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Facebook RSS Keeping Your Commercial Property Dry and Free of Damage | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
3/9/2023 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of Rapid City can help you get dried out quickly.
Water damage is always a threat to your business. Whether you own a small family-owned storefront or run a large warehouse, water damage can make your entire business grind to a halt.
In addition to the frustration that damage can cause, it can also be costly to recover from if the damage is widespread. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Rapid City is here to help!
Common Locations For Water IssuesYou never want to close your business if you don’t have to for any reason. The lost revenue, wages and expensive repair bill can be detrimental to everyone involved.
One of the best ways to stop a problem before it becomes a large issue is to regularly check these locations throughout your building. Oftentimes, water issues will give off signs of a problem, giving you the time you need to respond quickly:
1. The roof. Your roof is an invaluable part of your business! It offers your business and employees protection from the elements every day. It is important to get on your roof and look for damage on occasion, and especially after a heavy rainstorm, snowstorm or any sort of severe weather. Cracked shingles or a fallen tree can lead to water getting into your attic or top level, which can leak down your walls.
2. Bathrooms. Our sinks and toilets use water constantly, so it should be no surprise that water troubles commonly start in the bathroom. Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to unnecessary water loss and widespread damage. Check the pipes around your fixtures and make sure your caulk lines aren’t old or deteriorating.
3. Water heaters/HVAC/boilers. We rely on our large appliances like our boilers and HVAC systems to get us through every day. That is why it is so important to prioritize caring for these systems! A clogged drain, loose pipe connection or a faulty appliance can all lead to a water disaster. Your maintenance team should be performing regular maintenance and cleaning in your utility room often, and any mysterious puddles or drop in water pressure should be investigated right away.
What to Do to Prevent Water DamageThe best offense is a good defense when it comes to water damage! Other than natural disasters, most water damage can be prevented with simple steps and dedication to routine maintenance.
Start by creating a plan for how you will address any routine cleaning and inspections of your building. This can ensure your commercial property runs smoothly every day!
It is also important that you have a plan in place that outlines how to handle an emergency situation. Our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City can help you come up with the best comprehensive plan that fits your building’s needs.
Now that your plans are made and you are ready to tackle anything that comes your way, just keep up with your routine inspections! It is also a good idea to make sure all management staff know how to shut off your water valves in an emergency. If you do suffer water damage, just remember that SERVPRO of Rapid City can be there fast and we will help you fully recover in no time.
Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
We Can Help You Recover After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
2/11/2023 (Permalink)
For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City.
Any sort of house disaster can be overwhelming and hard to fully understand in the aftermath. If you are a homeowner, you certainly understand that worry! House fires in particular can be especially destructive and can make a large impact on your family’s lives.
Dealing with the cleanup and restoration on your own can be hard, but thankfully you don’t have to do that! Your SERVPRO of Rapid City team is here for you to help guide you through the process and take over the restoration for you.
Our Initial ContactDuring and immediately following a fire, prioritize making sure that your family is safe. Once you are sure that your loved ones are OK, it’s time to turn to us for help with the cleanup.
The first phone call you make to us will include many questions, just to ensure we fully understand the extent of the fire. This allows us to pack up the right gear and tools for your unique situation. Once the trucks are packed and a team is assembled, we are out the door and on our way to you.
The First CleaningOnce we arrive, we do a full walkthrough to better understand your home’s layout and the damage. Next, we secure areas of your home that are vulnerable to further damage, like boarding up windows and doors or laying tarps over exposed areas.
Now that your home is secure, we start by removing all of the debris and giving your home a deep-clean to remove residual soot and smoke. This also includes removing fragile possessions to avoid damaging anything else in your home! After the surface damage has been cleaned up, we sanitize the entire area and use our odor-removing techniques to remove any lingering smoke smells from your carpets, furniture and walls.
The RestorationNow comes the best part! Our restoration process involves full structural repairs to minor ones, and we can rebuild entire sections of your home, lay new carpet or hang new drywall for you.
We have the tools necessary for whatever your project requires, so you can rest easy knowing that when we are through, you would never know a fire tore through your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Rapid City! We are ready to help you recover today.
For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.
Keep Your Home Warm and Fire Safe This Winter | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
1/26/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Rapid City if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
We are in the throes of the winter season here in Rapid City! With the subzero temperatures and a few snowstorms under our belts already, we are all definitely relying on our home’s heat sources to stay warm every day. House fires are more common in winter because of our increased reliance on our furnaces and fireplaces.
It is possible to reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire this season, though! It just takes some extra cleaning and precautions, which we have laid out below.
Your Furnace UpkeepThe winter season is your furnace’s time to shine! Your furnace and HVAC system work hard every day to heat your home, but they are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance.
Inspect your furnace regularly for issues, and give it a good cleaning in and around the mechanisms to remove any dust or debris buildup.
If you haven’t already done so this season, change your furnace’s air filter! It is recommended that all air filters be replaced at least every 90 days, so the change in season is the perfect time to do it. If you have a larger family or you have pets in your home, try to swap out your filter even more often.
While this task is simple to do, it can actually help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and can keep your air cleaner throughout your entire home.
Clean Out Your FireplaceHaving a fireplace can be such a luxury at this time of year! It is an efficient way to quickly heat up a space and can provide your home with a cozy feel. However, your fireplace needs to be cleaned and maintained as well to ensure your family’s safety.
If your fireplace is artificial, remove the glass and clean the logs and surrounding walls to remove dust and other debris. For wood-burning fireplaces, regularly remove leftover ashes and ensure that your chimney isn’t blocked or damaged. Finally, wipe down the bricks to remove soot buildup.
Portable Heat SourcesSpace heaters can come in handy for small rooms or particularly chilly parts of your home. But it should be no surprise that they are fire hazards, too! Always keep your space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials or furniture, and be sure to turn them off before going to sleep.
Before you turn yours on, plug it directly into a wall, not an extension cord. It should also be on a level surface to avoid it tipping over.
Whenever you turn on your space heater or utilize your fireplace, keep a close eye on your pets and children. Accidents can happen at any point and could leave you vulnerable to a widespread disaster!
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Rapid City for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!
Keep Your Home Dry This Season | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
1/16/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Rapid City for quick and professional restoration.
The start of a new year is such a refreshing time. New goals and a brand-new outlook on the season can feel so motivating! In addition to your personal resolutions, adopting some new homeowner strategies can help you avoid the perils of water damage.
Since water damage can occur out of many different accidents or natural disasters, it is important to be prepared for a variety of scenarios.
Catching Water LeaksIf you can, preventing water leaks before they even begin can save you precious time and money. Take the time to keep your gutters clear, clean off your roof on occasion and encourage water to flow farther away from your home with long downspouts.
Inside your home, it is important to address any issues with rusty pipes or old caulking. These areas can spring a leak at any time! Even if the water itself doesn’t cause damage, any lingering moisture can cause mildew or mold growth over time.
Your appliances are also vulnerable to the dangers of unwanted water exposure! If water gets into the parts of the machine that aren’t waterproof, it could lead to rust or a full system malfunction. This could leave you with an even bigger water issue.
Steps to Prevent Water DamageEarly detection is key to preventing a large-scale problem from occurring. While you are doing your routine cleaning, do a thorough check of the areas of your home that utilize water to check for visible water, mold or water staining.
In your kitchen, pull back your appliances on occasion to check behind them for water damage. Also, open up your kitchen cabinets under your sink to check for condensation or water line leaks.
If your windows often condense when it gets really cold, wipe them down often and consider reducing the humidity levels in your home.
It is also crucial to check your roof often for damage or missing shingles. Any damage to your roof could introduce water into your attic that could eventually leak down your walls or cause a mold infestation.
We are always at risk of experiencing snow storms during the winter season, so it is crucial to prevent damage to our roofs if we get a lot in a short period of time. Snow can be heavy, and extra weight on your roof can impact its structural integrity.
While it may be too late for this step in the season, consider grading your yard when the ground thaws in the springtime. A professional grading can ensure that any rain that falls will flow down and away from your foundation.
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
What’s That Smell? | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
1/4/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Rapid City day or night.
Recovering from a disaster is easy when you call SERVPRO of Rapid City! We can handle any home damage you encounter, and we work hard to ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction. In addition to our restoration services, we can also provide your home or business with odor removal!
In the aftermath of a home disaster, it can be easy to overlook any lingering odors. Some may be mild, and others may be hard to place, which makes them that much harder to successfully remove.
Regardless of the odor problem you have, your SERVPRO team is up to the task. Learn more about our odor removal process below!
Possible Odor Removal TechniquesHome disasters can produce a wide variety of odors from airborne chemicals, gasses or tiny particles in the air. In order to successfully remove the odor, our team tackles it with a few different approaches.
Some of these include:
Masking agents. While we work on identifying the source of the odor and focus on creating a plan, we can apply a masking agent that helps make the environment more pleasant for all of us.
Filtration agents. We can also use our filtration compounds that can actually suck the smell right out of your carpets, furniture and even the air you breathe.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. We can also tackle the smell with professional disinfectants to ensure that the space is free of bacteria or fungus that could encourage the smell to return.
The Steps of Our Odor Removal Process1. Remove the source. We can only remove the entire odor if we know exactly where the odor is coming from! Once we locate the source, we remove it from your home and also take out anything that it affected.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. The job is not complete without sanitization! Any part that is not fully cleaned could introduce bacteria back into the area and start the smell all over again.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. This thorough step allows us to recreate the original environment that caused the smell in the first place. We employ deodorizers that help indicate if we have left any particles behind.
4. Seal exposed surfaces. Troublesome projects might require this step if the odor is really extensive or our other methods are not cost-effective. We can completely seal off the affected area to prevent the scent from traveling.
No matter what your odor problem is, we are here for you! No job is too big or too small for your SERVPRO of Rapid City team. Give us a call today to make sure your home returns to its cozy, fresh scent.
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
The Effects of Water Seepage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
12/9/2022 (Permalink)
if you need help allow us to get rid of your water damage
Water, water, everywhere! We are constantly surrounded by the threat of water damage in our homes, and sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint.
Some signs that you are experiencing water damage in your home include a musty smell, peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint. However, some water damage doesn’t show any signs at all right away.
Spotting a water leak in your home can be tricky if you aren’t sure where to look! We explain what to watch out for when it comes to water issues below.
Your BathroomsBathrooms are common culprits when it comes to water damage. Your sinks, bathtubs and toilets all use water every day in order to function. That leaves a lot of opportunity for water troubles to begin!
Routinely check the water supply lines to each of your fixtures and inspect the water seals frequently. Even just a minor amount of wear and tear on your seals could spring a water leak.
The Threat of Your AppliancesWe all know that appliances can cause major headaches as well. Faulty mechanisms, malfunctions or blockages can all cause your appliances to leak all over the floor.
Being proactive can help you stop a water problem in its tracks! Routinely unplug water-using appliances like your refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher and pull them away from the wall. If you notice water damage, stains or mold growth, call us right away so we can help remedy the situation.
Water Damage From WeatherWater damage doesn’t just exist within our homes, unfortunately. We can also experience water troubles caused by Mother Nature.
Any instances of heavy rain during the spring and summer time can create flooding problems or soggy basements. We are also at risk of winter storms any time from now until mid-spring that can bring wind, rain, ice, snow or sleet. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to experience all of these elements in a single storm!
In order to prevent water damage from the elements in your home, work on controlling the moisture in your home. If you don’t, you could struggle with condensation issues or even mold growth.
Do your part in preventing water damage from even occurring by keeping your gutters free of debris and your roof clear of any dead vegetation or leaves. You should also do a routine check of your windows and doors to catch any gaps or drafts before the temperature cools down. This can save you time and money on your electricity bill if you are able to seal any gaps up right away.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.
The Arrival of a Winter Wonderland | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
11/28/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Rapid City. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.
Can you believe we are entering the winter season already? It seems like we just conquered last winter’s snow and cold temperatures!
We aren’t strangers to the brutal weather that plagues the Midwest, so we certainly know how to stay safe and warm throughout the season here in Rapid City. It is important to prepare your home now so you are ready to tackle the snow, ice and sleet that is certainly headed our way soon.
<h3around-america">Winter Around America
Get ready because it is predicted to be a cold one this season! As usual, we are expected to experience a cold and snowy winter. Other parts of the United States may have a milder season than normal.
While these predictions can vary from time to time, it is always best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best! We can make it through this chilly season together.
<h3around-rapid-city">Winter Around Rapid City
We are grateful that we get to experience all four seasons here in the Midwest, even during the chilliest parts of the winter season. Our flatter landscape allows for quickly changing conditions and can produce whiteout and blizzard situations easily.
When that happens, travel can be affected and major roadways like I-90 are known to shut down for extended periods of time. Staying safe during these situations is always the most important part of this time of year.
<h3measures-during-wintertime">Protective Measures During Wintertime
Since there are so many different kinds of weather that can affect us here in Rapid City, it is best to be prepared for anything at any time. Blizzards, ice storms and snow can impact travel and work plans quickly.
You should have at least one reliable way to get weather alerts that doesn’t require electricity, like a battery-operated weather radio, stored in your safe shelter location. A fully stocked emergency and medical kit should also be there, along with some canned food.
You never know how long a particular winter storm will last, and it is important to have access to food while you wait for the roads to clear and power to come on.
Are your windows and doors weatherproof? If not, you can be exposed to unwanted moisture, mold growth and a higher energy bill.
Dedicate an afternoon outside to cleaning out your gutters, removing debris from your roof and shutting off water access to your spigots. If you leave them turned on, any water inside the piping system will freeze, expand and potentially burst.
We are ready for you, South Dakota winter! Know that we are just a phone call away if you need assistance. Our 24⁄7 emergency response ensures that your SERVPRO of Rapid City team is always here for you when you need us.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
The Hazards of Holiday Decorations | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
11/9/2022 (Permalink)
Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Rapid City will be on call ready to assist.
Believe it or not, the holiday season is nearly upon us once more! Cookies, presents, twinkly lights and traditions with friends and family are all what makes this time of year so special.
Unfortunately, while this season is wonderful, there is also an uptick in the number of house fires across the United States.
Decorations vs. FiresBe careful about where you place your holiday decorations! Decorations that catch fire are responsible for about 790 structural fires every year.
Hanging stockings over the fireplace or chimney is a classic holiday tradition, but be careful not to hang them too low over the flames. Your precious memories may catch fire and start a house fire.
If a real tree is a necessity in your family traditions, keep it watered every day in order to prevent excess drying and needle drop. If needles do start to fall, make sure to sweep or vacuum around the tree daily, and unplug all lights before retiring for the night.
Other Fire HazardsDid you know that December is the month with the highest number of candle-related house fires? Candles are responsible for 20 new home fires every day in the United States! Never leave a lit candle unattended, and always make sure to snuff it out before going to bed.
Who doesn’t love outdoor lights on houses or in your yard? Before you start setting up, make sure that decorations are tagged for outdoor use so that they can easily withstand the elements without deteriorating. Also be careful not to pierce the cords with nails or anything else while hanging them up!
Once you are done decorating and admiring your handiwork, do a final check of your smoke detectors to make sure they are ready to work for you. Also refresh your family’s escape route and meeting location if you need to make a hasty exit from your home.
While you are out celebrating the season at the Festival of Lights or are getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa at Storybook Island, you can rest easy knowing that your house will stay fire-safe.
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
Protect Your Business After a Water Damage Disaster | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
10/20/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Rapid City are your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help and get you back in business.
If you have ever suffered through water damage before, you fully understand what a headache it can be! Even just an inch of water can cause a costly and extensive cleanup process, and when you are a business owner, that can be detrimental to your livelihood.
Since water is all around us and serves so many purposes in our day-to-day lives, water damage can come from all kinds of sources. Faulty pipes, appliances and sprinkler systems are all common reasons we have seen when businesses suffer damage. We also see damage from Mother Nature often.
We recently just marked 50 years since the 1972 Black Hills flood that decimated our area, so we are fully aware of the dangers that flooding and other water issues can bring to town. Being prepared can help minimize the extent of your damages.
Locating Your Utility RoomKnowing this simple information can help stop a problem in its tracks! Having a full knowledge of your water shutoff valves and electrical panels is a great thing to know if you are a business owner.
You shouldn’t keep this information to yourself, though! Share this with your leadership team or management staff so that someone is always prepared to take action when it is needed.
Water DangersDid you know that water is classified into different categories? Different kinds of water carry different risk levels, so it is important to know where the water came from so you can act appropriately.
White water: White water is the lowest risk water (other than purified consumable water). It is the water that flows inside your pipes and is safe for you to handle.
Gray water: Wherever water flows down into a drain, like from a sink or a shower, that is called gray water. It is considered contaminated, but still carries a relatively low risk when handled in small amounts.
Black water: Never attempt to clean up a black water problem on your own. Black water comes from your sewage system or storm drain and can contain toxic materials.
Stop the Problem Right AwayThe best thing to do when you discover your water issue is to shut off the source of the problem immediately! Turn off any water valves or main lines, and then start to vent the space.
Turn on fans and open some windows to get the air circulating. It is also a good idea to section off the affected area to keep people safe.
It is also really important to take thorough pictures of any damages that you see. This will make your insurance claim process much easier if you have accurate pictures of the issue at hand.
No Matter the Disaster, We Are HereEven when your space looks dry to the naked eye, there still is the possibility of hidden water damage. Beneath your carpets, you could have soggy subfloors or rotting boards, or behind your walls, soaked or warped wall studs could be present.
Don’t worry! That’s what we are here for. Our team at SERVPRO of Rapid City is the best at what we do and we will not stop until we are sure that your business is dry and back to its preloss condition.
When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!
We Are Your Neighborhood Restoration Company | SERVPRO® of Rapid City
10/11/2022 (Permalink)
No job is too big or small. Call SERVPRO of Rapid City today to schedule your estimate.
When you need a restoration company for a recent disaster or unexpected problem, the quality of work is always important! We are the leaders in water, storm and fire damage cleanup, and we are dedicated to providing quality work, every time.
We also offer more services than just disaster cleanup, too! We can address and treat your mold problem or can provide you with biohazard cleanup like graffiti removal. Whatever job you need help with, we are here for you.
In addition to our quality service, what makes us stand out above the crowd is the fact that we live and work right here in Rapid City!
Why Is Being Local Helpful?1. We Can Respond FasterThe impact of a disaster can’t be predicted, so if the unthinkable happens, the need for help may be unexpected, too! Having your restoration team right down the road ensures that we are here right away when you need us.
When you call us at SERVPRO of Rapid City, you can relax knowing that we can be there right away and we can help minimize extensive damages and a more costly repair.
2. We Deal With the Same WeatherWe are affected by the same weather as you! Whenever there is inclement weather in the forecast, we are tuned into KOTA or KEVN, just like you are. The only difference is that we begin mobilizing our teams and preparing for any potential damages.
We witness the same tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and heavy snowstorms at the same time you do, so we fully understand what it takes to recover from any resulting damages. We can take care of you because we know what it feels like!
3. We Are the Experts About Rapid CityIf you call another restoration company, the truck that comes out to your home may be from a different city or state entirely! If that is the case, they may not be familiar with the area or understand the unique parts of our city.
When you use us as your restoration team, you don’t have to worry about any of that! We know to avoid the popular roadways before and in Sturgis, and only a hometown team can tell you where to find the best ice cream for a pick-me-up (it’s Armadillos, we promise).
We are also well-connected with the local governmental regulations and ordinances, so we understand how to navigate any permits or requirements during your restoration.
Additional Benefits of a Local TeamWhen a disaster happens, we are here to jump into action for you. While we mainly work with local technicians and can operate within our own resources, there are certain circumstances where a larger disaster requires national assistance.
You get the best of both worlds when you use SERVPRO! We are locally owned and operated, but are also backed by a a national brand with years of experience and endless resources. If we need to, we have the ability to reach out to other SERVPRO locations for help.
When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!
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