What to Know About Our Commercial Services | SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington

2/17/2024 (Permalink)

Is your business in need of a good deep clean? Or maybe restoration after disaster strikes? Call SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington now!

Small business owners have so much on their plates! When you own your business, most days can feel like walking on a tightrope. Between keeping your customers happy, your employees productive and the doors open, there can be little time to think about anything else. 

We prepare for disasters at home, but it is important to prepare our businesses as well. Not only should we be prepared for disasters, but we need to keep our businesses safe and presentable in order to offer customers the best experience possible. 

With a company like SERVPRO® in your backyard, you have a partner in business. We can cover everything you need to both stay presentable for your customers and recover fast after any size disaster. 

Commercial Cleaning

Deep-cleaning when you own a business is important for setting and maintaining a professional atmosphere. Carpets, upholstery and other soft materials can hold odors that over time will permeate throughout your business. High-traffic areas can show signs of aging and overuse quickly. 

The impression your business gives the moment customers walk in has a lot to do with how long they will continue to patronize your establishment. 

Our professionals can quickly and thoroughly clean your soft materials to ensure they are odor-free and continue to stay in top-quality shape long term. We will also clean high-traffic areas so that your business shines from the moment someone walks through your door. 

Along with deep-cleaning different areas around your office, we can also clean your air ducts. Air ducts can hold allergens and dust that could trigger allergies, create musty odors or even present a fire hazard in extreme cases. Our professionals will get your air ducts clean to ensure the air in your facility is always high quality. 

Commercial Restorations

Disasters are always possible, whether they are from Mother Nature or an internal, manmade source. Water, fire or storms can leave your business facing temporary closure and dealing with costly repairs. 

Preparing your business ahead of a disaster can help prevent your losses. The best way to prepare is to make a plan. 

Work with your staff to make a plan that lays out what to do when an emergency situation occurs. This might mean assigning staff members to shut off water in the event of a pipe bursting, or it could be the steps you will take ahead of a storm to secure your belongings. SERVPRO® can help you plan, and we will even help you determine alternate work locations if a disaster ever leaves you without a place to operate. 

Our professionals are also available around the clock to start restorations when you need them. With any disaster, timing matters. The faster we can get to your property, the sooner you can get back to work.

Whatever you need, SERVPRO® is your locally owned and operated business partner. We can keep your business up and running no matter what happens. 

Are you ready to create an emergency plan or to deep-clean your business? Contact us to get the help you need!

Fire Damage Restoration of a Charred Roller Rink in Great Neck

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington understands how important your business is. Let us help you out.

Arson or Smoking Leads to Fire Damage Restoration

Fire leaves structures of all sizes in need of fire damage restoration. Otherwise, businesses in Great Neck would sustain severe losses with a regular frequency. SERVPRO handles the cleanup and the rebuilding involved in a thorough restoration process. We scale our services to our customers’ precise situations, eliminating unnecessary procedures and costs.

Roller rinks are a long-standing icon that provides area youth with entertainment and exercise in an affordable way. When a rink gets fire damaged in Great Neck, fire damage restoration crews can reduce the time your facility can’t operate. SERVPRO’s crews know how to provide excellent results and make everything “Like it never even happened.” 

Our crew wants to help you take a damaged area that looks hopeless and make it functional again with fire damage restoration work. We look at:

• Sheet metal fabrications,
• The ventilation system, and
• Open spaces and lounges.

Lockers are almost as crucial as bathroom stalls, but intense heat can cause these to warp. Paint can also bubble and require sanding and reapplication. We work with you to keep replacements down and restore the rest. 

Getting all the soot out of your building is a must before reopening. Patrons do not want to smell foul scents nor breathe in soot particles. We clean HVAC systems and ensure they are now spreading soot and other particles. We set up air scrubbers to pull soot from the air, also. Thermal fogging can significantly eliminate the amount of soot released as it breaks down.

Skaters expect to have clean floors, and we can help. Carpet cleaning is an essential service, but we also perform sanding and buffing hard flooring. Our general contracting team can also help rebuild any damaged areas in any concrete section of flooring. Painting and rebuilding wooden structures are all part of how we help other businesses keep their doors open. 

Rink owners and managers can call SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 767-9600 to get started with jobs ranging from smoke cleanup to entire building reconstruction.

Great Neck Businesses – Don’t Wait to Handle Water Removal

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

When a pipe bursts in your commercial kitchen or bathroom, the damage can certainly seem overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for effective water removal.

SERVPRO Water Removal and Restoration to the Rescue in Great Neck

It would be best to keep everything running smoothly, no matter what business you have; factory, retail space, rental property, bakery, or another commercial space. The last thing any Great Neck business owner wants to deal with is water damage from a sewage backup in the employee bathroom, a burst pipe leading to a commercial kitchen, etc. Rather than turning away customers or causing stress from having to clean it up with your staff, SERVPRO is there to ensure you have as little disruption as possible. We’re here 24/7 to provide area customers with the rapid water removal services they need!

SERVPRO is locally owned and operated, so we know how important it is for area businesses to handle water removal in Great Neck before it hurts their bottom line. We respond quickly to begin water mitigation efforts, so your bakery, office, or factory sees little or no downtime.

Addressing areas of moisture migration

Water follows along the path of least resistance into dry spaces. This means our team carefully inspects areas under cabinetry, office partitions, and around equipment to ensure no moisture is left to fester. Areas we look at include:

• Moisture bogged drywall or ceiling tiles
• Contents in the water loss zone exposed to moisture
• Possible hazards with slip and fall or electrical outlets

SERVPRO’s water restoration technicians (WRT) clean up all unsalvageable debris for safe disposal. We initiate drying with air movers and dehumidifiers as all standing water gets pulled up with pumps, extractors, or wet/dry vacuums. Our restore versus replace methodology also helps you to save time and money on your restoration. We even handle your paperwork, so you have the proper documentation for your commercial water loss insurance claim!

There is no better team to have in your corner for commercial water removal than SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington. Contact us 24/7 to mobilize our Green Fleet at (516) 767-9600.

Going Through Commercial Water Removal in Great Neck

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the size of your boutique, dealing with any type of water damage can present issues. Call our experienced SERVPRO team for solutions.

Water Removal and Remediation In Great Neck Boutique After Water Leak

Walking into your boutique and seeing that you've had a water leak can be devastating. The first thought on your mind is to protect your merchandise. With this in mind, wet items should be removed, cleaned, and dried. At the same time, you should transfer unaffected items to a safe area to keep them dry and unexposed to cleaning solutions and higher relative humidity (RH). 

When faced with commercial water removal in Great Neck, first you consider your merchandise, then contact the insurance company. Next, you need to remove the excess liquid from the impacted floors and bring down the RH within the structure to ensure you avoid secondary damage like excess humidity condensing on and ruining electronics or warping wallpaper. 

SERVPRO restoration technicians remove excess water by using portable extractors. Tile and wood floorings usually can repel water and not suffer damage if caught quickly enough. If the water stood for any period, and there are cracks in the wood or tile grout is not sealed correctly, water may seep through flooring and become more challenging to extract. However, technicians strategically place air movers to blow dry air over the surface while dehumidifiers draw moisture out of the air and exhaust warm, dry air, effectively dry the flooring.

Sometimes portable electric heaters speed up the process by blowing warm air over the flooring. SERVPRO team members can contain the affected area by placing 6-mil plastic over the floor, holding it down with sandbags or painters tape while the heated air balloons up the plastic, keeping the covered space warm and dry. This “tenting” action concentrates the air movement to a targeted area to maximize the effectiveness of the drying. Technicians monitor the electric heaters carefully throughout the heating and drying process to ensure the floor is not overly-dry, which can create further damage. 

If there are carpeted areas in your boutique, technicians may opt to use deep extraction tools that are self-propelled or stationary. These tools use body weight to compress the carpet and pad, squeeze out excess water, and then remove the water through extraction equipment. 

It is essential to bring down the interior humidity to below 60%, so your merchandise is not exposed to potentially damaging rusting or contamination to the beauty products. 

We understand the need to keep your clients’ scheduled appointments. Weddings and special occasions cannot be postponed, so we do our best to complete the cleanup and water removal as quickly as possible. We must live up to our slogan. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

For assistance, contact SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington 24/7 at (516) 767-9600 to keep your doors open for business.

Drop Ceiling Damage After Leaks Above Manhasset Offices

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

When your office space faces damage, the situation can escalate quickly. Contact SERVPRO at the first sight of water damage for effective remediation.

SERVPRO helps Manhasset offices recover after water damage

It can be a destructive situation when water damage occurs in your business. Especially open spaces like office buildings. Burst pipes or plumbing leaks rampantly impact ceiling assembly materials and overcome these porous elements to produce severe structural damage as well as standing water concerns. We must act quickly to repair ceiling damage and remove pressing water concerns.

Removing Ruined Materials

Water restoration companies in Manhasset, like our SERVPRO team, understand the importance of rapid response and restoration solutions for your business. The longer your structure goes without restoration and recovery services, the more damage that ultimately occurs, and the more it costs. Our process begins with removing ruined materials from the damaged drop ceiling system. Impacted materials from leaks can include:

• Ceiling tiles
• Framework
• Insulation
• Carpeting

Repairing the Damaged Plumbing

With the material out of the way and the cavity exposed, we can repair the plumbing impacted. Whether it was a burst pipe or separation of connectors, it is important to fix compromised plumbing portions to reestablish this vital utility service supplying your building. We can assess where repairs are needed and get these actions underway as soon as possible.

Cleaning Up the Water Damage

Next, we must overcome any water damage to the structure. Sometimes, this means clearing out trapped water in ceiling tiles that were not removed or drying up water damage on the flooring materials directly surrounding the impacted areas.

Replacing Missing Materials

Because we have a contractor license, we can provide the repairs and reconstruction necessary after severe water damage. In many cases, large portions of a drop ceiling system must be replaced after water damage because the weight of saturated tiles can damage the framework. We can re-install parts of this system as necessary, along with other structural elements.

Your home or business can be rapidly damaged by water. We are a full-service solution for restoration and recovery. Give our SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington team a call today at (516) 767-9600.

What Is the Best Way to Manage Contents During Fire Restoration in Port Washington Facilities?

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here for you every step of the way after a fire strikes. Just give us a call at (516) 767-9600.

SERVPRO Evaluates the Level of Fire Damage and Determines Whether to Move Items or Not

Contents can stand in the way of fire restoration. When heavily damaged, they must be removed for cleaning or disposal.  If undamaged, they can hamper some restorative action or risk being damaged. Having a sound plan for managing various items helps improve the restoration process.

The thought of packing out all items to facilitate fire restoration at your Port Washington business premises can be quite demoralizing since you already have other issues to address, including footing the cost of restoration. However, a professional team from SERVPRO is used to handling such tasks and can find appropriate ways to manage the situation. Since move-outs can be costly, we consider all viable alternatives before starting pack-outs.

Other Useful Approaches That Help Safeguard Contents Include:

• Manipulating contents to unaffected sections of the property
• Leaving contents in place and protecting them with a drop cloth
• Sealing off unaffected rooms with airtight barriers to protect the contents within

Deciding what to do with the contents or stock items in your premises is just the first step. Other actions are necessary to facilitate the restoration. Because of the varied nature of various contents and the levels of damages, the items may require special handling. 

Essential Steps to Guarantee Proper Item Handling Include:

• Loss documentation
• Inventory taking
• Quality control

Documentation can involve recording the number of items in the facility or the level of damage inflicted on them by the fire. Our SERVPRO technicians take several photos which help capture the damage extent. We also use stickers to label items, especially the unsalvageable ones. That way, it is easier to remove them for disposal. Clearing and setting a designated work area and an inventory station is also helpful in handling all the items you have safely. 

SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington takes care of all the challenges you might face during fire restoration. You can reach us at (516) 767-9600 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Is SERVPRO Among the Most Trusted Water Restoration Companies in Manhasset?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a SERVPRO van and owner/operator responding to a water damaging urgent call in Manhasset

A Quick and Reliable Service Makes SERVPRO Stand Out Among Other Water Restoration Companies in Manhasset

Water damage to commercial property can have disastrous consequences, especially if it is not promptly mitigated. SERVPRO is a leading water restoration company in Manhasset that has saved several businesses and commercial enterprises from the lasting effects of water damage. Our IICRC certified technicians have years of experience and training to deal with any size disaster.

What makes SERVPRO one of the highest-rated water restoration companies in Manhasset is our quick response. After all, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. The extent of damage can be controlled if the restorers spring into action as soon as possible. The goal of the water restoration process is to minimize the downtime of your business while ensuring efficiency.

Is Controlled Demolition Always Necessary During Water Damage Restoration of Manhasset Commercial Properties?

SERVPRO techs use several types of drying equipment, including air movers and dehumidifiers, during the restoration of your Manhasset property. However, it is sometimes necessary to perform controlled demolition to access pockets of saturation and remove unsalvageable contaminated materials and components.

Opening assemblies, including walls, stairs, flooring, and voids, can accelerate the rate of drying. If contamination is discovered during the controlled demolition, the unsalvageable material is double-bagged and disposed of according to the regulations.

In some situations, SERVPRO techs might also need to apply biocides to control the growth of microbes after the demolition of assemblies.

Whether SERVPRO techs need to perform a controlled demo or apply biocides, nothing is done without informing and briefing the customer. We also provide safety data sheets (MSDS) of all products used during the restoration process.

Call SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 767-9600; Our techs are available 24/7 to answer your calls. 

What Water Restoration Companies Can Manhasset Businesses Call for Cleanup?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, arrive with well-stocked vans and skilled techs to keep your business open after a water damaging incident--SERVPRO

Water Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO Support Manhasset Entrepreneurs with Fast-Responding Cleanup from Highly-Trained Techs

Water restoration companies in Manhasset strive to be three things: always available, staffed by well-trained technicians, and packed with the necessary equipment to meet–and exceed–restoration industry best practices. These qualities are crucial for minimizing commercial downtime for businesses, which can impact local jobs.

SERVPRO is among the water restoration companies in Manhasset that can confidently say that it provides all three services. SERVPRO’s 24/7 service, commitment to thorough staff education, and cutting-edge technologies work in tandem to save businesses while minimizing damage to assets and structures. Restoration focuses on structural safety while preventing further damage caused by moisture exposure.

SERVPRO Water Damage Drying Salvages Commercial Wall Cavities

Whether a pipe leak affects an office, store, or warehouse, these leaks are commonly found inside wall cavities. SERVPRO takes several steps to combat water leaks, such as:

• Cutting out unsalvageable drywall or drilling small holes in walls. Vinyl baseboards may require removal to access wall cavities more easily, but they can be reinstalled after mitigation
• Drying wall cavities typically entails pushing air into holes at a 45-degree angle. This positioning allows air to “bounce” off of walls and pull moisture out of surfaces.
• Directly forcing air into wall cavities at a 90-degree angle can have the opposite effect, and instead, push moisture into porous surfaces like wall studs or insulation
• Low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers collect moisture from axial or centrifugal air movers for disposal in a treated sewer

SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington can be reached at (516) 767-9600 for emergency-response commercial remediation at any time of the day or night.

How Can SERVPRO’s Water Damage Mitigation Protect Your Great Neck Business?

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your business is very costly. Call SERVPRO for all the commercial restoration services needed for your property.

Our Water Damage Mitigation Services Protect Your Business in Several Ways. 

When your shop, restaurant, hotel, or other Great Neck business suffers a water leak, it could cause substantial long-term damage. The key to avoiding the most serious issues related to these situations is quickly enlisting the assistance of a highly-skilled water damage mitigation service. 

One of the most skilled and experienced water damage mitigation companies in Great Neck is SERVPRO. For over thirteen years, our technicians have effectively done just about every type of leak impact assuagement imaginable. These efforts have helped area businesses avert the worst leak-related water damage, which has saved them a great deal of time and money.

A Few of the Ways SERVPRO can Protect Your Business From the Worst Water Leak Effects are by: 

• Expertly locating ceiling leaks and other insidious, hidden water sources that could do catastrophic damage over time if allowed to persist
• Providing emergency water damage services like repairing burst pipes and performing other pressing water damage repairs
• Preventing serious water-related damage that results from long-term standing water covering structural elements and household contents
• Quickly bringing moisture levels in the air, structural elements, and furnishings to normal levels so that microbial growths are prevented or limited
• Treating impacted materials with professional-grade antimicrobials to prevent ongoing future damage like dry rot and mold growths
• Deodorizing your facilities with EPA-approved deodorants so that your business remains pleasant for customers and employees

Through all of these various means, SERVPRO’s water damage remediation team can often mitigate the damage of even the worst leaks and return your commercial site to operating condition in record time. 

So, if your business ever requires water damage mitigation, do not hesitate to call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington. We are always ready for your call at (516) 767-9600.

Mold Found in Great Neck Restaurant’s Wine Cellar

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold spreads quickly if the environment is humid. Don’t let a mold infestation damage the wines in your restaurant’s cellar. Contact team SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Has Experienced Mold Remediation Specialists Who Can Provide Mold Remediation in Great Neck

Mold in an eatery can be disastrous. In a wine cellar, it can quickly spread to the labels and corks of the wine bottles. This means a loss of business and inventory if left untreated.

Can SERVPRO Stop the Spread of Mold?

If you have discovered mold in your restaurant’s wine cellar or other storage area of your establishment, it should have you heading to the phone immediately. You want a professional mold remediation company in Great Neck with the training and experience to deal with the problem. Our technicians have all of that, plus the right tools to remove the mold safely. Keep in mind; there are mold spores everywhere, so mold can never get removed 100%. What we can remove is the environment that fosters fungal growth. Our mold remediation process can include:

• Non-porous material – Material such as metal, glass, and plastic are considered non-porous and can usually be cleaned. If the surface is dry, we use HEPA vacuuming. Damp wiping with a cleaning solution gets used if the above is not appropriate.
• Porous material – Drywall, carpet, fabric, or insulation are examples of this. If mold has developed on them, they need to be removed and disposed of properly.
• Semi-porous – Concrete and wood are semi-porous. Wire brushing, damp wiping, and other abrasive methods are used to clean impacted surfaces.

If you need help with mold removal or black mold damage repairs, contact SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 767-9600.

Does SERVPRO Complete Mold Inspections, Remediation, and Removal in Great Neck?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation by SERVPRO is second to none. Our technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of mold remediation, from start to finish.

Can SERVPRO Remove Black Mold from Attics in Great Neck Commercial Buildings?

Mold spores can be found everywhere, and they thrive in dark warm areas with moisture present and organic food sources. Often, older commercial buildings will experience small leaks in the roof, allowing moisture to enter attics and other unknown spaces unknown to the owner. These areas are a prime area for mold infestations to occur.

SERVPRO provides mold remediation services in commercial properties in the Great Neck area. If you notice a strong, musty odor, there is a good chance that a mold colony is thriving somewhere in your building. All mold, whether it is black or some other color, can cause health effects.

If you notice a musty odor or observe mold, call SERVPRO immediately. We can dispatch our team in less than 4 hours, 24/7, and complete a mold inspection. Once we have observed the mold colony, our team can develop a plan for mold removal. Mold is easily removed from hard nonporous surfaces; however, the mold may have penetrated porous materials, which must be removed.

SERVPRO can help commercial companies manage:

• Mold inspections
• Mold removal
• Black mold damage repairs.

Call SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington for mold remediation in Great Neck and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (516) 767-9600.

How likely is Business Recovery after Flood Damage?

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works to provide Fast and Efficient Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration to Your Commercial Property.

SERVPRO Handles All Restoration Aspects to Help Great Neck Businesses after Flooding

Many who have visited or lived in Great Neck love it's easy commute to Manhattan. This convenience can be attributed to its train station, which also serves as a hub for Nassau Inter-County Express buses. Great Neck Village is part of North Hempstead town, Nassau County in Los Angeles. The term Great Neck is also used to refer to the entire north shore peninsula and the area extending to Lake Success. 

Mattinecock Native Americans originally inhabited the area before the English, and the Dutch settlers arrived in the mid-17th century. They primarily relied on fishing and trading with others for their sustenance. They even named the area Menhaden-Ock because of the significant supply of fish in the area. The name later evolved to Madman's Neck when pilgrims landed in Saddle Rock before settling on the name Great Neck. 

After the arrival of European settlers, farming was introduced in the area. The settlers planted crops and kept animals such as cattle. In the late 1800s, the area started transforming into a commuter town after the establishment of the New York and Flushing Railroad.

Areas of Interest in Great Neck

Apart from the transportation convenience, there are other fascinating aspects of the area, including landmarks, parks, museums, and eateries. The most notable ones include:

• Sands Point Preserve Conservancy

The 216-acre park has a significant outdoor space with scenic trails and direct access to the beach and historic mansions. It preserves the grandeur and elegance which defined the Gold Coast years of the early 20th century when affluent Americans built mansions on massive estates that mostly served as their summer retreats. The conservancy offers year-round cultural and educational programs, mansion tours, seasonal celebrations, and fitness activities.

• Manorhaven Beach Park

The park offers easy access to the beach along Manhasset Bay. It also has several outdoor activity resources, including a community pool with water slides, playgrounds, and athletic fields. There are also covered areas that are perfect for family activities, such as picnics.

• Village Green Park

The perfectly landscaped park offers convenient green spaces for general relaxation or for kids to play. For art lovers, the tree-made totems by the artist Ken Packie are a real gem. 

• Pump It Up Great Neck

The children's amusement center is great for events such as birthdays. It offers various inflatable resources for kids' entertainment. Apart from hosting birthday parties, kids can also enjoy group outings, open jump sessions, and other kid-focused events.

How SERVPRO Helps Businesses Recover from Flooding Incidents

Flooding causes many damages and disruptions, whether it affects an amusement joint or regular business premises. If not correctly handled, such incidents cause many businesses to close down. Seeking assistance from a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO is one way to guarantee a positive outcome.

SERVPRO effectively handles the human, technical aspects of the restoration easing the burden for the business owner. For instance, we provide highly trained technicians who have a better understanding of the flooding incident's implications. For example, our technicians know that if no action is taken within 48 hours, mold is likely to develop, complicating the problem further. Some of the benefits of using our restoration teams include:

• Faster extraction of standing water
• Thorough cleaning of the premises using mechanical and chemical resources
• Proper deodorization to eliminate all odors

SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington has sufficient experience handling flood damage restoration. Call us at (516) 767-9600 for immediate assistance.

Boat Tours to Manhasset Lighthouse Resume this January

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Tours to the Stepping Stone Lighthouse to Experience a Unique Piece of Manhasset History

The Stepping Stone Lighthouse on Manhasset Bay first opened in 1877 and is a fantastic example of the Victorian architecture that was once common-place on the North Shore. The lighthouse, which sits between Great Neck and City Island, is opening up for public tours for the first time, with members of the Long Island Historical Society providing an in-depth explanation and account of its history. Tours leave from the Stepping Stone pier and provide glimpses of the famous Gold Coast Mansions that are a feature of the region. Each time lasts around seventy-five minutes, covering King's Point, Forts Skyler, and Totten before passing by the famous lighthouse. Efforts to restore the structure are underway, with the estimated restoration costs expected to be around $4 million.

The tour services are run non-profit by the Long Island Historical Society.

Departures are available both morning and afternoon.

Fundraising for restorations is being gathered through sponsorship and local government efforts.

A water intrusion event can have a lasting impact on your property. Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516)494-3869.

Boat Tours to Manhasset Lighthouse Resume this January

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your beacon for commercial water removal in Manhasset

Tours to the Stepping Stone Lighthouse to Experience a Unique Piece of Manhasset History

The Stepping Stone Lighthouse on Manhasset Bay first opened in 1877 and is a fantastic example of the Victorian architecture that was once common-place on the North Shore. The lighthouse, which sits between Great Neck and City Island, is opening up for public tours for the first time, with members of the Long Island Historical Society providing an in-depth explanation and account of its history. Tours leave from the Stepping Stone pier and provide glimpses of the famous Gold Coast Mansions that are a feature of the region. Each time lasts around seventy-five minutes, covering King's Point, Forts Skyler, and Totten before passing by the famous lighthouse. Efforts to restore the structure are underway, with the estimated restoration costs expected to be around $4 million.

The tour services are run non-profit by the Long Island Historical Society.

Departures are available both morning and afternoon.

Fundraising for restorations is being gathered through sponsorship and local government efforts.

A water intrusion event can have a lasting impact on your property. Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516)494-3869.

Ice Rink Opens for Great Neck Residents this Winter

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Get your ice skates out, and go enjoy the community activities this season. SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington looks forward to the season.

The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink Offers Public Sessions to Great Neck Residents this Winter. 

On Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck is the Andrew Stergiopoulos ice rink. As part of the Great Neck Park District, this enclosed rink offers hockey, private tuition and opens to the public during the winter for outdoor ice skating. They run a unique Snow Plow Sam course for young children to get used to the ice in a safe, supervised environment. But residents of any age can take up some of the numerous freestyle, hockey, and therapeutic programs on offer throughout the winter. Their skating school receives endorsements from national enterprises like U.S. Figure Skating and U.S. Speed Skating. 

• Annual registration fees for joining this local, Great Neck ice rink are $20, not including skate rentals.
• Classes run for five weeks with a limit of 5 students per class to ensure safe supervision.
• Skaters are encouraged to progress at their level before moving up to the more advanced classes. 

Many businesses this year could risk temporary closure as a result of water intrusion. Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 219-9674.

How Can I Prevent Mold Growth In My Great Neck Restaurant?

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your eatery can put you out of business. Contact SERVPRO for mold damage remediation services to get your eatery up and running.

Inhibiting Mold Growth with Precautionary Measures is the Best Course of Action

Cleanliness is critical in any commercial enterprise, but even more so when it comes to the food industries. Mold can develop anywhere there is moisture. An extensive mold infestation means the possibility of the Great Neck restaurant being closed while mitigation takes place.

Is Mold Really in the Air?

Mold spores are everywhere, indoors, and outdoors. The spores are microscopic, and no one can avoid them. The spores themselves are not the problem. The problem comes when the spores connect with moisture. They can then spread rapidly, damaging your building and the content within. Mold can cause health effects. Qualified technicians should handle mold remediation in your Great Neck eatery.

What Precautionary Measures Can I Take?

Preventing mold growth involves being proactive. It is much simpler to prevent the spread than to stop it. Here are some ways your restaurant can prevent mold:

• Schedule routine cleaning.
• Throw garbage out on a regular basis.
• Check for water intrusions such as leaks often.
• Inspect food for mold before allowing it in the kitchen. 
• Seal open containers properly.
• Inspect for visible signs of mold regularly.
• Monitor humidity levels.
• Keep the kitchen clean and dry.

Professional Mold Remediation

The best course of action whenever you think there is a mold problem is to hire professionals. SERVPRO has qualified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) who can diagnose the problem. They then implement the correct measures to clean your restaurant correctly. Our team uses advanced technology and equipment to detect and remove mold. Some of the methods we use are:

• Soda blasting and dry ice blasting
• Surface cleaning
• Sanding
• Antimicrobial and antifungal applications
• Controlled demolition

Do not let mold put you out of business. Proper remediation can have your restaurant serving up your customer’s favorite meals in no time. Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 767-9600 for all your mold remediation needs.

Click here for more information about Great Neck.

What Causes Water Spots On The Ceiling of My Manhasset Restaurant?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO keep your Manhasset restaurant up and running after a water loss.

SERVPRO Can Help Perform Water Damage Restoration in Your Manhasset Restaurant Eliminating Any Stains

The main reason people visit your restaurant is to sample the cuisine and other services that you offer. However, other aspects such as the ambience can influence such visits, especially if they can get similar services at other restaurants within the Manhasset area. One thing that can ruin the ambiance at your restaurant is the development of water stains on the ceiling. Various water-related issues can cause such spots to appear, ruining the general atmosphere at your facility. Stains are more of a nuisance than an impediment to business, but it is best to fix them.

How do the stains form?

Whenever brownish or dark patches appear on the ceiling, it is a sign of underlying moisture issues. However, before deciding what water damage restoration procedures your Manhasset restaurant requires, it is essential to understand the underlying problem fully. The colored patches on the ceiling can signify:

• A roof leak
• Leaks in plumbing lines or HVAC ducts
• Condensation of moisture from various sources
• Mold growth 
• Ghosting

Although all the problems are moisture-related, the steps necessary to ensure complete elimination of the problem can vary. You may think that the solution is to apply a fresh coat of paint to conceal the unsightly patches. However, cosmetic solutions such as painting over the surface or replacing the ceiling panels without addressing the root cause of the problem might only offer a short reprieve. You should also note that the staining is the least of your worries since beneath the surface, the excess moisture might eat into the materials diminishing their structural strength.

I know the cause of the staining, what next?

Unlike a stain on a fabric such as a carpet or curtains that you can remove by cleaning, you have to take several steps to restore the ceiling surface to its preloss state once water stains form. Our SERVPRO technicians can help complete all the necessary restoration steps, making any staining disappear, "Like it never even happened." We can locate leaks on the roof or plumbing networks within the property and help you find a building contractor or plumber to fix the damaged sections. 

After addressing the source of the water ruining the ceiling, we can proceed to fix the deterioration that manifests as browning on the ceiling surface. The ceiling is an assembly of different materials, considering it hides power cables, ducts, and lighting fixtures, which can complicate the restoration process. Technicians might need to perform some demolition to remove damaged materials, especially when rot or mold is involved.  Drying the area may also be necessary if the stain was the result of a continuous leak. Directing airflow to the area helps improve evaporation rates, thus speeding up the drying rate.

How do I restore the finishing of a stained ceiling patch?

The refinishing process of a ceiling after it is stained by water intrusion must address several issues, including:

• Removing flaking paint
• Blocking or neutralizing stain remnants
• Matching the new paint with the existing color shade 

Refinishing the damaged area involves the application of a fresh coat of paint, or replacing some ceiling panels. The new materials must match the texture and tone of color in the surrounding areas for a uniform look. When repainting the area, a couple of precautions are necessary, including removing any flaked paint to ensure a smooth finish after repainting. Removing traces of the existing stains is also crucial since they can show through the fresh coat of paint once it dries.

Our SERVPRO technicians take different steps to accomplish the intended goal. We use abrasives such as wire brushes or sandpaper to remove all loose paint flakes and the discoloration caused by water. In case the surface is smooth, we clean the area with a bleaching agent to remove the browning, ensuring that stains do not show after repainting the area. In the case of a colored ceiling, we use oxygen bleach instead of the regular chlorine bleaching agents. 

Finally, we can paint the ceiling to restore the ambiance your customers are used to. Matching the repaired area to the rest of the ceiling is crucial; otherwise, you would end up with a patch of a different color, which is no better than a stained ceiling. We can repaint the entire ceiling if it is not very big. Alternatively, we ensure that the paint we use to repaint the areas is the exact hue as the rest of the surrounding areas.

Timely water damage restoration can help prevent major problems at your business premises. Call SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 767-9600 to assist. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Can I Do About the Flood Damage in My Great Neck Jewelry Boutique?

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

If your business was in the path of a flood, call SERVPRO to remediate the damage. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

SERVPRO of Great Neck Can Remediate the Flood Damage in Your Jewelry Boutique!

It can be terrifying to own a business that has just suffered flood damage. Imagine that an intense thunderstorm uprooted a city-planted tree and sent it right through the front display of your shop. With a hole in your window, it's easy for water to drip into your shop and cause damage inside. 

Getting professional help for your flood-damaged Great Neck jewelry boutique is the best thing you can do for your store. Allowing any water-based damage to sit unattended could cause massive damages inside of your shop, especially since it is exposed to the elements in this scenario. 

What Can SERVPRO Do Once We Arrive? 

As soon as our flood damage technicians arrive at your shop, we can begin the remediation. Our techs can:

• Remove the tree from inside of your shop
• Board up the broken windows in front of the shop
• Remove excess water with the appropriate equipment 

Our SERVPRO techs can use extractors and wet/dry vacuums to remove excess water, as well as shards of broken glass from the floor of your shop. From there, we can begin to set up drying equipment and then help you get in contact with a contractor who can rebuild any structural damage. 

What About My Inventory? What If I Have Lost Merchandise? 

SERVPRO can help you take inventory of damaged or lost merchandise so you can make an insurance claim. Furthermore, we can help you: 

• Box up any merchandise that needs to be stored during remediation 
• Move out any furniture, shelving, or racks that need to be moved
• Help you get an insurance claim in order 

Always remember, when your business has been hit with sudden damage, reach out for the help of professionals. Here at SERVPRO, we can provide you fast service, no matter what time you need it. 

Call SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington for flood damage remediation services by phoning (516) 767-9600 today! Day, night, weekend, or weekday, we can help you. 

Click here for more information about Great Neck.

Is Everything Lost After Sprinklers Go Off in My Business??

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can be rid of your water damage issue in your Great Neck home.

Not Everything Is Lost if you Call a Professional Crew when Your Great Neck Business Is Soaking Wet.

It is not uncommon for a sprinkler system to go off in your business. Malfunction, or a small fire next door, could trigger a deluge in your offices in Great Neck, soaking computers, inventory, furniture, and documents. Before you give up on it all, call a professional water restoration service to explore your options.

Great Neck business owners with water damage can rely on SERVPRO for our expert advice. We are also business owners and understand the importance of resuming normal operations as soon as possible. Call our 24/7 hotline and allow entry to our team so we may begin a thorough assessment of the situation. The quicker we isolate the damaged area, the more we keep the damage at bay.

Can I save soaking wet documents?

Most of what we own is replaceable, but there are documents, computers, and files that need our SERVPRO technicians can treat and restore. Protecting those priceless items may warrant our specialized document restoration services. We apply the principle of sublimation to your wet paper products as we seek to restore them by applying one of the following techniques-

• Freeze drying
• Vacuum thermal drying
• Dehumidifying

SERVPRO of Great Neck/ Port Washington can help restore your business and your irreplaceable documents. Call us at (516) 767-9600, whether your business is in Manhasset or Roslyn. Together, we can leave your place, "Like it never even happened."

We Get You Back In Business In Great Neck After A Fire

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

We have the state of the art equipment to restore your home after a fire disaster. Call us right away to prevent further damage.

SERVPRO Helps Reopen Drive-Through Faster after Commercial Fire Damage Incident in Great Neck

A night fire that started at around 3 AM left widespread damages at a local drive-through in Great Neck. Once the smoke cleared and the management had the chance to scope the loss site, it became clear that reopening the facility would take time. Rough estimates put the reopening date at least a couple of months away, although an earlier date would have been preferred. They relayed their concerns to SERVPRO, and we set out to help them expedite the recovery process.

Commercial fire damage incidents in Great Neck can present unique challenges depending on how each incident unfolds. The fire at the drive-through had damaged the entire store's inventory and left substantial damages to several sections of the structure, including the trusses, roof, and interior sections. The trusses and parts of the roof needed a replacement while the other parts of the structure required thorough cleaning to remove soot and other smoke residues.

Stopping further deterioration of the property was one of the steps we could take to improve the turnaround time. Our SERVPRO technicians removed the severely fire damaged trusses and other roof materials. We then set up a roof tarp before boarding up other sections of the property to help secure it and keep off weather elements.

An intense fire, like the one that affected the drive-through, burns all kinds of materials, including natural and synthetic ones leaving massive smoke deposits on surfaces such as walls. Our SERVPRO technicians spared no efforts cleaning the affected areas. We rely on different techniques, including the use of heavy-duty cleaning agents, thorough agitation, and heat to dislodge residues from surfaces removing all traces of the fire, "Like it never even happened."

Various types of debris had accumulated the loss site from the inventory and building materials consumed by the fire, necessitating collection, and disposal. Our team incorporates the management of such debris with other aspects of the restoration. We brought trashcans on wheels and heavy-duty plastic bags to facilitate the collection and sorting of the debris, allowing quicker and proper disposal.

Fire damage can lead to an extended closure of your business. Call SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington at (516) 767-9600 to assist. We are available 24/7.

See more about Great Neck.

Content Management for Manhasset Stores After Water Loss

12/15/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO walk you through your content management for your Manhasset water loss.

Water loss in your Manhasset business can get tricky, let us help you.

As a store owner, you are all too familiar with maintaining a nearly constant inventory and stock status for your Manhasset shop. This information is valuable after a water loss incident, as things might not get moved to an area that makes taking stock challenging. It also can help with determining your total loss after an emergency when our SERVPRO team first arrives to begin scoping the job to complete.

As a business owner, you regularly reinvest into the items that you sell from your location, which can make a need for water removal in Manhasset stores destructive to your bottom line. Our professionals can work to establish an efficient plan that addresses present standing water and excessive moisture on surfaces and in materials that can threaten the stock of the store. Emergency services often include content management, which can remove at-risk items and inventory from the main store floor to a safe location elsewhere on site or our facility nearby for safekeeping.

We always anticipate a need to transport items and stock from your store to our facility, and that is why we bring all the necessary boxing and packing supplies to move products safely. Items get earmarked in the initial inspection phase for removal and storage to prevent rising waters in the main store area from affecting clothing, trinkets, and jewelry of your fashion-forward establishment.

Moving back these items is as coordinated as their careful removal from the damaged areas of your store. Days before we have scheduled to return removed contents to your store, our SERVPRO technicians stage all of these items to ensure that no last-minute problems exist. We inspect for lingering moisture, staining, or any other concern that could devalue any product.  

Water damages and severe threats like standing water can quickly cripple your small business. Our SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington team can assess the risks to the inventory of your shop and determine the best approach to protect them. Whenever you need help after a water loss incident, let our professionals assist you by calling (516) 767-9600.

To find out more about Manhasset, click here.

Little Known Ways to Rid Yourself of Commercial Water Damage in Manhasset

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let your theater succumb to commercial water damage. Call SERVPRO today.

Avoid Closure of Your Manhasset Theaters with Professional Water Damage Mitigation and Remediation

When water intrudes into your Manhasset multiplex, fast and efficient mitigation and remediation not only preserves the structural components of your commercial building. They also ensure any closure is brief or limited to a defined space. Disappointed customers who look forward to date night or a family outing need assurance that the crisis is temporary. Otherwise, they might seek other venues for their viewing pleasure. Our highly-qualified team can help.

Snack Bar, Ahoy!

Before the matinee, your staff working the opening shift discovered water damage at the Manhasset movies. A leak in an ice machine spread meltwater across a terrazzo floor to carpeting in the arcade. Fast action on our part permits the show to go on, with our crew preventing continued migration of the fluids and planning for the evacuation of the remaining standing water before structural drying.

Impressive Inventory of Water Removal Equipment

Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained project managers and technicians are well-rehearsed in water removal and applied drying theory. SERVPRO’s supporting cast consists of commercial-grade submersible pumps, portable and truck-mounted extractors, and high-efficiency drying equipment. All the tools needed to remove the water arrive with our technicians on our signature green trucks, immediately available to implement all phases of our project plan.

In-Place Drying of Carpeting Minimizes Disruption

When an expanse of carpeting absorbs water SERVPRO often considers removing the water and completing drying without removal. We start by using wanded extractors to limit or mitigate further spread. Then we switch to weighted machinery to force the remaining water out of the carpet fabric and padding. Our technicians add their body weight to press more water out. Each pass of the extractor completes with care to prevent stretching or tearing of the carpet fabric. We inspect for signs of delamination as we extract, avoiding actions that cause the carpet to separate from its backing.

Thorough Extraction Speeds Drying

Taking the time to extract as much liquid water as possible significantly shortens carpet drying time. SERVPRO technicians know secondary damage, such as mold growth, takes hold if moisture levels are not normalized within 24 to 48 hours of the water loss. We position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to dry out the carpet, considering removing and replacing the padding to improve the outcome.

SERVPRO of Great Neck / Port Washington has the trained workforce and specialized equipment to return your water-damaged commercial building to “Like it never even happened.” Call us day or night at (516) 767-9600 to schedule an assessment and project planning session.

Click here to learn more about the city of Manhasset.

Smoke alarms are vital in saving lives and property and proper use and installation is critical.

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are vital in saving lives and property and proper use and installation is critical.  

In New York, the NYS Department of State Division of Code Enforcement and Administration has specific requirements for existing residential installations: RCNYS section 317.1.1 require single and multiple-station smoke alarms to be located as follows:

1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.

3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.

In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. 

Professional Commercial Cleaning Services

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

When an unexpected disaster has occurred in your commercial building, our team at SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington, arrives with all the equipment and cleaning products necessary to get the job done.

SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington, with more than 10 years of experience in the industry we assure and guarantee our customers an excellent service, along with our ability to handle any cleaning problem with the highest level of professionalism. We understand that every business has their special cleaning needs and requirements, we can develop a plan identifying the proper cleaning procedures which will facilitate a positive working environment for your business by eliminating mold, standing water, bacteria, damaged drywall, tiles floors, wooden floors, resolving pipe bursts by cleaning left over standing and many more.

By identifying issues such as standing water or the presence of mold or mildew, we can immediately take a plan into action which will resolve the problem quickly and correctly. We understand the importance of keeping your business clean for safety and health, our goal is to help you maintain your business clean, sanitary and safer for your employees, visitors or customers alike, especially those particularly health-related businesses.

Water Leaks Can Disrupt Your Business Operations

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

This is what we found in this popular retailers bedding section - note electricity and water are dangerous

You've got one.... A ceiling tile, or two - or ten that have a stain from above.  A stain that changes and gets bigger after storms or for no reason.  That leak that is there but being ignored has the potential to interrupt your business and cause significant damage.

We've encountered many a building in the Great Neck, Roslyn, Port Washington and Manhasset areas that have suffered a sudden and significant deluge of water.  Often the area of impact was not anticipated, as pipes are tucked out of sight behind drop ceilings that absorb small leaks.  When there is overflow we have seen massive losses on the warehouse floor, out on retail floors where thousands of dollars of new merchandise is damaged and rendered unsaleable. 

Drop ceilings suddenly much heavier from the weight of water collapse onto the office or sales floor - and businesses have to close until the area is safe, cleaned up, and merchandise replaced.

How can you avoid interruption?  Pay attention to the small leaks and water spots.  Have periodic inspections by a master plumbing contractor.  Avoid snow and ice buildups where water can pool and leak. 

Should leaks happen, or worse - SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington is here for you, to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Emergency Maintenance Services for Business

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

As an emergency services company, we at SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington get all kinds of calls for a staggering amount of reasons, at all hours.  When there is an urgent need for immediate service, we get right to it.  Our regular commercial clients get VIP service to make it right.  

We have a long list of commercial buildings we have serviced, from banks and hospitals to schools and municipal buildings.  We are here to get you back to business as soon as possible, with as little disruption as possible.  This is not often easy when you've suffered a massive flood or fire, but our motto is, "Like It Never Even Happened" for a reason!  

If you have a business or commercial facility, put our phone number in your cell phone 516-767-9600 and know that we take calls 24/7 with immediate response for urgent cases.  We are here for you, every day.

Commercial Building Suffers Sewage Biohazard Event

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

This commercial building had a sewage backup from the toilets, all over the floor, that as you see in the photo. This is a serious situation, as raw sewage is full of harmful and hazardous waste. Containing excrement, debris, micro-organisms such as coliform, fecal coliform, escherichia coliform and enteroccocus.  

Dangers of coming into contact with raw sewage include E. coli, Hepatitis, Weil's disease, and more.  This is why it is so important to have trained professionals do the cleanup.

Simply inhaling the fumes of sewage backup can be hazardous - as the air sewage can be contaminated and by breathing in, you can can inhale toxins.  Even inhaling infected dust can be very dangerous. 

Walking through infected areas are very dangerous particularly without any PPE and preventative measures.  You can very easily transmit hazardous toxic matter on your feet and shoes, even if you don't see anything. These are microbial hazards - not detectable with the naked eye.  By walking through an affected area into an unaffected area - you have now contaminated that clean area.  Discard whatever shoes and clothes have touched the affected area and l eave the sewage cleanups to us!  Call 516-767-9600

SERVPRO of Great Neck/ Port Washington have your back in Commercial Fire Damage

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage

No one wants to think about their commercial building suffering a fire. Fire damage events at commercial properties present their own unique defiancé and can be very stressful and tense. We understand the importance of getting your commercial property up and running as fast as possible.

Smoke contains many toxic and corrosive chemicals compounds. This can be worse depending of what type of business is conducted on the premises. In this particular case it was a Medical building, making it necessary to implement extreme care measures at the time of restoration.

You contact our team, we bring 10 years of experience with commercial property damage with us. We have the necessary resources to handle any job, large or small. We quickly determinate the extent of the damage & assess the situation, isolate the damaged area, and start work immediately.

If your commercial property experiences a fire damage event call us at 516-767-9600.

Water Damage to Former Supermarket

2/16/2017 (Permalink)

flooded supermarket site

This empty supermarket was unfortunately flooded, with water throughout the building.  SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington was called in to do cleanup and restoration.  

Had this been a operational store with food as well as the existing fixtures, things would have been far more catastrophic, as much of the food would likely be not safe to eat.  

We extracted all of the water, and began to dry out the building.  Always have a licensed electrical contractor sign off on your electrical systems after water comes in contact.  

We successfully completed the job, as we have with countless other Supermarkets on Long Island.  If you are a facility or store manager, keep our number on your speed dial - we are here for you 24/7 to help make your water/fire/mold/sewage problem like it never even happened! 

Do you have the leaky office blues?

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Wet walls from leak above causes mold

When commercial buildings have leaky roofs, ceilings and pipes that flow down inside walls such as our client here unfortunately had happen, there is little hope the water will dry out on it's own.

Here on Long Island, New York there is relatively high humidity - when moisture levels in the air are very saturated, there is little chance that things will dry out on their own without intervention. 

In this case, the wall covering glued backing has provided a food source for mold growth - with the addition of the water, it has become an active situation.  This is a problem that is only going to get larger and costlier if left alone.  You can see the moisture and mold have caused the glue to let go and the wall coverings are peeling away from the wall.  

Make it a point to walk your building with every season change to inspect the roof, exterior walls, and the interior to keep a visual on any possible future water sources.  Vigilance is valuable. 

It's hard to find a tenant for a molding space!

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

moldy commercial space

When you own or manage commercial properties like this one here on Long Island, NY from time to time you may encounter a mold issue.  When a unit is vacant, it is unwise and unprofitable to let the situation remain.

A moldy building is not appealing to prospective tenants and will send them running. Receiving clients in an office space with the telltale musty odor is bad for business and bad for health.

Employees health is at risk when the indoor air quality is poor -   particularly when it has progressed to this stage, as shown in the photo.  

For retailers, stocking merchandise in a moldy building is a risky venture as mold can damage the items or packaging rendering them unsaleable.

Have mold in your building?  Call SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington for service.  

Note that if you have over 10 square feet of mold, NYS mandates you have an independent environmental hygienist to inspect the property, test for mold and provide a report before your remediation can begin.  They will also retest at the end of your remediation to ensure that levels have been reduced to normal.  We follow their recommendations in their report.  

What Are You Missing? The 5 Types of Property Coverage Brokers Overlook

12/15/2014 (Permalink)

By Rosalie L. Donlon

Brokers do a great job for their customers, but sometimes they overlook certain coverages, said Jerry Milton, CIC in a recent Insurance Agents & Brokers Power Hour webinar. This could lead to a claim called “failure to recommend,” he explained, and increased liability for the agent or broker in case of a loss.

Here are five property coverages that brokers may fail to recommend for their business customers;

Mistake 1: Failing to insure to 100% value and request agreed value

A building worth $1 million could be subject to coinsurance of 80%, for example, leading to a limit of $800,000. What happens at the time of loss if the building has an actual value of $1.2 million because of improvements and additions? The building owner is out $200,000.

Milton’s advice: “Always push for 100% value and request agreed value, which will suspend the coinsurance.”

Mistake 2: Allowing the tenant to insure a building

If the tenant is the named insured and the building owner is added as an additional insured, Milton explains, the owner could be excluded for any loss if the tenant, its partners, members, officers or managers commits a dishonest act, such as arson for instance. The dishonest acts could leave the building owner with no coverage.

It’s much better, Milton says, for the building owner to carry the insurance and build it into the tenant’s rent.

Mistake 3: Failing to recommend building glass coverage

Generally, a tenant is responsible for any building glass breakage, Milton points out, but the tenant’s commercial property policy covering business property doesn’t include building items, like glass. Even though the owner is insuring the building, it’s important for the agent to recommend a building glass endorsement to the tenant’s policy.

Mistake 4: Failing to cover improvements and betterments adequately

Milton explains that improvements and betterments, although made at the tenant’s expense, become part of the building. The improvements are included in the definition of “building” in the owner’s commercial property policy and also are included in the definition of “business personal property” in the tenant’s commercial property policy.

Who insures? Because the improvements usually are attached to the property and increase the value of the building, Milton recommends that the owner increase its insurance to cover any improvements.

Mistake 5: Failure to advise the insured about the occupancy and vacancy issues with builder’s risk policies.

“Occupancy in whole or in part voids the policy,” Milton says. But building owners don’t like vacant buildings. Carriers may give the insured permission to occupy parts of the building as construction is completed, moving in floor by floor, with an endorsement and an additional premium. But this permission is usually only good for 90 days, and may need to be renewed as construction is completed.

A related issue is the question of vacancy. “If the building is less than 31% occupied for customary operations, it’s considered vacant,” explains Milton. In the current economic times, tenants may move out leaving a building at less than 31% occupied, but still partially rented. The broker renews the policy without knowing whether the building is fully occupied or not; however, if the building is considered vacant for more than 60 days, the owner will lose coverage. In that case, the policy may not pay for any loss caused by vandalism or sprinkler leakage, for example, and other covered losses are reduced by 15%.

Site Pollution Coverage for Medical Facilities

5/7/2014 (Permalink)

By Amanda Duncan, President, PartnerOne Environmental

 Healthcare facilities, from large hospital campuses to corner drugstores, face many potential pollution exposures. These exposures are typically excluded from a General Liability and/or Property insurance policy, so it is crucial that this type of insured acquires additional Site Pollution coverage to cover any possible issues. Environmental concerns that can arise from these sites include, but are not limited to:

Storage of chemicals/medicines/biological waste  causing bodily injury, property damage, or requiring cleanup

Pollution policies are available in the environmental insurance marketplace that can be tailored to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. These policies provide coverage for on-site cleanup costs and third party bodily injury, property damage, and cleanup as a result of a pollution condition at, on, under, or migrating from a covered location. Coverage is provided for all locations scheduled onto the policy. Coverage for aboveground storage tanks is built into the policy form; underground storage tanks may be added via endorsement. Transportation coverage for medical waste hauled by the insured or by a contracted carrier can be offered, as well as Non-

Owned Disposal Site coverage for the waste disposal. Natural resources damage and Emergency Expenses are additional coverages usually found in a quality policy form. Coverage for Mold and Legionella are common when a product is designed for exposures associated with healthcare facilities.

Target customers who should consider purchasing Site Pollution coverage include: hospitals, physicians’ offices, dental offices, veterinary offices, clinics, drugstores, and imaging centers. Premiums generally start at $3,000 for $1,000,000 policy limits.

Claims Scenarios for Healthcare Facilities:

A fuel oil tank at a medical office leaks, releasing oil into the soil and groundwater and affecting neighboring properties. Local authorities require the hospital to clean up the contamination. The cost for cleanup exceeds $400,000.

A landfill used by a hospital is a source of contamination to a drinking water well located down-gradient from the facility. The hospital is found to be a responsible party as their waste has been disposed of at the landfill for many years.  The insured contributes over $100,000 to settle the claim.

A medical waste transporter hired by a doctor’s office overturns and waste is spilled into a stormwater drain, contaminating a nearby stream. The cost of cleanup exceeds the transporter’s policy and as the party responsible for generating the waste, the insured is required to pay the remaining costs associated with the cleanup.

Indoor air quality issues stemming from a damaged air conditioning system in a local hospital sickened several patients in which there were two fatalities and several patients in critical condition. Claims for bodily injury exceeded $1,000,000.

As you can see, pollution exposures can be quite significant for various healthcare facilities and any response to a pollution event can become expensive. However, the environmental insurance marketplace offers several affordably priced, quality solutions, providing these facilities proper coverage and peace of mind.

SERVPRO of Great Neck Port Washington presents Commercial Client Checklist for Weathering Winter

3/3/2014 (Permalink)

The thaw may be on in some areas, but winter isn't over yet. Prepare yourself with this checklist.

By BOB KHOSROPUR

Note: Bob Khosropur is senior vice president of Mariposa Insurance Services

The polar vortex is an anomalous weather event that can be as devastating as more common natural catastrophes. The  Insurance Services Office (ISO) is assigning catastrophe numbers to these events, and the events themselves are causing billions of dollars in commercial property damage. Even if we don’t give the cold a name or a number, cold snaps can bring businesses to their knees.

This year has started out with some exceptionally cold weather, especially in southern states which are not accustomed to prolonged winter weather conditions. The concept of “reasonable care” included in many insurance policies to prevent damage from cold weather has traditionally been interpreted differently in, for example, Florida versus Minnesota. But this year’s extreme conditions are making the meaning have a more equal definition for the whole mainland.

Commercial property comes in many sizes and shapes, with one common feature: they exist to turn a profit. When the property cannot fully function due to a loss, the cares of repair and downtime begin to become the owners’/managers’ new job.

Commercial property ranges from large offices or manufacturing facilities to small duplex rental properties. Whatever the type or size, some of the most commonly experienced damage from severe and sustained cold, snow and ice arises from:

• Freezing and bursting pipes, resulting in water damage to property, records, etc.

•Frozen sprinkler pipes, which can flood rooms and malfunction during a fire

• Inaccessible fire hydrants

• Water or temperature change damaging contents and inventory

• Collapse or partial collapse of roofs due to the weight of snow or ice

• Wind damage to roofs and buildings from fallen trees, branches or flying debris

•Ice damming, which can cause interior water damage

• Loss of revenue (business interruption)

• Injury to guests and employees.

A little preventative action can save your commercial property clients much time and money.

Useful tips to share with your clients to help prevent problems related to harsh winter weather.

• Maintain heat to no less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit throughout unoccupied facilities, including attics and basements. Setting thermometers in various rooms will give you an idea of problem areas which may require additional heat or insulation

• Ensure adequate fuel for your heating system (oil, gas, electric power, backup).

• Sign up for inexpensive systems that alert you via text messaging when the building’s temperature has dropped below a set value. This can help you take immediate action to protect the property, e.g. repair a breach in the building, utilize emergency generators, etc.

•Conduct an annual fall inspection of the shell of your building to ensure there are no gaps letting in the weather.

•Understand how your sprinkler system works and take precautions to drain it, if applicable (dry-pipe style). For wet-pipe systems, ensure that the room heat is adequate, or use heat tape to ensure their warmth.

• Drain the water from all systems and equipment that is not needed in the winter, such as air conditioning units.

•Inspect your roof every year before winter and ensure that it is well sealed, and sheds/drains water properly; gutter and downspout maintenance is a must.

• Remove any branches or trees that can come into contact with the building when heavily laden with ice and snow. Consider having experts remove heavy snow accumulation from your roof(s) as needed to reduce the chance of collapse.

In the event of a loss:

•Contact your agent as soon as possible and explain any emergency action you have taken, or need to take to prevent further damage to the property. They can assist with their knowledge of emergency mitigation vendors.

•Learn how your deductible works early on in the process, especially if you have multiple properties under a single policy.

• Be thorough with the adjuster in showing all the damage and provide documents pertaining to any business interruption claim you may make.

• Keep all receipts and invoices for any emergency or temporary repairs made, and provide this information to the adjuster. Keep records of work you or your staff have done to protect the property from further damage.

• Understand that a "Reservation of Rights," "Non-Waiver Agreement" and "Proof of Loss" are legal  documents issued by your carrier, which are necessary to protect your rights and benefits every bit as much as they protect the carrier’s. 

Developing a Small Business Disaster Recovery Plan

2/24/2014 (Permalink)

Develop a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile Now!

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Businesses that are forced to close down following a disaster run the risk of never being able to open their doors again. While there’s no way to lower the risk of a natural disaster like a hurricane, there are critical measures that can be taken to protect your company’s bottom line from nature’s fury. A disaster plan and adequate insurance are keys to recovery.

Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan

No matter how small or large a business, a business impact analysis should be developed to identify what an operation must do to protect itself in the face of a natural disaster. Large corporations often hire risk managers to handle this task and some companies hire consultants with expertise in disaster planning and recovery to assist them with their plans. But small businesses can do the analysis and planning on their own.

Steps for Developing a Business Recovery Plan

Review Your Insurance Plan

Make sure you have sufficient coverage to pay for the indirect costs of the disaster—the disruption to your business—as well as the cost of repair or rebuilding. Most policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage and you may need to buy separate insurance for these perils. Be sure you understand your policy deductibles and limits.

New additions or improvements should also be reflected in your policy. This includes construction improvement to a property and the addition of new equipment.

For a business, the costs of a disaster can extend beyond the physical damage to the premises, equipment, furniture and other business property. There’s the potential loss of income while the premises are unusable. Your disaster recovery should include a detailed review of your insurance policies to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Your policy should include business interruption insurance and extra expense insurance. Even if your basic policy covers expenses and loss of net business income, it may not cover income interruptions due to damage that occurs away from your premises, such as to your key customer or supplier or to your utility company. You can generally buy this additional coverage and add it to your existing policy.

Basic Commercial Insurance to Consider

Ordinance or Law provides coverage to rebuild or repair the building in compliance with the most recent local building codes.