Archived Commercial Blog Posts

Minimize Commercial Storm Damage: 3 Things You Can Do

Name: SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East
Address: 1951 Lincoln Highway, North Versailles, PA, 15137
Telephone: (412) 672-5400

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

In the event that your property experiences storm damage, it is of the utmost importance to prevent further damage.

Storms can wreak havoc on commercial properties, inflicting various types of storm and water damage. In the event that your property experiences storm damage, it is of the utmost importance to prevent further damage by being proactive in the downtime before professional help arrives. Today’s blog will share 3 tips that can be beneficial in protecting your commercial property from unnecessary storm damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Stay Away from the Affected Area

The combination of standing water and electricity poses safety risks to those occupying your commercial property, which means that it is imperative that people stay out of water damaged until professionals have restored the affected areas. Additional safety risks can arise if electrical appliances, wiring, and outlets are in the affected areas. While keeping people out of affected areas is a critical first step, it is also crucial that you refrain from turning on the lights or unplugging electrical appliances because these actions can threaten the safety of those occupying the commercial building.

Turn Off the Water Source & Breakers

After a storm and the discovery of water damage inside of your commercial property, shutting off the water source and the breakers is the best way to protect yourself and others working in your commercial building from safety concerns such as electrical shock.

Protect Your Building’s Belongings

From important documents and equipment to retail items and other products, various valuable items are commonly stored in commercial buildings. In order to protect valuable items from water damage, it is best to move them away from water damaged areas, which facilitates drying. Be sure to also assess your business’ valuables for damage as soon as possible in order to prevent further water damage.

Call SERVPRO Team Wall for Commercial Restoration Services

Both big or small, storms and the damage that they leave in their path can cause significant stress and challenges for commercial property owners. Remember, however, that SERVPRO Team Wall and our storm damage restoration professionals can help you find peace of mind in the aftermath of any storm event. At the first sight of water damage, call your local SERVPRO Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East, at (412) 672-5400 for more information about our Commercial Storm Restoration offerings. Curious as to the ways in which SERVPRO can help your commercial property after a storm? Check out the resources on our website that explain our other related offerings, from general Commercial Restoration to Commercial Water Damage Restoration services. Even in the event of larger storm event, SERVPRO Team Wall can help. Our Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team, with its extensive network of teams located across the country, offers services for large commercial storm losses 24/7. Call SERVPRO Team Wall immediately to restore your commercial property to its preloss condition and make it “Like it never even happened” after any storm emergency.

SERVPRO’s Commercial Industry Offerings

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Over the years, we've had the privilege of restoring properties housing businesses belonging to many different commercial industries.

Here at SERVPRO, we offer restoration and construction services alike for commercial properties. You may be wondering, however, what exactly we mean by “commercial restoration services.” There are many different types of commercial properties, so it is reasonable to wonder if our services apply to all commercial properties? This blog will break down SERVPRO’s commercial restoration services, highlighting the ways in which we meet different commercial industries’ unique needs. For more information about how SERVPRO Team Wall can help your commercial property in the event of any loss, keep reading.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Commercial Business?

In addition to offering construction and cleaning services for commercial properties, SERVPRO also offers extensive restoration services, specializing in storm, water, mold, and fire restoration. As a result, SERVPRO is experienced and trusted in the restoration industry. Having worked with many different businesses over the years, SERVPRO is experienced and trusted in the restoration industry. Our top priorities are restoring your property to its preloss condition as soon as possible and limiting the amount of disruption to your business’ daily operations as best we can. Therefore, we offer flexible scheduling, with abilities to work around the clock and around your schedule. Our team also adjusts our workspace as best we can to keep your business’ functional areas clear, allowing work can continue when possible. To further emphasize time management and efficiency, we embody our motto, “Faster to any disaster”, on a daily basis through our 24/7 emergency services and frequent collaboration with other SERVPRO franchises around the country, which helps us quickly acquire the resources required to handle larger commercial loss restoration work.

Experiences With Multiple Industries

As a result of our extensive experience in commercial property restoration over the years, we have had the privilege of working with a wide range of commercial industries, including but not limited to retail locations, schools and academic buildings, healthcare facilities, restaurants, food service, and hospitality. Additionally, we have worked with commercial properties large and small, from small retail stores and apartment buildings to large office buildings and government facilities.

Call SERVPRO After Any Commercial Emergency

In the event that an emergency leaves your commercial property needing fire, mold, storm, or water damage restoration services, take comfort in knowing that SERVPRO Team Wall is here for you and can meet your business’ unique needs. Pick up the phone and call (412) 672-5400 to speak to one of our experienced team members. To learn more about our commercial restoration offerings, visit our website’s Commercial Restoration services overview page, as well as our Commercial Cleaning services page. To restore your property to its preloss condition and make it “Like it never even happened” after the unexpected, trust SERVPRO Team Wall.

Construction Services: Learning More

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

When water, fire, and storm damage lead to structural damage, reconstruction efforts can help fully restore the property to its preloss condition.

Sometimes, restoring a property after an emergency requires construction services. When water, fire, and storm emergencies lead to structural damage, reconstruction efforts can help fully restore a property to its preloss condition. While this type of situation seems like a headache on the surface, it won’t be with SERVPRO Team Wall. SERVPRO truly is your one-stop-shop because we handle every step of the process, as we oversee inspection, estimation, mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction. We will guide you through SERVPRO Team Wall’s construction and building services capabilities in today’s blog, as both types of services, working together, can help quickly restore your commercial property to its preloss condition in the aftermath of any disaster.

Temporary Solutions

Two temporary solutions that we offer are roof tarp and board-up services, and they are usually employed in the early stages of the restoration and construction processes. You may be wondering: What can these services do for your property? If your property’s walls or windows are damaged in a loss, these temporary solutions protect your property from unnecessary damage that can occur during inspection and initial repair work. Board-up services work to prevent anything and everything, ranging from the elements to animals and critters, from entering your property. Check out this link to read more about our roof tarp and board-up services.

Commercial Building Services

Acknowledging your position as a commercial business owner, we understand that your plate is full enough without having to juggle multiple points of contact and crews to get the job done. Therefore, SERVPRO ensures that you only deal with one point of contact in the event that your commercial property experiences a loss requiring restoration and construction services. Additionally, we simplify the process by working with your own insurance company. Two of our top priorities are cost-efficiency and timeliness. To accomplish these goals, we coordinate mitigation and construction work. Follow this link, where you can learn more about our construction services and view a digital walkthrough of our pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases.

Call SERVPRO for Your One-Stop-Shop

Your commercial business deserves a company that can make it “Like it never even happened” after any disaster and handle the entire process from beginning to end. For a streamlined process, one point of contact, and one crew that oversees the job until your property is fully restored, pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East at (412) 672-5400 or visit our website to learn more about our Commercial Services and Building Services.

Workplace Fire Safety: 3 Hazards That Might Surprise You

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial workplace settings have fire hazards as well as homes, so employers and employees alike should be aware of such hazards.

When people talk about fire safety, it usually has to do with fire hazards in residential homes. All the while, commercial workplace settings have fire hazards as well. Therefore, employers and employees alike should be aware of such hazards. Today’s blog will present 3 fire hazards you may not have expected to find in workplace settings. This information can assist in reducing commercial properties’ chances of experiencing destructive fire damage, while protecting employees’ safety.

Circuits

Most workplaces need many electronic devices in order to carry out their daily operations. Electrical circuits are needed to power all of these devices. Oftentimes, electrical circuits are crowded with cords, which increases the chances of the circuit overheating and a fire igniting as a result. Unplugging electronic devices when not actively in use can help in avoiding an unwanted fire.

Dust

Though small and seemingly harmless, dust can cause fires to ignite in workplaces more often than you’d think. Capable of accumulating on a variety of surface types, from metal to wood, dust can sit idly on surfaces like electrical cords, computers, phones, and filing cabinets, for extended periods of time, which increases the risk of fire. By regularly cleaning dust off of surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas in addition to those in eyesight, you can decrease your workplace’s risk of experiencing a dangerous, unexpected fire.

Flammable Liquids and Materials

Depending on the type of work that goes on in your commercial business, your workplace may possess different kinds of flammable objects and liquids. It is crucial to contain any such objects to limit their exposure to sparks of flames. Keep flammable objects sealed and stored away in a dry place when not in use. Remember that objects as seemingly harmless as loose paper or fabrics such as curtains are flammable and that even the smallest spark can cause these flammable materials to ignite. Keeping them organized and tidy, therefore, can limit the fire’s spread and growth. Further reduce your risk by throwing away paper trash as soon as possible.

Fire Damage in Your Commercial Property? Contact SERVPRO

It is difficult to completely eliminate the risk of fire in a workplace, even if proactive measures are taken to prevent fires from igniting. Commercial property owners can find peace of mind, however, in SERVPRO’s professional Commercial Fire Damage Restoration services, our reputable Fire Restoration Process, and our ability to Care For Your Fire Damaged Belongings. Make it “Like it never even happened” after any emergency by calling your local office of SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East, right away at (412) 672-5400.

Q1 Job of the Quarter: Disaster Recovery Team Navigates 3 Large Losses

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Keep reading to learn more about our Disaster Recovery Team and the peace of mind they help instill in our customers during unthinkable situations.

We select one job each quarter that stands out from the rest as our “Job of the Quarter.” This time, however, we wish to highlight 3 jobs that were all handled by our Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team division of SERVPRO Team Wall, which, since its initiation about 6 months ago, has handled large losses and storms. The Disaster Recovery Team handled 3 daunting water loss projects this quarter that we can’t wait to share with you in this article. Keep reading to learn more about what our Disaster Recovery Team does, the peace of mind that they help instill in our customers during unthinkable situations, and the reasons as to why these 3 jobs all deserve recognition as “Job(s) of the Quarter.”

All 3 of these jobs were local to SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall and, as previously mentioned, were water-losses, requiring a tremendous amount of resources and teamwork. In the past, we would have pulled resources from each of our local markets to produce these jobs, but with our Disaster Recovery Team ready to go, we had everything we needed in house in order to complete the job. The cold weather in late January kept our team on its toes, as we had quite a few jobs come in, many fairly large and with extreme urgency in completion. However, our teams handled the pressure with grace and the fruits of their hard work are illustrated in the details of the following 3 jobs.

Flooding in a Senior Living Facility

A sprinkler system went off inadvertently, flooding 3 levels of a full wing of a senior living center’s facility in Baltimore this quarter. With an extensive restoration process seemingly on the horizon, the customer immediately called SERVPRO Team Wall for help. Our crew was onsite within two hours, equipped with everything they needed to initiate our professional mitigation and emergency services. This project was no small feat, as we had anywhere between 40 to 50 crew members working at any one time throughout the project, so it was all hands on deck. We also provided multiple construction services, including full floor replacement, new coats of paint for affected walls, and new carpet installation. Thanks to our Disaster Recovery Team’s expertise, experience, and hustle, residents of the facility were able to move back into their rooms within just two weeks.

Frozen Pipes Galore Lead to Flooding

When water damage resulted from frozen pipes at an assisted living facility this quarter, affecting 4,000 square feet of the facility’s first level alone, SERVPRO Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team had our work cut out for ourselves. Mitigation efforts persisted for 5 days, with repair and construction work in progress for the following 14 days. For the first 5 days, approximately 15 members of our team handled the mitigation aspects, but 25 team members total worked to complete construction and repair work, through tasks such as installation of drywall, insulation, and flooring, as well as trim-work and painting. Along the way, our team faced the issues of containment, noise control, and the pressure to speedily complete the job so as to minimize disruptions to residents and employees’ lives. With the help of our Disaster Recovery Team, our individual, local teams could continue to focus on residential customers who were also experiencing frozen pipes as a result of the cold temperatures. Ultimately, our Disaster Recovery Team was able to meet the customer’s mitigation needs very quickly and efficiently, which helped the construction services go smoothly. All-in-all, we were able to minimize the downtime for the customer by a number of weeks, restoring a sense of normalcy in everyone’s lives as quickly as possible.

The final job that we will spotlight in this article once again involves water damage resulting from broken pipes, but in a large commercial building of approximately 35,000 square feet with multiple tenants. As opposed to the other two jobs, this project did not require construction or repair services, as it was purely mitigation work. Therefore, we were in and out in just 8 days. All the while, anywhere between 35 and 45 crew members completed the mitigation work. Due to the size of the building, large format, 2 - desiccant drying systems with ancillary generators were utilized during the process of drying out the building. Overall, the size of the job presented the biggest challenge to our team, as many areas of the facility required a “full gut” of affected materials in order to effectively and thoroughly mitigate the space. The size of this job, with multiple levels and a 4 story open atrium, provided both a unique and challenging drying environment, but our team persevered to successfully meet the customer’s needs.

Learn More About SERVPRO Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team

Large loss situations are often intimidating and overwhelming for homeowners and commercial business owners alike, but you can find peace of mind in the fact that SERVPRO Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team has your back. Learn more about our Large Loss, Disaster Recovery Team here. You can also find more information about our Water Damage Restoration, Storm Damage Restoration, and many other Commercial Restoration services on our website. For professional, commercial restoration and construction services that you can trust to make it “Like it never even happened,” call your SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s Harrisburg West office at (412) 672-5400 today.

Cleaning Services Highlight: Vandalism & Graffiti

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

If vandalism and graffiti damage are not removed and restored in a timely manner, your property may be at risk of water and mold damage.

SERVPRO is a respected name in the restoration industry, but it can be easy to forget that we also provide a long list of different cleaning services. In today’s blog, we’re highlighting one of those cleaning services: Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup. Obviously, it is our hope that your property never has to endure this kind of damage, but in the event that your home or business falls victim to acts of vandalism or graffiti, take comfort in the fact that SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is standing by, ready to help. If vandalism and graffiti damage are not removed and restored in a timely manner, your property may be at risk of water and mold damage. Continue reading for more information about our Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup Services.

Restoring Your Property Following Acts of Vandalism

Designed to serve commercial and residential properties alike, SERVPRO’s Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup services are applicable to many different damage scenarios. While we usually think of the stereotypical external wall spray-paint graffiti when we think of vandalism situations, our crews are trained to clean various surface types, such as asphalt sidewalks and driveways, wood, glass, plastic, stone masonry, and metal. Whether brick, concrete, stone, or another material, trust SERVPRO to efficiently clean your affected surfaces. In addition to our Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup, SERVPRO also provides restoration and supplemental cleaning services that can be helpful depending on the scope of your property’s vandalism or graffiti damage. Turn to us for contents cleaning services like Debris Removal and Odor Removal and Deodorization, as well as larger restoration work, such as Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Damage Restoration.

Experience Vandalism? Call SERVPRO Right Away

No two vandalism or graffiti situations are exactly alike and as a result, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall will focus on your property’s specific needs. Pick up your phone and call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East at (412) 672-5400 at the first notice of vandalism or graffiti. We offer 24-Hour Emergency Service to ensure that one of our crews arrives onsite as soon as possible in order to avoid unnecessary additional damage. Trust SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened” and check out our website to view our expansive list of Cleaning Services.

Advanced Commercial Carpet Cleaning

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East’s Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning services can protect your property’s carpets.

From flood damage and mold growth to smoke residue from a fire, many events often require carpet and upholstery cleaning in commercial properties. Even the combination of everyday foot traffic and dirty shoes can affect carpet’s appearance over time. Carpets appear soiled so quickly due to their nature. Carpets act like a magnet, trapping soils such as dust and dirt, which gradually creates a visibly soiled appearance as the months and years go by. This is a natural process that is difficult to prevent unless carpets go completely untouched, which is why SERVPRO offers Commercial Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning services for commercial properties, ensuring that your carpets and upholstery are restored and looking as good as new. To learn more about how our SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East’s Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning services can protect your property’s carpets, read on.

We Provide Next-Level Cleaning

Whether your carpets and upholstery need a small touch up or a deep clean, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s carpet and upholstery cleaning services and professional crew are standing by. Our advanced technology and cleaning methods will make any soiling to your carpets “Like it never even happened.” One example of our advanced cleaning methods is Hot Water Extraction, a deep cleaning method for heavy soil levels that is safe for use on various types of carpets. For lighter soil levels, we may employ Bonnet Cleaning on short-pile carpeting. We also offer Dry Cleaning, Showcase Premier Cleaning, and, for heavily soiled carpets and upholstery, Deluxe Precondition and Rinse.

Call SERVPRO for Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

There are measures that you can take, such as vacuuming and utilizing walk-off mats, that can help reduce carpet and upholstery soiling, but these are not long-lasting solutions, nor are they effective for heavy soil levels. To best maintain your property’s carpet and upholstery, professional cleaning on a yearly basis is recommended. Give your local SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East, a call at (412) 672-5400 to give your carpets and upholstery a thorough and long-lasting clean. You can also check out our website for more information about our highly-trained crew and state-of-the-art technology, a combination that ensures that your commercial property will always receive a superior cleaning. You can also find more information about our Commercial and Residential cleaning services, as well as our offerings in Commercial Damage Restoration. No matter what your emergency, SERVPRO Team Wall is here for you.

Winter Commercial Storm Damage: 3 Types You Might See

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

What if you could enjoy winter weather without worrying too much about your commercial property’s safety?

When we or, maybe our kids, were younger, there were a wide array of ways in which we hoped for snow, like wearing pajamas inside-out, putting a spoon under the pillow, and flushing an ice cube down the toilet. Nowadays, as adults, snow flurries are pretty, but anything more often becomes more of a hassle than an exciting event. What if you could enjoy winter weather without worrying too much about your commercial property’s safety? In this blog, we’ll share information about the 3 most common types of winter storm damage that commercial properties experience in order to help you prevent storm damage to your property this winter.

1. Leaky Roof

Roof leaks are one of the most common types of commercial storm damage during the winter. Clogged gutters, ice dams, and damaged shingles can be the causes of leaky roofs. Because precipitation from the roof can leak down into your property’s ceilings and walls, flooding and other types of water damage can result from roof leaks. In the event that your property falls victim to water damage, it is important to dry affected areas as soon as possible in order to minimize mold growth.

2. Roof Collapse

In the event of heavy precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or ice, your property’s roof may collapse due to structural damage that may be caused by excessive weight on your roof or recurring roof leaks. Be sure to clear debris from both your gutters and roof, as doing so can decrease the risk of your roof collapsing when heavy snow or ice accumulates during a winter weather event.

3. Burst Pipes

A hallmark of winter storms is freezing temperatures. Freezing conditions are notorious for burst pipes, which occur as a result of water molecules expanding and placing increasing pressure on pipes. Burst pipes can result in flooding and water damage, requiring extensive cleanup efforts. Make sure that pipes are properly insulated in order to prevent pipes from succumbing to freezing temperatures and bursting under such conditions.

Have Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO

If any of these 3 types of winter storm damage affect your commercial property this winter, be sure to call your local SERVPRO for immediate restoration services. You can contact your local office of SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East, at (412) 672-5400. On our website, you can find more information about our general Commercial Damage Restoration Services, as well as our specific Commercial Storm, Fire, Water, Mold restoration services. Your commercial property may also require reconstruction services if your winter storm damage results in structural damage. Take comfort in knowing that you need not look elsewhere for reconstruction and rebuild services, as SERVPRO offers a long list of Building and Reconstruction Services for commercial properties. We will stay by your side from the beginning until the very end of the process, fully restoring and rebuilding your property in order to make it “Like it never even happened.” Don’t wait- call SERVPRO at the first sign of damage.

An Overview of a Master Service Agreement With SERVPRO

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

What you can expect after signing a Master Service Agreement with SERVPRO Team Wall?

Here at SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, we offer a wide range of 24-hour damage restoration and cleaning services for our customers. Additionally, we offer Master Service Agreements for commercial business owners. This blog will provide an overview of what you can expect after signing a Master Service Agreement with SERVPRO Team Wall. You may be wondering: What is a Master Service Agreement? How can it impact your customer experience? Why sign a Master Service Agreement? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Master Service Agreement (MSA)?

A Master Service Agreement, often shortened as MSA, entails a contract that is signed between your company’s team and our team here at SERVPRO Team Wall. This agreement ensures that your commercial business is assigned a direct point of contact with a member of our team. Available to you 24/7, your assigned account manager facilitates a rapid response in emergency situations. This personal connection between our team and yours builds a relationship that enables a detailed and thorough understanding of your business’ facility and unique needs.

Overview of the MSA Process

Picture this: Your commercial business’ facility endures a loss- whether it be the result of a storm, a flood, a fire, or mold growth- and you turn to SERVPRO for assistance. When you pick up the phone and call us, you will be placed in contact with your assigned account manager who will be knowledgeable about your facility. After asking questions specifically related to your loss, including the location and scope of the damage, they will schedule a crew from the most geologically appropriate SERVPRO Team Wall office for a speedy response. You will remain in contact with your account manager, however, until your property is fully restored to its preloss condition, as they will verbally and electronically communicate with you, providing updates from the jobsite. At the end of the job, our centralized SERVPRO Team Wall office will handle the billing process, which simplifies the customer’s experience.

Initiate Your MSA Today

By signing a Master Service Agreement with SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, your commercial business will have a direct point of contact already knowledgeable about your facility’s unique needs on call 24/7. With an MSA, our team can tailor their response without compromising the speed at which they arrive at your facility and increase communication, keeping you up to date on everyday progress. To initiate your Master Service Agreement with SERVPRO Team Wall, give our Metro Pittsburgh East office a call at (412) 672-5400. You’ll talk to a knowledgeable team member and learn about the wide range of commercial damage restoration services that we offer, which includes fire, water, storm, mold remediation, as well as commercial cleaning services. You can also check out our website for more information about who we are and the many ways in which we can help your commercial business make it “Like it never even happened.”

Keep Your Business Safe with an Emergency Ready Profile

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, make sure that your business will be protected with an Emergency Ready Profile.

No matter what your emergency, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is always prepared to make it “Like it never even happened.” We provide both restoration, including fire and water damage, and reconstruction services, such as drywall installation and roofing, so that your commercial business can get back on track as fast as possible. It is always important for commercial businesses to have unique, tailored emergency plans in case disaster strikes unexpectedly. That’s why SERVPRO offers Emergency Ready Profiles, which ensure that our teams of restoration and reconstruction professionals arrive on the scene prepared with the necessary knowledge specific to your commercial property that will help us get the job done faster. Continue reading to learn more about the ways in which an Emergency Ready Profile can protect your commercial business.

What Is an Emergency Ready Profile?

Among the many benefits of establishing an Emergency Ready Profile- also known as an ERP- with SERVPRO is that you can create a plan that is entirely customizable and free of cost. The details about your commercial property that you make accessible to us in your ERP facilitate our team’s ability to be as prepared as possible when we arrive onsite. In this way, we protect your commercial business from further damage and reduce any additional interruptions to your business’ schedule.

How Do I Create an Emergency Ready Profile for My Commercial Business?

When disaster strikes, make sure that your business will be protected with an Emergency Ready Profile with SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East. All you need to do in order to get started is call us at (412) 672-5400 and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members. Next, we will work in cooperation with you to create an emergency response plan tailored to your commercial business and its property’s unique needs. No matter the time of day, the 24-Hour Emergency Services and reputable water, fire, mold, and storm damage restoration services custom-fit to commercial businesses offered here at SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall are here to help get your business back on track. For a restoration and reconstruction company that will get you back in business fast after any emergency, look no further than SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Is Here for Your Commercial Business This Hurricane Season

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

In the event that a hurricane moves through your area, leaving a path of destruction, do you have an emergency procedure to follow?

Even though hurricane season officially began on June 1st of this year, the end of the season is still over a month away, which means that the risk for severe weather will stick with us for a while longer. It is always a good idea during this time of year to take a step back and reevaluate your commercial property’s hurricane emergency protocol and plan. In the event that a hurricane moves through your area, leaving a path of destruction, do you have an emergency procedure to follow? A beneficial addition to your commercial property’s emergency plan is having SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East’s phone number readily accessible. Your property will receive the assistance of experienced storm damage mitigation and reconstruction professionals as soon as you pick up the phone and give us a call. Wondering what SERVPRO can do to restore your property and decrease lulls in your business’ daily operations in the wake of storm damage? Keep reading to learn more about our Commercial Storm Damage Restoration and Reconstruction services?

We Are Reconstruction Professionals

SERVPRO has a reputation for being a trusted company in the professional restoration industry. All the while, we hold our reconstruction services to the same high standards. When you call SERVPRO to acquire assistance for your commercial property’s storm damage, our team will cover all of the mitigation and reconstruction work needed to completely restore your property. Whether it is floor repair or drywall installation standing in the way of your commercial business returning to normal, we will do everything in our power to get the job done. In the event that your property endures storm damage, we will first work to mitigate water damage, which involves removing water and drying affected areas, and then move on to reconstruction work that will make your storm damage look “like it never even happened.” Next, we’ll share two stories of customer experiences in which we were able to thoroughly restore their commercial properties after destructive storm damage.

The Phoenix Buildings

Our Disaster Recovery Team hit the road, traveling all the way down to Alabama after Hurricane Sally, a product of the powerful 2020 hurricane season, rocked the Phoenix Buildings in Orange Beach. We were responsible for restoring two, multi-story condominium buildings within the complex. Condo units from the top to the bottom of each building were affected by storm damage. After removing water and drying out the areas that were impacted, we restored the buildings to their preloss condition by completing various reconstruction services. We are proud to be our customers’ “one-stop-shop.” This means that our customers can trust that we are able to meet every one of their needs, eliminating the need for our customers to waste time searching for another company to complete the job. Visit our blog to read more about the Phoenix Buildings project.

Immaculate Conception Catholic School Winter Storm Damage

Our storm damage restoration services also extend to winter storms. Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall headed to Denton, Texas in February after Winter Storm Uri left burst pipes and serious water damage throughout the Immaculate Conception Catholic School. After removing the water and finishing mitigation work on the school, floor replacement and drywall installation were required. We were humbled to be able to supply those pressing reconstruction services so that the school’s students and faculty could get back to business as usual. More information about our experience at the ICCS, check out our blog article.

We Do It All

We believe that our work isn’t over until your commercial property has been thoroughly restored. Storm damage, no matter how big or small, can cause interruptions to commercial businesses’ daily schedules and operations. We are committed to helping your business bounce back as quickly as possible by offering mitigation as well as reconstruction services. Take it from one of our recent customers who praised our efficiency in a letter of recommendation:

“SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall (SERVPRO Team Wall) was able to respond to our restoration and reconstruction needs at our affected facilities with an impressive response time… It is with confidence that I recommend SERVPRO Team Wall for any restoration and reconstruction services. I am certain the same level of quality, service, and responsiveness would be provided for all those enlisting their services.”

Metro Pittsburgh East is standing by and always ready to respond immediately in the event that your commercial building falls victim to storm damage. Call us at the first sight of damage at (412) 672-5400 in order to ensure that your property will receive the mitigation and reconstruction services that it needs. You can learn more about our specialized commercial storm damage services, the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team, and our 24-Hour Emergency Services by visiting our website. Read our latest storm blog for additional hurricane preparation tips. Hurricanes are unpredictable, but by trusting SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East to restore your property after any amount of storm damage, you can be certain that your commercial property will return to its preloss condition as soon as possible.

Biohazard Cleaning: We Do That Too

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our team wastes no time removing the biohazard while performing our Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration Services.

No matter what kind of emergency your commercial or residential property faces, we have the Cleaning Service that will restore your home or business to normal in no time. Biohazard Cleaning is one of our cleaning services that often garners questions from customers. Our mission in this blog is to help you gain a better understanding of what biohazard cleaning entails, in which circumstances it might need to be utilized, and what sets it apart from the other cleaning services that we offer.

What Is a Biohazard?

Biohazard cleaning targets biohazards, which are biological agents that are “a hazard to humans or the environment,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. These agents can come in a variety of forms, from bodily fluids and animal waste to microbiological waste. Considering the health risks that accompany biohazards, our team wastes no time removing the biohazard while performing our Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration Services. At the same time, we make certain that the job is completed carefully, reducing any health risks to those who live in or work at the property.

Examples of Biohazard Cleaning Scenarios

Some of the first things that might come to mind when considering biohazard situations may be extreme scenarios such as crime scene cleanup, tear glass cleanup, or chemical spills. The reality is, these events are extremely uncommon for most residential and commercial properties. Homes and businesses are much more prone to sewage backups and small accident cleanup scenarios. However, our team of biohazard cleaning professionals are prepared for every kind of biohazard cleaning scenario, equipped with the appropriate skills and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

In Need of Biohazard Cleanup Services? Call SERVPRO

We understand that empathy is of the utmost importance when dealing with biohazard situations, as they can often be emotional and distressing. When you call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East after any biohazard emergency, you can be sure that a team of both experienced and empathetic biohazard cleaning professionals will arrive, prepared to restore your property as quickly as possible while following industry safety guidelines. Call us at any time of day at (412) 672-5400 for our 24-Hour Emergency Service, which guarantees that we will arrive onsite as soon as possible, quickly getting you the help that you need. Lastly, there are several additional steps that you can take to minimize health risks before help arrives, which you can find outlined in our Biohazard Emergency Tips.

What Can SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile Do for Your Home or Business?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Customizable, mobile, shareable, and secure are four words that we like to use when describing our Emergency Ready Profile.

Being “Ready for Whatever Happens” is one of our primary goals at SERVPRO. Furthermore, we strive to have our customers’ backs whenever and wherever disaster strikes. Two tools assist us in accomplishing these goals: The Emergency Ready Profile and SERVPRO’s Ready Plan App. To learn more about what each of these tools can do for your residential or commercial property, keep reading.

Components of the ERP

Customizable, mobile, shareable, and secure are four words that we like to use when describing our Emergency Ready Profile. The ERP is customizable in that you select which features are included based on your unique needs. Whether it’s important emergency contacts, key details about your individual maintenance information, emergency shut off valve locations, or all three, your ERP can include whatever information is most pertinent to your property. Because our ERP is mobile, you will be able to respond immediately to emergencies with your mobile device. You are also able to share critical information about your property and emergency plan with other contacts in the event that you are unavailable, therefore minimizing response time. Finally, your Emergency Ready Profile is securely protected with encrypted data and passwords utilizing one-way hash, keeping your information safe.

Check Out The SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App

The companion to our Emergency Ready Profile, the SERVPRO Ready Plan App, offers additional benefits to your property’s emergency procedures. The app can be downloaded from the App Store and, once installed, you will be able to access your Emergency Ready Profile at your fingertips. Be sure to select your preferred franchise location and register with your email and a secure password.

Schedule Your ERP Walkthrough Today

Looking for more information about our Emergency Ready Profile? Call our SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East offices at (412) 672-5400 for a 60-minute walkthrough of what you can expect from our Emergency Ready Profile. Additionally, we provide a sample, completed ERP for customers to view. Adhering to the highest security standards and providing risk management at no cost, SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile offers the best medium for designing your property’s unique emergency plan. To ensure that your property will be “Ready For Whatever Happens,” download SERVPRO’s Ready Plan Mobile App today.

HVAC System Warning Signs

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

HVAC units, which stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, facilitate the functioning of commercial businesses, day in and day out. While HVAC systems are costly, they are a necessity in commercial businesses of all kinds in order to make employees’ work spaces comfortable. With frequent and effective maintenance, your commercial business can preserve its HVAC unit for many years. Through a discussion of common warning signs associated with HVAC unit malfunctioning, we will learn about ways in which commercial business owners can know when to contact a professional and keep their buildings safe from HVAC unit failure.

3 Common Warning Signs: What Do They Mean?

Odor

Sometimes, an unpleasant odor may show its face in a commercial business. This is the first of three common warning signs in HVAC systems. If the smell resembles that of a dirty sock, your business may be experiencing a phenomenon known as “Dirty Sock Syndrome.” Various issues can lead to such strange odors. For example, a lack of regular maintenance of HVAC units often creates a prime location for mold growth. In units that have not received sufficient maintenance, evaporator coils can become infested with bacteria and dirt, as well as mold or mildew. With all of these substances congregating inside of HVAC units, which circulate air throughout buildings, bacteria, dirt, mold, mildew, and their unpleasant odors can also be carried throughout the building.

Weird Sounds

A soft hum coming from your HVAC unit is not unusual. Any type of loud or harsh noise, however, may be the sign of a problem. The compressor may be malfunctioning or parts of the unit may be loose if your HVAC is emitting rattling sounds. In the event that you begin to hear these types of peculiar noises, it may be beneficial to pick up the phone and call a professional, who can assess the situation.

Increasing Cost

HVAC units alone are costly, but the benefits to employees and other occupants of commercial buildings, who rely on HVAC units for safe and congenial workplace conditions, make it worth the while. It is understandable, therefore, if any unexpected spike in your HVAC bill creates concern both for monetary purposes as well as functionality of the unit itself. Unexplained, increased cost often indicates that the HVAC unit is malfunctioning, as the rise in cost is likely due to the unit working harder than it should to do its job. Sometimes, HVAC units must work extra hard when filters become clogged or dirty. Attempting to push through such obstruction, the unit’s exertion can cause your HVAC bill to skyrocket.

Trust SERVPRO’s HVAC Services

Odor, strange sounds, and escalating HVAC costs all emphasize the cruciality of preserving the condition of your business’ HVAC system. If you detect these warning signs in your HVAC unit, do not wait to contact a professional in order to prevent further damage to your building. Start by picking up the phone and giving SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East a call at (412) 672-5400 to learn about our HVAC Cleaning Services. Know that our team of HVAC system experts will guide you through the process of resolving the issue from start to finish. Our team will work quickly to make it “Like it never even happened,” after any disaster, striving to minimize any disruptions to your commercial business. Be sure to also take a look at the many Building Services that we offer, as well as our Commercial Cleaning Services and Commercial Restoration Services for anything that your commercial business might need.

2021 First Quarter Job of the Quarter

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Pittsburgh is no stranger to freezing cold, intense storms during the winter season. Texas, on the other hand, does not usually experience deep freezes or severe winter weather. That’s why, when February hit Texas with Winter Storm Uri, business owners and homeowners didn’t know where to turn for assistance. Our job is to dive headfirst into situations just like these, prepared to help overwhelmed homeowners and businesses pick up the pieces. As soon as the call came in about the storm damage sustained at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Denton, we loaded up our specialized storm damage restoration equipment and hit the road for Texas. Our crew began difficult work 1500 miles from home, unsure of when they would be able to return, which makes their successful job well done all the more admirable and worthy of being deemed our “Job of the Quarter.”

Storm Damage at the ICCS

We received a call one Friday morning in February from an adjuster, relaying information about the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Denton, Texas and the storm damage inflicted upon the school by Winter Storm Uri. Even though the school was more than a twenty hour drive away from home, we knew that the ICCS was in need of immediate help. We had a significant number of tasks on our plate, ranging from removing over one-inch of water damage and installing drywall and carpeting in classrooms and hallways to fixing broken pipes. The most daunting task, however, would involve removing and replacing the entire gym floor, which had sustained water damage. In order to meet every one of the school’s needs, we utilized our specialized storm damage remediation equipment, which included two desiccant humidifiers and fifty fans, in addition to enlisting the help of ten temp workers to further strengthen our team. We knew that the road to the finish line wouldn’t be easy, but our crew kept chugging along, illustrating their hard work, flexibility, and resilience.

Challenges Faced

We strive to make it “Like it never even happened,” for our customers and, in order to do so, we are dedicated to working quickly. In the case of the ICCS job, our need to complete the job as quickly as possible was further emphasized by the fact that the school was still in session throughout the entire process. In order to complete the job in a timely manner, eight to twelve members of our crew were working tirelessly every day that we were onsite. In this way, we were successful in managing our time, completing our processes of demolition and drying within eight days. This feat was even more impressive considering that we were tasked with relocating six classrooms worth of contents to makeshift storage solutions and, throughout the process, our team took measures to minimize the noise levels of our work.

Our Team Is Resilient

Placing such difficult and physically demanding work on our crew members’ to-do lists, the ICCS job was challenging, especially when considering that we were 1500 miles from Pittsburgh and unsure of when we would be able to return home. Considering the obstacles that our team encountered, their ability to meet SERVPRO’s high standards was commendable and deserve celebration. We’d like to give a special shoutout to Jamie for his leadership in production after initial evaluations were completed. He was meticulous in taking inventory of the school’s storm damage and cataloging the team’s work. With Jamie’s oversight, our crew members kept on top of the mitigation and demolition processes and we were able to meet the school’s specific needs.

Trust SERVPRO’s Emergency Storm Response

Our SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East team is here for you or your customer, whether your storm damage is large-scale like the ICCS job or something smaller. With our years of experience traveling across the country and remediating storm damage of all kinds, we have seen the extent to which storms can wreak havoc on not only homes and businesses, but also on the lives of those who live or work in them. We understand the need to react quickly in order to minimize damage, which is reflected in our motto, “Faster to Any Disaster,” and our 24-Hour Emergency Services. Give us a call immediately at (412) 672-5400 for our trusted Storm Restoration Services, as well as professional Rebuild Services. As a member of SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team, which pools together the resources of SERVPRO franchises nationwide, SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is capable of responding to storm damage emergencies across the country, no matter the size or scope. We do not wish for another storm comparable to Winter Storm Uri, but in the event that you or your customer experiences storm damage, remember that SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is standing by and looking forward to the opportunity to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Trust SERVPRO for Your Next Hardwood Floor Repair

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Protecting your commercial business’ hardwood floors is of the utmost importance considering the visible wear and tear that they can experience when exposed to various elements and emergencies such as fires, floods, and storms. Mother Nature is unpredictable, so it is often difficult to prepare for emergencies such as these. Learning about the common causes of hardwood floor damage can, however, can give you a better idea of what to expect from different types of damage to hardwoods and what kinds of remediation services are necessary.

What Causes Damage to Hardwood Floors?

Most hardwood floor damage can be traced back to heat and moisture exposure. This exposure may be the result of major disasters, like fires and floods, or factors as simple as high levels of humidity and heat in your commercial business. Significant damage usually calls for hardwood floor replacement, but minor abrasions can be restored through repair work. Keep reading to learn more about heat and moisture, as well as the ways in which they can impact hardwood floors in commercial businesses:

Heat Damage

Hardwood floor boards shrink when exposed to intense heat. The shrinkage can leave hazardous gaps in the flooring, which typically require hardwood floor replacement. Heat damage on a smaller level such as burn marks or smoke and soot damage, however, may only require hardwood floor repair work. You can protect your commercial business’ hardwood floors from experiencing damage due to intense heat by practicing fire safety and making sure that indoor temperatures stay cool.

Moisture Damage

While heat exposure can cause wood to shrink, subjection to moisture results in wood expanding. Hardwood floors, when exposed to water, absorb moisture, loosen, and can become deformed. They may buckle completely or curl upward or downward in two processes known as cupping and crowning. Another concern when dealing with wet hardwood floors is mold growth. Because mold favors moist and humid environments, hardwood floor boards that have been exposed to moisture can become prime locations for mold growth. You can decrease the risk of mold growth in your commercial business by lowering humidity levels indoors and facilitating air flow. In the event that your commercial business experiences mold growth on your hardwood floors, keep in mind that SERVPRO provides Commercial Mold Restoration services.

We’re Your “One-Stop-Shop”

SERVPRO has you covered if your commercial business is subjected to hardwood floor damage after a disaster. Whether your emergency is water, fire, storm, or mold related, we can take care of the restoration process and complete any additional rebuild or repair work afterward. By trusting SERVPRO to handle the entire job from start to finish, you will eliminate the need to jump through unnecessary hoops that may cost you valuable time and money. We love being our customers’ “one-stop-shop”, guiding them through the entire process until their business is restored to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is so much more than just an emergency fire and water restoration company. Check out our long list of Building Services for a better idea of the wide array of rebuild and repair services that we offer, from hardwood floor repair to fine art restoration. Call us today at (412) 672-5400 to ensure that your commercial business’ hardwood floors receive the thorough repair that they need.

Hidden Locations of Mold Growth in Commercial Businesses

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

A groan-worthy sight, mold is always an unwanted guest in residential properties and commercial businesses alike. In commercial businesses, several hazards often accompany mold, including interruptions to business, dangers to the overall structure of the building, and health effects for employees. In their “Guide to Mold in the Workplace”, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration describes mold growth in commercial businesses and its dangers. In the article, the OSHA states that on “virtually any substance”, mold can not only grow, but thrive. Above all, the article seeks to warn commercial businesses that all indoor mold growth should be prevented. With an understanding of the most common areas of mold growth in commercial businesses, you can protect your commercial business from enduring an unwanted mold infestation.

1. Windows and Doors

One of the most common ways in which moisture enters commercial businesses is through doors and windows. The risk is especially high on days with high humidity levels or heavy rain. Additionally, condensation on doors and windows can present another risk for moisture accumulation inside commercial businesses. In the event that moisture accumulates around windows and doors, dry the moisture as soon as possible in order to prevent mold growth.

2. HVAC and AC Units

It’s rare to find a commercial business that doesn’t have either an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit or an air conditioning unit. While they’re incredibly common, they can become a cause for concern if they aren’t maintenanced or begin to malfunction. Mold can grow as a result of leaks or increased humidity levels throughout the building that stem from a malfunctioning HVAC or AC unit. Making sure that your business’ HVAC or AC unit receives the regular maintenance and inspections it needs can be beneficial in avoiding such problems. On a regular basis, be sure to also change your unit’s filter and clean its drip pan, as doing so is helpful in keeping your unit from becoming obstructed. If you notice mold growth in or around your business’ HVAC or AC unit, professional assistance is necessary. Be sure to get in contact with a certified commercial mold inspector to assess the situation. Additionally, consider our HVAC Cleaning Services to make sure that your commercial business’ HVAC unit receives the maintenance it needs. Learn more about our Commercial Mold Remediation Services here and give us a call for our 24 Hour Emergency Service.

3. Employee Areas

Often tucked away and out of sight in commercial businesses, employee bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces can be at risk for mold growth. These employee areas include appliances such as sinks and toilets that involve water. If these areas are not inspected frequently, pools of water can accumulate and trigger mold growth. However, the risk for a mold problem in these areas can be decreased with regular cleaning and examination.

Remember: It Can Happen Anywhere

Even though we’ve described the aforementioned areas as vulnerable to mold growth, any surface or substance in a commercial business can be at risk for a mold problem. Preventing mold growth in your commercial business can be facilitated through frequent inspections. Be on the lookout for spaces with accumulating moisture, especially those that have previously experienced leaks, and if you discover moisture, thoroughly dry the surface as quickly as possible.

Call SERVPRO for Your Business’ Mold Remediation Needs

However, if you discover significant mold growth that is out of your control, pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East at (412) 672-5400 today. After receiving your call, our team will arrive immediately, ready to hit the ground running. More information about our Mold Restoration Process can be found here. Here at SERVPRO, we are committed to protecting your business’ schedule, minimizing any disruptions to production and protecting both your employees and customers from the health hazards posed by mold. This is what sets us apart from other commercial mold restoration companies in Pittsburgh. While a mold infestation in your commercial business can be overwhelming, know that you can rely on SERVPRO and our team of skilled commercial mold remediation specialists to get the job done.

What is Sodablasting and Why is it Useful?

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

It is imperative for SERVPRO technicians to remain informed about technological advancesand techniques that can be used in the restoration industry. This is why SERVPRO is one of the leading water and fire mitigation businesses. Soda-blasting is one of our more case-specificcleaning methods and it couldbe just the service you were looking for when performing both minor and major restoration.

So What Is Soda-Blasting?
Sodablasting is a procedure that uses sodium bicarbonate to deeply clean surfaces as an abrasive material, similar to a power washer. Used generally on concrete walls and wood floors, soda blasting enables our technicians to clean the surfaces in question without excessively harming or damaging it. Contrary to ice-blasting, soda-blasts aim to keep the object it's being applied to, mostly intact. This is unbelievably useful for work on historic objects, beams and plastic and wooden material of all kinds, as the structural integrity of the object being cleaned is never seriously stressed.

Over the year 2020, it was important particularly in the case of a log cabin in HowardCounty Maryland, where this technique was used throughout almost the entire building after a large fire which singed about 80% of the interior walls and ceilings. We believe that this is one of the finest methods for cleaning wooden surfaces that are harmed by fire or mold since it thoroughly cleanses the surfaces and does not significantly harm the structural integrity of the wood.

Why Choose Us?
You want a teamwho investigates the problem and figure out what happened to prevent the situation from happening again. ,Within the first hour, our technicians can diagnose and identify the problem at hand and diagnose a solution tailored specifically to the situation. We consider that rarely is there aone-size-fits-all solution and every situation is special, so our crews must be as well-informed as to make the right choice for YOU.

We recognize the value of rebuilding and operating your company as soon as possible after exposure to fires, smoke and water. You can be confident thatSERVPRO and the clean-up service specialists for a clean person who will go above and beyond to make your needs heard.

Asbestos Abatement - We Do That

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Asbestos is a term that carries a lot of weight to it. You may already have seen commercials about it before, urging the public to check for asbestos within their homes due to the serious health risks linked with long and consistent exposure to the materials. Mesothelioma is the primary concern. It is characterized as a tumor of the tissues that line your lungs, stomach, and heart. It really is a serious concern and it’s important to know how to go about checking for asbestos.

Production of asbestos originally began in the early 20^th century as a popular building material. It can be found in all sorts of things, to gaskets, roofing sealants, wall panels, ceiling panels, and more. It was well used in all sorts of things because of its natural fire retardant, sound absorbent, and insulative properties. Until the 1980’s asbestos could be found in just about every household until it was found that prolonged exposure could cause serious health risks.

It was found that when asbestos particles found their way into our bodies, they would get lodged in major organs, clogging them up and occasionally forming very harmful tumors. These tiny fibers could get stuck inside these organs forever, irritating healthy cells until health issues such as mesothelioma developed.

In the restoration and mitigation industry, exposure to asbestos is a very real threat our production team can be faced with as we go about our tasks job. Breaking down drywall, opening up air vents, taking apart plumbing, and then rebuilding it all. If not properly tested for, we aren’t doing our due diligence to keep us, the employees, or you the property owner, safe. Safety is always a top priority especially in our business, and our job first and foremost is to make sure our customers are safe and secure from the initial call to years after a job is completed. This is why we give you the information because knowledge and understanding is the first defense against any mishap.

Common Building Materials Containing Asbestos

As follows, but not limited to:

Resilient Floor Tiles (specifically vinyl sheet flooring and other adhesive tiles
Soundproofing or decorative material (i.e. popcorn ceilings)
Patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
Textured paints
Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding

Our team performs asbestos testing as commonplace practice before we start any demolition job as it is important to the safety of all involved. We utilize a third party Industrial Hygienist (WHO?) to perform testing on samples and compile a protocol for abatement (a term commonly used to describe the lessening of something) in the case of positive results.

In the past, we subcontracted with external Asbestos Abatement services needed to third party providers. However, since 2018, our internal teams have completed the training, testing, and certification processes required to perform Asbestos Abatement in house so that we can get onto the demo stage faster and enrich our teams with better knowledge in the process.

Example

In late 2020, we (Team Wall) completed an Asbestos Abatement at a large scale senior living facility in West Virginia. A kitchen fire had escalated into the attic space of a four unit townhome, two of the four units suffered extensive fire damage and were in desperate need of a quick demo and mitigation so that we could get to the rebuild stage and get those poor tenants back into their homes as soon as possible. Luckily, because of our certifications, we were able to get this done faster due to our ability to conduct this in house, where as other companies might take extra days or even weeks to get the O.K. to start demolition.

It’s a good thing we did too. When the asbestos test came back we found that the mastic underneath the tiles as well as the joint compounds used in the initial construction of the house came up positive for asbestos. Being trained, our team got to work in completing a full scale asbestos abatement in order to decontaminate the units and begin demoing’ with the end goal of replacing the whole unit with all new materials in mind.

At the time of writing this, our team received clearance a week ago and are now finishing up reconstruction services, whereas some other companies might now only have been on the demolition proves. On the exterior, we replaced windows, siding, and the whole roof. On the interior, we installed all new duct work, electrical wiring, plumbing insulation, all new kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, drywall, flooring, trim, and finished it off with a fresh coat of paint, through ALL the units affected. Truly, we are a one stop shop.

Yep, we did that too.

SERVPRO is unfortunately though of as solely a water and fire mitigation company. People think, we go in, wipe some soot off of a wall and leave, but, as you can see, we are so much more than that and our services stretch far and wide. If your property has been affected, seemingly by anything, give us a call. If you need a team that can truly “be-all do-all”, you’re in the right place, and you’re in safe hands.

Disaster Recovery Team – Team Wall

Job of the Quarter (Q4 2020)

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

PrimeCare Medical Rebuild

It’s no secret that 2020 has thrown us many wide-ranging, strange challenges. In order to thrive this year, we’ve learned that embracing a “let’s figure it out” attitude by seeking alternatives and adapting to the curveballs that have been thrown at us is key. In fact, this kind of attitude isn’t just helpful in the face of unpredictability, but at any point in time.

We have “7 Pillars” that we value at Team Wall: Solutions, Hustle, Persistence, Team, Accountability, Consistency, and Quality. Every day, our team is expected to embody these 7 Pillars. They’re more than just buzzwords. They’re the very aspects of our customer service that set us apart.

What we look for when choosing the “Job of the Quarter” is an example of all 7 Pillars at work. This quarter, it was our work at PrimeCare Medical without question. In addition to displaying our 7 Pillars, this job also debunked a stereotype that SERVPRO “doesn’t do rebuild work”, which simply isn’t true. Here at SERVPRO, we handle everything, from the beginning of the job to the very end.

Our phone rang just after 3 AM with a request for emergency water mitigation services at a Harrisburg office building that had undergone a sprinkler head malfunction. As a result, the building had suffered water damage to its structure and a water discharge that affected over 2 dozen offices on the second floor. Our team arrived onsite and began work by 4:20 AM that same morning. We mean it when we say that our response time is second to none.

We met with the building’s ownership later that morning and finalized a plan to execute the rebuild as soon as we finished our mitigation and demo process. While that may sound like a quick conversation, a large portion was spent discussing the subject of “Rebuild” because the ownership wasn’t aware that SERVPRO carried out reconstruction work. Because of this, they were hesitant to put this job into our hands, but our lead time was what secured the job. We are able to begin reconstruction work just one day after the completion of mitigation services. When using several vendors, that turnaround time is difficult to match, especially in commercial work when as we all know, time is of the essence.

Our team finished the water mitigation and demo process for the contents and structure of the building throughout the following 3 ½ weeks with our trademark hustle. All the while, we were busy planning behind the scenes for the reconstruction work on the affected areas. We promised the ownership a 60-day turnaround time. In order to execute the job on time, we knew that planning and preparation would be critical.

We succeeded and fulfilled the customer’s requests, leaving the customer so pleased that they gave us additional repair work to put the finishing touches on the building’s restoration and rebuild operation. We committed to completing this additional repair work within 30 days in order to get the company back in their building as soon as possible.

Every job is unique, which is why we make it a point to communicate with our customers on a regular basis, ensuring that our work is meeting their specific needs. Throughout this job, we were in regular contact with the customer as well as key stakeholders, updating them on our progress.

After any disaster, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall aims to be your “one-stop-shop”. Over the years, our Reconstruction department has grown into a strong, talented team that lives up to that famous SERVPRO motto, “Like it never even happened.” The opportunity to help companies such as PrimeCare Medical is something for which we are grateful every day and we look forward to future opportunities to do the same for you and your customers.

Clean Your Business With Commercial Ice Blasting

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Pictured is a shot of before (top) and after (bottom) an attic cleaning job, spliced together. About 80 years of soot and mildew damage came right off

Here at SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East, we offer a number of solutions to your commercial business’ water, mold, or fire and smoke damage. One such cleanup service that can be used to successfully remediate all three types of damage is ice blasting. Continue reading as we dive deeper into our commercial ice blasting services to learn more about this exciting technique and the ways in which it could be beneficial to your commercial business.

What is Ice Blasting?

In the process of ice blasting, pellets of carbon dioxide in its solid form, better known as “dry ice”, are expelled and move at a high speed toward the damaged surface. When the pellets make contact with the surface, they undergo sublimation, in which the solid carbon dioxide converts into a gas. The reaction cleans the damaged surface, thereby ridding the surface from residue ranging from mold to soot.

How Can It Be Used?

Our ice blasting commercial services are versatile, as they can be used to combat water damage, mold growth, and fire and smoke damage. If your commercial business has experienced water damage from a leak or flood, ice blasting can be used to speedily remediate wet or damp surfaces and thoroughly eliminate any mold growth that may have occurred as a result of the water damage. If your business has a mold infestation, you can trust ice blasting to eliminate 99.9% of all mold spores and deodorize the impacted area. After a fire, ice blasting can clear out contaminants and soot, as well as remove any odors resulting from fire damage. Regardless of where the damaged surface is located, ice blasting can help, as it is able to clean hard-to-reach areas. Lastly, ice blasting is an effective cleanup agent on a wide array of surfaces. Our commercial ice blasting services support brick, concrete, and wood ice blasting, among several other surface types.

Why Choose Our Ice Blasting Commercial Services?

You may be asking, what makes ice blasting such a good choice? Aside from being a cleanup service that is both effective and time efficient, ice blasting offers a plethora of advantages. As it is a non-abrasive treatment, ice blasting guarantees that neither the affected surface nor its surrounding areas will sustain additional damage. Ice blasting also won’t add moisture to the affected area because it is an entirely dry cleanup process. Our commercial ice blasting surfaces are also environmentally-friendly, free from harmful chemicals, and don’t produce any secondary waste.

With so many uses and a long list of advantages, it’s clear that ice blasting is a great method for whatever restoration service your commercial business may need. If your commercial business has experienced water, mold, or fire and smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East today at (412) 672-5400. Trust our ice blasting commercial services to bring your business relief fast.

Clean Your Business With Commercial Ice Blasting

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Pictured is a shot of before (top) and after (bottom) an attic cleaning job, spliced together. About 80 years of soot and mildew damage came right off

What is Ice Blasting?

How Can It Be Used?

Why Choose Our Ice Blasting Commercial Services?

Combining Our Powers for 2nd Quarter 2020's Job of the Quarter

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

he swift turnaround time needed for this job made everyone’s help necessary, so we recruited everyone from technicians to Jim Wall, one of our owners.

Selecting the job of the quarter is consistently a tough decision to make. On a daily basis, we are pleased to help customers with a wide array of needs. In the same vein, our team members display their dedication to their work and impressive customer service every day. This raises the question: How do you select just one exceptional job? This quarter, it boiled down to a powerful combination of cooperation and hustle.

Getting the Call

One sunny, Saturday afternoon in June, we received a call about a sizable fire loss at a 375,000 square foot logistics warehouse located in South Central Pennsylvania. The customer’s esteemed retail client required immediate service, as they couldn’t jeopardize overdue shipments, upset customers, or downtime. The customer enlisted the help of Team Wall in order to make it “Like it never even happened.” While we were eager to help, one problem stood in our way. Our after-hours production schedules were consumed with COVID-19 cleanings, leaving us short in resources. As a result, it was unlikely that one office would be able to complete the job to the customer’s desires. However, our labor and resource efficiency is what sets Team Wall apart from the rest and was exactly what we needed to tackle this job.

Combining Our Powers

This may sound cheesy, but do you remember Captain Planet’s catchphrase “our powers combined”? For SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team Wall, it’s the real deal. Because we have offices in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Harrisburg, we’re uniquely able to merge our equipment and labor resources and offer our services to customers across a wide range of geographical locations. Our Baltimore and Harrisburg offices joining forces was what made it possible for us to complete the job quickly and produce a final product that made the customer happy “beyond measure.”

Our Management and Production team members from both offices were onsite within just one hour of receiving the customer’s initial call. They immediately strategized a plan for mitigation and got to work extracting water, drying, and cleaning. The large fire loss required a team, 45 members strong, working hard from Saturday evening until Tuesday to keep the busy warehouse operating as usual.

All Hands On Deck

The swift turnaround time needed for this job made everyone’s help necessary, so we recruited everyone from technicians to Jim Wall, one of our owners. Jim can be seen installing a debris shoot up on a scissor lift in the photo above. It goes without saying that this was an all hands on deck kind of job.

Right from our start 12 years ago, the foundation of our business has been excellent customer service and hustle. Today, they are still of the utmost importance to us and we plan to always stand by those principles. We are so grateful to you and your customers for trusting Team Wall’s Disaster Recovery Team when you need it most. We are truly delighted to be “Here to Help” and appreciative of your support.

Understanding HVAC Hazards

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Are you in the know?

As the warm summer season approaches, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, better known as HVAC systems, will be working overtime to keep businesses cool. When HVAC systems are used frequently, they can become serious fire hazards. When we think of causes of commercial fires, complications with cooking equipment and electrical circuits or careless mistakes are usually the first to come to mind. Even though fires due to HVAC complications are not overly common, the damage that they impose can be disastrous. Therefore, in order to best protect your commercial business from experiencing devastating fire damage due to a malfunctioning HVAC system, business owners must gain an understanding of the most common fire hazards associated with HVAC systems.

Three Common Hazards
A leaking fuel line is one common HVAC fire hazard. Flammable fuels, such as gas, petroleum, and oil, which reside inside of HVAC units, can leak out of the unit if the fuel line experiences damage. These fuels can ignite easily after leaking from the unit, which can result in a fire. In order to protect your commercial business from this type of fire, make sure that your HVAC system experiences regular maintenance. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to notice a leaking fuel line, so it is crucial that your HVAC system’s condition is assessed on a regular basis in order to avoid a fire due to a leaking fuel line.
Another common hazard of HVAC systems is poor electrical connections in an HVAC unit. Electrical connections within HVAC systems tend to loosen over time, which can result in exposed or burnt wires. These wires can facilitate the ignition of a fire. Fires of this nature usually smell like burning plastic because the faulty electrical connection causes plastic coatings on wiring to melt. If a smell similar to that of burning plastic is emanating from your business’ HVAC system, this is most likely a sign that your HVAC unit has experienced damage to electrical connections.
Lastly, when your commercial business’ HVAC unit is surrounded by clutter, whether it be storage boxes and crates, cleaning supplies, or other types of equipment, your HVAC system can be at risk for damage and the ignition of a fire that can easily spread to other areas of the building. Because HVAC units often find their home in storage areas or closets, they can become surrounded by clutter. If an HVAC unit becomes damaged and a fire ignites, the unit’s proximity to other objects, especially those that are flammable such as cardboard boxes and paper products, increase the likelihood of those objects catching fire as well, making for a much larger fire that can spread to other areas of your business’ building and result in significant, widespread fire damage.

Experienced a Fire?
If your commercial business has experienced a fire loss and water damage from fire cleanup efforts, be sure to call SERVPRO. SERVPRO’s trained fire and water damage restoration specialists will work hard to quickly get your commercial business back up and running.

Proactive Cleaning Services

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Anytime, Anytown, Anyway.

In light of the recent pandemic, many businesses have been asked to close their doors. However, because of the nature of our work, we're still open, we're still on call, we're still here to help.
SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East has a number of services to help all sorts of businesses in their time of need to catapult them back to their feet when it's time to re-open their store.
We are currently offering Viral Cleaning, also known as Proactive Cleaning, to ensure that your location is up to code and clean in the event of a viral outbreak in your building. By using Electrostatic Fogging, we can provide less expensive per square foot cost, more comprehensive coverage, and provide certified documentation that your facility has been cleaned by a trained IICRC certified company as opposed to traditional disinfectant and sanitizing services. In addition, the product we use is free of allergens and is so safe that it has been approved for human consumption.

If you are interested in this service, please contact us using the button above or, if you are so inclined, call us for more information. We're here to help, we're here to get our nation back on its feet, we're here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Proactive Cleaning Services

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

“The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic at a press conference on Wednesday leading to a cascade of new actions and measures taken around the world to combat the virus.”

What once felt like a distant inkling of a possibility, is now feeling all too real and hitting close to home. Towson University, Loyola, Morgan State University, a few public schools in Prince George’s County, and many more are all taking precautionary measures and closing due to suspected exposure to COVID-19. After school activities, field trips, conventions, and public sporting events have been canceled. Grocery store shelves are empty and everyone is left wondering… what more?

It’s a time of uncertainty, and in those times, we take comfort in knowing something is being done to help. SERVPRO has a few key messages and “Here to Help” is the most important. Now more than ever, SERVPRO is out on the streets helping to curb the recently declared pandemic and minimize its effects.

The hardest hit facility to date, is in Kirkland, Washington at an assisted living facility. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is currently working to sanitize, disinfect, and clean this building from top to bottom using advanced cleaning and application methods. SERVPRO performs all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.

It's important to understand that with this level of Bioremediation, cleaning methods need to be more advanced and efficient than simply wiping down hard surfaces with disinfectant. Safety comes first, and our teams adhere to OSHA and CDC guidelines with the use PPE and protective masks. We utilize fogging methods to disinfect more thoroughly. The hospital-grade disinfectant, SERVPROxide, is emitted from the fogger and its particles aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects. This application will ensure an even coating of all surfaces including walls, doors, floors and ceilings. We then follow our initial fogging with a wiping of all surfaces, followed by another round of fogging. This is an intense and thorough method of disinfection and should be the standard when dealing with a virus threat of this magnitude.

Our team is prepared to help with Preventative or Post-Contamination cleaning in order to prevent business, school, and event disruption. We are defining “Proactive” as cleaning that takes place when there has been no person suspected of being exposed to COVID-19. This will be a lesser scope of work because there has not been a confirmed case.

If there was exposure in your facility to someone suspected of either positively testing for COVID-19 or being exposed to someone showing symptoms, we consider this “Post-Contamination” cleaning. The scope of work and safety precautions needed will increase in this situation.

Eliminating exposure to this virus is the most important step we can take to diminish the spread of it throughout our country. To learn more about how to protect your business, employees, and building, please reach out to our team.

Burst Pipes 101

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

After a burst pipe creates water damage in your business, call on SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East, we keep businesses running.

As we transition from February to March, spring is just around the corner. Spring brings warmer temperatures, but cold temperatures will linger for a while longer. With fluctuating temperatures, the risk of pipes bursting increases, as water within the pipes expands and contracts in response to different temperatures, resulting to increased pressure within the pipes, which can cause pipes to rupture and burst. The water damage that commonly results from burst pipes can have devastating effects on commercial businesses. Therefore, in order to best protect their commercial businesses, it is necessary for business owners to understand the ways in which burst pipes can be avoided, as well as how to effectively react in the event that pipes burst.

Prevention

Protecting your commercial business with an insurance plan that covers water damage resulting from burst pipes is of the utmost importance, given that cleanup services are often costly. In terms of preventative measures, business owners can wrap pipes that are located outside or in unheated places in insulated sleeves. These insulated sleeves can keep pipes warm in cold temperatures, preventing them from freezing. If pipes do freeze, however, it may be beneficial to run water through the pipes in order to prevent them from rupturing. In order to catch leaking pipes before they burst, inspect pipes for small leaks on a regular basis.

If Pipes Burst…

In order to limit the amount of damage inflicted upon your business, be sure to turn off water, heating, and electricity systems immediately upon noticing burst pipes. Important items, such as physical documents and inventory, should be moved to a safe, dry place where they will not be exposed to water damage. In order to spot water damage, look for physical signs, which include discoloration or stains, musty smells, and mold or mildew growth. You can facilitate drying by opening doors and windows in your building, which will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. You can trust SERVPRO to work quickly and efficiently in order to remedy water damage caused by burst pipes in your commercial business, so as to avoid any major workplace interruptions.

How to Prevent Grease Fires

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Grease fires can become out of control in a matter of milliseconds. Understand how to prevent grease fires.

How to Prevent Grease Fires

It might surprise you that grease is the common culprit when it comes to initiating the majority of kitchen fires. Grease fires can become uncontrollable in very little time, so it is necessary to prevent them from igniting in your kitchen. Be conscious of safe and dangerous practices alike for cooking with hot oil in order to best protect your home from grease fires.

Safe Practices

Be sure to remove any flammable objects from the cooking area before you begin cooking. If a grease fire were to ignite, leaving combustible items, including cookbooks or paper towels, on the cooking surface or even in areas surrounding the surface enhances the risk of the grease fire expanding, as those items would also catch fire. While cooking, make sure that you are monitoring the cooking space. Turning your back for even a few seconds can allow for a grease fire to ignite, so it is crucial to be as attentive as possible when cooking with hot oil and grease. Also, be sure to save any cocktails that you may be drinking before the meal until after you’ve finished cooking in order to prevent misjudgment or any mistakes from occurring that could cause a grease fire. In the event that a grease fire does ignite, however, keep a metal lid as well as some baking soda nearby, as both can be used to smother it. It is important to understand, though, that baking soda should only be used to smother small, isolated grease fires.

Dangerous Practices

Throwing food into hot oil would be an example of a dangerous practice when cooking with hot oil. Doing so can cause the hot oil to splash and potentially find its way onto the hot cooking surface, resulting in a grease fire. Instead, be sure to gently place the food into the hot oil. This is especially important to remember when cooking with frozen food. Allow those foods to thaw before cooking them in hot oil. Finally, refrain from throwing any type of liquid onto a grease fire if one were to break out, as doing so may cause the fire to grow instead of smother.

Upgrade Your Security Standards With the ERP

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Making sure your property is protected is an important priority. Call SERVPRO Metro Pittsburgh East to help facilitate your upgrade.

The SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East

Emergency READY Profile Advantage

Did you know as many as 50% of businesses never recover following a disaster? The majority of businesses that do survive had an emergency preparedness plan in place. Being fully prepared with proper planning can bring you peace of mind. When you are "Ready for whatever happens" this provides a solid level of trust with your clients and employees, so that if there is an emergency event and your business is affected by a disaster, you’ll be able to recover as quickly as possible.

By developing a SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East Emergency READY Profile (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 can affect your business.

FREE Program!! We will provide an assessment of your facility at no cost to you.
This is a high quality, digital profile with no need for you to allocate funds. This program provides exceptional value with zero cost.
A Profile Document containing critical information needed in an emergency.
Completion of your profile will only take a little time to complete without taking you away from your current work projects, but it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
A Digital Guide to help you get back into your building after a disaster.
Having a complete, updated Emergency Ready Profile can help minimize the amount of time your business is affected by a disaster by having an immediate plan of action.
Establishes SERVPRO Metro Pittsburgh East as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You’ll have a go-to source with a provider recognized as the industry leader right around the corner.
Identifies the line of command for authorizing restoration 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 electrical box and water shut-off valve locations, as well as priority areas such as entrances, exits, and priority contact information.
Your team will be fully ready with a quick reference of who to call, what to do, and how to do it providing you with solutions in advance of an emergency situation so you’re "Ready for whatever happens."

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Sign up below and a representative of SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East will be in contact with you in the next 24 hours.

For a consultation, E-Mail our ERP Coordinator, Colleen Kilchenstein @ Colleen@sphvhc.com with the following!

Your Name:
Company Name:
Location:
Dates and Time Available:

We thank you for your interest! Remember, creating an ERP isn't just establishing a plan for Loss Mitigation, it's establishing a Security Standard.

Proper Fire Evacuation Routes

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Always keep in mind all possible exits and openings when devising an evacuation route.

It's the holiday season, which means we're making more frequent visits to stores and shopping malls. The resulting influx of customers visiting commercial businesses emphasizes
the need for businesses to review the specifications of proper fire evacuation routes in order to keep
customers safe in the event of a fire.
The proper, general evacuation route should be continuous and remain unobstructed at all times.
Evacuation routes contain three different components. The first, exit access, is a path that leads to an
exit. The second is the exit itself, through which people can pass in order to escape. The final component
is the exit discharge, which is the section of the evacuation route that leads directly outside. Every
business should have at least two evacuation routes, but more may be required if the business contains
too many people to safely exit through two exits. Evacuation routes must be permanent parts of the
workplace or business area and should lead directly outside. Finally, exit doors must always be unlocked
from the inside and open in the direction of travel.
Evacuation routes specifically pertaining to fire must follow the same guidelines but should also be
protected from fire. Therefore, the exits, such as staircases, of fire evacuation routes must be protected
by fire-resistant materials. The material must have a one-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects
three or fewer floors within the building. However, if the number of floors exceeds three, the material
must have a two-hour fire-resistance rating. The fire evacuation route must have an approved fire door.
The route should also be free of flammable or explosive materials, such as curtains or paper
decorations, as, if they were to catch fire, they would pose a threat to the safety of the fire evacuation
route as well as customers.

Urban Flooding

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded city after a severe hurricane.

Urban Flooding

Urban flooding has become increasingly more prevalent as cities continue to sprout in areas around the world. With virtually no soil into which water can be absorbed, cities flood easily. This absence of soil requires excess water to be eliminated through a limited number of sewage and draining systems that are interspersed throughout cities.

Urban flooding, in particular, can flood city streets, blocking roadways in its path, and have other negative effects on day-to-day life. When water builds up in drainage systems, drain covers can lift off of the ground in an occurrence called “dancing drain covers”. In addition to dancing, the covers can shift or travel a distance from the drain itself, leaving massive holes in streets that could prove to be dangerous for cars or pedestrians traveling on the road.

Though the reputation of urban flooding isn’t quite as serious as that of the flooding caused by hurricanes, the damage may be comparable if the storm produces a large amount of rain. It is therefore important to recognize how likely flooding may be in your city based on its geography. The risk of urban flooding is increased in cities that are located by rivers due to their tendency to overflow or those situated by major bodies of water due to high tide and the potential for storm surge. If you live in a city that is of greater risk, it may be helpful to prepare an emergency flood kit, containing necessities such as snacks, water, flashlights, and batteries in case your city suffers from a severe flood.

Damage Caused by Lightning

Lightning can cause both physical and electrical damage to homes and businesses if the building is directly hit by lightning during a thunderstorm. Lightning can burn through roofs, rip shingles or gutters from the building, and even tear into attics. In terms of electrical damage, lightning can increase the risk of an electrical fire igniting. Electronic appliances inside of your home, such as computers and refrigerators, can be harmed or destroyed if left plugged into an outlet during a thunderstorm.

Damage Caused by Flash Flooding

When a flood strikes your home or business, especially one like that which dumped excessive amounts of rain on Frederick, Maryland, and Washington, D.C this past weekend, water levels can rise quickly and inflict a significant amount of damage. The floodwater can carry mud and sediment, therefore contaminating the water and whatever it touches in your home or business. From this water damage, mold can grow and spread if the affected area is not remediated quickly. Flood water commonly affects drywall, flooring, and electrical systems such as cooling and heating systems, so it will be crucial to assess these areas for damage after a flood. On a larger scale, flood water can move houses or buildings off of their foundation, so be sure to watch for signs of that as well.

What to Do After the Storm

Immediately following the storm, survey your home or building for any visible indicators of lightning or water damage. This includes making sure that electrical breakers, outlets, and light switches are still functioning, checking plumbing systems for any leakage, and looking for any visible signs of water damage to items within the house or building. While cleaning up any damage, be sure to turn off all water and electrical systems so that when the electricity is restored, the water and electricity do not react with one another, which would result in further damage.

Protecting Your Business From Summer Storms

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Storms can happen at any time, don't get "caught out in the rain".

Forming as a result of moisture and rising warm air in the atmosphere, severe storms are a common threat to property throughout the summer months. Along with rain, thunder, and lightning, summer storms can also produce large hail and gusty winds. As a business owner, you may be worried about the danger that these storms can pose to your property, and rightfully so. Major structural damage can be done by severe storms, with wind and hail shattering windows and pounding upon roofs. In order to avoid the hefty cost required to fix structural damage, it would be beneficial to develop a plan to utilize during emergencies that will limit the amount of damage imposed upon your business.

Before you begin to formulate that plan, however, make sure that your business has invested in business insurance. Covering the expenses of any property damage caused directly by the storm, business insurance can lift much of the financial burden. Taking matters into your own hands, a regular examination of the condition of your business’ roof as well as removing debris left by past storms in your gutters can prevent the damage from worsening. Impact-resistant glass can also be installed in an effort to prevent windows from shattering and sending glass flying across the inside of your business, potentially in the path of valuables. If you do have any valuables located near windows, be sure to move them to safer areas during storms just in case windows shatter. Safer areas can include any place that is elevated above the floor and distant from windows. Finally, keep outdoor equipment safe by fastening it to something stable.

Monitoring weather forecasts is a beneficial practice, especially if your business is located in an area that regularly experiences severe weather, as you will know when to expect storms and be able to prepare for them. With these guidelines in mind, you can protect your business as best you can from severe storms throughout the summer.

Old Building Smell? Let SERVPRO ® Freshen The Air

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Many of the older buildings in the Pittsburgh area have a distinct smell. People may say that they smell musty or old material. One way to freshen up the place is to have some deodorization done by SERVPRO ®.

We use state of the art equipment to clean the air within your building. Depending on the odor we have a few techniques that we could use.

Thermal fogging is technique which helps penetrate deeply into building materials.
An ozone machine is used to help add a fresh smell to odors that seem to linger such as smoke.
Old fashioned deep cleaning of walls should not be overlooked.
Carpet cleaning, using hot water extraction to remove deep and hard to remove soils.
Adding to any of the above methods is that of heating, ventilation and air conditioning cleaning (HVAC).
Getting the air ducts clean will definitely freshen any building, no matter the age.

What To Do Before Help Arrives?

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a storm, it is critical to know the difference between different levels of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water: clean, gray and black.

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. The time frame for a clean water damage is gray water.

Here is a list of precautions to take to protect your personal belongings from a clean source water damage until help arrives. Or contact a qualified professional to the following:

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional.
Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow a more even drying.
Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet as they may cause staining.
Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

When you have water damage, do not leave your property to chance.

Are You Prepared?

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared in case a disaster or emergency situation should occur? Disasters and resulting business interruptions can devastate companies; in fact, as many as 50% of businesses that experience a disaster never reopen. With the proper planning and proactive restoration, you can better prepare to survive a disaster should one occur.

The need and benefit of having a detailed emergency action plan is crucial. A well-developed plan can help mitigate the effects of disasters and help you return to business quickly, saving time, unnecessary frustration and money. Those few minutes and hours immediately following a loss can be significant in determining the amount of time the property will be non-functional. Fast response can mean the difference between restoration and cleaning, versus costly replacement from prolonged exposure and secondary damage.

Developing a solid working contingency plan and networking with reputable vendors to assist you in your time of need are essential in your recovery efforts. Having a reliable company to respond immediately and begin emergency procedures is a critical part of any contingency plan. As part of a franchise, SERVPRO ® of Metro Pittsburgh East has access to over 10,000 quality teammates with thousands of pieces of commercial equipment and service vehicles that can typically respond to a crisis within hours.

SERVPRO ® of Metro Pittsburgh East can provide you an example emergency preparedness plan to help minimize interruption, overall costs and tenant inconvenience.

Understanding Industry Terms

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East is always "Here to Help". We know that jargon can be confusing so we usually try to break it down as easy as we can out in the field, but we know that our customers like to stay informed. Here are some common terms used in the field with their definition so you can understand better what is happening in your home or business.

Anti-Microbials: A substance, mechanism, or condition that inhibits the growth or existence of an organism.

Fire Damage Recovery: The process of restoring and recovering property and belongings after a fire. The objectives include minimizing existing damage, damage mitigation, structure stabilization, soot & odor removal and reconstruction.

Fungi: The unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic/ DNA organisms embracing a large group of microflora including: molds, mildews, yeasts, mushrooms, rusts and smuts.

HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

HEPA Filter: High efficiency particulate air filter, a specialized filter capable of removing 99.7% of particles.

Masking Agents: Designed to prevent or remove heightened awareness to odors by providing a fragrance, which is stronger and more pleasant to smell while the source of the odor is being eliminated.

Smoke Damage Removal: Neutralizing or removing smoke odors that linger after fires.

Smoke Particles: Smoke is composed of gases / sometimes aerosols, and airborne solids. Dry wood, natural fibers and paper all produce small non-smearing material. Plastic, foam, and rubber (polymers) produce large easily smeared residues.

Restoring and Reconstructing Your Metro Pittsburgh East Property

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

An example of creating a new building from the ground up.

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business in Metro Pittsburgh East.

Emergency Building Services

When your home in Metro Pittsburgh East has been damaged by a storm or water, the immediate concern may include temporary protective measures to prevent additional damages, like placing a roof tarp.

Board-Up
Roof Tarp
Temporary Fencing
Move-Out / Pack-Out
Temporary Warehouse Space

Repairs and Minor Building Services

The following building and repair services may be necessary to restore your home in Metro Pittsburgh East to pre-water damage condition.

Drywall Removal and Installation
Hardwood Floor Repair
Tile Floor Repair
Painting
Carpet Repair and Installation

Building Services and Reconstruction

We can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East for the entire process can save time and keep cost low. It can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

Restoring Your Metro Pittsburgh East Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Damage Events Present Unique Challenges.

Flooding and water damage events at Metro Pittsburgh East 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.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Prevent Business Down Time by Checking for Water Leaks

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

We recommend you check your ceiling tiles for stains. Look for stain changes and that grow bigger after storms or for no reason. A leak that is there and being ignored has the potential to interrupt your business and cause significant damage.

We have encountered many buildings that have suffered a sudden and significant deluge of water. Often the area of impact was not anticipated since pipes are tucked out of sight and behind drop ceilings that absorb small leaks.

When there is overflow we have seen massive losses on warehouse floors, out on retail floors where thousands of dollars of new merchandise was damaged and could no longer be sold.

Drop ceilings will become heavy from the weight of water and collapse onto the office or sales floor and businesses would have to close until the area is safe through the clean up process.

To avoid interruption we recommend paying attention to the small leaks and water spots. Have periodic inspections by a master plumbing contractor.

Should a leak happen or worsen, SERVPRO is here for you, to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Don't Let a Sprinkler Leak Get You Down

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

What is low head drainage?

This is when the sprinkler continues to siphon water once the system has been turned off. This typically occurs at one of the lowest points in your yard as water drains down to that water spout. According to experts at Sprinkler Warehouse, "If a sprinkler head is located in the lowest part of the system, water will flow out of that head until an equilibrium has been reached or all of the water has emptied out of the zone's pipes."

When this happens, puddles start to form and or water flows across walkways and driveways. This can be prevented by a few adjustments being made to your system or the installation of a drain check valve.

How does a broken pipe occur?

A broken pipe can occur in the main line or lateral line of an irrigation system. In the main line, there is continuous pressure, so if there is a break or leak in this pipe, then water is continuing to run. Unfortunately, this can cause erosion or a wet spot. Attention needs to be made to this problem immediately so that the water line can be completely turned off for repair.

A lateral line reaches different zones in your yard and are under pressure when the system is running. It can be hard to detect a leak because it's only visible when the system is on and you have to notice which zone actually has the leak. Regardless of its location, it too can cause erosion or holes in your lawn. If you notice a leak in your irrigation system, it can be fixed and should be addressed fairly quickly.

Use this information to keep an eye out for any leaks or problems that could arise this Spring.

Old Building Smell? Let SERVPRO Freshen The Air

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Older Buildings Are Smelly

Many of the older buildings in the Pittsburgh area have a distinct smell. People may say that they smell musty or of old material. One way to freshen up the place is to have some deodorization done by SERVPRO.

We use state of the art equipment to clean the air within your building. Depending on the odor we have a few techniques that we'll use.

Thermal Fogging technique which helps penetrate deeply into building materials.
An ozone machine is used to help add a fresh smell to odors that seem to linger such as smoke.
Old fashioned deep cleaning of walls shouldn't be overlooked.
Carpet cleaning using hot water extraction to remove deep and hard to remove soils.
Adding to any of the above methods is that of HVAC cleaning. Getting the air ducts clean will definitely freshen any building no matter the age.

Are you Prepared?

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared in case a disaster or emergency situation should occur? Disasters and resulting business interruptions can devastate companies; in fact, as many as 50% of businesses that experience a disaster never reopen. With the proper planning and proactive restoration, you can be better prepared to survive a disaster should one occur.

The need and benefit of having a detailed emergency action plan is crucial. A well-developed plan can help mitigate the effects of disasters and help you return to business quickly, saving time, unnecessary frustration and money. Those few minutes and hours immediately following a loss can be significant in determining the amount of time the property will be non-functional. Fast response can mean the difference between restoration and cleaning versus costly replacement resulting from prolonged exposure and secondary damage.

Developing a solid working contingency plan and networking with reputable vendors to assist you in your time of need are essential in your recovery efforts. Having a reliable company to respond immediately and begin emergency procedures is a critical part of any contingency plan. As part of a Franchise System, SERVPRO has access to over 10,000 quality teammates with thousands of pieces of commercial equipment and service vehicles that can typically respond to a crisis within hours.

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East can provide you a free emergency preparedness plan to help minimize interruption, overall costs and tenant inconvenience. Listed below are some of the items that are found in the Emergency Response Profile:

Immediate Response Checklist - An organized and prioritized list of persons who need to be contacted when an emergency occurs, including insurance contacts and emergency service providers.
Building and Grounds Information - Building statistics and key support companies (i.e. security, engineering and elevator).
Content Information – Inventories of contents and locations of valuable documents, articles and other important items. This also includes machinery and office equipment inventory lists and information as well as vital documents and records.

As a free service to you, we will catalog all of this important information into a customized Emergency Response Profile for your property or properties. Call us today at 412-672-5400 for a straight, no-nonsense discussion on how to get your facility back up and running following an adverse situation.

You Clean What?

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Do you ever stop to wonder who has to clean up the scene after a chemical spill or a death/suicide accident?

If not, you are probably like most and lucky enough to not have needed to consider this type of work. However, if you fall into the other category, you know very well that a hazardous scene must be left to the professionals to clean.

Blood borne pathogens, disease, risk of infection and chemical burns are a just a few items to consider when dealing with a biohazard clean-up. Luckily, our team is highly trained and well prepared to protect both themselves and you from any potential harm.

Our team also fully understands that these situations are often extremely difficult and sensitive times in a person's life and therefore demonstrate compassion and empathy while completing the work in a timely fashion.

How Often Do You Clean These Areas?

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know? The air in your home is 10 times more dirty than the air outside.

Your friends at SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East wants to ensure that you and your property are properly prepared for the upcoming season. Therefore, we would like to offer you some helpful tips that will adequately prepare your property for the Fall:

Eliminate mold and mildew indoors by cleaning under the refrigerator, washing and disinfecting garbage cans, scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning or changing shower curtains
Remove any wet debris from around the home or office, as mold spores are airborne particles that can easily float indoors
Schedule to have your chimney cleaned within the next month. Excessive buildup of creosote and debris, as well as miscellaneous branches, leaves and animal nests can create a dangerous situation as it increases the potential to spark a chimney fire.
Remember not to ignore your duct work, vents and HVAC systems. Unnecessary dirt and debris can pose a serious threat to the health of your family or employees if they are not properly maintained.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East for those difficult cleaning jobs at (412) 672-5400.

Emergency Preparedness Plan in Pittsburgh, PA

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

Procrastination is a huge issue these days.

The world we live in is full of so many distractions that keep us from doing what we know needs to be done. Social media as well as other forms of entertainment steal much of our time. We are constantly putting things off that need our attention.

We have all heard the famous Philip Stanhope quote; “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today”, but most of us LIVE by Mark Twain’s quote: “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow”.

Preparing for an emergency is one thing we never want to put off.

Do you check your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly? Do you know important phone numbers without counting on your smart phone? How about an emergency plan; do you have one in place?

SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East can help you get prepared NOW!

Our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can keep you prepared in the event of an emergency. You will have all the important information you need all in one convenient place. Things like phone numbers, locations of shut-offs for utilities, hazardous material list and locations and so much more.

The ERP is available as an App, desktop version and even can be printed and kept in a secure location off site to be accessed when electronics are not working properly. https://ready.SERVPRO.com/

The best thing about our ERP is that we create it at absolutely no charge to you.

As our Dads would say back in the day; “So, what are you waiting for, Christmas?”

Call 412-825-5480 to schedule your Emergency Ready Plan today.

Be Prepared, Pittsburgh!

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

We’re thrilled to be partnered with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Responder because here at SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh, we’re always “Ready for Whatever Happens” and we want you to be too! You never know when a disaster may strike, so it is important to have an emergency preparedness kit ready to go at a moment’s notice to use at home or to take with you in the event you must evacuate.

According to our friends at the American Red Cross, you should, at minimum, have the basic supplies listed below:

Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
Flashlight
Battery powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Maps of the area

You should also consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit as needed. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games and activities for children
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
Two-way radios
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Manual can opener

Additional supplies to consider keeping at your home or in your emergency supply kit:

Whistle
N95 or surgical masks
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools/supplies for securing your home
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors
Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags

You never know when a disaster might arise.

Keep your Emergency Kit somewhere easily accessible for if and when the time comes that you need it. You should also practice fire drills with your family and plan out multiple evacuation routes should you ever need to evacuate your home.

Make sure that everyone knows what to do in case of emergency. Whether it’s the Big One, a house fire, or an unexpected storm, we want you to be “ready for whatever happens!”

Your Air Ducts Could Be Making You Sick

11/21/2016 (Permalink)

WINTER is coming quick, which means spending more time indoors, and if you have poor air quality, that could mean spending the season breathing in allergens and toxins. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living!

In America, 22.9 million people are affected by asthma and 6.8 million of these are children. These symptoms are often triggered by poor indoor air quality like dust mites, pollen, and other issues like pet dander. Each year over 2 million people end up in the emergency room due to an asthma attack. Regular cleanings of carpets and HVAC systems can help prevent your family from becoming a statistic.

In addition to the regular irritants found in the winter months, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular cleanings:

cigarette or cigar smoke
water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
home renovation or remodeling projects

So what's the process you ask??

When a homeowner calls asking about our duct cleaning process it gives us the opportunity to talk about what we do and how we do it. Below we've listed some steps SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East uses during a routine Duct Cleaning Process:

Patented equipment includes using air powered agitation systems which automatically adapt to the duct shape, removing debris and filth.
A powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the duct to a 16-gallon container
Clean air is filtered through a HEPA filtration, removing 99.97% of particles before it returns to air-wash the duct
Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove any odor and dirt

There's more...It can save you money!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

Recognized by CIO as a CIO 100 Award Winner

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

GALLATIN, TN - June 20, 2016

IDG's CIO recently announced SERVPRO Industries, Inc., as a recipient of the 2016 CIO 100. The 29th annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

"Delivering innovation and business value are top priorities for CIOs everywhere, and our CIO 100 awards program celebrates the leading IT organizations that excel at both," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO Events. "Our 2016 winners are raising the bar even higher this year with their outstanding work in digital transformation, customer focus and IT-business collaboration."

"It is a great honor for SERVPRO to receive this nationally recognized award. There are a lot of great companies on this list and we are proud to be one of them", said Jeff Fields, Chief Information Officer, SERVPRO Industries, Inc.

As noted in SERVPRO Industries, Inc.'s CIO award submission, significant investments are being made in software development, as well as in infrastructure. Over the past three and a half years, SERVPRO modernized their business application portfolio by creating new web and mobile platforms to develop what has become known as WorkCenter, migrated from a physical to a private cloud environment, created a hot-hot disaster recovery site with near real-time replication, and implemented an identity management solution for all users. The end result is an integrated system that serves as the core of the Franchise operating methodology. Ultimately, affording users across the organization the ability to make better informed decisions for their business, while streamlining the workflow and providing substantial cost saving for our Franchise System.

Executives from the winning companies will be recognized at The CIO 100 Symposium & Awards Ceremony, to be held Tuesday evening, August 16th, at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Recipients of this year's CIO 100 Award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative IT and business initiatives. Next, a team of external judges (many of them former CIOs) reviewed the applications in depth, looking for leading-edge IT practices and measurable results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges' evaluations and selected the final 100.

About SERVPRO

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

About CIO

CIO is the premier content and community resource for information technology executives and leaders thriving and prospering in this fast-paced era of IT transformation in the enterprise. The award-winning CIO portfolio—CIO.com, CIO executive programs, CIO Strategic Marketing Services, CIO Forum on LinkedIn, CIO Executive Council and CIO primary research—provides business technology leaders with analysis and insight on information technology trends and a keen understanding of IT’s role in achieving business goals.

Continuing Education Schedule

6/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Metro-Pittsburgh East

Free Professional Development Classes

Wednesday, August 31 – SERVPRO Metro Pittsburgh East Main Office, 1951 Lincoln Highway, North Versailles, PA 15137

8am-12pm – Understanding the Restoration Industry: Property Fire Damage Restoration / 4 hours / class code 122728

1pm-3pm –Deodorization of Malodors/2 hours / class code 120262 (Please note this class was changed. Mitigation Awareness was on previous distributed schedules.)

Wednesday, September 28 – South Hills, Scoglio’s Restaurant, 661 Anderson Drive, Bldg. 7, Foster Plaza, Greentree, Pa 15220

8am – 12pm – Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry /4 hours / class code 120256

1pm-3pm – Restorative Drying for Water Damage /2 hours / class code 120260 (Please note this class was changed. Mitigation Awareness was on previous distributed schedules.)

Wednesday, October 26 – SERVPRO Office, 1951 Lincoln Highway, North Versailles, PA 15137

8:30am-11:30am – Biohazard Clean-Up / 3 hours / class code 120263

12:30pm – 2:30pm – Restoring Contaminated Buildings / 2 hours /class code 120258

Wednesday, November 16 – South Hills, Scoglio’s Restaurant, 661 Anderson Drive, Bldg. 7, Foster Plaza, Greentree, Pa 15220

8am – 12pm – Restorative Drying for Water Damage /4 hours / class code 120259

1pm – 3pm – Deodorization of Mal-Odors / 2 hours / class code 120262

To Register Contact: (412) 825-5480

*Classes are free

*Lunch is included

SERVPRO is an approved continuing education provider in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and curriculum is approved by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department for professional credits. Fees are paid by SERVPRO.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (412) 672-5400

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Did you know? The air in your home is 10 times more dirty than the air outside.

Emergency Preparedness Plan in Pittsburgh, PA

Be Prepared, Pittsburgh!

Your Air Ducts Could Be Making You Sick

Recognized by CIO as a CIO 100 Award Winner

Continuing Education Schedule

SERVPRO Metro-Pittsburgh East

Free Professional Development Classes

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Archived Posts