What should I look for in a fire restoration company

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is often overwhelming in its scope and severity, leaving you wondering how you will ever be able to get back on your feet again.

What Characteristics Should I Look For In A Fire Restoration Company?

We at SERVPRO of St. George know what it's like to lose a building due to fire. That's why we make sure our team is trained and equipped with the right tools to get the job done right the first time so you can get back to normal as soon as possible!

Why is there a need for fire restoration?

A fire can be a devastating event for any owner, and they may feel overwhelmed with the process of getting their home or business in St. George, UT, back to normal. Fire damage is often overwhelming in its scope and severity, leaving you wondering how you will ever be able to get back on your feet again. At times like these, it's good to know that there are professionals who specialize in dealing with such disasters who can help you during this difficult process.

What is so special about SERVPRO of St. George?

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your property has been damaged by fire, SERVPRO of St. George can help. We are certified fire damage restoration specialists and have years of experience restoring properties after they’ve been affected by fire. Our team knows how to handle everything from smoke and water damage to ash removal and much more. When it comes to restoring your home after a fire, we have the expertise that you need when looking for a trustworthy partner who understands exactly what needs to be done in order to get your space back into livable condition.

We understand that any type of structural damage can be stressful for homeowners—so let us take care of it! Call us today at (435) 656-9061 or inquire online so we can begin working on your property now!

When a building suffers a fire, we make sure the restoration is done right the first time.

When it comes to fire restoration, there are lots of things to consider. Whether your home or building has been damaged by a fire, water damage, or smoke damage we have the right equipment and training to do the job correctly. With our experience in this field, we know what to expect from a restoration project and how best to approach it. We also understand that every job is different and requires a unique solution tailored to the specific needs of each customer. For us, everything starts with attitude – an attitude that says, “No problem!”

As you can see, the fire restoration process is a long and complicated one. But SERVPRO of St. George will be there every step of the way to make sure that your home or business is restored properly and safely. We know it’s not easy being a homeowner or a small business owner, so we want to give you peace of mind when tragedy strikes. Our team is here to help get your life back on track as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have extensive experience in this field and want nothing more than for our customers to be happy with the work we do for them!

When Should Pipe Break Damage Mitigation Start?

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial cleanup restoration

Take The Following Mitigation Measures When A Pipe Breaks

Restoration professionals use the term “mitigation” to describe measures that limit the severity of damage. Bursting pipes can release hundreds or thousands of gallons of water into a commercial structure in Hurricane, UT. 

As Soon As a Break Is Evident
A building manager or owner should turn off the main water supply to stem the flow out of a broken pipe pouring or spraying water. Once this step has been taken, it may be possible to pursue any of the following measures:

• Collect water flow in containers
• Mop up standing water
• Extract water with a wet vacuum
  
  

Reducing the amount of water from bursting pipes that sinks into building materials and contents may limit the severity of damage. In general, clean water only requires timely extraction and drying.

Once the Flow Stops
Shutting off the water supply and gathering up water are both stopgaps. Once a licensed plumber arrives to fix broken pipe and restoration professionals assess and document damage, a building owner can have water pumped out and get the drying process underway within hours.

Over the Next 24 Hours
The primary goals of a property owner during the day after water damage occur involve removing standing water and drying any portion of a structure exposed to water damage. Restoration experts can recommend the best way to dry out a building with fans, industrial air movers, or dehumidifiers.
Bursting pipes are a common cause of property insurance claims. Water damage may cost as much as $10,000 to fix, depending on contamination level and whether building materials have been ruined and require replacement. Maintaining plumbing and arranging for timely mitigation of water damage are the best ways to keep water damage cleanup costs low at a commercial building in Hurricane, UT.

Steps to Take After a Commercial Fire

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

We are trained in fire damage restoration. Our team knows exactly how to cleanup soot, smoke odor and debris while restoring your property. Call us!

After A Commercial Fire, What Should You Do?

If there is a fire at your business in La Verkin, UT, you may be wondering what you should do. Although you should leave most of the work to fire restoration professionals, there are some things you can do right away to prevent future damage and protect your space.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

If you have fire insurance, one of your first steps should be to call the insurance company and tell them about the fire. This will help get the ball rolling for filing a claim, and the company can guide you as to what you need to do to help with compensation.

2. Call a Professional Fire Restoration Company

The damage from a fire is usually extensive, and a fire restoration company knows exactly what to do to minimize damage, clean up debris and begin the restoration process such as smoke cleaning and replacing structural components.

3. Document the Damage

In order to get fair compensation from the insurance company, you need to document your losses. Take pictures of the damage but do not touch any of the damaged items. Make sure you keep receipts of any purchases related to clean up, repairs and restoration and keep track of estimated loss of business income as a result of the fire.

4. Board Up the Exterior

Unfortunately, some people use other's misfortune for their gain. If the fire caused damage to exterior structures, this makes it easier for thieves and vandals to enter. Make sure you board up doors, windows and the roof. You may also want to hire private security to patrol the building until the restoration process is complete.

It can be confusing after a fire. However, the sooner you take steps to protect your business, the less overall damage will occur. Hire fire restoration services right away and protect your business the best ways possible.

A Fire Also Means Dealing With Water Damage

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage From A Fire

A fire in your Ivins, UT, business means much more than just dealing with fire damage. Considering that a typical fire hose is capable of releasing 500 gallons of water per minute, even a small fire means a business is being drenched by thousands of gallons of water.

Water Damage After a Fire

Once the flames are extinguished, the cleanup process will require addressing damage from both the fire and water. A thorough inspection of the damage will be needed. Typically, a business may expect to have to address the following areas:

• Mold: When there is water, there is an increased risk of mold growth. Mold starts forming within 24 hours.
  
• Wood: From floors to furniture, wood quickly absorbs moisture. Any signs of buckling and warping indicate a replacement will be needed.
  
• Drywall: It is likely that the walls took the brunt of the water, which means replacing drywall. While some may be salvageable, it may also be a prime location for mold to grow.
  
• Electronics: Soot, smoke and water have negative effects on electronics. Depending on the damage, these items will likely need to be replaced.

Get Expert Help

After a fire, the situation may easily seem chaotic. Luckily, a professional fire damage restoration will have the expertise to address both types of damage. A certified service provider will have highly trained professionals and specialized equipment to eradicate mold growth, repair damage from the fire and water and get your property back up and running quickly. Along with the peace of mind of having a one-stop shop, established mediation companies also are well-versed in the insurance world and work to help ensure the claim process goes smoothly.

Dealing with the aftermath of a business fire doesn't just involve fire damage. It also comes with water issues. Getting professional help for the cleanup makes it easier and faster to get back on track and have both issues resolved.

5 Types of Leaks That Are Causing Your Water Bill To Spike

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

5 Types Of Leaks That Are Increasing Your Water Bill

You've noticed that your water bill, which is usually pretty stable, has suddenly spiked and keeps climbing. You haven’t hired a ton of new employees, and you haven't done anything different with the irrigation schedule, so what gives? Here are five ways a water leak could be causing a spike in your water bill.

1. Outdated Fixtures

If you bought an older building and didn't replace the toilets or faucets, one of these could be the problem. Older fixtures are less efficient and usually mean older pipes, so a sudden climb in your water bill could mean that the pipes are blocked or that there is a water leak.

2. Problematic Irrigation

An irrigation system is a time-saver, but it can be costly when it breaks. Check for a pipe break or a faucet head that is cracked. If your system is buried, look for unusually soggy patches of ground.

3. Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water and drive your bill sky high. It's easy to check to see if a toilet is running and is often a pretty easy fix. However, if you have a running toilet that is outdated and the hardware store fix didn't make a difference, you may benefit from calling a water damage specialist to investigate whether a pipe break or a leak is contributing to the problem.

4. Leaky Faucets

Similar to running toilets, a leaky faucet can cost you a lot of money. Even little drips add up and often continue to get worse until the actual faucet is fixed.

5. Cracked Lateral Line

The costliest possibility is that there is a cracked lateral line (the line that feeds water into your business). That means the water is leaking out before it gets to you. If you're suspicious that this is the problem, contact a professional for an assessment.

A water leak from a pipe, a running toilet, or a cracked irrigation line can drive up your water bills. When you have unexplained water costs, investigate promptly to save your business money and resources.

What Should Adjusters and Clients Look For In a Restoration Service?

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance agents and adjusters can access claim information and estimates online at any time through the SERVPRO Claims Information Center.

What Should Clients And Adjusters Look For In A Restoration Company?

When it comes to damage restoration, an insurance adjuster and client share many interests. Both want to have mitigation and restoration work done well at a reasonable cost. Insurance representatives and property owners should look for the following features when comparing restoration services in Ivins, UT.

Accurate Estimates

An estimate gives clients and insurers a clearer sense of the total amount of an insurance claim. This calculation should account for several aspects of a job:

• The type and extent of damage
  
• Necessary equipment and labor
  
• Mitigation and restoration costs

A company that provides both mitigation and restoration services may provide a more accurate initial estimate. An insurance adjuster is likely to prefer a single estimate that accounts for the entire process rather than two estimates from different companies that may or may not work together.

Ease of Access

Insurance agents and adjusters can access claim information and estimates online at any time through the SERVPRO Claims Information Center. This service provides a variety of information:

• Claim information
  
• Estimates
  
• Comparison data

Insurance representatives can sign on to review updated information about a job. This electronic claims service also enables insurers to compare national, regional, state, county or local data on claims, losses and jobs.

Industry-Leading Methods

Insurance representatives and clients can both appreciate a service that uses cutting-edge methods. Certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration indicates that a company adheres to established industry-wide best practices. This credential often means that a service can complete a job in less time and often with a lower claim.

An insurance adjuster is more likely to settle a claim based on an accurate estimate from a company capable of completing the job. The availability of claim information can make this process faster and more straightforward. An insurer or client can access all of these features through a SERVPRO location in Ivins, UT.

3 Reasons Insurers Trust Preferred Vendors

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

In order to obtain referrals for insurance claims, a SERVPRO franchise must meet internal corporate standards

Insurers Trust Preferred Vendors For Three Reasons

Insurance companies tend to work with mitigation and restoration services that have a track record of successfully completing jobs. An insurance agent will be more likely to approve a claim supported by an accurate estimate and easy access to important information. Here are three reasons why insurers trust Preferred Vendors.

1. Rigorous Operational Standards

In order to obtain referrals for insurance claims, a SERVPRO franchise must meet internal corporate standards. The Participation Agreement sets forth 21 guidelines for franchises. Locations in the vendor program must perform background checks, maintain insurance and meet other requirements necessary for achieving the highest service standards.

2. Accurate and Reasonable Estimates

Preferred Vendors also tend to provide more accurate estimates. Increased accuracy may be possible through pretesting or a careful on-site inspection. A franchise uploads information to an internal database. An insurance agent or adjuster can then sign onto an electronic claims service to access estimates and other information at any time. The accuracy and availability of this information sets the best mitigation and restoration firms apart.

3. Ability To Meet or Exceed Expectations

Leading vendors tend to have a history of successful jobs. Even if a franchise location is new, the owner and employees should have IICRC certification and training that enables them to effectively perform mitigation and restoration procedures. Agents and adjusters can assess the performance of any location with information available on the Claims Information Center. In addition to estimates and details on individual claims, this service also makes it easy to compare factors such as job file costs and response times.

All of these factors distinguish Preferred Vendors from other options in St. George, UT. An insurance agent or client should make sure that a local SERVPRO franchise participates in the vendor program. These credentials make it more likely than an insurance claim will be processed and settled in a timely manner.