Tag Archive for: Restoration

Restoring Customer-Facing Spaces After Fire or Flood Damage

Restoring customer-facing spaces after fire or flood damage is our speciality. It’s not just about fixing the problem. It’s about how quickly you can reopen, how the space looks, and what customers see when they return.

Fire or flood damage rarely remains isolated. Water spreads, smoke lingers, and surfaces can become stained. Even if the visible damage appears limited, its impact on appearance and safety can be broader than anticipated.

Why First Impressions Matter More After Damage

Customers notice changes right away. A lingering odour, a stained ceiling, or damaged flooring can diminish trust. Even minor signs of damage can raise concerns about safety and standards.

In retail, hospitality, and healthcare environments, presentation is directly linked to customer confidence.

The Challenges of Restoring Public Spaces

Restoring customer-facing areas involves more than just basic repairs. You need to ensure:

  • A clean, safe environment
  • No visible signs of damage
  • Minimal disruption to operation
  • A swift return to normalcy

Achieving this balance can be challenging, especially when damage extends beyond what is initially visible.

Why Speed and Quality Both Matter

Acting quickly helps limit further damage, while performing repairs correctly ensures satisfactory results. Rushing repairs without adequate drying or cleaning can lead to:

  • Lingering odours from smoke or dampness
  • Stains that resurface
  • Hidden moisture that can cause mould

Restoration must address both the visible aspects for customers and the hidden issues beneath the surface.

Getting Back to Business

Professional restoration focuses on returning spaces to a safe and presentable condition as quickly as possible. This process includes cleaning, drying, deodorising, and repairing the affected areas.

ServiceMaster Restore collaborates with businesses across the UK to restore customer-facing environments after fire or flood damage. Our teams act quickly and prioritise both safety and presentation.

If your premises have been affected, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to learn how we can assist you. When damage occurs in customer-facing spaces, the urgency to address it is immediate. It’s not just about fixing the issue; it’s also about how quickly you can reopen, the space’s appearance, and what customers will notice when they return.

What Franchise Buyers Should Know Before Entering the Restoration Sector

Build a Scalable Restoration Business with ServiceMaster Restore.

The restoration sector is one of the most resilient franchise opportunities in the UK. Fires, floods and escape‑of‑water incidents happen every day, and insurers, landlords and commercial clients need fast, reliable support. Because demand never pauses, restoration offers franchise buyers a rare chance to build a scalable management business with strong margins and predictable revenue.

For commercially minded individuals, this is a compelling opportunity: a management‑led franchise with recurring demand and the potential to exceed £200,000+ turnover.

This is not a job. This is a business you build.

A Sector Where Demand Never Pauses

ServiceMaster Restore operates in the UK’s fire, flood and disaster restoration industry, a multi‑billion‑pound sector driven by events that cannot be postponed. With 5.5 million UK homes at risk of flooding and around 50,000 dwelling fires each year, the need for professional restoration services stays constant.

For franchise buyers, this means:

  • Recurring demand
  • A stable flow of work
  • A market that is not tied to economic cycles

If you want a business that performs in all conditions, restoration is one of the strongest sectors to enter.

What Your Role Really Looks Like

Many people assume restoration is a hands‑on trade. In reality, a restoration franchise is a management-led business. You do not carry out the technical work yourself, your role is to lead, grow and manage the operation.

You focus on:

  • Building insurer and commercial relationships.
  • Securing work within your defined local territory.
  • Managing technicians and contractors.
  • Maintaining service standards and financial performance.
  • Driving local business development.

Your success comes from leadership, sales and operational management, not from doing the restoration work yourself.

What ServiceMaster Restore Provides

ServiceMaster Restore gives franchise owners a proven, structured model in a high‑demand sector. From day one, you receive the tools, training and support needed to build and scale your business.

You benefit from:

  • A two-week training academy & full operations manual
  • Equipment and product starter pack
  • Marketing support & bespoke business software
  • Promotional materials & vehicle branding package

Funding support is also available, with banks often lending up to 70% of the investment, depending on your circumstances.

The Commercial Potential

From an investment perspective, the numbers speak for themselves:

  • Average job value: £2,000
  • Three jobs per week supports potential annual turnover over £200,000
  • Strong gross margins and scalable returns
  • Opportunity for up to 10x ROI for committed owners

Restoration is a sector where commercial effort directly drives growth.

Is Restoration the Right Sector for You?

If you want to build a scalable management business with predictable demand, strong margins and long‑term potential, the restoration sector is worth exploring. ServiceMaster Restore offers a proven model, national support and a brand trusted by insurers and commercial clients.

You are likely a good fit if you:

  • Have management, sales or commercial experience
  • Enjoy building professional relationships
  • Want a structured, proven business model
  • Prefer long‑term growth over short‑term wins

Take the Next Step

If you want to understand the potential in your local area and explore whether ServiceMaster Restore is the right platform for the business you want to build, an initial conversation is the best place to start. Click HERE to find out more.

Fire, Water, Mould – Why Secondary Damage Drives Up Claim Costs

Fire, Water, Mould – Why Secondary Damage Drives Up Claim Costs

When something goes wrong in a property, the first damage is usually obvious. For example, a fire breaks out, a pipe bursts, or water floods a room. That part feels clear and immediate. However, what catches many people out is what happens next.

Secondary damage is the damage that follows the original incident. It often causes more disruption, costs more to fix, and takes longer to resolve. In many insurance claims, secondary damage is what drives up costs, sometimes far beyond what people expect.

What Is Secondary Damage?

Secondary damage occurs when the initial problem is not addressed quickly or thoroughly.

After a fire, the water used to put it out soaks into floors, walls, and insulation. Smoke particles settle into soft furnishings and hidden spaces.

After a leak or flood, moisture spreads beyond the visible area. It moves under flooring, behind walls, and into ceiling voids.

If moisture remains, mould can develop, therefore turning a water issue into a mould remediation job, which is more complex and costly.

How Fire Damage Leads to Water and Mould Problems

Fire damage rarely comes alone. Firefighting efforts introduce large amounts of water into a property. In winter, drying takes longer.

If soot and moisture are not removed quickly, they continue to damage surfaces. Metal corrodes. Fabrics absorb smoke smells. Damp areas stay wet.

Over time, mould can form in areas that were never directly touched by flames. At that point, the claim becomes larger, more complicated, and more expensive.

How Water Damage Turns into Mould Damage

Water damage spreads fast, especially in larger properties. Even when the visible water is removed, moisture often remains trapped.

That moisture feeds mould growth. Mould does not need much to grow. Warmth, time, and a damp surface are enough.

Once mould is present, cleaning alone is no longer enough. Materials may need to be removed. Air quality becomes a concern. Occupants may need to leave the space. All of this adds to the cost and time of the claim.

Why Secondary Damage Increases Claim Costs

Secondary damage increases costs for several reasons.

  • More areas of the property become affected.
  • More materials need repairing or replacing.
  • Specialist cleaning and drying equipment is required.
  • Restoration takes longer, increasing labour and disruption.

Insurers frequently look at how quickly action was taken. Delays can lead to higher excesses, longer claim timelines, and additional scrutiny.

Why Early Action Matters

 

The fastest way to control claim costs is to limit secondary damage.

  • Early drying prevents moisture from spreading.
  • Timely cleaning prevents smoke and soot from settling deeper.
  • Early assessment identifies hidden damage before it worsens.

Prompt professional restoration reduces the chance of mould, structural damage, and extended downtime.

How Professional Restoration Helps Control Costs

Restoration is not only about fixing what you can see, but it is also about stopping damage from escalating.

Professional teams assess the full extent of fire, water, and mould impact. They target affected areas early and use controlled drying and cleaning methods to protect the rest of the property.

This approach keeps claims more manageable and helps properties return to use sooner.

Support When It Matters Most

Fire, water, and mould damage can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty is often worse than the damage itself. Knowing the right steps to take early makes a real difference.

ServiceMaster Restore supports property owners and insurers by acting quickly and decreasing the risk of secondary damage. Our teams focus on protecting the building, controlling costs, and helping life return to normal.

If you need support after fire, water, or mould damage, call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

 

 

Why Condensation is Worse in Winter and How to Stop it

Condensation can become a significant issue when winter arrives. You first notice it on the windows, and then it can spread to frames, walls, and corners.

Many people wonder why condensation worsens in colder months. The answer is straightforward: warm air inside your home comes into contact with cold surfaces, which causes it to condense into water. This is why winter condensation occurs quickly and can lead to problems if left unaddressed.

You heat your home more often and keep the windows closed. Cooking hot meals and drying clothes indoors also contribute to increased indoor moisture. This moisture has nowhere to go, so it settles on any cold surfaces it can find. If this continues, you may end up with mould, damp patches, and peeling paint.

Here are a few ways to reduce winter condensation and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue.

1. Improve ventilation

Fresh air significantly impacts indoor air quality. Open windows for a short time each day, and use extractor fans when showering or cooking. If your windows have them, utilise the trickle vents. These small actions can help remove moisture before it settles.

2. Keep rooms at a steady temperature

Cold rooms attract condensation quickly. Maintaining a steady temperature is essential because warm air can retain moisture for longer. Try to prevent rooms from getting too cold between heating cycles. Even a slight increase in temperature keeps surfaces warmer and reduces moisture buildup.

3. Avoid drying clothes indoors

Drying clothes indoors adds significant moisture to the air. If this is your only option, position the clothes near an open window or an extractor fan. A dehumidifier can also help quickly reduce winter condensation.

4. Move furniture away from cold walls

Large pieces of furniture block airflow, creating cold pockets where moisture settles. To allow air to circulate, leave a small gap behind wardrobes, beds, and sofas.

5. Wipe away moisture each morning

If condensation forms overnight, wipe it off before it soaks into the frames or plaster. This simple habit reduces mould growth and maintains windows in better condition.

Condensation during winter is common, but if left unaddressed, it can cause damage to your home. If you notice damp patches spreading, strong musty odours, or persistent mould, the issue may be more than just simple moisture build-up. Hidden leaks or inadequate ventilation can often exacerbate the problem.

ServiceMaster Restore can help if you are worried about water damage or mould. Our teams assess the issue, identify the cause, and carry out the appropriate restoration steps to protect your home.

Call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

Home Safety Tips During the Festivities

Here are a few home safety tips to keep you safe this festive season, without taking the fun out of it.

December is a time for cosiness. Lights are hung, the heating is on, and the aroma of delicious food lingers in the air for weeks. However, it’s also a season when small accidents and home emergencies are more likely to occur. With candles, cooking, decorations, and cold weather, there are many things that can go wrong if you’re not careful.

1. Check your Christmas lights

Before hanging up lights, inspect them for frayed cables, cracked bulbs, or loose fittings. Older light sets can overheat, particularly when they are left on for extended periods. Whenever possible, choose LED lights, as they remain cooler and consume less power. Always remember to turn them off at night or when you leave the house.

2. Be careful with candles

Candles add a lovely ambience during this time of year, but they are a common cause of festive fires. Keep them away from curtains, decorations, and anything flammable. Never leave a room with a candle burning, no matter how quickly you think you’ll be back.

3. Cook safely

The kitchen becomes quite busy in December with guests, music, and children running around, making it easy to get distracted. To stay safe, keep tea towels, packaging, and decorations away from the stovetop. If you are deep-frying, never leave it unattended, even for a moment.

4. Keep heaters and fires clear

Radiators, electric heaters, and open fires all emit radiant heat that can easily dry out decorations or Christmas trees. Maintain a distance of at least one meter around any heat source. If you have a real tree, be sure to water it daily to prevent it from drying out.

5. Test your smoke alarms

A quick test takes only seconds but can save lives. Batteries discharge more quickly in cold, dry air, and heating systems tend to produce more dust. Ensure that every level of your home has a functioning smoke alarm.

6. Watch those extension leads

With lights, chargers, and gadgets everywhere, it’s easy to overload electrical sockets. Spread plugs across different outlets and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords. Too many devices in one socket can cause overheating quickly.

7. Plan for cold weather

Check the pipes in your loft and garage, especially during cold weather when temperatures can drop quickly. A frozen pipe can burst and cause flooding in your home within minutes. To prevent this, insulate the pipes where possible and keep the heating on low, even overnight, during very cold periods.

A little preparation can make a significant difference. Fires, leaks, and power issues can all be prevented with simple checks and a little awareness. If something does go wrong, ServiceMaster Restore UK is available 24/7 to assist you. Whether you’re dealing with fire, flood, or smoke damage, our technicians are ready to restore your home quickly and safely.

Stay updated by following our website and social media for more home safety tips and other content.

Call 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.

Signs of water damage

If you are looking to buy or rent a property, it’s wise to watch for signs of water damage. Signing a contract is straightforward, but exiting it can be difficult if you discover water damage after you’ve signed.

Here are some signs of water damage to watch out for.

Outside of the property

  • Look around the exterior window and door frames; is there any separation? A separation often indicates the potential for leaks or moisture entering the property.
  • Check for missing or cracked roof tiles. This can show if water might enter through the roof.
  • Ensure guttering is intact so that water can flow away from the property freely.

Inside the property 

  • Look for water rings on the ceiling or walls, as these indicate leaks from pipework.
  • Check for any signs of a leak; even small watermarks tell a story.
  • Look for soft or sagging areas in the flooring, especially near water appliances like sinks, baths, dishwashers, and washing machines. While this might simply be faulty appliances, it’s worth investigating.
  • Inspect for cracked and warped flooring, which can reveal previous water damage that caused further problems.
  • Notice any recent repairs to ceilings, walls, and floors, as this may indicate past water damage has been repaired.
  • Remember to check the loft, basement, and garage—all can provide important clues about water damage.

Need professional water damage restoration?

If you are unfortunate enough to be faced with a property with water damage, we can help!

Visit our water damage page, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or contact us on 0845 762 6828

How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for a Flood

From damaged stock to operational downtime, the impact of a flood can be costly and long-lasting. Whether your premises are located on a high street, in a business park, or in a rural area, it’s essential to prepare in advance. Here’s how to prepare your commercial property for a flood.

1. Check if You’re at Risk

Check if your area is at risk of flooding using the government’s flood risk checker. Sign up for free flood alerts via the gov.uk to receive early warnings through text, phone, or email.

2. Carry Out a Flood Assessment

A flood risk assessment helps you understand how water may enter your premises and which areas or equipment are most vulnerable. Use this information to plan protective measures and prioritise critical systems.

3. Safeguard Key Equipment and Stock

Where possible:

  • Keep important stock, documents, or servers elevated above ground level.
  • During high-risk periods, move portable items to higher shelves or upper floors.
  • Ensure that computers and sensitive equipment are kept off the floor and backed up regularly.
  • Install waterproof storage to protect essential records.

4. Create a Flood Response Plan

Make sure your staff know what to do in the event of a flood. Your plan should include:

  • Roles and responsibilities for key staff
  • A list of emergency contacts
  • Instructions for shutting down power safely
  • How to secure stock or equipment quickly
  • Clear evacuation routes and access to emergency kits

Conduct regular training sessions or practice drills, especially if your business operates in a high-risk environment.

5. Install Physical Protections

Invest in flood defence products where possible:

  • Flood boards or barriers for doors and windows
  • Airbrick covers
  • Non-return valves on drainage and pipes
  • Sealant for walls and floor gaps

6. Check Insurance Cover

Ensure your policy includes cover for flood damage, business interruption, and contents. Keep copies of your policy, photos of equipment, and asset records in a safe and accessible location.

Need flood recovery support?

We’re ready 24/7 to help businesses across the UK recover quickly and safely.

Contact us today at 0800 021 3970, or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to learn how we can assist you.

,

How do ServiceMaster Restore’s Expert Leak Detection Services work?

The science behind leak detection. 

Water leaks can lead to significant problems if left undetected, no matter how small.

From mould growth to structural damage, the consequences can be dire, so property owners must identify and address leaks quickly.

But how to do this when it’s undetectable to the naked eye?

Disaster Restoration (and prevention) professionals like our teams at ServiceMaster Restore use the latest high-tech leak detection equipment to accurately and precisely pinpoint the source of a leak.

But how does it work?

This blog post breaks down the science behind how our equipment helps to detect leaks within your property.

  1. Infrared Cameras

All objects emit some infrared radiation.

Infrared (IR) cameras (often called thermal imaging cameras) detect radiation in the infrared spectrum and visualise emissions as heat maps.

These detect even the slightest temperature changes caused by water leaks.

The colour variations on the camera’s display also help visualise the presence and spread of moisture.

  1. Acoustic Sensors

When water leaks from a pipe, especially under pressure, it generates a sound.

The frequency and intensity of this sound can vary based on factors like the size of the leak and the pressure within the pipe.

Acoustic sensors, placed strategically, can pick up these sound waves, enabling us to pinpoint the leak’s source even when it’s deep within walls or flooring.

  1. Moisture Meters

When a surface or material gets wet due to a leak, its moisture content rises.

Moisture meters measure the moisture content in various materials.

They employ pin-type probes that penetrate the material or non-invasive sensors that take readings from the surface.

These allow us to detect elevated moisture levels, even if there’s no visible sign of dampness.

This is useful for checking areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as behind walls or under flooring.

The ServiceMaster Restore Response

These tools, when combined, offer a comprehensive and highly accurate method of locating even the most concealed leaks.

By harnessing the science behind these technologies, ServiceMaster Restore ensures prompt and precise leak detection, mitigating potential damage and offering homeowners peace of mind.

With these state-of-the-art tools, we ensure homes and buildings remain safe and dry, nipping potential water damage in the bud and saving you the cost, trauma and damage of restoring preventable damages.

Contact Us

If you think your property may be suffering from water leaks, mitigate potential damage today by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business.

Or, in a crisis, call 0845 762 6828 for 24/7 professional disaster restoration response.

,

ServiceMaster Restore Spotlights Excellence as the Sponsor of the Insurance Broker Awards 2025

ServiceMaster Restore attends the Broker Innovation Awards, recognising excellence from Insurance Brokers and claims teams in the UK.

ServiceMaster Restore UK were delighted to attend the prestigious Insurance Broker Awards as a sponsor, spotlighting excellence in the claims industry from outstanding brokers and claims teams.

And what a night it was, as the awards boasted a record-breaking number of entries!

This blog post has all the details.

Broker Innovation Awards 2025

The event, run by Barker Brooks and Claims Media, was held at the iconic One Moorgate Place, a beautiful Grade II listed venue in the heart of the City of London, and celebrated the excellence of insurance brokers, MGAs and Insurtechs.

The awards cover a range of categories, recognising insurance intermediaries of all types at the cutting edge of customer service, policyholder protection and industry best practice.

Our Sponsorship

This marked our second year sponsoring and attending the awards, where we sponsored and presented the coveted award for Claims Team of the Year.

This was presented to Brown & Brown Claims (UK) Limited for their efforts towards transforming the claims process through collaboration, efficiency, and a customer-first approach – something we echo and hold great value in ourselves.

How ServiceMaster Restore supports Brokers

At ServiceMaster Restore, we work closely with stakeholders throughout the claims process and have developed seamless solutions to support all we service, including insurance brokers, to help them provide the best possible service to their policyholders in times of crisis.

ServiceMaster Restore Plus is our network of restoration specialists, which streamlines the claims process as a hassle-free addition to your existing coverage, catering to the diverse needs across sectors to ensure guaranteed same-day callouts, exceptional service, and cheaper claims costs.

ServiceMaster Restore Connect is our official supplier network, connecting you and your policyholders to the nation’s most reputable trade experts and contractors.

This allows us to provide an end-to-end solution for disaster restoration wherein brokers and their policyholders don’t just benefit from 65+ years of expert disaster restoration services – but from approved suppliers who can support with anything from drainage solutions to waste management and pest control.

Looking for a restoration specialist?

Whether you’re a loss assessor, adjustor, MGA, insurance broker or property owner, ServiceMaster Restore are on hand when you need it most.

With over 65 years under our belt as disaster restoration specialists, providing fire, flood, smoke, vandalism, trauma, and mould restoration services across the UK, you can guarantee that through our end-to-end solutions, we have a way to help you in a crisis.

To see more about how your local expert can help you, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today.

, ,

Awaab’s Law: What it means for social landlords

All you need to know about Awaab’s Law and what it means for you.

On October 27, 2025, Awaab’s Law comes into force in England. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died from prolonged exposure to mould in his home, the legislation aims to prevent similar incidents by placing greater responsibility on social landlords.

From October, the law introduces strict deadlines for social housing landlords to tackle damp, mould, and other emergency hazards.

Here, the experts from ServiceMaster Restore Devon explain what this legislation means for landlords, what they can do to prevent mould problems, and how we can help ensure compliance while protecting tenants.

Implications for social landlords

Awaab’s Law applies to almost all social housing, including temporary and supported accommodation, occupied under a tenancy and let by a registered provider. Under Awaab’s Law, social landlords are legally required to:

  • Investigate emergency hazards (e.g., gas leaks, electrical faults, loss of water supply, and damp or mould posing an immediate health risk) within 24 hours.
  • Address significant hazards (such as damp and mould that could harm health) within 10 working days.
  • Commence necessary repairs within five working days if a hazard is confirmed, and complete them within a reasonable timeframe. Alternatively, landlords must provide suitable temporary accommodation at their expense

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to legal consequences, including potential compensation claims from tenants and increased scrutiny from the Housing Ombudsman.

Preventing mould problems

While the law focuses on prompt remediation, landlords can also take proactive steps to minimise mould risk, including:

  1. Educate tenants on ventilation and heating: Encourage tenants to ventilate rooms, and use extractor fans when cooking and dehumidifiers when drying washing indoors.
  2. Regular property inspections: Identify damp or mould early, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
  3. Prompt repairs and maintenance: Fix leaks, faulty plumbing, or damaged roofs immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
  4. Use mould-resistant materials: Consider mould-resistant paint or plaster when refurbishing high-humidity areas.
  5. Clear communication channels: Make it easy for tenants to report issues so hazards are addressed before they escalate.

By combining tenant education, regular maintenance, and early intervention, landlords can reduce the likelihood of serious mould issues.

How ServiceMaster Restore can support landlords

ServiceMaster Restore offers professional mould remediation services to help landlords comply with Awaab’s Law:

  • Expert remediation: We use specialist cleaning products and techniques to eliminate mould and prevent its return.
  • Rapid response: Our on-call emergency service ensures a prompt response in emergencies.
  • A flexible service: We can respond at a time that suits your schedule, including evenings and weekends.
  • Safety assured: We provide risk assessments, and all our uniformed cleaning technicians wear appropriate PPE, are DBS-checked and fully trained.
  • Peace of mind: We have comprehensive public liability insurance.

Partnering with ServiceMaster Restore ensures that landlords not only comply with Awaab’s Law but also maintain the integrity of their properties and the health of their tenants.

For assistance with mould removal, contact the ServiceMaster Restore Devon team on 01395 350065 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help you today.