Mold: An Overview for Business Owners and Investors

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Boca Grande, FL.

What Is Mold and How To Handle It

When business owners hear the phrase mold growth, they most likely get a sick feeling in the pit of their stomach because they anticipate the costly repairs and remediation necessary for toxic black mold. However, the cost is mostly dependent on mold coverage, type and overall damage. Although, before you go get your calculator out, it is a good idea to understand what mold is and how to handle it.

1. Causes of Mold

Mold is essentially a moisture problem. The spores thrive on water and will congregate and establish colonies when near a water source. This is also why mold is often found near plumbing, in basements, attics, bathrooms and wall cavities because it thrives in damp, dark and humid areas.

2. Dangers of Toxic Mold

Black mold is often used as a blanket term referring to toxic mold. However, the only way to tell what type of mold is present in your building is to have it tested. No matter the kind of mold, you should safely remove it following city and state regulations as quickly as possible, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

3. Mold Growth

Mold spreads quickly, usually taking less than 48 to 72 hours to develop. It is because of the accelerated rate of growth and the variety of species that mold should be dealt with quickly and precisely. To slow mold growth or development, you may want to install dehumidifiers and other means of ventilation in your building or property.

4. Mold Remediation

Mold is a naturally occurring substance, and as such, you should be leery of companies promising the removal of all mold. Qualified mold remediation specialists in the Boca Grande, FL, area understand that mold cleanup and remediation is not about eliminating every occurrence of mold, as that is impossible, but instead returning mold levels to natural levels.

The phrase black mold has become scarier than reality because of manipulative advertising strategies. However, despite the hype, mold is still a problem that demands immediate attention, and as mold types vary greatly, it is best to seek professional assistance in the removal process.

Burns at Work: Is This Burn Minor or Major?

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Do some burn first aid to help relieve the pain.

Basic First Aid Steps

If a fire breaks out in a commercial building in Rotunda West, FL, the fire damage can vary greatly. You may have to deal with structural problems, charred equipment and personal injuries. A fire repair crew can help with most of the property damages, but you may need to get help from a different source for personal injuries. If an employee gets burned at work, it may be a good idea to take quick action. You may be able to take care of minor burns on site, by following basic first aid steps:

• Cool the burn.
  
• Protect the blisters.
  
• Apply lotion.
  
• Add a bandage.
  
• Provide pain relief.
  
  

However, major burns often require medical attention as soon as possible. How do you tell the difference?

Major Burns

A major burn looks different than a minor burn. This injury is deep and large. To qualify as major, it should be over three inches in diameter or cover certain parts of the body, including hands, face, buttocks, groin or feet. The appearance of the skin will be dry and leathery. You may also notice the fire damage charred skin and created patches of colored skin. Usually, the colors can include white, black and brown. If a burn falls into this category, you may want to do some first aid until a first responder arrives. However, on-site treatment is not enough for this injury.

Minor Burns

A minor burn is much more superficial than its more serious counterpart. The redness associated with it may remind you of a sunburn rather than a charred piece of skin. The injured employee will feel pain. The affected area may have blisters but should be no larger than three inches in diameter. If a burn falls into this category, you can do some burn first aid to help relieve the pain. You may still want to send your employee to the doctor, but it's not as vital.

Fire damage often affects buildings, but it may also affect your employees. Knowing how to react to personal injuries can help you make smart decisions.

Mold Remediation Has Never Been Simpler

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Englewood, FL.

Like so many things, mold can be a benefit or a problem. The word itself sounds icky, but in fact, mold is everywhere, and most of it is harmless. However, having a noticeable black mold infestation in your business can turn customers away and even reduce employee productivity. The good news is that mold cleanup in Englewood, FL, has never been easier.

What Causes Mold?

Black mold outbreaks are caused by excess moisture. This can have multiple possible causes:

• Plumbing leak
  
• Roof leak
  
• Poor humidity control
  
  

What Is the Difference Between Mold Removal and Remediation?

Some companies advertise for complete mold removal, but that’s a load of baloney: There is no way to remove all mold. Legitimate companies know the science behind mold growth and focus on returning mold levels to an acceptable amount. A qualified restoration company has the training and knowledge to remediate mold in your business.

What Is the Mold Remediation Process?

It begins with an inspection and mold damage assessment. Remediation specialists will then contain the infestation and identify the source of the mold. Once the source has been eliminated, they will remove any mold and mold-damaged materials, like drywall and carpeting. Next, the professionals will clean up the mess and disinfect your business, and finally, they will restore it to its former condition.

What Equipment Will They Use?

Top mold removal companies have specialized equipment to identify and fix all levels of infestation. They may use specialized air scrubbers, filters and HEPA vacuums to create negative air chambers that contain the microscopic mold spores. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments can eliminate colonies and prevent new ones from forming. Fogging equipment can also be used to deodorize your business.

What’s the Bottom Line?

If you suspect that black mold is growing in your business, you need professional advice. The entire procedure is tax-deductible, so look for the most qualified mold cleanup company in Englewood, FL, and cleanup should be a breeze. The longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive it will be.

3 Tips for Learning About Commercial Flood Insurance

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flood insurance can be a vital component of a protection plan for your business.

How and When To Use a Flood Policy

Your Placida, FL, business is likely a large investment for you, both financial and emotional, so you probably go to great lengths to protect it. Smoke detectors, security cameras and business interruption insurance might all be part of your protection plan. However, if you have not added flood insurance to this strategy, you might be facing a considerable gap in your company’s coverage. Learning the basics about how and when to use a flood policy may help you protect your business to the fullest.

1. Assess Your Risk

Before you purchase insurance, it is a good idea to gauge your building’s risk of being damaged by such an event. For example, does your company utilize an entire structure or only one floor? Which floor is it located on? Do you use the building’s basement for storage? Each of these circumstances can affect your risk factor, so you may want to ask yourself these questions before you look for a policy.

2. Know the Law

If you rent your building or are currently under a mortgage and it sits in a high-risk area, you might be required to add flood coverage onto your commercial insurance policy. Most basic policies do not include compensation in case of flooding, especially when it occurs as the result of a natural disaster. You may want to check with your lender, so you are not operating your business without the proper coverage.

3. Take Time To Prepare

Look into flood insurance before the rainy season starts, so you have coverage in plenty of time. Consider bundling this task with finding storm damage and restoration service so you can feel confident that your business is fully protected from flooding. Most policies take about 30 days to kick in, so you might want to start shopping for a policy several months before the flood season arrives.

Flood insurance can be a vital component of a protection plan for your business. Choose a policy carefully and give yourself plenty of time to look over the fine print so you can be assured you are paying for the best protection possible.

3 Parts To Check When a Commercial Toilet Keeps Running

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

What to do when your toilet keeps running.

Your commercial building’s toilets need to run efficiently for the comfort of your employees and customers. However, when a plumbing issue like a toilet overflow happens, it can be unpleasant for everyone. This problem may be caused by a variety of issues, but some can be fixed without the assistance of a plumber. If a toilet keeps running, there are several parts you can check before you call in a flood damage and cleanup service to ensure your bathrooms are properly dried and deodorized after an overflow.

1. The Gasket

Once you turn off the water, the first step to take is to open the winter flushometer. This is the part that causes a commercial toilet to flush efficiently. Use a screwdriver and a wrench to remove this unit’s lid. The gasket is usually located directly under the lid. If it contains a lot of debris or buildup, carefully remove and clean the gasket thoroughly.

2. The Weep Hole

A commercial toilet’s weep hole controls its suction, so when it gets clogged, this may affect water flow and cause a continuous flush. When you remove the toilet’s gasket, take a close look at this small hole. Clean it carefully with a slim tool and ensure all the sediment and other debris is cleared out. This may stop a toilet from flushing constantly and prevent a future toilet flood.

3. The Flange Cover

If this part is loose or corroded, it may be affecting the unit’s proper operation and contribute to a toilet overflow. Note how much water you find under the cover. If there is enough to run over when you remove it, there may be a leak in the gasket or the cover might be faulty, and one or both could need replacing.

When your commercial building experiences a toilet overflow, it can be embarrassing and unpleasant. However, you may be able to repair it by checking and cleaning a few important parts inside the unit to prevent future floods.

4 Essential Ways of Protecting Your Office From Fire

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Install a fire sprinkler system if you don't have them already.

Fire Preparation

As an office manager in Englewood, FL, one of your primary duties is to protect employees from fires. Executing smart fire preparation tactics can help achieve this task. Here are four areas of focus that can assist in keeping your building free from fire damage and needing an intensive rebuild from an experienced commercial restoration company.

1. Install Fire Suppression Equipment
No matter what the law dictates, you need to have the proper fire-retardant infrastructure. Install a sprinkler system, smoke alarms, and smoke detectors if you don't have them already. A fire safety professional can help you determine what combination of safeguards is best for your location. Check that fire extinguishers are functioning and reside in key locations.

2. Review Electrical Systems
Electricity is a common source of indoor blazes. Good fire preparation involves making sure currents are not a danger. Move appliances away from walls so that there is less risk of overheating. Use power strips and extension cords when necessary. Have an electrician review your building for frayed wires and improper connections.

3. Store Combustible Materials
Flammable materials must be carefully stored. Never put combustibles in boiler rooms or near exits where someone could knock them over. If you have the option, place volatile substances outdoors. Be conscientious about keeping burnable materials, such as cardboard boxes and printer paper, away from anything that could ignite.

4. Perform Building Maintenance
Get your maintenance person to assist you with disaster preparation activities. Make certain that fire lanes are clear and hydrants are not being blocked. Dedicate space in your parking lot for emergency personnel and remind employees to never park in that spot. Assure that the sign identifying your office is easily readable and unobstructed so that firefighters and medical professionals have no trouble locating you.
Fire preparation is an essential task for any office administrator. Use the following guidelines to help prevent infernos from engulfing your workspace.