What to Do When Water Damage in Your Pensacola Bar Uncovers Asbestos

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to remediate after a water damage event at your bar or restaurant. Our quick response can save you downtime.

SERVPRO Technicians are Trained to Remediate Water Damage and Its Associated Issues

There is lots of misinformation around about asbestos. While it can be dangerous, the amount of risk is dependent on a range of different factors. For example, it is entirely possible to live in a house or work in a building which contains asbestos for many years and never be affected. Ultimately, if the condition of the material is stable and undisturbed, the risk is negligible.

The problem is that things like commercial water damage in Pensacola buildings have a tendency to dislodge hazardous materials and send toxic substances into the air. Older buildings, like bars and restaurants, are commonly affected because many have been operating in the same location for decades. So, if you own a bar in a very old building, there is a chance that leaks and floods could uncover previously concealed patches of asbestos.

Knowing How to Respond

The good news is that SERVPRO knows how to deal with the problem. The presence of asbestos does make water damage repairs more complicated, but our technicians are still able to complete a restoration. However, you may be asked to close the business while we carry out the work.

It can be a frustrating request for a business as busy as a bar, so we promise not to ask unless it is a necessity. The course of repairs largely depends on the condition of the material. If it is exposed, but the block or outer surface is undisturbed, the risk is minimal. You may be able to continue serving customers if the damage is in an area which we can privately contain.

The Impact of Water Damage

The presence of asbestos in a water damaged bar means that SERVPRO must use delicate clean up methods. The severity of the damage might be fairly light, but it may still be necessary to install polyurethane sheets for substance suppression.

The use of abrasive cleaning techniques is not suitable, so pressure washing water stained walls is inappropriate in this case. Instead, the technicians employ a combination of wet sponge techniques, detergents, and paint sealers (to cover stubborn marks).

Similarly, until the asbestos is safely extracted or resealed, the introduction of air movers and box fans is discouraged. HEPA vacuuming is an effective way to capture asbestos dust and powder, as long as the movement of air in the room is under control. Every individual who enters the affected space must wear PPE safety garments.

SERVPRO of West Pensacola provides fast, effective water damage repairs to business owners in the Pensacola area. We are in a perfect position to assist you if your bar or restaurant requires expert attention after a leak or flood. Call us 24/7 at (850) 469-1160.