Should I have my duct work cleaned?

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Is your duct work dirty?

Is my duct work dirty? Should I have it checked?

The ventilation system within your commercial space is key to your air quality.

Estimates made by the World Health Organization say that poor indoor air quality cost $60 Billion in employee sick leave and lost production.

Poor air quality can spread illness, cause respiratory irritation, and cause employees to feel drowsy or apathetic. In some cases, it can spread illness and cause employees to become sick frequently.

You don’t want to keep the air in your commercial space too dry nor too humid. Both ends of the humidity spectrum cause health issues and can make your staff uncomfortable. Instead, try to keep the humidity level in your building between 40 and 50 percent.

The ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Inspecting the ductwork must be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your office building.

Another problem that affects ductwork in commercial businesses is when input and output vents become blocked by boxes, equipment, furniture or dust. This reduces the free flow of air through ducting systems and, by association, reduces air circulation throughout the entire commercial building.

Part of your responsibility to the tenants, workers, and/or students who work and play in your buildings includes proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton can help:

• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Eliminate offensive odors

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. This inspection can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

To schedule a duct cleaning or inspection call 603-298-6942.

Like it never even happened

When water becomes a hazard

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage

When water becomes a Bio Hazard!

Homeowners often don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their lateral sewer pipe which is the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.

Sewer backups and toilet overflows can wreak havoc in your home and can create a bio hazard situation very quickly.

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

So, what are the most common causes of sewer backups?

In the Northeast we have many older homes, often times these homes can be over 100 years old and one of the causes of sewer backup is aging sewer systems.

The ASCE states that the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years old. This has caused and contributed to the rapid rise of sanitary sewer back ups, overflows and flooded basements.

Tree roots seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the problem tree's owner.

Combined pipelines cause problems to arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline.

During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying drains.

There are 3 categories of contaminated water that homeowners may have to deal with in a water leak or sewer back up scenario, they are:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Water can go from Category 1 to category 3 quickly if left untreated and exposed to bacteria.

Give us a call at 603-298-6942 if you are dealing with any water or sewer backup and we'll make it "Like it never even happened"

Fires during Construction and Renovations

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fire at construction site

The days are longer and the weather is warmer, it's time get those construction and renovation projects underway!

Fires in structures under construction are more common than you may think.

According to the NFPA fire departments responded to an average of 3,840 fires of structures that were under construction and 2,580 fires in structures that were under major renovations per year between 2013-2017.

The cost annually for this is $304 million in direct property damage and three of every four fires in structures under construction involved residential properties.

Fire at a construction site is bound to endanger the lives of workers and anyone else on site. A fire at the site can also damage the structure and destruction of machinery and materials; ultimately putting the job at a stop and delaying the whole project.

It is imperative that every project has a clearly laid out fire protection plan and a project manager/construction manager to make sure that the plan is in place and that every one is aware of the plan and point of contact.

Fires at construction sites can start for many reasons and it is important to know fire types and how to handle each one.

Class A fires occur in wood, rubber, paper,cloth and most plastics. The most effective type of extinguishing agent is one using water, or solutions containing large concentrations of water,because the ‘‘quenching-cooling’’ effect reduces the temperature of the burning material below its ignition temperature. Fire extinguishers suitable for this type of fire are designated with a classification of “A” on the label

Class B fires occur in flammable or combustible liquids, such as petroleum products and greases.
A “blanketingsmothering” effect of an agent that excludes oxygen or inhibits the chemical chain reaction is most effective. Extinguishers labeled “Class B” employ carbon dioxide, dry chemical, Halon or foam.

Class C fires involve electrical equipment. The extinguishing agent must be non-conductive. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical and Halon are the normal types used for electrical fires.

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zirconium and titanium. The use of water and some other conventional types of extinguishing agents are ineffective and may cause a violent reaction. These fires can be extinguished with specially prepared agents. Where this hazard exists, extinguishing agents with a D-class rating should be provided. All on-site fire extinguishers should be serviced and inspected.

According to the NSC The woodworking area should be set up in a remote area of the project.
Where possible, dust-collecting apparatus should be installed for power equipment. Dust, scraps and refuse should be removed regularly and properly disposed of. Smoking should be prohibited in the area.

Cutting and welding sparks cause more
construction fires than any other ignition source.

The person responsible for fire safety should implement fire protection systems and ensure
adequate precautions are taken.

The NSC also recommends to expedite the installation of automatic sprinklers.

Underground mains, hydrants and a source of water should be provided in the earliest stages of construction. The goal should be to get sprinklers in service ahead of combustible occupancy and immediately following combustible construction.

Making sure that all local codes are being implemented and followed is imperative to a safe and effective worksite.

SERVPRO of Lebanon/Hanover/Littleton welcomes any and all questions about fire safety! Give us a call today at 603-298-6942