Recent Posts

The Power of Master Service Agreements: Fast Response and Strong Relationships

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Do you have a super hero on speed dial?

In the fast-paced world of business, rapid response is essential, especially during emergencies. Picture this: a national heatwave causes an abrupt A/C outage, with the potential to turn a hospital into an oven of stress and panic. In times like these, having a Master Service Agreement (MSA) in place can be the lifeline that transforms panic into a strategic, well-managed solution.

A Race Against Time

SERVPRO® Team Nicholson's Scott Askew and his crew proved the power of an MSA recently. Within hours of receiving the call, our team was on-site, ready to help. Seven hours later, cooling equipment was up and running - thanks to our subcontractor, Coastal Mechanical. We even had a team of welders fabricating quick hose connections in the hospital parking lot in order to connect the mobile chillers to the hospital's existing cooling system.

By the evening, the hospital was cooling to a comfortable temperature, all without displacing patients or disrupting critical operations. The team avoided an evacuation and multiple diversions, where a hospital has to transfer patients to another hospital. In the end, all this was possible without having to tell an MSA client, "no," — the word doesn't exist in our vocabulary anyways.

Building a Bridge to Swift Solutions

The MSA is more than just a contract - we become your logistics team, your trusted solutions provider. The last thing a business owner wants is to face a double emergency – the primary situation and its repercussions. Like the scramble to evacuate patients, and to secure specialized equipment, like chillers, at odd hours in order to prevent high temperatures from spoiling medication. An MSA eliminates the chaos, minimizing the complexity and severity of interruptions to business.

The Value of Strong Relationships

In the realm of crisis management, strong relationships are worth their weight in gold. Our connections with clients, subcontractor partnerships, and a network of SERVPRO teams across the nation, our bonds serve as the cornerstone of effective and efficient solutions. When challenges arise, leveraging our network's capabilities means clients have access to additional equipment and resources quickly.

In a world of emergencies, a Master Service Agreement isn't just a contract – it's a promise - to provide rapid response, leverage strong relationships, and transform potential chaos into smoothly managed solutions. It's the assurance that when a crisis arises, our team of professionals is ready to shift the perspective - becoming your total solutions provider for whatever happens.

What Happens When I Have Water Damage?

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

 

Nobody likes the unexpected. It can be scary and overwhelming, in worst cases, time consuming and costly. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova will try and ease the unexpected blow. We're a team of highly trained individuals with specialized equipment, tools, and skills needed to make sure that your water damage is taken care of swiftly and adequately.

What Can You Expect When You Call Us?

One of our employees will first take your call; we'll take your name, number, and address down and then ask detailed questions to know exactly what your situation looks like. As we hang up the phone with you, we'll dispatch a team out to your home and/or business so they can be on-site as quickly as possible. Additionally, you'll be assigned an admin within the office to take care of your job – they will give you updates and work with your insurance provider.

Once we get to your home, we will extract any standing water that needs to be removed using either a handheld extractor or an extractor that we can ride on. We will then place fans and dehumidifiers to help with the drying process.

In the next few days, we will continue to monitor the drying process, making sure that we inspect all possible affected areas for water damage. If you find yourself with an unexpected water loss, give SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova a call at (901) 382-0900! We'll help make it "Like it never even happened."

4 Tips For Flood Protection

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Flood Protection

When heavy rains descend, your building in Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, may be in danger of flood damage. To avoid having to put your business on hold for massive flood cleanup, follow these tips to protect your building from significant damage.

1. Inspect Building Frequently

You are likely sticking to a seasonal inspection schedule, but if the forecast indicates that a strong storm is approaching, it makes sense to inspect it again. Look at your exterior walls, foundation, and roof to see if there're any cracks where water could get in. If you find any problems, contact storm damage experts for repairs that can be done before the storm hits.

2. Keep Drainage System Clean

Giving excess water a place to go is vital to keeping it out of your building. Gutters and downspouts should always be kept free of debris, particularly during storm season. Directing the downpour away from the roof and base of your building can help prevent flood damage.

3. Test Basement Pumps

If there's flooding in your basement, you will inevitably need storm cleanup. You can lower your costs by making sure your sump pump is working. These pumps are designed to start getting rid of water as soon as the sensors are triggered. Regular testing, particularly before a major storm hits, is advisable.

4. Have an Emergency Plan

If your building floods, an emergency plan can help everyone understand clearly what they are supposed to do. Make sure it is up to date and that all employees have access to the latest version. Assign tasks that designate what each person needs to do in the event of a flood emergency.You may not be able to avoid all flood damage in your building during a, particularly aggressive storm. You can minimize its effects, however, by taking the necessary precautions. These tips help ensure that your building is as flood-resistant as possible.

What You Need To Know About Commercial Water Damage

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

 

Experiencing water damage at your or Bartlett, TN or Cordova, TN business can be stressful, especially when it affects equipment and inventory. Many water emergencies are the result of a plumbing mishap and are graded into different categories. A Category 1 water emergency originates from a clean water source; however, there are a few facts you may want to be aware of to ensure proper cleanup.

Water Appliances Are A Common Leak Source

When a Category 1 flood occurs, the origin point is usually an appliance that dispenses water, such as a breakroom sink, an automatic ice maker, or a water cooler. Supply line leaks and breakage are often responsible. You can stem the water flow by shutting off the main water supply valve and sealing off the area until help arrives.

Sanitary Water Can Degrade Quickly 

Although Category 1 flood events have a clean water source, such as a broken pipe in your restaurant's kitchen, the resulting standing water can break down rapidly due to bacteria formation. Humidity and the introduction of dirt and debris from people's shoes as they attempt to clean up the mess. It is a good idea to call in flood damage and remediation service as quickly as possible to prevent water stagnation.

Mold Growth May Still Occur 

Unlike Category 3 water, which contains toxins and unsanitary debris, Category 1 can be simpler to deal with cleanup efforts. However, it is essential to remember that mold growth may occur days to weeks later if it is not adequately cleaned and dried. Mold grows in humid, moist areas and can flourish undetected behind drywall and underneath carpet padding. Ask your remediation technicians how to prevent this issue and whether your building is vulnerable after a Category 1 flood.

Clean water flooding at your Bartlett, TN, or Cordova, TN, business may not seem too serious at first. However, there're a few dangers connected with such an event, and knowing what to expect can help you protect the future of your commercial building.

3 Reasons You Need to Replace Your Pipes

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

 

Reasons to Upgrade Your Plumbing System to Something New

While the plumbing system in your Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, building is made to last, whether made from steel or polybutylene, it certainly won't last forever. It may cost some time and money, but it is a good idea to have these replaced occasionally. Here are a few reasons to upgrade to something new.

1. They're Old

One apparent reason to have your pipes replaced is, they have gotten old. Even the most sturdy system will deteriorate over time. How long your system will last before you need to install new plumbing will depend on the materials used, so it is a good idea to keep this information in mind. Whatever the material, if it has been several decades since your pipes were installed, it's probably time to have them replaced.

2. They're Damaged

Broken pipes can cause massive water damage, so you should have them replaced as quickly as possible. Pipes can break as the result of deterioration, freezing during cold weather, or even the growth of tree roots nearby. If your pipes are relatively new, you will likely not need to replace the whole system and focus only on the affected area.

3. They're Made from Polybutylene

If your plumbing system was installed between the 1970s and 1990s, they were possibly made with Polybutylene (PB) pipes. PB pipes were often used because they were easy to install and were relatively inexpensive. However, over time, it became apparent that they broke too quickly and could leach chemicals into the water. If you have PB pipes, replace them as soon as possible.

While you should try to replace your pipes before they cause any damage, accidents can happen. If you have suffered from water damage to your business, SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova can help. They can perform cleanup and repairs to restore your building quickly.

Protecting What Matters: The Emergency Plan Every Parent Needs Before School Starts

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

girl at bottom of blue slide smiling with thumbs up Does your child know what to do?

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

No one likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disaster can happen anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared—just in case. Having a detailed plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind, and—in the event of an emergency—could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

  1. List 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school if you are unable to do so.

  2. Confirm their availability and willingness to be emergency contacts.

  3. Teach your child how to contact each person by phone.

  4. Familiarize your child with each contact's appearance and vehicle.

Communicate with the School

  1. Keep school up-to-date with who is allowed to pick your child up.

  2. Provide correct contact information and identification for their records.

  3. Inquire about the school's policies for emergency situations and designated pick-up areas.

Alternative Drop-Off Locations

  1. Establish an alternative drop-off location in case emergency contacts cannot be reached promptly.

  2. This location could be a trusted friend or family member's house, or another secure spot.

  3. Familiarize your child with the alternate location's address and phone number to accurately guide authorities there.

Re-Evaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan annually. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO® is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here. Your family's safety and preparedness are paramount, and having a well-structured emergency plan is a crucial step in ensuring their protection.

Key Restoration Tips After Home Water Damage

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

 

When the water in home reservoirs leaks, it can cause water damage. Since water can be destructive, avoiding leakages in your home is imperative. When water gets into drywall, it can seep through the interior walls and create some unsightly patches on the floors, ceilings, and gypsum boards. Some walls can collapse, depending on the extent of the damage. Professional contractors can repair the walls and ceilings since they have the expertise to undertake the job. The following tips will help you to enjoy a certain degree of success during home restoration:

Find the Water Leak

If you have a leaky faucet or tap, finding the leak is relatively easy. If the water in the home plumbing systems starts to leak, identifying the faulty valves is easy. However, if pipes are leaking within the walls, a plumber might have to cut some sections to determine the problem. Other signs of leakages come from the roof. If the roof is leaking, a roofing contractor can find the leak by undertaking a thorough inspection. Since the water will flow by gravity, identifying the source of the leak can be quite tricky. Besides, the sloping roofs pose many threats and risks, including slip and fall accidents. The ceiling will show the signs of leakages if they start to develop such patches and cracks. The ceiling will sag and crumble under the weight of the water. Home repair after water damage varies depending on the problem. It is critical to engage a competent home repair contractor in solving the problem completely. If the water in home plumbing installations leaks, the cost of restoration depends on the extent of water damage. Drying after water cleanup can also help prevent flood damage if you encounter a water leak in a home or commercial premises.

Flood Damage Mitigation

One of the specific mitigation procedures is to pinpoint the problem. Undertaking the repairs and restoration can be futile if you do not identify the source of the problem. Pinpointing the leaky toilet, burst pipe, or leaky roof is the first step towards eliminating the problem. Once you stop the leakage, you need to pump the water. When the leakage of water in business appliances occurs, you should act fast. The size of your pump will depend on the amount of water.

In some cases, you might require truck-mounted water extractors to pump the water. Once you remove the water, you need to dry the walls and floors and eliminate the excess moisture. Such moisture can encourage mildew and mold growth in your home, causing costly losses to your home. Home restoration can be cheap if you take critical mitigation initiatives seriously. Once you undertake the water cleanup, drying is imperative if you want to eliminate the moisture.

Identify the Nature of Flood Damage

A home inspector comes in handy when it comes to estimating the cost of drying and water cleanup. The seepage of water in business parking and basements can cause damage. Remember that you might not see the water in hidden areas such as crawlspaces. A thorough inspection will help identify all the wet areas and guarantee success during the restoration and repair. Wet wood can develop molds and mildew in several days. Wood can also rot very fast if the water in business plumbing systems gets to the floor. If you do not immediately address the issue, you might have to spend a home repair fortune.

A reliable mitigation program must seek to prevent water damage in the future. After completing the repair, you can safeguard your home from such damage in the future by inspecting your plumbing system often, repairing your roof, and improving your drainage system. Protect your home from water damage in the future by undertaking a comprehensive inspection. The best way to deal with water damage is to call a professional plumber. A reputable contractor has the equipment you need for drying, water cleanup, and any other problem you might encounter when the water in business establishments leaks. Contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova for additional information on water damage.

We're Cleaning Cleaning Experts

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

 

Specialized Training

According to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we're prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs daily.

The CDC encourages cleaning high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC's guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen / Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools / Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving / Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900.

When a Disaster Strikes Your Home, Call Our Crew!

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO is the Choice For Restoration

With decades of experience across the restoration services that we offer, we know how to help when every minute counts. We have teams, trailers, and service vehicles prepared to roll out from our SERVPRO facility 24/7 to address the harsh effects of water, fire, storm, and mold losses. We have trained professionals to handle more specific recovery niches like air duct cleaning, biohazard cleaning, abatement, and reconstruction efforts. These talents, aiding in every facet of our customers' work, improve our efficiency and effectiveness in your home or business.

Storm

Storm damage is a common situation that our SERVPRO professionals must address. Properties must remain prepared for inevitable run-ins with hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, damaging winds and other harmful conditions. Our ability to handle these situations is partly due to our commitment to the training and growth of our specialists, ensuring that each loss incidents gets technicians that can:

  • Extract and dry up floodwater (WRT – Water Restoration Technician)
  • Clean contaminated areas where they exist (Biohazard Cleaning)
  • Deploy air movers and dehumidifiers for effective drying solutions (ASD – Applied Structural Drying)
  • Clean Carpets and other flooring types (CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician)
  • Prevent microbial growth or address present colonization (AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)

Our disaster team is committed to having the top-tier equipment that gets the job done quickly and correctly for you. We keep storm trucks stocked with inventory of recovery and mitigation tools, including submersible pumps, engine-driven trash pumps, power washers, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

We offer a full-service approach amid a crisis so that our customers do not waste time finding secondary contractors to handle other aspects of their recovery. We have skilled professionals to perform board-up and tarping services for your residence amid flood penetration. We can also oversee full-scale reconstruction once we complete mitigation.

Water

We know how easily water loss incidents can develop, and that's why training our restoration technicians in this niche is a constant and continual process. The science of restoring water damage is evolving. So our professionals have to move along with it – putting these new practices and equipment into use to help our customers with the most efficient and practical approach. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and the outcome of your loss incidents goes far beyond our IICRC training.

Our restoration team has access to equipment and machines that far exceed the limitations of conventional recovery tools. The truck-mounted water extractors that our SERVPRO team uses, for example, can handle the removal of thousands of gallons of water every day. Combined with multiple other impressive equipment pieces, this vehicle sets our professionals apart in water damage restoration.

We also have the capability of addressing the massive loss of water damage for commercial properties and houses. 33 years of industry experience and a roster that features Commercial Drying Specialists (CDS) and those with WRT and ASD endorsements, no job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.

Fire

Our team is responsible for many structures in this area alone; the possibility of fire damage is a persistent threat. Knowing the best approach to handle these conditions hinges on the severity of the situation and what materials, surfaces, and contents have become affected. Our IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and those with additional training in odor control and upholstery/carpet cleaning have access to equipment that can help our team restore loss incidents quickly.

Much of our efficiency in fire recovery stems from these advanced and cutting-edge machines. Soot removal and cleaning, for example, often fall to a combination of specially-formulated cleaning agents and products with automated surface scrubbers that can eliminate residues on surfaces.

Every minute counts in fire restoration. Our technicians obtain IICRC certifications and train to understand how fire damage spreads and the best approach to overcome the damages.

Mold

Before our certified AMRTs can set up containment barriers and begin the often-intricate process of mold remediation—our professionals must locate the source of the moisture and dampness. These conditions are likely to happen again without adequately identifying how the water damage facilitated mold growth.

Sometimes the humid conditions are enough to generate microbial growth, as interior humidity above 60% can grow mold on ceilings and other organic materials. The initial approach is to establish isolation zones using our powerful negative air machines in conjunction with physical plastic sheeting. Mold damage can spread quickly without these containment barriers.

Suppose our technicians reach the situation in your residence fast enough. In that case, many of the hosting materials can be repaired using sophisticated equipment like dry ice blasting machines and soda-blasting equipment. These approaches can remove mold debris without harming the surface and substrate.

You can count the swift response of SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova team in a crisis. Give our professionals a call anytime that you need us at (901) 382-0900.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

moisture meter held by a SERVPRO technician, hand on frame holding a small remote-looking device with screen, Call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.

Different Types of Water Damage

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.

Primary Damage

When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage. 

Secondary Damage

Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.

What Controls Humidity?

Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues. 

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.

Specific Humidity 

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number. 

If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900, available 24 hours a day.