General Tips to Protect Your Commercial Business Property

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your commercial business property from natural disaster damage.

If you find yourself in the tricky situation of cleaning up commercial water damage, follow these simple guidelines. By using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the area and stop mold and bacteria growth, you’ll be able to speed up the cleanup process considerably.

The components of a commercial building envelope are as varied as its occupants and uses. Brick and glass, bitumen and composite panels, marble and stone, all can be used. And all respond differently to the forces of wind, rain, snow, and ice. Ideally, the envelope ensures that the weather stays on the outside, where it belongs, and that the people and property inside are protected. One of the best ways to minimize a building’s risk of water damage is to develop, maintain, and follow a systematic operations and maintenance inspection routine that includes all elements of the building envelope.

Make periodic inspections of your commercial property. Inspect your property and make any necessary repairs to ensure that it can resist an unexpected event. Ensure that signs, awnings, equipment on the roof, and other accessories on the exterior of your property are firmly attached to the structure. Keep drains, rain gutters, and roof areas clean. Prune any trees that might cause damage to the structure or to electric cables.

Prepare the property when an emergency is imminent. Remove antennas, signs, awnings, and any other accessory that is not firmly attached to the structure. Cover windows and doors with storm shutters or sheets of plywood. Check door and window frames to ensure that they are tight and well installed. Take objects indoors that may be picked up by the force of the wind and become projectiles. Raise elevators to the top floor and turn off the system. Be sure that the machine room is well protected from water leaks or other types of damage. Water tanks should be fully filled, and their covers should be sealed. Protect electrical equipment from water; cover equipment with plastic sheeting and raise it off the floor.

Outside your business space, you should trim trees and remove exterior debris that might become a hazard during strong winds. Have a professional logging team remove dangerous trees and anchor outdoor items such as benches to the ground. If you’re located in a flood zone, consider installing flood gates to prevent water from coming into the business space.

Protect your commercial business property from theft.

Protect your business’s documents. Keep duplicate files of your business’s and your customers’ records. Keep copies on a server, in the cloud, or in a physical location that you can access from other locations in case your property is destroyed or inaccessible. Some of the documents you should protect are financial information; employee, customer, and supplier databases; municipal, state, and federal licenses and certifications; tax receipts; and insurance policies.

Good lighting - Lighting can be an effective deterrent against crime, both inside your business and outside the building . Make sure the light fixtures are in good working order. Use light cages to prevent bulb breakage. Replace burned-out bulbs as quickly as possible.

One final area of protection are your windows. Perforated vinyl graphics – usually available from your local signage provider – can provide added privacy to your windows, preventing criminals from easily seeing the contents inside, but still allowing daylight in for the occupants. Windows can also be covered in burglar-resistant glazing for reinforced security.

What goes into a commercial property damage insurance claim?

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

A property damage claim is a request for compensation for property damage caused by a collision or other event. The most common property damage claim is when someone files a claim with an at-fault driver’s insurer after a car accident. But if a driver causes an accident or otherwise suffers vehicle damage, they would file a property damage claim with their own collision or comprehensive insurance.

While commercial property owners may know the ins and outs of their business, that doesn’t mean they know everything about their insurance policies. This is often due to insurance policy language being heavily nuanced and containing various provisions and exclusions that may be unknown to the policyholder. A lack of policy knowledge can be a major issue when filing a property damage claim.

 Once the damage has been well documented, property owners should file an insurance claim with the insurer. Once the carrier receives the claim and reviews the documentation, it will send an adjuster to review and determine the extent of the damage. Their job is to assess your liability (if any) and what will be covered by the policy. You’ll likely need to complete a proof of loss form to provide them, as well as any other evidence that you collected. It’s important to not make permanent repairs to the property during this time so the adjuster can make an accurate assessment of the damage sustained. Repairing property damage before an adjuster assessment can lead to the claim being denied.

When a commercial property is damaged, resolving the issue and getting back to business are top priorities for business owners. However, the insurance claims process is often complex and can be difficult to navigate. Knowing the steps to take and what actions to avoid can help commercial property owners ensure they are successful in resolving a commercial property damage claim.

Tips to Revamp the Exterior of Your Commercial Business

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re thinking about upgrading your exterior, research what your current customers want. For instance, you could send out a survey and ask them about which improvements they’d like to see you make. You can also check out what your competitors are doing.

Exterior design provides the first impression of your business. Attention to detail and clean, thoughtful design sets an expectation for the consumer before even stepping through the door while also encouraging employees to show up and to be productive in a clean, work-friendly environment.

Exterior design encompasses both physical structures as well as personal and artistic designs such as paint color, roof shape and material, decks, patios, gardens, and more. Google, Facebook, and Tesla have designed lavish buildings and campuses for their employees by polling their employees first and then designing facilities to meet their needs, resulting in greater productivity and morale.

Your environment is an important factor when choosing exterior paint colors for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Vivid blues, bright corals, or pale pinks look great in a sunny coastal setting but may look out of place in a snowy, mountainous area. In areas with bright year-round sunshine, many property owners avoid dark or saturated colors which fade quickly and absorb heat, increasing cooling costs.

Ideally, an exterior scheme should have three major parts: A field color that dominates; an accent color that brings shutters, doors, and other smaller parts to life; and the trim color. Once you have chosen an appealing combination of field and trim, make it stand out with an eye-catching accent color. Feel free to go bold, but don’t go overboard.

Are You a Business Owner? Read This!

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Property damage entails impairment or breaking of something a business owns such as business property, vehicles, merchandise, and equipment. There are two types of property damage; loss of use and physical injury. Physical injury involves damage to tangible items such as a cash register or desk. Loss of use includes something that has not suffered physical damage, although its usage is interpreted. For instance, if a truck broke down and hindered customers from accessing your business, this could be considered a loss of use. The following are the various types of property damage;

Commercial property insurance is a vital coverage for business owners, particularly when running a home-based business. It aids in protecting the owned or rented property used to operate your business. For home-based owners, commercial insurance offers more coverage than homeowners insurance. It also helps protect the business's physical assets like equipment. Moreover, it can help if a fire destroys your computers, lightning strikes the structure or someone breaks into your building and steals your inventory. At SERVPRO, we work with insurance companies to ensure that your commercial property is restored following the mentioned mishaps. Reach out to us before engaging any entities to help with restoration services.

How to Confront Water Damage in your Commercial Business

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

Of all the potential disasters that could strike your business, water damage tops the list. Water damage at the workplace will not only hinder you from conducting business. Once you spot signs of commercial water damage, it is critical to take action swiftly. This kind of damage is often sophisticated compared to residential water damage and its restoration demands an intensive approach. The structure and size of commercial buildings, the scope of the damage, and the number of occupants all affect the restoration processes. The following are causes of commercial water damage you should look out for.

• Damaged Windows

In most commercial buildings, windows are the cause of water damage if not sealed properly. Broken windows can cause moisture to seep in, triggering a myriad of problems including warped wood, and moss build-up. Ensure to reseal windows regularly as caulk can break down as time goes by.

• Broken Pipes

Damaged pipes can stem from several reasons such as deteriorated water supply lines, changes in pressure, and cold weather. Water stains on floors or walls, building walls, and musty signs are signs of damaged pipes. Ensure the business premise is investigated to detect leaky pipes which is often a challenging job unless your restoration service has specialized water leak detection equipment.

• Building Foundation

If your gutters are not cleaned regularly, they will clog eventually, causing water to leak into the property through the foundation or roof. One of the most common indicators of leaks in building foundations is puddles. Ensure to also check that drainage systems are working well to avoid water damage to your business premise.

• HVAC Issues

HVAC systems function by cooling or heating air via a series of ducts. Over time, these ducts wear out and get damaged causing leaks. Ensure that the HVAC system is cleaned regularly and the excess water from the condensation reservoirs is removed to circumvent water damage.

Luckily, at SERVPRO, we have a team of experts who can pay a visit to assess your business premise and advice you on the way forward. Feel free to reach out!

SERVPRO can Assist in Earthquake Readiness

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Southern California is a special place to live in when 50 miles in every direction guides you to a different ecological environment that warrants its own forces of nature. But, one event that is felt by the region and state alike is an earthquake. California’s school system requires the administration to plan for earthquakes by performing drills and safety practices to prepare for “the big one.” The California Department of Public Health also requires all establishments to draw out an earthquake evacuation plan to be reviewed by a representative of their safety division. SERVPRO of Lake Forest South/ Laguna Woods is here to help you develop the plans your business needs to confront an emergency situation like an earthquake with confidence. As good practice, we create Emergency Ready Plans for commercial businesses in the community. These reports denote shut-off switches and valves for the property’s supply lines, nearest hospitals, and evacuation sites, and the safest points of entry and exit for occupants of the building in the event of an emergency situation. If you are a property owner reading this and it is something that interests you, call us today to request an Emergency Ready Plan tailored to your commercial space. We will send members of our team out to your property to assess the safest routes and primary locations to keep note of if a natural disaster occurs. Contact us at (949)429-3188, and we will be there to help.

Annual Inspection for Commercial Properties is Crucial for Disaster Preparedness

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

A useful security tool that every commercial building owner should look into is periodical maintenance checkups to make sure that the building is safe and secure from natural disasters. We often find ourselves running to the first commercial building when a storm hits the city. Why is that?

It’s because these buildings are annually checked to find out if they meet the safety regulations. Even a small issue on one of the floors can lead to life-threatening problems. From power cuts caused by a fallen object to chemicals exposed to high temperatures and more, such small things can cause serious consequences.

Following is a checklist for a commercial building’s annual maintenance schedule, which every business should follow:

Roofing (Should Be Inspected Twice In a Year)

• Check roofing contracts, warranties, and files
• Check roof drains for stuck debris
• Inspect the roofing perimeter for damage to copings and metal
• Check roof connections with the walls for any wrinkles or tears
• If a bitumen roof is installed, check for cracks in the plies
• If a bitumen roof is installed, take protective measures against corrosion
• Trim, weed, and irrigate if a green roof is installed
• Conduct regular moisture checks for leaks
• Install a protective roof membrane
• Inspect the solar panels for any openings that might lead to a leak

HVAC (Should Be Inspected Twice In a Year)

• Recharge U-bend or P-traps water traps
• Find screw issues
• Get the boilers and chillers inspected by a professional
• Inspect the cooling towers for motor bearings, fill valves, gearbox, wiring, support structure, log observations, and fan blades
• Lubricate pumps at least once a year
• Depending on what type of HVAC system the building has, replace air filters at least once a month
• Make sure the condenser coil is clean
• For the refrigerant and compressor to work properly, switch to energy-efficient settings
• Calibrate sensors and clean the economizer

Following these tips will ensure your commercial space is up to standard for any natural disaster. Call SERVPRO if you need assistance or additional information to perform these check-ups. We are here to help you foster a safe environment for our community.

What to know about Asbestos

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Microscopic view of asbestos fibers.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire, and electricity. These microscopic fibers are also resistant to most chemical reactions and breakdowns, resulting in very versatile building material.

These properties resulted in asbestos being used for many years in a wide range of commercial and industrial settings, as well as in a large variety of consumer products. Although its use has diminished in recent decades, there are still many products that contain asbestos, especially in older homes, schools, and public buildings. 

Asbestos can still be found in many household items including drywall, flooring, ceiling tiles, etc. Since the late 1970s, the use of asbestos has almost stopped. However, homes and other buildings built before 1978 have a higher likelihood of testing positive for asbestos.

Why is Asbestos Hazardous?

The reason why asbestos is so hazardous is that when it becomes brittle, agitated, or destroyed, it breaks into microscopic fibers that become airborne and very easily inhaled. Because of the shape of these fibers, they cling to the lining of the lungs and may result in respiratory ailments. 

How Does SERVPRO Handle Asbestos?

When SERVPRO of Lake Forest South/Laguna Woods is called to inspect a home, the technicians must know what year the home was built. If the home was built in the late 1980s or earlier, an asbestos testing company must be dispatched and test the affected areas for asbestos.

If asbestos is not found, then the SERVPRO team can continue with their work on the property. If the asbestos testing comes back positive, an abatement company will need to come out in order to remove the affected areas in a safe manner. Once the removal process is complete, then the SERVPRO team can begin their work. 

Book a COVID-19 Clean-Up for Your Commercial Business Property

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, we care about our clients and their well-being. It is obvious that COVID-19 has impacted every member of the community. We want to know how you are doing, and how we can help. As businesses slowly open up with proper health restrictions in place, maybe your business is in need of some inspection, cleaning, or restoration before starting up. Let us know, and we will be there to help.

To learn more about the services we provide, browse around the website or read our "Why SERVPRO" blogs. We have a wide range of services to meet the needs of the Torrance community.

We also have blogs informing you on how to maintain your business during COVID-19, with tips and pointers on what you can do to inspect your own property. Also, feel free to take a look at some other blogs unrelated to COVID-19 about what to do if your property faces any sort of natural disaster damage. 

We have the proper PPE and disinfecting equipment to clean your property before its opening. The customers of Torrance will be pleased to support local businesses and to see them clean and flourishing. Schedule an inspection through our 24-hour service line at (949)429-3188. Our services are still open during these times, and we want to make sure yours are too.

How to Apply for A Building/Construction Permit in Laguna Woods, CA (Part 2)

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

To move forward with a building project in Laguna Woods, visit the city website pertaining to building permits. Here, the contact information for City Hall is provided to call and inquire about what building permits are required for the job. A calendar for scheduling building inspections is also under this link along with resources like a Building Permit Worksheet, Demolition Advisory for Those Considering Building Improvements, and a Fee Schedule and Study. Permits can be submitted and processed at the City Permit counter in City Hall.  

According to the city of Laguna Woods, any structural, functional or aesthetic change to the interior of a Unit, its mechanical systems or the structural integrity of the building; or any physical, structural or aesthetic change to the exterior of a Unit is considered an alteration. When proposing any construction and/or demolition job, it’s important to know how the city will classify it. Linked here is a brochure that lays out the process for submitting an application to alter a unit. If the job in question falls under this category, processing will be done through the Laguna Woods alterations department. 

As always, make sure the contractor you hire is licensed under the California Contractors State License Board. This link will guide you to the state license board webpage for verifying the license of your contractor. For the city to verify your building permits it is essential that the chosen contractor is properly certified. SERVPRO of Lake Forest South/Laguna Woods has the resources and licenses to undertake any demolition or reconstruction job for your property.
Call us at (949)429-3188 to schedule an inspection of your home or a consultation for your construction plans.

How to Apply for A Building/Construction Permit in Lake Forest, CA (Part 1)

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Have you been thinking of remodeling your home after the long months of quarantine, stuck inside staring at the same walls, walking through the same doors? Or has your property suffered from any recent natural disaster damage and is in need of some serious reconstruction? Or perhaps you are a current or potential business owner unsure of how to move forward with plans for renovation and construction to ring in the post COVID era. Any of these undertakings will necessitate an inspection from your city’s Building department. SERVPRO of Lake Forest and Laguna Woods serves two cities, each with their own permit process; both will be covered in this blog.

To move forward with a building project in Lake Forest, visit the building and planning web pages to retrieve resources needed for planning. Following the building services link, under the “Building Forms'' tab you will find PDF files for building permit applications and the requirements needed for both commercial and residential developments. Each element of the job may require a permit and an accompanied inspection from the city. Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing aspects will demand inspection, the form linked gives a guide on how to schedule these once the appropriate permit is secured. 

The city of Lake Forest classifies varying sectors of the city under “zones,” and these zones are subject to codes laid out in the Lake Forest Municipal Code Handbook. The requirements PDF from the website will tell you which developmental standards the work you intend may be liable to, but it is always best for yourself and/or hired construction planner to check for any special cases applicable to the project. These applications and permits can be processed through eLakeForest, a self service program for residents and contractors performing work in the area. 

The links provided should give you a fine basis for understanding what is essential to the building process in Lake Forest. Here at SERVPRO of Lake Forest/Laguna Woods, we have the certifications required under the CSLB, Contractors State License Board, to facilitate the planning and construction process for your residential and commercial property. Don’t hesitate to call us at (949) 429-3188 to schedule a consultation with our construction team.

We Can Save Your Retail Business from Disaster

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Time is crucial when disaster strikes your retail business. SERVPRO understands that every hour lost means losing potential customers and revenue. We encourage business owners to utilize our 24/7 emergency call center to make sure that not a moment is wasted in getting your business on track again. 

SERVPRO of Lake Forest/Laguna Woods services all sorts of retail facilities, including:

• national chain stores
• supermarkets
• shopping malls
• department stores
• specialty retailers

Apart from SERVPRO handling any water, fire, mold, or storm damage, SERVPRO of Lake Forest/Laguna Woods can also handle the repairs and cleanup after the mitigation work is complete. Repairs can include minor work such as repainting and repairing drywall to reconstruction. Cleanup can include removing residual odors or deep cleaning floors and carpets.