Pay Attention to Your Commercial HVAC System

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold resulting from high humidity in a commercial building

Making sure you properly and regularly have your commercial HVAC systems checked is crucial to your indoor air quality.  

Though we are not experts with commercial heating and air conditioning units, there are a few things that everyone can check to ensure that their commercial unit is functioning properly. As always, if you have a question about your HVAC system, the first professional that you need to call is your local HVAC company.

5 Common Commercial HVAC Functions To Check:

1. Odors or poor indoor air quality
2. Strange, or odd sounds
3. Unexpected change in heating and cooling cost
4. Inconsistent airflow
5. Loss of system efficiency

If you notice any of these HVAC problems, the fix can be fairly simple. There could be dirty or clogged filters, leaking refrigerant, thermostat malfunctions. Be sure to have your HVAC system checked regularly.

Commercial Cleaning Tips

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

A good commercial 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:   

OUTSIDE

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. 

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. 

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  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.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.  

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

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.  

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. 

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous year's 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 East Riverside City to help! We are here 24/7 call today (951)222-2224 "

Commercial Cleaning Tips

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

A clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers

A good commercial 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:   

OUTSIDE

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. 

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. 

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.  

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

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.  

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. 

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous year's 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 East Riverside City to help! (951)222-2224

Mitigation-Water Removal and Cleanup for Your Business

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

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

Day or night, when any water emergency strikes at your Riverside 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 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:

Within the first 24 hours:

48 Hours to a Week:

Over a Week:

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 East Riverside City by calling (951)222-2224 and we can initiate a team for water removal services.

Heavy rain preparedness

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Some things you can do to prepare for heavy rainstorms.

Living in Riverside City, rain isn't a common occurrence; however when we do get rain, it causes damages especially during certain weather patterns. Below are a few things you can do to prepare for heavy rainstorms.

Preparedness:

Deodorization Strategies to Help Fire Damage Odors

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Removing odors often falls to several capable pieces of equipment in our inventory.

When even a small fire ignites in a Riverside library, there are many potential obstacles and hurdles that fire restoration companies like our SERVPRO team must overcome. While much of these initial steps involve the mitigation stages such as debris removal and surface cleaning, in many ways, lingering odors can pose the most significant challenge to making fire losses "Like it never even happened."

While fire damage restoration for Riverside City public structures involves a careful union of advanced cleaning techniques and containment strategies, libraries add further challenges with so many volumes of literature to preserve and protect. These contents are as crucial in many ways as the structure itself, as this represents the borough's investments into the education of its residents. While smoke residues and ash can present immediate threats to these books and works, odors can become a lingering concern that stays trapped in the paper pages and covers of these novels stocked on the shelves. Removing odors often falls to several capable pieces of equipment in our inventory, including:

Is Fogging the Best Odor Removal Approach?

While each of these deodorization approaches can have its ideal use in fire restoration cleanup and recovery, few have the versatility of thermal and ULV fogging. By creating a mist or vapor of deodorizing compounds, they can penetrate porous surfaces and contents to neutralize smoke and burning odors already embedded there. With the lightweight portability of fogging units, they are among the most widely used in odor removal approaches.

Fire losses can be a challenge for public buildings like the library when contents become exposed. Our SERVPRO of East Riverside City can help with a fast response of qualified technicians and advanced equipment by calling (951)222-2224

Learn About Sandbags

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

In most cases flood dams work by directing water flow away from the threatened area.

When faced with flooding, you may be considering the possibility of a sandbag wall to protect your business. It is recommended that taking steps to mitigate damage before it occurs to protect the property and reduce clean up times and costs by several restoration companies. A flood dam is one way to do this. Here is what you need to know about flood dams. 

Where to Find Them 

Sandbags can be purchased from local hardware stores or landscaping suppliers. During times of severe floods and storms, quantities may be supplied by your local council. You can contact your local council or visit their website for more information.  When there is significant flooding, sandbags may in limited supply and may only be issued State Emergency Service. It is better to be prepared and purchase sandbags prior to or when made aware of a flood event. 

How They Work 

In most cases flood dams work by directing water flow away from the threatened area. Many people choose sandbags because they are easy to build protective barriers. Dry sand is loaded into the bag, and the bag is then folded and placed to create a wall. When the water reaches the wall, it is absorbed by the sand which then becomes heavier, harder to move, and creates a tighter seal. 

Where to Place Them 

When creating a sandbag barrier to protect your business it is recommended to construct it in a way that directs the flow of water rather than trying to block it. This will put less force on the wall and keep the water moving to a safe drainage location. Consider setting the barrier up so that the water flows downhill and away from the property, or into a drainage ditch or open field where it can disperse safely. Sandbags should also be placed over floor wastes and drains to prevent backflow of grey water entering the building. They can also be used in front of doorways/roller doors. 

When to Use Them 

One of the best ways to reduce flood damage is to know when to use a flood dam. In most cases you may want to consider the use of sandbags any time you believe flooding may pose a high risk to the property. 

When making a sandbag wall or using another flood dam type to protect your company it is important to understand how they work and where to place them to direct water flow. Using these tools properly may help you reduce the amount of damage your business could face in the next big storm. 

Why Choose SERVPRO 

In case of a flooding event, SERVPRO is always here to help.  We are ready to help 24/7. We will get your business back to pre-damaged condition with our specialized equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” (951)222-2224

Commercial Biohazard

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Get your commercial building SERVPRO clean!

At SERVPRO of East Riverside City, we understand that any type of exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose some serious health threats and consequences. In a commercial setting, any type of sewage backup, blood cleanup or even chemical spill can place you and all the occupants of the area at risk. Upon recognizing the situation, your primary focus should be safety. If you ever have a biohazard, follow these tips to keep you and everyone in your commercial building safe.

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use television or other household appliances.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Whether it is blood, fluids, or tissue, our technicians have the tools and equipment to detect every spot, splatter, or shard. Biohazard cleanups are the hardest cleanup sites we face as industry experts. But rest assured SERVPRO of East Riverside City will complete the cleaning, and your property will be restored to a safe and healthy environment.  Call us today (951)222-2224 we are here 24/7!

Common Reasons Of Commercial Water Damage

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems is very common in commercial buildings.

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When a company suffers a water loss, everyone is impacted. Here is a list of a few common water damage causes for commercial buildings.

• Malfunctioning Sprinkler Systems: Just recently, one of our techs went out to do an inspection at a commercial building, the sprinklers from upstairs malfunctioned and were going off all night! Fire sprinklers are great and can keep a building safe during a fire, if one accidentally goes off or breaks it can cause substantial water damage to the building, and assets in that building. It is recommended to get your sprinklers tested every few years. It is also beneficial to learn where the shut off is. If you or your building manager do not know where the shut off is, contact us about getting your building prepared with an Emergency Ready Profile.
• Appliances: Just like in a home, most commercial buildings have appliances like hot water heaters, refrigerators, and toilets. All those things have the potential to cause a water loss. Have a plumber check fittings and pipes regularly.
• Backed Up Sewer Lines: Sewer damages are extremely messy, and no one wants to deal with that. It is recommended to get your sewer lines jetted or cleaned every 18 months.

Not every disaster can be prevented, that is why we are here to help around the clock. We are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your business back to pre-water damage condition. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.  Call SERVPRO Of East Riverside City today! (951)222-2224 we are here 24 hours 7 days a week!

A Few Common Issues in your Commercial Building

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Electrical faults can lead to fires caused by mice!

Keeping your business or commercial property safe and sound is necessary in operating smoothly. Many buildings have preexisting small issues that have the capacity to turn into larger ones if not taken care of properly or soon enough. 

Here is highlighted some of the issues that occur most frequently in commercial buildings. Be sure that your building has been inspected for these issues. In the event of finding any of these, do your best to get them fixed in a timely manner. Not addressing them soon enough could result in costly damage happening down the road.

Leaks - Whether you have a leak in your roof, foundation, or pipes, water can accumulate in areas of your building. Sedentary moisture almost always leads to rotting wood, foul odors, and mold growth.

Asbestos - Although not used in construction anymore, older buildings may still have asbestos present. Exposure to asbestos is extremely dangerous and must be taken care of if found in exposed areas in your home. 

Fire Safety Regulations - Make sure that your fire extinguishers are up to date and are in working order.  Check your sprinkler system to ensure that in the event of a fire, they will work as intended.

Electrical Faults and pesky rodents - If you have older wiring in your building, they should be checked for faults.  If you have ever had a rodent problem, you should also have your wiring checked. Mice and rats tend to chew on wires, leaving them exposed and more likely to start a fire.

At SERVPRO of East Riverside, we offer many commercial services. Whether you have fire, water, or mold damage, we can be there quickly to begin the remediation process.  Call us today (951)222-2224      

Need to Eliminate the Fire Damage in Your Riverside Office Building?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Call SERVPRO to Deal With the Commercial Fire Damage in Your Riverside Office Building

A fire’s destructive power can leave your Riverside City office building devastated. Once firefighters extinguish the flames, you need to take steps to restore the building to its normal condition. SERVPRO can help you to clean up and restore your commercial property.

What can SERVPRO do to eliminate the fire damage?

Our fire restoration experts can assist you in putting your business premises back together so that normal operations can resume. To deal with the commercial fire damage in your Riverside office building, we can first assess the damage to know how the restoration process should proceed. The other steps we can take include:

•  Removing debris
•  Water damage restoration
•  Soot cleanup
•  Odor removal

What could happen after fire damage in an office building?

A fire-damaged office building is a hazard for the people who work in it and the customers. The heat and water could have weakened the walls, making them prone to collapse. There could also be a danger of electrical shock. Fire, smoke, or soot-damaged office equipment and possessions could end up being beyond repair if they are not handled properly from the first response. Downtime for firms operating in the building could translate to lost revenue. That’s why you need to hire SERVPRO since we can help you to restore the property within a short time.

Removing smoke residues after a fire is difficult. How do you remove them?

Thick layers of soot mixed with moisture often cover a large area of commercial fire sites. Soot’s acidic composition can cause additional destruction on its own on the surfaces it is in contact with. It can stain textured and porous surfaces, and permanently discolor plastics, grout, granite, and the unburned fixture constructed with wood or textiles.

Our team can use industrial vacuums to remove dry particles that are loosely attached to surfaces. If moisture contacts the particles, it can cause the surface to absorb them and be difficult to eradicate. We usually try to vacuum dry smoke residues from surfaces before we apply wet cleaning products. For soils that are not loose particles, our SERVPRO team can dissolve them so that it is easier to remove them.

How do you neutralize smoke odors?

Many owners of office buildings find that the smell the smoke, soot, and water leave behind after a fire is impossible to neutralize. It is a toxic and lingering odor that makes the environment unpleasant. Our team can use specialized odor removal equipment like thermal foggers, air scrubbers, and hydroxyl machines to remove the odors.

Are you dealing with fire damage in an office building? Call SERVPRO Of East Riverside (951)222-2224 to offer effective restoration. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

COVID-19 Disinfecting Services In Riverside City

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program goes far beyond your regular cleaning services

Covid-19 is back on the rise once again, and with this new variant and the virus continuing to change, we just can't keep up.  Here at SERVPRO we offer certified cleaning and disinfecting.

People are thinking about their children going back to school, as students return, whether that be half days, three days a week, or full-time - schools will need to be doing what they can to reduce the spread of germs and in turn the spread of COVID-19.  People are also thinking about the work place, a friend of mine was just telling me that a employee's family all came back positive for Covid-19, that employee went to get a test and many others in the office as well. 

When looking for proactive corona virus cleaning or cleaning after a COVID-19 exposure in your Riverside home, Business and even schools, you want to use a company that has the right training, experience, and resources.

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program goes far beyond your regular cleaning services. Our team of certified biohazard specialists will consult, clean, and certify that your space has been cleaned and disinfected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Process

When you call SERVPRO of East Riverside City for commercial cleaning and disinfection, you'll go through three steps: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult: A tailored cleaning program to meet your needs.

• We will assign you a Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands your business.
• Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.

Clean: Proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning program.

• Proper decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
• Special attention to high-touched surfaces in the building.
• EPA-approved products, including our cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

Certify: A commitment to clean for your employees and consumers. 

• You can leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
• SERVPRO of East Riverside includes Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblems, signages, marks for your digital footprint, and more. 

We are here for all your Covid-19 cleaning needs, like was mentioned, proactive cleaning and cleaning after exposure, SERVPRO Of East Riverside City is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, call today! (951)222-2224

What Is Asbestos?

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

The EPA classifies six different materials as asbestos

Do you have popcorn ceilings? Have you ever wondered if you have asbestos in your home? And what is asbestos exactly? How do you test for it? There is so many questions people have regarding their home and asbestos.  

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral in the ground typically found in North America. It was frequently used in the past as a flame-resistant insulation. It is a durable material made of layers of fibers that together virtually create an indestructible material. It was widely used up until the 70's when it was discovered to be a carcinogen. 

Asbestos is found to be the sole cause of a deadly and rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. After being exposed to asbestos mesothelioma can take 20-50 years before symptoms can appear. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. Despite asbestos being known as a carcinogen it is still not banned. However, most manufactures have phased out the use of the material to switch to safer alternatives. 

The EPA classifies six different materials as asbestos. All six being human carcinogens.

1. Amosite
2. Crocidolite
3. Tremolite
4. Anthophyllite
5. Actinolite 
6. Chrysotile 

Only amosite which is the brown colored asbestos and crocidolite (blue) are mainly used. 

Now that we know what asbestos is and the negative side effects lets talk about what to do when you come across asbestos. When finding asbestos in your home or building you don't necessarily need to go remove it immediately. It is actually best to leave it untouched if it is intact. Generally asbestos containing material that is in good condition and not disturbed will not release asbestos fibers. In the case the material is not in good condition or is in the vicinity of a renovation it should only be removed by a trained professional. 

If you suspect the material contains asbestos but are not completely sure you can have testing done to confirm. Air testing can also be performed to confirm the air quality is safe after removal.

The most common scenario we come across is asbestos containing tile found hidden under layers of flooring. In the event our technicians suspect asbestos we will have testing performed to verify and then plan on the best route of execution. 

Why is Professional Commercial Restoration Cleaning so Important?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Have a Commercial Building That Needs Cleaning?

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.

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 East Riverside City.

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 services, 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 East Riverside City. 

If you own a commercial building, it’s time to connect with us,  call today! (951)222-2224

What's That Odd Odor?

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Any time you detect a foul odor coming from your commercial building, do yourself a favor, having a chat with the specialists at SERVPRO Of East River

One of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of owning a commercial building is the removal 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 and dried food, 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 East Riverside.  

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 East Riverside 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 East Riverside 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 East Riverside.

Have Mold In Your Commercial Building?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation process begins by effectively finding all the locations and sources. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain it.

Mold Remediation is our business so you can get back to your business

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting.  Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.  If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of East Riverside who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation because mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building.  Next, the crew will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation.  We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

  Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of East Riverside has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of East Riverside to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best.  Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Services.

We are available in East Riverside City 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running.  Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including document drying.  Plus, we are your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

Concerned about mold? Call us today!

Call SERVPRO of East Riverside (951)222-2224

5 Tips SERVPRO Has for Keeping Your Commercial Building Free from Mold

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Give Us a Call 24/7!

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.

SERVPRO has 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 East Riverside City to take care of any mold problems you encounter in your commercial building.  Contact us today for a professional cleaning.

Riverside County's Homeless-How SERVPRO can help with commercial Cleanup

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week

If you’ve noticed more homeless people walking the streets of Riverside or pitching tents, it’s probably because there are in fact more homeless.  Results are in for Riverside County’s annual homeless count, and they suggest the number of people living on the street countywide has increased by more than 20% over last year. County officials emphasize the count is a one-day snapshot and merely represents the “visible” homeless population — not everyone who lacks a home. But they say the count is an indicator of the overall trend.

On Jan. 29, early-morning volunteers spread out, counting 2,811 homeless people across the county, including 2,045 living on the street and 766 in shelters.

  Mental health also plays a big part in homelessness. Most researchers agree that the connection between homelessness and mental illness is a complicated, two-way relationship. An individual’s mental illness may lead to cognitive and behavioral problems that make it difficult to earn a stable income or to carry out daily activities in ways that encourage stable housing. Several studies have shown, however, that individuals with mental illnesses often find themselves homeless primarily as the result of poverty and a lack of low-income housing. The combination of mental illness and homelessness also can lead to other factors such as increased levels of alcohol and drug abuse and violent victimization that reinforce the connection between health and homelessness.  Homeless encampments can lead to biohazard situations and contamination, that can pose serious health consequences.  Maybe some homeless  set up camp in one of your vacant commercial buildings or behind your commercial building.

     Over the years, SERVPRO of East Riverside has been called to work on many different jobs that would be considered Biohazard Cleanup. But what exactly is does that mean?

Biohazards may occur in homes, businesses, public spaces, and even cars. These situations are never easy, but we’re here to help. Equipped with the necessary safety cleaning products, our technicians help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe spaces.  Other biohazard situations we’ve encountered are hoarding scenes, animal waste and cleanup situations after homes or businesses had a positive case of Covid-19.  Our professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect.

SERVPRO of East Riverside City is prepared to help you clean up any type of commercial business or home contamination.

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO Of East Riverside today at (951)222-2224

Should I clean my Air Ducts?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Benefits of having air ducts cleaned.

Building owners and facility managers would probably agree that there are two very important, yet at times overlooked, appliances in any building-- the toilets and the HVAC system. Yet in the real world, the maintenance and upkeep of the HVAC system may take a backseat to sticking to the company budget.

The truth is, when poorly maintained, duct boards can begin to break down which causes them to shed fibers into the HVAC's air stream. This causes the air quality to deteriorate rapidly and may even become hazardous. Hospitals and other facilities with susceptible occupants should take special care when it comes to the air quality and performance of their HVAC systems.

Routine maintenance is best, including having your HVAC system and ducts inspected annually. The Professionals at SERVPRO of East Riverside City can inspect the heating, ventilation and HVAC system in your home or office. Our trained technicians can then make recommendations on the best way to address any concerns, as duct cleaning is not always necessary. 

Keeping your ducts clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can save your company money and give your customers cleaner air to breathe. Although, most of the dust within the system cling to the side of the air duct surface and do not enter into the different rooms. Yet, over time build up can start to effect the air flow and excessive build up will start to make it's way into the air which has the potential to effect your health and the air quality. 

Other benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on duct cleaning contact call SERVPRO of East Riverside City today.

New Construction in Riverside

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

A new commercial building is being built off Van Buren Blvd in Riverside, CA. Before the roof could be put on the heavy rains came. A tarp was put on to prevent further damage which also allowed work to continue. Before drywall was installed the owners of the building and the site manager called SERVPRO of East Riverside City to check the building for moisture caused by the rain. 

This process is called Moisture Mapping, in which various tools are used to check the moisture levels in various materials as well as find moisture that cannot be seen. If the wood is not dried to a reasonable safe level before drywall and other material is placed over it this could lead to damage in the future in the form of mold or dry-rot which could compromise the structure of the building. 

This process of moisture mapping is also done for all water damage jobs. First  to locate the water damage and help determine which dry out method is best. Then throughout the dry out process to ensure all the affected material is being property dried. These readings are compiled in a Drying Report. 

For more information about moisture mapping see our video why-SERVPRO/Moisture-Mapping. 

Do You Have A Plan

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

How quickly your company can get back to business after a  fire or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all types of emergencies. The following are some basic measures that business owners and managers can to be better prepared.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage

Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary: check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruptions. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Your employees and co-workers are your business’ most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools you use.

Practice The Emergency Plan

Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in all of the appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security

Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open emails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords and change them regularly. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Backup your computer data by using a secure cloud-based service and download security protection updates, known as patches, regularly.

Need help creating an emergency plan for your business? Don’t panic! Call SERVPRO of East Riverside City and we’ll help you set up an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) to meet all of your business needs. The call and ERP are free (951)222-2224

The ERP Advantage

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ERP Advantage

On average, 50% of businesses close down following a water or fire disaster. The majority of businesses that remained open had a preparedness plan in place. Being “ready for whatever happens” gives you, the business owner, peace of mind and lets your employees and clients know that in the eventuality of a disaster, your business will be well taken care of. 

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (or ERP) 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 will affect your business.

What is involved?

• A no cost assessment of 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.
  This document takes little time to complete and will not draw you away from current projects. It will save your business both time and money in the event of a disaster. 

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and located nearby.

• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage, which can save you time and money.

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during such an event you are "ready for whatever happens” whether you are available or not.

No matter the size of your business or office, take advantage of this free service and call your local SERVPRO today to see for yourself how an Emergency READY Profile can help your business. 

Restore Your Business After A Water Loss

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage to commercial properties can be very complex, requiring a knowledgeable yet flexible response in order to solve the numerous issues that can quickly present themselves. 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 any and all areas affected. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we work diligently to restore the damaged areas.

Some Unique Challenges

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

SERVPRO of East Riverside City can also help your business prepare for a disaster with an ERP (Emergency Response Preparedness Plan). 

Commercial Fire

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster to get your team back to work faster. Don't panic - call SERVPRO 951-222-2224

A small fire started in one of the bathrooms of this large commercial building on a Friday evening. Thankfully, a few employees were still inside and were able to put the fire out. They called the Fire Department to come and secure that the fire was fully extinguished. The business owners also made the call to SERVPRO of East Riverside City to help with the clean up. 

Our team of Heroes spent two full days with a large crew of about 9 people to clean the soot and ash from the offices, carpets, ceiling, cubicles and desks. This allowed the office to reopen quickly minimizing the impact of this disaster. 

Our goal is to make disasters like these "Like it never even happened," and get you back to work faster!

Attention Business Owners

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Vacant buildings can be a target for vandalism, especially if there is little security or poor maintenance.

One of the most common items that attracts a thief to vacant buildings are copper piping or other valuable fixtures inside. If the property is not well maintained it becomes easy for people to break in and use the place for parties or more illicit means. Vacant properties can also become dwelling  places for the homeless or squatters. The threat of a catastrophic fire is another problem for vacant properties.  Each year over 30,000 fires are started in vacant buildings, causing over $640 million dollars in property damage.

Here are just a few things that property owners can do to protect any vacancies from being destroyed:

• Clear the front of the building of cardboard, paper, brush and scrap wood.
• Stop by the property regularly, at least once a week, or hire a property management company to care for the building.
• Keep parking areas and sidewalks in good condition.
• Any and all toxic substances that may cause contamination to surrounding areas or might harm people or emergency personnel should be removed safely and immediately from the building.  
• Put up obstacles to ensure that all pedestrians and vehicles stay out of the parking area when the building is not in use.
• Keep exterior lights on at night; if possible hire a security guard to keep watch over the building during the night time hours.
• Make sure that fire exit signs and emergency lighting are always on.
• Keep the heat on and drain the plumbing system to avoid any burst pipes.
• Turn off all utilities except when needed and to power alarm systems and lighting.
• Fire detection devices should be linked to a central monitoring service and kept in working order. This can not only save your building but neighboring buildings as well

The majority of businesses that have to close due to a loss, such as water damage or a fire, will not reopen. This makes it vitally important to find the right people to get your business back on it's feet as quickly as possible. If your business suffers a loss, don’t panic! Call SERVPRO of East Riverside City and we can quickly arrive to handle any size loss.