The Role of Business Interruption Insurance

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

The role of business interruption insurance is to offset losses in income that occur after your business suffers an unexpected disaster.

What Is the Function of Business Interruption Insurance?

The role of business interruption insurance is to offset losses in income that occur after your business suffers an unexpected disaster. This policy may cover income lost due to a catastrophe as well as extra expenses resulting from the catastrophe. The insurance can also include coverage for fair rental value and civil authority provisions. 

When a disaster occurs, whether it is fire, water, or storm damage, the interruption to your business can be devastating.

Business interruption insurance covers loss of income when a covered peril causes physical damage to your business premises and/or equipment. It also provides coverage for additional expenses such as having to use an alternate location for your business operations whilst the primary premises are out of commission. 

Business interruption insurance will reimburse you for lost profits if you are unable to operate due to an insured loss or event that occurs during the policy term. You may elect loss of income on a specific percentage basis (e.g., 50% income) or on a dollar amount basis (e.g., $100 per day).

Business interruption insurance may cover income lost due to a catastrophe as well as extra expenses resulting from the catastrophe.

Business interruption insurance may cover income lost due to a catastrophe as well as extra expenses resulting from the catastrophe. The policy pays for loss of business income caused by a covered peril and pays for additional expenses such as wages, storage fees, and rentals to continue operating until the business is up and running again.

The amount of business interruption coverage you need depends on your business losses and potential profits. You can get this type of insurance through an excess-layer or primary policy. Some policies only cover one year at a time; others may be renewable annually or every 5 years based on your needs. Business interruption insurance is not intended to replace property coverage if there's damage done to your physical property during an event that causes you financial distress; instead, it provides financial support when natural events prevent you from conducting business as usual due to damages sustained in the community where your company operates—and beyond!

The insurance can also include coverage for fair rental value and civil authority provisions.

These provisions are meant to help you stay in business and make the best of a difficult situation, but they also have important implications for the insurance company. If you’re unable to resume normal operations within a reasonable amount of time, fair rental value will cover your loss of income from renting out your building or space as well as any other losses associated with rent payments. Civil authority provisions will pay for expenses incurred due to damage caused by civil authorities such as fire departments and police forces that arrive on the scene when an unexpected event occurs (such as a fire).

Conclusion

Business interruption insurance (BII) helps compensate you when your operations are suspended due to a covered event such as fire or flood damage caused by natural causes. The reason why these policies are referred to as "business interruption" policies is that the coverage applies only when you're unable to operate due to external forces beyond your control (such as nature's wrath). In contrast, should something happen internally at your company—for example, if employees go on strike—that would not qualify for BI coverage; only situations where there's no way anyone could have foreseen what happened would be covered by BI plans

4 Essential Phases of Commercial Fire Cleanup

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our fleet is always ready to roll out! Give SERVPRO of West Jordan a call for any size of fire damage. We are available 24/7, 365.

4 Steps To A Successful Commercial Fire Cleanup

After a fire, commercial owners in Sandy, UT, must face the conflagration's aftereffects. The building has more than smoke damage, external openings and water saturation, which become part of the fire cleanup process. Therefore, restoration requires numerous stages to remediate the current devastation and minimize additional concerns. The following phases remain essential to remediating the harm.

1. Understanding the Extent of Water and Soot Damage

Contact a team of fire restoration professionals to assess the premises and determine a plan of action. These specialists examine the structure for multiple concerns. Evaluate the situation at hand before attacking any cleanup procedures.

2. Protecting the Grounds From Secondary Complications

The fire's smoke damage requires attention. The fire department stopped the blaze by taking several valuable tactics such as busting out windows, creating holes in the roof and saturating the building with water. Workers need to close off the openings using plywood and tarps. These actions minimize the chance of intruders (animals and people); plus, it defends against harmful weather systems.

3. Removing Excess Moisture From the Premises

Eliminate the extra fluid from the walls. Use dehumidifiers and air movers to extract the dampness harboring deep in the walls and floor. The wetness encourages mold growth. Decreasing it reduces the likelihood of unwanted and costly fungus infestation.

4. Cleaning the Building of Stains

Remediation specialists rely on sophisticated equipment such as foggers and scrubbers to tackle the smoke cleaning, eliminating unpleasant odors. In addition, they determine whether personal contents may undergo innovative techniques to restore them to pre-fire condition. They have the knowledge and ability to scrub surfaces, removing undesirable stains. With this accomplished, the team may turn its attention to replacing anything damaged and rebuilding the premises.

Owners in Sandy, UT, may rely on a professional restoration company to assist in their fire cleanup demands. Using their expertise and specialized equipment, the crew can tackle issues such as reducing secondary water contamination and cleaning smoke damage. The process requires time, allowing the experts to complete the necessary steps.

2 Facts About IICRC Certifications

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team of IICRC-certified managers and technicians are here to help business owners when they have any water damage.

IICRC Certifications: Two Facts

If you've ever hired a disaster restoration company, you have probably noticed that certain businesses in Herriman UT, list IICRC certified in their credentials. In fact, there are a lot of them that are certified. All of these businesses seem to be boasting that this type of certification means they are more qualified. If you don't work in the restoration industry, you probably don't understand its significance and why it is important to look for a company with this certification. Keep reading for information about this type of certification.

1. This Organization Is a Leader in the Remediation Industry

IICRC translates to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This is a substantial organization dedicated to improving the quality of work performed in the remediation industry by setting high standards. It was originally founded in the United States in 1972. Since these early years, it has grown to have thousands of certified technicians and businesses worldwide. It sets the standards for various areas within the restoration industry so that technicians may have multiple certifications and provide top-quality work for any disaster.

2. A Certification Ensures You Will Get Better Quality Work

To get an IICRC certification, technicians must undergo rigorous training and prove they meet the high-standards by passing an exam. Whether a technician has a cleaning, restoration, inspection, or mitigation certificate, they can be expected to uphold certain principles and standards set forth by this organization. This means that any customers who look for this type of certification ensure they are getting the highest-quality team available.
Technicians that have been trained and certified by this company provide high-quality work.

There are many businesses in numerous locations that offer technicians with these certifications. Choosing one of these businesses ensures that you get a better quality of work for your remediation tasks. Therefore, businesses must look for this certification when choosing a restoration company.

3 Reasons Mold Growth Demands Quick Response

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth isn't slow. Once triggered by moisture, the spores grow rapidly. Call SERVPRO if you need help!

There Are Three Reasons Why Mold Growth Need Immediate Action.

If your business in West Jordan, UT, recently incurred water damage, you should investigate for mold. When water interacts with a structure, it kicks off spore reproduction, leading to potential secondary damage. What seems like wet ceiling tiles could actually be a breeding ground for fungus, especially if the dampness lingers. Proprietors should react immediately to the saturation to avoid mold development. Here are three reasons your response time is important.

1. Fewer Spores Makes Cleanup Easier

Mold growth isn't slow. Once triggered by moisture, the spores grow rapidly. Within one to two days, they inhabit a space, multiplying at will. As decomposers, they feast on fluid and organic matter. Drywall, carpeting and other porous substances become a feasting ground once wet. The longer owners wait, the more spores are present and the further they can spread. That means cleanup entails more area and additional effort. While the water restoration company can tend to the concerns, a larger project demands more time and attention, keeping the business closed.

2. Less Growth Is Less Expensive

Owners must fix the water damage and mitigate the mold. Swift action controls the spread, leaving fewer things to do. The crew can concentrate on the source of the concern and then sanitize and extract a smaller section. With a reduced task list, the cost of the project is lower.

3. Speedy Actions Could Increase Insurance Approvals

Sometimes your cleanup procedures are covered under your insurance policy; however, negligent behavior can provide grounds for denial. Your mold prevention efforts count. If you file a claim, the insurer wants to see that the business has been properly cared for and that the owners did not allow the problem to exacerbate. Fast response to water trouble is one way to validate your request.

Water damage is a serious matter, whether it's small or large. Pick up the phone and contact professionals to evaluate the harm. Your timely approach not only encourages claim approval but lessens the growth's severity.

Is It Safe To Keep Flood-Damaged Items?

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust our trained team to restore your business or home after a storm, so it's "Like it never even happened." Contact SERVPRO!

Is Keeping Flood-Damaged Items Safe?

Business or building owners who have recently experienced a flood may be curious which contents are safe to clean and keep. Any items exposed to contaminated water will need to be disinfected. Some materials stand up to this treatment better than others. Here is an overview of which items can benefit most from content cleaning.

Hard, Non-Porous Materials

Hard items that do not absorb water are the best candidates for cleaning. These items may range from durable to delicate. Depending on the material, damage mitigation experts may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Abrasion or blasting
  
• Immersion cleaning with or without ultrasonic waves
  
• Spraying and wiping
  
• Wet cleaning

These methods can be sufficient for cleaning a variety of items. Items that have been disinfected and dried should be safe to handle. If a building is still undergoing cleanup and restoration, ask a content cleaning service about off-site storage.

Porous Materials

Porous materials are generally not good candidates for cleaning. Exposure to contaminated water introduces contaminants that can be difficult to get out of the following items:

• Carpets and rugs
• Furniture
  
• Mattresses

As a rule, it is generally safer to dispose of and replace porous items than attempt restoration. In addition to a risk of infection or exposure to chemicals, heavy metals or other contaminants, these items may also heighten the risk of mold growth in an otherwise clean and sanitary location.

Electronics

Electronics exposed to water tend to corrode, which can cause short-circuiting. Flood water also introduces dirt and debris to delicate parts. Ask a cleaning specialist whether it is possible to restore appliances and devices or attempt to recover data.

A content cleaning specialist can recommend the best treatment for each item and give business and building owners accurate ideas about whether restoration is possible. Contact a commercial damage cleanup and restoration company in South Jordan, UT.

How To Care For Burns

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire breaks out in a commercial building, you should contact the fire department and provide emergency medical assistance if necessary.

What Is The Best Way To Treat Burns?

Burn first aid is critical knowledge for business owners and employees. Every workplace should have a complete first aid kit. It is also important to have a safety plan and detection and suppression systems in place to limit the extent of fire damage. Take the following measures to care for burns caused by a fire at a commercial building in Daybreak, UT.

Assess Burn Severity

The severity of a burn should determine the approach to aid. A major burn can be

• 3 inches or larger in diameter
• Deeper than the dermis
• White or charred

Emergency assistance may be necessary for extensive second-degree or any third-degree burns. It is important to monitor the injured individual until help arrives. Depending on the extent of fire damage, it may be advisable to administer care outside or in a safe structure nearby.

Retrieve a First Aid Kit

An emergency kit should contain burn cream, sterile gauze bandages, and other necessities. These items can be helpful for treating minor burns and protecting more severe burns until emergency responders arrive.

Cool and Moisturize

Hold a minor burn under cool running water or apply a damp compress to limit damage and relieve pain. Do not immerse burns in water and exercise caution when cooling severe burns.

Bandage and Keep Clean

Apply burn cream and loosely wrap a minor burn in sterile gauze. Cover more severe burns with a cool, moist bandage or clean cloth. Avoid breaking blisters, and cleanse any blisters that break with water and mild soap if desired. Reapply burn cream before re-dressing the injury.

Business owners may want to schedule a burn first aid training session. If a fire breaks out at a commercial building in Daybreak, UT, the owner or occupants should contact the fire department and emergency medical assistance if necessary. A fire damage restoration company can help a business resume operations.

Electronic Components and Water Damage

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded electronics such as motors and wires can succumb to oxidation and corrosion after water contact and should be inspected accordingly.

Water Damage And Electronic Components

Many parts of your business infrastructure in Daybreak, UT, have various electronic elements to supply power and create control interfaces. Unfortunately, these pieces of equipment can be some of the most adversely affected by a flood. Consider the following specifications and guidelines about when repairs and replacements are necessary for your flooded electronics.

1. NEMA Guidelines

One of the most reliable sources of information regarding water-damaged equipment is the set of standards created by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). While this organization advises that any specific questions should be answered by the company that created the product, NEMA does offer a handbook with general guidelines about the types of components that are the most prone to damage from water.

2. A Few Examples

Some components are especially susceptible to electronic damage from flooding and will likely need complete replacement. Molded case circuit breakers, low-voltage fuses and many switch types are difficult to assess and repair even by the manufacturer. Likewise, many relays, signaling systems and components using semiconductors and transistors may need to be replaced. Flooded electronics such as motors and wires can succumb to oxidation and corrosion after water contact and should be inspected accordingly.

3. Safety

Even repairable components may require extra steps as indicated by an operator’s manual or by direct contact with the manufacturer. In any situation involving a powered appliance, power must be turned off at the circuit breaker before attempting any assessment or repair. Additionally, some components such as batteries can become hazardous as a result of water damage, leaking pollutants or caustic agents into the surrounding area. Circuit interrupters and surge protectors can develop shorts quickly during flooding, meaning that other electronic devices are subsequently prone to damage.

A bit of general knowledge regarding flooded electronics and their status can be helpful in solving urgent problems. Contact a local qualified water damage specialist for additional information about how to keep your business functioning after a flood event.

The Illusion of Making Mold Disappear

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in South Jordan, UT.

How To Clean Up Mold

A lot of advice tells you to clean up mold with bleach, and it often looks like it worked. You can't see it, but mold reappears later. Like a magician, you made the mold disappear, but you didn't really do any magic. It was all an illusion.

Spores Seek New Homes

Molds exist nearly anywhere there is moisture and an organic food source. This means mold spores are also abundant in South Jordan, UT. They are undetectable by the human eye as they travel through the air. Spores find new homes in your building, entering through doors, vents, windows, and clothing.

Ideal Environments Encourage Mold

Those spores settle throughout your building and grow into colonies. Preventing damp, mold-friendly environments is the right approach to preventing those colonies and avoiding troublesome fungus cleanup jobs. Manage problems by resolving leaks and damage quickly and by controlling relative humidity. Here are a few problem areas where mold loves to grow:

• High-humidity areas, such as basements, bathrooms, or near drafty windows
  
• Porous building materials such as wood, drywall, carpet, and upholstery that have previously been damaged by water from pipes or roof leaks
  
• Condensation from appliances, equipment, or pipes
  
  

Deep Roots Can't Be Wiped Away

You read several sources that promised bleach was your answer to help with fungus cleanup, so you tried it, and it appeared the mold was gone. This myth is perpetuated because sanitizing the surface removes stains and visual signs of mold, giving the illusion of mold cleanup. Soon, the illusion wears off; you can visually see the mold again because mold roots deeply into all those nooks and crannies of porous materials. Surface cleaning just isn't effective.

Mold Requires Special Treatment

Mold remediation specialists know that surface cleaning with bleach is just a trick, and true fungus cleanup takes special knowledge and the ability to clean deeply and thoroughly. They use special equipment to filter the air and contain spores during the cleanup process.

3 Reasons You Need Commercial Flood Coverage

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Roof damaged by a storm in a West Jordan, UT home

Extensive Damage

Flood insurance can pay for repairs to your building and the items in it if an event such as a natural disaster or storm causes it to be flooded. Some things covered by many flood policies include:

• Repairs to walls, ceilings and floors by water remediation experts
• Foundation repair
• HVAC system restoration
• Installed cabinetry
• Furniture
• Equipment
• Inventory stock

Your insurance agent can explain the specific details of what your particular policy covers. It is important to understand your policy so that you can determine if it is going to be sufficient.

Coverage Gap

Flood insurance is important, particularly in areas that are prone to storms or tend to have active storm seasons. Property insurance typically does not cover flood damage that results from floodwaters caused by storms. No matter how great your commercial property policy is, therefore, it leaves your building unprotected in the event of a natural disaster. A flood policy closes that gap.

Legal Requirements

If your business is located in an area that is considered high risk for flooding, you may be required by law to have a flood policy. Federally insured mortgage lenders want to lower the risk they take on insuring your property. If you have a mortgage with a federally regulated lender, you are likely required to include a flood policy in your commercial insurance portfolio.

If you are in an area that is at high risk for flooding, play it safe by purchasing flood insurance. You may never need it, but if your building floods, you'll be glad you have it.

How To Handle Flooding Post-Fire

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Drying process in a Daybreak, UT building.

Here Are Some Practical Protocols You Can Learn

Fires are not only emotionally devastating, but they can leave your business in utter destruction. Damage from flames and smoke is typical, but flooding and water damage post-fire are nearly as common. Firefighters use a great deal of water to extinguish fires, leaving your property sodden and saturated. If you have recently experienced an office fire and are wondering how to proceed, learn some helpful, practical protocols.

Take Action Quickly
Where water and fire damage are concerned, immediate action is necessary. If a fire hose has left your business waterlogged, protect your assets and ensure you and your employees' safety before help arrives:

• Elevate all wet rugs and fabrics from the floor.
  
• Remove books, magazines, and other paper products from water-soaked areas.
  
• Do not attempt to turn on any potentially flooded appliances.
  
• Do not run a vacuum on wet floors.
  
  

Proceed With Professionals
Once help in Daybreak, UT, arrives, the restoration experts can provide a proper water damage assessment. Initially, a complete inspection of the property ensues, followed by a safety evaluation to ensure the fire damage and flooding don't pose any immediate risk or harm.
Specialists can bring in water removal equipment like industrial pumps and wet vacuums to extract the excess water. They then utilize high-powered fans to complete the drying process.

Complete the Process
While your property may be dry and free from standing water, you must complete several safety measures before starting up your business again. Professionals can assist with any painting, drywall repair, or floor damage caused by the fire and flooding. Remember to hire an electrician to ensure all appliances and electronics are secure and safe to use. Do not begin the move-in process before receiving the go-ahead from the restoration specialists.
Fire damage and flooding can be devastating to a business. Following the correct protocol and safety measures helps ensure a safe and efficient restoration of your property.

3 Tips for Storm Preparation

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm is approaching, place sandbags around the exterior of your building.

Take These Three Precautions

Storm season in Daybreak, UT, can be a formidable opponent to the structure and safety of your commercial building. While you cannot prevent the storms themselves, though, there are several ways you can prepare for the potential flooding problems they can cause. If the forecast calls for stormy weather, take these three precautions.

1. Elevate Equipment

Electronic equipment is particularly susceptible to flood damage if water flows into your building during storms. Any equipment, particularly on the lower levels of the building, should be elevated off the ground. That way, even if your floor is covered in a few inches of water, the equipment itself can stay clear of the floodwaters.

2. Protect Furniture

Likewise, any furniture that could be subjected to flooding should be protected. You can purchase rubber covers for the bottoms of your desks or chairs, shielding the wooden parts of the furniture from damage. Storm restoration experts recommend elevating any piece of furniture that would be destroyed in the event of a flood off the floor, protecting it from extensive damage. You may also consider spraying fabrics with a water guard that repels moisture, protecting them from water damage and mold.

3. Shield Exteriors

The best way to protect the inside of your building from storm damage is to keep water out of it altogether. When a storm is approaching, place sand bags around the exterior of doors and windows or any other area where water could easily enter your building. If your building is in a low-lying area that floods easily, you should also consider setting up a water barrier around the perimeter of your building to keep the flood away from its foundation.
Flooding during storm season doesn't have to cause devastating damage to your commercial building. With the proper precautions, you can protect your most sensitive equipment and maintain the structural integrity of your building.

3 Tips for Handling a Musty Scent in Your Building

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold smell is less than ideal

3 Tips for Handling a Musty Scent in Your Building

Have you recently noticed or received complaints about a musty odor permeating the air in your commercial property in West Jordan, UT, but cannot identify a visible source? This may be a mold smell or a mildew smell.
Note that while mold and mildew are not technically the same, mildew is a type of mold, usually "early stage" or "young" mold growing flat; hereafter, the term "mold" will be used with the understanding that mildew is included in its usage.
Even if you do not see patches of it crawling along the walls in plain view, the ubiquitous mold is present in virtually every structure as spores in the air. The fungus smell is the result of the production of chemicals as mold grows and spreads. Since it indicates the presence of an organism capable of damaging a building's materials and structural integrity, it is important to deal with it as soon as possible. Here are some tips for doing so.

1. Contact a Professional
A professional cleanup and restoration service is more equipped to handle this kind of issue than an inexperienced individual. You should contact one to perform thorough remediation of any areas the fungus has invaded.

2. Locate Potential Areas of Origin
The mold smell may originate from hidden places such as behind walls, in ceilings and under floors. Any area that is wet, cool and dark might harbor mold. Areas you should check include:

• Stairwells
  
• HVAC systems
  
• Bathrooms
  
• Storage areas
  
  

If you experience difficulty finding discernable signs of the fungus, a low-temperature range thermal/infrared camera can help identify concealed moisture that might be acting as a breeding ground for it.

3. Ventilate
After the professional has removed any mold found and sanitized its previous resting place, you should take measures to ventilate the rooms/building where it formerly resided. Examples of such actions include using fans and opening windows. This will help circulate fresh air while pushing out the musty air and dry up remaining moisture that might promote the return of the microbes.
Mold smell is less than ideal. However, with the aid of a professional, it can be dealt with easily.

What To Do When Smoke From an Adjacent Building Harms Your Property

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage in a building

What To Do When Smoke From an Adjacent Building Harms Your Property

A fire can affect your business even if the blaze does not occur within your property. Fires in adjacent buildings can also cause major smoke damage to your premises. Here are some steps to follow if soot or ash from a nearby fire spreads onto your property.

1. Call Insurance
Thankfully, this type of loss is still covered under most commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider right away and tell the adjuster both the location of your building and the site of the actual fire. You should also explain what items were damaged and discuss whether those assets need to be repaired or replaced. Be sure to also tell the adjuster whether you will have to temporarily close your business during the restoration.

2. Document the Loss
The insurance company will not just rely on your description of the smoke damage. The adjuster will also want proof of the harm. You should thus take photos of the affected areas before attempting any cleanup. Do not forget to photograph the insides of dirty closets and drawers. Providing the insurer with a written list of the harmed items should also expedite the cleanup process.

3. Contact the Pros
If left unaddressed, smoke and soot damage can linger in your building for years. Removing the odors, in particular, takes specialized skills and training. You should thus use the insurance money to pay for emergency cleanup services. The remediation professionals should be able to remove ash from items hidden in storage areas. They should also know how to safely clean electronics.
Soot and ash from a nearby fire can easily enter your commercial property. If this happens to you, take photos of the smoke damage and contact restoration professionals in Bluffdale, UT. You should also call your insurance provider. This loss should be included in your policy, so the smoke cleaning will not greatly affect your business' finances.

Water Damage During Construction Is Easy to Prevent

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

Broken pipe causes water damage in Draper, UT

Water damage is probably the largest cause of loss and insurance claims in Draper, UT, during construction. Not only will this increase construction costs, filing a claim will raise your insurance premiums. Flooded areas are dangerous to enter and a water pipe repair can delay the construction process. Fortunately, prevention is easy and relatively cheap.

Prevention Throughout the Process

There are three basic stages of the construction process:

• Pre-construction
  
• During construction
  
• Post construction
  
  

Each requires a different strategy to reduce the risk of a broken pipe. You also need to consider how water will run off your property and how construction can impact that.

Pre-Construction Planning
Planning is the most critical part of the process. Engineers need to consider where existing water supply lines are and how water from storms is presently flowing through the property. Normally, this is part of your quality assurance and quality control process.
Silt fencing is a good way to control water and prevent it from directly entering streams and lakes. It’s cheap and generally effective when used properly. Existing plumbing should be well marked so workers know exactly where water lines are.
Breaking a supply line can stop a construction project dead until the water pipe repair is completed and the impact of the flood cleaned up. This usually will require a top water damage mitigation expert to help you get back to work as fast as possible.

During Construction
You should dedicate a team that’s focused on preventing water damage. They’ll know in advance where the day’s activities are, along with weather forecasts and precisely what water supply lines might be impacted. They should also require that the building envelope be completely sealed before any finishing work is attempted.

Post Construction Efforts
Water from a storm runoff can take surprising routes. When the construction is finished, your team needs to reevaluate where the runoff is now directed to and take all necessary steps to ensure it’s not causing damage, either on your property or to someone else’s. Once all this is done, you should be safe going forward.

When Does Primary Damage Result In Additional Damage?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Broken pipes in Herriman, UT

Primary damage is the first form of damage that affects the condition of a structure. For instance, water damage may originate from a pipe break, leak or outside water source. The initial incident is considered primary, while any related damage that results, such as the growth of black mold, is designated as secondary.

The Initial Incident

The cause of water damage is primary if no damage existed beforehand. Here are a few examples of primary water damage:

• A pipe break
  
• A pipe leak
  
• A sewer backup
  
  

In each of these instances, it should be assumed that no previous damage had occurred. The pipe did not break or leak or the sewer did not back up due to another direct cause on the same premises. For example, if a storm were to damage the roof a structure and cause a leak, the storm damage would be primary and the water damage would be secondary.

Secondary Damage
Primary water damage can result in a variety of consequences. Standing water or even residual high humidity levels after extraction support the growth of black mold. For this reason, it is important to act quickly to remove water, clean the affected area, if necessary, and dry damage.

Mitigation and Cleanup
Water damage mitigation and cleanup should start within 24 to 48 hours of an incident that causes water damage. A slower start will significantly increase the risk of secondary damage that affects building materials, rotting wood and rusting metal, or allow enough time for mold spores to settle down on a surface and start multiplying into colonies.
Property owners and managers should act quickly to mitigate and restore primary water damage to a commercial structure in Herriman, UT. Hiring mitigation, cleanup and restoration professionals can ensure that the job gets done right the first time to reduce the risk of secondary problems such as black mold.

Fire Loss Restoration In West Jordan, Utah

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in West Jordan, UT

Fire Loss Restoration In West Jordan, Utah

Fire damage will rip through a home in West Jordan, Utah when the brush fires or lightning strikes. Someone who is concerned about how to keep their home in better condition will find it quite easy to call the fire damage company, and they will have mitigation begin as soon as possible. There is smoke damage, soot damage, and other carpentry that must be repaired before the house is safe to live in again, and this article explains how the customer may hire a mitigation firm for help. Mitigation will restore the home to what it was before the fire.

#1: What Sort Of Damage Is There?

Water damage from fire, soot damage, and smoke damage will come through the home after a fire, and someone who is concerned about the state of their home must take steps to ensure the house will be in the best repair. The house itself will be much healthier to live in once it has been repaired, and the house must be inspected completely to ensure it will not harbor any debris or toxins.

#2: Repairing Carpentry

The carpentry around the house must be repaired when the house has been through a fire, and someone who sees holes or gaps in their house must have them repaired quickly. They will see the house take back its former shape, and they must ensure they have the house closed up before the house may be cleaned. There are quite a few people who are searching for a way to get the house clean, and they must have everything repaired before cleaning begins.

#3: Air Quality Tests

Testing air quality is quite important, and someone who is looking for a way to make their air cleaner must ask the company to clean every part of the home looking for mold and mildew. The house will not be safe to live in when it has not been cleaned, and the homeowner will find it simple to ask the fire cleanup company to come to the house to test their air. They will continue to test West Jordan, Utah homes, and they will wait until the air has been scrubbed clean.

#4: Water Damage From Fire

The fire cleanup process ensures all water in the house is removed, and they will use an industrial vacuum that removes all water from the house. They will ensure the house is clean, and they will find it simple to keep their home as healthy as possible. The house will not have mold or mildew growing, and there are many who will find it quite a lot of fun to see their house come back to life.

The house that is damaged in a fire must be repaired, and there are several different things that a homeowner may do to ensure the house looks its best. The house will look great, and it will be repaired on a professional level that is easy for anyone to see. The house will be clean and fresh once again.

Look for Hidden Damages After a Commercial Fire

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to roof in Draper, UT

If a fire has damaged your commercial business in Draper, UT, but the building and its contents aren’t completely destroyed, your insurance company will classify this as a partial fire loss. The great news is that you may be able to save a portion of the structure and some of the flooring and window treatments. It’s important, however, not to just take the word of the insurance adjuster. You need to have a licensed professional inspect the building for hidden damages.

Why Do You Need a Licensed Inspector?

Professionals are trained to look for hidden damages, such as:

• Smoke damage
  
• Ash
  
• Water
  
• Mold
  
  

What Areas Will the Professional Inspect?
A thorough inspection of the fire loss will include the following areas:

Roof - The inspector will look for any damage caused by heat or burning embers. The wood underneath the shingles should be inspected for mold or staining.
Interior walls - The inside walls may need to be opened up to inspect the framing for damage and mold.
Windows - Window frames may warp and blister, allowing mold to grow.
Heating units and plumbing - All heating ducts and units must be inspected. Fire can also damage plumbing fixtures and pipes.
Structural steel - The fire’s heat may compromise the structure of the foundation.
Exterior siding and concrete - Heat can make the siding melt or crack and the exposure can create mold. Also, the concrete foundation could be damaged by immense heat.

Can Smoke Damage be Cleaned?
During the fire restoration process, each item should be carefully inspected to determine if it can be cleaned or if it should be replaced. A reputable cleaning company will help you decide if furniture, window treatments, and other furnishings can be restored to their previous condition without a lingering smoke smell.
Dealing with a fire loss to your building can be an overwhelming task. It’s important to employ a licensed professional to look for any hidden damages so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

Proactive Cleaning in Salt Lake City

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Jordan offers proactive cleaning for any size commercial space.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need 

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. 

Specialized Training 

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include: 

• Kitchen/Food Areas 
• Bathrooms 
• Schools/Classrooms 
• Offices 
• Retail Spaces 
• Water Fountains 
• Shelving/Racks 
• Sales Counters 
• Carpets and Rugs 
• Stair Handrails 
• Elevator Cars 
• Playground Equipment 
• Fitness Equipment 

Specialized Products 

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. 

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning 

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of West Jordan works around the clock to perform proactive cleaning.

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Office Fridges

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

A main culprit is spoiled food

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Office Fridges

If your employees are complaining about an awful smell in the kitchen area of your office building, you may be dealing with fridge mold. This problem doesn’t just cause a stinky odor, either. The mold could spread throughout the building and harm walls, desks or ceilings. You may then have to contact mold remediation professionals to eliminate the issue.
A main culprit is spoiled food. More and more employees are bringing lunch from home and eating at their desks in order to avoid spending money on takeout. Some then place lunch leftovers in the fridge and forget about them, allowing mold to develop. Foods that commonly cause mold damage include:

• Yogurt
  
• Cold cuts
  
• Casserole
  
• Sour cream
  
• Poultry
  
  

Take Care of Your Office Refrigerator

An easy way to limit fridge mold is to regularly clean the break room refrigerator. While this seems like a fairly obvious suggestion, many offices fail to implement this basic strategy. One study recently found that 22 percent of office fridges are washed just one or two times annually.
Instead, the refrigerator should be cleaned out on a weekly basis. Without proper disinfecting fridge fungus could continue to grow. When you do wash the fridge, make sure you wear a mask to protect yourself from the mold smell.

Set Fridge Boundaries

Since leftover food is a main cause of moldy fridges, remind your employees to take any leftover food home with them on the weekends. You may also want to consider following the lead of companies such as PepsiCo and Google. Instead of spending money on mold cleanup services for their fridges, they set up corporate vegetable gardens so employees can grow their own lunches.
To prevent fridge mold in your Draper, UT, office, be sure to clean the appliance regularly. Employees should also be warned about the consequences of leaving their food in the refrigerator for an extended period of time. Let them know that if they don’t properly discard their leftovers, the office may have to shut down for black mold cleanup.