Choosing commercial property insurance

If you are choosing commercial property insurance, there are things that you will need to consider.

Commercial property insurance is designed to protect property owners from the cost of claims that may arise from unexpected damage. There are many causes of damage from fires, to floods or even a break in. That’s why it’s important to be properly insured.

But what is it?

What is commercial property insurance?

It differs from typical domestic insurance because commercial buildings are often a different type and are of course, used for different things. Commercial property insurance takes these differences in to consideration.

Commercial property insurance typically covers the following:

  • Loss of rent – Useful for if there has been serious damage and the property can be used for a period of time. This is for if the property is leased out
  • Contents insurance – Contents could be damaged from any type of disaster and may need repairing or replacing
  • Accidental damage – Accidents aren’t to seek! As such, they do happen and often repairs or replacements are required for items within the property
  • Malicious damage – Antisocial behaviour or damage caused by tenants can be costly, which is why this is a good addition of cover to have
  • Legal cover – If help is needed with expensive legal fees, legal cover can help to reduce them, handy if you ever need to take a case to court
  • Cover when unoccupied – Perhaps between tenants or due to renovation, vacant properties can often draw unwanted attention in the form of antisocial behaviour and thieves

Need help navigating the claims process for commercial restoration?

The above highlight some requirements for commercial property insurance when the property is leased out to a tenant, but if you’re insuring for your own use, you may choose to tailor your policy differently to the above.

Through ServiceMaster Restore Plus, we work closely with insurance companies to restore your property following most disasters, but if that aspect isn’t covered within your policy, we are happy to take on private cases too.

Call 0845 762 6828 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

19 Genuine Facts About Mould

Learn more about mould with the damage restoration experts from ServiceMaster Restore. 

Everyone has seen green, fuzzy mould on bread, fruit or other food at one in point time.

But what about the mould that develops along the grout in a bathroom or along a wall?

Mould in the home can cause material and structural damage and be a health hazard, so it is important to know the facts.

That’s why the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore have compiled 19 facts about mould everyone needs to know.

  1. Mould needs moisture to grow

    Outdoors, mould grows in the soil, on vegetation and on decaying materials. Indoors, mould thrives in damp, moist conditions like bathrooms, basements or even behind the plasterboard when there’s been water damage.

  2. Mildew is mould

    That white-grey, powdery stuff that sometimes appears on the leaves of plants is mildew, an early stage of mould.

  3. There are four common types of indoor mould:

  4. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium.

  5. Often, mould found in a home appears greenish-grey, brownish-green, grey and even black

    You may find slimy green mould on the exterior growing on vinyl siding located in an area that receives little to no sun. This mould usually can be removed with a power washer.

  6. Mould fungi spread by spores

    These act as seeds to form new mould colonies.

  7. Some mould spores contain toxins that can cause health issues when inhaled: People with mould allergies, pregnant women, anyone suffering from asthma, or who has a compromised immune system or respiratory conditions shouldn’t be exposed to mould. This is why mould remediation by professionals is essential.

  8. It can cause flu-like symptoms

    Reactions to mould may include but are not limited to, headache, fever, cough, wheezing and other flu-like symptoms. It can trigger asthma attacks as well.

  9. The terms “toxic mould” or “black mould” refer to Stachybotrys chartarum Typically, it’s greenish-black in colour and develops after a space has suffered heavy water damage. It, and all other kinds of mould, needs to be removed safely by professionals trained in mould removal.

  10. Mould on a shower curtain or in the tile’s grout around a bathtub can be removed by a homeowner

    Bleach removes mould, but remember to only use it in a well-ventilated room. Also, some types of tile will etch with bleach contact, so make sure to spot-check the bleach before using it around the entire tub.

  11. Proper ventilation is key to reducing mould growth

    Running a bathroom fan can help reduce the development of mould in the room. Open glass shower doors to allow ventilation and never bunch a shower curtain, instead keep it open so it can dry thoroughly. Remember, mould needs moisture for growth.

  12. A musty, mildewy smell in the cellar is not natural

    It’s likely mould due to water damage, a cracked foundation or leaking pipes. If that musty, mildewy smell is present in your home, it’s important to locate the source of the smell or the location of the mould.

  13. Keeping indoor humidity levels below 45% can inhibit mould growth.

  14. Condensation on windows, walls and other hard surfaces is a sign of high humidity in the home, which increases the risk for mould development.

  15. After a water damage event (flood, burst pipe, firefighting efforts), mould can begin to grow as soon as 24 to 48 hours.

  16. Mildew, a type of mould, easily develops on cardboard, books and even fabrics –

    Store old clothes and other items in water-resistant containers instead of cardboard boxes to reduce the risk for mould growth.

  17. Mildew often can be brushed off of fabrics like curtains and clothing.

  18. After a home flood, mould can grow in many unseen places including behind plasterboard, within insulation, or on carpet padding.

  19. Adding mould inhibitors to paint before painting can reduce the potential for mould growth.

  20. ServiceMaster Restore offers complete mould performed safely and effectively by professionals.

Mould damaging you and your property?

If you have noticed some mould growth in your property that you want to be rid of, call in the experts by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or call our 24-hour line on 0845 762 6828.

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Common leak types in commercial buildings

If your water bill is going up without reason, it might be worth knowing the common leak types in commercial buildings so you can prevent them.

Water leaks can cause excessive property damage and create a hefty water bill! That’s why it’s best to monitor your water usage and identify the common leak types in commercial buildings.

Toilet leaks

Several parts within a toilet can become worn and lead to issues including water loss. By checking seals and all parts for wear, tear and damage and repairing any concerns, you can prevent water leaks from happening.

Underground leaks 

These are not as easy to detect, but general giveaways include wet soil, water gathering, extreme plant growth and unusually high water bills. Drains and pipes require water leak detection equipment to help locate leaks. If found, pipes can be dug up and repaired. If not, exploratory digging may be necessary to find the source of the leakage. So, it’s vital to establish the responsibility of underground leaks before doing any exploratory work.

Hidden leaks 

Leaks can be found in surprising places! While not the most obvious type, hidden leaks can often be the most devastating, mainly because they can go undetected for so long. Look out for watermarks, swelling of walls and floors, higher water bills and noise!

ServiceMaster Restore can help with leak detection, and the restoration of water damage if required. We have a thorough detection, extraction, drying and cleaning process to ensure that commercial properties are restored both quickly and effectively. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure.

Identify leaks early or start your recovery with ServiceMaster Restore

Think your building leaks?

We can help.

With our expert leak detection services, our technicians use top-of-the-range technology to identify leaks before they become a problem.

If, however, the worst does happen, you can also see further information on our water damage services, or call us in an emergency on 0845 762 6828.