Why you shouldn’t clean puffback soot yourself?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Soot can be shot back into your home and onto the walls and ceiling. If you don't get it cleaned up quickly, it can leave permanent stains.

Why shouldn't you clean your own puff back soot?

A puff back is something that you don’t want to have to happen in your Fairway, KS home. A puff back is a malfunction in an oil-burning furnace, and it can cause soot to spew out into your home. These malfunctions can also lead to carbon monoxide leaks if not addressed quickly.

If you have experienced a puff back or know someone who has, contact professional restoration experts right away! You will need help cleaning up the mess and removing the smell from your home if this happens again in the future. Let’s look at why you shouldn't clean up these soot yourself:

A puff back is a malfunction in an oil-burning furnace.

When this happens, soot can be shot back into your home and onto the walls and ceiling. If you don't get it cleaned up quickly, it can leave permanent stains. A puff back can be caused by a number of different things, including dirt build-up or incorrect operation of the furnace. Puff backs are more common in older furnaces than in newer ones because some older models have fewer safety features to prevent them from happening.

These malfunctions can cause the furnace to shoot soot out into your home.

• Puffback soot can cause damage to your home.
• Puffback soot is dangerous.
• Puffback soot can be hard to clean up.
• Puffback soot causes respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma.

Contacting a professional restoration company.

Calling in professional restoration experts is the best strategy for both cleaning up the soot and removing the smell from your home.

The experts at Puffback Soot Removal, who have been cleaning up puff back soot since 2004, will be able to help you with this problem and make sure that it doesn't happen again. They will remove all of the debris quickly and efficiently so that you don't have to worry about it anymore!

Conclusion

Hopefully, we’ve made it clear that puff back soot is a big deal. It’s not something to take lightly, and it can cause serious damage to your home or office if left unchecked. If you’re experiencing this issue, call in professional restoration experts as soon as possible—the sooner they come out, the better your chances are at getting rid of all that soot before it becomes too much work for you or your family members!

The Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage in Your Kansas City Business

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial Kansas City building with visible water damage.

Top Commercial Water Damage Causes in Your Kansas City Business

Water damage restoration services for commercial buildings can be more challenging than residential properties. In most cases, this necessitates an intensive and professional approach. The structure and size of commercial buildings, the extent of the damage, the varied use of the spaces, and the total number of occupants will all affect the restoration process used. Besides these, there is usually a time constraint for the job to be done because the business needs to keep running and avoiding a significant amount of downtime.

While some issues related to water damage are inevitable, most issues are preventable if the cause of water damage is found and dealt with.

Some of the most common causes of water damage in commercial buildings are found here.

Damaged Windows

In many commercial buildings, water damage is caused by windows that aren’t properly sealed. If windows are damaged, it can cause moisture to seep inside. This can trigger many issues, including warped drywall and wood along with potential mold growth. Regularly resealing the windows is crucial because caulk may breakdown as time passes.

Damaged Pipes

Issues related to broken pipes can be caused by an array of issues. They can occur because of changes in pressure, cold weather, and deteriorated sewer drains and water supply lines. Some of the signs of damaged pipes in your building include:

• Musty odors
• Loose tiles
• Cracked tiles
• Stains on the floors and walls
• Bulging walls

Detecting leaky pipes is something that is quite challenging, and it will usually require some type of inspection utilizing special equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters and borescopes.

The Foundation of the Building

If the gutters of your commercial building aren’t cleaned properly or regularly, they may become clogged. This will cause water to leak into the property through the roof or the foundation. A common sign of leaks in a commercial building foundation include puddles close by or framing that is wet. Improper drainage systems may also cause damage in the foundation.

Roof Leaks

A roof that is leaking may result in water stains and potential mold, compromised structural integrity, and fire hazards resulting from faulty wiring. Exposure to snow and heavy rains make roofs very vulnerable to serious damage. Also, if ice or snow is not removed properly, it can trigger even more water damage for a commercial property.

Problems with the HVAC System

The HVAC system heats or cools the air through a series of ducts. It is essential to clean the ducts regularly and the additional water from the condensation reservoirs. This must be removed to prevent water damage.

If you notice water damage or related issues, it is best to call the professionals of SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown right away. They can help reduce the issues that may arise and ensure that your business or building doesn’t experience significant downtime or other issues.

Water Damage at Rental Properties

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Rental Properties with Water Damage

Damage from water can be fixed in most cases but will lead to more severe issues if left unattended. If you have noticed signs of wear at your rental property in Kansas City, KS, take action immediately to prevent additional problems. Learn more about what to look for and how to address necessary maintenance. 

Water Damage at the Source 
Having a good understanding of potential problems is a smart way to handle a situation before it goes bad. While weather events also require disaster remediation services, they are less likely to cause issues that pain the pipes and pocketbooks of building owners over time, like old polybutylene materials and regular wear and tear. Here are the four most common issues to look out for.

1. System Problems
Older properties regularly suffer from leaks at pipe connections, shut-off valves, and fixtures, whether from faulty installation or just from years of constant commercial use. Checking visible areas for signs of pooling or a steady drip will help you identify the source. For internal regions, look to your water bill for steadily climbing costs or sudden spikes. 

2. Clog Crises 
Clogs happen in above-ground drains, but mainline pipes are also standard. A yearly inspection and cleaning will help mitigate most blockages. 

3. Polybutylene Woes 
If your property was built between the mid-'70s and the mid-'80s, there’s a high chance that you have PB pipes somewhere in the building. This specific piping is known for splitting, bursting, and causing significant harm. Scheduling an inspection from professionals in Kansas City, KS, is an ideal measure to prevent damage. 

4. Root Ruptures 
At the mainline level, tree and bush roots are common issues that lead to ongoing troubles. The first sign of tree roots rupturing or blocking your pipes is low water pressure and depressions in the surrounding grounds, if not visible breaks in the lines. In some cases, the trees will have to be removed and some piping replaced.

Older tenant-occupied properties need continual maintenance to mitigate future damage. While repairs and polybutylene pipe replacements are necessary over time, they prevent more significant problems from surfacing when addressed proactively.

Kansas City Fire and Smoke Cleanup Involves an HVAC Inspection

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Thorough Post-Fire HVAC Inspections in Kansas City Consider Several Key Questions

When your Kansas City business suffers a fire, it is essential to inspect its HVAC system thoroughly. Although this involves several key steps, these actions are likely to minimize further damage by preventing the spread of smoke particles that could impact more surfaces, reduce interior air quality, and circulate foul, fire-related odors.

SERVPRO, a commercial fire, and smoke cleanup service in Kansas City, routinely performs extensive, post-fire HVAC inspections. Our skilled fire restoration technicians complete these crucial examinations as part of the smoke remediation and fire damage restoration process. Some of the specific questions SERVPRO’s fire and smoke damage experts seek to answer during their inspection of your ventilation ductwork are:

• Where did the fire occur? Did it break out near the HVAC furnace unit or one of the system’s vents?
• Did any smoke get into the ducts and, if so, did it enter through the network’s return or supply-side?
• Are there any factors, like the HVAC blower being on during the fire, residue magnetism/ionization, or fire-related pressure differentials, which may have forced smoke residues into ductwork?
• What types of residues, heavy, moderate, light, wet, dry, greasy, or odorous, are in the ventilation system?
• What kind of filters, reusable or disposable, does the network use, and are they clean?
• How is the HVAC system made, is it composed of duct board, flex duct, sheet metal, or lined with insulation, and must it be disassembled for cleaning?

Taken together, the answers to these questions enable SERVPRO to effectively evaluate a fire’s impact on your ventilation system and quickly remediate it.

With all that said, if you ever need fire and smoke cleanup at your place of business, don’t hesitate to call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown. We are available whenever you need us at (816) 895-8890.

What Water Removal Equipment is Ideal for Kansas City Offices?

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has all the manpower and equipment for every size commercial water removal service needed. Call now!

Fast mitigation is critical when pooling water damage threatens Kansas City commercial properties.

From sprinkler head damage to burst pipes, substantial water loss incidents can quickly overwhelm the entire floor of an office building. Standing water is one of the most pressing threats during a water damage emergency, so our team responds fast to help.

Engine-Driven Extractors

The truck-mount extractor is the most powerful tool for water removal in Kansas City office buildings. This vehicle in our Green Fleet generates unparalleled suction and power compared to other water removal equipment used. We also can utilize this machine with attachments to make it more versatile to changing materials and flooring in an office building like:

• Light wands
• Squeegee wands
• Carpet wands

Wet Vacuums

Wet vacuums remain one of the more versatile water removal tools available to our SERVPRO team. Their portability makes them ideal for smaller and confined spaces like closets or office bathrooms, and they have the power to help with the sufficient removal of standing water in larger areas.

Carpet Wands

With glue-down carpeting options and short pile flooring throughout the main working areas of the office, water restoration and recovery must also address water after this thin carpeting has absorbed it. Using carpet wands attached to powerful extraction units like the truck-mount motorized machines, we can pull out trapped water absorbed into carpet fibers to protect this flooring from requiring removal and replacement in many cases.

Air Movers Promote Fast Drying

Drying involves many tools and devices from our inventory. Air movers continue to be a foundational element in removing moisture and surface water. With hundreds of units available, we can daisy chain multiple air movers together to provide a large coverage area in open spaces of the office building.

When water damages of any type impact office buildings, the spread, and severity of these conditions can be overwhelming. Because office buildings feature many open areas where water flow can spread rapidly, large loss extraction and drying tools are vital to overcoming damage. Our SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown team is ready to help when you call (816) 895-8890. 

Which Type of Businesses Provide Water Removal Services for Commercial Establishments in Kansas City?

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is always here for your Kansas City commercial water damage.

SERVPRO Assists Businessowners in Kansas City When Water Causes Damage

Running a business in Kansas City is challenging, and when a water incident threatens its operations, it is time to act quickly. Whether the offending water source comes from a leaky appliance, a plumbing issue, or a ceiling leak, the damage can be widespread and escalate quickly. Before water damage derails your bottom line and significantly impacts your bottom line, reach out to a professional water restoration team for help.

Help for water removal in Kansas City business establishments is available around the clock through SERVPRO. Trained to handle the most complicated situations involving water damage, our staff completes a thorough assessment of your needs. It proposes a course of action focused on efficiency and mitigation of your losses. Prolonged exposure of your business to standing water can severely damage building materials, flooring, and inventory. It can also lead to the growth of mold, which presents an even more complex situation to resolve.

Flooring materials can easily absorb water, especially carpets and wood. To counteract the water’s effects, our SERVPRO team removes any carpet padding and subfloors saturated beyond repair and proceeds to extract water and dry the affected area while being mindful of your business operations. Removing the upper layers of flooring material can ease the use of other equipment such as the following to complete water extraction activities:

• Use of drying mats
• Use of carpet wands
• Use of air movers

Along with pumps, extractors, and wet vacuums, the equipment above speeds up the drying process and helps avoid costly reconstruction and extensive repairs.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is your best business partner when disaster strikes. Just call our competent team at (816) 895-8890 and let us work to bring the best in water restoration to you. Our goal is to leave your business operating “Like it never even happened.”

Who Provides Effective Commercial Water Damage Restoration for Kansas City Properties?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is prepared for whatever damage has occurred from water damage.

Rely on SERVPRO for fast and professional emergency services after water damage in your Kansas City business

Successful commercial water damage restoration of Kansas City properties relies on immediate access to highly trained and well-equipped professionals. Scaling interventions to the intensity of the disaster and the size of the business is vital, limiting disruption to operations while providing the rapid mitigation and remediation that halts progressive and prevents secondary damage. 

Why Choose SERVPRO to Deliver Necessary Commercial Water Clean Up and Structural Drying Services?  

SERVPRO is uniquely prepared to support your Kansas City business after a water disaster. Our crews master primary and evolving disaster industry best practices through coursework and hands-on training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Investment in state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and products enhances rapid and comprehensive recovery. The local SERVPRO team arrives at your commercial site fast, assessing and securing spaces. When needed, collaboration with a nationwide network of water mitigation and remediation experts streamlines solutions for significant large scale commercial water restoration challenges from: 

• Sewer Backup and Sewage Cleanup
• Basement Flooding
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Burst Pipes
• Leaking Roof from Storms

How Can Kansas City Businesses Proactively Plan for Successful Commercial Water Damage Recovery Outcomes?

Failing to respond quickly and effectively to commercial water damage exposes your company to the risk of permanent closure. Before your company faces the potentially ruinous aftermath of a water crisis, consider developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Combining an on-site assessment by an experienced project manager with personalized answers to prompts on an easy-to-use and updated mobile app equals access to a concise digital plan for responding water damage restoration technicians. 

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is poised to help your business restore structures, contents, and operations after a water damage emergency. Call us at (816) 895-8890 to explore your options.

Mitigation, Water Removal and Cleanup Can Help Rebuild Your Kansas City Business

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your business is serious. SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is here to help get you and your business back up and running.

SERVPRO Helps Keep Your Kansas City Business Running – Call Us for Water Removal and Cleanup!

Day or night, when any water emergency strikes at your Kansas City business, you need to be ready. No matter the project's scope or time of day, SERVPRO can deploy a team that gets to work fast. Quick water mitigation lessens downtime, cuts costs, and helps you to keep your commercial property up and running. Whether you run a bakery, laundry mat, or production facility, We're Faster to Any Size Disaster, meaning we can be there to get started within hours of your call. 

The pros best handle water removal and cleanup in Kansas City for many reasons. Here is a loose timeline of what you can expect after a water event happens in your place of business:

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads fast following the path of least resistance, saturating all porous materials in its path – this includes floors, walls, and contents.
• Furnishings with finish can bleed, leading to permanent stains on office carpet, etc.

Within the first 24 hours:

• Metal surfaces will start to tarnish
• Drywall can swell and begin breaking down
• Ink and dye from paper goods and cloth can spread and cause stains
• Musty odors begin to develop

48 Hours to a Week:

• Mildew and mold grow and spread
• Structural elements, doors, and windows can swell and warp
• Paint can start to blister and peel
• Potentially dangerous biohazard contamination becomes possible

Over a Week:

• Cost and time for restoration dramatically increases, and the need for structural reconstruction may be extensive
• Structural integrity and safety become an issue

The only way to ensure your water removal and cleanup goes as planned is to have a trusted team on the job. Contact SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown by calling (816) 895-8890, and we can initiate a team for water removal services.

How Can I Avoid Needing Professional Mold Remediation for My Kansas City Business?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let mold colonize in your office. Call SERVPRO! We can locate the moisture source and remove the mold.

There Are Ways to Prevent Mold, But Sometimes Mold Remediation is Unavoidable

The seeds of mold, called “spores,” are omnipresent in the environment, so there is always a chance that mold colonies might grow somewhere in your Kansas City business. If this happens, it could impact your facilities, damage your inventory, or even force you to cease operations.

SERVPRO’s mold remediation experts in Kansas City know that it is exceedingly difficult for business owners to prevent mold growth because mold spores can be found floating in the air almost anywhere. These airborne seeds are relatively harmless until they land on a surface where the right conditions exist for them to sprout and grow into thriving colonies. To prevent this from happening, our mold specialists suggest that you:

• Look for and try to eliminate all potential water sources that mold can use to survive
• Avoid using wooden elements and furnishings in moisture-rich parts of your business, like kitchens and restrooms, whenever possible
• Maintain interior temperatures below 77 F
• Keep interior humidity levels under 55% with dehumidifiers, if necessary
• Treat water/moisture-prone areas of your business with antifungals

If, after taking these measures, you are unable to prevent mold issues, SERVPRO can assist you with mold inspection, mold removal, and black mold damage repairs.

Whenever you need us, your neighborhood SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is ready to do whatever it takes to complete your mold remediation job. Call us anytime at (816) 895-8890 for assistance.

Fire Damage May Require a Move Out of Your Kansas City Business

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Kansas City Commercial Spaces Impacted by Fire Damage may Require Pack-Out/Move-Out Services From SERVPRO

As a business owner, you know you must watch your budget and overall business operations. If you have a fire, be it big or small, you may need to think about having items packed up and moved out to get stored or cleaned off-site. SERVPRO offers a no-fuss pack-out service for Kansas City business owners so that your fire damage restoration project goes off without a hitch.

Fire damage at your Kansas City commercial space must include clean-up of charred debris as well as detailed smoke remediation. When needed, SERVPRO can help with affordable move-out service:

• Pack-out/move-out allows items like equipment, office furniture, documents, and more to get packed up and moved to a secure destination during fire restoration.
• While not always necessary, a move-out is a great way to open up space so that our skilled fire and smoke damage technicians can get to work.
• SERVPRO always carefully logs and monitors inventory before and during moving to ensure everything is in place. 
• Once cleaning is complete, we return all items to your Kansas City business. 

Minimizing additional damage during fire restoration is imperative with our team at Kansas City Midtown. Call us at (816) 895-8890 when you need emergency service. We have crews standing by 24/7 – We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster!

5 Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Building Free from Mold

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in a Kansas City hotel.

Mold and mildew don’t need very much encouragement to grow. Once it starts, it can spread very quickly. Not only can it cause damage, but it can affect people’s health.

Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, cloth, carpets, drywall, and wood. With a large commercial building keeping everyone cool or warm, condensation can form and provide the mold the moisture it needs to spread.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Building Free from Mold

Regular cleanings and maintenance inspections will help keep mold from taking over the building, in particular, areas that are not often used.

1. Deep Cleaning

Start with your HVAC system. Getting it cleaned, changing or cleaning the filters, and keeping it in great form will help stop the spread of mold spores. The vents, ducts, and the rest all need to be maintained.

When the air is not moving through the vents, dust and mold can just sit there, so when you turn it back on, the room fills with it all. Any amount of hair, dust, dirt, animal hair and waste, and mold can be in the vents.

The mold can get inside these areas and grow. There are times when you don’t need the system, so have it maintained in the spring and fall, to be safe. Reducing the movement of the mold will help considerably.

2. Dehumidify

Condensation can form during the hot months, during the cold months, at any time. A commercial building will have a lot of people, and people can cause condensation.

A dehumidifier will help draw moisture out of the air. It can make a big difference in a building that is very populated and turning off the heat or air conditioning is not an option.

Put them in areas when moisture is prevalent. Basements, upper floors, kitchens or cafeterias, shower rooms, laundry rooms, and anywhere that has excessive moisture. They are available in different sizes.

3. Make Repairs

Fixing small problems will help them from becoming big problems. Leaks in the roof or foundation, cracks in the walls or foundation, gaps around windows, taps or pipes that drip, or leak, and faulty thermostats.

These can all allow heat and cold air in or out, which means it makes it harder to control the humidity inside the building. Damp patches or pooling water, or a recent flood, should all be taken care of right away. Hire a professional.

4. Regular Checks

Building maintenance should be looking for anything suspicious on a regular basis. Keeping an eye on areas that have higher concentrations of moisture or humidity for signs.

Dark spots, fuzzy patches, musty smells, can all appear anywhere. Carpets, walls, ceilings, floors, and under sinks, behind walls in shower rooms, laundry room, bathrooms, and kitchen areas.

5. Regular Inspections

It’s a great idea to have your maintenance team take care of regular checks and repairs, but hiring a professional to inspect the building can be a great help. They can spot areas that may be developing mold that you are not aware of.

They are also great at finding areas of potential mold, too, so you can stop it before it gets a chance to start.

If you find mold, call in a professional team to take care of it right away. You don’t want to try and clean it by yourself. Professionals have the right tools and products to take care of it.

You can trust SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown to take care of any mold problems you encounter in your commercial building. Contact us today for a professional cleaning.

6 Steps to Take When Your Commercial Building Has Mold

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in the bathroom of a commercial building in Kansas City.

Mold is never a welcome sight. It’s also not something you should tend to on your own. This is a job for professionals. There is more to taking care of mold than just cleaning it up. You want to make sure it doesn’t come back.

Unfortunately, mold can start to grow in any number of places, and not always obvious ones. If there is excess moisture it can start growing on carpets, behind appliances, in the ceiling, insulation, paper, wood, and even in your ventilation system.

If you discover mold or even suspect you may have it, you should take steps right away to get rid of it. It will spread very quickly and not only pose health effects but can cause damage to the property.

What to Do When You Discover Mold

It is important that you act quickly when mold is discovered. 

1. Alert People

Let people living or working in the building know that there has been mold discovered and move them to a different area. People can experience health effects to the spores let out by growing mold. 

2. Ventilate The Area

Do your best to get air moving through the space. Open doors, windows, or use fans to start getting the moisture down and the air flowing. Once the cleanup starts, the mold spores can get disturbed. 

3. Remove Water

Clean up the water or the leak that is causing the mold to grow. If you are not clear where it is coming from, call your maintenance team or your plumber to check it out.

Clean up all the water that may be pooling in the area. If it is a lot, get professionals to do it for you. The water needs to be removed and the source needs to be stopped.

4. Discard Moldy Items

Remove carpet, books, cloth, boxes, anything that has come in contact with the mold. Anything that can’t be cleaned completely should be bagged up and discarded. Always wear protective gear, like a face mask, gloves, or anything you have available.

5. Call The Professionals

You really need to call professionals in to clean up the mold and affected area. They know what to look for, how to identify different types of molds, have the proper cleaning supplies, and the proper clothing protection need.

6. Education and Prevention

Once your building has been given the all-clear, people can return to those areas. It is important that people are aware of the causes and signs of mold or even potential mold.

Everyone should be made aware of the signs to look for and where mold is most likely to appear. Basements, laundry room, breakrooms, washrooms, and mop closets.

Look behind appliances, in corners, on the ceiling, and anywhere there may be damp spots, leaks, or water pooling.

Repair all leaking taps, pipes, or appliances that use water.

Have the HVAC system checked regularly, twice a year is recommended. Spring and fall work best.

Have regular cleaning maintenance on floors, walls, common areas, and basements.

Call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

Regardless of your role in the commercial building, you should never have to take these types of jobs on yourself. Find a trusted professional team you can count on to service your building regularly.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is just such a team. From cleaning to inspecting and damage recovery, we are the company to trust, contact us today!

Importance of Commercial Cleaning During COVID-19

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Kansas City commercial hallway in need of COVID-19 cleaning.

Some business and public areas need to be open during the pandemic, such as retail stores, nursing homes, grocery stores, and other essential establishments. Keeping people safe and healthy needs to be the number one priority.

Chances are, the staff working or tenants living in the space are already busy enough just trying to do their own jobs. That’s why you need to consider using a professional commercial cleaning service.

Why You Should Use Professional Cleaners

Safety precautions, like masks and social distancing, are very important but can be extremely difficult to enforce. In particular, they are difficult to enforce in larger grocery stores, banks, and retail stores.

Slow The Spread

Doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus will help keep everyone healthier. Employees often have no choice but to be close to each other, their customers, and delivery people.

All communal areas are at risk of being infected, putting employees and customers at risk. Breakrooms, office areas, washrooms, and the area where the general public are shopping or working.

Cleaner surfaces mean cleaner air quality. Whether it is an office building or a retail store, professional cleaners know where the germs are most likely to settle and can take of them quickly and efficiently.

Better, Stronger Products

A professional team of cleaners will also have access to cleaning and sanitation products that are not available off the shelf. It is vital that your commercial space is disinfected to keep everyone safe.

They will use approved disinfectants to sanitize the entire place, making sure there is less chance of germs settling and spreading. The sanitizing products that professionals use will be approved for COVID.

Professionals are Thorough

While your regular cleaners do a great job of cleaning and maintaining the area, the professionals will be able to come in and clean and disinfect everything. They don’t just do a surface cleaning, but the entire place will get sanitized.

If you need, walls, corners, ceiling, floors, vents, all areas where virus germs may have settled. They won’t just clean the most obvious areas that get a lot of traffic.

Proper Gear

From the protective gear they wear while working to the actual tools they use, you can trust that they will be protected and use the best types of equipment to protect you and your environment.

They know how to use their tools and what to do with them after they have finished. They will come in, do their jobs, and then take everything with them and dispose of it all properly.

A team of professionals will also have access to and follow the cleaning recommended guidelines put out by the CDC. This ensures your commercial area is getting the best possible cleaning for everyone’s safety.

Save Money

Depending on what type of commercial space you have, if you have regular cleaners or expect your employees to clean, that is putting many people at risk of getting sick.

Many people are working from home, but not everyone is willing to follow the rules. Sick time, medical expenses, and prolonged illness are what you really want to avoid.

You can’t be there for what they do in their own time, but you can ensure their safety on yours.

Why not trust your commercial cleaning to the professionals at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown? Contact us here with any questions you might have or to book an appointment.

You can depend on us to get the job done right and get it done quickly. Our highly trained technicians use top-of-the-line equipment to make your business shine again.

How to Remove Odors from Your Commercial Building

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Bad odors being removed from a commercial building in Kansas City.

One of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of owning a commercial building is the removal and eradication of unpleasant odors. Most commercial buildings are built to last for a long time and over the years. Unfortunately, they tend to accumulate some truly horrific odors, especially when there are other troubles afoot such as mold or water damage. Breathe easy with this quick guide on how to get rid of all of those terrible odors and restore your building to its former, clean-smelling glory.

Common Odors in Commercial Buildings

There’s a variety of common odors that end up affecting most commercial buildings at one time or another. One of the most common of these is the offensive odors that are found in the carpeting. When you think about it, there’s a lot of nasty stuff on carpets throughout commercial buildings all over the nation. Carpets collect every imprint, every footstep, and with them, they collect the odors from those footsteps. They also collect everything that anyone has ever spilled before.

Carpets also collect an unbelievable amount of human sweat. Just think about all of the sweaty faces you’ve seen throughout the building over time, especially in the Summer months. Office buildings are notorious for having sweaty carpets that smell bad.  Have you ever walked into an office building and immediately detect a terrible, foul-smelling odor that you can’t place? It just might be the sweat from everyone who has worked and visited that building over several years. Of course, it could be a lot of other things too, things best left unmentioned.

Gyms have odors that can make the smells you’d find in an office building seem trivial in comparison. These facilities have people that produce excessive amounts of sweat through exercise, and where does that sweat go? The carpet.

Sweat, dried food, and 10-year-old macchiatos aren’t the only things that can make carpets smell terrible. They can also smell musty! A musty odor emanating from the carpet makes your entire building seem shoddy, which can inevitably turn customers off fast. Remember, bad odor in a carpet can be caused by anything from black mold, sewage loss, or dirty water from a previous flood.

How to Remove Foul Odors From Carpets in a Commercial Space

Now that you know more about what types of odors can settle into the carpet throughout your commercial building, it’s time to take a look at the best way to get rid of that odor before it starts driving employees and customers away.

It all starts with identifying the source, followed by systematic eradication of the odor or group of odors in question. The single most effective way to get rid of bad carpet odors in a commercial building is to partner with a professional extreme cleaning service like SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown.  

Although you could have the carpet scrubbed, steamed and cleaned by conventional means, odds are you’ll still end up with traces of the foul odor left over. 

Got Bad Carpet Odor? Give SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown a Call

Bad carpet odor is nothing to mess around with as the owner of a commercial building, especially if it’s a restaurant. While some folks might be more understanding if the carpet in a gym smells a little funky, that’s not the case for restaurants, office buildings, and other businesses.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown can remove any odor from any carpet, if we can’t get the odor out, it’s time to buy new carpeting!

Any time you detect a foul odor coming from the carpet of your commercial building, do yourself, your business, and your customers a favor by having a chat with the specialists at SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown.

Why is Professional Commercial Restoration Cleaning so Important?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Professional commercial restoration cleaning at a Kansas City business.

Professional commercial restoration cleaning is among the most vital services available to owners of commercial property. Let’s face it, most commercial properties get a lot of wear and tear over the years, especially multifamily housing units and office complexes. Why is professional commercial restoration cleaning so important? You’re about to find out!

What Can Go Wrong, and Why You’ll Need a Professional Commercial Restoration Cleaning Service

There’s a lot that can go wrong with a commercial structure, especially if it’s an older one. Commercial buildings can be damaged by mold, water, fire, or most unfortunate of all, a sewage backup. You hear about that kind of stuff happening all the time, but most people never think that it could actually happen to their own properties. Unfortunately, it can, and as time goes on, the chances of experiencing at least one of the preceding types of damage rises steeply.

At this point, you might be thinking that you still won’t need a professional commercial restoration cleaning service because you’re on top of everything and confident that you can prevent any such damage. While confidence is great, you’re going to need something more than a little bravado to fall back on.

Fire is spontaneous, you never know when or how one might start, especially since it might not even start in your building at all. For example, say you did everything right, you bought a bunch of smoke detectors, had them installed, check them regularly, and replace the batteries. What happens if the owner of the building next to you didn’t do any of that stuff? What if that owner doesn’t have any functioning smoke detectors in their building and they have an ancient electrical system? The building will burn and it’ll probably set your building on fire too because they’re so close together, that’s what’s going to happen.

Now consider this, after paying a professional plumber to inspect and maintain the pipes in your building for several years, there’s a flood. No one has any control over flooding, it just happens, and always at the most inopportune time, it would seem. After a flood, providing that your structure is still standing, there will be a substantial amount of water damage, and that damage will have to be fixed by a professional commercial restoration service like SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown.

When you have damage from mold, fire, or water, that damage has to be repaired professionally, there’s just no other substitute.

Why You Should Look Into Partnering with a Professional Commercial Restoration Cleaning Service Ahead of Time

When it comes to finding a reliable professional commercial restoration cleaning service, it pays to be proactive. You don’t want to be stuck combing through reviews while your building is still spewing mold, crumbling from fire damage, or soaking wet.

Savvy commercial property owners know that it’s best to have someone lined up that they can call day or night, someone they can trust to get the job done right, someone like SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown. 

Partner with a Commercial Cleaning and Restoration Service You Can Trust: SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

Now that you know more about why it’s so important to have a professional commercial cleaning and restoration service on hand, it’s time to make a decision. Do you want to partner with some sketchy outfit that you heard from the friend of a friend of a friend? Or do you want to partner with the kind of business that countless companies across Kansas City and around the nation have trusted for years? That’s what we thought.

If you own a commercial building, it’s time to connect with SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown, call today!

How You Can Protect Your Kansas City Business with a Commercial Emergency Disaster Plan

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water restoration at a Kansas City business.

If you own or manage a commercial business or property, you have a lot of responsibilities. One of these tasks is protecting the property, employees, and tenants during disaster situations. The fact is, you have more than just natural disasters to contend with. From water intrusion and burst pipes, to fire, crimes, and an array of other issues, the list of things that may go wrong is vast and it is easy to see why planning ahead of time before an emergency takes place will make sense.

If you don’t plan ahead, the recovery process may be time consuming and complicated, and it may even interrupt the flow of business. However, with the help of the professionals, you can easily create a recovery plan, get help, recover quickly, and get back to normal quickly.

Preparing for an Emergency

Disasters can strike your commercial property at any time but acting quickly can help mitigate the damage that has occurred, save you money, hassles, and time. Planning ahead is essential in helping you act quickly and to protect the property.

Recognize What Your Responsibilities Are

If you own or manage a commercial or rental property, you have certain legal obligations to your tenants, and you could face liabilities, too, especially if you aren’t prepared to handle emergency situations.

Don’t leave this area unaddressed. Take some time to research and seek professional advice, which includes human resources, insurance, and legal input along with the advice of a professional restoration company to make sure you have covered all your bases.

Planning for Common Emergency Situations

Take some time to think about and even write out a formal plan of action for each of the problems mentioned below that may occur and result in the need for commercial restoration cleaning:

• Water Damage: This is considered one of the most common reasons that commercial property damage occurs. It can be caused by burst pipes, roof leaks, storms, sewage backups, HVAC leaks, flooding, and other unexpected sources of moisture.
• Natural Disasters and Storms: Kansas City is known for an array of weather issues, such as hail, tornadoes, strong winds, lightning, hail, flooding, and other weather conditions that may cause issues.
• Fire: It may be caused by an electrical mishap, lightning strike, or an act of arson and can result in water damage, smoke, flame, and heat.
• Crimes or Trauma: These are tragic situations and may cause damage that has to be cleaned up by the professionals.
• Lost Valuables: Disasters can affect the building structure and the property inside it – flooring, furniture, documents, electronics, jewelry, and more.
• Mold: Mold is a common problem in many moist environments.

If you are unsure if you can create an emergency or disaster plan for recovery on your own, it’s a good idea to reach out to the professionals. They can evaluate your business, the potential risks, and ensure you have the right steps in place to quickly recover from a disaster when it occurs. CALL SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown for your FREE EMERGENCY READY PLAN today.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown for your Commercial Restoration Needs

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration of a commercial building in Kansas City.

When you choose SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown, you will be working with a defensive cleaning program that goes much further than carpet or janitorial cleaning services. This includes high-tech, effective cleaning services that remove all traces of the issues and that helps to ensure the cleanliness of any property or business including restaurants, public spaces, and more.

With years of experience and technicians who have undergone extensive training programs, you can count on SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown to deliver superior solutions, regardless of the situation you are dealing with. The team will always adhere to the decontamination and cleaning standards that are set by the local authorities and Centers for Disease Control.

Learn more about commercial restoration cleaning services offered by SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown Professionals Can Handle Any Disaster of Any Size in Any Location

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown is a name that is well known in the disaster restoration industry. The team is always ready to respond to any disaster in the local area. They have the ability and equipment to handle any disaster from mold or fire to water, biohazard and more. The crew is available at any time for responding to a disaster or answering questions that residential or commercial property owners are dealing with. They also understand how important it is to get started with the disaster remediation process as soon after the problem has occurred as possible.

Advanced Technology Solutions to Deal with Any Disaster Situation

In the past few decades, there has been a rapid advancement in technology and techniques used in the restoration services industry. It is these advancements that make it possible for SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown to restore any property back to the preloss condition, quickly, effectively, and reliably.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown technicians use scientific drying principles that rely on specialized equipment for detecting, measuring, and monitoring the total moisture in a property. New advances, such as infrared cameras can help the professionals detect water through floors, ceilings, and walls. This makes the services offered by this company more effective and thorough than ever before.

Along with having the needed equipment to detect water in a building, the professionals also have powerful extraction equipment which helps to speed up the drying process by removing most of the water from the home or business. This includes things like gas-powered and submersible pumps along with portable and truck-mounted extraction units.

Drying equipment is also brought on-site by the professionals. This includes high-speed air movers along with industrial grade dehumidifiers. Once all water is removed and the building and materials are dry, the SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown professionals will use odor removal and deodorization processes to ensure that all airborne contaminants are fully removed.

The goal of SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown professionals is to leave no trace of the disaster, regardless of if the problem was water, fire, mold, or something else. For business or homeowners who are dealing with issues that require access to the professionals and technology, contact SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown today. We are ready to help with any disaster situation and ensure that the results are achieved, regardless of how severe the problem may seem.

Can a Local Restoration Company Meet the Water Damage Needs of a Large Business?

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO show you the right way to handle your Kansas commercial water loss.

SERVPRO Has the Scalable Workforce and Extensive Equipment Inventory to Respond to Any Size Kansas City Disaster

When large commercial buildings spread out over one or more business campuses confront a substantial water loss, their owners reach out for professional help. A supply line break or waste backup flooding acres is not a routine cleaning job. Who can handle a massive undertaking on a local level?

Who Can You Rely Upon for Comprehensive Water Removal, Cleaning, and Drying?

Kansas City commercial water cleanup has a tight timeframe, with little room for false starts. Lining up multiple contractors for a nearly endless variety of challenges is not the answer. Finding a reliable mitigation and remediation company that can handle all aspects of water removal and structural drying is preferable.

How Are Our Services Uniquely Matched to Large Commercial Water Losses?

SERVPRO covers the three main elements of an effective response:

Why Is a Local Presence Essential?

We know our city and region is only as vital as the businesses in the area. Our team members commit to and live in the community, so when asked, we are "all hands on deck" today, and when needed in the future. Our stability as a restoration partner is crucial to the successful resolution of your current crises and helps minimize future challenges.

How Does a Trained and Motivated Workforce Make a Difference?

We deliver a fully-trained and equipped crew to your site fast. The speed of response is key in reaching the desired outcome. Restoration is our mindset. We arrive promptly and avoid secondary damage.

What Is Our Capability to Get the Quantity and Quality of Equipment on the Scene?

We invest in a vast inventory of commercial-grade equipment to support our crews and your interests. Tasks do not wait, because we have the resources needed right here.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown stands ready 24/7 year-round to assist our community's business leaders with water cleanup circumstances of all intensities and complexities. Schedule an assessment from one of our Catastrophic Loss Teams (CAT) by calling (816) 895-8890.

To learn more about Kansas City, click here.

Commercial Flood Damage In Your Kansas City Shopping Center

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Fallen Tree Leads to Commercial Flood Damage at a Kansas City Shopping Center

A flooding incident, which involved strong winds and torrential rain, left extensive damages at a Kansas City shopping center. A branch of a tree fell through the roof of a convenience store at the center, creating a hole that let in rainwater freely. Luckily, there were no shoppers in the affected section, so there was no injury. However, it was crucial to address the physical damages immediately to avert further losses.

In many flood damage incidents in Kansas City, other factors combine to complicate or delay the restoration for the initial loss. The fallen tree at the shopping center was not an isolated incident since the strong winds had left heavy debris, including downing power lines in other areas disrupting power and limiting movement. These additional factors would have worsened the situation at the shopping center, but assistance from SERVPRO helped save the day.

Flood damage is an undesirable outcome that most people do not intend to face, which limits the preparations that people make. Our SERVPRO teams prepare to offer assistance in such situations. We have different kinds of production trucks, which are fully stocked with the resources needed to deal with the damage. Some of these include emergency generators and access equipment such as foldable ladders and elevated platforms such as cherry pickers. Our support team also keeps abreast of the latest news so we can tell which sections of the roads are impassable and alternative ways to access the loss sites.

When we arrived at the shopping center, our crews scoped the area to establish the best course of action. Stopping water intrusion into the building was essential to halt further damages. We removed the branch that has damaged the roof and set up a roof tarp to cover the hole.  As some of our technicians were setting up the tarp, others were salvaging contents and setting up pumps to extract water inside the shop. We also set up dehumidifiers to help keep humidity levels constant as we completed the restoration.

Dealing with flooding can be challenging. Call SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown at (816) 895-8890 to assist in the restoration, dealing with any incident, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Kansas City click here.

We Get You Back To Business In Kansas City After A Water Damage Disaster

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew arrives on site to assess and properly handle your commercial water damage as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

Commercial Water Removal in a Kansas City Retail Store

Water damage does billions of dollars in damages every year. Everything from small pipe leaks to water damage from firefighting efforts, to natural disasters such as floods, can do extensive damage to property. Without extensive mitigation, this can put businesses at risk of mold and other contaminants, which can affect the safety and comfort of your facilities.

If your Kansas City business requires commercial water removal, the pros at SERVPRO are ready to handle it fast. This IICRC-certified team has the tools and techniques needed to assist business owners and restoring their property after a disaster occurs. Whether the damage is caused by pipes or other infrastructure issues, this is a crew you can count on to restore your facility to its preloss condition.

Protecting Your Facilities

• Be vigilant. Notice an uptick in water expenses? It may be a plumbing issue. Make sure to regularly inspect your building for damp areas and hire a certified professional to make the fixes required for your property.
• Prepare for disaster. Sandbags, sump pumps, and other preventive measures can go a long way towards protecting your business. Commercial water sensors can also detect and limit the amount of water damage that occurs in your facility by quickly alerting you to damage.
• Check openings and prepare them accordingly. This includes windows, doors, trim, and other gaps and cracks on your property. Use weatherstripping and waterproof caulking, as well as other measures for waterproofing your store.

How SERVPRO Helps Businesses

When SERVPRO comes to your business, they can get started right away on water extraction, drying, and disinfection for your property. If your retail store features carpet and other porous fabrics, SERVPRO back-mounted extractors and rovers can pull moisture out of the carpet and prevent the need for disposal with careful drying. Carpet, in many cases, can be saved from disposal if delamination--that is, the separation of pad from the carpet--has not occurred.

Air movers can be placed every 10 to 16 linear feet at 45-degree angles to dry the walls. If the ceiling is affected, technicians can move ceiling tiles to facilitate the removal of moisture through just a couple of openings. In open areas, plastic sheeting can be used to construct chambers for more effective drying in a contained space.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown serves the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (816) 895-8890 for your disaster cleanup needs today.

See more about Kansas City.

Water Damage in a Kansas City Server Room? Call SERVPRO!

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Eliminating Commercial Water Damage in a Kansas City Office Server Room 

Missouri business owners may find that news headlines often showcase disasters like fires, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Still, water claims tend to top the charts in terms of everyday risk to commercial facilities. Not only can water damage deteriorate structures without thorough mitigation, but it can create the conditions that allow mold and other microbes to thrive. 

If your Kansas City office has been affected by water damage, you can count on SERVPRO technicians to eliminate the disaster quickly and easily. This team knows that water damage does not occur on a 9-to-5 schedule, so technicians strive to provide service 24/7, 365 days a year, including during the holidays. Professional cleanup that focuses on salvaging your assets when it is safe and feasible to do so can be vital to saving you time, money, and stress. 

Critical Factors for Preserving Office Electronics  

Maintain consistent temperatures. Temperature fluctuations can have significant effects on computer equipment, especially servers. Keep the air around servers at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain reliability. 

Monitor humidity. In your office's computer room, data center, or similar areas, keep relative humidity between 45% and 55% to prevent condensation that can corrode, rust, or short-circuit equipment.

Be mindful of water-related risks. Water leaks cause a whopping 24% of data center outages, which is both harmful for your possessions and your ability to generate revenue.

Manage your cables. Not only can disorganized cables cause equipment interference that can lead to network outages, but mitigation experts may need more time to repair and maintain equipment.  

How SERVPRO Saves the Day

SERVPRO technicians train in proper safety practices with water damage and electronic equipment. They have extensive experience in cleaning data centers, computing areas, and server rooms in commercial facilities. Professionals take great care in ensuring that electronics are turned off and safely contained. We erect drying chambers made of plastic sheeting or polyethylene to contain devices and maintain proper relative humidity and temperatures during the drying process. SERVPRO can also recommend or enlist the aid of certified electronics restoration professionals to preserve your equipment and minimize replacement costs. 

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown strives to aid local businesses by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (816) 895-8890 today for fast disaster cleanup. 

More about Kansas City.

Common Sources of Water Damage in a Commercial Building

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Owning and running a building in Mission Hills, KS, means that you have a lot on your plate. You probably want to avoid reacting to problems, but instead nip them in the bud.

When It Comes to Water Damage, How Do You Do That?

Drainage

Bathrooms and kitchens in a place of business get a lot of traffic. This means that your drains and toilets are doing a lot of work, so you should do what you can to keep them flowing and avoid flooding. Have maintenance check on them regularly and consider conducting a camera-scope inspection every so often. Some tips to avoid a clogged toilet:

• Buy thin toilet paper.
  
• Post signage about what can go in the toilet.
  
• Provide plenty of labelled waste receptacles.
  
  

Pipes

First, you should look into what type of pipes you have. If they are older, they might be polybutylene, copper or galvanized iron. These materials are prone to damage and don't usually last long. Please consider replacing if this is the case. Regardless of material, it is important to check them for corrosion or leaks as often as possible, because even the smallest drip can accumulate. Winters can also be hard on pipes, so be sure to keep your building warm enough to avoid freezing and broken pipes.

Fire Sprinklers

Sometimes your sprinklers can be triggered to go off without a fire- a warm light nearby or burnt food in the microwave can do the trick. This can cause water damage, especially if not taken care of right away. You should have a water damage restoration company picked out so you can move forward right away with water repair should something like this happen. Especially if the incident was above a carpet, this may eventually turn into a mold problem.
There's a lot to keep track of in a large building. If you know what to add to a regular maintenance routine and some simple preventative measures, your life could be made a lot simpler.

The Aftermath of a Fire at Your Commercial Property- Filing an Insurance Claim

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

There's a lot to deal with in the aftermath of a fire on your commercial property in Fairway, KS. One of your top priorities should be to get your insurance involved with a fire claim. Your insurance company may even determine how you move forward with restoration or help offset costs when rebuilding.

First Contact

Before doing anything else, you should call your insurance company and spell out your situation. You will need to have your policy number ready. Be sure to mention to them whether or not you are completely evacuated, or if the fire somehow effected your living situation. You should also provide them with backup contacts and establish who your claims adjuster will be. They should be able to guide you through the claims process. They might be able to provide you with a list of recommended fire restoration companies to choose from, as well.

Hunker Down

Next in the fire claim process is to secure the property. This means preventing further damage from the elements and keeping the looters at bay. An open-air, burnt property can be pretty tempting. Some common practices are:

• tarping your roof if it was damaged
  
• covering any blown out windows
  
• shutting off your water and electricity
  
• installing a security fence
  
• padlocking the entrances
  
• posting signage or caution tape
  
  

Get Organized

Your insurance company and the claims adjuster will require a lot of documentation. It's a good idea to get it ready as soon as possible in order to speed up the process. Be sure to take lots of pictures of the fire damage and property. Gather documentation of the value of damaged equipment or contents. Provide proof of income if you plan to file a business interruption claim- this can include tax information, business contracts, budgets and financial statements.
A fire claim can be a complicated undertaking if you go into it blind. If you already know what to expect, it can be smooth sailing until you're back in business. Now you can be prepared!

Tips for Dealing With Water Damage at Your Commercial Property

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in commercial building due to toilet overflow in Mission Woods, KS

Whether you are dealing with a busted pipe or toilet overflow, water damage in your commercial building in Mission Woods, KS, is never fun. When this happens, there are so many things to think about that people often become overwhelmed and miss some important steps. Preparing your team and yourself ahead of time and having proper protocol in place can make a big difference. Be sure to follow these guidelines when dealing with this type of problem.

Identify the Source

Cleaning up the mess is extremely important, but if you don't identify the source, the issue will keep happening. One of the most common sources of leak in a commercial building are broken pipes. Besides that, you may be looking at a flooded toilet or roof damage. Getting the problem fixed right away may help you avoid larger issues down the road.

Take Safety Measures

If you are dealing with contaminated water, you need to take the proper safety precautions. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses and should be dealt with accordingly. Clearly mark the area off and wear the right equipment when cleaning up. You may want to call a professional to come help you in this situation.

Document the Damage

Do not try to leave the water damage in place for the insurance company to come look at. Instead, you should take photographs from every angle before you begin the water cleanup. Leaving it can actually lead to more problems, which the insurance agents may view as neglect. Be sure to call them as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

Depending on the size and severity of the water damage, you may be able to handle it yourself. If you are dealing with unsanitary water, such as a toilet overflow, or if you are at all uncomfortable identifying and fixing the leak, you may want to call a professional water restoration company in Mission Woods, KS, to come help you.

Mold Problems in a Rental Space: 3 Steps for Resolution

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold contamination can grow from a variety of sources, but moisture and humidity are typically the main culprits.

Mold Problems in a Rental Space

Keeping an apartment over a rented commercial space can be convenient for you as a Kansas City, KS business owner. Bundling rental costs for both areas can help you save money on daily commutes and other expenses. However, when you discover fungi growth in your apartment and mold cleanup is necessary, knowing how to proceed and who to contact can be difficult. If you find yourself with a mold issue in your rental space, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem.

1. Alert Your Landlord

Once you discover mold in your apartment, it is wise to leave it alone until you can alert your landlord and have him or her come to look at the infestation. Even if it is a minor issue, such as bathroom fungi, mold spores can still detach from small patches and move through the building’s air ducts, where it could spread to your commercial space. Letting you landlord know about the problem right away can prevent this.

2. Discover the Source

Mold contamination can grow from a variety of sources, but moisture and humidity are typically the main culprits. Check cabinets under the bathroom and kitchen sink, the shower and any water lines in the apartment. If you suspect the problem may have originated in your commercial space, you may want to check those water sources as well.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Depending on the source of the mold, you may be responsible for its removal. Calling your insurance agent as soon as possible can help you understand whether your renter’s insurance covers mold cleanup and the cost of a fungi removal and cleaning service. Your insurance agent can also help you make a claim to cover costs as soon as possible.

Discovering mold in a rented apartment that is attached to your Kansas City, KS commercial space can be stressful. However, when you know which steps to take and who is responsible for the mold cleanup, you can feel more confident about working toward a quick resolution.

How To Make an Office Fire Escape Plan

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Every workplace needs a fire escape plan. This plan should be posted throughout a building and shared with all occupants. Be sure to train new employees and perform regular drills to ensure that the emergency escape plan will prove useful in the event of a fire.

Plan Evacuation Routes

Use an accurate floorplan to determine evacuation routes from every room in a structure. It is a good idea to do the following:

• Identify primary and secondary routes
• Ensure that routes are reasonable for occupants
• Obtain equipment such as an escape ladder

Secondary routes may be less than ideal, but they should still be practical. Keep the age and physical condition of occupants in mind. Post the emergency escape plan at strategic locations.

Test Fire Detection and Suppression Equipment

Many commercial properties are equipped with advanced detection and suppression systems. A fire escape plan should include regular tests to ensure the functionality of detectors and sprinklers. Hardwired alarm systems should have battery backups, and it is important to replace batteries that function as a main or backup power source. Make sure that fire extinguishers are of the appropriate class and filled with suppressant.

Keep Track of Occupants

Every business should maintain a current contact list. This list should include these details:

• Names
• Contact information
• Departments

Keep this list in a location where it can be accessed remotely or physically removed in the event of a fire. Every business should have a safe location where employees can gather outside. This place should be far enough away from the structure without being downwind.

An office fire escape plan may also identify which employees are responsible for attempting to evacuate critical contents. It is smart to plan ahead and back up important records off-site. If a fire damages a building in Kansas City, KS, rely on a mitigation and restoration company to resume business as soon as possible.

Is your commercial building a flood risk?

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with water damage in Kansas City isn’t something that your neighbors will envy you for. It can be absolutely devastating for your commercial property, not to mention the possibility of being temporarily displaced, and business put on hold. In preparation for the possibility of a flood in your area, here are a few precautionary steps to ensure you are prepared.

1. Know your flood risk.

It’s important to keep track of your region’s flood risk. There are a number of factors that can determine your flood risk, but keep in mind that nowhere in the United States is free of flood risk. If you live in a coastal city during hurricane season, your flood risk will dramatically increase. Other areas with typically high flood risk include low-lying areas near bodies of water or downstream from a dam or levee.

2. Know your insurance options.

When it comes to natural disaster-type flash floods, typical commercial insurance policies often will not cover the damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy purchased through FEMA, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you do live in an area with high flood risk. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with local disaster restoration companies and choose one you prefer beforehand, since the time to act must be immediately after the flood. 

3. Know the signs of water damage.

Some floods are more severe than others, and in those cases, it will be obvious when your business has been affected. In other cases, however, water damage can be more insidious and it’s important to recognize the signs, as well as knowing the difference types of water that can damage your home. Black water, for example, is highly contaminated and will cause severe odor and mold damage to your property if not treated immediately. Flood water is, in every case, considered black water. Grey water can also cause damage, but is derived from appliances and pipes in your building.

How to Prepare Your Company for a Storm

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

How to Prepare Your Company for a Storm

This time of year, a winter storm is imminent. While not every storm will cripple a business, it is still necessary to be prepared. Along with frigid temperatures and snow, winter can create problems with plumbing and operations. Therefore, it is essential to make a plan for the worst-case scenario.

1. Prepare Your Building

In an effort to prepare for potential storm damage, it is wise for a business to focus on plumbing and electricity. Outside plumbing should be shut off and cleared to prevent freezing and possible burst pipes. Additionally, it may be a good idea to secure a generator if your business does not already have one. If your company does have a generator, it is a good investment to have it serviced before the winter weather sets in.

2. Plan for Ice and Snow

Any winter storm is going to bring issues of snow and ice. Being prepared for this situation means having a plow service on contract and ensuring that all walkways and driveways are cleared and salted. It is vital to do everything in your power to ensure that customers do not get hurt on the way into your business.

3. Focus on Inventory

Also, as storms have the potential to cause significant business interruption as well as property damage, it is vital to take an accurate inventory of all your assets. This inventory will be used for insurance claims if property damage results in an inventory loss. You should move stock to a secure and climate-controlled area, photographing and documenting everything. This will help streamline the process if a claim is made.

4. Make a List of Contacts

While taking inventory is necessary, it is also crucial to make a list of emergency contacts. This list should include all personnel who are essential to your operations. Additionally, you should include a disaster restoration specialist in the Mission Hills, KS, area in case of an emergency.

Winter storm season can produce significant threats to business operations. Massive snowfalls and ice storms can wreak havoc on a business, so it is essential to have a plan like the one above.

What Are the Best Flood Prevention Strategies?

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding may seem inevitable, but a few preventative measures can reduce the severity of the situation. From the choice of location to structural improvements, here are three of the top flood prevention strategies.

1. Look Over Flood Maps and Data Before Building or Buying

If you build or buy a commercial property located on a flood plain, you will probably need to obtain flood insurance. Most business insurance policies do not include flood coverage, which is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. You should also determine whether the risk of flood at a property will undermine the overall value of your investment. Factor in the presence of local flood prevention installations such as detention basins, retaining walls, sea walls, or tide gates before you decide.

2. Flood Proof a Commercial Property

Flood proofing involves the use of barriers, pumps, and seals to make a building watertight up to typical flood levels for the location of the property. Depending on the ratio of benefits to costs, some of these improvements may qualify for federal grants. In addition to these improvements, you should also consider the warning time that you can expect to have at this location. Regularly test flood proofing and emergency systems as well as the integrity of the flood panels, floor slab, openings, and walls.

3. Use Grading and Vegetation Strategically

Grading can prevent water from accumulating around the foundation of a building, where it may lead to basement leaks or structural damage. Vegetation can also break up the flow of moving water and help to reduce erosion. Drainage and flood waters should be directed away from the building, if at all possible.

These flood prevention strategies can help you make more informed decisions about a commercial property in West Wood Hills,KS. If you need flood cleaning services, contact a storm and water damage restoration company.

How to Recover Your Business After Water Damage Occurs

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Though maintaining a successful business in Kansas City, KS, takes dedication, time and money, water damage can quickly create a variety of issues for the company. Making repairs and recovering products after the damage can be costly, but there are various steps you can take to make the process easier.

Collect What You Can

Assuming that it is safe for you to be in your business, collect important items to ensure they don’t become lost or damaged. Even if you feel that an item is damaged, removing it from the area can make water cleanup easier. Make sure to take note of any items made of cloth, such as furniture or rugs, and relocate them if possible to prevent staining and mold growth.

Remove Water

Eliminate as much water as possible. Mopping up areas that aren’t saturated with water can help to prevent further damage. If the ceiling is not damaged, you can turn on fans to help dry up the water. Air flow can also help the water dry quickly.

Avoid Potential Hazards

When you remove items and clean your business after water damage has occurred, it’s essential to be aware of your environment and prioritize safety. Make sure you and others don’t slip on puddles of water, trip over broken pipes or use any electrical fixtures or appliances. If you’re unsure if you can safely move something, or if you don’t know if using an item is safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution. The old adage that it is better to be safe than sorry applies here.

Water damage can take a toll on businesses, and it’s important to know how to safely and efficiently clean your business. It’s also important to work with experts to repair your business after the damage occurs. By working with qualified professionals and mitigating the damage on with expert help, your business can be restored quickly. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROkansascitymidtownks.com/.

Keep Your Business Afloat During a Flood With 4 Preparatory Steps

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

A mishandled flood can mean dire damage to your business in Kansas City, KS. Not only is the building itself at risk, but important inventory stands to be lost. Preparation is a very important part of stopping any flooding from becoming financially detrimental. These four steps are essential preparation for reducing flood-related problems.

1. Evaluate Special Considerations for the Area

While every business is at risk of an unexpected pipe burst leading to flood damage, some areas may also be at high risk of nearby bodies of water overflowing. A specialty flood insurance policy offers a way to recoup losses in an environment where water can rise and flood the streets.

2. Secure All Computers and Their Data

Networks and computers contain important business or customer data. They should be relocated to an elevated place near no pipes or water-connected utilities. By being high up, they are more protected from ground level flooding.

If the data is extremely important for operations, the computers should be regularly backed up and stored on a secure, remote server or external drive kept off the premises. By doing so, a backup is always available to prevent catastrophic data loss.

3. Keep the Building Maintained

Plumbing and utilities should regularly be inspected by a professional. Any problems identified during an inspection are best treated as soon as possible. If these problems are ignored, a resulting burst pipe can lead to extensive water damage.

4. Plan for Any Imminent Floods

Having a plan for the event of an oncoming black water flood can save your business time and money. This plan should include relocating company vehicles and products, identifying waterproof locations to store important documents and providing instructions on how to shut off every utility.

Despite stellar planning, water may still damage a commercial property. If damage occurs, an expert water damage restoration crew is worth contacting to remove the water and restore the building back to its original condition. Planning ahead is key for completely preventing or, at the very least, lessening the consequences of flooding. Knowing what to do before will help you after. Visit http://www.SERVPROkcmidtown.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

Benefits Of Getting Professional Service Mitigation

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Professionals understand how crucial it is to act immediately when there is an emergency such as a pipe break, a supply line break, or water in your business from plumbing failure. Recognizing that a flooded business causes a devastating setback to businesses, they do whatever it takes to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

No matter the cause of the flood damage or how large the water restoration project, SERVPRO of Kansas City / Midtown can handle it. We will conduct an initial inspection to assess the damage. During the inspection, our mitigation expert use special tools and equipment to identify the source of the flood and stop more water from coming in. As water damage mitigation professionals we use procedures like structural drying to ensure quick and complete drying of the entire structure and contents. This will ensure efficient drying of the structure and contents, and will also help to eliminate odors.

We will restore your business to the previous condition, before the damage occurred. It is important to understand that a lot of work is involved in fixing water damage problem, whether it's caused by a pipe break, supply line break or other issue.

Call us at 816.895.8890 if you have questions about the problem in your business.

How do you get flood water out of my business?

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

The conventional flood damage mitigation process used by SERVPRO of Kansas City / Midtown to eliminate flooded water in your business property entails:

1. Flood damage inspection - The initial step in a flood damage mitigation process involves a visual inspection on your business property or home to determine the scope of the flood damage.
2. Water removal - Following inspection, the restoration company’s water cleanup experts will start extracting water from the flooded home using powerful pumps and vacuum units. 
3. Drying and dehumidification - After extracting water from the flooded business, your floor, walls, drywall, wood and other surfaces will still retain a significant amount of water.
4. Cleaning And Repair - After drying your property’s wet surfaces, the restoration company will help you clean and sanitize the dirty surfaces, rugs, furniture and other restorable property damaged by water in home or water in business. 

Call us at 816.895.8890 if you have questions about the problem in your company.

Cleaning Up After a Flood in a Commercial Building

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a flood in Kansas City can be devastating. In addition to water damage that can take a long time to repair, a flood can damage the contents of a business. When you are cleaning contents, you need to categorize each item into one of two material types to know if your belongings can be saved.

Porous Materials

Anything in your commercial property that could possibly absorb water may have to be thrown away, particularly if your building was flooded with black water. Porous materials can include anything from carpets to upholstered furniture and drywall. Because these contents can absorb filthy water, they cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough to prevent health hazards. When you begin the process of content cleaning, know that any item made of porous material that possibly came in contact with the contaminated water will likely need to be disposed of.

Non-Porous Materials

Any item that will not absorb water is made of non-porous material. These contents should be safe after a flood. Items may include metal desks or cabinets, waterproof safes, or even plastic furniture. Thorough cleansing with clean water and disinfectant will likely save any belongings made of non-porous materials and keep them useful after restoration. Because these contents did not absorb the dirty water, they do not pose a significant risk if they are kept.

Losing critical business information may be one of the most devastating parts of surviving a flood. Content cleaning can be challenging because you may have to throw away many items, but if you have the right knowledge of porous and non-porous materials, you may be able to save some items. When dealing with black water, knowing which items pose a health hazard is critical to the restoration process. Separating belongings into one of these two categories can help make the cleaning process faster and easier.

Restoring Your Kansas City Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

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 at 816.895.8890 and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown

SERVPRO of Kansas City 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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kid's Sake

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bowling Team

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City hosts their Bowl 4 Kids Sake every year and we had the pleasure of participating in the 2017 campaign! We were lucky enough to have two representatives of BBBS, Erica and Tahir, come and speak with us at our monthly SERVPRO employee breakfast in June. While they spent a lot of the time discussing what it means to be a big brother or big sister to a child in need in the Kansas City area they also spoke to us about their upcoming event and we got a lot of interest from the employees! We decided to have try outs to see which 4 would make the cut and represent us trying to raise the team goal of $1,200 with a fun little game of “Chem-sponge Bowling”. The object of the game was similar to bowling, where you would try and throw a dry chem-sponge down a lane and knock down as many empty spray bottles as you can, sounds easy right? Not when the sponge is rectangular and doesn’t roll! We had so many participants we decided to form two teams making our goal double to $2,400. With only a few short weeks we pulled all of our resources and with days left till the event we over shot our goal and raised $2,500 for our first year! Not too bad!

On July 20^th our two teams and a hand full of cheerleaders went to the Bowl 4 Kids Sake event at Park Lanes in Shawnee, KS. It was such a great time spent with other amazing companies all coming together to help raise money for Kansas City youth. After the weeks long event concluded they announced the record breaking year of raising more than $826,000! We are so proud to have been a part of that and look forward to participating for years to come.