How Do I Keep My Building Secure After a Fire?

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Steps To Protect Your Building After a Fire

When a fire happens to your Bel Air, CA, business, you may be worried about the damage to your property and belongings. However, there are additional steps that should be taken to ensure that your building remains secure after the fire has been put out. If you do not take these steps, you risk having additional break-ins or other incidents happening at your business as well as running up costs on top of the other expenses associated with fire damage. Here are some steps you can take to protect your building after a fire:

Cover Any Open Doors or Windows

In the case of a fire, you should cover any open doors and windows with plywood to prevent entry. You can use a hammer and nails to secure the plywood over the opening; make sure that it is securely attached at all four corners. If you have broken glass, you may also want to cover it with cardboard or plastic sheeting before covering with plywood.

For large openings like sliding glass doors, use two pieces of plywood laid on top of each other so that they overlap slightly at their edges (see image below). This will make them stronger than one piece alone.

Monitor the Property Closely

The best way to keep your property safe post fire is to have a security system installed. A good system will alert you when there's an intruder and it can even deter intruders from entering in the first place by scaring them off with lights, loud noises and/or sirens. If you don't want to install a home security system yourself, hire a professional for installation or maintenance services.

You should also consider hiring a watchman or guard service if you live in an area where theft is common. This will help prevent any break-ins while you're away on vacation or business trips and make sure that no one steals anything valuable from inside the building or garage where they are storing their vehicle(s).

When shopping around for an alarm company, make sure they are monitored 24/7 by professionals who will respond quickly if there is an issue (such as smoke or heat detectors going off). Look for companies that offer all of these features:

• Smoke and heat detectors
• Motion sensors (to detect movement within the building)
• An alarm

Protecting your building and your belongings after a fire means taking security seriously

After a fire, it is important to take security seriously.

• Lock doors and windows.
• Install security cameras that are monitored by a central station.
• Get a business security system installed if your building qualifies for one of these services. This type of system allows the monitoring center to keep an eye on all the activity taking place inside your property with little effort required on your part.
• Monitor the property closely and make sure everything always looks secure

We hope this article has been helpful to you. We know how terrifying it can be to go through a fire, whether you’re the one who suffered damage or someone else. However, don’t let that fear paralyze you—act and protect your building from intruders by following these tips!

The 72 Hours After Roof Damage

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

What Can Occur During The First Three Days After Roof Damage

Leaks can undermine the seal of a building envelope in a matter of hours after damage strikes the roof of a commercial structure in Bel Air, CA. Within 48 to 72 hours, conditions may deteriorate to the point where black mold starts to grow on saturated surfaces. Learn more about what can occur during the first three days after roof damage without damage mitigation, roof repair and water damage restoration.

The First Day After Roof Damage
The severity of water damage caused by a roof leak depends on the degree of damage. Here are some potential risks associated with graduated levels of roof damage:

• Minor roof damage exposes roofing materials to damage
• Moderate roof damage admits water under a roof membrane or deck
• Major water damage brings water into a building interior

While minor damage may only affect the utmost layer of a roof, more severe incidents may compromise the seal of membranes and permit water to penetrate down into the interior of a commercial building and cause a ceiling leak.

The Second Day With a Leaky Roof
The first 48 hours after roof damage are critical for preventing black mold. Property owners should periodically inspect the condition of roofing, especially after severe weather or potentially damaging incidents. It is important to schedule roof repairs and take mitigation measures, such as tarping over damage, within this time frame.

The Third Day of a Roof Leak
Mold growth may start within 72 hours after a leak. Airborne spores settle in moist locations, and many building materials such as insulation and drywall contain cellulose. Fungus converts this plant fiber into simple starches and sugars for nourishment.
Water that filters down through building materials becomes more contaminated and may become grossly contaminated Category Three black water over time. Thorough water damage restoration can keep black mold at bay at a building in Bel Air, CA.

Irrigation System Maintenance

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

Irrigation System Maintenance

When the watering season rolls around in Bel Air, CA, be sure to check your irrigation system fixtures before you turn the water on. Flood restoration professionals agree that preventing a flood is much more cost-effective than cleaning up your property after one.

System Inspection
Before you start your irrigation system for the year, examine your equipment and confirm that it is in good working order.  Even a small crack or a pinhole leak can cause flooding and damage to your property.  When performing your inspection, consider all parts of the system:

• Sprinkler heads, including stems and arms
  
• Water lines from the source to the heads
  
• Connections, screens, and valves
  
• Controller panel and settings
  
  

Irrigation Maintenance
Sprinkler heads are very susceptible to breakage; pay close attention to them.  Be sure they are free of obstructions and debris and that they move freely and can cover their full range.  Examine closely for cracks or wear.
Water lines can leak, and you might not see the problem right away.  Walk the lines when you turn the water on and watch for spongy ground or pooling water.  Keep an eye on your water bill as well; a sudden spike can indicate that you have a leak.
Check all connections and intake valves on the system.  Be sure that screens are clean and that any worn or broken washers are replaced.  It is common for connections to leak, so check that they are tight and that the ground around them remains dry.
Your control panel is important as well.  Confirm that it is functional and that the settings are adjusted properly before you turn the water on.
Irrigation maintenance is required throughout the watering season. Keep an eye on your grass and other plant material. Watch for overly dry areas - brown, wilted, or curling leaves.  Pay attention to pooling water, mushrooms, or other indications of sprinkler flooding. 
Most importantly, address any irrigation issues as quickly as you can to protect your landscaping and prevent damage to your property.

3 Tips for Filing a Commercial Fire Insurance Claim

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage at a local business in Melrose District, CA.

Three Points to Consider When Filing a Commercial Fire Insurance Claim

When a fire damages your Melrose District, CA, commercial building, one of the first steps you may want to take is to notify your insurance company to make a fire claim. When you take steps to process your claim as soon as possible, the processing may occur faster, giving you the means to make repairs and reopen your business as soon as possible. 

1. Take Photos 
Once the fire is out and the building is secure, take photo and video evidence of all the damage you find. Include water cleanup needs from burst lines and fire hoses, as standing water can cause mold to form on many surfaces. Ask your insurance representative if any specific photos or videos are necessary. 

2. Secure the Building 
If a fire damaged your building's doors or windows, then securing these areas is important to prevent any further damage and to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the building before fire damage cleaning and other processes begin. Use sturdy planks of wood and thick sections of tarp to protect these areas. You can also hire security to monitor these vulnerable areas during overnight hours. 

3. Stay in Contact With Your Fire Claim Agent 
Remaining in the loop about your claim can help you understand which steps you need to revisit and whether your insurance will cover 100% of the repairs, including the assistance of fire restoration and mitigation service. Your insurance agent should keep you updated as your claim moves forward, but do not be afraid to call if you have any questions or if any problems come up during the insurance process. 
When you file a fire claim for your Melrose District, CA, business, understanding which steps to take can help you navigate this problem with more ease and make repairs in a timely manner so any work stoppage is minimal and you and your employees can get back up and running quickly. 

4 Things You Need To Know About Mold

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Four Things To Know About Mold

If you spot suspicious green or black dots on the walls or ceilings of your building, do not ignore them. There is a good chance those fuzzy spots are evidence of mold growth. If left untreated, the fungus can spread quickly and cause serious damage to your business in Weho, CA. Mold should always be treated and removed immediately to avoid costly damage and repairs.
Here are four things you should know about mold.

1. Mold Can Spread Quickly

Mold is a fungus and can grow on many surfaces, including wood, drywall, and carpet. Once its microscopic spores enter your building and land on a damp surface, the mold will begin to grow and colonize. Depending on your building's moisture level, type of surface and temperature, the infestation can begin to develop within 24-48 hours and can cause problems throughout the entire building within a matter of days.

2. Mold Loves Moisture

High humidity and warm temperatures create a perfect environment for growth, making basements and bathrooms common areas for the fungus to form. Keep these areas well ventilated with plenty of airflow and use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture content in the air.

3. Mold is Common After Leaks and Floods

Flood and water damage can lead to mold growth when water seeps into porous and organic materials, often causing structural damage. In addition, broken pipes can leak behind a wall and provide an excellent home for growth. Performing routine maintenance on your plumbing can reduce your risk in these situations. If the fungus does appear, calling a professional mold removal service is your best bet for removing it and replacing the damaged materials.

4. Mold Can Carry an Odor

In addition to being unsightly, mold often carries a strong musty odor. In some cases, you may smell the odor before even seeing the infestation if it is growing behind a wall or in other hidden areas of the office.

Never ignore mold growth if you suspect it. It can take over your building quickly and cause severe damage. Keeping the humidity low and routinely inspecting your building’s plumbing can help reduce your chances of developing a mold problem, and swift action can save you from costly repairs to find any growth.

How Water Damage and Fires go Hand in Hand

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Fires: What's the Connection?

If a fire starts in your Melrose District, CA, office, your first priority is to get everyone out safely without harm. You also trust fire crews to put out the fire quickly to minimize damage. Ironically, the very thing firefighters use to eliminate the blaze can cause further problems to your office space and equipment. Water cleanup is part of the recovery process.

Firefighters’ Response

Water is a firefighter’s best friend, as it will, in most cases, control and put out fires in offices. However, crews may use so much water on the flames that flooding and other damage will require massive water cleanup.

• Firefighters pump out large volumes of water from their hoses.
  
• Smoke in your office will trigger the sprinklers on the ceiling, which can spray gallons of water on the floor.
  
• The crew’s most immediate concern is to eliminate the fire, not worry about issues water will cause with the floor, walls, ceiling or equipment.
  
  

Potential Problems

In the wake of a fire, smoke cleanup isn’t the only matter professional restoration teams handle. With the amount of water firefighters use to battle fires, flooding can occur. You may also see major damage to carpet, hardwood floors, sheetrock, furniture and electronics.

What the Pros Will Do

A professional company can handle water cleanup and fire cleanup all at once. The team will tear out and replace carpet and other flooring and will also remove damaged walls and ceiling tiles. The professionals will then clean and sanitize the affected area in order to prevent the growth of mold.

Why Call the Pros

You wouldn’t trust a novice to put out a fire in your office, so you shouldn’t call anyone other than an experienced expert to clean up the water and the effects it can have on your building. The professionals have proven experience, state-of-the-art equipment and effective techniques to do the job correctly.

Be aware that water cleanup and fire come in tandem. If you want to avoid costly and time-consuming processes, call a restoration company you can trust.