Archived Commercial Blog Posts
What To Do About Water Damage at Your Commercial Property
8/10/2022 (Permalink)
What Should You Do If Your Commercial Property Has Water Damage?
Anything from faulty plumbing to severe weather can quickly become a problem for your Lompoc commercial property. Never fear, however, because there are several ways you can prevent damage and quickly respond when disaster strikes. Below you will learn about the causes of water damage, tips for cleanup and restoration, and tools to prevent damage in the future.
Causes of Water Troubles
Here is a list of common sources and access points for water damage:
Severe weather can range from flooding to freezing temperatures and harm a building’s foundation.
Fire will set off ceiling sprinklers and may require additional use of firehoses to extinguish, thus saturating the ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture.
Broken pipes, aged plumbing, and leaking HVAC are common causes of water leaks.
Roof damage and improper window seals are access points for weather damage and water.
Tips for Water Cleanup
If water has already damaged your property, it is important to respond quickly and appropriately. An important reminder: never enter a building with standing water until cleared in case electricity is still running to the building. Your first step is to call a professional water restoration company. These crews will assess the damage, pump the water out, remove damaged materials, and use industrial cleaners and equipment to clean and thoroughly dry the affected space.
There are actions you can take to aid the cleaning progress:
- Use buckets and mops to remove excess water to allow for better drying.
- Remove loose items from the floor.
- Remove and hang wet fabrics.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers when it is safe to use electricity.
Tools for Preventing Damage
Take care of your property by scheduling regular maintenance. Annually, schedule checkups for HVAC, roofing, fire sprinklers, electrical, and plumbing. Also, have a professional inspection and restoration company perform an overall water damage inspection.
Water can cause many problems for your commercial property, but there are steps you can take to prevent this damage. Understand your property’s risk factors to better prepare for water trouble mitigation and protect your investment.
Flooding at Your Place of Business
3/8/2022 (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 805-733-8911 to get our team of professionals to your business quickly so you can get back on track.
Commercial Disasters
8/31/2021 (Permalink)
As a business owner, your office is one of your company’s most valuable assets. Most companies cannot afford to close for even a few days, so what do you do if your office or storefront is hit with a flood or a fire? Your friends at SERVPRO of Lompoc deal with these type of scenarios on a daily basis, and they are your first line of defense in the event of an unfortunate disaster at your place of business.
Here are a few of the services offered by SERVPRO of Lompoc:
Water Extraction & Restoration – Water can come in from many sources; a broken pipe, heavy storm, sewer back up and even water used to extinguish a fire.
Mold Remediation – Where there is water and moisture, there is always potential for mold growth. The professionals at SERVPRO are always mindful of this and can help reduce the potential for a mold outbreak in your Lompoc business after a water loss.
Fire Restoration – A fire in your place of business can be devastating. Beyond what the fire consumes, it also leaves caustic side effects of smoke damage throughout the surrounding area. After the fire department has extinguished the fire, call us immediately. Our team of experts are ready to help bring your Lompoc area business to a preloss state, minimizing the time you have to close your doors.
If your business has suffered a fire or water loss or you have a janitorial need, give us a call today. We are always here to help, 24/7 (805) 733-8911
Board-Up services for Portland commercial properties
8/31/2021 (Permalink)
For commercial properties, a sudden interruption to regular operations can be devastating. SERVPRO of Lompoc offers critical emergency restoration services so that no matter the property damage, your commercial property can get back to business.
The first step to emergency restoration and secondary damage protection is securing the property. Our professionals provide Board-Up services for any properties who have compromised entries or openings after damage occurs.
Board-up services can be needed after a variety of property damage events, such as:
- Weather events like storms, tornadoes, floods, or high winds
- Vandalism, theft, or break-ins
- Rioting, demonstrations that may become unruly, or unrest
- Fires
- Vehicle impacts
For commercial properties, time is of the essence. That is why fast response is a top priority for SERVPRO of Lompoc. Emergency Board-Up services are performed by our Priority Response Team, a department that operates on-call 24/7 so that someone is ready and available to provide EMG Restoration Services at any time, any day.
If your commercial property experiences intrusive property damage, call SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 as soon as practical.
Commercial Business Structure Water Cleanup in Lompoc
3/17/2021 (Permalink)
Can long-term exposure to water damage structural elements?
Clients often observe dampness or even water leaking into an area and ignore it, expecting the moisture to dry naturally on its own. Roof leaks, leaks around windows, or leaks inside walls can weaken structures over time and cause mold to grow in the area under the right conditions.
SERVPRO evaluates the potential damage to structures before beginning water cleanup in Lompoc commercial buildings. Once our experts are satisfied that the structure is safe, our team investigates and identifies the moisture source. We work intimately with your building manager to arrange:
- Repair of pipes or seals around windows, doors, and roof
- Removal and repair of damaged or weakened structural elements
- Water cleanup and restoration, including drying the area and contents as needed
We understand how important it is to resume commercial operations. Our team responds in less than 4 hours to your call and deploys the appropriate resources to return your commercial building and operations to normal as soon as possible.
Commercial Services: Food Service Facilities
3/17/2021 (Permalink)
When a business experiences an emergency caused by fire or water damage, one of the biggest concerns is down time and loss of revenue. This is especially true within the food service industry. SERVPRO of Lompoc understands that timely response is of the utmost importance for limiting business interruption. Within four hours of the initial call, SERVPRO professionals can be on-site to begin restoration services. In addition to emergency response for fire and water damage, SERVPRO of Lompoc is able to provide cleaning and sanitizing relating to the COVID-19 virus. These services and procedures follow and adhere to CDC guidelines.
We'll make sure all surfaces are restored and sanitized to health and food safety specifications, and you are able to get back to business quicker!
SERVPRO of Lompoc has experience working in a variety of food services related facilities such as:
- Food Manufacturing
- Food distribution centers
- Fast food restaurants
- Fine dining restaurants
- Senior living facility kitchens
- School cafeterias
Whatever type of food service facility, SERVPRO of Lompoc is here 24/7/365 to assist with your emergency and make it "Like it never even happened."
Spring into Your Spring Cleaning with SERVPRO
3/4/2021 (Permalink)
Spring cleaning is a tradition that kick-starts efforts to “restart” your cleanliness prior to some of the busiest times of the year: the spring and summer seasons. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your work space.
SERVPRO of Lompoc can help facilitate your spring cleaning to the best conditions you have ever seen. In addition, our professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet. Not only can we complete air duct and HVAC cleaning, we can meet your cleaning needs through our stain removal and stain resisting applicators.
Improve your living and work space this spring. Choose SERVPRO of Lompoc to assist you with your home and/or business spring cleaning. We will have it sparkling in no time, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO's Relationships
3/1/2021 (Permalink)
Involvement by our SERVPRO team at all levels in the community cannot be understated. One of these levels is at the city and county economic level. Every town and city has a vested interest in trying to help their local business survive and thrive, providing much needed jobs to the members of their communities and also providing economic stimulus and tax revenue generation.
These needs get interrupted when disaster strikes a business and it is vital to get their operations back up and running, as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened." This is where the relationships you form with SERVPRO prior to the disaster striking are so important. Does your business already have a SERVPRO Representative (SMR) assigned to you? If not, complete a internet search for your local SERVPRO franchise and ask for one to be assigned to you. This SMR will go through the process of educating your business about all that they can do in advance of the coming disaster, to help you prepare so that when it happens, it is not as costly to you in downtime and lost production.
There are many different ways to get involved with your community business members. Building relationships with our local businesses is key for when large events happen at this level, those leaders run in small circles and great relationships are needed here, so those business leaders can get their business's back up and running and restore their communities to like it was before the disaster.... "Like it never even happened."
Disaster in Your Business
7/19/2020 (Permalink)
Have you had a disaster in your business that requires a Restoration Company?
Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. SERVPRO of Lompoc has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing the disruption to your clients. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Small Office Buildings
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- High-Rise Residential
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
Have Questions? Call Today – 805-733-8911
Proactive Cleaning & Disinfecting
7/15/2020 (Permalink)
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has changed what it means to be clean and being open for business is just the beginning of everyone’s new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they visit are safe. If a building or structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left there, as well as a separate window decal which should be dated by the franchise to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected. This can be scheduled as a one time or recurring service. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, it is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. Beyond fire and water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in bio hazard decontamination. When businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they have selected a “higher standard of clean.”
Water Damage in your Business in Lompoc?
7/14/2020 (Permalink)
Has your business suffered Water or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Lompoc Today – (805)733-8911 We will respond with timely mitigation and we offer 24 Hour Emergency Service!
At SERVPRO of Lompoc we have the proper commercial equipment and expertise on handling water damage losses to commercial facilities to help your building get back up and running with as minimal down time as possible.
Whether you experience a water loss from flooding or a plumbing malfunction the general mitigation process is the same, though each water damage has a unique solution. Please feel free to click on these steps that we have listed below to learn more about the process.
Step 1 - Emergency Contact
Once you contact our office at 805-733-8911 the restoration process begins. Our representative will guide you through the first notice of loss and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources needed to respond to your commercial water damage.
Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
A Project Manager or Water Damage Technician will determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test your commercial facility to determine the extent of the water damage and to see which areas it has affected and traveled to make sure we ensure proper mitigation and restoration.
Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction
The water removal process begins almost immediately with extraction which removes the majority of the water. Once the extraction of any standing water is completed, the necessary equipment is set including commercial fans and dehumidifiers. We also have a variety of other commercial equipment including a trailer mounted Desiccant Dehumidifier that includes a generator when needed. The water removal and drying out of the structure helps prevent mold growth.
Step 4 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean any affected restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We have different techniques of cleaning based on the situation. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Step 5 - Restoration
Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Make a Resolution to Better Prepare for Disasters Needing Commercial Water Removal in Your Lompoc Business
2/20/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO realizes that the demands of running a business keep business owners and managers in Lompoc busy. We also understand that unexpected disasters can force a company to falter or even fail. We want business owners in our area to succeed and encourage each one to become better prepared for such crises. We can help your business survive a disaster by decreasing the time it takes to recover.
Many disasters that affect businesses require commercial water removal in Lompoc as part of the mitigation process. Our READY Profile Plan helps businesses of all sizes and types, from small storefronts to major manufacturing facilities, service providers like gymnasiums, restaurants, and schools, to speed up the restoration work. This Plan, once completed, cuts away the time needed to communicate the scope of the problem, as well as help us in preparing to serve your business during a crisis.
Restoration to dry conditions after a water leak, flood or fire must happen for other mitigation efforts to achieve their full effectiveness. Damp conditions destroy many building materials while also providing an ideal environment for unwanted lifeforms like vermin and microbes. Our goal is to remove any water present in your business after a disaster. Having a Plan with us helps us immensely in setting up our machinery.
When leaks in your plumbing caused the problem, we can refer to the Plan's details. Entryways and other openings play a role in how we position our extraction machines, air movers, and dehumidifiers. Placing these machines in specific ways facilitates peak performance, ensuring they dry structure, contents, and the air, all at optimal rates.
Water removal does include extracting water with pumps and other direct removal machinery. We use a range of devices to both remove moisture and measure the steadily decreasing moisture throughout your business. We recommend starting the new year prepared for disasters by calling SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 to complete your business' READY Profile Plan.
Steps to Take During Commercial Water Removal in a Lompoc College
2/20/2020 (Permalink)
Several disasters can occur in a college, including water damage. Since many buildings exist in an institution of higher learning, the dangers of water damage vary. For example, a water intrusion problem in the administrative block can differ from one that occurs in a gymnasium or lecture hall. Students and staff members can face various risks during a water loss.
Water can ruin the structures and contents of the affected buildings, and slips and falls can happen because of wet and slippery floors. Performing commercial water removal in Lompoc college can prevent the risk of electric shock and health risks from contamination in the water. It can also prevent secondary damage such as rotting, oxidation, and mold growth. To clean up and dry the affected areas quickly and adequately, you can work with a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO.
In the unfortunate event of water damage at a college, notifying the facility manager is vital. The operations manager can take the following steps while waiting for professionals to arrive:
- Determine the source of the flooded water. It could be from sink overflows, broken pipes, or other issues.
- Stop the source of the water leak.
- Determine if there are any other risks at the facility like electrical hazards, slip hazards, and other injury risks.
- Communicate to students and staff at the college about the disaster.
When we arrive, we can handle the job efficiently since we have advanced equipment and experience. We can inspect the affected buildings thoroughly to document the water category. Our restorers can document primary damage, pre existing damage, and potential secondary damage. Preexisting destruction can include rotting flooring and peeling paintwork.
We can also determine which materials are salvageable and the level of personal protective measures to take. We use moisture detection devices to find the location of saturation. We can inspect everywhere the water could have moved through the buildings. Our SERVPRO crew can complete the cleanup and drying process quickly to prevent secondary damage. We can also apply disinfectants like formaldehyde, phenol, qua ternaries, chlorine's, and alcohols to affected areas such as floors and walls to kill microbes.
After a water loss incident, you need prompt, professional aid. SERVPRO of Lompoc can help restore your college to preloss state. Call us at (805)733-8911. We can deal with the water loss to make it “Like never even happened.”
Commercial fire damage restoration for Restaurants in Lompoc
2/20/2020 (Permalink)
A busy restaurant kitchen is full of potential fire causing hazards, including naked flames, butane gas, oils, animal fats, and other flammable materials. As a business manager, your responsibility in the immediate aftermath of a fire is to get your commercial services back up and running with as little loss of revenue as possible. In places that serve food, professional restoration services are even more essential to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
A restaurant manager with commercial fire damage in Lompoc, you may find that soot, smoke, odors, and surface damages are too extensive to be restored by your regular cleaning contract. SERVPRO provides a commercial service to businesses with trained fire restoration technicians that know what to do to get your restaurant back to its preloss condition. We can dispatch a team of trained technicians alongside an experienced crew chief to ensure your business can re-open as quickly as possible.
Larger commercial recovery operations after a fire are usually affected by two factors that affect cleanability. Impingement is a process where increasing air temperature creates air perpetual air movement during a fire. This phenomenon is why smoke creates a billowing effect during a fire. In terms of restoration, impingement causes smoke residues to contact vertical surfaces at high speed resulting in a splatter effect. In an enclosed environment, like a kitchen, heat can also cause the finish on appliances to melt, char, or bubble.
SERVPRO fire restoration technicians can use mechanical cleaning equipment, like air whips, to loosen the heavy soot caused by impingement before dissolving them in oil-based solvents for a clean finish. Appliances may require a more concentrated effort using corrosive cleaning agents to remove both finish and soiling. The resulting clean equipment can then be refinished to get your contents back to their pre-fire condition.
Temporary closures can have a significant impact on revenues, especially during busier times of the year. Contact SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 for a commercial recovery team.
Restoring your Lompoc Commercial property after a Water Damage Event
11/14/2019 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage events at Lompoc commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
About SERVPRO of Lompoc
SERVPRO of Lompoc specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.