Recent Commercial Posts

How to Handle Commercial Water Damage in Your Helena Restaurant

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

closed sign on door SERVPRO says that We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call us to keep your store open after a water damaging event in Helena.

Trust SERVPRO for Commercial Water Damage Repair in Helena

In the restaurant world, every day is different. There are daily drink and food deliveries, guest reservations, menu planning, advertising, and office work that need to be done. This business keeps everyone on their toes, even when things go wrong.

It would help to be prepared when something unexpected, like water leaks, occurs. Mishaps can quickly happen in your restaurant. SERVPRO is ready to mitigate the water damage to your Helena restaurant and help you return to business immediately. The following are tips (no pun intended) for handling restaurant water damage:

  • Post directions to inform your staff how to handle water damage.
  • Conduct inspections regularly to check for possible trouble spots. 
  • Find a professional firm like SERVPRO to work with when the water damage incident is too significant for you to handle alone. 
  • Discard non-packaged food that is exposed to water. 
  • Discard canned items that have swelling, seams, or dents. 

Water can quickly get deep into porous materials like drywall and wood. It can threaten the building’s structural integrity if it absorbs too deeply. Fast action is critical because it helps keep drywall, insulation, and other materials from getting damaged beyond repair.

Standing water and moisture also create an ideal environment for mold growth and bacterial infestation. Our SERVPRO team can use water extraction equipment that provides good water removal. Water extraction is a crucial step in eliminating moisture from a structure. We seek to remove as much excess water as possible from a structure with extraction equipment.

Cleanup can be a daunting task. When tackling cleanup in a restaurant, it is necessary to clean walls, floors, ceilings and food preparation areas, and food contact surfaces. This cleaning includes pots, pans, countertops, ice machines, and refrigeration units. To clean and disinfect these surfaces, our SERVPRO team can wash them with EPA-approved detergents and then rinse them. We can also use commercial disinfectants with effectiveness against microbes or create chlorine bleach solutions to disinfect the affected areas.

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is committed to area businesses. We can help you return to business quickly after water damage. Call us today at (406) 458-6008.

Cleaning Contents During Commercial Fire Damage Repair in Helena

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

$50 bill burning from both ends No matter the scope of the blaze, commercial fire damage can have lasting effects.

SERVPRO Aids with Fire Restorations in Helena

One day everything in your business could run fine when a fire ignites suddenly. Fires can start with appliances malfunctioning or electrical shortages. Some of the most significant issues created after a blaze igniting result from partially combusted particles or smoke. The smoke released by a fire can travel throughout your entire warehouse, leaving behind soot residues and burnt aromas.

When dealing with commercial fire damage inside your Helena warehouse, our SERVPRO technicians can inspect every corner of your building for issues. Smoke damage could become a significant issue if the fire smoldered for a while. If smoke made its way into your warehouse, it could penetrate items stored in boxes and coat your products in residues.

When dealing with many affected contents, our team can pack everything out of your warehouse to clean your company's products at a separate location. Packing out all of your contents can make restoring your affected building materials quicker and easier. When we move all of your contents out of a building, we take an inventory of all the items we moved with descriptions telling us where it was initially stored so we can move them back.

When cleaning contents, we can use a variety of chemicals and methods depending on the types of soot present and the kind of materials that got affected. Some items can be fully immersed in a water-based cleaning solution, while others can be wiped with a rag. Other things get cleaned best with dry methods such as a dry sponge.

Services we can offer your company after your warehouse catches on fire:

  • Fire Cleanup
  • Fire Debris Removal
  • Water and Fire Damage Restorations
  • Smoke Remediation
  • Structural Deodorization

If even the most minor blaze ignites inside your business' warehouse, call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008.

Repairing Commercial Water Damage in Helena

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Inside of clothing store Water not only damages inventories, but also your store's structure. Remove the water quickly. Call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO Provides Help with Commercial Water Restorations in Helena

One day you could walk into your clothing store and find puddles of water from a broken pipe. Once moisture enters your store from a leak, your building materials can start to soak up water, and your relative humidity can rise. Since mold can start to grow in 48 hours if organic materials stay wet, it is essential to remove all moisture in the air and water that has saturated your contents and building materials.

When working on repairing commercial water damage in Helena, our SERVPRO technicians start by figuring out where the water went and what items in your store got wet. We can use moisture sensors to see what sections of your carpet got wet. We can utilize penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to test moisture levels of building materials like your drywall, cabinets, and wall studs. We can also use a hygrometer to test the relative humidity to determine how much moisture we need to remove from the air.

We can perform the following services to remove moisture from your structure:

After the inspection process, we can then start to take steps to remove moisture from your wet contents and building materials. For example, if your drywall got wet from water from the floor soaking into it, it could have to be replaced. If only part of your drywall got ruined, we could make a "flood cut."  We do this by cutting and removing the drywall a foot or two up from the ground to allow for airflow inside your wall cavities.

If you ever work at your clothing store one day and step in a puddle, call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008.

Advantages Of Commercial Water Damage Cleanup in Helena

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

puddle of water on hardwood floor When commercial water damage is the problem, call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008.

Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Cleanup for Helena Businesses

When a commercial water damage event happens in any professional building or retail store, faster cleanup lessens the loss.

The equipment used for commercial water damage mitigation in Helena properties can make a difference in the amount of loss. Incomplete water extraction through the use of wet/dry vacuums used by the regular janitorial crew.

SERVPRO technicians use pumps with wands that use various attachments such as weighted extractor heads for carpet and squeegees for tile, slab, and hardwood flooring. The techs commonly do several passes to pull out the maximum amount of moisture, reducing the drying phase of mitigation.

The drying phase of water loss cleanup is another difference. Even industrial-grade fans cannot compete with the power that comes from the centrifugal air movers. These machines deliver airflow at such a high velocity; it causes embedded moisture to rise where the dehumidification equipment captures it. These air movers create a cycle of progressively drier air that rapidly brings down the air moisture levels.

To ready the property for reopening, the technicians wipe down the premises with their cleaning agents, many of which are exclusive to SERVPRO, such as their Orange cleaner.

When commercial water damage is the problem, call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008. The certified techs have the experience and equipment to restore properties to their preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

How Can Commercial Establishments in Great Falls Avoid Mold Damage?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

mold growing near the carpet floor of a room Mold infestations can spread quickly - especially in a business setting. Contact SERVPRO to assess the situation and remediate the mold damage.

Be Vigilant of Flooding or Excess Humidity in Great Falls Businesses to Avoid Mold Damage

Mold damage to a Great Falls business can happen easily when a flood or a leak increases the relative humidity in your business and creates a suitable environment for mold spores to travel and spread. Knowing who to call to help address the damage and understanding the parameters of the cleanup process is necessary to determine if and how the growth will affect your operations and how you can pivot to minimize the loss. Hiring a professional team of experts can help you understand what needs to be done and plan for it.

In Great Falls, your mold damage needs are met by our SERVPRO staff and certified crew of technicians. Just a phone call away, our team is ready to help around the clock and identify ways in which your commercial operations can continue while mold remediation activities occur. Although it isn’t always possible, we do our best to minimize the loss and the disruption to your business operations. Setting up physical containment barriers while we work is essential to our success, but we also concentrate on the following:

  • Address the ventilation system and airflow to prevent mold from traveling through A/C ducts and settling in other parts of the space.
  • Create containment areas whenever possible where your business can continue unaffected in a safe manner.
  • Resolving the source of the excess humidity so mold does not become a recurring issue. 

When mold damage threatens your business, SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is ready to help. Call our crew at (406) 458-6008, and let us show you how our industry knowledge is put to work for you. Like you, we want your staff and customers to feel “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Restoration for Commercial Customers in Helena

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Here to Help graphic with man in background SERVPRO commercial damage restoration services are second to none. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year, no matter the size of disaster.

Helena Commercial Fire Damage Restoration You Can Trust with SERVPRO

You may have a Helena commercial or business property that's built tough, but there is little you can do when it gets hit with the devastating power of fire. Should you have severe fire damage, you may need to shut down. Hiring commercial restoration to get you back up and running is critical if you do not want extensive downtime. Your first action should be getting in touch with SERVPRO to address your fire and smoke damage.

The bottom line is that SERVPRO's commercial fire damage restoration for Helena process helps you reopen your doors to the public faster. Your entire property gets back to being safe, sound, and free of unsightly damage or pungent odors. SERVPRO offers 24-hour commercial restoration, even if you have a fire that rips through the building during the night shift. We work on all types of fire-related incidents, handling every detail with precision and care.

  • Initial Emergency Contact – With your initial phone call, we deploy our Green Fleet to your door, where our team mobilizes with the latest equipment and tools.
  • Inspection and Assessment – Once on the scene, we assess the damage, learn about the incident, and determine the best tools, products, and methods to restore.
  • Mitigation – Depending on smoke and fire damage, mitigation can be crucial to keep secondary damage from wreaking havoc. We air out the scene, seal off impacted areas, and remove charred debris.
  • Cleanup – Our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) focus on dust, soot, residues, and all surface areas throughout your commercial building. We also tackle any leftover water from first responders putting out the flames.
  • Restoration – With our controlled demolition phase, all unsalvageable materials get replaced; flooring, drywall, cabinets, carpets, and other elements get installed to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls is there for your commercial property when you need fire damage restoration. Call (406) 458-6008 for emergency service so that we can get your business back on track!

What Are the Essential Considerations During Water Removal From Great Falls Businesses?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

a flooded office with water everywhere Removing excess water is key to dealing with commercial water damage. Our certified SERVPRO team is standing by 24/7 for your emergency call.

Professionals Services Like SERVPRO Focus or Speed and Safety Removing Water From Properties

Removing water from your Great Falls commercial premises in good time helps in many ways. For instance, you can resume your regular operations, eliminate hazards and save vulnerable items like furniture, carpets, or electronics.

Water removal from your Great Falls facility takes more than just choosing extraction equipment. Establishing where the moisture is likely to cause the most damage if left unchecked should be a priority. That way, the chosen removal equipment or technique can address those areas first. 

Some of the most vulnerable areas in your facility might include:

  • Ceilings because of the risk of collapse
  • Floors, whether covered with hard all porous materials
  • Storage areas where you have stacked contents

Ceiling materials can collapse because of the weight of water collecting in the ceiling cavity, especially if the wrong removal approach is used. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians apply controlled demolition approaches such as punching weep holes first to release the trapped water. Later we can cut part of the ceiling panels to reach wet insulation and other damaged materials. We finalize water removal from such areas by circulating warm, dry air into the cavities.

When water accumulates on floor surfaces at your business facility, serious problems like deterioration of the floor materials or hazardous situations due to slick surfaces can develop. Expediting water extraction solves most of the problems. Trying to extract water from floor surfaces faster can pose its own set of problems.

Common issues with expediting floor water extraction include:

  • Scratching hard surfaces
  • Tearing carpeted floors
  • Leaving moisture traces

Our SERVPRO technicians use specialized extraction wands such as squeegee wands for tiles and other hard surfaces and carpet wands. We also use weighted extractors to squeeze water from carpets or drying mats to remove water trapped beneath tiles or wooden floorboards.

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls can help you complete water removal at your property with no complications. Talk to our representatives at (406) 458-6008.

How does Great Falls Business Recover their Premises Following Commercial Fire Damage?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

A building with fire and smoke blowing out of windows. Let SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls help get your business back to work after a fire damage.

SERVPRO of Great Falls is an Expert in Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Ash, soot, dust, and charred materials may be considered hazardous waste, which could affect the safety of your business for both staff and customers. It is vital to have a planned procedure for removing these materials from a premise without causing toxins to spread. It is just as important to correctly dispose of these substances by first identifying them and following guidelines from the environmental protection agency (EPA). After a business fire, most premises managers enlist the assistance of a professional restoration firm to help them quickly overcome:

  • Water & fire damage restorations
  • Smoke damage 
  • Fire restoration

A team of commercial fire damage technicians in Great Falls can help your business to reduce temporary closure following a fire. For many types of ash and charring, it is possible to contain these materials using double-sealed polyethylene bags and transport them to a municipal solid waste landfill. However, for some businesses, there may be toxic or chemical materials on site that could lead to ashes being unsuitable for transport to a landfill. These may include items like bulk pesticides, fertilizers, and larger air conditioning systems (HVAC). 

  • We can help identify specific types of waste by enlisting indoor environmental scientists or assistance from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
  • Pre-testing of materials and thorough assessment of the structure by a qualified technician can help to identify hazardous materials further. 
  • We can seal, transport, and dispose of any potentially biohazardous substances on-site included within the restoration service. 

If your business suffers a premises fire, contact SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls for commercial fire damage at (406) 458-6008.

Where to Find Commercial Fire and Smoke Remediation Services in Helena?

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

suppression system water dripping red background When your Helena Business suffered fire damage plus powder or water sprinkler injury to insult--Call SERVPRO for cleanup

SERVPRO’s Business is to Keep Your Helena Fire-Damaged Shoppe Open

Giving up a day job to open a business is no easy task. Opening a restaurant takes a lot of money, wit, and even some luck to get your idea off the ground. However, once you can serve customers and see their happy smiles, the stress, and second-guesses fall by the wayside.

When your restaurant finds itself in need of local Helena fire and smoke remediation services, don't hesitate to get help as soon as possible. Accidents happen, after all, we cannot predict the future. What matters most is how fast you respond- action is the best remedy. As fire cools, it is harder to remediate the damage, thus why action is so important. It is best to call for professional remediation services after you call for firefighting services. The quicker SERVPRO can get to your restaurant, the faster we can take care of the emergency services water damage, as well as the fire and smoke damage.

Our expert technicians work when you need us to. Should an electrical fire spark at midnight, we can be there. If a grease fire gets out of hand during dinner service, we already have a truck full of advanced technology ready to go. We understand fire damage waits for no one, so we make a habit of getting to you fast.

At SERVPRO, our technicians have access to the newest advanced technological devices, designed for fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup. Some of the devices we can use to help you are:

  • Hydroxyl Generators
  • Soot-dissolving cleaning agents
  • Vacuums for powder suppressant
  • Thermal Foggers

Every device we use has a special purpose, and they range from neutralizing malodorous smoke particles, to breaking down soot. Abandon guesswork and trust experts. Our goal is always to return your restaurant to you in its pre-fire condition.

If you need fire and smoke damage restoration, never wait. Speak with SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls by calling (406) 458-6008. We're eager to help you!

SERVPRO Can Provide Water Removal Services for Your Great Falls Video Game Store!

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

two boys underwater in a pool with a tablet Water and Video games do not go well together. Call SERVPRO for water removal and restoration at your Great Falls retail store

Great Falls Shop Owners Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Control and Mitigation

Owning a store is a huge responsibility, especially for those who are running small businesses. Picture owning a videogame boutique, equipped with new and vintage consoles, games, and merchandise. It is your dream store. The inside is decorated with nods to titles like Mario, and Mortal Kombat. Your shop has become the new spot that game enthusiasts want to shop.

Now imagine that the apartment above you leaves your store in urgent need of Great Falls Water Removal Services. When a pipe bursts in the upstairs apartment, water can rush to your store through the walls and ceiling. In a matter of minutes, your store can become soaked from the mass water damage upstairs, and your displays and merchandise can find themselves in danger.

Here at SERVPRO, we can provide your store with water clean-up services, and help your business recover from the damage of burst pipes. Our first goal is to pack up your merchandise and displays. We understand you would be stressed about electronics. We can bring them to our facility for inspection and then take the necessary steps to help you provide a list of damages to your insurance adjuster. Under difficult water damage control we can recommend a professional specializing in electronics recovery.

Once inside, we can begin with using rover-mounted extractors to remove the water from your carpeted flooring. Our goal is to remove the water as fast as possible, to help prevent mold spores from growing into a colony. SERVPRO can use truck-mounted devices to get the water out of your store and dump it somewhere far from you. From there, we can make necessary flood cuts and remove damaged ceiling tile. Drying is our last step, and we try to do it as fast as we can so you can get your business open once more.

If your business is impacted by water, never wait for help. Call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls by phoning (406) 458-6008. We're ready to help you!

How Can Mold Removal Get Started for Great Falls Schools?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

mold growing near a wall outlet Smell musty mold? Contact our SERVPRO technicians to assess and remediate the mold infestation in your home or business.

Mold Growth Can Quickly Envelop Great Falls Buildings, Requiring Fast Remediation Strategies

Because of how devastating and potentially health-hazardous that mold development and spread can be in Great Falls homes and businesses, these organisms' presence in local schools could impact hundreds of people. Our SERVPRO professionals are highly experienced with mold removal tactics. They can begin implementing critical remediation steps as soon as possible to limit the movement of active colonization in the building. Some of the mold removal options our team uses include:

  • Surface sanding
  • Soda blasting
  • Antimicrobial cleaning
  • Controlled demolition

Can Black Mold Removal Include Odor Elimination for Great Falls Schools?

Another potential obstacle for remediators after mold damage in Great Falls schools and businesses is a harsh, musty odor. Active colonization can emit formidable smells which require potent cleaning products and powerful deodorization tools to overcome. We can utilize foggers, hydroxyl generators, and air scrubbers to reduce and remove these odors in large facilities.

Mold damage can be a difficult situation that property management should address as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls remediation team can mobilize quickly with these emergencies to help. Give us a call today at (406) 458-6008.

How Does Containment Help Overcome Helena Water Damage?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

a man and a woman holding buckets to catch water falling from the ceiling Water damage cleanup needs to happen very fast. Team SERVPRO is standing by with the water removal equipment and the know how.

Water mitigation and containment work to prevent irreparable damage to Helena area businesses during restoration.

Mitigation can be one of our restoration team's vital efforts after a water disaster, namely to remove any surface water concerns or trapped moisture in sensitive materials. The less these potential situations exist, the faster the later cleaning and drying goes. We can help with:

  • Water damage remediation
  • Flood restoration
  • Basement flooding
  • Emergency services water damage
  • Ceiling leaks
  • Burst pipes

How Can Water Damage Remediation Work for Your Business?

Our technicians' prompt response plays a critical role in the flood restoration and emergency services water damage for Helena businesses we can implement.

Remediating and cleaning up after these disasters can require multiple tools in our recovery inventory but hinges most on appropriate containment when possible to keep your business going when water damage restoration gets underway.

Because water damage can spread so quickly, the 24/7 response of our SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls team can keep you going. Give us a call anytime at (406) 458-6008.

Do You Need Help with Water Removal in Helena?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO tech standing in front of Action Heroes picture Our action heroes are standing by and ready to restore your water damage.

SERVPRO Helps Protect Helena Businesses from Water Problems

Helena is one of the least populated state capitals in the United States, with just 28,190 people. The size makes Helena the perfect city for a relaxing vacation. There are plenty of activities for all the family, including shopping and restaurants. Yet the town is small enough that you are never far from a view of Montana's big skies and rugged landscapes.

Helena grew to prominence during the gold rush. During the mid-nineteenth century, so many people flocked to the area around Alder Gulch and Grasshopper Creek that the local government created a whole new site and called it "Montana." Helena started life as a small camp named Last Chance Gulch. However, some of the townspeople thought the name was too crass, especially as the base was rapidly becoming a thriving small town. A group of seven townspeople met to discuss the town layout and plan its future – and they gave it the name Helena.

The gold rush brought good fortune to the town. There were around millionaires living there by 1888, more per capita than anywhere else. In today's figures, Helena's wealth would be in the billions. The freely available wealth directly contributed to Helena's stunning Victorian architecture, including a vast, imposing cathedral and a very striking state capitol building.

Helena continued to thrive beyond the nineteenth century, and nowadays, it houses many government departments. It is popular with those who want to get close to nature and offers everything from hiking and skiing to white water rafting and hang gliding.

Enjoy the Arts in Helena

Among its many other attractions, Helena has a great arts scene. If you are seeking a cultural encounter, you might like to check out: 

  • The Holter Museum of Art features a range of fascinating modern art exhibits. It aims to foster healing through art, and it hosts regular exhibitions, classes, and talks to encourage residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the arts.
  • Grandstreet Theater is one of the most prominent community theaters in Montana. Grandstreet performers have been putting on excellent shows for over forty years, and the theater is staffed entirely by volunteers. They also run a renowned young person's theater program.
  • The unusually named 1+1=1 Gallery started life as a tiny pop-up art gallery and now has a brick and mortar space. The gallery features painting, sculpture, ceramics, and furniture by local artists and holds all-age art classes and gatherings.

How can You Protect Art Before Water Removal?

Anyone who has a gallery or theater knows that water can wreak havoc with canvas, paper, and costumes. SERPVRO is sensitive to the local arts community's needs and understands that fast action is a must for water removal. 

If you need water removal, there are some things you can do while waiting for our teams:

  • Remove printed and painted materials from rugs and carpets to prevent bleeding onto the floor coverings.
  • Wipe down any surfaces that are not at risk of color bleeding, such as metal and wooden furniture, and some sculpture and ceramics (use good judgment here.)
  • Place aluminum foil under furniture legs if you can (you might also do this for display tables and cabinets if they are not too heavy.)

If you need help with water damage in your business, contact SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008.

Montana Battle of the Bands at Helena Civic Center

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Battle of the Bands logo with navy mountains and a colorful striped background We look forward to watching the Battle of the Bands with our community.

Experience Live Music at the Montana Battle of the Bands Live Concert in Helena

Live music is excellent for the soul, and many incredible bands are looking to win the top spot at the Montana Battle of the Bands taking place at the Helena Civic Center. Do you know who the best band is in the State of Montana? The bands will be voted in by nomination, then gathering to battle it out two multiple stages.

When: POSTPONED
Where: Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Avenue, Helena, MT
Time: The first band starts at 4:00 pm

Due to local social distancing requirements, each stage is allowed up to 200 people for in-person viewing. The entire show will also be live-streamed for music-lovers at home. Contact the Helena Civic Center to learn more about purchasing tickets to be in the live audience at this event.

The arts, local music, and our community are essential to us here at SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls. Should you require professional intervention for mold remediation at your commercial location, we have the skilled technicians and proven methods to handle it for you. Call us for emergency remediation, cleanup, and restoration at (406) 458-6008.

How Should We Respond To Fire Damage At Our Great Falls Hotel?

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Living Room On Fire Preparing for a fire damage incident before it happens is an excellent way to ensure you can respond correctly.

SERVPRO Can Help You Prepare an Emergency READY Profile Plan for Your Business Ensuring Immediate Bounce Back After an Incident

Hospitality facilities have a greater risk of damage from fires because of various activities that happen there, like the preparation of meals. The large number of people that patronize these facilities also increases the risk in different ways. When there is an incident at your Great Falls premises, you may agonize whether the type of response you choose is appropriate to address any damages and other issues that arise after an incident. SERVPRO can help you explore the likely causes of fire at your facility or offer restoration services when an incident occurs.

What are the usual causes of fire damage in Great Falls hotels?
    •    Faulty heating and cooling systems
    •    Deep fryers and other cooking equipment
    •    Electrical faults
    •    Careless or malicious guests
    •    Laundry equipment

Fires in Great Falls can develop at any time in your facility since there are factors that you cannot control while others remain hidden until they spark a fire. For instance, you have no way of knowing which guests are careless enough to throw cigarette butts on flammable materials or start fires intentionally. On the other hand, lint build-up in laundry dryers, or deterioration of electricity cables, are some of the few unseen problems that can lead to serious fires.

When preparing the Emergency READY Profile Plan (ERP), our SERVPRO technicians can help identify issues that conceal fire hazards. We perform a full assessment of your facility at no cost. During the checks, we can help you identify issues such as wrong material types for exhauster vents in laundry dryers. For example, if your unit has a silver or white vinyl duct hose, we recommend replacement with a metal one since the vinyl one ignites easily.

How can the ERP help bad behavior from guests?
Since spying on your guests is not practical for legal and ethical reasons, you need other ways to address problems in case of bad behavior from your guests. One way the readiness plan can help is by ensuring you detect fires at the earliest stages. Our SERVPRO technicians check whether you have enough smoke detectors in the facility. The standard requirement is to have a detector in each room and along the hallways in every level of the building.

Apart from checking whether the units are installed, we also go a step further to help you ensure they work when the need arises. We confirm whether you check the batteries monthly and whether you replace alkaline or lead batteries at least once every year and the detectors once a decade. Preventive maintenance, such as vacuuming the detectors bi-annually, is also crucial.  Taking such steps ensures quick detection of fires, and when combined with effective fire suppression mechanisms, you can minimize the damage likely to result from actions by your guests.

Does an ERP Plan help after a fire incident happens?
Although the intensity of the fire is the main factor that determines the outcome of an incident, how you conduct the renovation processes can prevent secondary issues or lead to worse outcomes. The emergency ready profile helps by:
    •    Collecting critical information needed to address the emergency
    •    Identifying the chain of command  
    •    Establishing the professional restorer to call after an incident
    •    Providing crucial information such as priority areas and location of power mains

Fast action is the best way to respond to fire damage because even after the flames die down, the property keeps deteriorating. If the incident happens when managerial or other members of staff with authority are away from the premises, it might not be clear what actions are necessary, thus creating the opportunity for secondary damages to develop.  The SERVPRO mobile app identifies the restorer to call and the actions members of staff are expected to take.

Notifying SERVPRO in time allows us to reach the loss site early and thus take preventive steps. For instance, we can help save soiled carpets, beddings, and other fabric materials from severe staining. We can also help save metal or chrome finished accessories such as doorknobs from corrosion by soot and other smoke residues through pre-cleaning and applying protective oil film. When a faster response helps save your items, there are more advantages than just lowered costs. For instance, it can lead to a faster conclusion of the restoration process since there is no need to remove and replace the materials saved from secondary damage.

Preparing for a fire damage incident before it happens is an excellent way to ensure you can respond correctly. Call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008 to help prepare a readiness plan. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How Can I Determine if My Great Falls Building Has Mold Growing?

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

mold growing on wall We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and available 24/7 for emergency response.

SERVPRO Helps Great Falls Business Owners to Address Mold Damage Fast

Mold is present in every home, but if you have excess moisture, then your Great Falls commercial space becomes a breeding ground for mold spores. Even if you think you may have removed one patch, there could be other areas where mold is present. It is critical that you have trained technicians on-site to assess the mold situation so that you can have it cleaned up properly.

How Can I Test for Mold?

To address mold damage in Great Falls, there are mold test kits available at nearby big box stores or local hardware stores. However, SERVPRO highly recommends contacting a certified specialist, such as a Industrial Hygienist, to assess your commercial space rather than spending money on a kit that may provide inconclusive results. From there, our crew can start in with remediation services. This process may include:

    •    Testing and identification of mold infestations
    •    Testing for indoor air quality

SERVPRO is available to help with your cleanup needs once you suspect mold inside your business. It is essential that the areas suspected to contain mold are not disturbed in any way until we arrive. This can cause mold spores to travel through the air, and the potential for health effects multiplies. You should:

    •    Protect the affected area from drafts or breezes
    •    Lower the humidity within the space
    •    Turn off all fans or ductwork to the impacted space
    •    If possible, block off or isolate the area

Cleaning Moldy Areas

Our certified SERVPRO technicians have the necessary training on safely and efficiently handling all potential mold infestations. We arrive wearing the appropriate gear, such as:

    •    Coveralls
    •    Gloves
    •    Goggles
    •    Face masks/respirators
    •    Protective footwear

During the mold cleanup, we utilize dehumidification equipment and air purifiers to achieve our goals. Our team uses EPA-registered cleaning agents and disinfectants to stop mold in its tracks so that your business space is left clean and safe for your employees and guests.

Call (406) 458-6008 today to have SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls take a look at your mold damage concerns. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and available 24/7 for emergency response.

Is My Helena Business A Total Loss After A Fire?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Blazing Fire border isolated on black Fire can be devastating, but our Green Team is available 24/7 to help.

SERVPRO Understands Your Business is Your Life and Our Team of Professionals Work Hard to Restore Your Helena Company to Pre-loss Condition

A fire does more than cause an inconvenience to your Helena business. It damages, destroys, and stops your livelihood in its tracks.

How can my business be saved from total loss?

After a fire has ravaged your business, you may be overwhelmed by the way things look. There can be structural damage, ruined documents, and it may feel like you have lost everything. But fire damage to your Helena business doesn't always mean everything is ruined. SERVPRO understands what your company is going through, and we are here to provide immediate restoration services to help you get up and running. Here is just a portion of what you can expect from our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT):
    •    Safety first – any components that are designated unsafe will be removed.
    •    Structure assessment – we examine the structural framing, support beams, and subflooring to ensure the above' soundness.
    •    Carpeting and floor coverings – these get removed for cleaning if possible and to prevent further damage to the floor underneath.
    •    Odor – Deodorizing is a big part of dealing with fire damage
    •    Smoke and soot damage – we clean using powerful chemicals that remove soot.
    •    Air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to reduce odors and airborne particles
    •    HVAC systems – we service ductwork, so that clean air gets restored quickly

Specialty Restoration

Restoration is preferable over replacement, and we restore as much of the contents of your business as possible. We can reupholster furniture and clean drapery to remove smoke damage. You need your business restored so you can get busy doing what you do best, and we help by doing what we do best – clearing up fire damage.

Fire can be devastating, but our Green Team is available 24/7 to help. Contact SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls at (406) 458-6008 for professional fire damage service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Who Can Clean Up My Shop After a Sprinkler System Malfunction?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

ceiling that is ripped up to fix from water damage Water damage can cause unnecessary stress to a business owner. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to remediate the damage.

Our team has a fast response to help protect your wares and goods after a water loss in your Helena shop and to get you back up and running as soon as possible.

It can often be a considerable challenge to address not only standing water concerns in your shop but also the effect that these conditions can have on your stock. Direct exposure can be devastating to many materials, so our SERVPRO team needs to respond as promptly as possible so that more of these wares do not suffer the same fate. With a location right in Helena, we can mobilize quickly with the full measure of our extraction, drying, and cleaning equipment.

For as problematic as water damage in Helena shops like yours can be, many property owners still often choose to address these concerns on their own. While it might initially appear to handle the issues more efficiently, there are many shortcomings with DIY restoration. From content management through drying efforts that can penetrate beyond surface damage, our professionals have the experience that can more thoroughly and completely remove moisture and water loss effects.

What Do I Do with My Stock After a Water Loss?

As a business owner, one of the most considerable investments that you make is in the wares in stock that you sell to your customers. When water loss incidents occur in Helena, these wares could be in jeopardy. One of the most effective methods for protecting this investment in your business is allowing our technicians to either relocate or remove these items to our nearby warehouse for more intricate and focused cleaning.

  • On-Site Relocation - Undoubtedly, some items are within the path of the migrating water damage but have not yet become affected or damaged by this spreading threat. Our technicians can remove these items from the drying zone to a safer location. By doing this, our team can remove the need for cleaning and restoration of these items.
  • On-Site Cleaning and Restoration - There are many instances where relocation might not be the best option for the wares in your shop. On-site cleaning utilizes many of our potent cleaning products and techniques to restore your stock where it is stored. 
  • Off-Site Recovery - Through our pack-out procedures, we can carefully protect and move belongings from your shop to our warehouse for focused cleaning efforts. Not only can we effectively dry these materials there, but we can also work on aspects like surface cleaning, deodorization, and safe storage.

How Does the Carpet Get Dried and Cleaned?

Carpeted areas are not uncommon in small shops here in the city. When sprinklers malfunction, however, these carpeted areas can become figurative magnets for pooling water and saturation concerns. With the use of several sophisticated tools, our professionals can work to remove trapped water from carpet and padding layers to protect the flooring from requiring removal and discarding. Some of the ways that our professionals can extract, dry, and later clean these flooring materials include:

  • Carpet Wands
  • Floating
  • Hot Water Extraction

Will SERVPRO Repair the Damaged Plumbing?

One of the biggest questions that property owners might have after a loss incident stemming from broken fixtures is what subcontractors are necessary to get the job done. While many look to our SERVPRO professionals to offer fast and reliable restoration, many do not realize that we also offer real-time construction solutions from the temporary board up and tarping through a full-scale reconstruction of areas where the material was discarded. Some of the highlights of having commercial and residential contractors on staff include:

  • Licensed In-House Commercial Contractors – With licensed contractors on our roster, we can offer more precise controlled demolition, faster build-back, and a seamless and efficient transition from upgrading. 
  • Assessment – With experienced building trade professionals at the helm of this division, you get accurate assessments of structural concerns.
  • Repairs – With specializing in areas like plumbing, flooring reinstallation, and general contracting, we can prioritize efforts like repairing the damaged sprinkler element so that this suppression system can get recharged and returned to operation. 

How Soon Can My Shop Reopen?

An immediate concern of business owners is how water losses are going to affect their bottom line. It is always a priority of our SERVPRO team to get you back in business as quickly as possible. Depending on the affected areas, it can even be possible to contain the drying zone in a smaller portion of the shop floor, allowing you to continue operating in a limited capacity until restoration completes.


No matter what your business needs to get back to preloss condition, our SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls team can help. Give us a call anytime at (406) 458-6008.

Whom Do I Call for Help to Get My Helena Restaurant Back Open?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

flaming skillet in a commercial kitchen Keep the flames under control in your Helena area restaurant kitchen--or call SERVPRO!

Isolating Kitchen Fire Damage in Your Eatery and Cleaning Up Is What SERVPRO Does Best!

Fire losses are not surprisingly one of the most common disasters that affect Helena restaurants, especially those that originate in the kitchen areas. Whether it is training a new chef to put out timely and delicious cuisine to fatigue setting in during a grueling dinner rush, accidents happen and can cause fires to start in the kitchen area of your business. Protecting the rest of your restaurant hinges on the fast response of professional restorers like our SERVPRO team.

How does--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster--help my business?

From the time that we first learn of a disaster in your facility, we can mobilize the personnel and equipment that we need to address fire damage in Helena restaurants, within hours typically, including:

  • Deodorizers
  • Cleaning agents
  • Solvents
  • Air Quality Equipment
  • Water Restoration Tools

When our team first arrives at your damaged business, first responders and firefighters have likely already cleared the structure of patrons and staff. In this critical window of time following the extinguishment of the kitchen fire, our SERVPRO professionals can establish containment barriers to prevent the migration of harsh lingering effects like odors, soot, and possible carcinogens into the dining area of your eatery. The less that these areas can become affected, the faster the entire facility can get readied to receive customers again.

Can you put my diner back in business soon?

With a containment zone for fire restoration, we can also begin controlled demolition that the kitchen area might need. Fires can destroy even stainless-steel appliances and counters, so any of the structural elements directly in the path of the spreading flames might require replacement. We have a team of in-house contractors that can perform the demolition and build back of your restaurant as necessary. A seamless transition between mitigation and build back can help you to get your doors open again quickly after a fire loss emergency.

Fires can destroy your restaurant kitchen area, but many of these debilitating effects can remain contained in this kitchen and out of the dining areas with a fast response by our SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls team. Nearly half of the commercial properties that close their doors after a disaster never open them again, but it is our business to get you back in business. Give us a call today at (406) 458-6008.

How small leaks can damage your property.

8/11/2019 (Permalink)

watch out for undetected water leaks. Call SERVPRO today 406-458-6008.

When you think of severe water damage, the first images that come to mind are probably severe flooding with cars floating down the street and a basement fully immersed in water. Rain and flooding do cost business and home owners tens of millions of dollars in repairs annually, but a slow and persistent water leak can also lead to catastrophic damage if not addressed in a timely manner. We explore the consequences of allowing a slow leak to continue.

Structure Damage

Your business or home relies on wood and metal materials. Water can weaken wood and corrode metal. Over time, this weakening can lead to floors buckling and walls and ceilings collapsing.

Sheetrock is also prone to water damage. The gypsum materials in sheetrock can act as a sponge, drawing in the water and weakening the walls. This is also prime breeding ground for mold growth.

Untreated brick and concrete are also susceptible to damage. Continued exposure to water can cause cracks and erosion. If the water freezes and then thaws out, the damage left can be severe, requiring expensive and extensive repairs to the foundation.

Flooring and fixtures

Water can weaken the backing of your carpeting and rugs and make them more susceptible to damage. Additionally, carpeting is not intended to get wet and can attract mold, mildew and insects when it is not dried out right away.

Constant leaks can also cause corrosive damage to metal fixtures such as sink and shower heads. The constant water can cause decay over time to rubber gaskets and cause the water pressure to decrease.

In the bathroom, an unattended leak can lead to loosening tiles in your shower or countertops. Leaks in the kitchen can lead to buckling floors and discoloration.

Mold & Other Pests

When water is allowed to remain stagnant for any period of time, it begins to attract mold, insects and germs. If a wet environment is allowed to remain in your business or home, airborne pathogens and mold will be attracted to it.

Financially Devastating    

Water damage becomes especially expensive when attempting to sell your building or home. It’s better to be proactive now, than to wait until your building or home is already on the market. Home inspectors are trained to look for water and mold damage and will document their findings, no matter how big or small, in their pre-sale inspection report. Potential buyers can use this report to offer substantially less than your asking price or, worse yet, abandon the deal altogether because they feel the building or home is too much trouble to repair.

If you suspect you have a leak call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls today. 406-458-6008.

We can determine the scope of your water damage at any stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Fire Damage to your Helena or Great Falls Business

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you with your fire damage. Call 406-458-6008.

When a fire strikes your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Helena or Great Falls commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a Helena or Great Falls commercial fire successfully and speedily, implement the following four tips:


1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert. 
Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.


2. Assemble Your Records. 
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business's essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.


3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately. 
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.


4. Get Permission To Reenter The Building. 
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can reenter your building. In some cases, fires can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that reentry is safe for you and your employees.


Call SERVPRO For Fast, Friendly Fire Remediation Services 406-458-6008.

Is Your Business Prepared?

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Only 25% of businesses that close due to a major disaster ever reopen.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a storm, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies.

The following are common sense measures business owners and managers can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, the local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival. Review the following questions to learn if your company is prepared.

Be Informed
Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your company? Do you know what you
will do in an emergency situation?

Develop a Business Continuity Plan 

Do you know which staff, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep operating? Do you have
backup plans for those operations? Do you know what you will do if your building or plant is not accessible? Do you know what you will do if your
suppliers are impacted by a disaster? Are you ready for utility disruptions?

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with employees before, during, and after an incident? Do you have copies of building and site maps with utilities and emergency routes marked? Are your employees trained for medical emergencies?

Practice the Emergency Plan

Have you practiced your plan recently? Do you practice and coordinate with other businesses in your building or industrial complex? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

Have you secured all the ways people, products, and supplies get into your building? Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to
determine what can be strapped down?

Improve Cyber-security

Do you regularly install patches to your software? Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

Promote Family and Individual Preparedness

Do you encourage employees to have a personal emergency supply kit and a family communication plan?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your business.

Restoring Commercial Property Following a Water Damage

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help.

Flooding and water damage events in Cascade or Lewis & Clark County 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 Present 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. 406-458-6008

About SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls 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.

Providing immediate services day or night for Helena and Great Falls, Mt.

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Montana residents we provide immediate service day or night. Please call SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls.

Helena and Great Falls Area Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in our area.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 406-458-6008 for Helena or 406-952-1001 for Great Falls

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property in Cascade county or Lewis and Clark county. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

www.SERVPROhelenagreatfalls.com

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring Commercial Property after a water damage event

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls helping CR Anderson recover from water and fire damage.

Restoring Commercial Property after a water damage event.

Flooding and water damage events in the Great Falls and Helena 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 Helena & Great Falls

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls specialize 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.

Call us at (406) 458-6008

Restoring Your Helena or Great Falls Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/28/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Helena 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 Helena & Great Falls 

SERVPRO of Helena & Great Falls 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. 

Call Us Today (406) 458-6008