Recent Commercial Posts
Commercial Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
5/27/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring provide Montgomery County residents with commercial carpet and upholstery cleaning services. There are many reasons why you may need your commercial carpet and rugs cleaned, including dust, dirt, pet hair, and the daily traffic of family life. There are several more factors to take into consideration when deciding the best time to have your carpet professionally cleaned.
Professional Carpet Cleaning by SERVPRO helps:
- Reduce the effects of wear, especially in high-traffic areas
- Reduce the spread of germs, bacteria, diseases, and mold
- Extend the life of the carpets
- Remove stains and spots already present
- Restore the natural, clean appearance and texture of the carpets
Eliminate Pollutants
If you do not clean your carpet regularly, the foot traffic and other conditions make the area an unhealthy indoor place. For best practices, vacuum low traffic areas in your commercial building at least once a week. The lobby and hallways of a commercial building require routine vacuuming because of the higher levels of soil.
Faster Carpet Drying
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring uses high-powered fans to speed up the drying process. Cleaning carpets takes a certain amount of time depending on the size of the area and the sort of cleaning we are doing. SERVPRO has five different carpet cleaning processes for different types of carpet fiber and degrees of soiling.
Holds the Value Longer
Professional carpet cleaning promotes a healthy work environment and freshens the appearance of your building. In addition, commercial carpet cleaning increases the longevity of your carpet. To prevent the slow destruction of your carpet, schedule regular carpet cleaning services. It is much easier to upkeep your carpet than to pay for complete replacement.
Hire SERVPRO for Professional Carpet Cleaning
Our certified technicians’ goal is to clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery to your satisfaction to restore them to their original appearance. Our Disaster Recovery Team applies more than 45+ years of experience in carpet and upholstery cleaning projects of all sizes. To learn more about our professional carpet cleaning services and how we can help promote healthy work environments & keep your buildings sparkling, call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240.
Clean Up Services in Montgomery County
4/28/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac & SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring
Sewage leaks or vandalism & graffiti can occur at any time. The water is unsanitary and may contain bacteria, microbes, and other viruses that can cause serious illness.
When a sewage backup occurs, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is ready to provide cleanup services to remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture. We can then clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure and contents. Our certified professionals will inspect the contaminated water to determine the type of water and plan the appropriate response to restore your home or business safely.
We also offer vandalism and graffiti cleanup services for commercial & residential property owners. Our certified technicians will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from your home and commercial spaces. Our certified technicians can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metal, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry. In addition, we can also offer the following services:
Need Sewage or Vandalism & Graffiti Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (301) 530-7400 or (301) 588-2240
If you find yourself dealing with a sewage backup or vandalism & graffiti emergency, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is here to help. When fire or water damage strikes your business, you need professional help to get your property back to business. Every hour spent cleaning and restoring is lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring has the training, experience, and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can depend on our team for these commercial services.
Flooding in Your Commercial Property
3/2/2022 (Permalink)
Floods result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems. Floods develop slowly and with no warning. Floods can cause severe damage to your commercial property. They can damage your commercial structure, cause outages, and allow water to seep into your property.
Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and a much-anticipated break from winter. It also brings a very real threat of severe weather. Ranging from flooding rain to thunderstorms and tornadoes. Depending on where you live, here are some ways a spring storm might damage your commercial property:
- Water damage is caused by flooding from melting snow, frozen pipes that burst, and sump pumps fail during power outages.
- Fire damage is caused by the use of alternative emergency heat sources, sprinkler systems that fail to die to freeze pipes, downed power lines, or environmental conditions leading to structure fires.
- Wind damage is caused by fallen trees and limbs, damaged siding and roofs, and downed power lines.
Flood insurance is mostly provided by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP will cover all types of floods, including flash flooding, storm surges, mudslides, or snowmelt. Maryland commercial flood insurance covers damage to your building and contents caused by a flood.
These scenarios do not happen in isolation. For example, tornadoes and violent thunderstorms put property owners at risk for water, fire, and wind damage. It is essential to understand which hazards might affect your commercial property and then take the proper steps to prepare.
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring is here to help if you have water damage or flood damage to your Montgomery County business. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When an emergency arises in your business, give us a call, and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. Our franchise is locally owned & operated and proudly serves the Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring areas. Water damage or flooding? Call us 24/7 at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240.
Commercial Biohazard Cleanup & Restoration
2/16/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring can help your commercial property when hazmat, trauma, or crime scene cleanup services are needed. Once the police have completed their investigation of a crime scene, we will help make it "Like it never even happened." Our certified professionals will respond immediately and have the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to clean trauma and crime scenes.
We provide cleanup and recovery services for biohazard situations. These include the following:
- Sewage backups
- Crime scene residues
- Suicide/death accidents
- Homicide cleanups
- Blood cleanup
- Accident cleanup
- Hoarding scenes
- Animal waste/remains
- Chemical spills
- Tear gas cleanup
- Meth lab cleanup
Common Biohazard Scenarios
Sewage Backups: Dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits. Sewage backup damage can introduce harmful microorganisms into your home, business, or property. To help ensure that your property is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized, we remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture.
Bloodborne Pathogens: Our certified professionals can remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. We will also clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
Commercial Biohazard Cleanup Services
We strive to empathize with our customers because we understand that biohazard situations can often be a traumatic and emotional experience. At the first sign of any biohazard scenario, call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240. We are available at any time of day with our 24-Hour Emergency Service.
We are locally owned and operated in Lanham and dispatch to Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, DC. Our certified technicians are trained and prepared both mentally and physically to handle biohazard cleanup and restoration. We are faster to any size disaster, which is essential. A fast response reduces restoration costs and prevents additional damage.
Should I Hire Fire Restoration Professionals?
1/19/2022 (Permalink)
You can trust SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring for your fire & water damage remediation needs.
SERVPRO Brings 45+ Years of Experience to Montgomery County Properties with Fire Damage
If your commercial property has smoke damage from a minor fire, you may think all you need is a quick cleanup. Smoke can cause extensive damage, and you should use professional fire damage services in Montgomery County. A fire can quickly move through a building and even put your team at risk. Good planning can help ensure that a fire does not happen, and if it does, it can be handled quickly and effectively.
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase certified technicians have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Our certified technicians have the training to:
- Inspect and Assess Fire Damages
- Provide Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
- Remove Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
What Does The Inspection Involve?
Our certified technicians will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire damage to develop a plan of action.
What Protection Measures Does SERVPRO Provide?
To protect your property against further damage, we can board up missing windows, walls, and doors. We can also place tarps on damaged roofs.
How Are Smoke and Soot Removed?
We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Contact SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240 for commercial fire remediation services in Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through its completion.
Water Damage In Commercial Buildings
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
We are here 24/7, 365 days a year. To have your home or business back to preloss condition.
Commercial water issues can be a major headache for property owners in Montgomery County. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring professionals will assist you in inspecting, mitigating, cleaning, and repairing any water overflow or leak damages. Below are some of the most common water issues that a business can experience, ranging from leaking pipes to foundation cracks.
Common Commercial Water Problems
Extreme Weather Conditions
Weather conditions in our areas can lead to pipe bursts and leaky pipes. Severe cold weather can cause the water in pipes to freeze and expand. The expansion of the water puts pressure on the pipes creating cracks or even causing the pipe to burst. When cold weather is in our forecast, you can take preventive measures by checking in with your local SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase Silver Spring.
Plumbing Backup
Blocked plumbing can lead to toilet backup and sink overflows. When a pipe is clogged, water takes the shortest path out regardless of its intended flow path. Clogged drains are likely to happen in commercial buildings because of the larger volume of waste and debris flushed down the drains, which often clog the systems and slow the drainage. Plumbing blockages occur from many things including, water mineral buildup, plaster, and grease.
Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can also become a problem leading to water damage. Water can seep through any cracks and pool, leading to further issues, such as mold and structural issues. To determine the best plan cracks should be inspected by a certified SERVPRO professional. Water damage can occur at both commercial and residential properties. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring certified technicians fix the damage caused by extreme weather conditions, damaged pipes, and foundation cracks.
Why SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring?
Your local SERVPRO provides services in the Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring area for all aspects of commercial property services. We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial projects. Our technicians are highly trained and have extensive water damage restoration training. Our process emphasizes regular monitoring and documentation of the drying process from start to finish. Using specialized equipment and products, our certified technicians extract standing water and dry your property efficiently. We then finish the job with professional-grade cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products for your comfort and safety. Contact us for services today at 301-530-7400!
Business Owners Must Plan for Mold Damage Remediation
10/25/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/ Silver Spring is Here to Help!
Our certified technicians are trained in mold remediation. Mold in your business is a serious matter!
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring Addresses and Repairs Mold Damage
When mold is visible in your commercial building, you should take steps to correct the problem as soon as possible. Mold spreads fast, a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a significant problem. Signs of mold can include a musty smell, patches, discoloration, and leaks. It takes more than self-remediation to fix mold damages in your Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring home.
Infestation causing pitting and other physical deterioration in materials should address the remnants of mold growth. In extreme cases, the materials lose their integrity, entirely necessitating replacement. SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring handle both teardown and material repairs. The location of the mold is one of the factors our mold specialists use to determine the best approach.
The following are three categories for mold remediation:
- Bathroom mold removal
- Basement mold remediation
- Attic mold removal
Mold is almost present everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold spores are microscopic, and are floating in the air, and may intrude on your property. Our certified SERVPRO technicians use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold from spreading.
Our SERVPRO certified technicians will work around the clock to set up the equipment necessary for remediation. By setting up containment chambers, we can limit the amount of debris spreading to other areas on your commercial property. After removing the moldy debris and affected contents, we will apply antimicrobial agents to eliminate further growth.
We are mold restoration experts at SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring. We have the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property effectively and quickly. You can trust us to clean up and restore your property “Like it never even happened.”
You can learn more about our mold restoration process here.
Give us a call today at 301-530-7400 or 301-588-2240!
Is Your Commercial Space Ready For Heavy Rain?
8/30/2021 (Permalink)
Call us when you need restoration services SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring 301-530-7400
The same storm that caused so much damage in the South is on it's way to our region. Of course it won't be as dangerous for our area, but it is expected to bring heavy rain.
Have you done everything possible to prepare your business for flooding?
Water leaks or flooding can create costly damages to your business and even force you to close your doors until the problem has been resolved and cleaned up.
If your building has floor drains, be sure that they are not clogged in case of flooding.
Catching a problem early can save you thousands of dollars worth of water damage repairs and possible mold remediation.
SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring responds quickly to your fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation.
SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or 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.
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Call us when you need restoration services SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring 301-530-7400.
Water Damage Restoration for Commercial Properties
3/16/2021 (Permalink)
Reading time: 1 min 49 secWater can flood a commercial space in a variety of ways. Perhaps a pipe burst or a sprinkler device fails and starts dumping water overnight, causing high levels of water to increase. Extreme weather can also cause unwanted indoor moisture to reach a commercial building.
When it comes to water damage mitigation, extracting water is important. During the extraction process, SERVPRO's water removal technicians use the best equipment available in the industry.
Learn more about our Water Damage Repair and Restoration >
Our Process
First and foremost, when our team arrives on the scene of an emergency, we make certain that the work environment is secure for our technicians, staff, and the company. At that point, we begin the cleanup process by removing as many hazards as possible from the region. Entry to areas that are not protected is limited. To emphasize dangerous areas, caution signs are posted.
The root of the issue has been resolved. A plumber is called to repair the problem if it is caused by defective sprinklers or a pipe break. If rainwater enters the building through a broken or exterior wall, we will board up the hole for you so that the moisture is fully blocked and will not enter the building again.
We then begin the extraction process with either a portable or truck-mounted extractor. Portable extractors get used for places that are difficult to get to or if parking a van at your business is impossible. Portable extractors weigh 40 to 90 pounds and they hold 5 to 12 gallons of wastewater with a vacuum power of lifting approximately 12 feet of water in height.
Truck-mounted extractors are used for large-scale projects involving large volumes of water. Vans equipped with extractors park near an entrance to your house, and the vacuum hose is drawn in for extraction. Truck-mounted extractors weigh 500 to 1,100 pounds and have waste storage tanks capable of holding 60 to 100 gallons. These extractors have greater vacuum lift capabilities and can extract up to 16 feet of water.
About SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring
SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring. offers 24-hour services. We will complete the water extraction work during non-business hours. This procedure does not have to impede the company's operations. The water is extracted one small portion at a time. This also allows for a portion of your building to remain open at all times. Call SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Spring and at 301-530-7400 for expert assistance with water removal from your building so that we can take care of your industrial water extraction problems “Like it never even happened.”
We are IICRC Certified!
3/4/2021 (Permalink)
IICRC Certified Firm
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/ Silver Spring is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) develops industry standards and offers restoration companies training and certification. The IICRC Certified Logo may be displayed by IICRC Certified Firms.
IICRC Certified Firms must
Consumers should be given correct information, and businesses should be conducted with fairness and integrity.
On all jobs, a technician who has been professionally trained and passed all requisite tests is required.
Require technicians to participate in a continuing education program to stay up with industry shifts.
Maintain liability insurance to ensure that all parties involved are covered in the event of an accident.
Maintain a formal complaint policy and consent to BBB or equivalent arbitration to settle disputes, as well as endorse the arbitration's findings and recommendations.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
For professional carpet cleaning, water damage repair, and mold remediation, the IICRC has been a guiding force in defining the key industry standards and reference guides. It takes years for the IICRC to establish these requirements, which necessitate the collaboration of specialists in the field, including manufacturers, business associations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
The criteria are reviewed and revised every five years. As technology and science progress, the water damage rehabilitation sector evolves at a rapid rate, and standards must evolve to keep up.
About SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring
After a fire, smoke, or water damage case, SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/ Silver Spring specializes in cleaning and restoring residential and commercial property. We are an IICRC-certified firm with highly qualified workers in property damage reconstruction. We believe in ongoing training, so rest assured that our staff has the expertise to restore your land, from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to routine IICRC-industry certification. So when your business needs an emergency restoration service, don’t wait, call us!
3 Commercial Water Damage Claims That Might Not Be Covered
3/3/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Water damage repairs cost a lot of money for a handful of businesses in Montgomery County. There are several water-related damages that are exempt from standard commercial property policies. Here are a few damages that could cost business owners to pay out of pocket after water damage-related incidents.
Flood Water Damage
Floods can be devastating to companies, and while insurance can cover some of the costs, there are some that are not recoverable. Here are four ways that flood damage will negatively impact businesses
- Loss of Revenue
- Business Premises Closure
- Loss of Power and Data
- Stock and asset losses
Flood damage is not covered by most commercial property insurance plans. As a result, business owners may want to consider purchasing commercial flood insurance to help protect their company from future flood water damage repair costs.
Damage Caused By Slow Leaks
Most insurance policies only cover "sudden and unintentional" damage, not regular plumbing maintenance. Business owners who ignore an apparent slow leak for long periods before the water damage reaches dangerous levels can face a liability dispute, according to insurance executives.
Freezing Pipes
Many commercial water damage claims are the result of frozen water pipes. When a pipe freezes, water may slow to a trickle or not flow at all. Unfortunately, the pressure inside the pipe from expanding ice may eventually cause the pipe to burst.
Most commercial insurance policies will cover damage from a frozen pipe burst. However, If a business owner failed to protect their business, the insurance may not accept the claim. Usually, policies require that heat be maintained inside the business property. Some policies require that maintain a certain temperature. If the business owners did not take care to repair the commercial property to avoid freezing, they may not be eligible for insurance coverage. This includes water damage clean-up, water damage repairs, drying/dehumidification, water removal/water extraction, or household appliances.
Stay Organized at Work!
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
Divide Your Workspace Into Zones:
Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies, and a filing area for your archives. This will provide a foundation for more efficient use of space.
Keep Only What You Need At Arm’s Length:
Boxes of pens, stacks of papers, and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter by paring down the items on top to the essentials only. Supplies, paperwork, and personal items should be kept in the zones you’ve established for them.
Sort Your Catch-All Drawer:
Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands. Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn’t being used.
Eliminate Digital Clutter:
Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files – with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders. Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor of calendar reminders.
Create A Daily Paper System:
Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled “To Read,” “To Do,” and “To File.” Establish set days for each, so that you don’t get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.
Disinfect Regularly:
Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains, and fingerprints. Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard, and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.
Tips provided by Forbes, The Dangers of a Messy Desk.
How To a Restore Sewage Backup In a Commercial Property
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
When a toilet floods in a commercial property, the resulting water damage may affect more than one floor. If water works its way down through building materials, it can lead to significant sewer damage that requires restoration. There are five steps you should take to clean up the damage and restore your property to sanitary conditions.
1. Clear the Clog or Backup
Depending on whether the toilet is flooding due to a clog caused by inappropriate materials being flushed or a backed-up sewer line, you may need to contact a plumber or sewage company. Until the problem is fixed, the leak may continue or become worse.
2. Remove Standing Water
Limit the severity of the leak between floors by eliminating all standing water near the flooded toilet. You will still need to determine the extent of the damage to building materials such as floors and ceilings.
3. Consult SERVPRO Specialists
Our commercial water and sewer damage restoration experts can help you determine which materials will need to be replaced. These experts can also help with cleanup and remediation.
4. Clean and Disinfect the Area
Toilets that flood tends to lead to a leak of Category Two or Category Three water. Category Two water or gray water may contain bacteria or chemicals but does not contain solid waste. Category Three or black water contains solid waste. Either type of leak calls for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
5. Dry the Affected Area
Take measures to dry the area affected by sewage damage as quickly as possible. This can help to prevent mold and other secondary damage from starting to develop.
When you experience sewer damage in a commercial property rely on the skills of SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/ Silver Spring professional. Our specialists can resolve the problem quickly and completely, enabling the tenants of the building to get back to business.
Preventing Water Damage During Construction
1/22/2021 (Permalink)
A building doesn’t have to be fully constructed to have water damage. Construction projects are often delayed by water pipe repair and the subsequent damages a busted pipe causes. To keep your construction business in, as profitable as possible, you want to prevent the flooding you can and mitigate the rest quickly.
The Cost of Damage
Any delay during a project can cost you money. When you have to stop construction because of a broken pipe, there are several expenses involved:
- Extra labor needed to conduct the repair and rebuild the damaged area
- Mitigation charges from professional water remediation services
- Additional materials needed to rebuild the damaged section
Non-monetary costs of the delay may include damage to your reputation and potentially impatient client response. Your insurance may cover some of the financial burdens, but repairing the relationship with your client is your responsibility alone.
The Prevention of Damage
Timely water pipe repair is a great solution, but it’s even better to avoid flooding in the first place. Before construction begins, create a plan for careful on-site water management. Institute a drainage system, and test pumps and plumbing before major work begins. During construction, it’s easy to let your plan fall to the wayside, so hire people to make sure your team follows the guidelines you set forth. They should monitor piping systems and help keep the air pressure in the pipes under control. Finally, keep water mitigation specialists on speed dial to ensure that, if there is a problem, you can get it resolved before a large area of your site is flooded.
Preventing water at your construction site increases the chance that you may never have to worry about water pipe repair. By keeping water sources closely monitored and structuring drainage systems wisely, you are more likely to stay on schedule, and that helps you please your client.
Tips to Create a Solid Business Continuity Plan
1/22/2021 (Permalink)
A wide variety of vulnerabilities in your business may lead to loss of income and customer loyalty when a disaster occurs. A business continuity plan also referred to as an emergency response plan is a technique you may use to identify and prepare for potential problems, keeping your activities running with the least disruption possible.
5 Steps To Create a Plan
To make the process easier, the creation process is broken down into five steps. Consider each part with your business’s needs.
- Business Impact Analysis: This is a questionnaire that allows you and your managers to assess potential emergencies and the materials required to deal with them. Preparation, distribution, and evaluation of results are usually necessary elements of this first step in your business continuity plan.
- Recovery Strategies: These are plans that allow you to analyze resource needs, the gaps between the required resources and those currently available, managerial choices of strategies to be used, and action on those decisions.
- Plan Development: This is the laying out of the actual emergency response plan, the arrangement of teams to implement recovery from the disaster, production of documentation, and approval by management.
- Training: This is the preparation of the team responsible for continuity actions.
- Testing and Exercises: This is the creation of training and evaluation materials, which are then tried and implemented.
Value of the Plan for Your Business
An emergency response plan provides a clear, deliberate, and well-thought-out way to deal with potential disasters at your business facility. Employees and management should be trained in the procedures that should make a crucial difference in the rapid recovery of your business.
Cleaner Air Makes for Healthy Employees
3/17/2020 (Permalink)
Think about the air quality you breathe regularly: both indoors and outdoors. Which type of air quality do you think is cleaner? If you believe the indoor air quality is cleaner as opposed to the outdoor air quality, think again. The EPA estimates that indoor air contains two to five times more pollution than outdoor air quality. Poor air quality causes problems such as reoccurring colds and sore throats or even headaches, asthma, allergies, and chronic fatigue. As a result, this could cause more employees to need copious amounts of down time ultimately leading them away from productivity.
When dust, debris, and other contaminants build up in your heater, ventilation system, and air conditioner, they can trigger allergies and other health issues. Additionally, these contaminants reduce your energy efficiency, which can ultimately increase your energy costs. These are two compelling reasons to confirm the air ducts and HVAC system in your workplace are running efficiently.
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. We suggest that you make it a priority to inspect the duct work of your home or business when it is being built. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating at least one of the following unwanted contaminants throughout the space that which you spend most of your day breathing in:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Odors
- Dirt and debris
- Other contaminants
SERVPRO professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) units. Keeping these machines clean not only extends the equipment’s lifetime, but it will also save money and time. This will, therefore, provide a better air quality experience throughout your everyday life.
Although, duct cleaning is not always necessary, we will at least make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Additionally, this will boost the quality of air that is currently circulating your work environment that will contribute to your peace of mind.
Here are the benefits of servicing your HVAC unit regularly:
- Restores peak energy efficiency.
- May help eliminate offensive odors.
- Reduces the potential for mold growth.
At least one of these benefits should help you take a step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining a cleaner HVAC system. If you do not, it can become detrimental to your health.
Being Aware of Commercial Property Damage
3/2/2020 (Permalink)
We do not want your business to have any type of damage. The bottom line is damage that has the potential to impact a residential property can also impact a commercial building.
Types of Damages
Storm: Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain can remove roof tiles, break windows, plus more. Storm damages can be devastating and can cause delay in business.
Water: Water damage is typically due to burst pipes, floods, or rain. In any case, this can result in contaminated water affecting surfaces and furniture, but also mold growing and eroded belongings. Electricity and water damage quickly become volatile when combined.
Fire: Fire damage can result from a gas stove, faulty outlet, or candles and cigarettes that are not properly put out. This can also cause severe destruction to your property, which requires cleaning and restoration services.
Mold: As a highly unhygienic and unappealing, mold spreads quickly around properties as air-borne spores and remediation is very important to prevent it from rapid growth. Mold grows in any moist environment. Even that small leak under your office’s bathroom sink can eventually attract mold to grow.
If you have any questions of a problem you may be having, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO Bethesda/Potomac at 301-530-7400.
Water Damage To Your Sports Complex
1/22/2020 (Permalink)
With this focus on athletics being such a staple for the region, it is no wonder why there are so many sports complexes for youth and adults alike throughout the city. When a disaster threatens this facility, you might find that the full scope of the damage far exceeds what your maintenance department is able to repair or restore on their own successfully.
Running a sports complex is very difficult with water damage threatening specific areas of the facility. Professional restoration services can help you get these damaged areas back to their normal operating conditions more expediently, which aids you in being available for the community and individual players as needed.
Our SERVPRO professionals begin the restoration process by assessing the full scope of the damage to the facility, determining all of the areas that have gotten effected and the best approach to remedy it. This process also helps to identify where the water is coming from so that this source can get stopped and the damage to it repaired while the restoration steps are underway.
Considering that many of the sports complexes have expensive flooring in areas like basketball courts, racquetball rooms, and indoor soccer or football fields, getting the water out of these areas is a top priority. Ultimately the goal is to preserve the floor as much as possible, implementing equipment like large drying mats to penetrate below the surface and pull out lingering moisture that could warp or disfigure the flooring.
Commercial Property After Water Damage
1/22/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage 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.
Awareness Of Business Damage
11/12/2019 (Permalink)
We don’t want your business to have any type of damage, but the fact of the matter is that any damage that can affect a residential property can also affect your commercial building.
Kinds of Damage
Storm: Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain which can remove roof tiles, break windows and more. Storm damages can be very devastating and can cause your business to be put on hold.
Water: This damage can be caused by burst pipes, floods, rain or a number of other things. In any case, this can then result in contaminated water affecting surfaces and furniture, in mold growing and in items being eroded. Electricity and water damage are particularly volatile when combined.
Fire: This type damage can come from a gas stove, faulty outlet or a cigarette that isn’t properly put out. This can then cause severe destruction to your property which requires cleaning and restoration services.
Mold: This is highly unhygienic as well as being unappealing to look at. Mold spreads quickly around properties as air-borne spores and remediation is very important to prevent it from getting out of hand. Mold grows in any moist environment. Even that small leak under your office’s bathroom sink can eventually cause mold growth.
If you have any uncertainties of a problem you may be having, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO Bethesda/Potomac. 301-530-7400
Answering the Call
2/26/2019 (Permalink)
When Hurricane Harvey left his wake of destruction the Emergency Response Team from SERVPRO answered the call sending teams to . Taking supplies and equipment our teams went down to help the residents and were humbled by the generosity of a community that didn’t have any clue how they were going to recover financially, much less emotionally from the impact of the storm. Rescuees were evacuated by boats from their homes and neighborhoods, leaving everything behind, but the spirit of giving and resilience impacted the teams from Knoxville.
The long-standing relationship between SERVPRO and the insurance companies helped our teams make a big impact and quickly. The insurance adjusters were recommending people call SERVPRO because it was a name that they could trust. Our teams were able to start water mitigation quickly and come alongside homeowners and other countless volunteers to help these families begin to get some semblance of recovery started.
Imagine your home with six to eight feet of standing water with the rescue boat pulling up outside and telling you it was the last call. Our team was humbled time and time again meeting over a hundred different families that had met that fate and yet met our team with smiles on their faces. Unanimously our team was impacted, and have spoken so highly of these families since their return.
SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac are professionals at serving you. That is why we are here, and that is what we do.
Exploring the Science of Drying
2/26/2019 (Permalink)
Did you know, there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damage structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and places a fan or two around the damage, professional service may be necessary.
What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.
SERVPRO has been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.
SERVPRO is proud to utilize a newly developed tool SERVPRO DryBook.
The SERVPRO DryBook is a proprietary tool allowing us to capture and track the steps of restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. This ensures your restoration is done properly and efficiently. It also improves results and restores your property at a faster rate, getting you back in your home sooner.
Coffee Stain
11/7/2018 (Permalink)
Years ago I worked for a company that prided itself on its customer service; they called it ‘legendary.” They didn’t just view customer service as the interactions between employees and guests or the quality of their food, but also as the cleanliness of the building. It was all part of the customer experience. One of the illustrations used to convey why cleanliness is part of customer service was The Coffee Stain Story.
A person books a flight across the country and they were able to get a great price and no layovers. The flight boarded on time, the seats on either side were empty, so there was plenty of room to be comfortable, the movie was good, and the headphones were complimentary. Flight staff was courteous and brought the passenger a free drink. The plane even landed on time. It was an incredible flight.
But, when they lowered the tray table, they noticed a small coffee ring stain. And even all of the free stuff, extra room, and no inconveniences, it was all they could think about. When they were asked “how was your flight,” they would respond with “It was OK, but my tray table was dirty. Had a big old nasty coffee ring on it.”
The story shows how the perception of their experience was hugely impacted by such a tiny detail, and customer perception is customer experience. It was taught to us to show how important every detail can be, and we must do all that we can to control the controllable.
Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
11/7/2018 (Permalink)
looding and water damage 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.
when to call 911
11/7/2018 (Permalink)
Know when to call 911
Even if you are fully trained in first aid or CPR always alert 911 right away during an emergency situation including:
- Fire
- Serious injury
- Sudden violent illness (poisoning)
911 operators are trained to assist in any way possible, so it is important to answer their questions as best as you can, listen to them carefully, and do NOT hang up.
Take a class
Several types of courses available will teach first aid, CPR, and how to utilize an AED correctly. The American Red Cross’ website has a tool to help locate classes based on your city, and help you learn to handle:
- Cuts, burns, head injuries, and broken bones.
- Someone who cannot breathe
- When a person’s heart suddenly stops beating
Make a First Aid Kit
First aid kits have all that you need for rapid response to many situations to treat those that require medical attention. It is incredibly important to have a kit nearby including in your home, at work, and even in the car. A well-stocked first aid kit should include the following:
- Directions on how to treat basic injuries and when to call for more help
- Bandages
- Tape
- Scissors
- Gloves to prevent contamination risks
- Antiseptic solution or wipes
Be sure to check and restock your first aid kit regularly.
The knowledge and experience you will gain from learning these skills can empower you to make the right decision and take swift action in the event of an emergency.
National Building Safety Month
6/1/2018 (Permalink)
in 2018, Building Safety Month celebrates 38 years. It is an initiative of the International Code Council also known as ICC. Building Safety Month is an opportunity to educate insurance and commercial property professionals, as well as the general public on " what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable and energy efficient homes and buildings."
Some of the topics and tips that are shared throughout the month on the ICC website are Disaster Safety and Mitigation as well as Fire Safety and Awareness.
The general public may not be aware how codes and code officials " improve and protect the places where we live, learn, work, worship, and play, " and this month will increase awareness.
For more detailed information please visit iccsafe.org as a reference.
Commercial Fire Restoration
5/2/2018 (Permalink)
Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.
Restoring your Commercial Property After a Loss
3/15/2018 (Permalink)
There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. 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.
Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.
SERVPRO of Bethesda / Potomac can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
What is an ERP?
3/13/2018 (Permalink)
No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can always prepare for it. Did you know 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster? Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your Bethesda/ Potomac business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.
Advantages of the SERVPRO emergency Ready Profile
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- a concise profile document containing only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
- a guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
- establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
- provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information
Ladder Safety
8/7/2017 (Permalink)
As the summer comes to an end and people are having work done to get ready for fall such as; paint jobs, cleaning gutters, one should pay careful attention to the following ladder safety tips.
Ladder climbing takes place in almost every home and workplace.
Falls off ladders are near the top in causes of fatal work related injuries in the construction industry and the third leading cause in all industries combined.
- Be sure to inspect the ladder before using it. Check for broken or missing parts, as well as grease, oil or other substances that could result in a slippery surface.
- To ensure stability, place the ladder on firm, even ground. Make sure it is not near any electrical wires or power lines.
- When setting up the ladder, use the 4 to 1 rule. For example, if the ladder touches the wall 16 feet above the ground, the feet of the ladder should be 4 feet away from the wall.
- Before climbing the ladder, make sure the braces are fully extended and locked in place. Never climb higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder, and never try to “jog” or “walk” the ladder to a new location. Descend and relocate the ladder instead.
-When working from a ladder, stay in the center and do not reach more than a comfortable arm’s length away. Keep your feet braced against the side rails and lean slightly forward.
-Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.
-Whenever possible, work within sight of someone who could provide assistance in the event of an emergency.
24/7 Emergency Service
