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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Commercial Blog Posts

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids Can Handle Complex Commercial Properties

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Even large warehouses aren't too large to handle for the professionals at SERVPRO.

Flooding and water damage events at Roanoke Rapids commercial properties are often complex, with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. From a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire 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.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Know More about Fire Sprinklers and Avoid Further Damage in your Property.

Owning or managing a business necessitates that you take all the precautions you can to ensure the well-being of your employees and your Roanoke Rapids, NC, commercial building. After all, if the building is affected by a fire, it can affect every aspect of your business; it is your livelihood.

A fire suppression system is a must-have as a defense against the flames before they have a chance to engulf the building. Several types of fire sprinkler systems are available, each having its own unique characteristics. These features make each a better choice for some types of buildings, but what is essential for one could actually be more damaging for another. Therefore, the objective is to determine which option is best for your situation.

4 Types of Fire Sprinklers for Commercial Buildings

1. Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

A wet pipe system could be ideal if you need the fastest action sprinkler system and don't have as many contents that can be damaged by water. Wet pipe systems are the standard type of sprinkler system, and they are typically used in multi-level structures such as office buildings and hotels.

2. Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge sprinkler systems are ideal for buildings that contain flammable liquids. You will mostly find these systems installed in industrial businesses. These systems have open nozzles and must detect smoke or heat to activate. As the name implies, these systems will send a deluge of water into the area, which will require fire sprinkler cleanup by fire damage restoration professionals. However, the water can save your business, unlike a fire that could result in a total loss.

3. Pre-action Sprinkler System

A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a good option if your building's contents include costly electronics and materials that are highly susceptible to water damage (e.g., books and valuable papers or artwork). The pipes are only filled with air instead of water when the system is not triggered. Water can only enter the lines if the smoke detector is activated.

Additionally, these systems require two triggers for water to be allowed into the pipes. There also must be flames (not only smoke) present to trigger it. This double trigger helps prevent water damage from the sprinklers from going off due to a false alarm.

4. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Like the pre-action types, dry pipe systems use pressurized air to fill the pipes until water enters. The difference is that the air escapes the lines before the water can enter. This function is suited for buildings in colder environments because the pipes are not filled with water, so they won't freeze in frigid temperatures. They are particularly beneficial for facilities located in cold climates and do not have heating systems to help keep the pipes warmer.

You can never be too safe when it comes to acting in the best interest of your business. Therefore, it's essential to understand all of your options to make the ideal choices to protect your property. This includes preventing fire damage in case a disaster occurs.

Having a properly working fire sprinkler system can make all the difference in the well-being of your business.

Five Innovations Beyond the Sand bag to Protect Your Business from Floods

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Innovations and Protect Your Business from Floods.

If you have ever been in a flood or seen videos of how rapidly waters can rise, you understand how precious the seconds after a flood warning can be. While the traditional sand bag and flood insurance combo is a popular fallback to protect businesses, there is much more to consider when planning for a natural disaster. Here are five important innovations to consider instead of sand bags to protect your business in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Though a historical go-to, the sand bag has many flaws. The largest issue is that they can’t be built ahead of time because of how much space is required to store enough of them. These traditional water barriers can’t even be reused because filthy floodwater brings debris and bacteria and can breed mold, so exploring other options when shopping for flood dams is a good move.

Important considerations to take better care of your business.

Protecting your business and property is made simpler with recent damming innovations. The following devices can help you protect your business from water damage in less time:

Quick Dam is a portable dam made of highly absorbent, diaper-like material. Self-drying, Quick Dam is an option that can be set in place for the entire wet season or for ongoing protection.

The sturdy AquaFence is a solution for large properties since this barrier can surround and protect a city block. This barrier reaches from 2.5’ to 9’ in height but can be flatted and stored in reusable crates.

AquaDam is a water-filled solution for blocking and diverting water. Built with two flexible inner tubes, AquaDam can conform to a wide variety of property lines and paths.

Another water-filled barrier is HydraBarrier which can be filled with a hose and just as easily drained for reuse.

The Instee Levee Builder from Progressive Innovations allows you to erect a levee in a fraction of the time but may require you to supplement some narrow and snug areas with another damming product.

Recovering From Flood Damage

Unfortunately, no product can guarantee you will not have to deal with flood damage. In the most severe weather, water levels can rise above a levee’s or dam’s max height. In these worst-case scenarios, business owners need to take recovery actions right away. Flood damage compounds rapidly over time, so take these steps to restore your property most efficiently:

Call your insurance company and make a claim as soon as you can, you will need their help to allot funds for your local storm restoration company, who you will want to call soon after you are done speaking to your insurance agent.

If your property is no longer flooded, remove undamaged objects, such as art or books from the building and to a dry location. This will help keep them from growing mold. Keep in mind, however, that slip-and-fall injuries are common after a flood, so walk with care, and avoid all electrical plugs, switches, and outlets.

When it comes to protecting a business property, every second counts. Thankfully, there are now several alternatives to the sand bag. From machines that build your own levee to no-fuss barriers you can leave outside, these innovations in property protection can cut down the time and effort needed to establish a sturdy water barrier.

Commercial Water Damage and a Water Pipe Repair

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Helpful tips to follow if your business experience Water Damage or a Pipe Repair.

It is not uncommon for businesses to experience water damage or water pipe repair issues. The frequent use of facilities means that the plumbing system requires greater maintenance and upkeep than other types of buildings, primarily residential structure. As any remediation specialist in Roanoke Rapids, NC water disasters can result in significant damage and remediation efforts. The process for recovering from such disasters is similar regardless of the property type and purpose:

  • Removing excess water
  • Dry the facility
  • Remediating the damage
  • Restoring the building

Water Damage Categories and Water Pipe Repair Efforts

Water loss stemming from a broken pipe can cause extensive damage, mainly if it is not dealt with rapidly. The nature of water means that damage is constantly evolving. The level of contamination will even develop from clean water to heavily contaminated depending on its exposure to other substances and chemicals.

If your business experience a leak or major water crisis, you should contact a mitigation or plumbing professional as soon as possible. These professionals understand the potential threats of water loss, and they can help you avoid lengthy business interruptions.

Understanding Water Categories

When discussing water loss and damage, you need to understand the different water categories. Water damage will involve one of three categories of water at least.

Category one represents damage from a clean water source; this is usually a leak stemming from a supply line to a sink or other appliance.

Category two water damage is the progression of category one into something more contaminated. Category two water usually occurs after clean water seeps through building materials or contacts chemicals. For instance, you might experience a category one leak on the second floor of your establishment. Unfortunately, no one noticed the leak, and the water soaked through the flooring on the second level and through the ceiling on the first, resulting in category two water loss.

Category three represents the most dangerous type of water. The water will typically stem from a sewer backup or an external flood. It would be best to stay clear of category three damage as it is harmful to your health. Many states have requirements when dealing with category three damage, so you might want to talk to someone more familiar with the process.

Category 2 and 3 Remediation Process

When dealing with a flooded business, it is crucial to assess the type of water loss before attempting remediation efforts. You are best served to reach out to a mitigation professional for category two and three damage.

A professional service will have the equipment and knowledge required to resolve your problem. Additionally, they can help you determine the quickest way to recover while also assisting in any claims process. As a business owner, you know that a water pipe repair can be devastating to a business.

If the original break caused damage to inventory and the property, you would need to find the quickest way to get back to business. A water restoration company can help. The service will send in a crew within hours of the accident to assess the property and determine plans for recovery.

5 Tips for Drying Water Damage

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your Commercial Building considering these Tips as regards Drying Water Damage.

When your building floods, your first response should be calling water damage mitigation experts in Roanoke Rapids, NC to get the cleanup process started. Meanwhile, however, the water in your building is still causing damage as you wait for them to arrive. Here are a few water damage tips that you can use until they get there.

Important tips to consider as regards Drying Water Damage

Wear Protective Gear

One of the first cleaning tips you should follow concerns safety. Before you boldly enter the affected area, put on the necessary personal protective equipment:

  • Rubber boots
  • Gloves
  • Water repellent coveralls
  • Goggles
  • Face mask

Once you are wearing the correct PPE, check to make sure the structure is sound enough to hold you and that there are no places where the water has come into contact with electricity. Then you should be able to proceed with caution to start the drying process.

Extract Excess Water

The longer water lingers in your building, the more damage it is likely to cause. Use a pump to quickly remove standing water, and follow up with a commercial wet vac to siphon out what remains. If you don't have a sump pump or a wet vac in your building, you should be able to rent or purchase them for a reasonable price. Spending a relatively small amount to have this equipment on hand in case it's needed can save you a lot of money in repairs.

Increase Airflow

Many experts who offer water damage tips suggest increasing the airflow in your building. Moving air helps surfaces dry out more quickly. If you have a lot of windows in your building, open as many of them as possible to create a cross breeze. Place fans in the area where the flood occurred to increase the speed at which the air flows through the space. Open drawers, cabinets and closets so that the moving air can dry them out, too.

Remove Soggy Items

The items in the flooded area must be removed before remediation begins. You can get a head start by taking them out of the space. Separate them into piles of things that can likely be saved and those that may need to be discarded. If any important documents are damp, it may be helpful to freeze them to disrupt the damage until the experts can get to them.

Dehumidify Space

It doesn't do a lot of good to dry surfaces if the air around them holds too much moisture. To prevent mold growth or other secondary damage after a pipe burst, you need to get the humidity level in your building under control. While increased airflow may help significantly, it alone may not be enough to bring the levels down to where they need to be. Use a dehumidifier in any room in which humidity is higher than 55%. This extra step helps to ensure that the rest of your drying efforts aren't in vain.

When your building is flooded, every minute counts. Reliable mitigation professionals may arrive soon after you call, but there are things you can do while you wait. These water damage tips help you get your building ready for a quick cleanup process.

How Do I Prevent Mold?

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in commercial buildings Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Mold can grow on many different surfaces, including in hidden areas, such as inside of walls, where it may be difficult to detect. It grows best in areas with ample moisture, such as property that has sustained water damage. You can't completely avoid mold, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of it growing to point that it becomes a problem.

How To Prevent Mold Growth

Mold needs moisture to grow. The most important part of mold prevention is controlling moisture.

1. Identify and Repair Moisture Problems

Identify any areas of your property that are prone to moisture accumulation or high humidity. Look for areas that tend to flood. Check windows for signs of condensation. Check roofs and ceilings for water stains or other signs of leaks. Remove wet materials, such as carpets and drywall.

Check for leaks in the plumbing and supply lines. Monitor the humidity levels in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or industrial equipment that produces steam. Have your HVAC system inspected for moisture problems. Make sure you change the air filters and check the drain pans regularly. Keep gutters free of debris and make sure they drain away from your property.

2. Quickly Dry Anything That Gets Wet

If your building has water damage from a burst pipe, sink overflow, or a weather event, dry out your property within 24 to 48 hours. Remove wet carpets, furniture, and other items that may be difficult to dry. Use pumps or a wet/dry vacuum to remove small to moderate amounts of water. Open doors and windows and run fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out your property. If you have substantial damage, consider contacting a water remediation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to assist you.

3. Check Your Ventilation

Areas with high moisture levels should be properly vented to discourage mold growth. Check the vents in your kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms, laundry areas, and any other high moisture locations for problems. Run exhaust fans or open a window when moisture-producing activities are being performed.

4. Use Moisture Resistant Building Materials

Whenever you are building something new or repairing something old, choose moisture-resistant materials. Moisture-resistant drywall, sheetrock, and paint can help prevent mold from growing in the walls in high moisture areas. It is also less easily damaged by moisture and may need to be replaced less frequently.

5. Check Your Outdoor Drainage

Downspouts that aren't angled properly or parking lots and landscaped areas that aren't graded appropriately can cause water to accumulate around your property. This made lead to water seeping into your building. If you are noticing water pooling around your building when it rains, you may need to make adjustments to ensure that water is being directed away from your building, instead of towards it.

Water damage from flooding, leaky pipes, or storm damage can lead to mold problems if you don't dry your property out quickly. Moisture from everyday activities can also become a problem without proper monitoring and moisture control. Controlling moisture levels in your property is the key to preventing mold.

What Are the Steps for Water Mitigation After a Broken Water Heater?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause severe water damage.

Discovering a leaking water heater in your Roanoke Rapids, NC, building is never a good thing for various reasons. Not only does it mean you need to get the water heater repaired, but now you also have to concern yourself with the imminent water damage. It's essential to understand water mitigation for events such as these. Knowing what to do can't totally prevent property loss, but swift action can significantly minimize the damage.

3 Steps for Water Mitigation After a Broken Water Heater

  1. Extract the Water

After you get the water leak from the failed water heater stopped, you must extract all the water. Usually, the best way to remove standing water is to use a wet/dry vacuum. It can quickly and safely eliminate water and small debris. If you don't have access to a wet/dry vacuum, mops and towels will do the job.

  1. Inspect the Damage

Next, inspect the area for all the water damage from the leaking water heater. Water and moisture can damage the structure of the home and the contents inside.

  1. Clean and Sanitize the Affected Area and Contents

Once the water has been removed, clean and sanitize the entire affected area and all of the contents. Anything beyond repair, including the broken water heater, should be removed and thrown away.

  1. Completely Dry the Affected Area and Contents

Finally, it's essential to completely dry the area and everything remaining, including floors and walls. You can use fans, heaters, dehumidifiers and open windows and doors. If you're having doubts about getting everything dried quickly enough, water damage remediation professionals have industrial equipment and the expertise to ensure the job is appropriately completed and then inspected.

A leaking water heater requires immediate attention to minimize water damage and to keep hot water available in your home. Call a repair technician to see if they can fix the broken water heater or if you must replace it.

Black Water and Your Safe Response

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding has its risks if not managed correctly.

When flooding threatens your commercial property, it's natural to take quick action to avoid serious water damage, bad smells, and other issues. However, before you wade into the soggy situation, you need to know how to recognize black water and understand the risks involved with exposure.

Black Water and The Risks

Identify the Level of Water Contamination

Depending on the source of the water damage, your Roanoke Rapids, NC, property may be facing one or more of three basic categories of water:

  • Category 1 Clean Water
  • Category 2 Gray Water
  • Category 3 Black Water


It is generally safe for you to handle cleanup involving clean and gray water, but Category 3 water may contain sewage, dangerous chemicals, and/or harmful microbes. There may be fungal, pathogenic, and viral contaminants, as well. This water often comes from rivers and streams, from municipal sewer systems, water from used toilets in your facility, or even water that has been standing long enough to support microbial growth.

Take Steps To Improve Safety

Any cleanup and repairs involving Category 3, or black, water should always be handled by professional water damage cleanup and repair technicians. Once you've recognized contaminated water, you should take steps to protect yourself and any other people living or working on your property. As you wait for professionals to arrive, isolate the affected area, keeping it as contained as possible. This may involve shutting off your heating or cooling systems. Shut off water and power supplies connected to the area and provide some ventilation to prevent fumes from accumulating or spreading throughout the building. When professionals arrive to clean up the flood, they will use protective gear, specialized equipment, and other products to ensure that your property is thoroughly clean and safe.

Leave Contamination Cleanup to the Professionals

Water damage can cause a lot of trouble for property owners or managers, so a quick response is crucial. When it comes to category 3 water, however, all cleanup and repair work should be handled by trained, experienced professionals.

How To Evaluate Your Flooded Electronics

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Know how to evaluate your flooded electronics.

When your business is damaged by water, it is important to evaluate your flooded electronics carefully. Knowing what to do is key to saving some if not all of your company's electronic assets.

Steps to Evaluate Your Flooded Electronics

Don't Assume Anything

When you are looking at your electronics after a flood or burst pipe, you should never assume that you can dry it out, and it will be good to go. On the other hand, don't assume that it is a lost cause. Sometimes electronics that are powered off can be salvage. Other times, the floodwaters can contain metals, toxins and chemicals that leave a residue. Powering on electronics after a flood can cause a fire.

Contact a Professional

Many flood remediation companies in Roanoke Rapids, NC, have professionals that can help you with your electronics. If you do not know what to do, it is always best to contact a professional mitigation company to help.

Turn Off the Power

In any case, you need to turn off the power to flooded electronics as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember that electricity and water are very dangerous together. It is best to flip the main breaker off if you have any doubt before attempting any recovery or repair. Keep in mind that some electronic systems have battery backups that can make them dangerous even when the power is off.

Evaluation Your Electronics

If the electronic damage is due to freshwater flooding, such as an incoming pipe break, there is a good chance that a professional can salvage it. If it is due to saltwater, sewage, storm or tidal flooding, you might want to seriously consider just replacing them. When there are contaminants such as salt or sewage, the electronics are usually damaged beyond repair.

When you are evaluating flooded electronics, you need to keep these things in mind. Each case is different, and since you are dealing with electricity, it is best to be cautious.

How To Maintain Productivity in the Aftermath of a Flood

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to severe damage

Sometimes flooding is inevitable. Storms roll in and linger for far too long, leading to unpredictable and unfortunate business interruptions. While some conflict with standard scheduling is expected, understanding how to maintain operations during such trying times is crucial, especially when dealing with black water. Restoration services in Roanoke Rapids, NC, often suggest a few different approaches to dealing with flood cleanup.

3 Different Approaches to Dealing With Flood Cleanup

1. Displaced Workers

Flood cleanup requires space and time. The main thing all business owners need to realize is some worker displacement is likely inevitable. While a lot depends on the flood depth and size as well as the affected parts of the facility, an owner must realize that temporary layoffs or cuts might be in order but don't rush the decision. Talk to the restoration company.


2. Shared Spaces

If you do not want to let anyone go, and the areas affected by black water can be contained, consider a temporary sharing of offices and workspaces. Explain to your workers the arrangement is only temporary and that to keep objectives on track changes need to occur. Most people will be willing to help out their fellow colleagues to ensure the success of the company.

3. Remote Work

If too many workers are displaced by the flood, consider allowing remote work. Some employers still struggle with providing team members so much freedom, but other companies see remote labor as the wave of the future. Remember that it is only a temporary solution until your facility is restored.

A natural black water flood can easily put a business out of commission if allowed, but there are many ways to ensure productivity. Your team can work through this extreme but temporary problem, especially if leadership is in control and onboard with the necessary changes. A flood is not forever, but with appropriate planning and strategy, your business can be. However, before a disaster occurs, you might want to go over some of the above strategies to determine the feasibility of each.

Who Is Responsible for What After an Apartment Fire?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

An apartment fire is costly.

Property owners need to deal with complex insurance issues after a disaster. The liability needs to rest with either one or both parties, but who is responsible for what damage? As the building owner, are you responsible for the tenants' damaged belongings? While a fire restoration service in Roanoke Rapids, NC, can provide some insight the best resource is your commercial insurance provider. However, when dealing with an apartment fire, the resulting liabilities for fire damage can be pretty straightforward.

Dealing With an Apartment Fire

1. Landlord Responsibilities

As the property owner, your responsibility is for the structure and property. In the aftermath of an apartment fire, you will need to file a claim for the damage to the building itself. Renters will typically have renter’s insurance that should cover any personal property damage.
However, if the fire is due to neglect, such as lax maintenance or property upkeep, the landlord could find themselves in further legal trouble. As a property manager and owner, it is vital to stay on top of maintenance schedules and equipment repairs. Failure to do so may provide tenants a legal loophole for seeking restitution.

2. Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for their personal property. Most renter’s insurance policies are low cost and cover damage due to fire. Renter’s are also not free from further liability issues. If a tenant is doing something that causes a fire, they could find themselves in legal jeopardy. Many apartments have rental agreements that state clear rules. If a renter violates these rules causing a fire, the property owner has the right to file a lawsuit, attempting to recover any financial losses.

An apartment fire is costly for everyone involved, but knowing your responsibilities and maintaining proper insurance coverage should make the process less burdensome. As a property owner, if you have more questions about your specific responsibilities to tenants, contact your insurance company. As a policyholder, you have every right to ask about specific coverages in your policy.

4 Things You Should Do Before You Turn Your Sprinkler System Back on

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Get your sprinkler system ready for spring.

For businesses located in climates with cold winter weather, shutting down the sprinkler system in the fall and then turning it back on in the spring is a good irrigation maintenance practice. However, there are some steps you should take before turning your sprinklers back on.

4 Steps to Take Before Turning Your Sprinkler System Back On 

1. Inspect the Sprinkler Stations

Before you fire your sprinkler system up for the first time, check each sprinkler station. If you find any problems, such as uncontrolled spraying, water pressure issues or sprinkler flooding, make repairs before you turn the system back on.

2. Open the Water Valves

Shutting off the water to your sprinkler system is an important part of winter irrigation maintenance. To get your system ready for use in the spring, open the valves back up. When you open the valves, do so slowly. Opening the valves too quickly can cause a surge of high pressure into the hoses. If something goes wrong and your property is damaged by water from your sprinkler system, consider contacting a water mitigation company in Roanoke Rapids, NC, to assist with the cleanup process.

3. Maintain Your Weather Sensor

If your sprinkler system has a weather sensor that detects when it is raining, it may need some cleaning to work properly. Winter weather can cause dirt and debris to build up on the sensors, which can impair function.

4. Reset Timers

The timers that control when your sprinkler system runs may have retained their settings over the winter, but they may also have reset. To start the season, it is a good idea to set your system to run when you can observe it to make sure everything is working correctly. You can adjust the timers to your preferred watering schedule later.

Winterizing your sprinkler system is an important part of irrigation maintenance. However, getting the system ready for spring isn't as simple as just turning it back on. These four steps can help you get your system running smoothly.

Understanding the Fire Cleanup Process

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can cause your building structural, soot and smoke damage.

There are several types of damage that a fire can cause to your building in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Structural, soot and smoke damage all must be mitigated before the affected areas are ready to be used again. The fire remediation specialists that you hire to restore your building can keep you informed about what the cleanup process entails.

Steps for Fire Cleanup

Assessment

The first thing the mitigation team will do is assess the fire and soot damage. A representative will tour the building and create an initial report that includes vital information about the job:

  • Extent of damage
  • Existence or absence of secondary damage
  • Actions needed to restore building
  • Projected timeline for process completion
  • Estimated cost of repairs


It may be helpful for the technician to assess your building while the insurance adjuster is present. It's useful to have someone there to verify the items on your claim are necessary.

Removal

All materials and items that are not salvageable must be torn out, removed and thrown away. This includes not only the things with irreparable smoke damage but also those that were ruined by the large amount of water needed to put out the fire.

Cleanup

All remaining surfaces must be dried and disinfected. Once the physical objects are clean, the air itself needs to be purified. Technicians may use an ozone machine or thermal fogger for smoke cleaning to reach the particles in every crack and crevice. This is necessary for removing the odor as well as the residue.

Restoration

Once everything is clean, the rebuilding process starts. The team puts in new insulation and drywall and replaces carpets, tile and wallpaper. You know you've hired a great restoration team when you can't tell where the previously damaged area begins.

No matter how extensive the smoke damage in your commercial building is, it's likely that the structure can be restored. Specialists can help you get rid of the damage and odors that the fire left behind.

4 Common Commercial Water Losses

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Ceilings can suffer damage due to leaking water.

No matter how careful you are or how faithfully you adhere to a regular maintenance and repair schedule, water losses can still happen. Whether your problem is caused by damaged pipes or disastrous weather, water restoration specialists in Roanoke Rapids, NC, can help by repairing the damage and getting your building back to normal.

4 Potential Water Losses 

1. Sewer Backups

Unless you built your structure from the ground up, you may not have a lot of control on the pipes underneath it. Sewer backups can happen for many reasons:

  • Old, worn-out sewer lines
  • Tree root encroachment
  • Flooding from overtaxed municipal sewer
  • Clogged sinks or toilets


If your drains or toilets keep backing up with no discernible cause or you smell sewage, the line itself is likely clogged. A plumber can offer the best advice for solving the problem.

2. Frozen Pipes

Keeping pipes warm enough during cold months so that they don't freeze or burst should be a part of your winterization maintenance plan. Damaged pipes can cause significant water loss before you even know you have a problem. You can prevent this issue by keeping the heater on overnight and making sure that pipes are properly insulated, especially if they are located near external walls.

3. Slow Leaks

Even a small pinhole in a pipe can lead to water damage. Slow leaks are often the hardest to detect because they seep into walls, floors and ceilings over time, weakening the structure. If your water bill seems to go up without just cause, this could be a sign that you have leaking pipes somewhere.

4. Inclement Weather

Heavy storms, particularly those with significant precipitation or hail, can flood your building. Consider having barriers such as sandbags ready for storm season to slow the flow of floodwaters. It's also a good idea to purchase flood insurance, as most commercial property policies exclude this type of damage.

A solid maintenance schedule is a good start, but it's also important to know what to do in case disaster strikes. Understand the potential water losses in your building and plan how you will handle them if they happen.

What Kind of Damage Does Hail Cause?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Hail can damage the exterior and interior of your building.

A thunderstorm poses many potential threats. High winds, heavy rains and lightning can all put your building in Roanoke Rapids, NC, in peril. Another common culprit when it comes to roof damage is hail. While most of the problems you can see will be on the outside of your roof, these little balls of ice can also lead to issues within the structure itself.

2 Ways Hail Can Damage Your Buidling

Exterior Damage

Hail damage to your roof can take many forms:

  • Missing shingles
  • Broken shingles
  • Damaged flushing
  • Dented gutters
  • Dislocated joints


You may be able to see most of the damage to your roof when you look at it after the storm has died down. A professional can find roof damage that is hidden or harder to spot and can advise on what is needed to fix the problem.

Interior Damage

The purpose of the roof on your building is to protect the structure beneath it. When hail damage makes your roof leak, however, rain can seep in and cause issues in your interior spaces. Any wooden beams or drywall that gets saturated will likely need to be torn out and rebuilt so that mold does not start to grow. Wet insulation is ineffective and therefore must be replaced. If the water damage made it all the way to the ceiling tiles on the top floor, you may see the telltale dark spots that tell you they have been compromised. Water remediation specialists must remove them as well and install new tiles. Getting a professional assessment ensures that you do not miss any damage that can cause structural problems later.

Hail can cause widespread destruction on your property, but the main area of concern for the building itself is the roof. Roof damage start on the outside of your building, but it can lead to interior issues. The specialists you hire to repair your building can check both external and internal spaces to determine the repairs that are necessary.

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings, just like residential properties, face many potential risks of fire. There are many contributing factors that can lead to an accidental fire that can easily decimate a business in a matter of minutes if not quickly and properly handled. 

Although proper insurance can help a business recover financially, no business owner wants to experience a loss due to fire. It is important to understand, and proactively work to prevent, situations that can lead to a commercial fire of any kind. Keep in mind that many businesses house combustible items. 

We’ve put together a list of potential issues that can lead to a fire. Becoming aware of these risks and contributing factors can help lower the chances of a fire. Whether it’s faulty equipment or flammable materials, identifying these common causes of commercial building fires will help you in the long run and allow you prevent accidents before they happen. 

Faulty or Inadequate Wiring of the Building
Fires caused by inadequate wiring are caused by overheating. In order to prevent this, make sure that all wiring is properly installed and equipped with proactive, fire prevention features. 

Flammable Liquids

Some businesses house flammable liquids that can spontaneously combust, causing a chemical fire. This occurs when there is a reaction of certain chemicals with oxygen providing enough heat to ignite. Be mindful to store chemicals, fuel, and other liquids in proper containers to prevent overheating. 

Heating Appliances
Even small heating appliances like personal space heaters and baseboard heaters can cause a commercial fire when in the presence of fabrics or other combustible items. To prevent a fire, we recommend to never leave a space heater running while unattended. 

Electrical Equipment

A short circuit in electrical equipment can cause a spark that could ignite materials in the business. Because they are hidden in location, short circuits are difficult to locate which can cause a fire to start before anyone is even aware of the situation. Make sure that all electrical equipment is properly maintained.

If your commercial property does experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. Our team is here to help you repair your business.

What’s the Best Way to Handle a Sprinkler Flood at Your Office?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Most typical business owners don’t spend time thinking about the effects of flooding due to their fire sprinklers being activated. However, it happens, and it’s an issue that could quickly get out of control and cost you tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The obvious solution is prevention, but first you need to know what could cause this to happen.

Four Reasons for Accidental Activation

Contrary to popular belief, the modern sprinkler system is not activated by fire alarms or even smoke caused by burnt food in your breakroom. They actually have to be subjected to extreme heat that either bursts the red liquid bulb or melts the sensor on the device. There are several things that can cause them to accidently activate, here are some reasons this could happen:

  • Vandalization of the sprinkler system
  • Improper installation of the system
  • An accident
  • The sprinkler heads being used inappropriately.

Here are some Immediate Steps to take Prevent Loss

The first step to take in an emergency flooding situation is to turn off the water. Multiple people within your organization should be capable of doing this. Once the water is shut off then cleanup can begin. It’s possible that hundreds of gallons of water have been released in a short time, so damage to machinery, walls and floors can happen quickly. The best plan is to contact an experienced and reputable water restoration company like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. They’ll be able to quickly and correctly dry each surface and reduce the risk of mold.

What’s the Long Term Approach?

With the initial cleanup underway, the next step is to contact your insurance company and prevent the problem from occurring again. Your employees should be trained to never hang anything from a sprinkler head or even touch it. The ideal placement for sprinkler heads is in a location which is difficult for a person or even a machine to accidentally contact it.

Flooding in your business may seem inconceivable, but there are steps you can take to prevent and minimize your damages. But an experienced restoration company like SERVPRO can get your facility looking “Like it never even happened.”

Possible Mold in Our Schools

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

With past hurricanes and eastern North Carolina humidity, area schools may have experienced water and mold in their buildings.

Through a child’s life parents and teachers so many things to keep them out of harms’ way. Plug covers are used when they’re toddlers to keep them away from electrical outlets. Training wheels are put on their bikes to prevent falling when they are first learning, and helmets are worn all the time just in case they do fall. Car seats are used until children reach specific weight and height. These and many others are done to keep our children and grandchildren safe and sound.

As teachers and parents, it’s our jobs to keep children safe. With that, it only makes sense that  we would be concerned if and when mold is discovered in one a school. We, parents, teachers and the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids team, want to make sure it’s removed and handled properly.

When you call us, you are calling a locally owned and operated business that’s part of the community, a company that  understands mold-free schools are necessary to providing a healthy learning environment. We’ll locate the problem and our trained and certified technicians will make sure the job is done properly. We’ll ensure that the mold is removed and, if needed, we can bring in a third-party to test air quality and certify our work meets any city, county and state regulations and standards before sending students back to school

For more information about SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids’ services and how we can help schools and businesses. Give us a call and we’ll help get our kids back in the classroom

Preparing Your Business for a Potential Disaster

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

As the spring season begins, North Carolina is prone to storms and potential tornadoes. With these types of weather events, comes damage and wind, water and mold damage are just a couple things that can disrupt your business.

Did you know that over 50% of businesses who are affected by a disaster may not recover? That’s HALF, and the number one reason a business DOES survive is because they have a plan in place for when a disaster does strike.

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is here to help your business be prepared for any type of disaster by creating an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) for your business. By developing an ERP, you can reduce interruptions because you will have an action plan if and when disaster strikes. Knowing what expect and do is key to minimizing how fire, water and mold can affect your business.

What’s in an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP)?

  • A list of priority contact information for the business
  • A list of personnel, their contact information and responsibilities after the disaster
  • Building details such as where are the breaker boxes, floor plans, shut off valves and any other items that

may need immediate attention

  • A file containing critical information that would be needed in the event of an emergency such as username and passwords to office equipment, file servers, bank accounts, etc.
  • A list of external groups that could be available to assist you and your business
  • And finally, a plan to help you get back on site, and then back to work

For more information on how to put together an Emergency Readiness Plan for your business, call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids and one of our trained professionals can help you.

Commercial Fire Damage at a Beauty Salon? Call SERVPRO!

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experience and equipment to restore a fire damaged salon quickly. Call us today!

There are different cleaning methods that can help restore commercial fire damage in a salon. When a beauty salon is affected by a fire, there are losses that go beyond the items damaged by the flames. Extended closure of your place of business leads to loss of revenue and possibly customers. The central aspect of restoring commercial fire damage is cleaning. And choosing the right company to help complete the process faster can help you save more items. As a professional in the fire restoration business, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids utilizes different cleaning techniques, including:

  • Foam Cleaning
  • Spray and Wipe
  • Abrasive Cleaning
  • Immersion Cleaning
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Cleaning

Cleaning a beauty pallor after a commercial fire may require more than one method. It may also require an open-minded approach where you start with one then progress to another. For example, since fires leave fine dry residue from smoke or ash, it’s smart to start with dry cleaning before moving forward with wet cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians use feather dusters, dry cleaning sponges, and dusting cloths to remove particulate soiling and light debris.

Soot and smoke residues adhere to surfaces such as walls and ceilings which require extra effort to remove. Wet cleaning provides better results compared to dry cleaning because the saturation process helps loosen soils. Our crews could use plain water during wet cleaning, but for better results, we will also add detergent or other cleaning agents to help break down soils even more. By using this approach, we can help eliminate the need to repaint the walls and ceiling in your salon.

Sometimes there is a need to clean surfaces without saturating them. For example, if there’s an area of soot on an upholstered item such as a seat, wetting the entire item will lengthen the cleaning process and could induce complications such shrinking or runny dyes. Our SERVPRO technicians try to avoid complications by using the “spray and wipe” approach, which regulates the amount of cleaning device  used. We also use foam cleaning, which applies minimal cleaning solution on the item.

A balanced cleaning process is beneficial to your business that suffered from fire damage. Call SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids to help eliminate fire residue.

Getting rid of the moisture in your commercial property can prevent the mold

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids uses special equipment for drying to prevent further damage to your property

If your commercial property in and around Roanoke Rapids is exposed to water damage, you must get  rid of the moisture. Water damage can cause the development and spread of molds which were initiated by mold spores. These spores occur naturally but the trick is not to let standing water nurture their growth. When you contract a water restoration service like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, we’ll make sure you won't have to content with unwanted aftereffects such as mold.

A call to the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids office will get our trained professionals to your place of business quickly. Prior to beginning water removal efforts, our technicians will identify the source of the water damage, assess the situation, and put together an action plan. We start with powerful pumps and wet vacs to remove large quantities of water to help prevent possible secondary water damage. Our  water remediation specialists also use sanitizer to disinfect your commercial property which is key to preventing the growth and spread of bacteria and mold. After the removal of all flooring, insulation and/or drywall, dehumidifiers and air-movers are set up around your property to dry affected areas.

Water damage can be difficult to deal with but knowing the right team who can take the proper course of action will prevent stress for your business and preserve your property’s structural integrity. It's important that you call in a team of professionals who can handle the remediation and restoration processes with skill and speed, this will ensure your results of water damage will be reduced. The team you can trust is SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids. Our goal is to restore your structure and property to its previous condition in the quickest, most efficient time possible.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids is strategically located to respond quickly to your commercial water damage event. Call us today.

We Provide External Storage And Pack-Outs After A Commercial Fire

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Most business owners will agree that commercial property fires are among the most harmful events that can occur to your business. Commercial fires can even force permanent closure. With sites, such as storage units, often outside of built-up areas, the chances of accidental fire are greatly increased; not to mention that a fire starting could go unnoticed, causing further damage.

These types of businesses are prime candidates for commercial restoration after a fire causes damage to your property. Alongside our expert technicians, we can also offer temporary storage of your contents while building restoration is underway. SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids has an excellent reputation in this community for performing fire and smoke damage restoration in time and on-budget. If you think you need us, you can start by calling our 24-hour emergency phone line for commercial businesses.

Pack out procedures are often complicated. At SERVPRO, we provide reassurance to commercial business owners by recording the condition of property and entering into inventory. We create these inventories before we wrap and prepare items for removal. SERVPRO’s specialty is restoration, but we are excellent at organizing so professional movers can pick up your contents and transport them to one of our climate-controlled storage areas. Commercial business owners benefit from this because they only have to deal with one point of contact during a stressful and challenging time.

Once the removal of your contents is complete, our team of trained and experienced technicians can begin work on the structure of your property. If your place of business requires a temporary closure, we can deodorize and cleanse the indoor air using Ozone generators. These machines release unstable O3 particles into the air and they break down odor-causing particles. By using these generators, we can eliminate odors from the property allowing your staff to return to work in normal conditions.

Using a professional restoration company can help your business return to work sooner rather than later. Contact SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids today!

New Equipment!

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

"The Super Hero" is what we call our new TRAILER MOUNT desiccant WITH A 130 Kilowatt Generator and a 5,000 CFM desiccant. This machine has the power of 272 of our regular dehumidifiers!

Why is this equipment so important to you?  

Our goal is to get your business  open for operations as quickly as possible so you do not suffer long term revenue losses and loss of exposure.

Applications include larger buildings such as schools, hotels, hospitals and commercial buildings  that require more dehumidification, to provide environmental control and restorative drying. 

 You name it, this machine can dry it!

Applications Include:
· water damage and remediation
· document drying
· industrial surface preparation for coating
· mold and fungus prevention
· long-term lay-up of industrial equipment
· industrial condensation prevention 
FEATURES:
· 25’ enclosed aluminum trailer
· 130 KW MultiQuip diesel generator
· Provides full 300 amps of single-phase power
· 3 Twist-Lock Connections – simple and safe

If water damage strikes, call the SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids.

Restoring your Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at can lead to commercial properties numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids

SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

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