How Can Augusta Business Owners Minimize Disruption During Mold Damage Cleanup?

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

Augusta Business Owners Do Not Want Mold Damage Cleanup To Disrupt Their Operation

Any business owner in Augusta knows that even a short business closure can create havoc with their profits. Every day a business is closed is terrible news, and entrepreneurs want to get back up and running quickly.

Mold remediation in Augusta businesses does not always mean a full closure, but there are times when this is necessary. Even if the organization does not need to close, there is no doubt that mold remediation disrupts daily operations.?

SERVPRO of Columbia County understands the concerns of the local business community. Our Franchise is affiliated with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and we are dedicated to helping maintain a thriving business economy here in our city.

How badly can mold disrupt a business?
The extent to which mold disrupts a commercial enterprise is affected by several factors:

    •    Which area of the building the fungus is growing in
    •    How far the mold has spread
    •    Whether the damage is severe enough to warrant structural repairs in addition to mold damage cleanup

We often deal with smaller patches of mold without disrupting staff and customers, but more difficult situations mean closing off all or part of a building. This can leave some staff members unable to carry out their duties.

Does mold automatically mean closing down?
Not necessarily. For example, if we are working in an office block with three staff bathrooms and only one has mold growth, we can use containment to seal it off while we work, and the rest of the office can carry on with business. You may be able to move some staff to another location from where they can continue working.

If, however, there is extensive fungal growth in a shop or warehouse, it might be necessary to close for a short time until the problem is solved.

SERVPRO technicians will assess the mold situation by:

    •    Visually examining the fungal growth
    •    Using thermo-hygrometers to measure humidity in the area
    •    Using infrared cameras to track the movement of moisture across walls and ceilings
    •    Using moisture meters and probes to measure moisture in wood, plaster, drywall, carpets, and even furniture

When our assessment is complete, we will discuss with you the best steps to clean up the mold damage, how long it will take, and whether closure is necessary.

How can entrepreneurs minimize disruption?
The best way to minimize disruption is to call SERVPRO as soon as you suspect you have a mold problem. Fast action prevents the fungus from spreading further and thus causing more problems. We are available 24 hours, so do not hesitate to call us if you see or smell mold in your premises.

When you call us, please make sure your staff does not:

    •    Attempt to clean the mold themselves, as this can make it worse
    •    Blow, brush, or disturb the mold
    •    Walkthrough the affected area more than necessary

Please switch off HVAC systems and fans.?

How does SERVPRO minimize disruption?
We know you need to get back to business as soon as you can. Our technicians will use plastic sheeting to set up containment around the affected area to focus our work there. We will also set up a decontamination area if needed. These steps minimize the risk of spreading mold to other parts of your business.

We understand that the key to effective remediation is excellent planning. We agree on the course of action with you before we begin, and then we ensure each team member has the equipment necessary to work quickly and efficiently.

We can also liaise with insurance adjusters on your behalf if needed. If remediation calls for plumbing, construction, or electrical services, we will hire and supervise the correct people. Working with others on your behalf makes things go more smoothly and minimizes the amount of time you need to spend dealing with the situation.

Is it possible to plan for mold remediation?
We highly recommend setting up a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP). The ERP is free to use – download the app, set up a profile, and follow the instructions. Your ERP includes an assessment of your facility, critical information about your business, a note of the line of command and emergency contact details, and a plan for getting your company back to work following a disaster. You can even set your local Franchise as your go-to remediation specialists.

An ERP means your staff knows who to call and what to do in an emergency, including mold growth. You must share it with other decision-makers in your business.

If you are concerned about mold damage in your business, call SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441.