Recent Commercial Posts

Restoring Commercial Spaces

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

When your commercial property takes the hit of a large loss situation, it can mean a pause in business. SERVPRO® of Iowa City/Coralville knows quick response time can lessen damage to your property and prides itself on being Faster to any size disaster. Our professional large-loss specialists know what steps to take in the mitigation, restoration and reconstruction processes and can be there to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SERVPROs strategically located groups, which are part of the Disaster Recovery Team, are there to respond to storm, flood and fire damage that takes a toll on a property. Some commercial industries serviced by SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville include food service, hospitality, healthcare, education, property management and more. If your commercial space experiences a large loss, know that SERVPRO has teams ready to respond.

I'MMMMM READY! To Complete Your Emergency Ready Profile!

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

ERP App Picture If you want to protect your business, please call SERVPRO of Iowa City at 319-338-8550, and we will have someone come Create this resource for you.

Hello Everyone!

It’s Digital Marketing Support Coordinator here, and I wanted to discuss a new SERVPRO skill set I’ve learned.  An Emergency Ready Profile is a free service we provide that I can’t get enough of. As a business owner, you know that anything can happen, whether storm damage or fire. You must be on top of every challenge a season may bring. 

The ERP program takes less than an hour or so to complete but what it does is combine all the information that your staff may need during a disaster. For example, let’s say a water pipe burst in your hotel, and you need to shut off the water valve… How many of your staff will know where that is? 

You don’t have to worry about that, as the ERP app will literally have a picture of where the valve is located. This, in return, cuts down the time that the disaster has to continue. The app also has all the contacts you will need if your business isn’t operational, so you don’t have vendors bring in shipments.

Doing an Exterior Check on your Home and Commercial Space

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

gutter with leaves Keep your exterior space running smooth using SERVPRO's quick tips.

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville has the expertise needed to handle any restoration job including fire, water, mold, and smoke damage, and also knows how important it is to pay attention to the exterior of your home and commercial space. Especially with seasons changing and many days of rain to come, faulty areas may allow for water to enter, leading to damage. Here are some things around the exterior that should be checked regularly to keep your space running at its highest potential:

  • Clean out your gutters so rain can easily flow through them and drain away from the roof. Gutters filled with leaves, sticks and other debris can become damaged or not work as well.
  • Check that your gutter’s downspouts are properly attached to allow water to drain away from the home. A detached or broken spout can lead to water flooding outside.
  • Make sure the sump pumps in your home are operational and have a working battery. An unexpected, failed sump pump may lead to a slew of future problems.
  • Check that garden hoses are properly attached to prevent water from draining into piping.
  • See if the caulking on your windows needs repair. A ripped seal in the window may allow water to enter the home.

Humidity in your Space

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

condensation on windowsill If you suspect that your home has microbial growth, we suggest you call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville.

With an increase in temperature and precipitation comes more humidity in the air, which may lead to rising moisture levels in your home or business. SERVPRO knows this can run the risk of microbial growth and wants you to be aware of the following places in your home that may be subject to microbial growth: 

Mold Behind Pillows and Furniture 

If you have your pillows close to/touching the wall and you notice a discolored black shade, this is an indicator that there is mold growth. There could be multiple factors causing microbial growth. Still, two simple suggestions to prevent this is to leave the pillows with a 3-4" air gap between the walls and cushions. Whereas the long-term solution could be purchasing a long-term, constant flow exhaust fan, such as the Panasonic WhisperGreen, which lowers the overall humidity levels in your home. 

Mold Growth in Dead Spots 

The way that air flows creates dead spots in certain spots of your home, leaving cold air in the corners of the room from the bottom to the ceiling. This is caused because airflow patterns are unable to make 90-degree turns. This cold air leads to condensation and, in return, creates perfect conditions for microbial growth. 

Growth on Furniture  

Suppose you have furniture lined up against a wall. In that case, you run the risk of making perfect microclimates that are the ideal conditions for mold growth. This type of mold growth only comes from homes with a relative humidity of 70% or higher. These conditions are created by the limited airflow. The cool exterior walls provide the condition, and the couch makes the perfect surface. 

Condensation on Window Frames/ Windowsills 

Let's say you are unsure how to tell if your home is naturally humid. One of the easiest ways to tell is when you have condensation on the window frames. This is common in homes with condensation collecting on single-pane aluminum windows. 

Call Before You Dig!

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

A relaxing backyard with a nice pool and lights Don't let the fear of striking an underground service line; call 811 to schedule your yard survey!

Let’s be honest, spring and summer are the seasons in that you want to enjoy the nice weather while making home improvements. I know that every year, my mother will always plant Sunflowers. Whether you add a garden or put in an inground pool, or even the new Tik Tok Trend “garden ponds” when a pool is emptied, the client adds microorganisms to help build a small ecosystem. Here are some of the key things to remember before you create a DIY disaster:

Getting your land surveyed is important because you need to locate and mark where the gas or water lines are. You will not be the most well-liked neighbor if you dig and strike a sewage line, causing human waste to flood your backyard. 

If you were to call 811, you would be directed to a service that can come and adequately mark the underground service lines. Before you start digging for your inground pool or your new Masterchef grilling pit, please call 811; your neighbors will appreciate it more. 

DON'T Try this With Your Sprinkler System

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Clothes Hanging on Hangers Please don't hang your clothes on your sprinkler system; hang them on the clothing rack.

Being in the restoration industry, we sometimes see the direct causation from unattended mistakes and property damage. One of the most common loss creators is the fire sprinkler system and how simple isolated mistakes create massive problems. Here is how you can prevent an enormous water loss created by your fire sprinkler system:

Don’t Leave The Kitchen While Cooking

One of the first job sites I went on was started when a client left the room while a pan had hot grease. When grease reaches a specific temperature, it becomes combustible, and one little splatter of water will start a massive grease fire. Our team of professionals wants you to stay safe by not leaving your food unattended while cooking. We also advise you to avoid leaving your stove on while not home. The recent stove upgrades that promote the ability to leave it on while at work are a massive accident waiting to happen. Please avoid doing this.

It’s A Sprinkler, Not A Closet Hanger

One of my buddies got into major trouble when I was in college after the sprinkler system was weighed down by these LED lights he had hanging. The systems weren’t set up to hold any weight, so when you have something hanging, it creates pressure that, over time, causes it to break off the wall. When this happens, you have a rainforest of water that will be spraying throughout your room.

Residential Buildings = Potential Sewage Blockage Nightmare

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Girl in Bathtub Having A Glass Of Wine Let us take care of the drains so you can go back to having a relaxing bath!

There are perks to owning a residential building, but some aspects aren't as appealing as others. One of those is when a backed-up sewer causes thousands of dollars in damage to the floors, electrical systems, wall, etc. As an owner of a residential building, here are some strong indicators of backed-up sewage.

Odors:

If you smell an odor around the drains and it continues once you clear a clog, you should call a plumber. We advise you to call in a plumber or an inspector because this smell could mean issues later down the road.

Clogged Drains:

A blocked sewer can cause unpleasant odors, but did you know the blocked pipe can also create frequent clogging of the drains. The blocked pipe will then cause backups into your faculty, which can sink into other apartments through the ceiling. This water would be considered "black water" as the source of the leak is unclean. 

Indentations in Landscaping:

Although you may not have a clogging issue, it doesn't mean you are in the clear. Pipes could break, which could cause indentations in your landscaping, such as a divot in the yard. If the break is severe enough, you could find yourself with a sewage leak in the property's ground. It can escalate into a sewage backup in your building if not addressed. 

Deformations in Landscaping:

There is the chance that puddling happens in certain areas you can see. There should be visible signs showing a problem underneath the ground. If you were to look at a parking lot, it could look sunken or cracked. If close enough, you could see possible cracks in the foundation, which requires an expert to come out to take a look; that's us! Sometimes it's the little things that can go a long way. Here are two things you can do to prevent damage later on: DO NOT put hot grease down the pipes, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash. Another is paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cloth diapers, and hygienic wipes do not deteriorate quickly, which can create problems for your drains. 

We have seen it all, and we have the strategies needed to keep your business safe from a stinky situation. As always, please reach out to SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville if you ever have a problem with your sewage lines!

We are a Team - Large Loss Response

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Living in the midwest, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day it can be sunny with clear skies and the next day there it could be hailing and cold. Our SERVPRO team knows that storm damage can happen and damage the business at any time.  We are currently the only certified Large Loss Response Team in the state of Iowa. We have the training, equipment, employees to help with any size disaster. We want to make your life easier and stress-free. Our certified response team is comprised of trained technicians who get in the field and help with any storm damage. Every loss is managed by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation for your large loss. Our employees are trained residential and commercially for any size disaster. We are stocked for any large job that could come in. We are ready to help.

Commercial Large Loss Program

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Did your commercial property experience a disaster? Do you know who to call? Call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, no job is too large for us to handle. Our large-loss specialists are strategically positioned to handle any size disaster. The Disaster Recovery Team is made up of the best in restoration. We are ready for any size job at any time of day.

Customers for the Commercial Large Loss program include:

  • Hospitality Industry
  • Property Mangers
  • Universities
  • Municipalities
  • The Pentagon

Should a disaster hit our area in Iowa, SERVPRO has storm teams on standby. We are prepared for the unpredictable disasters and available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Let us help you get your business back to pre-disaster condition by calling our office.

A Word from Our Franchise Owner

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

A man in front of a white background Our SERVPRO team of trained professionals is ready for whatever could happen to your home or business.

Brian Meyer understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."  We celebrated our 10-year anniversary as a SERVPRO area franchise in 2020.  We have valued your business over the years and will continue to value it for the many years to come.


Our SERVPRO team specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. Our SERVPRO franchises can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business.

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. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for us. Along with our current certifications listed, we are also advanced certified water damage restoration technicians.

Emergency Ready Profile

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

matterport view The matterport camera takes 360 degrees of photos to create a virtual walkthrough for the facilities.

We’ll help minimize interruption. This can be done with our Emergency Ready Profile which is a cost free option for your business. We gather all he contacts needed during a disaster. With this, we now offer a matterport camera scan with the profile that can also be utilized. Preparation is key to making it through a disaster, so plan Now. SERVPRO® staff sets the profile up for you.

Emergency Ready Profiles contain critical information for quick response times.

Information gathered:

  • Property Details

  • Location Information

  • Building Access Points

  • Utility Contact & Shut-Off Information

  • Key Emergency Contacts

  • Additional Building Specifics

A concise profile with critical info needed in the event of an emergency. It remains a no cost assessment. Get you back to your building faster and get your life back up and running while also identifying the line of command for authorization before work begins.

Be Emergency Ready with Matterport

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

A dollhouse view from the matterport The Matterport creates a visual walkthrough that can be seen with 3 different type of views: The one shown is the dollhouse view.

It is always better to be prepared for a disaster, instead of waiting for the unexpected. Not knowing where the emergency shut-offs (water, gas, electric) are located in your business will cost more money. Training employees what to do when there is a water pipe burst or a gas leak is crucial to the safety of your staff and getting back to productivity.

Our emergency ready plan is a great resource to prepare for the unexpected. You can learn more about the fundamentals in this blog. Our SERVPRO local franchise has decided to utilize an additional resource—Matterport.

Matterport—What can it do?

  • 360 degrees of photos
  • Full floor plans
  • Claims documentation
  • 4k quality photos
  • Easy to share
  • Measure tool
  • Blur brush
  • 3 views—Bird’s eye view, doll house view, & walk through

The pairing of the emergency ready profile with the link of your scanned commercial building via Matterport, will allow you to be prepared for the unexpected. Combing the technology will allow your building and important emergency information to fit in the palm of your hand. Your local SERVPRO® marketing representative is here to help.

How To Help Your Business During A Disaster

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

people carrying equipment No matter the time of day, out team of professionals are ready to assist you with whatever disaster that has affected your business.

We have the capability to handle any large job. We have the equipment and vehicles ready for whatever is needed to assist you on your journey to get business back up and running again. It is said the 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster never reopen. The businesses that are able to reopen normally have a emergency plan set up to ensure a quick and efficient transition back to normalcy. We offer a cost-free option for those looking to record emergency information in one accessible application that's accessible on mobile devices. So when the unexpected happens, whoever is onsite can access the proper contacts to get the situation handled. When is comes to the unexpected disaster, it is essential to be timely to limit further damage. Call our office today to set up an appointment with one of our marketing representative to set up your Emergency Ready Profile today.

Commercial Graffiti Removal

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Two SERVPRO team members media blasting a service. Our SERVPRO team is capable of removing graffiti in several different ways. For media blasting, a containment unit can be built to limit the mess.

Are you struggling with stubborn graffiti removal on porous material such as concrete? Have you tried everything in your arsenal and the hardware store?  Are your maintenance contacts getting tired of scrubbing and still being able to read the graffiti? Our team recently worked with a local college in the area that had this same problem, and they had given up and thought that this was the new normal for their concrete memorial sitting area. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville was able to step up and clean as we do best.  We used our media blast system to etch away the top layer of concrete where the graffiti had soaked into the pores of the concrete and made it look new again. Media blasting expels an abrasive material at the surface to remove soot damage or, in this case, graffiti. We are here to help and can work to remove graffiti on multiple surfaces.

What is the IICRC?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

man moving equipment into a vehicle It is essential that our team is trained properly so that we can help your business quickly, efficiently, and professionally no matter the day.

What is the IICRC? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a nonprofit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville team members study IICRC best practices guidelines for fire damage, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. It is a certification and standard-setting organization. IICRC standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. There are many certifications that our team members earn and our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals make sure to keep up with the certifications as technology and material changes. Our team members take the certifications to be prepared for any situation and to properly address the problem and apply efficient and thorough mitigation for your business or property.

When is a Board-up Needed

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

a building with a board-up We are ready 24/7 for any emergency that may occur where you would need our assistance.

Situations such as vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting and overwhelming for homeowners and businesses. Vandalism and graffiti can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. Here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville, we have the capability to help with this property damage. We can do a board-up which is done after a storm, fire or vandalism incident where the building is exposed. It is meant to prevent further damage from happening to the facility. It minimizes property loss by securing the building and taking care if restorable/reusable elements. A natural disaster can leave your facility vulnerable to problems such as vandalism, theft, and unwanted entry.

Large Loss Response Team

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

 SERVPRO workers with helmets We, as professionals, want to ensure your safety. We will work to get the business back preloss conditions with our 24 hour emergency services.

We are currently the only certified Large Loss Response Team in the state of Iowa.  We have the equipment, employees, and connections to help in even the largest disaster. We promise to be ready when you need us. Our equipment is always fueled, tested, loaded.  We have on call staff 24 hours a day for your emergency.  We have a trailer loaded with our desiccant and a dedicated generator to run it at all times. This desiccant is a 5,000 cfm piece of equipment for dehumidification. We have air movers and large portable dehumidifiers for drying a structure. We have large air scrubbers and different ozone machines for removing odor. A large loss is a loss valued at over $50,000 in mitigation or remediation work.  Every loss is managed by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation for your large loss. Our employees are trained residential and commercially for any size disaster.

Emergency Readiness Profile

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

A woman with an ipad showing a man Our ERP application can be used on almost any device and prepares the business for any disaster that could strike.

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, and we would like to help take some of the stress away. Call us to find out about our cost-free Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) and how they can help you, especially during this time. We are continuing to operate at this time and are here to help. We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their property at no cost.  We offer a free app for all phones  to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically prior to any incident or unexpected disaster. Everything can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes. This information can be shared very easily with staff and whoever else needs to be ahold of the information and contacts. An ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. If also details the location and directions for the different parts of the building. This is essential since every building is different in  one way or another.  We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs.  We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville stand by being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation.  These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our team members to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

Are you Ready?

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

a man and a woman talking This app is accessible on almost any device and can help when disaster strikes.

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, and we would like to help take some of the stress away. Call us to find out about our cost-free Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) and how they can help you, especially during this time. We are continuing to operate at this time and are here to help. We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their property at no cost.  We offer a free app for all phones  to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically prior to any incident or unexpected disaster. Everything  can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes. This information can be shared very easily with staff and whoever else needs to be ahold of the information and contacts. An ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. If also details the location and directions for the different parts of the building. This is essential since every building is different in  one way or another.  We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs.  We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville stand by being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation.  These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our team members to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

Water Clean Up Services with our Large Loss Semi Trailer

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Semi trailer in a shop building with a fire and water wrap on the trailer This is our semi trailer added to our large loss response fleet in the fall of 2019.

We have added another large loss piece of equipment to our fleet. This 53' semi trailer is  stocked and ready for whatever happens. It carries air movers, dehumidifiers and flood pumper extraction units. After a project manager decides how much equipment and materials it will take to clean up the fire or water loss, this semi will be dispatched if needed. It is stocked and ready with the equipment and consumables including ppe, rags, cleaning equipment, power equipment, etc. It is ready for what ever happens. We understand the need for fast mitigation services and the need for equipment and supplies to be ready.  With this semi trailer being ready to go, we will get your business back to business faster. This semi trailer will travel to all sections of the state. SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville along with our other two offices strategically placed in the state of Iowa we are the largest SERVPRO in the state of Iowa and are ready to be any where in the state of Iowa within 4 hours.

SERVPRO Faster to Any Size Disaster

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is faster to any size disaster rather it be a flood, fire or storm related damage we have the experience, tools, and staff to mitigate any size disaster faster. The faster a disaster is mitigated the better. The longer that water or contaminants from a fire are affecting the structure the more damage that can be caused. Its not only better for the contents and structure but faster for the business to resume normal operations and limit interruptions to operations. When business is not operational money is lost. SERVPRO understands this and knows the importance to get you back to normal as quickly as possible. If there is a storm event affecting many locations we have the ability to call in additional resources and staff from a large network of SERVPRO locations.  This allows all of our clients to get help faster! We are - Ready For Whatever Happens.         

SERVPRO Helps With a Plan of Action

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Iowa City/ Coralville offers a no cost Emergency Ready Profile for your business. This will help minimize business interruption by having a plan of action. Being prepared is key for getting through any type of disaster, big or small. Having a plan in effect prior to a disaster saves time and money. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is designed to provide quick reference of important building and contact information. This plan is available to you any where any time with a easy to operate mobile application. Identifying  the line of command for authorizing work allows the mitigation process to begin helping  you to get your business operating as quickly as possible.  With many years of experience SERVPRO Iowa City/Coralville is the only  Large Loss Franchise in the State, with highly trained techs which prepares us to handle any size loss.

Clean Up Of Your Business Is Our Top Priority

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville knows the importance of getting your business up and running as soon as possible after damage caused by fire, water, vandalism or any natural disaster that may occur. Our team of trained IICRC staff specializes in getting things cleaned up and restored allowing a business to open as soon as possible. We know that every hour a business is down revenue is being lost. Our 24/7 response provides immediate mitigation to prevent further damage.  We have an on call staff 24 hours a day to be there when you need us most. Fast mitigation and removal of standing water as quickly as possible prevents further damage from occurring to structural materials.  We understand that when your business is not fully operation you are not making as much revenue as you could. We are here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

We Have The Resources Needed to Take Care of Commercial Mitigation

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

When your place of business has a loss, SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville’s  main goal is that of the business owners. Get the business back up and running as soon as possible. Nobody likes a disaster of any kind, and we are here to help you through it.

SERVPRO has may resources to get your business back up and running including:

Fast response time: SERVPRO will respond to any event within the State of Iowa within 4 hours.

Iowa’s only large loss response truck: We have two 25 foot box truck’s stocked specifically for responding to large losses and ready to go at any time.

Large labor pool – Our three offices have a combined total of over 50 employees in house. We also have access to hundreds of temp laborers.

Extensive list of subcontractors – When the job is finished and you are ready to rebuild or replace your commercial business, SERVPRO has an extensive list of trusted subcontractors that we can refer you to for all construction needs.

Odor Detection Services for Commercial Locations

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Photo shows mold growth behind a commercial businesses dry wall that was discovered doing an inspection and then during the remediation process.

SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville technicians are trained and ready to inspect and help identify the source of odor! We use state of the art technology to pinpoint moisture and compromised materials in order to eliminate the source of the odor and to make it “Like it never even happened.”!

If your building locations has ever experienced a water loss, microbial related issue, or even rodent/insect infiltration and the structural materials were not properly mitigated and restored you may have found your odor issue. Compromised HVAC systems that are not properly addressed will create these issues down the road possibly as well. 

In door air quality of your office and work space is very important and we are here to help when an odor presents itself.  We do thorough inspections and will present our findings along with an estimate for services if needed.  Give our office a call today with any questions you might have. 

Spinklers are a Common Cause of Water Damage In Commercial Structures

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are commonly installed in commercial and industrial buildings. They save life and structure when a fire occurs. They do cause water damage though when putting out the fire or when the system malfunctions.  This is when SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is here to help. We come in and dry the structure when a system malfunctions. Fire sprinklers are activated when the mercury liquid filled bulb bursts between 135 and 165 degrees. It is thought by many that they are triggered by smoke.  They are actually activated by heat. Failures occur with sprinkler heads commonly when the line freezes from cold weather or the head gets hit or pulled on by something.  We are here to help when you need it most and want to help prevent issues before they arise. It is always a good idea to know where your sprinkler line shut off valves are located in case you have a malfunctioning system and know who services these systems for your facility.

The Show Must Go On - Cleaning Up A Water Loss For A Theater

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

When water affects a theater the show must go on. The show and the guests are looking forward to the event.  Tickets have been sold and other shows are depending on the schedule. The event can not be changed.

The water intrusion at this location was caused by a roof leak during a very fast moving heavy rain storm that moved through.  To keep the show on track and guests not knowing that there was a problem our crews set up equipment and then took it down just a few hours before the show and then reset it right after the show was over each night. This was very labor intensive as there was lots of equipment to set up and take down in a short amount of time to be able to dry the structure properly but we understand that the show must go on. Our employees worked long hours and at odd times to make sure that the guests never experienced any hiccups when coming to experience the show.  We work hard to make it "Like it never even happened" during and after the dry out process.  When you see these green trucks you know that help has arrived and you can depend on us. The Show Must and Will Go On!

Water Clean Up In A Large Commercial Business

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Desiccant System Set Up in Des Moines

Drying a large commercial space takes special equipment. SERVPRO has that equipment ready and available.  When drying 1000's of square feet of space it takes specialized equipment.

Desiccant drying systems are brought in to assist in the mitigation process. Desiccants operate differently then dehumidifiers and operate to a lower temperature as well. 

The first step in any mitigation process is to extract the standing water. Then the steps of drying the structure begins. To dry the structure if there is a lot of square footage affected a desiccant will be utilized because air flow tubes can be utilized through the building.  The moisture can then be exhausted outside the building. 

We are here to help with your Commercial Building drying needs. We have the equipment necessary to help clean up the mess and work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Document Restoration for Businesses

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Businesses have lots of important documents and vital records. When water or fire damage occurs you can depend on SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville to be able to help restore these items.  It is vital to bring in professionals right away for document restoration services.  We restore tax records, historical documents, books, photographs etc.  In commercial business spaces there are so many things that can cause water damage to documents.  Documents that are years old but important and need to be maintained are often kept in the basement of a facility.  These areas are subject to water infiltration, sump pump failures, sewer back ups, mechanical room or line failures.  We are here to help if these type of situations occur.  Fire or soot damage can also ruin documents.  We are here to help with those as well. 

We have specialized freeze drying and cleaning equipment that we utilize.  If you are ever in need of having vital documents restored give us a call. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Provides Service To All Types Of Commercial Businesses

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

We work for all types of commercial businesses for all types of losses. We at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville have helped business get back up to normal for educational facilities, churches, financial institutions, restaurants, hotels and apartment buildings to name a few. When water, fire, or mold, etc occur and you don’t know how to clean it up we are here to help. We specialize in getting business back up to normal. Let us bring our equipment and trained staff in to help. We will scope your loss, provide an estimate and get to work for you right away. When the work is completed we will provide all documentation including drying logs and pictures of work progress for documentation that you might need. We provide service for all size losses small to large. We are equipped to handle any size commercial facility as the large loss representative for the state of Iowa. You can trust SERVPRO to help your commercial business.

Want to help commercial businesses after a water or fire loss?

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Join our SERVPRO green team today!

We work hard to ensure our residential and commercial clients get the help they need in their time of need. Our commercial clients know to call green to get it clean. If you want to become part of the team that makes it "Like it never even happened.", you are in luck!

We are hiring for multiple positions. We are currently hiring for Production Technicians in our Iowa City and Des Moines locations. We are also looking for a Project Manager to oversee every aspect of a job that comes in. 

If you would like more information about our current job openings please go to: 

https://SERVPRO.careerplug.com

We are always accepting resumes and you can submit yours to andrea@SERVPRO.me.

SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa helps to make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Response Planning for Your Business

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

We help Commercial Facilities create mobile profiles of their emergency information for their buildings for easy access in the event of an emergency to help reduce property damage or just be able to find the number for the plumber. We help put this information into an application on your phone so that you have the needed information in the time of an emergency right at your fingertips.  This is a FREE service we offer.  This no cost assessment includes us coming to your facility and taking about 30 minutes to walk through your facility and helping to locate and document with pictures and location notes where all your emergency shut offs are located at.  We also take the information that you provide us in regards to emergency key contacts name, phone numbers and/or emails that you provide.  We then compile this information for you and then provide you with a secure log in and you can then access the information from any mobile device or a computer.  We can add any additional information that you see that you would like to add in the available notes section of the app. It also can assist in letting us know where to park in case of an emergency and where to put a dumpster if an emergency happens.  The nice part about this app is that it is not only utilized for facility managers to use in the event of an emergency but also as a training tool for staff about where these shut offs are in the facility as well as who the key contacts are.  Contact our office today 319-338-8550 to find out more and how we can help you be more prepared in 2018 with an Emergency Response Plan.

Commercial Restaurant Loss & Getting you Back to Business

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

In 2015 Restaurants across the United States suffered a total of $116 million dollars in damages, the average loss being $23,000 (not including revenue loss from business interruption) finding prime days for damage occurred on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We know that even the smallest losses can impact business functionality and cause revenue loss which is why we are here to get you back to business quickly! SERVPRO of Iowa City/Ottumwa/Des Moines is a large loss certified franchise with trained crews and commercial grade equipment that can respond to any size loss within hours. Regardless of the type of loss we understand the urgency of getting damages taken care of… after all an empty restaurant will COST you money. Once emergency cleaning is completed, our professional team can also offer regular maintenance services such as hood kitchen exhaust cleaning helping to ensure your restaurant is always clean and ready for business!

Summer Weather and Your Appliances- Fire Hazards In Business and at Home

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Often time people overlook the fact that summer weather can have an impact on your appliances. Extreme Heat, Summer Storms, and Power Outages can be hazardous and increase the chances of a fire in your home or business. Be cautious of over-working compressors from refrigerators and freezers, they can get extremely hot and cause a fire. Improperly used extension cords not designed to carry the proper electric load can heat quickly and also cause a fire and considerable damage. During a Summer Storm do not use electrical appliances that have been wet or potentially shorted from a lightning strike, these can be a major fire hazard. To be sure no fires have started it’s a good idea to check your appliances during and after a storm. If you experience a power outage never run cords from generators or other appliances under carpet or rugs where heat could build and cause damage or fire. Being aware of the potential hazards can save you, your business, and your home.

Commercial - The benefits of an Emergency Ready Plan

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Statistically 50% of businesses will not reopen after a water or fire loss.  Reason being they do not have a plan in place.  If no plan is in place, there is extended amounts of time where revenue is not made.  This hurts the business and then they close.  We understand this need to be prepared.  We have a completely FREE service where we come and help you put a plan in place with emergency contacts, shut offs, and pictures all in a easy to use app that can be accessed on a phone, tablet, or computer.

With a plan in place you know contacts and locations of things to be able to reduce property damage in the event of a fire or water loss.  You know who to call and help can be there faster.  We are a firm believer in don't wait until disaster strikes. Contact us today to help you be "Ready for whatever happens"

Understanding our Commercial Customers Needs

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

We pride ourselves on understanding our commercial customers needs.  We understand that every minute you are closed and/or not fully open for business you are loosing valuable revenue.  We guarantee that when you make a call into us that within an hour no matter the time of day we will contact you and set up arrangements to be on site.  We then will do everything in our power to very quickly decide what needs to be done and how we are going to do it so that you get back up and running as quickly as possible. 

If possible we will set up containments or set up specialized air cleaning equipment to get your business back up and running immediately while we work so you can work.   We know that your business is very important to you because our business is very important to us and we are lucky enough to have the trained staff and the equipment to help you and your business.

Types of Commercial Properties We Have Worked For

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

We have worked with many different types of commercial properties.

We have worked with schools; cleaning contents after a storm, drying out a water loss to reduce further damage, drying gym floors to avoid costly replacement, and cleaning after a fire.

We have worked with banks; cleaning sewage from basements, drying out and restoring important documents, and cleaning carpet to name just a few.

We have worked with many commercial retail locations; cleaning soot and removing odor after a fire, cleaning contents, removing grease from surfaces, and drying out after a sprinkler head or a water intrusion.

We have worked with many property management companies on apartments and hotels; Removing mold, removing odor, cleaning carpets, cleaning after a fire loss, drying out after a water loss.

Either way we have a proven track record of working with Commercial Businesses and getting them back and running as QUICK as possible to prevent excessive revenue loss. We even offer Emergency Ready Profiles for no charge on a handy app so that businesses have all their important information in the event of an emergency right in front of them all the time.

Ask our staff how we can help your business.

Our Service Response Guidelines

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

Customer service is top priority for us on any loss but especially on a commercial job.  We want to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible following a loss.  Our service response guidelines are as follows.

With in 1 hour of your initial call to us we will return your call and arrange a professional to provide service.

With in 4 hours of your initial call a professional will be on site to evaluate the loss and start mitigation services.

With in 8 hours of your initial call we will be able to give you a briefing of what we are doing and how we need to do it  and provide that scope to the appropriate people.

We are here to help you and we know that prompt service is needed when an emergency happens.  You can trust us.