Water and Fire Damage Restoration at Area Restaurants

Name: SERVPRO of Southbury / Torrington
Address: 15 Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790
Telephone: (203) 267-6262

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Restaurant owners know that it is an unpredictable business.

Anything can be thrown your way and an experienced owner is an expert at handling emergencies quickly and adeptly as they arise. Restaurants are particularly susceptible to water, fire and mold problems and our franchise receives calls on a regular basis from restaurant owners who require our restoration services.

With several cooks in the kitchen and hot stoves going all day long, kitchen fires occur frequently. Even a small fire in your commercial kitchen might necessitate a temporary shut down of your restaurant. The smoke odor quickly spreads throughout the restaurant, is absorbed into upholstered chairs, carpeting, walls and drapery. SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Often in conjunction with fire damage in restaurants is water damage from rescue efforts. The water damage can originate from a sprinkler system setting off in response to detected smoke or from the fire department’s rescue efforts. Some of our clients have also had water damage in their restaurants due to a burst pipe, appliance malfunction or human error. Regardless of the cause, it is important to call us to restore your building immediately. A failure to properly address water damage in your restaurant can lead to additional problems such as mold growth.

Mold in restaurants can be particularly troubling as the environment (water and steam) has high humidity levels, creating prime real estate for mold growth. Any mold discovered in your restaurant requires professional remediation. Mold might grow behind walls or ceiling tiles, flooring or even under your restaurant carpeting (think of how many drinks are spilled every day).

If you own a restaurant in the Torrington area, give us a call at (203) 267-6262. We will schedule an appointment to come out and discuss any current concerns that you have for your building as well as set up an Emergency Ready Profile, which will enable you to quickly act if your restaurant does have fire, water or mold damage in the future.

24-7

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Many of our clients are commercial property owners. When you own a business in Connecticut, you cant afford to shut your doors for any length of time. If your building suffers from water, mold or fire damage, a quick response and timely restoration is necessary.

We know that you can't afford to wait around for a water restoration company to call you back and "try to get there by the end of the week". If your business has been damaged, you need help and you need it now. That's why at SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington, we have a crew on call 24-7. If you have an emergency, we will be there asap - even if it's at night or on the weekend. We are part of the community and here to help. If you are reading this because your business is flooded, call us now for immediate service.

Commercial Property Damage Restoration Services

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

When you own a business, you know the unexpected can occur. While you can't control everything that happens, you can have a plan in place for most events. Having a commercial restoration company on standby helps businesses to control the impact of fire damage and water damage.

When looking for a restoration company, keep the following criteria in mind.

EFFICIENCY: The key to getting back in business is swift action. Look for a company that has the staff and experience to get your business up amd running quickly. You can't afford to be dealing with a slow moving restoration company.

AVAILABILITY: Does the company have staff on call during the weekends and on holidays? What about nights? The company you hire needs to be ready to respond no matter what time and what day.

COMMUNICATION: Is there a contact person you will have access to throughout the restoration process?Because of the resulting disturbances that come with damages resulting from flooding, leaks, and fire outbreaks, easy communication is key.

SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington is the areas leading commercial property damage restoration company for a reason. We are first to respond, our production managers are always available to answer questions- whether short or long, and we know that time is of the essence when getting your business back up and running. Give us a call to discuss how we can help.

Mold Found at Commercial Properties

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

When a business owner finds mold in their commercial property, they know it's something that can't be ignored.

There has been quite a bit of attention on mold in businesses. Mold can cause health effects. Mold exists naturally in our environment and is not harmful at regular levels. It's when mold has the opportunity to grow at a rapid rate that it becomes of concern.

In order to grow, mold requires certain conditions to be met. Mold spores need to be present and have a food source (examples would be cotton, sheetrock, plywood, etc.). In addition, mold requires darkness, oxygen and warm temperatures. However, these are typical conditions in most homes. The factor that most determines whether mold will grow in a commercial property is moisture.

Some of the most common causes of commercial mold damage are:

Leaky Pipes: Whether you own a shopping center with public restrooms or an apartment complex, a slow leak might not be obvious to a homeowner but over time can create an environment that is ideal for mold growth.

The fix: Periodically check pipes, walls and cabinetry for any signs of leaking. Ask your tenants to report any signs of moisture such as water spots on the ceiling immediately so that the problem can be remedied before mold grows.

Basement Mold: Many area businesses have a basement. This might be used for storage in the case of an apartment building. Due to low sunlight, condensation, high humidity, flooding and leaks, the basement is a common location for mold growth. In addition, people spend little time in their basement and are less likely to spot it early on.

The fix: If there is flooding, have your basement waterproofed. Keep humidity levels down with a dehumidifier. Again, your tenants and building maintenance crew are your eyes - ask them to report any signs of moisture or mold immediately.

If you spot mold in your Torrington area business, give us a call at 203-267-6262. Our mold specialists are IICRC certified and have over 30 years of experience inspecting mold. We know exactly how to mitigate the mold at your commercial property with the least amount of disruption to your business continuity.

Flooding at Your Commercial Property?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial properties cannot afford to be shut down due to water damage. We've seen water damage caused by everything from leaking coffee maker lines to a sink left running however, in general, it is caused by these common scenarios.

Appliance Malfunction. These days, what office doesn't have a break room with a refrigerator and a coffee maker? When these appliances fail, they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding the entire room or more.

Backed up sewer lines. Public bathrooms get a lot of use and it is not uncommon for the sewer lines to get backed up, releasing dirty water into the building. When this happens, professional clean up is required, as the water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Malfunctioning sprinkler system. All commercial properties are required to have a sprinkler system and because of this, many lives are saved. However, any time the fire alarm is activated, the sprinkler system discharges, creating flooding in the building. We've also seen scenarios in which the sprinkler system has malfunctioned and activated on its own. When this happens, water damage is widespread throughout the building.

Broken pipes. It's common to find broken or cracked pipes in a commercial structure, especially an older one. When this occurs, not only might one business be affected, but also all of the businesses who share the building.

If your business experiences a flood, you know where to find us - we are on call 24-7/365 and ready to help.

Can't Get the Stink Out of Your Commercial Property?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to live in a smelly home.

Unpleasant odors in your apartment building can permeate the walls, floors, carpeting and even make their way behind walls and into the ventilation shafts. Apartment complexes are often affected by cigarette smoke residue, animal smells from urine and spoiled meat odors. These odors can make their way out of the originating apartment and be smelled throughout the building, putting the management company in a difficult position. Or perhaps the apartment is vacant and you as the owner are trying to prepare it for a new tenant. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

A standard cleaning will not remove these odors however the odor removal experts at SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington can.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call and leave the restoration to us.

We Have a Crew on Call 24-7

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Many of our clients are commercial property owners. When you own a business in Connecticut, you cant afford to shut your doors for any length of time. If your building suffers from water, mold or fire damage, a quick response and timely restoration is necessary.

We know that you can't afford to wait around for a water restoration company to call you back and "try to get there by the end of the week". If your business has been damaged, you need help and you need it now. That's why at SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington, we have a crew on call 24-7. If you have an emergency, we will be there asap - even if it's at night or on the weekend. We are part of the community and here to help. If you are reading this because your business is flooded, call us now for immediate service.

Water and Mold Damage at Southbury Area Places of Worship

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Places of worship serve such a vital purpose in the Southbury community. They not only offer community to their congregations, many serve the needs of those in need through their work in food pantries, shelters and fundraisers. When a spiritual center experiences a pipe burst or flooding, it’s vital that the water damage be cleaned up quickly and correctly with the least amount of impact on the community.

Many of the religious centers in our area are in the beautiful old buildings which are quintessential to the small Connecticut towns that we live in. Old structures can at times present challenges in water damage restoration that requires a team that is highly trained and has the experience necessary. The SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington team has decades of experience working in Connecticut and is well versed in treating buildings that were not built in this century. Whether your structure has a small stone crawl space, unique additions that have been added on over the years or a not quite modern heating system, we’ve seen it all.

Or perhaps your building is modern however you have valuable artifacts that require special handling, protection from water damage and restoration. Our project managers are understanding and respectful of your space and the contents in it. We have a dedicated storage facility in which we can store contents while the restoration work is being done. We also offer document and content restoration services to preserve those special items that are important to your community.

If your place of worship has water, mold or fire damage, or perhaps is in need of a deep cleaning due to the amount of traffic it sees, give us a call at (203) 267-6262.

Fire at Apartment Complex Causes Soot and Smoke Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

When we have a job in which there was a fire at an apartment complex, the soot, smoke and water damage usually extends well beyond the area in which the fire originated.

In situations where there are multiple units in a structure, the shared walls, hallways and ventilation system allow for the smoke and soot to spread quickly. Soot is comprised of miniscule carbon particles which are created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (such as the wood, oil, coal, and more). Containing acids, chemicals and dust, soot leaves a sticky mess as well as a nasty odor behind when it travels through the air. Breathing in soot, or even if it enters a person’s body through their eyes, can cause serious health effects. While we are working in homes and apartments that have been layered with soot, it’s often necessary for those living there to vacate the premises until it is clean.

While smoke damage is usually not evident by sight, it can be a difficult beast to remove. Along with polluting the air, smoke can be absorbed into both hard and soft furnishings and structural components, such as walls, carpeting and furniture Typically, mattresses and carpeting need to be removed and discarded. Because smoke makes its way into cracks and crevices, part of our restoration process includes cleaning behind the walls.

One thing thing that doesn't always come to mind when people think about a home fire is the water damage that will occur. Apartment complexes in Connecticut all have sprinkler systems, which work wonders to keep tenants safe. However, when one apartment has a fire, the sprinkler system will trigger and soak the whole floor or building. Often, the water damage clean up is more extensive than the damage caused by the fire.

With proper ventilation, air filtration, the removal of debris and the neutralization of odors, our crew helps you get back into your apartment as quickly as possible.

Commercial Duct Cleaning in Southbury Area Businesses

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington is inspecting the heating, ventilation and a/c unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the clean up process. In these cases, we can often help restore HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the EPA recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Our Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient. What sets us apart from other duct cleaning services is our portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system which examines ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

If you have any questions concerning your duct work or would like a consultation please don’t hesitate to call us at 203-267-6262!

Mold Causes and Treatment at Southbury Commercial Properties

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

When a business owner finds mold in their commercial property, they know it's something that can't be ignored.

There has been quite a bit of attention on mold in businesses and the potential health hazards it poses to employees and customers lately. Mold exists naturally in our environment and is not harmful at regular levels. It's when mold has the opportunity to grow at a rapid rate that it becomes of concern.

In order to grow, mold requires certain conditions to be met. Mold spores need to be present and have a food source (examples would be cotton, sheetrock, plywood, etc.). In addition, mold requires darkness, oxygen and warm temperatures. However, these are typical conditions in most homes. The factor that most determines whether mold will grow in a commercial property is moisture.

Some of the most common causes of commercial mold damage are:

Leaky Pipes: Whether you own a shopping center with public restrooms or an apartment complex, a slow leak might not be obvious to a homeowner but over time can create an environment that is ideal for mold growth.

The fix: Periodically check pipes, walls and cabinetry for any signs of leaking. Ask your tenants to report any signs of moisture such as water spots on the ceiling immediately so that the problem can be remedied before mold grows.

Basement Mold: Many area businesses have a basement. This might be used for storage in the case of an apartment building. Due to low sunlight, condensation, high humidity, flooding and leaks, the basement is a common location for mold growth. In addition, people spend little time in their basement and are less likely to spot it early on.

The fix: If there is flooding, have your basement waterproofed. Keep humidity levels down with a dehumidifier. Again, your tenants and building maintenance crew are your eyes - ask them to report any signs of moisture or mold immediately.

If you spot mold in your Torrington area business, give us a call at 203-267-6262. Our mold specialists are IICRC certified and have over 30 years of experience inspecting mold. We know exactly how to mitigate the mold at your commercial property with the least amount of disruption to your business continuity.

We Remove the Stink from Commercial Properties

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

half of a wall that is yellow with cigarette stains and half that is white and clean

Nobody wants to live in a smelly home.

Unpleasant odors in your apartment building can permeate the walls, floors, carpeting and even make their way behind walls and into the ventilation shafts. Apartment complexes are often affected by cigarette smoke residue, animal smells from urine and spoiled meat odors. These odors can make their way out of the originating apartment and be smelled throughout the building, putting the management company in a difficult position. Or perhaps the apartment is vacant and you as the owner are trying to prepare it for a new tenant. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

A standard cleaning will not remove these odors however the odor removal experts at SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington can.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call and leave the restoration to us.

The Common Causes of Flooding in Commercial Properties.

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Five. That's the number of businesses that have called us in the past week with water damage to their commercial properties. And with businesses just opening back up, the last thing anyone needs is to be shut down due to a flood in their building.

We've seen water damage caused by everything from leaking coffee maker lines to a sink left running however, in general, it is caused by these common scenarios.

Appliance Malfunction. These days, what office doesn't have a break room with a refrigerator and a coffee maker? When these appliances fail, they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding the entire room or more.

Backed up sewer lines. Public bathrooms get a lot of use and it is not uncommon for the sewer lines to get backed up, releasing dirty water into the building. When this happens, professional clean up is required, as the water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Malfunctioning sprinkler system. All commercial properties are required to have a sprinkler system and because of this, many lives are saved. However, any time the fire alarm is activated, the sprinkler system discharges, creating flooding in the building. We've also seen scenarios in which the sprinkler system has malfunctioned and activated on its own. When this happens, water damage is widespread throughout the building.

Broken pipes. It's common to find broken or cracked pipes in a commercial structure, especially an older one. When this occurs, not only might one business be affected, but also all of the businesses who share the building.

If your business experiences a flood, you know where to find us - we are on call 24-7/365 and ready to help.

Concerned About Coronavirus Affecting Your Business? We Can Help.

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

the words here to help with a background of virus cells

With the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) quickly spreading through the Northeast and Governor Lamont declaring a Public Health Emergency over the Coronavirus, we have started to receive calls from business owners who seek to keep their business clean.

Here's how we can help.

SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington first cleans, then disinfects (with a hospital grade disinfectant) when cleaning a commercial space. Cleaning removes the soil and dirt that harbors the infectious agents, while disinfecting kills the remaining environmental pathogens.

Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19.

SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high touch surfaces. In a commercial setting, this list includes:

Shelves and Racks
Displays and Mannequins
Packaged Inventory
Fitting Room Stalls, Chairs and Walls
Doorknobs, Light Switches and Lamps
Carpets and Hard Flooring
Computers, Telephones and Registers
Bathrooms, Toilets and Changing Tables
Sales Counters
Elevator Cars. Handrails and Escalators
Playground and Fitness Equipment
Lockers and Water Fountains

The list could go on but you get the idea. When you think about it, almost every surface in a retail setting is touched by many people each day. For more information, see the website that the CDC has created, Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities, which addresses homes, childcare and K-12 schools, colleges and universities, work environments, healthcare settings, and large community events and mass gatherings.

It's clear from the efforts of others countries that we can't stop the spread of the virus entirely however we can take what others have learned and apply it to the situation in Connecticut. Governor Lamont said he’s talked to other governors, including the governor of Washington State, and what they have told him is that the only thing they regret is that they didn’t do more sooner.

It is important to note that while proactive cleaning can help remove existing contamination, it will not prevent or protect the building from future contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

Call us at (203) 267-6262 to discuss how we can help your business.

When an Apartment Building Catches Fire - Removing Soot and Smoke Damage.

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

wall of an apartment building hallway covered in soot

When we have a job in which there was a fire at an apartment complex, the soot, smoke and water damage usually extends well beyond the area in which the fire originated.

In situations where there are multiple units in a structure, the shared walls, hallways and ventilation system allow for the smoke and soot to spread quickly. Soot is comprised of miniscule carbon particles which are created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (such as the wood, oil, coal, and more). Containing acids, chemicals and dust, soot leaves a sticky mess as well as a nasty odor behind when it travels through the air. Breathing in soot, or even if it enters a person’s body through their eyes, can cause serious health consequences. While we are working in homes and apartments that have been layered with soot, it’s often necessary for those living there to vacate the premises until it is clean.

While smoke damage is usually not evident by sight, it can be a difficult beast to remove. Along with polluting the air, smoke can be absorbed into both hard and soft furnishings and structural components, such as walls, carpeting and furniture Typically, mattresses and carpeting need to be removed and discarded. Because smoke makes its way into cracks and crevices, part of our restoration process includes cleaning behind the walls.

One thing thing that doesn't always come to mind when people think about a home fire is the water damage that will occur. Apartment complexes in Connecticut all have sprinkler systems, which work wonders to keep tenants safe. However, when one apartment has a fire, the sprinkler system will trigger and soak the whole floor or building. Often, the water damage clean up is more extensive than the damage caused by the fire.

With proper ventilation, air filtration, the removal of debris and the neutralization of odors, our crew helps you get back into your apartment as quickly as possible.

Keeping our Seniors Safe at Nursing Homes in Litchfield County

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

long hallway in nursing home with ventilation ducts set up

When we put our loved ones into an assisted care facility, we trust that they will be well taken care of and kept safe.

From what we have seen in the Waterbury area, our local nursing homes take that responsibility very seriously. All structures are vulnerable to water leaks, fires and mold and nursing homes are no exception. In our experience, those who run these facilities are proactive in keeping their buildings safe for their residents.

We’ve been called by a number of care facilities over the past year to treat water damage from burst pipes, smoke damage and mold concerns. With a quick response from both the administration and our team, we’ve been able to address and resolve these situations quickly and with as little disruption to the residents as possible.

Because of our advanced training and decades of experience, we understand how important it is that the damage restoration be done fully and correctly. We are sincere when we say that when it comes to your family and clients, we approach our work as if they are our own loved ones.

If you are a Southbury area administrator of a care facility, please feel free to call us to discuss how we can help you prepare for the worst.

We will set up an individualized Emergency Ready Profile for your center, giving you and your staff the tools required to respond efficiently to any emergency at your facility.

Call (203) 267-6262 to schedule an appointment.

SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington Offers Free Emergency Plan App to Business Owners

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington offers the Emergency Ready Profile app free of charge to business owners.

A big part of our business is restoring commercial properties after a business has had water damage. When there is flooding at a business, there are a number of quick decisions to be made. SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington helps businesses prepare a disaster response plan, not just for floods but for anything that requires quick action.

Our franchise offers a free mobile app, called the Emergency Ready Profile or ERP, which enables your employees to easily respond to any emergency situation. Give us a call and one of our marketing representatives will come out to your facility and help create your plan.

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Plan 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. Whoever has access to the app will be able to utilize it in an emergency situation. Questions such as “Where are the water valves” or “What circuits need to be shut off” are easily answered. The people who need to be called- such as your plumber, security company or utility company – are all programmed into the app. It can even include the chain of command - people within the company who need to be called and their contact info. With the ERP, no matter who is on duty when a disaster happens, they will have a clear plan to follow and your facility and employees will be protected.

SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington offers the ERP free of charge. Call us today at (203) 267-6262 to discuss how we can help your business.

Smoke and Soot Removal After Commercial Warehouse Experiences Vehicle Fire

7/14/2019 (Permalink)

After this a vehicle caught fire at this commercial warehouse, the SERVPRO team restored the building of soot and smoke damage.

Our Torrington office is regularly called by business owners who have had a fire in their facility. Often, the structure of the building has not been severely damaged however the smoke and soot that remain are substantial and require professional clean up.

Soot is comprised of miniscule carbon particles which have been created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as wood, oil and coal. Soot contains a mixture of acids, chemicals and metals as well as soils, and dust. When there has been a fire, soot spreads throughout the structure and sticks to the surfaces.

In a commercial building, soot can cover not only the contents but also the walls, floors and ceilings. We recently had a job in which a vehicle fire occurred on the loading dock of a warehouse. Inside of the 100.000 square foot warehouse, the walls were covered with soot. Not only is soot messy and smelly, it can also pose a health risk to those in the building.

Professional clean up of soot is necessary after a fire at your commercial property. When you call our office for restoration, we understand that yours is an emergency situation. Our team, who is on call 24/7, will arrive onsite quickly after receiving your initial call. One of our project managers will conduct an inspection and assessment of the situation and advise you on their recommendations for restoration.

When your commercial property has had damage after a fire, we will be with you every step of the way to restore your facility and put you back in business.

The Causes of Mold in Southbury Area Commercial Properties

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you find mold growing at your commercial property, call SERVPRO of Southbury/Torrington for professional and efficient mold remediation services.