Archived Commercial Blog Posts
FranCenter
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
The water leaked into the office area affecting the carpeting.
FranCenter is a tutoring service for children that recently suffered a loss due to a sink overflow. Luckily for them, it happened on a Friday afternoon while there were still people in the building. If it would have happened over the weekend things could have gotten much worse for them. SERVPRO responded as soon as possible to get in there and begin cleaning things up. After extracting the water, they turned their attention to any affected materials that needed to be removed. It is essential to check around and make sure you are not leaving any affected materials behind as this can lead to a number of issues down the road for the business. FranCenter really wanted to be up and operational by the following Monday and SERVPRO delivered. Taking care of the mitigation and getting it dried out in no time. SERVPRO handled the job with professionalism and efficiency leaving the customer beyond happy.
Broken Pipe Floods the Golf Club
5/2/2022 (Permalink)
This wall was affected by the water resulting in the need for it to be cut.
A broken pipe at a local golf course caused significant damage to multiple levels of the clubhouse. The pipe burst on the main level, flooding the ballroom as well as a majority of the hallway, and then went down to the lower level and affected the ceiling tiles as well as the carpet. As soon as the damage was noticed the golf course called SERVPRO and we responded right away, ready to get to work. The carpeted areas needed to be extracted because the water had saturated the carpet, extracting it will aid the drying and allow it to dry faster. In addition to the carpet, there were a few walls on the main level that were affected, resulting in flood cuts to remove the wet insulation. Once all of the affected materials were taken care of, SERVPRO used their Dry Book technology to determine how much equipment they would need. The golf club was extremely happy with the quickness and professionalism of SERVPRO.
Condo Disaster
4/21/2022 (Permalink)
The pipe break caused this drywall to become saturated and ultimately collapse.
Recently SERVPRO of Evanston was called to an after hour loss after a pipe had broken in a condo building. The pipe broke in the hallway, so luckily for the tenants no rooms were affected. The loss occurred early on a Saturday morning, but the condo associated did not hesitate and they called us as soon as they found out. Our on call crew responded right away and they were able to get there and begin the mitigation process once the plumber was finished. The pipe break was caught rather early, saving the condo association from more damage had they waited to call SERVPRO. You can see in the image that parts of the ceiling began to fall, creating some safety issues for the tenants of the building. It was imperative that SERVPRO remove any potential safety issues first so that they can work in a safer environment. SERVPRO was able to remove any affected materials and set drying equipment in a matter of just a few hours. It doesn't matter the time of day or type of place, whether it is residential or commercial, make sure you call us at SERVPRO of Evanston for all of your restoration needs.
Commercial Business Emergency Preparedness Tips
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
Battery powered radios can relay important information that can be crucial to your safety.
Emergencies can strike anywhere, even at your commercial business. When something goes wrong or you find yourself in an emergency type of situation, it is important to be prepared. This post is going to outline some supplies that will come in handy if you ever find yourself in one of these situations.
1.Emergency Lighting - Having a light available to you is extremely important in the event of the power going out. Knowing where flashlights are is key. Candles can help too, however you need to be cautious as they are a fire hazard.
2. First Aid Kit - Having a stocked first aid kit is imperative. Injuries are possible and you need to be able to properly address them when they occur.
3. Tools - Having an assortment of basic tools at your business can come in handy in event of needing to perform an emergency task. (Screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, etc.)
4. Battery powered radio - A battery powered radio will be a huge help if you are left with a dead phone or no service. The radio will allow you to stay updated on the current situation at hand and let you know what's going on.
Being prepared is half the battle. Being prepared can take a lot of the strain and craziness out of the situation. It allows you to remain calm and handle the situation head on without panicking.
Commercial Real Estate
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
Major flooding will put these businesses out of commission for weeks, perhaps months.
Commercial real estate is a very lucrative business, bringing in billions of dollars ever year. However, a recent study has shown that the threat of flooding in commercial real estate will only intensify, leading to billions of dollars in damages. Over 700,000 retail units and offices face a major risk annually of flooding. According to a study done by the First Street Foundation, structural damage from flooding is projected to cost over $13.5 billion in 2022. If you think that number is high, the study predicts that number could rise all the way up to $16.9 billion by 2052. Those are astronomical numbers and it really puts into perspective just how much water damage occurs on a yearly basis. This study does a great job of highlighting how commercial properties often face the same flooding problems as residential homes, perhaps even worse. It is important that whether damage occurs at a commercial property or residential problem, calling SERVPRO as soon as possible can be the difference in saving you thousands of dollars.
Preventing Frozen Pipes In Your Commercial Building
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
This frozen pipe has burst open. This could be avoided by following the steps highlighted in the blog.
It is important to remember that commercial properties can have some of the same problems found in residential homes. One of the biggest shared problems is frozen pipes. In both occupied and unoccupied buildings, the problem usually isn't noticed until the damage has already been done. This blog is going to highlight steps you can take to minimize the chance of frozen pipes striking your commercial building.
The first thing you can do, and probably the most simple, is to consistently check for leaks. Areas such as kitchens, bathroom, or maintenance rooms are some of the most susceptible locations.
Insulating pipes is a good precautionary measure to take in your building. Proper insulation of the pipes will go a long way in keeping your pipes from freezing.
Circulating air in the building allows the heat in the building to be distributed. Opening cabinets located under the sink will allow warm air to get to the pipes. In addition to doing this, opening doors to unused rooms that have pipes in them can keep them from freezing.
Flood at Local School
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
The sprinkler broke in this room and you can see where the water came rushing down the walls.
A broken sprinkler head caused two levels of a local school to suffer significant water damage. Luckily for them, the break occurred near the back by the maintenance area, so it is made up of mostly concrete floors, walls, and ceilings. There was one wall made up of drywall that was effected and needed to be cut. Even though most of the structure was unharmed due to it being concrete, there was a lot of standing water that needed to be dealt with. SERVPRO used their water extraction machine to get rid of the water and make the environment more suitable for drying. Any content that was effected by the water was removed from the room and placed in another room where it could be properly dried. SERVPRO was able to effectively save and dry out numerous important documents for the school. With the smart decision of the school to call and the quick response time by SERVPRO, they were able to get things under control and keep the damage to a minimum.
Faster To Any Disaster
6/2/2021 (Permalink)
The wet carpet in this office required extraction.
Disaster struck at One Main Financial last week as work being done in a neighboring unit caused three offices in their unit to flood. Luckily, they were quick to call us. The wet carpet in the three office rooms required extraction which not only removes the water but also helps eliminate the possibility of any odors due to the water if it is left to sit. Our technicians rushed over and took care of the problem. With the extraction and equipment used, we were able to dry them out and have them up and running by the time the weekend was over. This serves as a very good reminder that water damage can happen anywhere at any time, it is not exclusive to residential homes.
Tips for Commercial Cleaning
5/21/2021 (Permalink)
Spring and summer time has become a great time of year to undertake deep cleaning projects. Although spring cleaning is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for commercial places as well. The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and bacteria and messes start to grow. A good clean helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment. Additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers. Here is a list of some important areas to inspect during your deep cleaning cleaning:
OUTSIDE
Windows are one of the simplest yet most crucial areas to keep clean. Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals. Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking that caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.
This is very important for the presentation of your business. Now that grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape. Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes. Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business. An appealing exterior can help to attract customers.
When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system. Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing. Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside. Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts. It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period.
Along with the re-birthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests. Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem. It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems each year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.
INSIDE
Simple and effective. Even if you already dust on a regular basis, now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas.
As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up. Don’t let this grime buildup in your building. Buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.
Reorganizing comes in two parts. The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access. Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed. The second is the reorganization of the office itself. Ideally, this is a continuing process year round. If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up and breathe some fresh air into the workplace. Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of cleaning takes priority. If you need extra help or an even deeper clean call SERVPRO to help!
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
12/11/2020 (Permalink)
Higher Level of Clean
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 global pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When an establishment chooses Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, employees, customers, and the community can rest assured that they have selected a higher standard of clean.
Consult
Not all spaces and facilities are the same, which is why we will assign a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who works to understands the business and create a custom COVID-19 cleaning program to meet your specific needs. SERVPRO has worked in a wide variety of industries with businesses ranging from start-ups to global, multinational organizations. That is why we know to start such a critical cleaning process with a consultation.
Each specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points. As a result, clients will know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is not just an industry leading standard in clean, the cleaning is customized to each facility’s need.
Clean
Each location will undergo a thorough, expert deep clean rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product. Combining our proprietary training, cleaning solutions, and processes creates an industry-leading solution that will help provide businesses, employees, and customers the peace of mind that they are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
People. SERVPRO Professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, including COVID-19 cleaning, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.
Process. SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency COVID-19 cleaning that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure the facility can get back to business as quickly as possible.
Product. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has more than 100 exclusive cleaning products to meet any need including our proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, which is a hospital-grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for direct food contact surface use. All our products carry the EPA’s registered emerging pathogens claims and meet the standard set by the CDC for use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Certify
We’re going to extend our credibility as a premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to each participating business—delivering an assurance to employees and customers that only SERVPRO can provide.
Today, reopening your business means committing to a higher standard of clean. SERVPRO is equipped to give your customers, your staff, and your community the confidence and security they deserve with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
SERVPRO of Evanston
(847)763-7010
What to do after a Commercial Fire
12/11/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO ready to help when you need us most!
Thousands of businesses are affected by commercial fire damage each year due to a wide range of causes. Whether it's a restaurant that encounters a fire, an office in a building that was affected by a nearby disaster, or a severe storm that sparks flames, such an event is never easy to deal with.
Few proprietors are prepared to grapple with the aftermath of a fire because it's not something that most business owners expect will happen to them. Entrepreneurs who suffer commercial fire damage may feel at a loss when it comes to picking up the pieces and resuming business as usual. Here are three key steps you should consider taking after a fire has shut down your business.
1. Get in contact with your insurance company right away.
Not only will this be one of the most relevant steps to getting back open and serving your customers, but also your insurance company will provide the funds needed to make repairs to your business. We know how to navigate the commercial claims process, and any repairs that we complete will meet or exceed your insurance provider's requirements. We do emphasize that we are not an insurance company.
2. Secure the remaining equipment and property in your building.
Unfortunately, commercial fire damage increases the likelihood of vandalism and theft, as your building will be left vulnerable and less secure. Patching up walls, doors, and windows, even temporarily, can go a long way towards preventing further problems. The experts at SERVPRO have the experience and tools needed to secure your business's exterior and interior quickly. As a result, your property will be safeguarded, and any further damage to the building will be minimized.
3. Be mindful of smoke damage.
Even if it appears that your business was only minimally affected by commercial fire damage, the building likely has lingering smoke that will destroy your equipment, documents, and inventory over time. When you call SERVPRO, we'll thoroughly inspect your business for smoke damage and effectively clean it up, eliminate odors and restore satisfactory indoor air quality.
The team at SERVPRO of Evanston knows how devastating commercial fire damage can be, and we're committed to helping you get your business back up and running. To obtain a quote or get more information about our fire repair and restoration services, call us 24/7 at 847-763-7010.
Restoring Your Evanston Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
9/4/2020 (Permalink)
Your Problem, Our Solution
Flooding and water damage events at Evanston commercial properties are often complex with 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 Evanston
SERVPRO of Evanston 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.
Want to know more about us? Click the link!
www.SERVPROevanston.com
Levels of Commercial Losses
6/25/2020 (Permalink)
One area SERVPRO of Evanston specializes in is handling damage on commercial properties whether it be fire damage, water damage, or even property damage due to natural disasters. We know that no matter the cause of damage, downtime due to damage on your property can be costly to both your business and your customers.
One tool we use to assess property damage to begin the mitigation process is a grading system. Commercial property damage can be graded on a scale of one to three based on the size of the area and the extent of damage present.
Level 1
Level 1 commercial losses typically involve affected spaces of 15,000 square feet or less. A level 1 loss may be a small, stand-alone establishment such as a restaurant, small church, small warehouse, or daycare facility or it could be a small portion of a larger structure.
Level 2
A level 2 loss usually involves anywhere from 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. These buildings are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces that may include small multi-family homes, midsize churches or schools, a small shopping center, or a midsize warehouse. A level 2 loss may also be a portion of a much larger structure.
Level 3
Level 3 commercial losses typically involve more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. These may include, but are not limited to, large multilevel structures such as hospitals, schools, or universities. A level 3 commercial damage is officially considered a “large loss.”
Leading Causes for Commercial Fires
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
The best kind of fire is one that never happens.
Our SERVPRO of Evanston team has seen the catastrophic damage that can occur when a fire ravages a commercial building. A fire in your commercial building can cost your business large amounts of money in downtime and inventory loss, not to mention possibly put the lives of your employees at risk. Being prepared is the key to preventing fires and minimizing the damage when they do occur. The United States Fire Administration has compiled data to put together a list of the top five causes of fires in commercial buildings from the last decade. We hope that being conscious of these can help your business in planning and prevention.
Top 5 Causes of Fires in Commercial Buildings
- Cooking. Fires that began in the kitchen and escalated out of control contributed 30,900 fires to the past decade. Remind your team that it is important to be careful and aware of your surroundings in the kitchen
- Unintentional and careless behavior. This category includes accidents which lead to fires and contributes around 10,900 fires.
- Arson. Arson, or intentionally set fires, accounted for 9,800 fires. Talk about an unhappy customer.
- Electrical malfunction. Electrical or wiring problems resulted in around 7,000 fires.
- Heating problems. Issues with HVAC systems lead to around 6,000 fires in the last decade.
Prevention is very important to avoiding a fire, however sometimes they are inevitable. As a business itself, SERVPRO of Evanston knows that time lost is money lost. We are equipped and ready to help you restore your business in the event that a fire does occur so that you can get back to work. For emergency fire services, you can contact us 24/7 at 847-763-7010.
Clean Water loss in a Commercial building
3/3/2020 (Permalink)
Is it noisy in here?
No loss is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Evanston. On this particular loss the call came in after hours and SERVPRO of Evanston responded promptly arriving on site 2 hours after receiving the call. The crew chief will begin by doing a brief walk through and assessing the damages once the damages and all potential safety issues are addressed the crew will begin to extract water.
This initial after hours visit will consist of the water extraction and leaving it in a safe condition to begin the drying process so on this particular loss the crew extracted all standing water and carpets and removed the baseboard and cored holes on all affected walls. They carefully started to place drying equipment throughout the affected areas making sure there was no trip hazards or any falling material that may cause injury. Call us for your emergency needs At SERVPRO of Evanston 847-763-7010
Helping Out is a Sweet Gig!
2/10/2020 (Permalink)
Staged Equipment Ready for Set Up !
No matter the size of the loss big or small SERVPRO of Evanston will be ready to respond.
There was a substantial pipe break at a nearby sugar factory that unloaded thousands of gallons of water.
SERVPRO of Evanston was on sight and ready to go within 2 hours with boots on the ground the experienced technicians quickly began extracting water.
The technicians simultaneously while using portable extraction units and our trusty truck mounted extraction unit were able to extract the water in a very timely fashion.
Once extraction is complete the technicians begin to place air movers and dehumidifiers in the best areas to start the drying process all while making sure all the power is balanced to prevent popping and breakers and causing any more damage.
Please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Evanston for any future issues 847-763-7010
Faster to Any Size Disaster
2/5/2020 (Permalink)
Main Lobby of a Law Firm Before Water Mitigation was performed.
After receiving an after hours call in regards to a commercial pipe break at a law firm SERVPRO of Evanston was quickly on the scene.
Our experienced technicians first do a walk through to inspect for all damages and to put together a plan of attack.
Once they have a plan the crews quickly begin to provide emergency services which includes water extraction of affected areas , removing baseboard and setting up equipment.
After the initial visit the technicians do a more thorough inspection checking all walls for moisture as well as any other materials or content that might be wet.
The technicians will check the progress of drying everyday to ensure the prevention of mold as well as any microbial growth.
Once drying is complete SERVPRO of Evanston will do a thorough cleaning of all affected areas to leave it like it never even happened.
No loss is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Evanston and with 24 hour emergency services we make sure to be there when you need us most.
Like New Condition
7/18/2019 (Permalink)
No match for SERVPRO
This commercial facility fell victim to some mischievous vandals. Graffiti and vandalism are no fun to the victims involved. Fortunately out team of trained professionals are equipped to handle a multitude of different problems. In this case, our technicians professionally removed the graffiti and cleaned the stained gate to like new condition. A little training goes a long way. Our products identified the correct product and used SERVPRO's patented graffiti remover to destroy the stain without damaging the finish. Our team then cleaned the gate to make it shine. Taking pride in our work is one of the things that separates our professionals from our competitors. We our proud to have polite, well trained technicians representing our brand hear at SERVPRO of Evanston.
Like it never even happened.
Restoring Your Evanston Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
8/28/2017 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage events at Evanston commercial properties are often complex with 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 Evanston
SERVPRO of Evanston 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.
Restoring Your Evanston Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
6/17/2016 (Permalink)
Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges.
Flooding and water damage events at Evanston commercial properties are often complex with 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 Evanston
SERVPRO of Evanston 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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