SERVPRO Team Wilson Offers Commercial Restoration in the DFW Area

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony, we understand that commercial property owners face unique challenges when it comes to restoration and recovery after a disaster. That's why we offer comprehensive large-loss restoration services to businesses throughout the DFW area. Our team of experienced professionals has the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex and extensive commercial restoration projects. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to quickly and effectively mitigate damage, while also minimizing business interruption and ensuring the safety of your employees and customers. Whether your property has suffered damage due to fire, water, or other disasters, we have the resources and capabilities to provide timely and effective large-loss restoration services. We work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that your property is fully restored to its preloss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible. In addition to our restoration services, we also offer a variety of other commercial services, including proactive cleaning and disinfecting, emergency preparedness planning, and document restoration. We understand that every business has unique needs and requirements, which is why we work closely with you to develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs and goals. At SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony, we are committed to providing the highest level of service and support to our commercial clients. We are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide the necessary restoration and recovery services to help you get back to business as usual as quickly as possible. If your commercial property has suffered damage, contact SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony today to learn more about our comprehensive large-loss restoration services and to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you get back to business

When Your Commercial Business Deals with Sewage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage is a dangerous substance that just no one should ever handle.

• Safe removal of biohazards and water with specialty equipment.
• Removal of damaged items
• Discard items that cannot be salvaged.
• Disinfection of salvageable items off-site.
• Drying and dehumidification affected areas.
• Ventilating dangerous fumes and airborne particles.
• Disinfect flooring and surfaces within a contaminated area.

Fire Damage at Your Commercial Property

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Most commercial insurance policies cover fire damage. These policies should also cover additional or secondary damage caused by the water used to extinguish a fire or smoke. The following factors may impact the cost and limits of a business insurance policy.

The Type of Business

• Alcohol
• Chemicals
• Cooking equipment
• Smoking
• Vehicles 

• Alarms and detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinklers 

How To Handle a Clogged Sink

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

The last thing you need in slowing down production at your business is a clogged drain! Something like this could easily cause water damage that has you closing your doors for more than a day! If your sink is draining slowly or not at all, producing an odor, there may be a clog. It is critical to take care of these as soon as possible. In the event that a blockage is allowed to accumulate, it can result in burst pipes and a need to reach out to a professional plumber. Prior to unclogging a sink with water, use a basin or cup to remove the standing water. Always attempt to plunge the water first. Small clogs are often easily dislodged with the standard cup plunger. It's recommended to try using one with a flat rim that creates a seal over the hole to apply the pressure necessary to dislodge it. Ensure that the sink contains the right amount of water to submerge the plunger's head.  Another way to solve the issue can involve taking a half-gallon of water and bringing it to a boil with heat. After taking measures to remove the sink's standing water, pour the boiling water directly towards the drain with the aid of a steady stream. It should start to drain. If it fails, let the water cool completely, then repeat an additional time. Baking soda mixtures offer a natural way to unclog a sink, as it proves gentle on the pipes in comparison to chemical openers. Pour a single cup of baking soda down the drain in addition to white vinegar of the same amount. Place a sinkhole cover or rubber stop over the opening. Wait 15 minutes, then remove the cover and run the water down to clear out the clog. If these solutions do not work, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony will be there to help find the solution.

Construction is Complete! Now What?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

With all of the fast-paced commercial building construction and remodeling going on who has time to do your after-construction cleaning?  SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is here to ensure your finished building projects always look their best. During construction, a building can often trap moisture.  excessive moisture could result in mold growth.  If you think that your project may have a potential for moisture, rely on our experts at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to provide you with the tools that you need to eliminate that humidity in the air by placing dehumidification to stabilize your environment and prevent the potential for mold growth. Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it is time to remove the dust, dirt, and construction debris from the structure in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate.  Our team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is here to ensure that your project is ready for interior design. This step in the process is referred to as post-construction cleaning. After all, designs are completed along with fresh paint and flooring, the final cleaning will make your project complete. You will want your facility to look its best when the doors are scheduled to open.  SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony can provide a final detail clean to give the building that extra shine that will surely impress your customers. Let the professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony help to ensure your post-construction needs are handled in a timely manner so that you can open or reopen your business on time and as quickly as possible.

Our Disaster Response Team Is Ready to Handle Your Storm Damage

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storm season is well underway in our region of North Texas and our teams have stayed active in serving our communities following the aftermath of heavy winds, rain, hail, and even tornado watches and warnings. 

While the meteorologists can predict what will be the cause of storms, it’s hard to determine what the effects will look like once the winds have settled, the sirens go silent, and all that’s left is the debris and damage.

At SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony we’ve witnessed first hand the magnitude of damages these storms have caused. They wreak havoc on homes, businesses, school, hospitals, and whatever structure stands in their way. 

Though we have absolutely no control over when, where, or what will be affected, we stand firm in the fact that we are “Ready for whatever happens” whenever it happens. 

Our Disaster Response Team is complete with experienced project managers that travel at a moment’s notice to site locations of large scale storm events, making us “Faster to any size disaster.” Backed by one of the largest Emergency Response Teams in the country, we are uniquely equipped and positioned to take on even the largest restoration project; whether in North Texas, or beyond. Our fleet of cars, trucks, vans, and yes — even 18-wheelers — are fully stocked with the resources needed to respond to disasters of any scale, anywhere. 

Whatever this storm season looks like, it is no match for the force that is our Disaster Recovery Team. 

No Job To Small

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. Our team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony has the resources and more than 30 years of expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing disruption to your clients. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Senior Facilities
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Why SERVPRO?

• FASTER: With more than 1,900 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned throughout the nation to be faster to any-sized disaster.
• READY: SERVPRO is always ready to help when disaster strikes but also knows the importance of ensuring home and business owners are “Ready for whatever happens.”
• PROOF: The science of Drying was developed out of the need to further validate the drying process and use more precise documentation on defining when a structure is dry.
• HERE TO HELP: Communication is the most important part of the process to keep everyone informed during cleanup and restoration.  We accomplish this through the Here to Help Connection process.

Our team responds quickly to your DFW area fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building, a senior facility, an apartment complex, or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our network of 1,900+ Franchises gives us access to trained restoration technicians and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency.

Commercial Cleaning Tips

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Spring & Summer time has become a great time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects.  Although spring cleaning is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for commercial places as well.  The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and bacteria & messes start to grow.  A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers. Here is a list of some important areas to inspect during your deep cleaning cleaning:   

OUTSIDE

• Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to keep clean.  Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals.  Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term. 

• Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business.  Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape.  Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes.  Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business. 

• AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system.  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.  Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside.  Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts.  It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period.  

• Pest Maintenance

Along with the re-birthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests.  Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem.  It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems each year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in. 

INSIDE

• Dusting

Simple and effective.  Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas.  

• Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up.  Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean. 

• Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access.  Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed.  The second is the reorganization of the office itself. Ideally, this is a continuing process year round.  If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up and breathe some fresh air into the workplace.  Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of cleaning takes priority. If you need extra help or an even deeper clean call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to help!

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is IICRC Certified

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo. 

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration. 

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals. Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace. 

About SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Let Us Help Your Business Succeed This Year

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

New Year, New Plans.

At least that’s what most of us have in mind when the clock starts a new cycle into a new season. We can’t help but conjure up strategies to help better serve our customers, build our brand, and grow our business. As a business owner, we can imagine your plans are similar to ours. 

But what if the best way to accomplish your plans isn’t on your carefully thought-out to-do list?What if the best way to plan for success is actually to plan for disaster? This plan is called our Emergency Ready Profile. It is a unique and customized emergency plan to help you and your business in the event of a disaster. 

Prepping for your best year yet looks a lot like putting contingencies in place to prevent it from being derailed by forces out of our control. When we consider previous events such as historic freezes, never ending rainstorms, tornadoes even, one thing is made clear: we cannot control the weather, but we can do our best to prepare for it. 

By utilizing our Emergency Ready Profile, business owners and facility managers will have a clear and refreshed perspective of their property. Conducting our walkthrough and gathering pertinent information regarding the structure allows responsible parties to remind themselves of points of improvement that could eventually lead to potential headaches down the road. Overall, it’s an excellent way to keep track of your facility to ensure nothing catches your team off guard.

So whether you’re planning on growing your business, or you’re in maintenance mode, the ideal time to prepare for a disaster is before one even happens. For more information contact your local SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony representative and schedule your complimentary walkthrough. 

Is Your Business Disaster Ready?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Have you stopped to consider whether or not your business is truly ready for whatever happens?

Sure, you may have your shelves stocked and your labels printed with restock orders on the way. But do you have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens and you’re stuck with picking up the pieces?

Disasters are a natural part of life here in north Texas. When you take into account the year, or better yet, the decade, we’ve had so far, it would be wise to consider how your business may be affected when these disasters strike. Whether it’s an unprecedented pandemic, a historic freeze that forced the whole south central region of the United States to come to a screeching halt, or your average thunder, lightning, and hail storms that seem to make a weekly appearance. In this region, anything can happen. 

You may know SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony as your go-to disaster restoration company, which we are. But do you also know that we specialize in helping your business get disaster ready as well? One of the ways we enjoy serving our community partners is by creating Emergency Ready Profiles, or ERPs, for their commercial properties. 

When our dedicated, local SERVPRO Representatives meet with local business owners and facility managers, we gather important materials such as building information, utility shut off locations, and key contacts. Not only is this information important as it pertains to the daily tasks of a facility manager, but it’s also pertinent in the event of an emergency or disaster when time is of the essence. 

One of the key benefits in setting up an ERP with our team is having all of your essential property information in one place. In addition to keeping such relevant information organized, your local SERVPRO representative will contact you periodically to update any changes to your profile. 

Becoming disaster-ready is a process and our team is eager to help you get started! To set up your free Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today to speak to one of our representatives and ensure that your business is "Ready for whatever happens", just like SERVPRO. 

Do You Have an ERP?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

DO YOU HAVE AN ERP?An ERP is an Emergency Ready Program. As a business owner you always want to make sure you have an action plan if ever an emergency occurs. If there was a flood, major leak or a tornado, as a commercial property you would want contacts and action plan close by. We couldn't imagine the amount of stress whenever something like that ever occurred! SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony wants to ease that stress and we realize that you might not think about the unexpected things that may happen, therefore we have implemented the ERP program. 

What is the Emergency Ready Program?

• As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research.
• Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.
• By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Why Implement the Emergency Ready Program?

• The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile Advantage is of no-cost assessment to your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects.
• It will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• An ERP can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Establishes SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

DON'T HAVE AN ERP? CALL US! (469) 225-9137!

Pay Attention To Your Ducts!

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

When was the last time you paid close attention to your air ducts? 

The saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” rings especially true when it comes to regular HVAC maintenance. More often than not, property owners and facility managers neglect regularly maintaining their HVAC system unless something goes wrong with it. However, if there is one system that could really ruin a work day if not functioning correctly, it’s the HVAC system. Whether it’s in the middle of a North Texas heat wave, or if we’re dealing with below freezing temperatures. A maintained HVAC system is a trusted HVAC system and what better way to maintain it than regularly scheduling an air duct cleaning?

By regularly cleaning for your air ducts, you not only make sure your HVAC system is in working order, but you also get a routine look to make sure there isn’t any mold growth taking place. 

Among the many other benefits of regularly maintaining your air ducts clean is the increased productivity and better and cleaner air flow. 

It’s no secret that your air ducts must be regularly maintained, so why not call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to provide your facility with exceptional air duct cleaning services? 

Call our office for a free estimate: (972)335-9900

Trust SERVPROXIDE™ to Disinfect Your Commercial Space

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

One of our products SERVPROXIDE™ is our proprietary hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the EPA. It is a stabilized chlorine dioxide based antimicrobial which carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. The product itself doesn’t carry any fragrances other than a mild cleaning odor which dissipates quickly making it a great product for people with chemical or odor sensitivities. There are many different applications for SERVPROXIDE™. It can eliminate odors through disinfecting and oxidation rather than just covering them up. That can be done by applying the product directly with towels or through misting or spraying which is often used when we clean HVAC systems. It has even been utilized in electrostatic spraying for an even application on surfaces inside buildings. In fact SERVPROXIDE™ is the disinfectant we have used when we have been asked to clean and disinfect COVID-19 in homes and businesses here in Frisco and throughout North Texas. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar types of organism to COVID-19 and SERVPROXIDE™ has EPA-approved claims against things like Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, staphylococcus, E.coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Swine flu. When you use SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, you can have rest at ease knowing that our team is using hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the EPA. Our chemists are even able to advise us in unorthodox situations to utilize our suite of cleaning products to clean and deodorizing even the strongest and strangest combination of smells and soils.

Do You Have A Plan in Place?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Business owners, do you have a plan in place in the event of a disaster?

We often see how easy it is to get so caught up with running a business that many business owners forego an emergency plan because they are “too busy.” And while disasters and daily operations don’t usually mix, if the former happens, it usually interrupts the latter as well.

However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. By having an Emergency Ready Profile in place, you can make sure a potential business interruption is just a hiccup in daily operations.

While 50% of businesses never recover after a disaster, our ERPs help to navigate these kind of events without the frantic stress of finding key contacts and shut off valve locations by compiling this information beforehand and putting it all in one place. Whether that’s a binder or on our Emergency Profile app. You can find all the information you need with a quick turn of a page or a scroll on the screen.

Don’t wait until it's too late to put a plan in place. Contact SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony today to schedule your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your HVAC System?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

During this winter season are you thinking about the air quality in your business or commercial property? Air ducts and a lack of HVAC cleaning can be to blame for this. In fact, a non-maintained ventilation system is usually the culprit behind getting good, quality air circulation in any building. This is why you should make it a priority to get your air duct systems maintenance by professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony Take a moment and think about how long have I had this system in place?  Have you ever taken the time to have the system cleaned? Do you know what is hanging on to the vents in that system? You always want to take time to be mindful of your HVAC systems. Our professionals can evaluate air quality and the system to see if it’s time for servicing.  If your system has been around for a long time and you have not conducted a thorough HVAC cleaning, there is a chance that your air ducts have begun to accumulate a lot of the following:

• Contaminants
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dust
• Dirt
• Debris

Cold Weather and Your Business

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that your place of business can become damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers are also at risk. Based on a report done by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), they estimated that in recent years, U.S. death rates in winter months have been 8 to 12 percent higher than in non-winter months. Much of this increase relates to seasonal changes in behavior and the human body, as well as increased exposure to respiratory diseases. Cold temperatures can also worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For example, death rates from heart attacks increase as temperatures drop, likely due to the way cold affects blood circulation, blood vessels, and other factors With information like this, you must be aware of what could happen in your business should water damage or fire damage cut off your heat source. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused by long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. We understand that a loss of heat from an emergency can affect your business. If you experience an emergency, know our team is ready to help you get your business back up and running.

What Do Frozen Pipes Mean for Your Business?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

When pipes freeze, they expand and may burst, leading to major water repairs. While our team will always be there to help mitigate these emergencies when they occur, we want to do what we can to provide information to you that can potentially help keep your business out of these situations. Tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Water conservationists’ frown on allowing faucets to drip, but letting even a small amount of water to flow through pipes at all times can do a lot to prevent pipes from freezing. A steady drip is all that is needed to keep the pipes free from ice accumulation.
• Many pipes do not have proper insulation to prevent them from freezing in cold weather. Pipe sleeves and heating tape can be applied to insulate the pipes. It is also a good precautionary measure to caulk around gaps where cold drafts can affect pipe temperatures.
• Shut off any outside water sources that you don't need, especially if you are expecting particularly low temperatures. When a building is left unattended, make sure the thermostat is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to allow heat from the room to circulate uninsulated pipes.

Dealing with frozen pipes:

• Hairdryer – This is one of the safest and most effective ways to thaw a pipe. Open the faucet and then heat the pipe by working back toward the area where the blockage has occurred.
• Space heater – A small heater can work much faster than a hairdryer. Simply direct the heater toward the frozen area of the pipe.

 Make sure you and your employees know where the shut off valve is located. If you are dealing with frozen pipes or water damage from frozen pipes in your commercial building call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony as soon as possible.

Mold Tips for your Commercial Property

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

If your commercial building recently experienced water damages, you're probably unsure of the next step. Not only are you worried about property damage from the water, but you also have to worry about mold in your business. Mold can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage, and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques can't get rid of! Follow these tips if you're dealing with residential or commercial mold in Frisco, TX area.  

1. Get Rid of Moisture - This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.
2. Protect Yourself  - You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You don't want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask.
3. Hire a Professional - The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all of the molds are properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the future. 

Disaster Recovery for Commercial Business

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony not only covers the Dallas/Fort Worth Area but is also 1 of 2 national SERVPRO storm teams.

Team Wilson understands that disaster can strike and any moment. When a disaster emergency hits your area, it can completely halt production in your business. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is part of what is called Storm Team Wilson. Our team organizes and manages efforts in 17 states if a wide-spread disaster were to strike. The 17 states we cover are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Lousiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Florida.

During these catastrophic events, Storm Team Wilson would mobilize in the area bringing a large number of crews, equipment, and resources to customers affected. The team is managed from the main storm office which is located in Pelham, AL where we receive customer information, organize that information and respond to that customer quickly and professionally.

We recruit crews starting with the closest to the affected area and move outward in concentric circles to ensure we are “faster to any size disaster.” As a SERVPRO national response team, we respond to disasters as large as Hurricane Sandy and Irene to local flooding or freeze events.

Prepare Now, Not Later

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Does your business have a disaster readiness plan?

Business owners also need to be disaster prepared

Join your business community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the business community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods but entire business communities. Learn how to be prepared at Ready.gov

According to the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration), 25% of all small businesses will not survive a disaster because they had no disaster plan in place. How do you help keep your business out of that stat?

• Make and Practice Your Plan Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?
• Make sure your family is informed and practiced in your emergency plan.

Learn Life Saving Skills Do you or someone in your family know CPR? Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake?

Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app which can be downloaded here.

Commercial Mold Tips after a Flood

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

If your commercial building has recently experienced flooding due to storm damage or some sort of plumbing issues, you might not be clear on what your next steps should be. You want to limit the damage to your business and extended water can bring mold. This can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques can't get rid of!

Follow these tips if you're dealing with residential or commercial mold. 

Get Rid of Moisture

This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.  

Protect Yourself 

You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You don't want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, PROTECT YOURSELF by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask. 

Hire a Professional

The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all of the molds are properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money and headaches in the future.

Signs of Sewer Line Issues

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer lines with a blockage can have backflow into your business

Blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties

However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage. Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.

Odors - While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.

Clogged Drains - A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.

Indentations in Landscaping - Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots in the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.

Deformations in Landscaping - In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.

IICRC Certified Business

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is an IICRC firm

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who have been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Commercial Properties after a Water Damage

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

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

About SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

We specialize 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.

Commercial Building-Water Damage NEEDS

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When an emergency arises time is crucial, as well as dependence on our state-of-the-art technology and our up-to-date equipment to perform the job efficiently and effectively. SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professionals will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, highly trained and uniformed personnel.  

• Extraction equipment- the most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. this is why it is critical to respond quickly to a water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the equipment is extracted quickly then the environment can usually be dried much faster.
• Air moving equipment- Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level,thereby reducing drying time.

• Dehumidification equipment- By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damage structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from the wet materials. The two main types of dehumidifiers used by SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony are "Refrigerant Dehumidifiers", which work similarly to air conditioners; and "Desiccant Dehumidifiers", which use chemicals, called desiccants, that readily absorb moisture from the air.

Commercial Spring Cleaning Tips

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Spring time has become a staple time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects.  Although this is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for workplaces as well as homes.  The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and messes start to grow.  A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers.

Here is a list of some important areas to inspect during your spring cleaning.  

OUTSIDE

• Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to clean.  Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals.  Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.

• Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business.  Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape.  Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes.  Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business.

• AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system.  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.  Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside.  Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts.  It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period. 

• Pest Maintenance

Along with the re-birthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests.  Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem.  It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems each year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.

INSIDE

• Dusting

Simple and effective.  Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas. 

• Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up.  Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.

• Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access.  Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed.  The second is the reorganization of the office itself. Ideally, this is a continuing process year round.  If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up the office and breathe some fresh air into the workplace. 

Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of spring cleaning takes priority. 

How we SPEED UP the drying process so you can get back to business!

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

PSYCHROMETRY-A sub-science of physics relating to the measurement or determination of the thermodynamic properties of air/water mixtures (e.g., humidity and temperature).

The knowledge of psychrometry is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. 

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony is trained to the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony Professionals will:

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

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

- Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material – but only if the air is indeed drier. Nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

Your local Frisco/The Colony SERVPRO® is trained to use top of the line equipment to help "Mother Nature" along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls and much more.

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony uses state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your business.

Response time is Critical on saving your business time and money

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Restoration Services

Fires or water damage happen, they may occur at your office or business. Who do you call? Knowing the right company to help in an emergency is important to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. 

Response time is crucial!! We are located in Frisco and can respond faster to get the help you need and begin services promptly.

We can access the resources of our national network of 1,650 Franchises to handle larger commercial projects and major storm events.

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony are available 24/7 to help you restore your commercial property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage.

For All Your Commercial Needs

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning: We use the latest IICRC standards as well as state-of the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.
• Upholstery and Drapes: Using wet or dry methods fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method.
• Odor Identification and Deodorization: We will identify the source of the odor and determine the best method to neutralize and eliminate it.
• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning: Cleaning services can provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.
• Crime Scene, Bio-hazard and Vandalism Cleanup: Technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper OSHA, EPA and state/local health regulations.
• Contents Claim Inventory Service: Accurate inventory helps keep costs low and reduces job completion time. We can provide an itemized, area-by-area loss inventory.
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: We work to control and remediate mold contaminates while protecting your health and safety.
• Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup and Restoration: Pretesting helps us determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.
• Water Removal and Dehumidification: We identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damages.                                                                                  When you need it done right and done fast call your local Frisco/The Colony SERVPRO® for all your commercial needs.

We respond Faster to Any Size Disaster

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.

Every hour spent restoring your business back to preloss condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business. We are located in Frisco and distance matters for response time after your business has suffered a loss.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

When you need a professional restoration company you can count on, call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony at (972)335-9900.

Tips for Winterizing your Commercial building

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Protection Systems

• Sprinkler pipes: protect any sprinkler pipes that are exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees to protect from freezing.
• Antifreeze systems: have antifreeze systems been tested for adequate concentration in the past year?"

Building Interior

• Furnaces: inspect, tune-up, check filters, check venting and assure property clearances to combustibles.
• Space heaters: prohibit or minimize use and assure safe location and operation.
• Wood-burning stoves and chimneys: inspected for safe use.
• Interior pipes: protect from freezing. Be very careful if attempting to thaw a frozen pipe. Do NOT thaw frozen pipes with open flames or torches.
• Faucets: leave dripping during intense cold.
• Alarms: test all fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Smoking: it may be cold outside but do not allow smoking inside of your building.

Building Exterior

• Roof: inspect and repair. Seal around vents and other protrusions to prevent roof leaks.
• Gutters and downspouts: remove all obstructions and make sure they are properly secured.
• Exterior water lines: drain and winterize to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Drains: clear debris so that water drains away from your property.
• Basements: are you prepared for water backups?
• Trees: inspect trees near structures and walk areas and remove unsafe branches.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Cold Weather Killer

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov an average of 430 American's die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often it is the result of faulty, improperly used or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, space heaters, and combustion engine-powered equipment, such as portable generators.
However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family and your employees from deadly CO fumes.
-Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your workplace by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO.
-Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, including outside of all bedrooms.
-Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional.
-Use portable generators only outdoors away from doors, windows, vents or any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.
For additional CO safety information, visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov

A Clean Work Area Is Important

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Is your work space clean?  Do you know what can happen if your work space is not clean? 

“Here are some results of poor housekeeping practices:

• Injuries, when employees trip, fall, strike or are struck by out-of-place objects;
• Injuries from using improper tools because the correct tool can't be found;
• Lowered production because of the time spent maneuvering over and around someone else's mess, and time spent looking for proper tools and materials;
• Time spent investigating and reporting accidents that could have been avoided;
• Fires due to improper storage and disposal of flammable or combustible materials and wastes;
• Substandard quality of finished products because of production schedule delays, damaged or defective finishes, ill-equipped employees, etc.;
• Lack of future work due to a reputation for poor quality;
• "Wall-to-wall" OSHA inspections due to the "first impression" of the compliance officer.”