Let SERVPRO help you get back on your feet and back in business !

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

There's never a convenient time for water damage to strike your commercial property. SERVPRO of Memorial West/ Bear Creek has certified technician that work to limit the chaos during the water mitigation process. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We work diligently to extract all water on site using latest equipment and advanced cleaning specifically geared for commercial water damage.

Our team will assess the property to ensure nothing gets left behind. After drying, the techs thoroughly sanitize the property with antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning agents, so it is safe for employees and customers. If  the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, give our team a call @ 281-463-9800 we have highly trained technicians waiting to get your property back in business quickly.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Fire Emergency?

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

The best time to plan your evacuation plan is now

A fire is one of the most unpredictable forces in nature, so knowing how to escape one if it should break out at your Houston, TX business can be key for reducing injuries to your employees and customers. Even if you have fire safety measures in place, such as ceiling sprinklers and fire extinguisher stations, a contingency plan can be as equally important when a blaze gets too big for you to handle alone. Asking yourself a few questions about your building’s layout and workforce can help you create an effective and viable escape plan.

Where Is Your Company Located?

The location of your business within a building can affect your evacuation plan, so this is a factor you will probably want to consider. Take a quick tour of your office space and note the specifics that might affect your planned route:

• The number of exits
• The floor your company occupies
• The condition of accessible stairwells

If you rent a building, ask your landlord to assist with creating the plan and whether you can modify any exits to make them safer during an evacuation.

Does the Plan Include Handicapped Routes?

Handicapped employees and customers can have difficulty reaching safety during an evacuation, so it is important to include special considerations for them in your contingency plan. Assign handicapped workers an evacuation partner to assist them in case of an emergency and create at least one route that is wheelchair accessible.

Are All Shifts Aware of the Plan?

If you have more than one shift working at your business, it is important that each understands the details of the evacuation strategy. Call in a fire damage and cleanup service to help you organize a company-wide information meeting on safety so you can perform drills and ensure all of your employees are prepared in case of fire.

Fires can break out without warning, even if your Houston, TX, business is normally at low risk for such an event. Having an effective contingency plan in place helps to protect your employees and customers while offering you peace of mind as a business owner.

Commercial Fires and Water Damage

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Fires and Water Damage

After a fire at your The Woodlands, TX, business, there's liable to be a significant amount of water damage in addition to the fire damage. It's likely that automatic sprinklers have gone off, and that at least one fire hose was used to extinguish the flames. There may be saturated drywall and carpeting, which can lead to a mold problem if not addressed promptly.

This situation requires the skills of a professional restoration company. They can take care of the damage by:

• Making a thorough inspection
• Extracting the water
• Drying and dehumidifying
• Disinfecting and cleaning
• Repairing damage and completing restoration
  
  

Damage Inspection and Assessment

The restoration company first makes a careful inspection, assessing the water and fire damage and looking for any possible hidden problems, such as water behind walls. From their assessment they can determine which specialized equipment and techniques are best suited to the task.

Water Removal

As quickly as possible, the technicians begin the process of water extraction. This minimizes the chance of more damage from secondary sources such as mold. Any excess water is removed, using heavy-duty pumps and vacuums.

Drying and Dehumidification

At this point, the restoration team focuses on removing any moisture or humidity that remains. This is done through the use of professional-strength dehumidifiers and air movers.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

After everything is thoroughly dried, the remaining items and surfaces are treated to remove any threat from microbes or mold, using a variety of specialized methods. Any lingering odors are dealt with by using air scrubbers and foggers.

Damage Repair and Restoration

As soon as all moisture has been completely extracted and any threat from pathogens has been eliminated, the repair and restoration work can start. Depending on the extent of the damage, this might involve simple tasks like replacing carpets and painting, or more complex work like rebuilding entire rooms.

If you've had fire damage at your business, you're most likely going to have to deal with water damage as well. Hiring a restoration company can ensure that both problems are dealt with quickly, safely and efficiently.

Proper Drying of Any Structure

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Proper Drying of Any Structure

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear Creek Water Restoration Services.

SERVPRO of Bear Creek is dedicated to providing the community with safe and accurate restoration and mitigation services. Our goal is to dry any structure within 3 - 5 days of the first notice of loss.

Proper drying protocols are determined by IICRC the leading national council on restorative cleaning processes.  According to IICRC the best way to prevent mold is to properly dry out both the structure and contents within 48 to 72 hours after a water damage. 

Our process includes three distinct steps:

• Mitigation - mitigation helps to reduce the cost of the loss and prevents moisture from spreading to additional areas of the structure.  Mitigation services include immediate water extraction of standing water on the surface of the structure floors.  This process also includes stabilization of the environment with the introduction of drying equipment.
  
• Remediation - remediation includes the advanced drying of the structure and content within the structure.  Content can include furniture, fixtures and personal belongings.  Air saturated with water will not allow materials to dry.  To properly dry both the structure and content we introduce the tag-team of drying equipment which includes dehumidifiers and air movers.  During the remediation process building materials may be removed based on the desecration of the Production Manager on site and the insurance adjuster if the claim is being filed under an insurance carrier.  Building materials that are most often removed include; drywall, insulation, flooring and in many cases ceiling tiles.

• Reconstruction - the final step of the process and to make your loss, "Like it never even happened." is to replace any building materials that have been removed.  Our in-house construction team can replace any building materials to help make the situation good as new or good as your property was before the water loss happened.

In total the remediation process is a simple, yet important, process in dealing with any water loss.  If you are unsure if your property is in need of restoration or if you think you may be able to handle it contact SERVPRO of Bear Creek at 281-463-9800 to get our professional opinion on your situation and if remediation services are appropriate for your instance.

Levels of Commercial Damage

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our SERVPRO of Bear Creek team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

24 Hour Remediation Services

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF BEAR CREEK IS READY TO ANSWER THE CALL 24/7

On the call 24/7:

            As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent loses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Bear Creek! 

Things to know about Lead Paint

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

During early 1978 EPA (Environment protection agency) required most industries to stop the use of lead paint because of the hazards it caused. And being that this paint had been used on surfaces built before 1978, we as a SERVPRO are required to test surfaces before that time period to clarify if the surface has lead in it. Here are some tips on what you can do to protect your family from lead in Pre-1978 property. 

• Keep young kids from chewing any parts of the wall as it could be poisonous.
• Any pieces of paint or drywall that becomes detached to the wall, clean and remove it immediately.
• Remove any shoes before entering the property as it could bring in more lead.
• Wash children's toys, hands and bottles frequently

If you don't know if your property has lead paint, notify your landlord before deciding to chip paint or drywall. Our professionally trained technicians are also trained to deal with lead paint. SERVPRO of Bear Creek will assist you in whatever disaster comes your way.

Carpet Delamination

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

In this blog we will cover what delamination is and how it affects carpet.

Carpet delamination is a condition where the secondary backing of the carpet is detached from the primary backing. If this were to happen to your carpets during a water loss situation, we are required to remove any carpet affected by the water as the carpet has become irreparable and once we have removed the damaged carpet we would place the appropriate drying equipment down to remove any remaining moisture in the area.

With SERVPRO being a preferred vendor of multiple insurance agencies, we have the experience and knowledge needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800 if your carpet has been affected by water damage.

Prevent the Spread of the Flu Virus in Your Business

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Businesses (and homes) can depend on SERVPRO of Bear Creek to clean and sanitize building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

The Professionals at SERVPRO of Bear Creek are also trained and equipped to clean your HVAC and duct systems to help provide better air quality and help reduce the risk of circulating harmful contaminants. If you have concerns about the cleanliness and sanitation of your place of business (or home), Call SERVPRO of Bear Creek today (281) 463-9800.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people may take action every day to stay healthy during flu season.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with relatives or friends that are sick.

For more helpful information regarding Flu Germs, contact the center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website https://www.cdc.gov/

Water Damage is Serious!

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Nobody ever thinks it can happen to them, but it can. 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, 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 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 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.

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 or local overflowing lakes, reservoirs or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. The humid outdoor air of Houston, Texas may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, attics and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

For professional remediation of water intrusion in commercial buildings and to prevent secondary damages such as mold growth, contact SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800

Restoring Commercial Property after Water Damage

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Bear Creek

SERVPRO of Bear Creek specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What Happens After Commercial Fire Damage

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be especially devastating to property and business owners. If your structure happens to survive the fire, there are a host of issues, including smoke damage, soot damage and many similar challenges. The process of fire damage restoration can be overwhelming to the average person. Most people never encounter a serious fire in their lives, so they simply do not have a guidebook on fire cleanup. What should you do when fire damage threatens your property or business? Reaching out to a restoration company is a great beginning step. While some might think cleaning fire and smoke damage would be a weekend do it yourself project, an experienced commercial fire damage company is more than necessary when you are faced with fire damage in your property or business. Safety First

After you make the call to a restoration company to handle your fire damage restoration, you should exercise extreme caution. Structural issues may exist and beyond that, the fire department may have cut holes in the property to fight the fire. As the property owner, you should tread carefully, avoiding the structure altogether until commercial fire damage repair is completed. Contacting your insurance company

To begin the process on the fire loss, start by contacting your insurance company. Your insurance provider will link you with a fire damage company that can provide professional assistance. They will also advise you on how to itemize the losses you have suffered. During the cleanup process, it will be important to keep track of every dollar you spend. As a business owner, this type of record keeping would be routine as you are already in the habit of keeping your accounting in order on a daily/weekly basis. Working closely with the authorities

Your local police department and fire department will play an important role whenever you have damage from a fire. The fire department may advise you to board up the structure until a commercial fire damage company has repaired the issues. You may learn that smoke damage and soot damage make the business unusable for a short time. Beyond that, your utilities may need to be shut off until this process is completed. Your local fire department can provide advice on when the smoke smell will clear and what steps you should take next. It's important to let your local police department know if you are going to board up your property and leave in the wake of a fire. This will give the authorities a chance to keep an eye on your business or property after you have chosen to board up and before the restoration company begins its work. Abandoned properties are popular among vagrants, so you will want the extra eyes to keep your property safe. Working with a fire damage restoration company

The fire damage restoration process will be much easier when you enlist professionals to do the job. Getting the smoke damage and soot out of the structure can require professional equipment and expertise. When there's a fire in the home or a fire in your business, good companies will work tirelessly to get you back in business if at all possible.

Lead Paint Safety

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

During early 1978 EPA (Environment protection agency) required most industries to stop the use of lead paint because of the hazards it caused. And being that this paint had been used on surfaces built before 1978, we as a SERVPRO are required to test surfaces before that time period to clarify if the surface has lead in it. Here are some tips on what you can do to protect your family from lead in Pre-1978 property. 

• Keep young kids from chewing any parts of the wall as it could be poisonous.
• Any pieces of paint or drywall that becomes detached to the wall, clean and remove it immediately.
• Remove any shoes before entering the property as it could bring in more lead.
• Wash children's toys, hands and bottles frequently

If you don't know if your property has lead paint, notify your landlord before deciding to chip paint or drywall. SERVPRO will assist in any water loss, if your property has water damage SERVPRO of Bear Creek is trained to deal with lead paint.

Cleaning Products

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

In the wake of a disaster, a multitude of stains and odors can be left behind and cause insult to injury. Here are some facts of stains and odors and what products SERVPRO uses to clean them.

On surfaces that have been painted or surfaces that are washable that were affected by smoke or fire, the general product we would use is called "Wall and all surface cleaner". This product has a pH of twelve to thirteen and is effective with general cleaning.

On stains caused from heavy grease the product we would use "Industrial cleaner". This product has a pH of twelve to fourteen and being that is has a fairly high pH we normally do not use it on things made up of aluminum, magnesium or enamel paint and we use this product while wearing gloves. 

24 Hour remediation services

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF BEAR CREEK IS READY TO ANSWER THE CALL 24/7

On the call 24/7:

            As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent loses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Bear Creek! 

Carpet delamination

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

In this blog we will cover what delamination is and how it affects carpet.

Carpet delamination is a condition where the secondary backing of the carpet is detached from the primary backing. If this were to happen to your carpets during a water loss situation, we are required to remove any carpet affected by the water as the carpet has become irreparable and once we have removed the damaged carpet we would place the appropriate drying equipment down to remove any remaining moisture in the area.

With SERVPRO being a preferred vendor of multiple insurance agencies, we have the experience and knowledge needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800 if your carpet has been affected by water damage.

Cleaning products part lll

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

This is the third continuation of the "Cleaning products" blog post.

"Stainless steel cleaner®"

This product does not have a pH and is used from a spray can to protect any stainless steel items from acidic residues or smoke residue from a fire disaster.

"Sporicidin®"

This product is normally used after the cleanup of water damage to prevent any growth of mold or residue. This product has a pH of seven to eight so this is a very neutral product. 

"Concrobium® broad spectrum disinfectant"

This product is used if there is a need for a general clean or deodorization. in this product, there is no harmful or flammable solvents in this solution which makes it useful for most general cleaning situations. 

If your commercial property has any sort of disaster, SERVPRO of Bear Creek is prepared for any situation. 

Cleaning products cont.

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

This blog post is a continuation

For situations with general cleaning and degreasing "SERVPRO Green" is usually the product we will use for a situation for this. with a pH of eleven to thirteen we use this in a "Spray-n-Wipe" situations for lights cleaning

If certain accidents happen or stains from accidents occur we would use "Urine odor and stain remover". With a pH of six to nine and a pleasant citrus scent this product is fast acting and works on any type of organic stain. But avoid breathing any mist sprayed in the air.

For stains or odors on hard tile floors we would normally use the product "Bright-N-neutral cleaner" to mop up and stain on tile floors. With a pH of six to eight we normally use this with a mop to clean surfaces.