Commercial Flood Damage at a Rochester Retail Store

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

After a disaster strike, the aftermath is what causes the destruction most often. A thunderstorm or tornado can damage a roof, but it is the accompanying water that can ruin a local business.

Flood damage to Rochester commercial properties can be a costly, temporary, problem or it can shut doors permanently. SERVPRO has the expertise and personnel to make sure the latter does not happen. We have a 24-hour response team with the latest equipment in restoration. A rapid response is particularly important for businesses such as furniture stores. The variety of types of wood, cloth, and varnishes mean that more than one method of drying is necessary.
 
The first step is to get the furniture out of the water. Even just an inch can cause the varnish to separate from wood surfaces and color to bleed from covering fabrics, carpets, and drapes. Our technicians use industrial-grade pumps that can remove water from even a large, warehouse-sized, structure in a matter of hours.

Next, all items can be either removed to a dry location or placed up on blocks or pallets to lift them out of water trapped in carpets or flooring. Area rugs, curtains, and drapes can be removed and hung. They can be transferred to our facility if needed. With everything out of the way, the response team uses extractors to pull water out of carpets and flooring.

The drying process must be applied to the structure itself and everything inside. In a large facility, our response team can set up a series of air movers and exhaust fans inside the structure and at exits and entrances. These machines pull the damp air out of the building and replace it with dry air from the outside. For smaller rooms (offices, exclusive showrooms) inside, we place dehumidifiers inside to draw moisture out of the air.

Drying furniture requires a dry atmosphere, but if the varnish has already absorbed water, then an even heat may be needed to help dry it while not causing damage from the heat itself. To end up with a smooth finish, we can use a series of space heaters placed around a group of items with similar woods and coatings. Technicians try to avoid applying direct heat as this can cause bubbles to form underneath the surface.

The drying and restoration process may be time-consuming, but it can help you keep the doors open. Call us today at (585) 482-9390 to get started. SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County is here to help you put your livelihood back together.