Recent Commercial Posts
Commercial water damage
6/13/2023 (Permalink)
retail space
A new business has opened in St. Joseph, Michigan. Home furnishings and vintage items for all kinds of reasons. These owners remodeled a 100 year old brick and cement building for the yesteryear look and feel for customers. The commercial building is cleaned up inside and out with new paint, walls and decorations.
This beautiful space is dry and ready for the rich seasonal customers. Let's hope it stays that way. But we all know that water damage comes in many forms. From roof leaks during storms or broken pipes under pressure. Water intrusion can damage drywall, contents and beautifully remodeled spaces.
Be prepared: Know where your Main Water Shutoff is located and how to turn it off. Know your plumber or fire suppression contractor in case pipes break. And keep SERVPRO on speed dial.
Here to Help
Commercial water damage
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial emergency response.
SERVPRO provides emergency service for commercial properties from St. Joseph to Niles and Watervliet to New Buffalo. Since 1995 we have always responded to the call immediately. Providing Fire and Water damage cleanup and restoration to help keep facilities operationsl.
St. Joseph, Michigan. A wild and windy rain storm with heavy winds flooded a new construction area of the local hospital. Multiple rooms and halls were affected and needed to be dried out.
SERVPRO answered the call immediately to extract water from all affected areas, drill holes at the base of drywall, apply antimicrobial and set dehumidifiers and air movers. Three days later the affected areas were monitored and found dry. Construction resumed to stay on schedule.
SERVPRO has been providing immediate response for commercial properties in Berrien County for many years. We are the largest in terms of equipment and certified labor in Southwest Michigan.
Here to Help
Wet Basement
4/18/2022 (Permalink)
Dry out the basement
Pictured is a 140 year old cement crawl space or basement of a commercial building in Three Oaks, MI. Standing water comes and goes as the water table rises and falls seasonally. The cement floor and stone walls allow moisture to seem through cracks and breaks due to hydrostatic pressure. Most basements experience this moisture intrusion at some point.
High moisture levels aren't conducive to a healthy atmosphere in a lower level. It is recommended that the relative humidity (RH) be less than 60% so bacteria doesn't grow. This basement has an average 82% RH which isn't good for the atmosphere or structural materials affected.
When dealing with high RH levels it is best not to have contents stored in the space. Mold can ruin the contents quickly. Reduce the moisture levels with dehumidification.
"Here to Help"
Commercial emergency restoration services
4/15/2022 (Permalink)
Our reputation is everything
For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, biohazard, and pathogen remediation.
SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,500 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes.
Servicing Berrien County from Benton Harbor to Niles since 1995 we have helped residents and businesses keep operating. When Fire, Water or Mold damage affects your building, you can count on SERVPRO to respond and get you operational quickly. HERE to HELP
When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened®.”
Commercial water damage
4/15/2022 (Permalink)
Roof leak or broken pipe?
A commercial customer in Niles, Michigan noticed some wet spots growing in their ceiling tiles. Every time it rained the wet areas returned and then dried up on their own. Until the next rain.
SERVPRO is always available to consult and advise on any water damage your building may be experiencing. We will inspect, monitor structure for moisture and help determine the source or cause of the loss. We may advise further evaluation by a qualified roofer or plumber. This allows the cause to be fixed by a professional.
SERVPRO is also available to clean up and restore your facility when the water damage is something beyond your equipment and labor assets. We have certified, professionally trained staff to remediate any size water loss.
"Here to Help" 24/7/365
Restaurant smell like an outhouse
4/11/2022 (Permalink)
Removing tainted sand.
Every restaurant owners worst nightmare is to have foul odors in the dining room. It happens more often than you would think. And it can be very difficult to identify the source, repair the cause and remove affected material.
St. Joseph Michigan has a few fine restaurants with similar nightmares. Old facilities that have added on rooms as the business grew. Shallow crawl spaces with water lines, sewage drain lines and dishwasher/garbage disposal lines. Pipes break, PVC breaks or becomes disconnected and they drain into the crawl space. Usually undetected until the nightmare is full on.
The pictured crawl space had 10 yards of affected material that had to be removed. The only way to reach the sewage saturated sand was through the floor. It took a skinny plumber to repair the line and 4 people 8 hours to successfully remove the problem. And the restaurant immediately smelled great.
SERVPRO is "Here to Help" on your worst days.
Commercial water damage
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Ready for anything.
SERVPRO of Berrien County has been helping commercial properties remediate water damage that affects the operation of their business since 1995. From St. Joseph to Niles, New Buffalo to Watervliet we answer the emergency call 24/7/365.
On your worst day we respond immediately. When your business is compromised by water damage SERVPRO brings trained professionals and state of the art drying equipment to solve the problem.
Did you know that within 48 hours of a water loss bacterial growth is active? That is why we respond so quickly to mitigate water damage to structural materials. Mold damage is the last thing you want to deal with. It can seriously compromise the health of your building and staff.
Call the professionals when water damage or sewage backups occur. We are always ready.
"Here to Help"
Main water shut off.
12/7/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial water main shut off
Commercial buildings have a lot of supply lines under pressure throughout the building. Do you know where all the shut offs are located? Sinks, showers, toilets, water heaters, hose bibs, utility sinks, kitchen areas... They all have individual shut offs or they should. These lines are under pressure. Usually around 60 PSI.
A broken 1/4" supply line under 60 PSI will leak 9 gallons per minute 540 per hour or 12,960 gallons per 24 hours. That's right! What to do when it breaks and sprays? Shut off the supply valve or the main supply. The main is usually in a locked mechanical room in the basement. Figure this out before a line breaks.
Shutting off the water supply is the first thing to do in an emergency water loss event. Then call your plumber for repairs and SERVPRO for cleanup. We are always ready 24/7 to help keep your building operational.
Commercial water damage
4/19/2021 (Permalink)
Raised commercial flooring crawl
A major employer and customer of SERVPRO in South West Michigan had just completed an extensive remodel of an old manufacturing facility. The administrative area was in the front of this building setting on a raised floor. A lot of technology and electrical utilities ran under this work space of approximately 8,000 sqft.
The water lift station out by the road malfunctioned during some heavy rains and storm water entered the crawl space. This triggered water sensors and initiated an emergency call to SERVPRO. We put our thinner crew members into this confined space to extract ground water and sanitize all affected areas; approximately 3,000 sqft.
This large commercial customer was very satisfied with our response and mitigation.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is always ready to respond 24/7/365 to emergency commercial situations. "We are 'Here to Help"
Pandemic Protocols
4/8/2021 (Permalink)
Box of trash.
Every business has a set of COVID protocols in place to keep people safe. Right? They discussed what they could do to sanitize themselves, work areas, bathrooms, vehicles etc. Everybody has been doing their part to wear a mask, socially distance and sanitize touch points. Well, almost everybody.
Don't let your guard down please.
On a recent commercial COVID sanitizing job we were given a number of vehicles to sanitize because the drivers tested positive and were sent home. The employees would distance at work but ride in the same vehicle together at the lunch break. And they left multiple items that carry the virus in the van. That's just not thinking and lazy.
We are all tired and frustrated by the Pandemic rules and regulations. But let's remember that we are responsible for protecting our family and co-workers.
Sanitizing
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Sanitizing touchpoints commercial site
The COVID pandemic has changed the way we operate in all commercial environments. Healthcare, government, retail and manufacturing to name a few.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is "Here to Help" 24/7/365. Emergency sanitizing is a service we offer our commercial customers.
CERTIFIED SERVPRO CLEANED
Getting back to business relies on getting your customers and staff back through the doors. And that will only happen if they feel safe and secure in your space. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean with 40% of customers citing cleanliness as a top concern.
Are you ready to not only help keep your customers and employees safe but to communicate that you've chosen a higher standard of clean for all Americans?
Emergency Commercial Sanitizing
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Car in front of credit union
The COVID pandemic has changed the way we operate in all commercial environments. Healthcare, government, retail and manufacturing to name a few.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is "Here to Help" 24/7/365. Emergency sanitizing is a service we offer our commercial customers.
CERTIFIED SERVPRO CLEANED
Getting back to business relies on getting your customers and staff back through the doors. And that will only happen if they feel safe and secure in your space. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean with 40% of customers citing cleanliness as a top concern.
Are you ready to not only help keep your customers and employees safe but to communicate that you've chosen a higher standard of clean for all Americans?
Damaged school
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Board up on school
SERVPRO of Berrien County is "Here to Help" any business continue operations when there is damage caused by Fire, Water, Mold or even a vehicle crashing through a classroom.
The room was unoccupied at the time. The speeding vehicle damaged the building severely and disrupted school operations. They called on SERVPRO to help with emergency cleanup and boardup to secure the area. We responded immediately with all available staff and had the site secure within 2 hours.
When events affect the operation of your business, you can always count on SERVPRO to respond immediately to help you and your staff regain control. Everybody needs to work the next day in a safe and secure environment. We are "Here to Help" any day of the week.
269-925-6841
Building damage
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Board up on school
SERVPRO of Berrien County is "Here to Help" any business continue operations when there is damage caused by Fire, Water, Mold or even a vehicle crashing through a classroom.
The room was unoccupied at the time. The speeding vehicle damaged the building severely and disrupted school operations. They called on SERVPRO to help with emergency cleanup and boardup to secure the area. We responded immediately with all available staff and had the site secure within 2 hours.
When events affect the operation of your business, you can always count on SERVPRO to respond immediately to help you and your staff regain control. Everybody needs to work the next day in a safe and secure environment. We are "Here to Help" any day of the week.
269-925-6841
Vandalism
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO provides 24 hour emergency damage services in Berrien County.
Berrien County, Michigan 24 hour emergency damage services. These events are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we're dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
About SERVPRO of Berrien County
We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a damaging event. Fire, Water, Mold, Vandalism... Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
269-925-6841 24/7/365
Commercial HVAC maintenance
4/16/2020 (Permalink)
Maintaining commercial HVAC systems.
SERVPRO of Berrien County, MI has been servicing commercial businesses in southwest Michigan since 1995. In addition to Fire, Water, Mold cleanup and restoration we clean HVAC systems commercially.
HVAC systems should be serviced regularly and cleaned when necessary. When there is smoke damage to a facility the HVAC system is almost always cleaned and filters changed. Particulate from smoke can remain in runs until they are cleaned. And sometimes sealant is sprayed inside to eliminate odor from remaining particulate.
SERVPRO is available to estimate the cleaning of commercial air handlers and ducts. We can be reached at 269-925-6841.
A full scope and written estimate by our trained professionals allows property managers to budget for future services. You can schedule an estimate by contacting our Berrien County, MI franchise and ask for commercial services. We have may professional references that can be provided in manufacturing, medical, financial and retail.
Proper gutter drainage
4/2/2020 (Permalink)
How is the water getting into the building?
SERVPRO of Berrien County has been working with property managers in all business categories since 1995. From major manufacturers to the local convenience store, retail to restaurants and medical to movie theaters. Business must continue to operate and people need to work. We are trained to keep the business operational and safe during a disaster cleanup.
Hydro-static pressure can move water through walls. Cement is porous and has hairline fractures that water under pressure will find a way to intrude. All buildings can experience this in basements and around foundations.
Ground water that mixes with other materials and bacteria can be some nasty stuff requiring remediation. SERVPRO professionals are ready 24/7/365 to respond for cleanup and restoration. We will make it seem "Like it never even happened."
269-925-6841 for an immediate response.
Ground Water Flooding
4/1/2020 (Permalink)
Ground water under raised flooring.
SERVPRO of Berrien County services commercial properties in all categories. Ground water flooding is a disaster that can affect operations for a business. The bacteria associated with this type of water can cause a lot of health concerns among employees.
SERVPRO trained professionals are trained to control the work atmosphere during a job. Sometimes we can work under negative air exhausting to the exterior of the building. If that isn't an option we use commercial air scrubbers that filter the air continuously during the job.
This particular job - see pic - required us to extract water under a floor and sanitize. We always wear personal protective equipment such as; body suits, rubber gloves, respirators/face masks. We arrive clean, work safely and leave clean. All equipment is cleaned and sanitized after each use.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is available 24/7/365 to respond to any fire, water or mold disaster your commercial building has. We can be reached at 269-925-6841
Museum Water Damage
3/4/2020 (Permalink)
Emergency response for museum loss.
This beautiful, small town museum has a boiler heating system. These systems are fueled by water which can cause problems when pipes under pressure freeze and then burst. That's what happened on the upstairs level of this wonderful building. Water then affected the the main level and then the basement level. This loss attained super soaker status because so many areas of the structure were saturated.
The heating system was shut down while plumbers fixed the source. Temporary heat was brought in and SERVPRO began extracting water and drying out structure. Moisture barriers were opened up, drywall was removed at 2 feet and numerous dehumidifiers and air movers were strategically placed to dry the building.
After the remodel, it was "Like it never even happened." The customer was very happy to reopen their beautiful museum.
SERVPRO of Berrien County, MI is ready 24/7/365 to respond to water losses. Anytime-anywhere.
Managing mold in a classroom
3/4/2020 (Permalink)
Environmental Hygienist testing
Mold growth was suspected in this school room by staff. Professional testing was necessary to identify what molds should be re-mediated.
Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. An Institute of Medicine study found excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, potentially causing a public health problem. The EPA advised that the potential health concerns from molds are an important reason to prevent moisture problems leading to mold growth.
Testing identified the types of molds that were to be removed from the environment. SERVPRO of Berrien County worked with the remediation protocol provided by the testing company. All affected structure and materials were either removed or cleaned.
Customer was happy with results when the post test results passed and the room was put back into service.
SERVPRO of Berrien County (269)-925-6841
Raw sewage backup
9/11/2019 (Permalink)
The remnants of a sewage backup in a commercial kitchen.
SERVPRO of Berrien County has been helping residential and commercial customers cleanup and sanitize after sewage backups since 1995.
During heavy rains the storm drains can fill up and cause other problems for drain lines. In this picture of a commercial kitchen you can see some of what was left behind when the affected areas drained off. This is raw sewage which we call category 3 contaminated water damage. We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of this type of loss.
First, we extract all remaining material, then, sanitize with an antimicrobial agent before drying the affected structural materials. This type of loss can greatly affect the operation of any facility. We are trained to keep commercial facilities operational if at all possible.
If your facility ever experiences a sewage backup, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Berrien County for emergency service 24/7/365.
Water damaged walls
4/4/2019 (Permalink)
Demolition during remediation
SERVPRO of Berrien County is always ready to help commercial businesses in St. Joseph and surrounding communities.
A commercial facility in Stevensville recently had a pipe break which discharged hundreds of gallons of water into office space. The water saturated floors and ran under the walls. The metal base channels filled with water which impacted drywall and insulation 1 foot up.
It's the water you don't see that can cause the most problems.
Within one hour of being contacted by the facility manager SERVPRO of Berrien County was on site extracting water and removing carpet and baseboard. Walls that had insulation were removed at 2 feet so the dehumidification process would be effective.
Once building materials were dry and sanitized the rebuild could begin.
SERVPRO of Berrien County responds to water damages 24/7/365. 269-925-6841
Niles, Michgian water damage from fire.
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
Apartment Fire with water
Fire and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
About SERVPRO of Berrien County 269-925-6841
SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Niles, MI flooding
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
Flooded St. Joe river in Niles, MI
Feb 23, 2018 Berrien County, MI had frozen ground, 18" of snow, high river and lake levels. Then it rained for three days with warm temps. The entire county was flooded because the water had nowhere to drain properly. Businesses, trailer parks, entire river communities. Thousands of people were affected and had evacuate until the water levels receded. For many it was days or weeks. Lives and jobs are greatly affected by mother nature.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is trained to help flood victims cleanup and restore commercial properties. A strip mall within 200 yards of this river needed steam cleaning, sanitizing, dry out, demolition of affected materials and some remodeling. Business must go on and SERVPRO is ready to help.
When your needs are extreme, call
SERVPRO at 269-926-6841
Winter flooding
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
Niles Michigan river flooding 2018.
Winter of 2018---Berrien County, MI had frozen ground, 18" of snow, high river and lake levels. Then it rained for three days with warm temps. The entire county was flooded at different levels. Businesses, trailer parks, entire river communities. Thousands of people were affected and had to evacuate until the water levels receded. For many it was days or weeks. The water was so deep in many areas that the Utility companies shut off gas and electric. Then sump pumps didn't work without a generator. Some additional flooding occurred.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is trained to help flood victims cleanup and restore commercial properties. Affected buildings needed steam cleaning, sanitizing, dry out, demolition of affected materials and some remodeling. Business must go on and SERVPRO is ready to help.
When your needs are extreme, call
SERVPRO at 269-926-6841
Niles, MI flooding
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
St. Joseph river flooding, Niles, MI
Winter 2018 Berrien County, MI had frozen ground, 18" of snow, high river and lake levels. Then it rained for three days with warm temps. The entire county was flooded. These Niles, MI businesses were all flooded. Businesses close until water recedes and cleanup/remodel is finished. It is a great financial hardship because so few have flood insurance. All repairs are out of pocket. SERVPRO helps businesses return to normal operations quickly.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is trained to help flood victims cleanup and restore commercial properties. The strip mall in this picture needed steam cleaning, sanitizing, dry out, demolition of affected materials and some remodeling. Business must go on and SERVPRO is ready to help.
When your needs are extreme, call
SERVPRO at 269-926-6841
What floods leave behind.
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
Flood water is considered category 3.
SERVPRO of Berrien County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 269-925-6841
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Berrien County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Berrien County
SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Large Loss at Auto Parts Distributor
8/28/2017 (Permalink)
Satellite shot-top left corner was penetrated by the truck's cab. Speed estimated at 65 mph. Nobody was hurt.
Berrien County MI 3:00 AM a semi truck ran off the highway and penetrated a major commercial building 400 ft off the road. The driver fell asleep with cruise control on and never touched the brakes. The cab penetrated the building ending up in the owners office space. The overhead fire suppression line was ruptured spraying 75,000 gallons of water. This mixed with the diesel from the ruptured truck's fuel tanks. Affecting approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of administration space and warehouse.
SERVPRO of Berrien County was called. The damage was so extensive we called in our EXTREME team from Saginaw to help. An environmental company was brought in to remove and dispose of toxic waste safely. Staff were relocated to another building. 120 cubicles, walls, carpet, files and equipment were removed or relocated by SERVPRO and the customer.
The well prepared company's IT department was online by 10AM to continue operations. A job well done by SERVPRO and the customer.
Crash barriers have been place between the highway and building to reduce the possibility of another major disaster.
Emergency Ready Profile
8/10/2016 (Permalink)
Emergency Ready Profile
It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen! Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.
Are you “Ready for whatever happens?”
Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.
The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.
By working with SERVPRO® of Berrien County to develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.
Call Bob at (269) 925-6841 Today for a No Cost Assessment
of Your Facility!
Helping you to be “Ready for whatever happens,”
24/7 Emergency Service