HOA and Community Managers: Understand Mold Management

9/6/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial building water damage.

Mold is a bit of a stealthy character. During inspections, it's considered pretty normal to spot some concentration of mold spores, usually rated around 100 sp/m3. Mold can just naturally exist in spaces. But here's the red flag: when those mold levels hit above 800, it's time to take action.

Now, laws and rules can be a bit of a maze, changing from one place to another. But here's a common thread - landlords often have a duty to tackle mold problems when tenants report them. This is known as the "implied warranty of habitability." It's like a rulebook that says landlords must keep their rental units healthy and habitable. Ignore it, and you might find yourself in some legal hot water.

Now, even if HOAs aren't directly responsible for individual units, they can't just turn a blind eye. They need to stay vigilant for potential mold issues, especially in common areas. They've got to be aware of their legal responsibilities within their specific territory.

Mold isn't just a health concern; it's also a wallet concern. It can drive down rental rates because, let's be honest, no one wants to live in a moldy mess. Plus, mold can wreak havoc on a unit, leading to costly renovations that could've been prevented with a little TLC.

Unexpected Disaster

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded equipment room in commercial building.

Out of nowhere, nature can suddenly turn incredibly fierce: floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tropical storms, - you name it. These kinds of natural disasters can throw unwanted stress your way, not to mention wreak havoc on your business. That's where SERVPRO® steps in, ready to tackle the aftermath and provide a lasting fix. We've got all the storm damage cleanup services to aid your business’s revival. Our franchise professionals make sure you're in the loop every step of the journey, ensuring you're well-acquainted with our detailed process.

Dealing with storm damage can be quite the ordeal, thanks to the unexpected curveballs that demand swift action. That's where a reliable, well-known storm cleanup crew comes into play. Whether it's a minor scuffle with storm damage or a more substantial challenge, we've got the know-how and the gear to clean up the mess and bring back your business operations. At SERVPRO, we've got a crew of highly-trained, customer-focused experts - our main goal is to have you back in your restored business as swiftly as can be.

Call us at 805-222-7319 for fast emergency response. 

Top 5 Major Contributors to Sewer Backup Issues

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Hallway flood at commercial client.

Understanding the root causes behind sewage problems is pivotal in mitigating their impact. Familiarizing yourself with these triggers can empower you to take preventative measures. Here are the prevailing reasons behind sewer backup occurrences in commercial establishments:

1. Compromised pipe integrity or misaligned connections and joints in the plumbing system
2. Intrusion of tree roots into pipes and plumbing infrastructure
3. Accumulation of grease and inappropriate flushing practices within the building
4. Neglected cleaning and maintenance, especially in high-traffic commercial environments where vigilant upkeep is paramount
5. Settlement of soil in and around the building, exerting pressure on the plumbing and sewer system

Call the Fire Damage Experts at SERVPRO®

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire at commercial building.

Inspection Phase

Engaging a fire damage restoration company entails an evaluation of the damage incurred upon your residential or commercial property and its possessions. This appraisal aims to determine the feasibility of salvageable items. Through photographic or videographic documentation, the findings are methodically recorded to facilitate seamless correspondence with your insurance provider. Employing specialized equipment, the team conducts room examinations to detect potential smoke and soot repercussions. Upon the culmination of SERVPRO®'s initial assessment, a detailed exposition of their cleaning regimen ensues, accompanied by an overview of the projected timeline for the undertaking.

Prevention of Additional Deterioration

Central to a fire restoration company's mission is the prevention of escalating harm to your residence. Swift evacuation of your property's contents becomes paramount, as prolonged presence within compromised zones can exacerbate the complexities of cleansing. In scenarios where the fire has induced structural vulnerabilities like roof or wall breaches, preemptive measures such as sealing and tarping are adeptly executed to shield your living space from the elements.

Clean-Up Endeavor

Given the expeditious escalation of damage inflicted by fire, smoke, and potential water infiltration from firefighting endeavors, the initiation of the cleanup phase is swift. Furnished with an array of cleaning agents and specialized tools, the restoration crew embarks on the meticulous restoration of furniture, flooring, and other items subjected to smoke, soot, and water intrusion. Concurrently, they address residual odors, ensuring a comprehensive purification procedure. Items beyond redemption are conscientiously disposed of.

Repair and Refurbishment Phase

Transitioning to the subsequent stage of the fire damage restoration journey entails the restoration and reinvigoration of your property and belongings. The restoration company's endeavor involves swift yet meticulous efforts to facilitate your reentry into your abode. Throughout this phase, you maintain consistent communication with the restoration team, ensuring regular updates on the progression towards restoring your living space to its previous state.

The Role of a Fire Damage Restoration Company

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire at apartment complex.

While a fire disaster is distressing, you don't have to navigate the road to recovery on your own. Expert restoration companies like SERVPRO® stand ready to assist you in restoring normalcy. Gain insights into the fire damage restoration journey with this informative guide.

The foremost objectives of a fire damage restoration company revolve around minimizing further harm to your residence and salvaging belongings when feasible. Proficient restoration firms can evaluate the damage's extent, offer a written estimate, and initiate the process of reversing fire-related impacts. Moreover, these companies can collaborate with your insurance provider to expedite claim settlement.

Expectations During the Fire Damage Restoration Procedure

Different parts of your home or business may be affected in varying ways by fire, necessitating tailored cleaning, restoration, or rebuilding approaches. At times, the full extent of fire and smoke damage may not be readily visible, especially in concealed spaces like attics or within walls. A skilled fire restoration company possesses the ability to ascertain the damage's severity and outline which areas and belongings can be restored versus those that may require replacement.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees.

It’s summertime, and there’s no better time for an outdoor barbecue and some s’mores by the fire pit. If not cared for properly, however, a relaxing night around the fire could turn into a disaster. Use these tips to help keep your summer nights fun!

Positioning

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees. Ensure no branches or leaves hang anywhere above the fire pit so smoke has a clear escape path into the air. Keep the fire on a non-flammable surface such as concrete or sand. Avoid setting up the fire on grass, and never create a fire on a wooden deck.

Preparation

Keep any flammable materials away from the fire. Staying approximately 10-20 feet from surrounding vegetation and brush will help to prevent flames from jumping or spreading. Dig the pit about six inches deep in the center with a two-foot diameter to contain all embers and flames.

Extinguishing

Always use the proper method to extinguish the flames of a fire as described by your local fire marshal/fire department. Water is usually a primary source to extinguish fire. In addition, a shovel can help with putting out the remaining flames and suffocating the fire. Once the flames are drowned with water, stir with shovel until no flames remain. Ashes remain hot for several days, so ensure they are properly disposed and left to cool. Never dispose of ashes in a compost pile or flammable material.

Stay safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors! If you ever have a fire at your home, Call SERVPRO® of Simi Valley at (805) 522-2945 to help with the restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Keep your Business Mold-Free

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

Mold grows in places you cannot even see, and it sometimes grows increasingly worse before it’s noticeable. Mold, however, pollutes the air and can threaten the structural integrity of a structure.

When mold grows on a commercial property, it can be devastating for business owners as they must shut down operations to decontaminate the business. These tips will help prevent mold from growing in your business.

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

1. Use a dehumidifier: It can be challenging to maintain proper humidity inside your business. To ensure 50% humidity, install commercial dehumidifiers throughout the property.
2. Repair plumbing issues: As soon as you notice a leak in your business from a roof, pipe, or window, call a restoration company to mend the damages. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of mold growth.
3. Ensure proper ventilation: If not properly maintained, mold will grow around HVAC systems. Mold spores can spread from vents, so a clean HVAC system will keep mold out.
4. Stay Vigilant: It’s not easy to notice mold growth in its early stages. By inspecting your property frequently and monitoring high moisture levels, you can notice mold before it becomes a problem. Early signs of mold growth include stains on walls, smells, and marks on floors.
5. Call a professional: If the mold has spread or you can’t find the origin of the problem, call a professional mold remediation company to assist you.

At SERVPRO® of Simi Valley, we have a team of certified franchise professionals to take care of your mold problem. Our team is trained with the best equipment and techniques to locate and remove your property of mold and residual pores. Trust SERVPRO® of Simi Valley for your commercial property mold remediation needs. Call us at (805) 522-2945, we are 24/7/365.

Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Simi Valley knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth.

Oh no! You notice a leaking pipe or a plumbing issue in your home or business. Don’t fret, SERVPRO® of Simi Valley is here for you. Before we arrive, however, here are some tips to safely take care of water damage. Keep in mind, these tips apply to clean water only. Sewage water causes different kinds of damage, and it is contaminated, so SERVPRO® treats that damage differently. SERVPRO® of Simi Valley is the perfect call to begin the water removal process, as our professional team will quickly and properly dry out your home or business from any water damage.

• When you notice damage occurring, immediately shut off the water source and turn off the power.
• If safe, remove as much water as possible with a mop and towels to soak up water.
• Place aluminum foil between wood furniture legs and carpet. Do not keep rugs and furniture upholstery wet against each other, as more damage will occur.

Safety is number one priority, so these steps are only recommended if they are safe to do so. Do not enter a room with standing water, as there could be a risk of an electrical shock. Ensure all power is disconnected as soon as flooding occurs. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to try and remove water. SERVPRO® of Simi Valley knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (805) 522-2945 to assist you today, we are 24/7/365.

Returning Home: How to Remove the Smoky Smell from your Property

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself.

If you’ve ever been around a campfire or experienced an indoor fire, you’ll know exactly what that lingering smoky smell is like after the fire’s been put out. When you suffer from a home or business fire, it’s important to minimize as much of the remaining odor as possible before SERVPRO® of Simi Valley arrives. These tips will be helpful in maintaining the healthiest living conditions as possible after a fire occurs.

Tip 1: If safe, open any windows to increase airflow and circulation. Additionally, keep doors open to allow air to flow through and out of the structure.

Tip 2: Replace air filters. Toxic smoke particles and soot can become trapped in air filters, which results in unhealthy air being released after a fire. Replace the filters to avoid the spread of the odor.

Tip 3: Deep clean the affected areas. Kitchen counters, curtains, windows and carpets are commons places for smoke particles to stick after a fire. Target these areas to remove the remaining odor from smoke damage.

SERVPRO® of Simi Valley is the expert fire restoration team for you! Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself. Here at SERVPRO®, we have a team of experienced professionals with advanced odor removal products and equipment that will take care of your fire-related needs. Let our team make your home or business look like the fire “Never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of Simi Valley at (805) 522-2945, we are 24/7/365.

Stay Safe from Fires in the Workplace

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of Simi Valley to get the restoration process underway.

A fire is never fun. At the office or workplace, fires can cause danger to personnel in addition to property damage. Read these tips on basic fire prevention to stay as safe on the job as possible.

Steps of Prevention

• Ensure all staff is properly educated on fire prevention procedures, evacuation routes and fire hazards.
• Maintain a clean workspace to reduce the risk of fire.
• Be aware of potential combustible materials and flammable items.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in the business and know its whereabouts.

General Safety

• Dispose of combustible or flammable materials in and around the workplace.
• Keep combustible materials in approved containers and away from other flammable items.
• Keep fire extinguisher in an accessible place not blocked by furniture or clutter.

Preventative Safety

• Keep fire equipment up to date, receive inspections on a regular basis.
• Have a working alarm system with both sound and lights.
• Be aware of local authority and fire department information for easy contact when necessary.
• Keep staff up to date on training, be aware of what’s going on.
• Work with SERVPRO® of Simi Valley to create an emergency response plan for your business.

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of Simi Valley to get the restoration process underway. We know a fire can be devastating, and that is why we take great care in restoring as many of your items as we can. No job is too big for SERVPRO® of Simi Valley. Call today at (805) 522-2945, we are 24/7/365.