to help with the proper cleanup including disinfecting, removal, and replacement of damaged materials.

You probably have some high-volume toilets in your building in Punta Gorda, FL, that use a flushometer to control the flushing function. When you have a toilet that won’t stop flushing, you have a serious risk of a toilet overflow. You can take care of this problem right away, here is how to fix a commercial toilet that won’t stop flushing in 4 easy steps:

1. Turn off the water supply. You can prevent a toilet flood by turning off the water supply to the individual toilet using a flat-head screwdriver. You will find the right location on the pipe that is coming out of the wall and perpendicular to the vertical pipe coming out of the toilet.

2. Unscrew the cap from the pipe extending over the back of the toilet. Since the water is off, take a large wrench to loosen the cap at the top of the pipe that extends vertically above the toilet. By using paper between the wrench and the metal, you can avoid scratching the chrome.

3. Remove the gasket and clean it. Now you will see a rubber gasket. It is usually to reason for the problem because sediment prevents it from functioning well. Be sure to clean the tiny hole because it is critical for the function of the flushometer.

4. Put it all together and test. After replacing the gasket, tighten the cap and turn on the water supply. Flush and wait to see if you managed to stop a toilet from overflowing today. If it continues to flow, turn off the supply valve again to prevent a toilet overflow while you buy a replacement gasket.

Now you know how to prevent endless gallons of “black water” from flooding your building due to a toilet overflow. At least you can rely on professionals to help with the proper cleanup including disinfecting, removal, and replacement of damaged materials.

Estimating What a Commercial Fire Costs

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Estimating What a Commercial Fire Costs

Establishing the financial cost of a commercial fire in Burnt Store, FL, requires the help of experts. The National Fire Incident Reporting System identified some important points to bear in mind when estimating fire cost:

• An estimate of fire loss considers structural damage and damage to contents

• Damage to contents includes the effects of fire, smoke, water and overhaul

• The International Code Council’s building valuation data formula is recommended by the U.S. Fire Administration as the tool that should be used by fire departments to determine dollar loss

Structural Damage

Determining structural fire damage should be done by fire remediation and restoration professionals. While melted plastic and charred wood are obvious to the naked eye, other damage can remain hidden. Water used to control the fire can seep into areas not open to view to warp floors and cause wallboard to crumble. Professionals can assess whether repair or replacement is most appropriate.

Damage to Contents

Contents include furnishings as well as equipment. The remediation and restoration company you choose can estimate the likelihood of successfully restoring soft furnishings such as sofas, chairs, and floor coverings. The process can include removing moisture and stains as well as smoke odors. You can determine the tradeoffs between restoration or replacement with the help of experts and your insurance company.

Even if electronic equipment didn’t experience direct damage by fire or water, it can sustain damage from smoke and soot. Smoke contains acids that can corrode components, and a computer’s battery can be subject to combustion. It’s wise to wait for a professional to assess your equipment before turning anything on.

Getting Back to Normal

Your remediation and restoration company can help ensure that you’ve considered all aspects of possible fire damage. Their estimate can be the basis of a bid for the work that needs to be performed in order to get the business back to normal operation.

What to Wear for Mold Removal

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Six Items To Wear During Mold Clean Up

Personal protective equipment is necessary when confronting mold growth in your Burnt Store, FL, business. The microscopic nature of mold spores allows them to be easily airborne, attaching to clothing and hair and carried to other parts of the building. A professional mold remediation team will have the equipment and training to safely and effectively address the mold problem. However, minimal growth identified early on can often be addressed personally. To prevent the spread of mold and protect yourself from potential health effects, here are six items to wear during the cleanup process:

1. Protective Clothing

The key to protecting yourself during mold cleanup is coverage. Wearing long sleeves and pants is a must, while larger jobs or extra protection could require a disposable Tyvek suit. If wearing your regular clothes, be sure to remove and launder immediately after leaving the work area to minimize the spread of spores.

2. Disposable Hair Covers

Mold spores can land on hair and be inhaled or carried to other areas of your business. Wear a disposable hair cover and be sure to remove it every time before leaving the work area.

3. Disposable Shoe Covers

Disposable covers protect your shoes from being a vehicle for mold spores to carry to other places of your business. Remove the shoe covers before leaving the work area and use a fresh pair every time to help contain the mold.

4. Disposable Gloves

Any material will do when selecting disposable gloves for mold cleanup but ensure the fit is snug. If your gloves are too big or loose-fitting, mold spores may find their way underneath the material.

5. Face Mask

An air-purifying respirator is required to protect your health when working near mold. These face masks will filter out particles in the air, protecting your lungs from the potential health effects of mold spores.

6. Safety Goggles

Finally, safety goggles will shield your eyes from mold spores and other irritants that can be stirred up through debris and cleaning products.

3 Ways To Eliminate Smoke Odor After a Business Fire

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

3 Ways To Eliminate Smoke Odor

In addition to the structural damage caused by a fire at your Punta Gorda, FL, commercial property, there will also be smoke damage. Smoke particles are small and persistent. They can create an unpleasant odor long after the property has been restored. There are many smoke cleaning methods that can be used to eliminate lingering odors. The following are three of the most effective.

1. Air Filtration
An air filter is the simplest way to permanently remove smoke odor. Devices with HEPA filters are particularly effective. As air passes through the filter, the odorous particles are trapped. The size and number of filtration machines needed depend on the size of the affected area and the level of contamination. Change or clean the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the machines are always filtering properly.

2. Ozone Treatment
If your business needs a more potent smoke cleaning technique, ozone may be a solution. Because of the particular atomic makeup of ozone, it combines with smoke particles and forms a new compound that no longer smells like smoke. The process is carried out by a machine that releases ozone into the air of the affected rooms. Ozone treatments should be handled by a certified restoration company that has the knowledge and experience to ensure your building is safe before you reenter the property.

3. Thermal Fogging
Thermal fogging is a highly effective odor remediation technique. In a fire, the heat causes porous surfaces to expand. After the fire has been extinguished, the surfaces cool and contract. This process traps the smoke odor inside the surfaces. Thermal fogging uses a heated deodorizing fog to penetrate porous surfaces and eliminate lingering odors.
After a business fire, many owners assume that simply cleaning and repairing the affected surfaces will eliminate the smoke smell. Unfortunately, it is often not enough. However, there are many smoke cleaning methods that can be employed to address the problem.