Whatever Disaster Strikes at Your Business, SERVPRO is Here

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

We are the premier service professionals ready to help your business in even the biggest jobs. Fire, water, mold, we can handle it.

When a fire happens, it can bring your business to a sudden halt. Thankfully, SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. When a fire happens, give us a call so we can get you back to normal and up and running as soon as possible.

Whether it’s a leaky pipe or like the flood gates opened and there is water everywhere, SERVPRO has you covered. We have the highest quality equipment available so you can get everything up and running in no time.

Noticing a foul odor? Starting to see dark spots? Well, you might have a mold problem. Don’t fret, SERVPRO can help. We are experts at mold remediation. Your business is safe with us.

3 Helpful Things To Know About Flood Insurance

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Flood Insurance 

When looking at commercial insurance policies for a Maple Grove, MN business, many company owners may be wondering if flood insurance is a good choice for their property. Here are a few things to consider.

1. What May Be Covered

In most cases, a flood policy will cover damage caused by nature or accidents. This usually includes incidents such as a broken pipe or sewer backup, along with rain overflow and other storm damage. It is the policy holder’s responsibility to know exactly what their plan covers, but most normal flooding falls under these categories. In many cases, the insurance provider may also cover the cost of repair and cleanup, as well as recommend a professional restoration service.

2. What May Not Be Covered

Many commercial insurance policies will not cover flooding that comes as a result of neglect. This means that if you knew one area needed repairs, you failed to take action, and flooding occurred as a result, then your insurance provider may decline coverage.

3. What a Restoration Company Can Do

Insurance providers may have recommendations for a restoration company that may be able to help. A professional restoration service is equipped to help with large-scale disasters according to FEMA guidelines. They also offer services such as electronic inventory management system, which can be used to document items and repair requirements as they go. The database can be updated by the restoration team and accessed by the insurance agents allowing them to have the most up-to-date information as they keep track of the claim.

When looking at their commercial insurance policy, it's up to the policyholder to know what exactly is included. In most cases, flooding caused by accidents or natural disasters will be covered. Flooding caused by neglect, however, probably will not. A professional restoration team may have the tools necessary to work with the insurance company in order to help process the claim and keep all required information updated.

Prepare your Commercial Building for a Winter Storm

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Take These Steps To Prepare Your Building for a Winter Storm

As the first winter weather of the season rolls into Minnesota, it could be too late to consider winterizing your building. Being proactive is key when it comes to potential storm damage. As cooler temperatures approach, it’s a good time to go over last-minute details before the cold sets in. Consider taking these steps to prepare your building for a winter storm:

1. Inspect the Roof

Get your roof professionally inspected before the first signs of winter weather. Damaged flashings and loose or missing shingles could result in severe damage to the interior of the building if left to sit through the winter.

2. Cut Back Tree Limbs

Ice and snow really weigh down tree limbs. Be sure to trim back overhanging, loose or dead branches before winter weather hits. Otherwise, you risk damage to your roof, windows, gutter system, among other things.

3. Clean Gutters

A winter storm can wreak havoc on a gutter system. Make sure to keep gutters free of all leaves and debris. A combination of full gutters and snow can form ice dams which can cause interior damage.

4. Inspect Insulation and Weather Stripping

Make sure that your building has a sufficient amount of insulation and weather stripping. They can make all the difference when it comes to the cost of your heating bill.

5. Leave the Heat On

Leave the heat on even in areas that aren’t being used. Set the thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Inspect HVAC System

Get a full HVAC inspection before cold weather arrives. This will ensure that everything is in proper working order before the need for heat arises.

7. Inspect Exposed Pipes

Make sure that the pipes are properly insulated to protect them from freezing and bursting. By sealing any cracks or openings you will go a step further to prevent a pipe break.
When it comes to winter in Maple Grove, MN being proactive can ultimately save time and possibly even a lot of expense. If your building sustains damage from a winter storm, be sure to call storm cleanup professionals to help.

Emergency Preparation: Ensuring Commercial Generators are maintained

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

A generator is a pivotal piece of machinery for many businesses, especially medical and manufacturing practices. These tools ensure that a business can maintain operations in the event of a power failure, and whether for safety concerns or production value they must be maintained. Failure to perform adequate maintenance can lead to a litany of issues, but there are four that are the most common.

1. Battery Failure

The leading cause of generator problems is battery failure. Failure occurs because a battery has not been charged properly or it needs to be replaced due to age. Most failures can be avoided by making sure that all cables, chargers and batteries are checked regularly and that their condition remains in good standing.

2. Leaks

Generator leaks are common and usually preventable through routine maintenance. These leaks can occur in the fuel, oil or coolant lines. Those leaks occurring in the coolant line are likely due to a block in the hoses leading to the heater. However, all leaks are preventable with regular checkups.

3. Low Fuel

Another common problem is faulty fuel gauges leading to low fuel. In order to avoid this issue, you can get in the practice of manually checking fuel tanks and having additional fuel storage on hand at your facility.

4. Starting Issues

If your machine is not set to auto, then it will not start up when a power outage occurs. However, if this is not your issue, then you can try a manual reset of the system. If that fails to work, then you can contact a storm preparedness specialist in the Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin area to figure out other possible causes.

A generator can be a potential life-saver, both figuratively and literally, for many business owners. However, these machines do have their kinks and must be regularly maintained to function correctly in the event of an emergency.

The Top 4 Recommended Locations for Fire Alarms in Your Home

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Alarms In Your Home

While you might assume that when you bought your home in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin that it came already installed with all the smoke alarms you need to keep your family safe, this is not always the case. As more research has been conducted over the years on fires and how they spread, requirements have changed. Many older homes do not meet these standards which can be dangerous in the case a fire does occur. Keep your family safe by ensuring a fire alarm is located in the following four locations!

1. Bedrooms

The National Fire Protection Association suggests the placement of a fire alarm in every bedroom of the house. This ensures that if a fire occurs while your family is asleep, the alarms will wake quickly wake up everyone.

2. Outside Every Sleeping Area

Not only should alarms be inside every bedroom, there should be a smoke alarm right outside the room or any other sleeping areas as well. This is so you can react and start to escape before any fire or smoke even enters your room.

3. 10 Feet From Your Kitchen

Kitchen fires result in approximately 50 percent of all home fires, many of which result in serious fire damage to your home. Make sure a fire alarm is located 10 feet from your kitchen rather than inside it since smoke or steam from cooking can easily trigger it.

4. Every Level of Your Home

Ensure that there is as least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Don’t forget your basement! Serious fire and smoke damage can occur from an undetected fire that starts in the basement.

It doesn’t take long for a house fire to quickly get out of hand! That’s why it is so important to have all the required fire alarms installed so you can quickly get everyone out of your house and get in contact with the fire department and a fire restoration company to minimize the fire damage to your home.

Mold Has an Appetite for Fine Art

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Artwork poses a difficult challenge when it comes to mold cleaning. The usual mold remediation and prevention techniques won’t work. You can't:

•  Abrasive-blast the mold away with baking   soda
•  Treat the moldy area with chemicals and   paint
•  Throw it away
•  Make the environment inhospitable

Mold and Oil Paintings Both Like Warmth and Moisture

A home with low relative humidity inhibits mold growth. Unfortunately, it also damages oil paintings. Both do very well when the relative humidity is 45 percent. They also enjoy a room temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Displaying your artwork in this environment makes it susceptible to mold.

Mold Cleaning of Paintings Is Simple for the Experts
Art restoration is a science unto itself. Its practitioners often restore paintings that are centuries old. These paintings may show damage, neglect, or need cleaning. The removal of mold is one of the many tasks they perform on a regular basis.

With your moldy oil paintings, there is one question. How important are they to you? A family heirloom deserves expert attention. If it's a painting you don't care as much about, mold removal might be an interesting experience. There are four simple steps:

1. Place the painting in the sun for a few hours and let it dry completely

2. Taking care not to damage the paint, don a mask and brush away the dried mold using a soft brush

3. Using a weak bleach solution, treat the moldy areas with a light spray

4. Return the painting to the sun for drying
Moldy Artwork May Point to a Bigger Problem
Finding mold damage on an oil painting is not a cause for panic. It suggests that it is time to check the rest of your home. Look for signs of mold in wet, damp or humid areas.

Further signs of infestation mean that you are due for mold cleaning. You will locate a team of mold remediation experts in the Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin area who can move in and address the problem. They can also find someone to restore your paintings.

4 Reasons You Should Avoid Using Drain Cleaners

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

4 Reasons to Consider an Alternative Clog-Clearing Strategy

An obstruction inside your home’s plumbing system can cause slow drains or overflowing toilets that mandate a prompt sewage cleaning. When you need to fix a clogged drain or pipe, you may have a variety of tools at your disposal, including auger snakes, plungers and chemical solutions. While utilizing drain cleaner may seem like the easiest option, it may ultimately be the worst choice. There are four specific reasons why you should consider an alternative clog-clearing strategy.

1. Warped Plastic

Typically, chemical cleansers breakdown obstructions by producing heat. This reaction can warp plastic pipes, increasing the potential for leaks and subsequent water damage.

2. Corroded Metal

Drain cleaners can also wreak havoc on metal plumbing lines. If the pipe is completely blocked, chemicals may have little effect on the clog. As a result, the solution may sit inside the tube for an extended period, potentially resulting in detrimental corrosion.

3. Shifted Obstructions

Residue from fats, oils and grease can buildup over time and contribute to a clogged drain. Addressing this problem with chemicals can create future issues. For example, instead of dissolving the obstruction, the solution may simply shift debris further down the line. This, in turn, can result in a significant blockage that may require professional attention.

4. Toxic Formula

In addition to potentially damaging pipes, drain cleaner can also present hazards to humans and wildlife. You may suffer chemical burns if the cleanser touches your skin. Fumes may also irritate your eyes and throat. The solution’s composition can also poison any animal that ingests it.

Performing a sewage cleaning and addressing a clogged drain can be unpleasant experiences for any homeowner in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin. Attempting to correct the problem with hazardous chemical solutions can cause additional problems that may eventually destroy components of your home's plumbing system. To help prevent accidental injuries and minimize the risks of leaks and significant water damage, you should employ non-caustic tools to clear obstructions.

Commercial Property Insurance and Fire Damage

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Most commercial insurance policies cover fire damage. These policies should also cover additional or secondary damage caused by water used to extinguish a fire or smoke. The following factors may impact the cost and limits of a business insurance policy.

The Type of Business

Businesses that use hazardous or flammable equipment may have higher insurance premiums. These operations may involve

• Alcohol
• Chemicals
• Cooking equipment
• Smoking
• Vehicles

The premiums for a bar, garage, or a conventional office building may vary widely based on the difference in fire risk levels. Business owners should make sure that a sufficient level of coverage is available for the potential costs of damage cleanup and restoration and liability.

Structural Components

A building made of combustible materials such as wood may pose a greater fire risk than a structure that is built out of fire-resistant materials. Owners should consider the risk of fire in the primary structure in addition to any additions or modifications. The degree to which building materials may succumb to fire and the distance of a business from the nearest fire station may drive up the cost of a commercial insurance policy.

Fire Safety Equipment

It is also crucial that a business be equipped with fire safety equipment. This may include

• Alarms and detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinklers

Some regional building codes require hardwired fire alarms. These systems should also have a battery backup in case of power failure. Battery-powered smoke detectors should also be regularly tested and the batteries should be changed. Have fire suppression systems and equipment such as extinguishers periodically inspected to ensure that critical components will function in the event of a fire.

All of these factors may impact the costs of commercial insurance coverage for a business located in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin. A business owner may want to compare commercial policies to find the right level of coverage for fire damage.

For Immediate Service in Maple Grove/Corcoran/Brooklyn Park/Champlin, Call SERVPRO

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 763-498-6500

Residential Storm Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Storm Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Maple Grove commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Water Leaks Can Cost You Thousands

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

The Most Common Sources of Leakage or Breakage

Most likely, as a business owner in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin you're always looking for ways to save money and increase the bottom line. Sometimes, costs are hidden in ways that you haven't even thought about. For instance, did you know that a water leak or a hidden pipe break could be costing you thousands of dollars a year? Take a look below at the most common sources of leakage or breakage to make sure this doesn't happen to you.

1. Toilet Leaks

One leaking toilet can waste up to 73,000 gallons of water in a year. That translates to a lot of money! If you have several toilets in your office space, you could have an even bigger money drain. This can easily be avoided by replacing worn-out gaskets and flanges.

2. Faucets

A small drip from a leaky faucet could cause you to lose up to 20 gallons a day. Multiply this by the number of taps in your building, and you could be looking at a great deal of wasted money. In many cases, just changing out a washer can stop the water leak.

3. Exterior Spigots

A leaking spigot is a potential source of leaks that's easy to forget. A spigot that's leaking can not only waste money, but could cause damage to the building's foundation.

4. Leaky Water Heaters

It's possible for a water heater to leak for months without anyone noticing. In addition to simply wasting water, this kind of leak could cause damage to floors and walls, as well as water damage from mold or mildew.

5. Broken Pipes

A broken pipe is a problem that's not always easy to detect. It's a good idea to have a water mitigation professional check your building once a year to look for hidden problems like this.

A water leak can cost you lots of money if left unchecked. But by following the tips outlined above, you can prevent damage and water loss before it happens.