Why Commercial Plumbing Inspection is Important

2/6/2024 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO® explain the importance of regular plumbing inspections for commercial buildings to prevent costly repairs and disruptions.

When it comes to maintaining a well-functioning and efficient commercial building, plumbing often takes a backseat. However, neglecting plumbing systems can lead to costly repairs, disruptions in business operations, and potential health hazards. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of regular plumbing inspections for commercial buildings.

Why Regular Plumbing Inspections are Important

There are several advantages you can gain from having your building’s plumbing inspected on a regular basis:

• Identifies hidden issues – Commercial buildings have very complex plumbing networks running behind walls and hidden in the ceilings. A qualified inspector will be able to find any hidden leaks, pipe corrosion, or other signs that, if left unattended, can result in extensive damage in the future.
• Avoids disruptions in business operations – Routine assessments can help you to keep your business running smoothly. Plumbing emergencies like a burst pipe or a clogged drain can shut your business down until the matters are resolved.
• Improved customer experience – A poorly maintained or older plumbing system can lead to water damage as well as poor water flow, backups, and other inconveniences that reflect poorly on your business.
• Water savings - A slow leak in your building’s plumbing system can be hidden in the walls or floors for some time before being noticed. This can sometimes cause a significant increase in water consumption. Regular inspections will preserve water and reduce your water bills.
• Mitigating health hazards – Poor plumbing systems can pose serious health risks in commercial buildings. Undetected leaks or water damage can lead to mold growth which can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems for the building’s occupants.

Summary                                                                                                    

Regular plumbing inspections are vital for commercial buildings. They safeguard businesses from costly repairs, disruptions, and health hazards. Regular plumbing inspections not only help in identifying leaks, but also enable professionals to assess the overall indoor air quality.  By scheduling regular inspections, you can stay ahead of plumbing issues, prevent unexpected emergencies, and ensure a smoothly running establishment that prioritizes the well-being of all occupants.

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra provides full-service water damage restoration services to help you recover from the damage, mitigate the ongoing effects, and get your business back up and running. For over 40 years, SERVPRO has been the leader in the disaster restoration industry. We maintain a staff of highly trained, IICRC Certified technicians who have the experience and know how to mitigate your losses quickly and effectively. We have teams that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be able to respond to any emergency. As part of a national network of over 2000 franchises with special disaster recovery teams, we have access to additional manpower and equipment. In the case of a community wide disaster, we have the capabilities to handle whatever comes our way.

For additional information about the services we offer, visit our website or call us at 904-246-6118.

Commercial Catastrophes

10/31/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra can assist in the Clean-up of Commercial Properties that have Incurred a Catastrophic Loss.

Bad things can happen to good people, and if your commercial property has suffered a catastrophic loss due to fire, storms, mold, or water damage, you need to repair the damage and get on with your business. The best way to handle that is to engage a professional loss restoration company.

Fire Damage

When a fire occurs, there’s damage from the flames, heat, smoke, and soot. In addition, your facility may have incurred significant damage from the water or other chemicals used by the firefighters to put out the fire. To clean up after a fire, you need a professional mediation company that will perform any or all of the following:

• Board up windows and doors
• Set up air filtration equipment
• Clean soot out of air ducts
• Remove damaged items
• Clean damaged items that are to be maintained
• Clean upholstery and carpet
• Deodorize to remove the smoky smell

Flood, Water, or Severe Storm Damage

When you experience a flood, other water damage, or a severe storm, any or all of the following services may need to be performed:

• Extraction of standing water
• Cleaning of damaged furnishings
• Decontamination of building contents
• Drying out all of the areas affected

Mold Remediation

When you have excess moisture in your facility due to flooding, rain, plumbing problems, or any other source, mold can begin to develop. If this happens, it needs to be dealt with promptly to protect your building, your equipment, and your people. The process of removing dangerous mold includes the following:

• Assessment of the severity of the problem
• Set up of air filtration equipment
• Treatment and removal of the mold from affected areas
• Cleaning the mold from air ducts, HVAC systems, and electronics
• Monitor moisture levels to discourage any further mold growth

Who to Call

If your business has suffered any of these calamities, SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra can help you recover from the damage, mitigate the ongoing effects, and get your business back up and running. For over 40 years, SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra has been the leader in the disaster restoration industry. We maintain a staff of highly trained, IICRC Certified technicians who have the experience and know-how to mitigate your losses quickly and effectively. We have teams that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be able to respond to your emergency. As part of a national network of over 2000 franchises with special disaster recovery teams, we have access to additional manpower and equipment. In the case of a community-wide disaster, we have the capabilities to handle whatever comes our way.

For additional information about the services we offer, visit our website or call us at 904-246-6118.

What to Save When Your Office Building Gets Flooded with Water

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your Northeast Florida business has experienced flooding, call the experts at SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra!

What to Save When Your Office Building Gets Flooded with Water

Flooding at your office building can be a devastating experience. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of damage that can occur in such a short period, but it’s important to stay focused and do what you can to save important materials. Here are some suggestions of what to prioritize. 

Power Down

Water and electricity can not only destroy valuable computers and data; it can electrocute you as well. If flooding is extensive, be extra careful. If you feel that you can safely reach the circuit board to shut down the power supply to your office, this should probably be your top priority. 

Computers

These days, many businesses have cloud backup for their digital documents to safeguard against events such as flooding or other misfortune such as fire, theft or electrical mishaps. Regardless of your backup capacity, those computers are valuable and can be ruined by exposure to water, so you may want to place them onto tables or shelves to keep them dry, or remove them from the building. 

Paper Documents

Many paper documents are high priority, and of course will be ruined by flooding, so move them to a safe place or remove them from the building. As a matter of protocol, it’s a good idea to routinely back these documents up by scanning them and uploading them to a cloud server, and to store them at least a few feet above the floor if it’s necessary to hold onto physical copies. 

Printers

Your printers may be one of the most expensive items in your office, so move them to safety if possible. Many commercial grade printers also store a copy of everything that’s been copied on them, so they can be a valuable data source after a disaster. Of course, it’s important that the power be off when you do this if you’re standing in water. They can also be extremely heavy, so get help. You don’t want to add a sprained back to your troubles. 

Get Professional Help

A professional water cleanup and restoration company has special tools, experience and methods to save as much of your office building, equipment and materials as possible, so call them as soon as you can. The quicker they can get to your business, the more they can save. 

If your Northeast Florida business has experienced flooding, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, or Ponte Vedra business and get everything back to preloss condition. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 246-6118.

Facts About Commercial Water Damage

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your business has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra to help restore everything back to normal.

Facts About Commercial Water Damage

If you’re a business owner, your building is likely your greatest asset, so water damage to your property can be disastrous. Not only will you have to deal with water damage restoration, but you’re likely to lose business while bringing the building back to a usable state. Let’s look at some facts that can help you prevent water damage or properly restore your property if damage has already occurred.

• Maintenance is often key to preventing water damage. Sometimes, water damage is caused by plumbing leaks or appliance malfunctions. Another major source of water damage is a leaking roof, which can happen even to a new roof if a storm strikes. Keeping up with repairs and maintenance can prevent little problems from becoming major issues. Having the building inspected regularly, performing preventative maintenance, and quickly handling any plumbing or roof repair can keep your property from requiring costly and extensive work.
• Insurance doesn’t always cover water damage. If it’s determined that the water intrusion is due to normal wear and tear or a maintenance issue, the insurance company will often reject the claim. Additionally, some other sources of water damage are not covered under a typical policy. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, for instance, you may need to purchase supplemental flood insurance. Whenever you discover water damage, contacting your insurance company should be among your first steps.
• All water is not the same, and neither is all water damage. Water contamination is categorized into three types: white, gray, or black water. For each of these types of water, there’s a certain protocol for safety and cleaning procedures. When you call in a professional water damage repair and restoration team, you can be confident that they know the correct process for whichever type of water is causing your problem. Further, the cleanup needs to be done by someone who understands how to get water out of different types of material. While hard surfaces are typically salvageable, many other materials, like ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, and carpet, will probably need to be discarded and replaced.
• Time is of the essence. The longer water sits, the more damage it can do. Moisture can not only damage the property you see, but it can also seep into unexpected places and cause problems like mold and structural issues. That’s why it’s crucial for water extraction to occur immediately, to rid your property of even the hidden water and moisture. This extraction, along with water damage restoration is typically best handled by professionals who know exactly what needs to be done to protect your property from further harm.

If your building has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach or Ponte Vedra area commercial property and get everything back to normal. We’ve served our community for more than 40 years, and we’re experts in water damage repair and restoration. Call (904) 246-6118.

Top Office Building Fire Risks

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Hopefully the above tips help you avoid ever needing us, but should you need help with restoration after a fire we'll be there to help!

Did you know that a structure fire occurs every 63 seconds in the United States? Are you doing everything you can to promote fire safety in the workplace? Here, we offer some helpful fire safety tips.

First, here’s a list of some common fire hazards you might encounter in the office:

• Flammable Materials: Paper and cardboard are common in just about every office. Unfortunately, they’re also extremely flammable. Keep these materials safely stored in an easy to access area away from the main office area. Get rid of unnecessary documents and trash to keep things from becoming cluttered.
• Combustible Materials: Safely storing combustible and flammable liquids and vapors is vital to the safety of your office building. A flammable liquid can burst into flames with a single spark, and vapors can cause an explosion, so be sure that your substances are contained securely. Flammable liquids must be completely sealed and kept in a dry, secure place.
• Dust and Debris: If your building isn’t well ventilated or properly clean, the dust and debris can create a fire hazard. If you use machinery that heats up, make sure it’s scrupulously clean. Grease and dust residue can result in a fire if you’re not careful.
• Overused Power Sockets: Extension cords should be used temporarily, if at all, and you should make a rule to plug in one item per socket. Overloaded power sockets can overheat and potentially start a fire.
• Unattended Electrical Equipment: Shut off and unplug electrical heaters and appliances when they’re not in use, and never leave things on overnight. Check for loose cables, broken plugs, or damaged electrical cords, and keep areas around electrical devices clear of paper.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the primary causes of office fires, so designate a smoking area far away from the building, with ashtrays and bins for proper cigarette disposal.
• Negligence: Make sure everyone in the building cleans up messes, doesn’t leave food unattended in the toaster or on a burner, and understands why negligence is hazardous.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Obstructed exits, faulty safety equipment, and blocked sprinklers can lead to tragedy in case of emergency, so make sure everything is working as it should. Additionally, take the time to teach your staff to use fire extinguishers, what to do in case of an emergency, and where to go if there’s a fire. Having an emergency plan in place and staff members who know how to execute it can save lives.

If your property sustains fire damage, you don’t have to go it alone. If you’ve suffered through a fire in your Jacksonville Beaches area office building, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra for help with fire restoration. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Ponte Vedra property and get everything back to normal. A trusted leader in the fire damage restoration service industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40  years. Call (904) 246-6118 or contact us through our website.

Preventing Mold in the Office

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Help keep you & your employees safe by ensuring the proper steps are taken to avoid mold at all cost. Should you need remediation, we're here to help!

Mold growth is common, especially in Florida. Why? Mold spores are everywhere, and they grow when they hit a moist surface with organic material. Do you know how much organic material is in your office? Carpets, sheetrock, wallpaper, fabrics, paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, fiberglass insulation, wood, glue, and dirt are all organic. It’s no wonder, then, that many office buildings are plagued with mold. How can you keep it out of yours?

First, if it’s so common, is mold really a big deal? In a word, yes. Mold can cause health effects and decrease worker productivity. It can also cause damage to your property, if left to grow unchecked. The best way to handle mold is to prevent it from gaining a foothold in your building. There are several measures you can take to lessen the occurrence of mold growth.

• Fix any obvious sources of moisture. Roof and plumbing leaks can encourage mold growth, so repair those promptly and dry the area around them. You may need a specialist to help you get the water damage under control.
• Eliminate condensation. While air conditioners can be helpful in filtering out mold spores and reducing mold growth, they can also be a source of condensation if you’re not careful. Condensation happens when humid air hits a cool surface, so if you let outdoor air inside, it will condense on air conditioner surfaces. Keep doors closed, and don’t open windows when the air conditioner is running. If the AC ducts run through an attic or basement, try to keep the air moving so that mold isn’t able to grow.
• Leave the heat on if you’re closing the building for an extended period. People typically remember to drain the pipes to prevent them from freezing while the building is closed. It’s not as common to think about preventing mold growth while your office is not in use.
• Control the building’s relative humidity. The most direct way to make conditions less favorable for mold propagation in a commercial building is to reduce the room’s humidity. Keep the relative humidity below 50 percent, but avoid reducing it under 20 percent, because that can cause the drying up of respiratory passages, leading to severe discomfort.
• If you suspect a problem, have the building tested for mold. An air quality company or an Industrial Hygienist can come and do air sampling to determine the presence and species of mold in your building. Our SERVPRO franchises work with these professionals on a weekly basis and can recommend an Industrial Hygienist or Mold Inspector that not only has advanced degrees in Chemistry and Microbiology but is also a Florida State Licensed General Contractor.

If you do discover mold in your Northeast Florida office building, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra for help with mold remediation. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, or Ponte Vedra property and get everything back to normal. A trusted leader in the mold remediation industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 246-6118 or contact us through our website.

Electrical Fire Contributes to Business Losses and Interruption

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the drying equipment and expertise to mitigate smoke, soot, and other secondary damage associated with fire.

Electrical Fire Contributes to Business Losses and Interruption

The SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra's restoration team responded to a recent fire loss at a local medical laboratory. Our after-hours technicians arrived on-site in the middle of the night to extract the water left behind by JFRD and the fire suppression system, begin to secure the building by boarding up, and help the business owner make sense of the tragedy.

When you manage and own over 20,000 square feet of expensive and sensitive lab equipment, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start cleaning, mitigation, and then organizing what to do next. From the first steps of securing the structure with extraction and board-up, generator set up and supplemental power, desiccant dehumidifier operation, drying equipment, demolition, and itemized inventory, our team was able to manage all of these different aspects of the loss. 

Our SERVPRO technicians were able to inventory, clean, and process sensitive specialty medical equipment that was an integral part of this business' operations.

We managed the relationship between the different equipment leasing and insurance companies, the equipment engineering subcontractors, the Laboratory's insurance company, the building owner's insurance company, and the labor teams.

When your business or commercial property is affected by fire damage you shouldn't have to worry about hiring and managing all of these different companies and subcontractors. That's why you have insurance. As a business owner or manager, you are going to be overwhelmed by managing employees and relocating them, and letting clients know about possible losses or delays. If necessary, SERVPRO can even help you find temporary office space.

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra can handle any type and any scale of commercial fire damage remediation and cleaning, 904-246-6118.

How Much Water Damage Do Hurricanes Cause?

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

We're here to help restore your business or home to like-new no matter how extensive the storm damage! Call 904-246-6118 for help, 24/7.

For people who live in hurricane-prone areas, news of a hurricane can seem mundane. Especially if you’ve never personally experienced hurricane damage, you may think they are overhyped. In truth, though, hurricanes do a great deal of damage each year.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were 28 weather disasters between 2019 and 2020 that each caused more than $1 billion of damage. In fact, a 2019 report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected the annual economic losses from hurricane winds and flooding to be about $54 billion, with $34 billion of that damage happening to homes. Hurricane damage in Florida is not something to ignore, because Florida is hit by more hurricanes than any other state: 121 hurricanes, 37 of them major, since 1851.

Why is hurricane damage so serious? Hurricanes are extremely intense storms, bringing high-velocity winds, waves, tornadoes, and floodwaters. They are ranked in terms of severity on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most destructive. A Category 1 Hurricane has winds that range from 74 to 95 miles per hour and may cause only minor damage. By contrast, a Category 5 Hurricane can bring winds of up to 157 miles per hour, which can destroy the roof and walls of a house. A Category 5 Hurricane can also cause power outages and knock down trees. A hurricane does not have to be a Category 5 to cause major damage though, because damage from Categories 3 and 4 can be almost as extreme.

Flood damage is perhaps the most devastating aspect of a hurricane. Hurricanes cause flooding in different ways, as storm surge pushes seawater onto the shore and heavy rains drench even inland areas. Entire regions can end up flooded for days. When that region includes your home or business, water damage can be extensive. Because water weighs about 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, it can be brutal on structures not meant to take that kind of force.

Water can damage your home in several different ways. It can cause floor dampness. If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time you know that dampness inside your home is not going to dry out on its own. In fact, if your floor is soaked in a hurricane, you may end up having to tear up flooring, baseboards, and even your drywall. If you sustain a roof leak, you could end up needing mold remediation. What’s more, water damage from rising floodwaters is often polluted and can be dangerous. You will need professional help removing that water from your house or business.

If your Northeast Florida home or commercial property is damaged in a hurricane or tropical storm, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, or Ponte Vedra home to its pre-storm condition. A trusted leader in the water restoration industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 246-6118 or contact us through our website.

Dust, dust, dust. Gross, gross, gross.

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today to take care of the deep clean your home or commercial building need!

Dust, dust, dust. Gross, gross, gross.

Spring has sprung and with it a whole host of dust, dirt, soiling, and mayhem. Many home supply stores offer carpet and upholstery cleaners for rental. However, these machines aren’t frequently cleaned or sanitized, could harbor harmful bacteria, and typically don’t work well. 

Conventional methods of cleaning only scratch the service. It’s time to experience the difference that a SERVPRO clean can make in your life. Our highly trained professionals are well versed in all levels when it comes to soiling on carpets, drapes, and upholstery. 

Carpets act as a filter, trapping dust, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. All carpet manufacturers agree on actions you can take between carpet cleanings to increase the life span of your carpet. 79% of the soil in the carpet is dry soil. Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet.

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

• Regular vacuuming – as well as checking and changing the filter on your vacuum 
• Spot removal – this can include dropped food or drinks, or pet stains
• Using rugs to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet from the outside

“But it doesn’t look that bad.” 

The best advice is to clean carpets before they become totally saturated with soil. If you wait until carpets look dirty, the carpets may never be restored to their former appearance. Dirt builds up in layers, and when a carpet looks dirty you are only seeing the dirt at the tips of the fibers. More dirt is hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. When a carpet is saturated with dirt, the soil has penetrated crevices and has become firmly lodged.

Professional Cleaning

Our professional cleaning can address moderate and heavy soil conditions in your carpets. How often you’ll need professional cleaning depends on soil build-up, the amount of traffic you experience, and the type and color of carpeting. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months.

Offerings

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

In need of a good deep cleaning? Contact SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra today to get started, as nobody should live with dust, mold, and soil buildup. 

Commercial Mold Remediation

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra is here to help quickly resolve any mold damage when water damage has occurred

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra provides essential commercial mold remediation services and health conscious techniques.

Whether you operate a single facility or hundreds of commercial properties nationwide, commercial mold damage requires prompt action to reduce exposure to potential health effects and keep your business open and operating. Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information?

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure a faster recovery. The Beaches team utilizes technology designed specifically to provide you and your place of business with efficient remediation needed to ensure the health and safety of your staff and clients. 

What is mold? Why is it a concern in commercial properties? 

Per the EPA, “Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.”

Mold can spread quickly through your business if left untreated. SERVPRO can respond right away, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and restore everything back to its previous condition.

Mold can occur in many places. With even small leaks, moisture and water intrusions can lead to serious issues. Immediate and efficient mitigation is the only way to not lose hours of productivity and thousands of dollars in revenue and property damage. 

Why SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra?

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra is professionally trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.)

Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Our Process: 

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:

Step 1: Contact

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our specialist will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

SERVPRO will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

We use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO uses antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra today at 904-246-6118 for a quote on your commercial mold remediation project. 

Click HERE for a full list of our commercial services.

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Call us today for information about SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra's Emergency Ready Profile, 904-246-6118.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including; Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations, and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time and can save you a lot of time and money in the future.

The Science of Drying

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that there is a science behind the drying process?

Having the knowledge of physics metrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to run for the towels and grab a few fans. SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards. If your business suffers from water damage, our beaches SERVPRO Professionals will:

Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.

Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.

Speed up mother nature by using professional drying equipment. A wet building will always seek equilibrium and try to dry naturally. When materials are wet moisture will naturally move to drier air. The problem is nature takes too long and secondary damage like mold can occur while you are waiting for your professional building to dry. We use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven drying process to speed up the drying time in your business.

Four Benefits of Tile and Grout Cleaning in Your Ponte Vedra Business

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Tile Cleaning at The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Surf Club shop after Hurricane Matthew.

Running any business can be a very demanding job. Sometimes owners get so caught up in the day-to-day running of the business that they forget about some other very important things, such as a spectacularly clean floor. There are huge benefits to having your tile and ground cleaned. If you have never experienced professional tile and grout cleaning, then you are in for a treat.

Benefit #1: The largest benefit to investing in this service, is that it will change the look of your whole business.

Benefit #2: The floor will look brand new, and your customers will take notice. 

Benefit #3: When tile and grout is clean, it changes the whole atmosphere of your business.

Benefit #4: When you properly clean your tile and grout you show your employees, and customers, how much you care about their safety and health because clean floors means that you properly removed the dirt and buildup from them and made your overall building much healthier. 

The floors will be cleaned, and then the grout would be sealed so that the dirt doesn't easily creep back into the grout. It is well worth the investment. Having your floors cleaned is an investment that will pay out over, and over again.

With proper maintenance, your floors will never get back to the dull, dirty look that they had before the cleaning. With the noticeable change of your tile and grout, the confidence in the way you do business may change forever. Your confidence is not the only thing that will increase, your customer’s confidence will increase also.

For more information on having your tile, and grout professionally cleaned, please contact us. We would be delighted to help you give your business a new look that you, and your customers will feel great about.

For more expert tips and information about our cleaning services, visit Our Website, or like us on Facebook. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Call us at 904-246-6118.

Getting Your Building Back to Normal After a Disaster

5/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra recently helped an assisted living facility in Jacksonville that was affected by water damage.

Getting back to normal after your commercial building has flooded is challenging. Juggling the drying process while trying to not upset tenants or residents comes with its own share of problems.

Commercial water damage restoration not only restores a building, it restores jobs and income to the people employed at the business, the products or services they give to their customers. It also restores the healthy environment for everyone who utilizes the structure. If it’s not done right, or on time, the result can the closing of the facility, business relocation, and severe impact to an organization’s bottom line.

The scope of water damage in commercial settings is frequently wider and more extreme than in a residential scenario, water damage remediation specialists with experience specific to commercial buildings are positioned to provide effective emergency service when the need arises.

Here’s a typical protocol utilized in commercial water damage restoration:

• All areas contacted with water are inventoried, including affected building materials and furniture. Any wet carpet must be located and identified.
• Wet ceiling tiles may be removed and discarded after the event. Ceiling tiles usually are not salvageable.
• A moisture meter should be utilized to check for water-damaged drywall. Disinfection and mold control techniques may need to be initiated.
• Wet electrical components are assumed to be hazardous. A qualified maintenance technician or electrician should cut off power to affected areas. Inspection by a building inspector or electrician is required to determine the need to replace wet wiring, circuit breakers, outlets and light fixtures.
• Upholstered furniture wet by flood water, roof leaks, or sewage should be discarded. Furniture contacted by drinking water can be air-dried if done within 24 hours. Laminate or hardwood furniture can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution and reused; particle board furniture may be discarded.
• Carpet contaminated by sewage must be disposed. Carpet wet by drinking water or rain water through roof leaks may have water extracted and then be sterilized.

Tile and Grout Cleaning for Your Ponte Vedra Business

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technician spins the tile floor at this Ponte Vedra beachfront resort surf shop.

Running any business can be a very demanding job. Sometimes owners get so caught up in the day-to-day running of the business that they forget about some other very important things, such as a spectacularly clean floor. There are huge benefits to having your tile and ground cleaned. If you have never experienced professional tile and grout cleaning, then you are in for a treat.

Benefit #1: The largest benefit to investing in this service, is that it will change the look of your whole business.

Benefit #2: Your customers will take notice. 

Benefit #3: When you properly clean your tile and grout you show your employees, and customers, how much you care about their safety and health because clean floors means that you properly removed the dirt and buildup from them and made your overall building much healthier. 

The floors will be cleaned, and then the grout would be sealed so that the dirt doesn't easily creep back into the grout. It is well worth the investment. Having your floors cleaned is an investment that will pay out over, and over again.

With proper maintenance, your floors will never get back to the dull, dirty look that they had before the cleaning. With the noticeable change of your tile and grout, the confidence in the way you do business may change forever. Your confidence is not the only thing that will increase, your customer’s confidence will increase also.

For more information on having your tile, and grout professionally cleaned, please contact us. We would be delighted to help you give your business a new look that you, and your customers will feel great about.

For more expert tips and information about our cleaning services, visit SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra or like us on Facebook. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 904-246-6118. 

The Dangers of Water Intrusion in Your Commercial Building

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra dries out a commercial space after fire suppression system malfunctioned.

Water intrusion may be more severe in commercial buildings than in a residential setting, and the effects more extensive. Many commercial structures have a larger volume water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines and at a higher water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is greater than a typical residence, as well. Commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage than a home, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls or windows are greater in number, as well.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers, and also building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators and security tech equipment and server rooms. Common long-term consequences of water damage like the growth of toxic mold and microbial growth may be even more problematic than in a home due to the larger occupancy of a business, or other commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health impacts may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated and a clearance test is performed.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

• Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
• Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water. Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a biohazard and require evacuation of the premises.
• Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snow melt or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

For professional remediation of water intrusion in commercial buildings and its secondary damages such as mold growth, contact SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra at 904-246-6118.

Dry Me Out, the Science of Drying

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra has 'state-of-the-art' drying equipment to help reduce the affects of secondary damage.

Getting the structure dry is our number one goal. After a flood and water damage occurs, getting dried out is a number one priority to minimize dangerous after effects and secondary damage. Did you know that there is a science behind the drying process?

Having the knowledge of physics metrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to run for the towels and grab a few fans, SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra Professionals are trained in the science of drying (Psychrometry) and follow strict industry approved standards. If your business suffers from water damage, our beaches SERVPRO Professionals will:

Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.

Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.

Speed up mother nature by using professional drying equipment. A wet building will always seek equilibrium, and try to dry naturally. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air. The problem is that nature takes too long, and secondary damage (like mold) can occur while you are waiting for your professional building to dry. We use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven drying process to speed up the drying time in your business.

Office Spring Cleaning Tips

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra to help with all your office cleaning needs, 904-246-6118.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Office, From Your Friends at SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra.

-Clean your work space. It doesn't take long for clutter to pile up. Begin spring cleaning by cleaning and decluttering your work space. Removing excess clutter with make the real cleaning easier.

-Organize your inbox. Is your inbox overloaded with old emails or junk mail? Organize emails by making folders with-in your inbox and discarding the emails you no longer need. Remove yourself and unsubscribe from email lists that you're no longer interested in.

-Start an archive. When you organize your workspace you may con across items you don't use daily, but still need to keep. By creating an archive you can keep these files while making your desktop clutter free.

-Deep clean your facility, including the floors. Over time, your floors bear the brunt of your daily business practices, making them dull and dingy. Call SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra to have your floors deep cleaned professionally, 904-246-6118.

-Hit the hidden areas. Get the dust bunny under the desk!

-Tackle the big projects first. 

-Yard Sale or Donation Time! Give items you don't use anymore to those in need or put them up for sale and see what you can get for them, or see if a coworker might need them.

Water Damage at Work

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

An East Jacksonville University experienced a flood water intrusion due to an irrigation system malfunction, bringing in mulch as well as water.

The last thing you need is a flood in your work place. Water intrusion may be more severe in commercial buildings than in a residential setting, and the effects more extensive. Many commercial structures have a larger volume water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines, and at a higher water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is greater than a typical residence, as well. Also, commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage than a home, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls or windows are commensurately greater in number.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers and building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators and security equipment. Common long-term consequences of water damage; like the growth of toxic mold, may be even more problematic than in a home due to the larger occupancy of a business or commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health impacts may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

• Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
• Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water.  Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a biohazard and require evacuation of the premises.
• Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snow melt or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

For professional remediation of water intrusion in commercial buildings and secondary damage such as mold growth, contact SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra at (904) 246-6118.

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Program

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Allow SERVPRO at Jacksonville's Beaches to Complete an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) on Your Business Today, 904-246-6118.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help insure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time, and can same you a lot of time and money in the future.

Post-Flood Contamination Risks and Serious Hazards

4/14/2018 (Permalink)

Proper Personal Protective Equipment is Required when Dealing with Contaminated Materials.

While damage to a building after a flood is a given, flood contamination risks often come as a surprise to occupants of a building affected by water inundation. There’s more to worry about than just wet carpets, so keep flood contamination risks in mind when contemplating the clean-up of a flooded building.

First, consult with a qualified water damage remediation expert before re-entering a flood-damaged building to make sure other, more lethal threats such as live electricity and potential structural collapse have been mitigated.

Sewage Contamination

Work under the assumption that any water you contact may be raw sewage or tainted by raw sewage.

• Wear protective clothing including, boots, gloves, eye protection and some sort of approved face mask to protect against respiratory illness.
• Wash your hands frequently while you’re in the home. Don’t eat or drink without thorough washing first.
• Don’t eat any food contacted by water during the flood. If you need water, use bottled water until the safety of the local drinking water has been verified.
• Clean and bandage any minor cuts or scrapes immediately before continuing any clean-up work.

Chemical Contamination

Industrial chemicals that overflow during a flood, pesticides picked up by flood waters and gasoline and oil are all common contaminants that pose a threat after flood waters recede. Local toxic waste disposal sites inundated by a flood may also release dangerous substances into the water.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves, boots, eyewear and respiratory protection.
• Be alert to any symptoms of exposure to toxic chemicals, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin rashes. Discontinue clean-up work and seek medical help immediately.

For a professional assessment of flood contamination risks and advice on how to protect yourself, contact the water damage experts at SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra – 904-246-6118.

Getting Back to Work: Commercial Water Damage Restoration

4/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra Crews Work Round the Clock to Get This Commercial Retail Space Dry After a Fire Suppression System Malfunctions.

Commercial water damage restoration not only restores a building. It restores jobs and income to the people employed there, products or services to customers, and a healthy environment for everyone who utilizes the structure. If it’s not done right, or on time, the ultimate result can be the closing of a facility, relocation elsewhere, and severe impact to a private business or public organization’s bottom line. Because the scope of water damage in commercial settings is frequently wider and more extreme than in a residential scenario, water damage remediation specialists with experience specific to commercial buildings are positioned to provide effective emergency service when the need arises.

Here’s a typical protocol utilized in commercial water damage restoration:

• All areas contacted with water are inventoried, including affected building materials and furniture. Any wet carpet must be located and identified.
• Wet ceiling tiles may be removed and discarded after the event. Ceiling tiles usually are not salvageable.
• A moisture meter should be utilized to check for water-damaged drywall. Disinfection and mold control techniques may need to be initiated.
• Wet electrical components are assumed to be hazardous. A qualified maintenance technician or electrician should cut off power to affected areas. Inspection by a building inspector or electrician is required to determine the need to replace wet wiring, circuit breakers, outlets and light fixtures.
• Upholstered furniture wet by flood water, roof leaks, or sewage should be discarded. Furniture contacted by drinking water can be air-dried if done within 24 hours. Laminate or hardwood furniture can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution and reused; particle board furniture may be discarded.
• Carpet contaminated by sewage must be disposed. Carpet wet by drinking water or rain water through roof leaks may have water extracted and then be sterilized.

For experienced commercial water damage restoration, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of The Beaches/Ponte Vedra at 904-246-6118.