Water Mitigation for Commercial Buildings with Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

9/30/2024 (Permalink)

Leaking water from ceiling tiles caused by roof damage, requiring professional water mitigation.

Water damage in commercial spaces can severely impact operations, especially when it involves acoustic ceiling tiles. These tiles, while great for sound insulation, are prone to water damage that can lead to discoloration, stains, and even leaking water. Whether caused by a roof leak, air conditioner leak, or pipe failure, addressing the issue immediately is essential to avoid escalating problems.

At SERVPRO of La Mirada / S Whittier, we provide specialized water mitigation services for commercial properties, ensuring minimal disruption. Often, the first signs of water damage appear as stains or discoloration on ceiling tiles. Acting quickly is critical to prevent mold growth and structural deterioration. Our team is trained to identify the source of leaks, whether it's from your roofing, plumbing, or HVAC system, and we take immediate action to mitigate further damage.

For business owners, having a plan in place for water mitigation means that leaks are quickly contained, and affected areas are restored with minimal downtime. Using cutting-edge tools and techniques, SERVPRO of La Mirada / S Whittier manages everything from drying the space to replacing the damaged ceiling tiles.

Common Sources of Ceiling Tile Water Damage:

• Roof leaks from old or damaged roofing materials
• AC leaks caused by clogged condensate drains
• Pipe leaks resulting from burst or deteriorating pipes

If you notice ceiling tile discoloration, staining, or water dripping from above, call SERVPRO of La Mirada / S Whittier for expert water mitigation solutions. We’ll help restore your office or commercial building quickly and efficiently.

Our Commercial Property Experience by Paul Padilla, Operations Manager

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Hotel Fire Sprinkler Water Damage Remediation

Commercial properties make up a large majority of people's everyday lives, from malls and office buildings to warehouses and schools. Commercial buildings have the public moving in and out of the doors day in and day out. Whether it is a flood, fire or other disastrous event that can happen, it affects large amounts of people. Having the right team to keep everything running smoothly means everything to our successful remediation and re-build of a commercial property.

At SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier, our team of remediation and construction experts have many years of experience in the remediation and construction industries. We know what needs to be done and how to do it. We can help guide a client through the most challenging projects with confidence and knowledge. Our services range from performing emergency remediation services including water extraction, drying, demolition, sewage, mold, disinfection and fire damage clean up to board ups, temporary power, temporary fencing and full reconstruction services.

We have resources and expertise to set up temporary power and can keep an office running throughout the process. We can also pack out  and store items from offices, buildings, schools, stores and other commercial properties when necessary. At SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier we can remediate and restore any type or size of loss including water, flood, storm, fire, wind, mold, fire, smoke, smokers, trauma or biohazard damage from start to finish. We are fully capable and have done the impossible time and time again. We have remediated hotels, retail stores, movie theaters, car dealer ships, churches, temples, summer camps and numerous warehouses and offices. We do jobs for numerous large companies including Ayres Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Radisson Inns, Edwards Cinemas, Fletcher Jones Mercedes, Yakult, Mathnasium, Penny Saver, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, the Allstate Corporate Office and more. We have also done work for the cities of Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and Diamond Bar. 

All of us at SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier are part of an honest, reliable company having proven ourselves over the last 18 years to be the "go to" company for Remediation and Construction throughout our region.

3 Ways To Keep Mold Away from Your Restaurant

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Keep food sealed in containers.

3 Ways To Keep Mold Away from Your Restaurant 

For restaurant owners in South Whittier, CA, one of the last things they want to see is mold growth in their facility. There are several ways to prevent this problem. Here are some of the steps many business owners take.

1. Use Proper Ventilation

The presence of high humidity in the kitchen can not only lead to food mold but other types of mold as well. This is why it’s important to keep humidity levels low. One way to do this is to make sure the property had enough ventilation to keep air circulating and reduce the buildup of water vapor in the air. Water vapor in the kitchen can come from a variety of places including boiling liquids or dishwashing.

2. Take Care of Leaks

Mold also likes to grow in areas where water has damaged the property. Water damages can come from leaky pipes, roof leaks, the buildup in poor ventilation, and even unattended spills. To prevent mold growth in these areas, it’s best to fix the problem as quickly as possible. A mold and water damage restoration professional may be able to help.

3. Remember Food Safety

The Department of Agriculture has released several food safety steps that may help prevent a food mold problem. These include having proper food storage areas with a humidity level under 40 percent, regularly cleaning refrigeration units, keeping food in sealed containers until ready for use, keeping all sponges and other cleaning tools fresh, and examining food items received by the restaurant to ensure they are up to your quality standards.

Using proper ventilation, fixing water damage quickly, and following food safety guidelines are all ways to prevent mold growth in a restaurant environment. If you think you may have a mold problem, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible so that the issue can be handled safely and quickly.

4 Critical Qualities a Fire Restoration Company Should Have

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Leffingwell, CA.

4 Critical Qualities a Fire Restoration Company Should Have

With over 100,000 commercial fires every year, it is important that your company in Leffingwell, CA, has a protection plan. These fires cause more than $2 billion in property damage. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your company from the worst cases of fire damage. One of the best ways to minimize damage is to seek out the services of a fire damage restoration company. When looking for a quality company, keep these traits in mind.

1. Local. A fire mitigation franchise that is nearby can arrive on the scene quickly, right after the fire trucks leave. This allows highly-trained workers to secure the area, take steps toward safety and prevent any additional damage. They can also begin the difficult task of smoke cleanup before the odors have penetrated surfaces.

2. Efficient. One of the problems with a commercial fire is that disrupts your business. An experienced team of fire technicians has the equipment and knowledge to get to work right away. An efficient fire damage restoration effort will allow your company to return to full operations more quickly.

3. Professional. You want the work done to your building to follow the highest industry standards for cleaning and restoration. A professional company will follow all applicable codes and regulations as well as the recommendations of leading organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

4. Comprehensive. It is critical that your building is completely restored and cleaned. If something is missed, it could come back to plague your building months later. For example, if water damage is not completely addressed, it could result in mold growth in the near future.
You owe it to your company to find a fire damage restoration company that knows its business and can handle both major and minor fire damage. This is a crucial component to protecting your company from the serious consequences of business fires.

Dealership Disaster

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

We made this job a priority because we knew how important it was to get your business back up and running as soon as possible.

A little bit ago, we had the opportunity to help out our local Mercedes Benz dealership in La Mirada with a big problem they were facing. What started out as just a small pipe leak, grew to be a massive flood throughout the entire building. Due to all this water, they had to temporarily close down and that is the last thing the business owner wanted to do.

They gave us an easy call and our SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier team rushed over to assess the situation. Our crew saw what needed to be done and made sure to bring the correct equipment to stop the water and clean up the already damaged areas.

We made this job a priority because we knew how important it was to get your business back up and running as soon as possible. In a couple of quick weeks, everything was back to normal and good to go. They were extremely happy with our work and said they would call us next time they had an issue!

Bakery Back to Normal

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

When the job was complete they were grateful for our work and happy they could be open for business once again.

We do not stop at just residential jobs, we love commercial ones too! If we are able to give back or help out or South Whittier community in some kind of way we will do it.

This local bakery was suffering from mold damage. To lots of people, mold can be scary and we may start to panic. You never have to worry when SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier is on the job! The owner called us as soon as she found the damaged area and we came right over. Our guys saw what needed to be done and came back the next day suited up with all the equipment. They took action right away and did their best to get rid of the mold and see how they can prevent it from happening further.

When the job was complete they were grateful for our work and happy they could be open for business once again.

Stop Mold Growth Inside Your Restaurant With These Tips

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

If your food has white or brown spots, or you detect a musty smell, it may have mold.

Steps To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Restaurant

Few things are a bigger threat to your Leffingwell, CA, restaurant than mold growth. This organism threatens the establishment's hygiene, the food's quality and your reputation. Many factors inside the building can lead to mold, from expired food to high humidity. While a visit from commercial mold restoration services can handle these situations, it is more effective to prevent them with the right steps.

Maintain Cleanliness
Mold thrives when there is sustenance like food residue and stains. Prevent mold from feeding on it by cleaning regularly. Dishes, silverware and appliances should be cleaned often, in addition to the countertops and other surfaces. If you have a walk-in fridge, have someone clean it at least once a month. Sweep and mop the floor as needed, especially small areas and corners, as food pieces that are stuck there can lead to mold.

Reduce Humidity
Cooking, cleaning and other restaurant activities can lead to the ideal humidity for mold growth. There are several ways you can reduce it, such as:

• Placing dehumidifiers in the bathrooms, kitchen, or other key areas
  
• Maintaining the building's ventilation system
  
• Observing areas where humidity is common and resolve the issue
  
• Treating water damage cases fast
  
  

Humidity is the most crucial ingredient in a mold situation. These measures will help you control it enough to slow down or stop its emergence.

Observe and Replace Food
Spoiled or improperly stored food and ingredients are the breeding grounds for mold invasions. When these items arrive at your business, inspect them carefully for expiration dates, proper sealing and adequate storage. Keep food at the appropriate temperature and maintain a steady use rotation to avoid expiration. If your food has white or brown spots, or you detect a musty smell, it may have mold. Discard it immediately and clean the area thoroughly.
The activities and components of your restaurant can potentially create mold growth. You and your staff should be cautious to prevent it from affecting your business.

Why You Need to Change Your Polybutylene Pipes

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Polybutylene pipes can be faulty.

Basic Facts About Polybutylene Pipes

If you have an older building and hear the plumber mention that you have "poly" pipes, it may be time to consider putting in new plumbing. This type of pipe tends to leak over time and cause terrible damage to businesses in South Whittier, CA. Read on to learn three basic facts about this type of plumbing and updating it.

1. All Polybutylene Pipes Can Be Faulty
Although many people believe that only the pipes with plastic fittings are faulty, this is not true. The ones with metal fittings can also fail. Although the plastic ones tend to fail more often, metal ones can also fail. This is because the fittings, polybutylene pipes, and plastic valves can all fail in this system. In other words, this type of plumbing is not a good option.

2. Replacement Is Not Expensive
Replacing these pipes is not going to be expensive. If using a repipe specialist, it can cost less than having vinyl windows installed. This is because a repipe specialist will provide you with a good price and quality workmanship. While you will have to pay to have your pipes replaced much sooner than you were hoping, it will save you money in the long run because you won't have to hire remediation professionals to fix the damage from a leak.

3. You May Be Able to Get Financial Help
Due to the poor quality of polybutylene pipes, a generous consumer settlement was established to help people who had this type of plumbing. If you have found this type of plumbing in your business, you may be eligible for free pipe installation. However, some limitations can prohibit you from being eligible, such as when the pipes were installed and where the leak is.
Pretty much any aspect of this type of piping system can break and lead to severe water damage in your business. In general, this does not cost a tremendous amount if you use a repipe specialist and can be free in some instances. To save yourself money in the long run, you should replace them as soon as possible.

Understanding Business Interruption Insurance

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Having a business interruption policy will make your rebuild less stressful.

When you own a business in Santa Fe Springs, CA, you have a lot to consider in protecting the life of your business. You probably have several insurance policies insuring you and your commercial building are protecting in the event of an accident, but are you protected in the case that you experience a major disaster and have to rebuild your business?
Many business owners don't consider what would happen if they experienced a business interruption for any period of time. This is why you need to understand business interruption insurance.

What Does Business Interruption Insurance Cover?

Individual policies will vary, so be sure you understand your coverage. Ultimately, your policy limits are decided by you. You at least want to be sure your limits can cover you for up to 30 days, which is standard. If there is significant damage, cleanup and restoration could take time.
While your closed business is in the process of rebuild, the coverage should help you with the following:

• Employee payroll
  
• Replace lost income based on your records
  
• Business loans
  
• Mortgage
  
• Tax payments
  
  

What Does Business Interruption Service Not Cover?
There will be some things that your business interruption policy doesn't cover, but the good news is most of those items will be covered by your commercial real estate policy.
The items business interruption insurance won't cover include:

• Flood, storm or earthquake damage
  
• Utilities, which you should be able to cover with your replaced lost income
  
• Pandemics
  
• Damage to your building and the items inside it
  
  

Your business interruption policy is customizable and there are many add-ons that can be purchased, including extra expense insurance and coverage and civil authority insurance.
The cost of your policy will be contingent on many factors, including your location and the risks associated with that location. Talk to your agent to find out what the right amount of coverage is for you. Having a business interruption policy will make your rebuild less stressful.

3 Things Landlords Should Know About Mold Claims

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent a mold lawsuit is to avoid mold damage in your building.

Ways To Protect Yourself From a Mold Claim

In recent years, landlords and property managers have faced an increasing number of lawsuits arising out of mold damage to property. As a result, property managers and landlords have filed more insurance claims related to mold damage. Property and general liability insurers have responded to these increased mold insurance claims by adding specific mold exclusions to their policy language. There are several things that wise property managers and owners should know to protect themselves from exposure to a mold claim.

1. Owner and Manager Obligations
Owners of residential rental property are required by law to keep maintain the property in a safe and livable condition. If they fail to do so, they may be liable to tenants for any resulting injuries or damages. The rules for commercial rental property are similar: While the commercial property doesn’t have to be livable, it must still be fit for its intended purpose. Courts hold property managers to the same standards as landlords, since managers act on the property owners’ behalf.

2. Common Insurance Exclusions
Many mold insurance claims are denied due to specific exclusion language in the policy. For general liability insurance, this exclusion is typically in the form of a “Fungi or Bacteria” rider that says the insurance policy will not cover any damage related to fungi, mold, or bacteria. These riders often exclude coverage for any damage where mold is involved, even if the initial damage was caused by a covered event. Furthermore, most insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for any mold-related expenses, including the cost of mold remediation.

3. Ways To Avoid Liability
Keeping up with property maintenance and avoiding mold damage in the first place is the best way to prevent a mold lawsuit. Owners and managers should also check their insurance policies carefully for exclusion language. There are specific insurance policies available that offer mold coverage.
Property managers and owners who face mold-related lawsuits and whose mold insurance claims are denied could end up paying for damages out of pocket. La Mirada, CA, landlords, and managers should be sure that they have the correct coverage before claims arise.