Commercial Systems Prone to Water Damage: SERVPRO of NW Dekalb/Dunwoody/Brookhaven

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of NW Dekalb/Dunwoody/Brookhaven is ready for whatever happens! We'll restore your business after any size of property damage.

Commercial properties present unique risks when it comes to water damage in Dekalb County, GA. Unlike residential homes, which are usually one story and have easily accessible crawl spaces and attics, commercial buildings can be many stories high with flat roofs and multiple storefront windows. They also often have expensive specialized equipment that can be very costly to repair or replace if damaged by water. In this blog post, we will discuss the different parts of a commercial building that are at risk for water damage, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.

Plumbing Systems

The first and most obvious risk for water damage in a commercial property is the plumbing system. Because commercial buildings have more bathrooms, kitchens, and other water-using fixtures, they also have larger and more complex plumbing systems. These systems are often located in hard-to-reach places, making them difficult to repair if they spring a leak.

One of the main water damage challenges according to The Hartford Insurance is an improperly maintained sprinkler system. By law, most commercial buildings must have a fire sprinkler system, but many building owners forget to regularly maintain and test these systems. While a well-maintained fire sprinkler system can help prevent extensive fire damage in the event of a fire, improper maintenance or disaster planning can cause extensive water damage that can flood multiple floors.

Another plumbing risk is burst pipes. Commercial buildings, especially high rises tend to run at a higher pressure than residential buildings. Therefore, a burst pipe has the potential to release significantly more water than a home.

One of the ways in which we help commercial property owners prevent catastrophic property damage before it happens is through our app-based Emergency Response Planning program (ERP).

Roofing Systems

In addition to the plumbing system, there are a number of exterior commercial building components that can experience water damage. One of the most common is the flat roof. Because flat roofs are not sloped like traditional pitched roofs, they tend to pool water instead of shedding it. This can lead to leaks and eventually, if left unaddressed, major water damage.

Some common commercial roofing systems include:

• Built-up Roofing (BUR): Often called tar and gravel roofs, these commercial roofing systems are built with a semi-continuous membrane installed in layers, then covered in aggregate. While they are usually simple to maintain, best practices suggest inspecting the roof for deterioration and possible leak points at least twice yearly.
• Thermoplastic Single-Ply Membrane Roofing (PVC & TPO): These roofs are installed in large rolls that are then welded together at the seams with heat. The material is very durable and oil-resistant. However, the heat-welding methods require skilled installation, which can lead to weak points and leak-prone areas if not performed correctly.
• EPDM Roofing: Some roofers call these "rubber roofs" because the material they are made of, ethylene propylene diene monomer is very rubber-like. This kind of roof is derived from oil and natural gas, and appears dark gray or black. When installed correctly and with the highest thickness available, this type of commercial roof will last a very long time with little to no issues. Unless you experience storm damage in your area, an annual check for leaks around the roof penetrations should suffice.

Window Systems

Commercial window systems are built for durability and use, however, they can often present a unique water damage challenge for commercial facilities. Most aluminum glazing systems aren't intended to be 100% waterproof. Most commercial window systems are meant to limit water penetration during extreme circumstances while also weeping water back out to the exterior.

By directing all moisture to the sill flashing, storefront systems limit water penetration. It's critical that the sill flashing be installed correctly in order to avoid water damage. Making sure that sealant is put on the top of the rear leg before installing the sill is one of the most important aspects of a good installation.

The most essential aspect of maintaining water penetration with a storefront is end dam fastening and sealing. Water will enter the building through the jamb locations if end dams are not properly fastened and sealed. Improperly (or missing) end dams can cause significant water damage to the interior drywall or flooring around commercial storefront windows.

Like anything else in a building, time and the elements can cause wear and tear and failure of these commercial window water control systems.

Commercial Water Damage Inspection Services

So if you notice moisture or water damage around your storefront windows, you should consider calling SERVPRO of NW Dekalb/Dunwoody/Brookhaven to inspect for potential water damage issues. Our technicians are trained to identify, troubleshoot, and restore all types of commercial water issues.

Call today to schedule your commercial service!

(770) 396-3883

4 Ways To Avoid Secondary Damage

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can result in major problems.

Four Ways To Limit The Risk of Secondary Damage

Water damage can result in major problems at a building in Dunwoody, GA. Additional damage, such as black mold or structural issues, may be caused by primary damage. Here are four ways to limit the risk of secondary damage.

1. Clean Up Primary Damage

The best way to prevent additional damage is to mitigate primary damage as quickly as possible. Water damage can make a structure and contents more susceptible to corrosion, mold, insect infestations, and rot.

In situations involving minor damage from a pipe leak, a building owner or manager may be able to call a plumber and dry the affected area. For major damage or incidents involving contaminated water, it can be beneficial to call in a service that specializes in water damage cleanup.

2. Dry the Damaged Area

In addition to removing water and cleaning or disinfecting the affected area, it is crucial to dry water damage in a timely manner. Most additional damage is due to residual moisture. Restoration professionals may recommend lowering high humidity levels or increasing ventilation.

3. Check For Signs of Mold

Once an area has been cleaned and dried, a building owner or manager should regularly check for any signs of fungus growth. Stachybotrys or black mold is only one of over 100,000 varieties of mold. Fungi can grow in a variety of colors or patterns, but will generally have a fuzzy texture. A telltale odor may indicate the presence of hidden mold.

4. Rely on Damage Restoration Experts

Restoration professionals can make the best choices from the start of the mitigation process onward. This can prevent aspects of primary damage from going undetected and causing further damage.

Secondary damage may range from structural issues or infestations to black mold. These methods can help property owners and managers stop additional damage from occurring after water damage at a building in Dunwoody, GA.

Prevent a Fire in Your Commercial Kitchen With These Tips

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire in a commercial kitchen while cooking

If you own a restaurant, bar or commercial kitchen in Gainsborough, GA or North Lake, GA, reducing fire risk is critical to continued profitable operation. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to over 7,410 structure fires in the kitchen of restaurants and bars in 2017 alone. The majority of these fires were preventable, resulting in three deaths, 110 injuries, and $165 million in property damage annually in commercial kitchens. These tips will help keep you and your staff safe while preventing shutdowns due to fire code violations.

What Are My Ducting and Air Movement Requirements to Prevent Fire?

While Chapter 7 of the NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations covers this extensively, here are a few key items to keep in mind.

First, commercial kitchen ducts should never pass-through firewalls, share an exhaust system with the building ventilation, or have obstructed access panels. While doing these things on a commercial kitchen remodel can save costs in the short term, the fire risk increases significantly. If disregarded, your commercial kitchen work will likely not pass inspection.

Make sure to maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches between combustible materials and the kitchen ducts. This standard is based on Section 4.2 of the NFPA 96, however is one of the easiest to disregard once the kitchen is operational. Ducts can build up high levels of radiant heat that can ignite combustible materials like boxes, cups, plates, utensils, or other kitchen materials.

If you would like additional information on the types of combustible and non-combustible materials that should and shouldn't be kept near the duct, consult Chapter 3 of the NFPA.

What Are My Commercial Kitchen Fire Extinguisher Requirements?

"The NFPA 96 requires automated fire suppression equipment for all grease removal devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust duct systems in a commercial kitchen, as well as any cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors." - Koorsen Fire & Security

The NFPA 96 requires use of class K fire extinguishers in conjunction with automatic fire extinguishing systems. These extinguishers also require installed placards stating their extinguisher class. However, in the case of a commercial kitchen fire, it's critical to activate the automatic fire extinguisher system before using portable-type extinguishers. This is because high-efficiency cooking appliances in many modern commercial kitchens are capable of achieving high temperatures that can raise the vegetable oils to intensely high temperatures. When oil ignites at these high temperatures, it can already be so hot that a portable extinguisher is not enough to stop the flames.

Another standard that you should familiarize yourself with is the UL 300 standard.

According to this article by Insureon, a kitchen’s cooking equipment must meet these UL 300 requirements:

• Fire-extinguishing nozzles in the hood, ducts, and above each cooking appliance
• An automatic fuel shut-off capabilities for both gas and electric power sources
• A manual fuel shut-off pull for all power sources
• A wet-chemical fire-extinguishing system that meets UL 300 criteria (one of which is undergoing semiannual checkups by a certified professional)

If you need immediate assistance after a fire, our teams are available 24/7/365. With our promise of being Faster to Any Size Disaster, you can count on SERVPRO of NW Dekalb/Dunwoody/Brookhaven to be there when it counts. Call us today at (770) 396-3883 for rapid assistance.

Why Should You Choose SERVPRO For Your Restoration Project?

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Trailer Mount Restoration Equipment at a Large Property Loss Project

We know there are many choices out there when it comes to restoring your home, business, or facility after a property damage event. While there are many options, choosing the wrong restoration company can cause headaches and stress through a restoration project that can last for many years even after the project is completed. Whether its water, fire, wind, or mold damage, see why we are the best choice for your peace of mind during and after you experience a property loss.

We Carefully Follow Industry Protocols

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration), is a world-renowned global certification and standard-setting organization for our restoration industry. Since 1972, they have successfully established protocols and procedures that help ensure the utmost quality in any restoration project done by IICRC certified firms and professionals. SERVPRO of NW Dekalb/Dunwoody/Brookhaven ensures each of its field technicians is trained according to IICRC standards, so you can have peace of mind knowing your restoration project will be completed to the highest level of quality and efficiency.

Extensive Network of Subcontractors

Our licensed subcontractors specialize in reconstruction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and asbestos abatement. Which enables us to provide full-service restoration services during your mitigation and reconstruction project. All subcontractors are carefully vetted, and skill tested before they ever visit a jobsite. That way, you know your project is in excellent hands from beginning to end.

Proven Project Expertise

Since 1998, we have completed many thousands of commercial and government projects. As a learning organization, we are focused on continual growth and improvement as well. So with our extensive project experience and many 5-star reviews on Google, you can trust that SERVPRO of NW Dekalb/Dunwoody/Brookhaven will bring the knowledge and experience you can trust to your fire, water, wind, or mold restoration project. No project is too large or too small for our team.

Large Inventory of Equipment

From Air Movers to industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air scrubbers to generators, our team has the right equipment for any size job. Combined with the latest monitoring equipment technology available, you can rest assured that your large loss will be in the best hands. Not only is our restoration equipment inventory extensive, but we also maintain strict maintenance schedules for every piece of equipment that enters or exits our over 100,000 SF facility.

Beyond Standard Dedication to Quality

We understand the hardship and stress that can come with a property loss event. That is why we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth restoration process for you in your restoration project with clear and consistent communication from start to finish. That commitment to providing a high-class restoration experience extends to how we maintain our equipment and facility as well. Every piece of equipment that returns from a project is carefully taken apart, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt to effectively prevent cross-contamination from project to project while ensuring efficient operations so you can get your property back "Like it never even happened."

See for yourself why SERVPRO is the number 1 name in the property restoration industry. Call us today at (770) 396-3883 for 24/7/365 assistance.

Filing Your Fire Damage Claim: What Damages Should You Include?

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Perimeter Center, GA.

Filing a fire damage claim can be an overwhelming and confusing process. Dealing with insurance adjusters is never straight forward, and often, damage that one assumes would be covered by one type of policy is often covered by another type of policy. For instance, water damage from bursting pipes and sewage overflows may be covered by a standard homeowner's policy, but water damage from a flood would require a separate flood policy. The same is true of loss due to fire. For this reason, talk with your Perimeter Center, GA, insurance adjuster regarding what each policy does and does not cover so that you can ensure that you're covered no matter what.

What Fire Insurance Covers

Most fire insurance policies typically cover fire mitigation efforts of all buildings affected, regardless of where the fire originated. Additionally, most policies cover smoke and water damage due to a fire for up to one year after the fire took place. Most companies will not cover fire damage due to arson or any other malicious acts, such as burglary, theft or rioting. However, it does cover loss due to the following:

• Electrical shorting
  
• Faulty wiring
  
• Gas explosion
  
• Lighting
  
• Natural disaster
  
  

Some policies may even cover fires started because of burst or overflowing pipes or water tanks.

Though policies are designed to cover property damage and loss, many identify the same exclusions. Some such exclusions include:

• Specific items such as works of art, manuscripts, drawings, plans, securities, stamps, coins, accounting books, computer system records and the like
• Cold storage inventory
• Any boiler or machine in which steam is generated inside and if damage to it was caused by its own implosion
• Perishable goods
• Intellectual property

When drafting your policy, discuss with the insurance adjuster other possible exclusions. Some companies may allow you to negotiate for inclusions for an additional fee.

A Perimeter Center, GA, fire mitigation team can help you assess the fire damage, provide an official report and ensure that you recover the most compensation for your damaged items. If your building was recently affected by a fire, contact your local remediation team right away.

Addressing Black Mold in Your Commercial Building

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth behind drywall.

Coming across black mold in your Gainsborough, GA, commercial building is never a fun experience. The best way to confront the unwelcome fungus, however, is to understand its growth habits. You may have been led to believe that mold will only grow in specific spots, but the truth is, this type of fungus thrives in even the most unpredictable places. What, then, do you need to know about this type of mold and how to remove it from your building?

Understanding Mold Growth

Its also referred to as toxic mold, and there are a few important facts that you should be aware of when faced with this highly regenerative fungus:

• Mold can grow and colonize anywhere.
  
• Mold usually carries an odor.
  
• Prolonged and excessive moisture encourages mold spore reproduction.
  
• Forty-eight hours is all it takes for mold growth to begin when water is present.
  
• The microscopic spores can enter your building in a variety of ways.
  
  

Identifying Moisture Problems

Arguably the biggest issue surrounding the presence of black mold is the moisture problem. When exposed to water, mold spores flourish and rapidly reproduce. What kind of moisture should you be on the lookout for?

Common water-related issues can come from broken pipes, flooding, high humidity, and a broken supply line. Exposure to water stemming from any of these problems will allow the mold to thrive and grow unless the moisture is addressed and the fungus is properly cleaned up.

Cleaning Up Toxic Mold

You will want to clear out the fungus growth as soon as possible. The best way to tackle your mold cleanup project is to let the experts handle it by contacting cleanup and restoration specialists who are familiar with this type of problem. Calling on the experts can give you peace of mind that your toxic mold problem is being dealt with in the most thorough way possible.

Black mold can be a headache, but knowing your enemy is half the battle. By understanding how the fungus grows, potential moisture causes and the pros of hiring specialists to take care of the cleanup, you can rest assured that your mold problem will be no more.

Find the Right Time for Employees To Return During Flood Cleanup Using 3 Guidelines

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water removal in Doraville, GA.

Find the Right Time for Employees To Return During Flood Cleanup Using 3 Guidelines

Your business in Doraville, GA, may be recovering from the flood, but there is catchup work to be done to make up for the time lost to closure for restoration. Eager owners and employees may be wondering when it’s best to return to a business location that recently suffered black water damage. Following these three guidelines will give a general idea of the appropriate time to resume using a building.

1. Water Sitting Untreated Can Be Dangerous, So Don’t Enter Early

Even if it starts out clean, a flood can create an electrocution hazard or become contaminated with microorganisms or hazardous building residues like asbestos and lead. It’s difficult to know what’s in the standing water as it stagnates without testing, so it’s advised for no one to be near it before it’s removed and sterilized.

2. Disinfection Is Often the Key Milestone for Returning

Black water includes toilet overflow and sewage. It is not advised to work around potentially dangerous waste without high-grade protection. Your workers can typically expect safe premises after the cleaners disinfect and clean the building. Before that, there could be dangerous debris washed up in water that could still be around on the flooring.

Disinfection comes late in the process because the water needs to first be removed for the room to be properly disinfected. Any components or assets in the area that were soaked in contaminated water are removed or demolished during this process. It is likely safe to request to resume use of the building afterward.

3. Ask the Restoration Company Directly If Uncertain

As experts in the field, the professional flood damage restoration crew can offer the best estimate for their processes. Flood cleanup can differ depending on many factors, so it’s best to get an answer directly from the specialists.

The loss of wages and revenue can motivate people to come back to a flooded business sooner than later, but first, the cleanup process needs to reach its goals so the building is no longer at risk. Verifying the black water is fully treated saves the trouble of problems from a premature return.

Mitigating Fire Damage for Your Business

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mitigating fire damage to your business in Brookhaven, GA.

Are You Prepared?

No one likes to think about what will happen in an emergency. Making a contingency plan for things like natural disasters isn’t at the top of anyone’s “want to do” list. There’s a reason, though, that schools across the nation have recurring drills for a variety of situations as part of their emergency plans: If your people know what to do in the event of a crisis, you're less likely to experience losses.

1. Prepare Your People

People are the backbone of your business. As valuable as your staff is to you, you’ll want to have fire response measures in place that include an evacuation plan that you actually practice.
Think back to your fire drills from school. Everyone knew to stay quiet and stay together while walking quickly to a predetermined location. You practiced it often. Your teachers reminded you to stay together and not to run. When you got to the predetermined safe location, there was someone in charge who took attendance and reported anyone missing to the fire department. As a business owner, take charge of your employees’ safety by practicing these things, too.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Virtually every organization generates paperwork and records. Anything that’s vital for your business should be stored in a fireproof safe.
Another good failsafe for you to work into your contingency plan is keeping a second copy of those documents at an alternate site. Check with your legal department or independent council about whether you should keep those copies in the cloud or retain physical paperwork in a second location offsite.

3. Prepare for Afterwards

If the day comes where your company requires the services of a fire restoration specialist, you should have more than just a vague idea of who to contact. Be aware of the businesses in Brookhaven, GA that perform these services and their reputations.
Time is of the essence in an emergency. Your fire contingency plan will help your business thrive no matter what Mother Nature has in store for you.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth from moisture in Brookhaven, GA

Water damage from storms, floods and leaks can cause significant damage to your property. To make matters worse, the moisture from these events also provides a fertile breeding ground for mold. If your property has suffered water damage, you should review your commercial insurance policy to see what coverage is provided for mold.

Why Mold Is a Problem

Many people may see mold as primarily an aesthetic issue and focus on getting rid of the stains and smell. However, mold damage is a serious problem for several reasons:

• Can grow on almost any surface
• Often grows under floors, behind walls, in ducts, behind ceiling tiles and other places where it isn't visible
• Feeds on the material it grows on, which may damage or destroy it
  

What Commercial Property Insurance Covers
Most commercial insurance policies include a fungus exclusion that eliminates coverage for damage caused by the growth, proliferation, presence, or spread of bacteria, fungus and wet or dry rot. Mold, mildew, spores, toxins, by-products and scents produced by fungi are included in this exclusion.
The standard ISO commercial policy contains three exceptions to the fungus exclusion. Mold that occurs because of fire or lightning is covered. A specified cause of loss that occurs because of fungus is covered. Finally, mold that occurs because of a specified cause of loss other than fire or lightning is covered by mold insurance, called Limited Fungus Coverage.

How Limited Fungus Coverage Works
Limited Fungus Coverage applies when a specified cause of loss results in mold. For example, if you have a broken pipe and the water damage from that pipe causes mold, then the cost of removing the mold or repairing any damage caused by the mold is covered up to the $15,000 limit.
Though commercial insurance policies broadly exclude coverage for mold, if the mold occurs due to a covered cause of loss, limited coverage applies in most policies. An insurance professional in Brookhaven, GA can help you review the specific coverages in your policy.

Who Pays for Fire Damage in a Rental Property?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Dunwoody, GA

"I love when the sink breaks!" said no one ever. Depending on your handyman skills, making unexpected repairs around the house can be one of the downsides of homeownership. The great thing about renting in Dunwoody, GA, is that there are things no one expects you to fix or pay for. In many rentals, tenants do not have to pay for household repairs from normal wear such as broken sink or toilet. Instead, when these situations occur, landlords expect renters to call a maintenance person who the rental property pays. But what if you are a tenant who experiences an apartment fire? Who pays for the damages then?

Who Is Responsible?

Here is the thing about fire damage: Landlords hold ultimate responsibility for all repair costs, but there are three things to consider:

• Who / What Caused the Fire?
• Who Has Insurance?
• What Is the Damage?

While damages can be expensive, most landlords have insurance policies that keep them from having to pay for repairs out of pocket. The insurance company will seek to work with the insurance company of the tenant, depending on if the tenant has renters' insurance. If it is clear tenants have caused the apartment fire, they will be responsible for paying. The loss of personal items such as household goods and furnishings falls on whether tenants have any sort of protection coverage on the unit.

How Do Landlords Repair Damage?
Whereas tenants have to focus on the loss of personal belongings, property owners have to focus on repairing the damages to the building. When it comes to repairing fire damage, there may be several things you need to address. From inspection and assessment to removal of smoke and soot, you will need a fire damage remediation expert to help you take care of everything that comes after. It is important to keep in close contact with your insurance company throughout the process.
In the event of an apartment fire, landlords have the responsibility to make repairs, but the party responsible for paying can depend on the specific circumstances. It may be worth looking at your property or renters' insurance to see what it says.

4 Steps to Recover Water-damaged Electronics

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded electronics can be saved

Steps To Save Your Flooded Electronics

Has your commercial building in Dunwoody, GA, had electronic damage? If your building is equipped with any type of electronic device, it's best to be informed about what steps you can take to save your flooded electronics.

1. Exercise Caution

The first step before dealing with any mix of electricity and water should be to ensure your own personal safety. Consider putting on rubber boots or gloves if entering an area where water and electricity might be mixing. If you're uncertain, it's always best to go with the safer option of contacting a water damage cleanup specialist.

2. Unplug
After first ensuring that you will be entirely safe while doing so, the next step is to disconnect the flooded electronics from any power sources. For computers or other electronics that are plugged into the wall, you can simply unplug them. However, it is first recommended to locate a breaker panel or circuit breaker and shut off everything from there.

3. If Applicable, Remove Battery
If the device has a battery installed, exercise extreme caution when removing the submerged device. The chemicals in batteries can be dangerous for a multitude of reasons, and a wet battery can also catch fire. If you see any smoke, bubbling, or evidence of melting parts, do not handle the battery: call a professional.

4. Drain the Device
If it was safe to remove the device from the water and unplug it, the next step is to get as much of the water out as possible. Contrary to popular belief, soaking your device in a rice bag does not help. While it may absorb the water, rice leaves behind all the chemical contaminants that may have leaked out of any components. Instead, disassemble the device and individually dry each component with a microfiber cloth. If it cannot be disassembled, you can also shake the device.
While it can seem hopeless, with the right steps and some professional help, flooded electronics can be saved.

How To Identify and Avoid Secondary Water Damage

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly grow after a water loss.

How Secondary Damage Occurs And How To Handle It

When a basement or a showroom floor floods in Dunwoody, GA, rapid response is key. Most insurance policies cover the original damage, but they may not cover the cost of additional damage after the initial incident. If you do not properly address the source of the water damage, secondary damage like black mold could become an expensive complication. Understanding how secondary water damage occurs can help you prevent it during the initial clean-up effort.

Causes
Humidity is the main driver of damage that happens after the primary water damage. When the air in a water-damaged building becomes saturated, it becomes excessively humid. This high humidity can lead to further damage in the initially exposed areas and to areas that were not originally affected. This is often the result of:

• Failure to promptly repair primary water damage
• Inadequate dehumidification procedures
• Inability to address underlying or unknown sources of remaining moisture, such as burst pipes
  

Signs

Growth of black mold on walls or ceilings, or even baseboards and floors, is evidence that the original damage has not been adequately cleaned or repaired. Buckling hardwood, peeling laminate or vinyl flooring, and sagging or cracking drywall can also result from extremely high humidity, which indicates secondary damage.

Prevention

Keeping secondary damage to a minimum requires a multi-pronged approach, the goal of which is to minimize further exposure to water and humidity:

• Stop leaks from burst pipes and address any other leak sources
• Drain all standing water
• Ventilate the building by keeping windows and doors open as long as possible
• Install dehumidifiers in areas like basements where airflow is problematic
• Remove all items other items, including drapes, furniture and carpeting until the space is completely dry
  

Water damage can happen to anyone. However, secondary damage in the form of black mold or sagging drywall can be avoided. With the right knowledge and help from water damage restoration professionals, your business can fully recover on the first try.

Can Electronics Be Cleaned Up After a Fire?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

As you try to pick your business back up after a commercial fire near Dunwoody, GA, you have a lot to think about. You need to find a trusted fire restoration company that can help you through the entire process. This team knows how to clean damage walls, furnishings and even electronics. An electrical fire can cause a lot of damage to computers and other electronic devices, but sometimes this equipment can be salvaged after the flames are gone. With the proper steps, some electronics can become as good as new.

Steps to protect your electronics after a fire.

• Avoid Power: While you may be tempted to turn on a computer to see if it works, the truth is this can cause more harm than good. If smoke clings to the metal surfaces in your device, you can start a terrible corrosion by adding power to the mix. Leave any electrical devices turned off.

• Get Them Cleaned: Remember that smoke residue? That has to be removed from every inch of the device. For this reason, a computer cleanup can take a while. The professionals will go over every inch of the hardware to ensure the potentially dangerous residues are gone.

• Have an Inspection: After the initial cleaning, you may want to have the electronics inspected one last time before adding power. This final inspection can look over the computer for more signs of fire or smoke damage. An electrical fire can cause unexpected smoke residue buildup on internal parts of the computer, so a second inspection is a good idea.

Many businesses rely on computers and other electronics to get business done. Restoration professionals may be able to help you restore computers, television sets, DVD players, cash registers, security systems and other electronics key to your day-to-day activities. 

An electrical fire can do a lot of damage to your commercial building. Restoring your belongings after the disaster can help you get back on your feet.