Commercial Flood Damage and Mitigation

10/24/2024 (Permalink)

During the wintertime, snowfall and cold temperatures can plague your neighborhood. During severe winter weather, your store could suffer from commercial flood damage due to a variety of causes. For example, a heavy snowstorm can cause deep amounts to build up outside your store's building, and then when it melts, excessive moisture can enter your structure. Cold temperatures can also cause the H2O in your pipes to freeze.

The main problem when mitigating commercial flood damage inside your store is that the different products are made from many different materials.  Your store may also have areas that contain porous materials such as carpet and furniture as well as different types of flooring for example, tile or linoleum.  

When snow starts to melt, or a pipe freezes and breaks, all of the flooring present inside your store could have been negatively affected.  When a professional restoration company, like SERVPRO of North Rensselaer/South Washington Counties, arrive at your business, the inspection process begins.  We use different tools to sense moisture travel inside.  We also test humidity levels to see if products that didn’t come directly into contact with moisture are at risk.

When It comes to mitigating moisture, our technicians will extract as much water they can while it is still liquid.  There are different methods we use to extract the water.  If there is more than 2 inches of standing water, we can use a submersible pump to pull all of the moisture into one of your sewage drains.  If there is water on top of hard surfaces we can use a mop or squeegee.  When it comes to carpets we can also use a heavy duty extractor to vacuum the moisture. 

If your business suffers from issues creates after the cold or a winter snowstorm, call us, SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties at 802-375-1500.

What is mold?

10/24/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. The spores that form mold growths are in the air and inside every home and business. The only exceptions are ‘clean rooms’; surgical theaters for example or some electronic assembly chambers.

If you want to understand mold damage in your Rutland, Vermont home, it is necessary to know how mold expands and grows anywhere in the right temperature range with sufficient moisture and food.  

Mold starts as a tiny spore, usually airborne. Each one is tinier than a mustard seed, and a mass of thousands is smaller than the head of a pin. When these airborne spores settle on a surface, they remain inert unless they come into contact a source of moisture. The initial amount of water does not need to be more than a few drops, that is all it takes for spores to expand and extend hyphae.   

These extensions spread across surfaces to expand the new growth. When they find a food source, hyphae grow into the material; normally construction items like drywall and ceiling tiles. They sustain the growth and speed expansion as well.   

Most mold grows at a range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is the temperature range for most homes in North America year-round, fungi growth is a problem in Fall and Winter as well as Spring and Summer. Obviously, the best way to stop mold growth is to turn off the moisture since it is also the starting point of the growth. Then we eliminate the source, be it a leaking pipe, pooled water under a damaged section of roof, a severe flood, or something else.  

With the mold halted, we begin cleaning and removal. First, we isolate the area as best as possible; this prevents accidental contamination of other, clean parts of the house. After an initial pass with commercial grade vacuums to pull up loose spores, we remove all building material and personal property with mold. Depending on the item and the amount of mold involved, we clean it on-site, at our facility, or dispose of it.    For mold on the structure, we use a variety of anti-fungal agents and tools to kill and remove surface mold. If the spores have grown just below the surface, we remove the piece or cut away the affected section if structural integrity remains uncompromised. 

Stopping mold and removing the damage from your home is not a simple task. At, SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties we have the personnel, training, and equipment needed to ensure we do it as quickly as possible and still provide a safe environment for you and your family to return home.

If you need us, call today at (802) 375-1500.

What does SERVPRO do?

10/24/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of Bennington and Rutland Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster in Rutland & Bennington, Vermont. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to any size disaster™
• Highly Trained Restoration Techniques
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Today - 802-375-1500

Residential Services:

Whether your Bennington or Rutland home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.

Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services 

Commercial Services:

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Bennington or Rutland property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration 

SERVPRO Heroes are the Storm Damage Experts

10/24/2024 (Permalink)

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great. 
Storm damage in Bennington and Rutland Counties, Vermont can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition.
 
Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling. 
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. Call 802-375-1500 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

The Steps of Mold Remediation

10/19/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus. These tiny organisms can be orange, black, green, or white. Most types of mold prefer warm environments, but they can live and grow in any kind of environment. A lot of mold issues start in hard to access areas such as dark basement or attic corners that can be tough to spot. However, once you notice the problem it is time to contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals! We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties have many years of experience in mold remediation and the proper skills and equipment to get the job done safely for you!

                The first step professionals take when preparing for mold cleanup is to establish containment! This could range from closing doors between the affected and non-affected areas or setting up plastic barriers and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

                PPE includes specialized protective gear such as boots, the proper mask, gloves, and jumpsuits. This gear protects the technicians doing the work but also prevents the spread of mold spores throughout the rest of the home.

                Next comes the tear out. Mold spreads and feeds and causes a lot of damage to the structure of your home. For example, when cleaning black mold technicians will tear out dry wall and other materials to prevent further spreading. Once most of the mold affected areas and materials have been removed your technician will then use specialized cleaners and disinfectants to remove the rest of the mold and we will do our best to prevent new growth.

                Another important step in preventing further spread of mold is to dry out wet materials. Mold thrives in humidity so by decreasing the level of humidity and moisture new mold spores cannot develop into colonies.

                We here at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties are here to help you with all your mold remediation needs. We have technicians who are specialized and certified in mold remediation who are eager to help you and return your home to looking “like it never even happened!”

Keep Your Pets Safe During an Emergency

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Keeping your loved ones safe during an emergency like a fire, hurricane, flood tornado, or any other unexpected event is a priority. Many families loved ones also include their furry family members as well, their pets. SERVPRO of Bennington/ Rutland Counties wants all your family members to be safe including your pets. Many pet owners are unsure of what to do with their beloved pets during an emergency.

Here are a few suggestions on what to do to keep your pet safe in any type of event that comes your way:

• Be prepared and have a plan. Have a plan for both what you would do if you were home or if you were not and your pet was left alone. Find local pet daycares or even family or friends that can get to your pet if you cannot. Be prepared to evacuate if you have to a place that is pet friendly.
• Make an emergency kit. Just like you would for yourself make a kit also for your pet. Stock up on their food, water, collar, leash, toys, and any medication they may be on, etc. Also, in this kit include information about your pet incase they get lost such a recent photo that can help others return your pet back to you safely.
• Make sure vaccines are up to date. If your pet has to relocate to a shelter most shelters require certain vaccinations so you will be required to provide documentation of your pet’s vaccine history. Make sure they are up to date so your pet will not have any issues staying in a safe place.
• Create a safe haven for your pet. Change can be chaotic and stressful not only to us but also to our furry family members. So be sure to bring things that they love such as their favorite toy or blanket/ bedding for sleeping. Bringing a little piece of home when evacuating can help ease their nerves during these anxious times.

Being forced to leave your home due to an emergency is stressfull and frusterating. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington/ Rutland Counties understand this and we are here to respond to any emergency in your home quickly. We are water, fire, and mold specialists who are available 24/7 and can be reached at 802-375-1500!

How to Prevent Rain Damage and Water Inundation in Your Building

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Rain damage can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your Bennington & Rutland County commercial property. This is something no business ever wants to experience and have to go though. Fortunately, there are several different precautions you can take to avoid water inundation in your commercial building.

                Building envelopes are barriers between the interior of a building and the outdoors. Some examples of this would-be doors, windows, the roof, and even the walls or foundation. Regular maintenance on these envelopes is essential to maintain their integrity. These envelopes are your buildings primary protection against water damage. You want to keep an eye out for cracks, deteriorating seals, mold growth, or other signs of envelope failure.

                At times of heavy rain, it may be necessary to set up temporary precautions to protect the buildings envelopes against rain damage. Remember, that barriers should not go around the entire building because water that gets between the barrier and the building needs to be able to escape.

                Weather is among one of the many things that business owners cannot control. Hopefully, the above precautions will be able to minimize or eliminate a water damage from happening. However, if these steps do not work you will want to hire a professional mitigation team to handle the work. We here at SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties are a team of highly trained professionals with the skills to restore any size building that has been impacted by a water damage. Our staff has state of the art drying equipment that will aid in this restoration process. We are a 24/7 emergency service company that is always here to help! Please give us a call at (802) 375-1500 if you experience any water damage large or small!

Fire Safety for Your Vermont Business

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you run a hotel business, you will want to do all you can in order to protect your hotel from a disaster such as a fire damage. Today, we are sharing some tips that can help you prevent a fire damage and some helpful tips in the event a fire does occur:

• Proper signage. Exit signs need to be clearly marked for all to see. They should be illuminated with backup batteries in case there is a power outage.
• Sprinkler system. Ensure your sprinkler system is functioning properly by having it serviced every 12 months or less by a licensed professional.
• Fire alarm system. Your fire alarm system should also be tested and serviced regularly by a licensed professional.
• Escape Routes. Escape routes should be positioned in ways that ensure anyone can safely reach them. These escape routes should be obstruction free, be enclosed with smoke and fire-resistant materials, and remain closed as much as possible to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
• Electrical outlets. Each electrical outlet should have no more then one item per outlet plug being used. All cords should be kept in good repair and replaced when needed!
• Have fire evacuation plan ready and accessible to all!
• Inform your guests of fire safety. All hotel guests should be informed of manual call points and the hotels escape routes. Forms should also be accessible to guests that clarify information such as steps to take if the guests see a fire or hears fire alarm.

In the unfortunate event of a hotel fire, please reach out to SERVPRO of Bennington & Rutland Counties. Our team is experienced in cleanup projects after fires both large and small. We are also mold remediation specialists, and here to help in the event of water damages, fire damages, and storm damages. Give us a call at (802)375-1500.

Natural Disasters in Vermont

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

A man seen kayaking in a flooded intersection after a hurricane swept through Vermont.

Common natural disasters in Vermont include severe storms, floods, winter storms, hurricanes, landslides, power outages, and tropical storms. Very rarely do tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts occur in Vermont but they can happen. Vermont endures intense storms in the form of severe thunderstorms and lighting, heavy rains, large hail, and gusty winds. Thunderstorms can happen year-round, but normally occur during spring and summer months. Lightening and hail can accompany server storms, resulting in possible greater damage to local and personal property.  Many streams and rivers crisscross the state and make Vermont highly susceptible to river floods and flash flooding. These floods are generally caused by periods of heavy rain, quick thaws, fast snowmelt, and overly saturated soil. Vermont is vulnerable to ice storms, blizzards, and heavy snow. The winter months are long and cold, generally in December and January. Vermont receives over 86 inches of snow annually, which is almost three times more than the national average. Although Vermont is not a coastal state, it does still experience the effects of Atlantic storms. Hurricanes and nor’easters can occur and have the potential to cause major destruction. SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties responds immediately to your storm damage emergency. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your Vermont home or business back to pre-storm condition.  Storms don’t wait for normal business hours, and neither do we at SERVPRO of Bennington and Rutland Counties.  You can depend on an immediate response from out highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Preventing Mold Growth in your home

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

This photo shows mold growth on the walls, floors, and ceiling of a home.

Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will frow in places with a lot of moisture, such as leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents and heating and air conditioning systems.  Mold can appear fuzzy, discolored or in slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. You can usually see or smell a mold problem. The key to preventing mold growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems. Mold spores are everywhere, including your home and they can grow on any surface that has sufficient moisture.

Common sources of moisture are:

• Roof leaks
• Indoor plumbing leaks
• Outdoor drainage problems
• Humidifiers
• Wet clothes drying inside the home
• A clothes dryer venting indoors
• Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
• Condensation on cool surfaces
• Damp basements and crawl spaces
• Steam from a bathroom or kitchen

If you see signs of mold, call us today at (802)-375-1500.