Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

a white drop ceiling tile showing signs of water damage from a leak

Let SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/ Clarkston help your business take measures to reduce the time that your company is closed after a disaster.

While many cases of water damage in the United States are experienced by homeowners, commercial buildings are also at risk of succumbing to water damage. Water damage is often experienced in blocks by commercial properties. While there is usually a yard between homes, there may only be a few inches of concrete between businesses.

In a place like Stone Mountain, we are no stranger to powerful storms that deal serious damage to our properties. We see everything from tornadoes to floods to the effects of hurricanes that hit the coasts.

We face an additional risk for being in such a mountainous state like Georgia, where the frequent elevation change makes it easy for water to pool together and begin flash floods more easily.

It’s common knowledge how disastrous water can be to the structures we have, impacting your business both physically and financially. The best way to minimize water’s effects on your business is to deal with the problems immediately.

Knowing the causes of water damage is also crucial to finding the right solution to the issue. We’ve gathered information on the three main causes of commercial water damage for you to keep an eye out for in your building:

Major Causes of Water Damage

Oftentimes, things that seem like minor issues can actually be growing into a much larger problem for you know it.

A minor leak can waste over 22 gallons per day, and a major leak can waste up to five times that amount depending on the size and location.

Roof Leaks

The roof is designed to limit the interior of the building from external elements like heat from the sun, rain during storms and debris that gets blown around. However, a leaky roof actually does the opposite, serving as a funnel for all of the outdoors to enter your building.

As the roof gets older, it also becomes more vulnerable to heavy rain, snow and falling debris that can result in extreme damage or even an entire roof collapse. Make sure to keep an eye on your roof, especially after storms, to better prevent costly roof leaks and the following damage.

Broken Equipment or Appliances

Sometimes, your building may have appliances like a water heater, AC, dishwasher and many others that facilitate the flow of water. Apart from appliances, there are complex piping systems in every building that can suffer damage at any time and cause costly commercial damage.

Major problems happen when these appliances are broken and no one notices. Even worse, if this were to happen during off-hours, it could leak a substantial amount of water and do extreme levels of structural damage before anyone even notices.

Inspecting your piping and appliances regularly can help you stay on top of the problem before it escalates into a destructive event.

Natural Disaster

Apart from roof leaks and broken equipment, water damage happens in commercial buildings due to natural disasters like hurricanes, thunderstorms and heavy rain that causes flash floods. Clogged gutters can also lead rainwater to flow toward the foundation of your building, making it more vulnerable to damage.

Have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, and inspect your building regularly to identify and address any damage before it gets out of hand.

Commercial water damage is a devastating problem that any business owner can experience. While there is no way to get rid of it entirely, knowing these important causes, and some preventive measures can help you minimize the risk you face.

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.

Our Commercial Fire Large Loss Restoration Services

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

a large commercial building with extensive fire damage to roof

Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to restore your commercial property after a fire has caused a large loss.

As a business owner, there are a lot of things to be concerned about when it comes to keeping the doors open. One important element of running a business is having a plan when disaster strikes and strikes hard.

Disasters can come in many sizes, but one that is perhaps one of the most concerning is what is called a “large loss” to your commercial property. A “large loss” is defined as a large scale loss that has a considerable financial impact to your business.

What can SERVPRO do about a large loss for your business?

Emergency Response. We have emergency services on deck 24⁄7 to answer the call for whenever you might need us. We will act immediately to contain the damage and start the repair procedure. We’ve worked with commercial organizations of all kinds for more than 50 years, and we are the experts in cleaning up after large-scale damage and getting businesses just like yours back up and running as fast as possible.

Treating the Damage. Our pros in green consist of licensed experts who have been educated in specialized procedures for removing water and treating smoke damage in your commercial property after a fire. Even if the bulk of your building has been affected, we work diligently to rescue what can be restored and detect issues that may be invisible to the untrained eye. Getting your business back up and running is critical, and we do our best to ensure the work is done correctly and thoroughly while working as quickly as possible. With our knowledge and industry-leading equipment, we’re able to do the most comprehensive job in the shortest amount of time.

When you call on SERVPRO for large-loss restoration services, you can count on consistent communication throughout the duration of the job, the highest-quality products and unmatched customer service. We understand the worry that commercial property damage may cause.

The subsequent difficulties caused by smoke, water from firefighting efforts and structural damage might make your business seem irreparable. You can put your confidence in our technicians, who will work hard to treat the damage, identify any objects that need restoration or replacement, and even coordinate with your insurance provider.

Allow SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston to restore your commercial property after a fire has caused a large loss and interruptions to business. We are on hand 24⁄7, ready to take your call right now.

Your Partners in Business

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

a workspace and cubicle showing signs of water damage

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

When running a business, to say that it can be stressful at times is quite an understatement. As a business owner, you know how difficult it can be to have things always run smoothly. Major damages or accidents can cause major losses to a company, and that’s something we want to help you avoid.

That’s why you can count on SERVPRO to become your partner in the business world. We are locally owned and operated, and we will help you work through or recover from anything that can possibly take away from your business. Our goal is to help you and your business continue down the road to success.

Large loss recovery. The top cause of financial loss for businesses across the United States are fires, storms and flooding. These things can and likely will cause large amounts of damage, especially if you wait before dealing with the problem. That’s where SERVPRO can come in with our highly trained professionals to help get you on the road to recovery.

Emergency Ready Plan. Preparation is key, which is why you need to prepare your business before disaster strikes. We will help you create and put the perfect plan into place, so that when disaster comes, you know exactly what to do. There are specific things you should consider when planning, like having an emergency chain of command, alternate meeting or work sites, and how to handle restoration needs.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We can help you with any specialty cleaning needs you have, like biohazard removal,, as well as routine cleaning needs like carpet cleaning or upholstery restoration. No matter what the messy issue is, we will come up with a solution to get it cleaned.

Restoration Services. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or a small kitchen fire got out of hand, these things require cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston has all the bases covered, offering comprehensive restoration services for water damage, fire damage and storm damage, among other emergencies.

Industry Specialization. We have spent years learning about commercial enterprises, so we know that we can help anyone. We know the ins and outs of a variety of industries and stand prepared to handle those needs. Because we understand how important your business is, we will often enclose a work area during restoration so that your business operations aren’t disrupted. Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Commercial Fire Extinguisher Safety and Education

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

two fire extinguishers and red fire hose hanging on interior wall

If your property takes on fire damage, rest assured that SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is here to help.

Fire safety is a critical aspect of health & safety measures that all businesses must address, and maintaining your commercial property’s fire extinguishers is essential in protecting your employees, property and products from harm.

A fire extinguisher can’t protect anything if nobody knows how to use it. There are many rules and regulations related to fire extinguisher safety, such as the fact that fire extinguishers should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet that would not be well-known without proper education.

You and your employees must also know how to choose the right extinguisher, as well as how to operate it. This is where it might be valuable to employ some training.

Why Training Is Essential

Let’s take a look at what fire extinguisher training includes and why it’s important:

Fire extinguisher training usually consists of education and practice. You will learn all about the types of extinguishers through lectures provided by a certified instructor. Once you have passed the education portion, you will get to put your knowledge into practice. Generally conducted in an outdoor setting, certified instructors will provide hands-on training teaching you and your team how to use the various types of fire extinguishers.

What would happen if a fire sprung up in your facility today? Would you know how to extinguish it and with the proper extinguisher? Would your employees know how to do this?

This is why training is critical in ensuring your staff has the opportunity to try these devices and techniques before a disaster strikes so that in the case one ever does happen, you all will know exactly what to do.

Your workplace runs the risk of devastating and costly damage if you’re not prepared. While you can’t predict a fire, you can ensure that your employees know what to do to promptly and effectively combat it through proper training. This ultimately minimizes what could have been extensive injuries, damages and expenses.

If your commercial property takes on fire damage, SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is here to help. We have teams on deck at all times ready to take your call and begin the restoration process immediately.

Inventory your Contents to Protect your Business.

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

It is no secret how damaging flames and smoke can be to your business. Everyone knows how grueling, tedious, and expensive smoke and soot clean-up can be, but one area we find that business owners overlook when it comes to protecting their office, are the contents and furnishings inside the office.

Most insurance policies have “contents coverage,” in the event that the contents of a home or business get damaged by fire and/or water. However, policy holders are required to submit a list of the items that were deemed unsalvageable in order to receive payment. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston takes great care on the job site to note any irreparably damaged items that must be thrown away, but unfortunately not all items can be recognized.

Taking inventory of your business can help identify your belongings in the case of fire and/or water damage. You can do this by taking pictures or by cataloging the space. These resources can help jog your memory as to what was stored in each room. And remember, if you are renting your office space and have tenant's insurance, your inventory is just as critical! SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is here to assist you in getting your Stone Mountain, Tucker, and Clarkston office spaces back to normal after a water, fire or smoke disaster. Call 770-496-1976 to speak to someone about how we can help.

Inventory your Contents to Protect your Business.

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

It is no secret how damaging flames and smoke can be to your business. Everyone knows how grueling, tedious, and expensive smoke and soot clean-up can be, but one area we find that business owners overlook when it comes to protecting their office, are the contents and furnishings inside the office.

Most insurance policies have “contents coverage,” in the event that the contents of a home or business get damaged by fire and/or water. However, policy holders are required to submit a list of the items that were deemed unsalvageable in order to receive payment. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston takes great care on the job site to note any irreparably damaged items that must be thrown away, but unfortunately not all items can be recognized.

Taking inventory of your business can help identify your belongings in the case of fire and/or water damage. You can do this by taking pictures or by cataloging the space. These resources can help jog your memory as to what was stored in each room. And remember, if you are renting your office space and have tenant's insurance, your inventory is just as critical! SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is here to assist you in getting your Stone Mountain, Tucker, and Clarkston office spaces back to normal after a water, fire or smoke disaster. Call 770-496-1976 to speak to someone about how we can help.

Inventory your Contents to Protect your Business.

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

It is no secret how damaging flames and smoke can be to your business. Everyone knows how grueling, tedious, and expensive smoke and soot clean-up can be, but one area we find that business owners overlook when it comes to protecting their office, are the contents and furnishings inside the office.

Most insurance policies have “contents coverage,” in the event that the contents of a home or business get damaged by fire and/or water. However, policy holders are required to submit a list of the items that were deemed unsalvageable in order to receive payment. SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston takes great care on the job site to note any irreparably damaged items that must be thrown away, but unfortunately not all items can be recognized.

Taking inventory of your business can help identify your belongings in the case of fire and/or water damage. You can do this by taking pictures or by cataloging the space. These resources can help jog your memory as to what was stored in each room. And remember, if you are renting your office space and have tenant's insurance, your inventory is just as critical! SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is here to assist you in getting your Stone Mountain, Tucker, and Clarkston office spaces back to normal after a water, fire or smoke disaster. Call 770-496-1976 to speak to someone about how we can help.

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

As recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic continues, families and communities are hoping that “normal” life is on its way back in full, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic recovery as well.

But a new challenge for business owners is here: How can you ensure that your business is clean, safe and sanitized, and how can you let returning employees and customers know they’re safe at the same time?

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you both. We’ll sanitize your building with a custom solution that’s proven effective against everything from MRSA to anthrax, and equip you with ways to let your customers know before they ever walk through the door that their health is a priority.

It’s all possible because of the three C’s:

Consult. Your business is uniquely situated, and we know that means it has sanitation and cleaning needs that other area businesses may not have. We’ll work with you to determine the best set of options for you. It helps that SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies of the greater Atlanta area.

Clean. Once we settle on a sanitation plan, we’ll be hard at work making sure your building is next-level clean. We’ll disinfect your business with exclusive, hospital-grade cleaning methods no one else can offer, and you’ll end up with an extreme level of sanitation that meets or exceeds current CDC standards, is NSF-approved for food safety and is EPA-tested for use around children, elderly individuals and pets. And a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program goes past COVID-19 protection—this clean will fight the germs that cause any number of contagious diseases and virus, so your customers and employees can breathe easy and relax inside your store or office.

Certify. Now you can share your good news with everyone by displaying the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your front window, on your door, your website and more. This lets returning customers and potential passers-by know that you care about them, because you’ve gone to lengths many business owners haven’t to care for their health and safety.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today at 770-496-1976 to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

As recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic continues, families and communities are hoping that “normal” life is on its way back in full, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic recovery as well.

But a new challenge for business owners is here: How can you ensure that your business is clean, safe and sanitized, and how can you let returning employees and customers know they’re safe at the same time?

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you both. We’ll sanitize your building with a custom solution that’s proven effective against everything from MRSA to anthrax, and equip you with ways to let your customers know before they ever walk through the door that their health is a priority.

It’s all possible because of the three C’s:

Consult. Your business is uniquely situated, and we know that means it has sanitation and cleaning needs that other area businesses may not have. We’ll work with you to determine the best set of options for you. It helps that SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies of the greater Atlanta area.

Clean. Once we settle on a sanitation plan, we’ll be hard at work making sure your building is next-level clean. We’ll disinfect your business with exclusive, hospital-grade cleaning methods no one else can offer, and you’ll end up with an extreme level of sanitation that meets or exceeds current CDC standards, is NSF-approved for food safety and is EPA-tested for use around children, elderly individuals and pets. And a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program goes past COVID-19 protection—this clean will fight the germs that cause any number of contagious diseases and virus, so your customers and employees can breathe easy and relax inside your store or office.

Certify. Now you can share your good news with everyone by displaying the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your front window, on your door, your website and more. This lets returning customers and potential passers-by know that you care about them, because you’ve gone to lengths many business owners haven’t to care for their health and safety.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today at 770-496-1976 to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

As recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic continues, families and communities are hoping that “normal” life is on its way back in full, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic recovery as well.

But a new challenge for business owners is here: How can you ensure that your business is clean, safe and sanitized, and how can you let returning employees and customers know they’re safe at the same time?

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you both. We’ll sanitize your building with a custom solution that’s proven effective against everything from MRSA to anthrax, and equip you with ways to let your customers know before they ever walk through the door that their health is a priority.

It’s all possible because of the three C’s:

Consult. Your business is uniquely situated, and we know that means it has sanitation and cleaning needs that other area businesses may not have. We’ll work with you to determine the best set of options for you. It helps that SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies of the greater Atlanta area.

Clean. Once we settle on a sanitation plan, we’ll be hard at work making sure your building is next-level clean. We’ll disinfect your business with exclusive, hospital-grade cleaning methods no one else can offer, and you’ll end up with an extreme level of sanitation that meets or exceeds current CDC standards, is NSF-approved for food safety and is EPA-tested for use around children, elderly individuals and pets. And a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program goes past COVID-19 protection—this clean will fight the germs that cause any number of contagious diseases and virus, so your customers and employees can breathe easy and relax inside your store or office.

Certify. Now you can share your good news with everyone by displaying the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your front window, on your door, your website and more. This lets returning customers and potential passers-by know that you care about them, because you’ve gone to lengths many business owners haven’t to care for their health and safety.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today at 770-496-1976 to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Trusted by Your Insurance Agent!

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! They understand your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need.

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients are just a few. SERVPRO knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day.

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done correctly the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results.

That’s the SERVPRO difference. Contact us at the SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are always here to help!.

Commercial Water Damage

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Water damage to your commercial building can be as simple as outside flood water entering the front lobby of your building or as complex as a fire sprinkler discharging on the tenth floor of an office building. We have extensive experience on all different types and sizes of commercial water losses in the greater Atlanta area.

Developing a Plan

As soon as we arrive onsite our number one priority is learning your main priority. After all, nobody knows your business better than you do! Our technicians understand that you need to have your business up and running as soon as possible. We also understand that as a business owner or manager you are having to deal with dozens of needs during a crisis: employees, inventory, technology, customers. We need to understand your priority so that we can develop a plan that works for your business.

Large Loss Response Team

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain / Clarkston is a qualified Large Loss Response Team (LLRT). Being named an LLRT team member means that we have been vetted for having the resources and experience to handle large commercial losses. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we will be on our way with the help you need!

As a Business Owner, Know the Dangers of Natural Disasters

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

As you work to build your business into a successful one, there are many things to be concerned with along the way—however, many business owners fail to be concerned with the dangers of natural disasters and the impact they can have.

Many businesses struggle to reopen in the aftermath of an emergency, but through careful planning and preparation, you can reduce the likelihood of this impacting you.

Safety is always the main concern in regard to disasters, which is why it is wise to plan for keeping your staff safe during emergency scenarios before anything else. Once that is settled, you can begin to think through the recovery steps and what actions you should take in order to get your doors reopened as quickly as possible.

Planning Out the Recovery Steps if Your Business Is Hit By a Disaster

Check with your insurance and restoration companies first. What is considered covered damage to your business after a disaster varies based on your insurance policy, so getting in touch with them quickly is wise to determine the next steps. Afterward, contact your restoration company to get your damage taken care of quickly. In many cases, a commercial restoration company can also work with your insurance on your behalf.

Make customers aware of your plans for reopening. It is important to let your customers know what is happening in the wake of a disaster, whether it is through signage or social media. It is also smart to come up with creative ways that people can still show their support while you are closed, whether it be through online purchases, gift cards or some other avenue that can provide your business with income even while you work to recover.

See what disaster assistance you qualify for. After an event has been declared a disaster, many resources open up to business owners to apply for. The Small Business Administration offers commercial loans for this very reason, which can be used to cover multiple costs and are provided with flexible terms and repayment options to provide the maximum value.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at 770-496-1976 any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

Be Prepared for a Commercial Flood

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for a flood is one of the smartest things that a business owner can do, even if they are not in an area typically prone to flooding. Statistically, 90% of natural disasters involve flooding and commonly impact areas that are not usual flooding targets.

Increasing your emergency preparedness by planning for a flood is a great idea not only for the safety of yourself and your staff but also for the continuity of your business. By planning in advance and preserving documentation, you can be more prepared to reopen after the flooding passes.

How to Prepare

It is not uncommon for business owners to not know where to start on flood preparations, but thankfully there are many resources out there. Some things to do include:

Use the FEMA Flood Map and locate your building in order to determine any geographical risks you might face.
Place copies of important documents in a secure location you will be able to access following a flood.
Educate employees on your official flooding action procedures, which will ensure everyone knows what their role is in a flood scenario.
Identify evacuation routes from various locations around the building and host regular drills.
Consider the idea of adding flood insurance to your business policy.
Store non-perishable food and water in case you face wait times for emergency personnel to arrive.
Raise up any valuable electronics out of the water’s path.

How to Decide What Documents to Copy

When it comes to copying documents, it is better to have anything you think you might need instead of failing to remember something. Some important things to include are:

An outline of your business continuity tasks
Means of contact for any staff members and third-party services you may need to contact
Your insurance agent’s contact information
Detailed steps for recovering computer files that have been backed up
Financial documents such as bank account information

If your business has experienced a flood, we are always here to help. Call us at 770-496-1976 to get our team of professionals to your business quickly so you can get back on track.