Looking for Quality Local Property Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage Cleanup, Restoration and Reconstruction Services?

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO professional services are the Right Choice for Fire Damage Cleanup and Remediation Following a Manhattan Home or Business Fire

Tenants, Homes and Businesses in Manhattan neighborhoods are using more electrical appliances and equipment each day, many NYC local buildings were not designed for our ongoing electrical consumption needs. It’s easy to take for granted the power coming from our walls but if you’ve ever tried to switch on the microwave while the oven, dishwasher and coffeemaker were on before a family dinner and the lights shut off, you’ve created an electrical circuit overload.

This residential fire damage cleanup and restoration project was the aftermath of a fire that started in the family room. When our crews arrived quickly, on the same day as the property damage event there was significant smoke and soot damage throughout the entire home. The homeowners were surprised how quickly the smoke and soot damage traveled. If an electrical overload has caused fire, smoke and soot damage to your home or business, you need the professional assistance of a disaster restoration company. Choosing SERVPRO of Central Manhattan for your restoration needs, you are working with professional remediation specialists with the proper training and experience to clean up damages from fire, including smoke and soot. Our fire damage restoration team works quickly to restore your apartment, home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

Circuit breakers play an important part in every property's electrical system.

When the current of electricity going through a circuit is too much for it to handle, an electrical overload can happen. Usually, it occurs when you have too many devices plugged into a single circuit, but it can happen with older homes if you are trying to run an appliance that uses excessive energy. Acting as an important safeguard, a circuit breaker will shut off the electric flow, protecting your home or business from an electrical circuit overload that can cause the circuit to overheat, which could cause damage to appliances and ultimately result in a fire. While circuit breakers are reliable and do a great job preventing residential and commercial fires due to overloads, if the power surges are excessive they can, over time, result in electrical fires.

The three most common causes of a circuit breaker shut-off are:

• Overloaded Circuit
• Short Circuit
• Ground Fault

Signs of Overloaded Circuits

The most obvious sign of an electrical circuit overload is a breaker tripping and shutting off all the power. Other signs can be less noticeable; buzzing sounds, burning smells, and unusually warm devices also can indicate other wiring problems, such as loose connections or short circuits. If any of these problems persist after you’ve taken steps to prevent circuit overloads, contact an electrician.

• Dimming lights, especially if lights dim when you turn on appliances or more lights.
• Buzzing outlets or switches.
• Outlet or switch covers that are warm to the touch.
• Burning odors from outlets or switches.
• Scorched plugs or outlets.
• Power tools, appliances, or electronics that seem to lack enough power.

See our facebook page for links and resources about additional concerns regarding electrical fires

Following a residential or commercial property fire from a circuit overload, or other fire disaster. It’s important to contact your local SERVPRO for professional fire cleanup and restoration help, our first step is to assess the damages.

Fire leaves different kinds of soot on surfaces depending on what burned in your Manhattan residential or commercial property. Even a small blaze produces acidic smoke and soot that needs to be cleaned up. During your initial fire damage inspection, SERVPRO of Central Manhattan will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Depending on how much smoke damage there is, there are various methods we can use to clean up the surrounding walls and ceiling.

Soot composition can vary quite a bit depending on the underlying causes. All types of soot cause at least some darkening, and in severe cases, any type of soot can look completely black. 

Dry Soot 
Dry soot is caused by very hot fires burning natural ingredients swiftly. It has a dry, dusty texture and almost no smell. Dry soot is often easier to manage than mold or storm damage. In many cases, removing it is as simple as using a vacuum with a HEPA filter on all surfaces. 

Wet Soot 
If a fire smolders for a while on low heat and burns high moisture items, wet soot may be created. This is essentially dry soot that has mingled with steam to create a sort of soggy, sooty mess. Cleaning up wet soot requires a combination of fire damage and water damage strategies. 

Oily Soot 
When plastics, rubbers, and other products containing oil are burned, soot can turn into a sticky, greasy substance. If you try to wipe it up, it will just smear instead of going away.  Also, because it contains oil, it will be resistant to water-based cleaning products. Unlike dry soot, oily soot will cling to any surface, even vertical areas. 

Protein Soot 
Protein-based soot is a greasy soot that tends to occur as the buildup in kitchens or the product of a kitchen fire. It involves overcooked proteins that turn to soot, and it has a very pungent odor. This type of soot is quite hard to get rid of, and the odor may linger if it is not cleaned up properly. 

Our technicians check out all damage and match the best cleaning method to soiling, each type of soot gets a different cleaning method. Our technicians are fully trained and certified under the guidelines of The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to restore your home to its original state. Local teams learn the latest procedures to clean carpets, furniture and surfaces of soot and to remove the smoke odor that can linger for weeks in an untreated home. One fire site can need a variety of cleaning methods, our crews can handle it all.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Specialists use commercial grade vacuums to remove soot and another residue. Our blowers and exhaust fans can be adapted to work from a large family room to a small laundry closet. We use a wide-variety of cleaning products specialized for every surface in a home from marble countertop cleaners to soaps and dry sponges that gently remove soot and not the paint underneath. We can use HEPA grade filtration systems, air scrubbers, and ozone machines to help improve the Indoor Air Quality.

For Fire Disaster Property Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan at (347) 960-5658

When dealing with soot damage, our SERVPRO teams have a few different options available

Dry Clean the Soot 
If you primarily have dry soot in your home, you can use dry cleaning methods to pick up most of the soot. These methods are essentially the same methods you would use for removing dust. A dry cloth can remove soot from tables and furniture, while a vacuum can pick it up off carpets, upholstery, and flooring. Dry-cleaning will ensure that powdery soot does not smear into a blackened grime. 

This method is a little tedious, so it is normally only recommended for smaller areas of soot. It can be helpful for doing a basic clean up and ensuring the soot does not spread before you can get more help. Keep in mind that if you try a dry-cleaning method and the soot begins to smear, you may need to try a wet cleaning method. 

Wet Clean the Soot 
A wet cleaning method can be effective if you have wet or oily soot. To use this method, combine soap with water to lightly scrub an area with soot. Try testing it in a small area to ensure that it can pick up soot without making the mess worse or damage the underlying surface. 

Wet cleaning soot does have some benefits because it can pick up soot that is mixed in with oil or moisture. However, it is quite time-consuming and requires a lot of effort. Another downside of the wet cleaning soot method is it’s only feasible on tile or other waterproof surfaces. Using water to clean drywall, wood, or electronics is not advisable. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

When you experience fire or smoke damage to your local NYC home or business you might not be sure what steps to take next. Once the fire department has left and you have called SERVPRO of Central Manhattan, our fire damage remediation specialists will guide you through the fire damage restoration process and take the necessary steps to get you on the path to recovery.

1. Initial Inspection- One of our trained managers will come inspect your property for damages and see how intensely the fire/smoke affected your home and determine with you and/or your adjuster what steps need to be taken next.
2. Structure/Content Clean- Depending on what has been determined in step one, SERVPRO will start the process of cleaning and restoring your home and/or contents, including cleaning walls and ceilings, personal belongings, ducts, etc.

Fire Restoration & Reconstruction Services

Residential or Commercial Fires often causes significant structural damage and often require repairing and rebuilding your property. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan offers comprehensive reconstruction services for both residential and commercial properties our professionals are uniquely qualified and prepared to meet your reconstruction needs. Our construction team works quickly and effectively, working with you to survey the extent of the damage, develop a plan for reconstruction, and assess whether your property is safe to occupy. Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan crews are ready to undertake reconstruction projects of any size, structural repairs and rebuilding may only involve a portion of your property, or in some cases a complete rebuild may be necessary.

Contact us today if your property has been damaged and needs repairs or reconstruction services.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

We're Here to Help You

If you do experience a fire, professional fire restoration services like SERVPRO of Central Manhattan can handle the entire fire cleanup process—from assessing the smoke and fire damage to rebuilding your home, "Like it never even happened." Wherever your Manhattan Residential or Commercial Property Disaster occurs SERVPRO Restoration Teams can help.

Our SERVPRO team is the right choice for your Manhattan property disaster restoration

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

When your Manhattan home or commercial building faces damages from a property disaster, working with a full-service disaster restoration and cleanup company can give you the advantage you need to save money and time during the property recovery process. Our SERVPRO location offers a unique opportunity to work with a local trusted restoration and recovery team, that includes IICRC certified property damage technicians and licensed contractors with disaster restoration rebuilding experience. Giving you a complete property disaster restoration and rebuild option for cleanup and repairs.

Choosing a disaster restoration and recovery company after your Manhattan property suffers a property damage is an important step. Choosing an experienced and professionally trained and accountable team as your property restoration partner is the key to a successful outcome. We recommend you choose us because we deliver:
    •    Swift response times and round the clock availability – we are available 24 hours a day.
    •    Well-trained staff – we put all our technicians through rigorous training.
    •    Advanced technology – we use state of the art equipment to mitigate damages.

Our staff and restoration managers understand that a rapid response is critical to your recovery, our team will provide comprehensive cleanup, mitigation, restoration and rebuild options following a property fire disaster. SERVPRO is trusted leader in the restoration industry providing advanced technology and training to a nationwide team of skilled technicians and project managers. Our crews have vast experience and knowledge offering a wide variety of restoration services to recover your commercial property with minimized cost and business interruption.

OUR Training - SERVPRO’s team of highly trained employees never stop preparing. Each team member has been thoroughly trained for fire restoration, water restoration, carpet & upholstery cleaning, and mold mitigation before stepping foot inside your home or business. Our skilled SERVPRO technicians have ongoing training extending far beyond their initial IICRC training, with continued education programs and e-learning seminars and courses our technicians cultivate skills to make them more efficient with mitigation, remediation and ALL other advanced restoration techniques. We pride ourselves on providing industry-leading equipment and training to our teams to make your property damage cleanup and restoration process quick and effective.

OUR Equipment - Our teams use high-quality products and advanced technology equipment to provide you with the most effective cleanup and restoration results. SERVPRO equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the amount of damage sustained to your property and possessions following a fire, smoke or water loss. Our state-of-the-art equipment including, portable water extraction units, air scrubbers, high powered air movers, industrial-strength dehumidification equipment, and thermal imaging cameras all have crucial roles in the mitigation, cleanup and restoration process. Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan technicians are specially trained to use these tools and equipment to diagnose what areas of your property sustained damage and give them a distinct advantage to determine the most effective and efficient way to cleanup and restore your property damage.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professional restoration and construction managers and crews work together to give your water damage, fire damage or mold remediation project a seamless time-saving and often cost effective transition, making your property truly, “Like it never even happened.”

Focus on safety to avoid backyard summer fire hazards and property damage from grills, fire pits, and torches

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Open flames are hazardous whatever time of year, the changing of the season to warmer weather brings outside spring and summer fire hazards to your backyard. This year as our community continues to endure the global pandemic and people are encouraged to entertain in small groups outdoors and with social distance, outside spaces will see more use. BBQ’s, fire pits, portable heaters, and other cooking or recreational flames can cause accidental property fire damage. 

In New York City, grilling outdoors is an automatic no-no if your grill is within 10 feet of anything that could easily catch fire, including building walls, trees, wood deck surfaces, and furniture. Plus, you must have access to a garden-type hose attached to a water supply or a four-gallon bucket of water available when needed. It also depends on what type of fuel your barbecue uses: Electric grills are okay in a NYC apartment building on balconies, terraces, roofs, or yards, as long building rules allow it. Other types are prohibited so do some research before lighting up.

Spring and Summer Fire Hazards can cause accidental property damages.

Summer is a fun time for most, family and friends gather for pool parties, and people take vacations, but Summer is also a prime time for home fires. Every year, there are between 350,000 and 400,000 home fires in the U.S. (according to the National Fire Protection Association). Your home is at risk of catching fire for a variety of reasons no matter what the season, knowing some common reasons for residential fire damage can be important to fire prevention. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan has been providing property disaster cleanup and restoration service to fire property damage victims for nearly 30 years, our IICRC certified fire damage restoration specialists arrive ready to rescue and recover your home and property following a fire, "Like it never even happened."

Common causes of residential fire property damage disasters:

Grilling: Nothing announces the arrival of summer like firing up the grill. In the summer months, many people grill outdoors for various holidays and barbecue dinners. 

Prevention tips: To prevent barbecue fires, check for gas leaks before use, regularly clean your barbeque, and try to create a dedicated safe barbecuing space that is free of clutter and away from children.

Fire pits/Heaters: On cool summer nights, kids and adults alike will enjoy a cozy place to gather and stay warm. Fire pits are known to be a major source of warmth and ambience. Unfortunately, due to the increase in popularity, the number of fire-related injuries and accidents is on the rise as well. The good news is that with the proper safety precautions, the whole family can safely enjoy a fire pit.

Prevention tips: Before striking the match, never place a pit closer than 10 feet from anything flammable, including your house and overhead tree branches. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fire. 

Electrical fires: About 2,300 residential air conditioners start fires each year. These fires are usually the result of inadequate wiring while having to deal with heavy electric loads, short circuits, or other electrical malfunctions. It is not just the AC that catches on fire, if your AC heats up, flammable materials near your unit can catch on fire. Fires are most likely to occur when it is hottest outside—between 2 and 8 p.m. 

Prevention tips: Using fans may allow you to set your thermostat a degree or two warmer than you may have been able to stand otherwise—especially if you rotate the blades clockwise, which directs airflow downward and prevents hotter air from rising up and signaling the A/C unit to kick on.

Candles/Torches: Adding candles and torches can provide ambient lighting and fend off mosquitoes and other nighttime insects when used with citronella. Yet, similar to anything that involves a fire or open flame, it’s important to exercise caution when installing, handling, and storing these creative outdoor lighting options.

Prevention tips: It is important to exercise caution with these lighting options, consider placement carefully no not place torches under trees, overhangs or near other flammable materials. Position torches at least 6 feet away from the house or other structures. Never leave an open flame unattended, keep an eye on any flames and ensure they are entirely out before you go inside for the night.

Be aware of the risk of fires and prepare by checking the batteries in your smoke detectors and having functioning fire extinguishers. If you find yourself faced with a fire emergency this summer, we are here to help!

The Damage Caused by a Property Fire 

To repair the property entirely after experiencing a damaging fire, you will need to seek the help of a professional team like SERVPRO. Fire damage is multi-faceted and to recover as much of your property as possible, it is important to contact the professionals right away. Our experience, equipment and training will help avoid additional repairs and costs. Our Manhattan SERVPRO technicians know what steps to take to assess your property and possessions, they can look for hidden damages and quickly start to mitigate concerns to avoid further damage from smoke and soot, documenting damages and removing items for restoration. 

Why Choosing a Professional Disaster Restoration Company, like SERVPRO is Important?

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan offers Emergency Restoration Services in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your unique property damage disaster needs. Our staff and restoration managers understand that a rapid response is critical to your recovery, our team will provide comprehensive cleanup, mitigation, restoration and rebuild options following a property fire disaster. SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry providing advanced technology and training to a nationwide team of skilled technicians and project managers. Our crews have experience and knowledge offering a wide variety of restoration services to recover your commercial property with minimized cost and business interruption.

• Our crews will assess the full damage of your property taking necessary steps to save as much of your inventory, appliances and equipment, furnishings, and inventory as possible.
• They will do a complete inventory of all items removed from your property taking photos and documentation and return all salvageable items back to your business following the restoration process.
• Our technicians work quickly and carefully to get your business up and running as soon as possible. Our project managers and staff will follow-up to make sure you are satisfied or address any other concerns.
• Our construction managers can seamlessly begin putting back together any structural, interior, and exterior damages sustained during the initial disaster or as a result of the restoration and cleanup process. Our staff can work with your insurance and answer any concerns you may have about the process.

If your property needs fire damage repair, find an experienced and certified fire damage restoration service near you.

Hiring SERVPRO, a trusted industry leader in fire and water damage restoration ensures that your home repairs are effectively managed after a property fire damage. It is essential to find a reliable and experienced fire restoration expert who can offer a range of services. This includes everything from smoke damage restoration to soot damage repair to water restoration and removal.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan Responds Quickly to Flood or Storm Property Damage

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

It’s critical to take quick action following a flood or storm water intrusion to your local Manhattan home or business.

Call our Manhattan Storm Damage Cleanup, Restoration and Repair team.

Severe thunderstorms and flooding can lead to severe damage to your property, water intrusion is one of the main contributors to building damage. SERVPRO responds quickly to storm and water emergencies, we are dedicated to respond Faster to Any Size Disaster to make sure that all of our customers receive the highest quality and cost-effective damage mitigation and restoration service possible. Our restoration specialists have the training and the tools get your property back to pre-damage condition, “Like it never even happened.”

HOW SPRING STORMS CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE
• Coastal flooding due to the storm surge.
• Widespread wind damage.
• Widespread inland small stream and river flooding due to heavy rains.

If it’s a roof leak, exterior damage, a cracked foundation or basement flooding, causing your water property damage, call our Disaster Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO of Central Manhattan to begin taking steps to stop the water damage from becoming an even bigger disaster. Our professionals first assess the severity of the situation and determine the full extent of the storm, flooding, or additional water damage. Restoring your home or business quickly, takes specialized equipment and highly skilled IICRC professionals. Our team closely inspects the flooded or other water damaged areas; measuring the moisture content, humidity, and temperature to assess the full extent of the damage. They provide a step-by-step solutions to restore and repair your local Manhattan neighborhood property and contents to help minimize additional damages.
OUR MANHATTAN STORM & FLOOD MITIGATION SERVICES INCLUDE
    •    Water Extraction
    •    Drying of affected areas, including walls, carpets and furniture
    •    Cleaning and Restoration of affected possessions
    •    Remediating mold and mildew
    •    Reconstruction and Repairs

Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan Storm Property Restoration Team has the experience and resources to handle your weather related water property damage quickly and professionally. We know what comes next after your property suffers a disaster storm water damage and we are prepared 24-7 with Emergency help to repair your home or business when you need us!

Call our local Manhattan Storm Damage Cleanup, Restoration and Repair team.

SERVPRO professionals work hard to minimize the disruption property damage causes your life, home, and business

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan has the right training, equipment, and experience to assess your situation and develop a plan of action to restore your property completely.

What to Expect during your New York City SERVPRO Professional Water Damage Restoration Service

Even small leaks can spell trouble for your home or business causing extensive damage if water removal services are not contacted quickly. A leaky skylight, clogged drainpipe, or tub overflow can soak your floors, walls, and cabinets. Our technicians have experience in water removal and cleanup for homes and businesses across Manhattan they can quickly get to work to make you feel “Like it never even happened.” We can locate the source of the damage and use advanced technology to map the extent of damages. Our crews will reverse your water damage and flooding, first by pumping water from your home with the assistance of wet vacs and pumps. Dehumidifiers and air movers can then be deployed to suck excess moisture from your kitchen cabinets, bathroom flooring, or basement ceiling.

Calling SERVPRO professionals to assist you with the cleanup efforts is also vital. We have competent technicians who can help you get back to your home within a short time. We are available around the clock for emergency calls. Whether working with your insurance company or directly with you, our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can assess the destruction to your property, offer an estimate, and handle the restoration process. We can provide your insurance company with images, videos, measurements, and other pertinent information using insurance-industry approved and preferred methods for resolving claims easily.

Call SERVPRO For Comprehensive Water Removal!

Often during water restoration, many recovery operations need to happen simultaneously, some of our crew will work on water extraction and controlled demolition, while others will inventory and pack up items to move to another location to help prevent further property damage from exposure to contaminated water or excess moisture. Moisture and mold particles can penetrate deep inside building materials, furniture, and other porous items. HEPA filters help our industrial strength air scrubbers and dehumidifiers purify the air and neutralize odors and contaminants. Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan location is fortunate to offer restoration and rebuilding services following a property disaster from all types of water or mold property concerns. Using our highly qualified construction team will help keep your recovery process moving steady and hassle free, often it can also minimize costs and completion time.

EQUIPMENT IS KEY TO WATER RESTORATION:

Isolate Water Damaged Areas

Depending on the severity of your water or flood damage, our SERVPRO professionals may start with containment to help restrict secondary damages such as excessive humidity and mold from contaminating the air throughout your house and keep the damage contained at the source of the water or flood loss areas.

Water Extraction and Removal Equipment

Extractors are at the center of the water removal services. These machines are used to remove water from carpet, upholstery, and floors following a flood damage incidence. Our crews use either truck mounted or portable extractors depending on the extent and severity of water damage. 

Dehumidification Equipment

Excessive humidity from water damage in your home can have devastating consequences leaving significant structural damage, mold growth and other latent concerns. Dehumidifiers extract water vapor from the air and lower the relative humidity and speed up the evaporation process for faster drying. These machines draw in the moist air and replace it with warmer and drier air.

Air Moving Equipment

Used to accelerate air flow and evaporation of moisture from materials for restorative drying. An air mover—at its core—is a fan. But what separates it from your traditional fan is that it’s high velocity, it’s versatile, and it has precision. This degree of functionality allows us to work quickly and more efficiently as opposed to a generic fan. As the air flows across the surface of moisture, it speeds up the process from which it evaporates and enters the air. It also pushes the newly created water vapor away from the area so more water molecules can dissipate into the air. We then remove the moisture from the air by running a dehumidifier.

Fast Response to Water Removal Minimizes Damages

Our crews are available 24/7 to aid our local Manhattan community with both commercial and residential water damage emergencies. A fast response and action to a water damage situation can significantly reduce the overall damage to your home or business. SERVPRO can deploy submersible pumps, water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers. The capacities of these units are tailored to your situation. Our objective is to return your home to its original condition as quickly as possible.

Don’t neglect a property water damage occurrence, it can lead to excessive structural damage and microbial growth

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our team can inspect your property for mold and water damage, locate the source of hidden moisture and plan a mold removal and remediation process.

SERVPRO is here to help local Manhattan communities with ALL TYPES of water damages, our team responds quickly with emergency response cleanup and mitigation to minimize secondary damages to your property, including structural damages and mold growth. Neglecting to properly cleanup and remediate a water damage can lead to even greater property damage concerns. Often, when cleaning up a water damage issue or flood, mopping up a puddle or fixing a clogged sink can seem like the end to your trouble, but there can be hidden damage. During warm spring and summer months keeping an ideal relative humidity can be difficult, especially if your property is hiding a moisture source. If you are having trouble with high humidity in your residence or commercial building “hidden moisture” could be a cause. Our crews are trained and experienced in looking for unseen water damage concerns, using advanced technology our team can locate hidden moisture and other property damage you may have missed.

Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan crews use many tools and techniques to locate and address high humidity and other hidden water damage concerns successfully and thoroughly. Calling a local SERVPRO restoration professional can help investigate the source behind high humidity or hidden water damage concerns and inspect for any sign of visible mold or other secondary property damages.

SERVPRO USES SPECIAL DETECTION EQUIPMENT TO FIND HIDDEN WATER DAMAGE

• Moisture Sensors - Are used to detect moisture in carpets and carpet paddling.
• Moisture Meters - Are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable our SERVPRO Technician to monitor the drying process.
• Thermo-hygrometers - Measure both temperature and relative humidity. Capturing these two readings, our SERVPRO Technician using a psychrometric chart can calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.
• Infrared Cameras - Can identify the location and extent of moisture in walls very effectively.
• Manometers - Allow our SERVPRO Technician to measure the difference in air pressure when creating a negative air pressure environment.

Is Hidden Moisture Causing High Humidity Concerns for Your Home or Business?

Hidden moisture or water leaks are dangerous because they can cause serious issues like structural damage and mold growth before they are discovered. Excess water and moisture get absorbed in wood, drywall, insulation, and furniture and can lead to warping, stains, bubbling, and structural deterioration.

One possible concern with hidden moisture problems or sustained water damage is an increase in the overall humidity of your property. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You may be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home, damp basements, high traffic areas, bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens with high humidity activities and poor circulation. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. Over time hidden moisture can contribute to high indoor humidity levels and during ideal conditions can cause mold growth and other property concerns to emerge. The possible causes of water damage lurking in your home can originate from many different sources, with varying intensities, contamination levels, and scope of damage. Some of our largest property restoration projects start as small water leaks that cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control and enough airflow. If you suspect your home is suffering from excessive high humidity, get in touch with our SERVPRO staff right away. Our mold remediation team can inspect your property for mold and water damage, locate the source of hidden moisture and plan a mold cleaning and remediation process to get your home healthy and safe, “Like it never even happened.”

Signs of mold in your New York City property are unpleasant odor, health effects or visual signs of mold growth.

Ask About SERVPRO’s Visible Mold Inspection

Our certified specialist will begin a mold inspection with a few questions for the property owner or manager, to give insight into previous leaks or flood damage and other valuable information to help during the process. They will thoroughly inspect the property looking for signs of damage and in places prone for mold growth. Moisture meters and cameras may be necessary to locate problems in areas that are hidden or less accessible.

If our SERVPRO technicians do discover mold during the inspection and mitigation process, they will evaluate the mold growth and contain any damage to the smallest area possible. They will then physically remove the mold and thoroughly dry any contaminated areas to ensure that the mold does not return. Finally, the technicians will follow established procedures to return the property to a preloss condition. To inhibit the return of mold, SERVPRO uses antifungal and antibacterial cleaners to clean both your home structure and possessions affected by mold. During the remediation process, we can utilize HEPA filtration systems with negative air chambers to stop the spread of spores and contain the mold. Our technicians always attempt to restore rather than have you replace building materials and possessions affected by mold.

When your home or business experiences a water disaster issue, or you suspect that high humidity maybe a problem, call our trusted local SERVPRO property restoration service specialists. Our sophisticated tools can make it easy to determine the presence of hidden moisture and dampness in your Suffolk County property, waiting too long to choose a professional cleanup and recovery service can be a costly and hazardous mistake. Our SERVPRO specialists closely monitor and document all our cleanup, mitigation and remediation steps and make sure your moisture problem is taken care of correctly.

SERVPRO Fast Emergency Responds to Storm Disaster Property Damage

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Continual increases in storm intensity and tidal flooding are making flood and storm water damage a regular concern for many Manhattan neighborhoods. Flooding can have a devastating impact on your coastal building or residence, it can be difficult to predict the full extent of water and storm related damages. Additionally, saltwater can be extremely dangerous and destructive to building materials and has added safety concerns for cleanup and restoration providers. Extracting the water is just the first step that SERVPRO professionals take to thoroughly dry and restore water and storm damaged areas inside and outside of your property. Floodwater is dangerous, it’s advised to contact a reliable property damage restoration company such as SERVPRO that specializes in natural disaster and flood cleanup and remediation.

It can be difficult for the average property owner or management team to determine if the contaminated areas and contents of your property have been properly remediated, to avoid continued damage from salt corrosion and mold growth. Our restoration technicians are IICRC trained and certified with countless hours of experience responding to local coastal property damage cleanups and repairs. Starting the restoration process begins with a visit from a highly trained staff member to assess the full extent of your flood or water damage intrusion and present a comprehensive plan for a complete property damage restoration and construction solution. While assessing your property damage our managers will help determine what parts of your loss our team can clean, sanitize, and restore. Unfortunately, some items are unsafe for restoration and some controlled demolition and replacement may be necessary. Our restoration teams work closely with our construction crews and management to provide a seamless transition from destruction to reconstruction. Throughout the process our philosophy is to restore over replacing materials and contents whenever possible, helping to lower overall cost and time needed for property disaster recovery.

Professionals use specialized tools and training to remove floodwater from Manhattan properties during storm damage disaster restoration

As straightforward as water removal might appear, there are more considerations for removing water from your home or business than you might think. Our SERVPRO team knows that many homeowners want to work to save time and money by tackling these essential tasks on their own, and it is our mission to ensure that you do it safely and with a degree of confidence when possible. To offer this to you, we have comprised a shortlist of the things that every homeowner needs to remove flooding from their property.

While there might be other gear and machines that could make this list, these are absolute must-haves for proper flood removal: 

Capable Extraction Equipment – Extraction is going to be one of the most considerable obstacles that your home faces, especially if you return to several inches of standing water. While a wet/dry vacuum can eventually overcome this considerable volume, it is better to rent more powerful extraction tools our SERVPRO team uses like trash pumps from home improvement locations, directing your discharge hose into a nearby drain. 

The Right Drying Tools – Much like acquiring the right tools for proper extraction, you also need to grab two vital pieces of equipment for drying efforts as well. You cannot sop up floodwater and allow it to dry naturally – you must take direct action. Air movers and dehumidifiers help to begin removing the moisture and saturation from exposed materials and the environment right away. 

Personal Protective Equipment – Keeping yourself safe is paramount in all these efforts. The flooding comes with substantial risks, among the most threatening being potential contamination of the water itself. Keep yourself covered and safe avoid getting in the water, and work to reduce the levels of damage quickly. 

Cleaning Supplies – Cleaning up after a flood is vital to protect your property and its occupants. The risk of contamination and bacteria is high in natural flooding, so the use of effective disinfection and cleaning agents can address these concerns.

Emergency flood cleanup and mitigation – SERVPRO addresses water damage with professional help

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Many New York City properties are near rivers and other water sources that are prone to flooding resulting in common damage. Similarly, to flood damage from ground water and other category 3 losses, ocean water can cause severe property water damage and can create unique restoration concerns and complications for local home and business owners.

Different types of contaminated water pose different risks, but the longer the water stays in a home, the more severe the property damage it will cause and the greater the threat to your health. Also called black water, Category 3 water is water from sewage backups and overflowing rivers that contains various hazardous contaminants, sewage, and/or toxic debris. According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all water originating from seawater, ground or surface water, rising rivers and streams, and wind-driven rain from hurricanes and tropical storms is considered Category 3.

Some of our property Restoration services include:
    •    Water Removal and Extraction: This important and often first step in the process involves us removing and extracting standing water from all areas of your property. Our SERVPRO technicians utilize industrial grade equipment to move large volumes quickly and efficiently to minimize long term hazards and damage.
    •    Property Drying: After the bulk of the water is removed hazardous levels of moisture can still exist fibrous structural and aesthetic components in your home or business building. We utilize specialized equipment to pull moisture from the air to create an environment suitable for drying of these important pieces and may also attempt to speed the drying process with heat.
    •    Cleanup and Debris Removal: After water and moisture have been removed and dried it’s important to conduct thorough cleaning of the affected area to prevent future health hazards. Flooding from rivers and sewers can pose exceptional risks to health and welfare due to the silt and bacteria they carry. Our team will remove damaged items that are beyond repair.

Calling SERVPRO after you experience flood or water damage from coastal flooding, severe thunderstorms, or basement flooding, can be the difference from a quick cleanup and mitigation or costly restoration, construction, and mold remediation services.

Spring is the season for volatile weather, SERVPRO is prepared to help with effective property restoration

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is notorious for producing a broad range of extreme weather, including major snowstorms, severe thunderstorms, flooding, big temperature changes and high winds. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. That temperature contrast fuels a strong jet stream, and in turn, highly variable weather conditions.

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Spring storms can be unpredictable, we can't stop spring showers, but our Manhattan property restoration team is ready to provide cleanup and repairs to your home or business should it suffer from Spring thunderstorms, severe winds, flooding or other property damage disasters. There are a variety of potential property damages that you may experience. These include:

• Roof or structural damage to your walls from a fallen tree or high winds
• Broken windows from hailstorms or objects thrown by heavy wind
• Lightning strikes, which could lead to a fire
• Water damage caused by loose or damaged shingles, clogged gutters, or leaking roofs
• Flooding in your basement or home
• Animal infestations caused by critters looking for shelter during the storm

Our professionals first assess the severity of the situation and determine the full extent of the storm, flooding, or additional water damage. Restoring your home or business quickly, takes specialized equipment and highly skilled IICRC professionals. Our team closely inspects the flooded or other water damaged areas; measuring the moisture content, humidity, and temperature to assess the full extent of the damage. It is important to note that storm property damage emergencies are rarely mild enough to not require some form of intervention and work by our experienced technicians.

Some conditions that could encourage a prompt call to our SERVPRO team are:

Standing Water – Pooling water in a damaged area can be destructive to many of the materials. Wood and sheetrock exposed to standing water can quickly absorb this water and allow for a much more rapid deterioration of the construction element.

Migrating Water – You might not always know how widespread water loss effects can be, but if water has moved beyond the surface of materials, you need the sophisticated tools of our team to identify moisture pockets and dampness beyond what the eye can see.

Hidden Damages – In the same way that water can migrate throughout your apartment, damages can exist and persist out of sight without discovery tools and positive pressure drying systems getting used.

When water damage occurs in your home or business, knowing what to do will save precious time and ultimately minimize losses to your property and building contents. Strom damage can result in many serious problems, such as rotted sheetrock and weakened support beams, so it needs to be dealt with quickly and efficiently – before water damage compromises the structural integrity of the building and causes mold issues. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals have extensive experience repairing and restoring catastrophic water damage to countless locals in our New York City community. Our technicians understand that unattended water damage continues to cause harm to your property over time. Making it necessary to make quick, informed decisions, to perform quality restoration services today, that save you from further damaging problems, tomorrow.

Manhattan Flood Removal and Basement Water Damage Property Restoration

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Manhattan ground-level areas and basements are prone to flooding and water damage concerns, their location at the lowest level of a building and usually underground makes them a target – water always runs from high to low ground. Whether the excess water comes from a burst pipe, backed-up sewer line, failed sump pump, malfunctioning water-using appliance, or heavy rainfall, basement water damage is common and causes plenty of concerns to an unfortunate property owner. The first 48 hours are considered the most important time to react, as it is crucial to preventing further damage, in addition to contributing to structural and foundation problems, basement water damage can destroy your personal belongings and interior finishes and it also has the power to create the perfect environment for toxic mold growth.

Dry everything out as quickly as possible.

When a finished/unfinished basement experiences significant water damage, timing is everything. The sooner you begin the disaster recovery process, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition of your possessions and minimize building materials from becoming destroyed. A professional restoration company can help expedite this process. 

Actions that can minimize water damage to your basement:

1. Extraction: The first step toward restoring your building to its pre-flood condition is removing the standing water from the affected area. Our teams use wet vacuums and pumps to move large quantities of water to a specific location. Starting the process with this kind of removal is more efficient, and it allows us to get more liquid out of your carpets and the cushioning below.
2. Evaporation: Next, we will set up high-velocity airflow equipment to evaporate any remaining moisture. Units designed for structural drying are more energy-efficient and move a larger volume of air in less time.
3. Dehumidification: As water evaporates from furniture, carpet and building materials, that vapor turns into humidity. Left in the air, water vapor seeps back into absorbent furniture, clothing, and other materials. Water damage dehumidifiers remove moisture, which protects your property from future damage and prevents mold growth.
4. Temperature control: Cool air hinders the evaporation process. Warm air — 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit — is ideal for completely drying your building’s structure. A thorough drying process is essential for preventing mold growth and other complications that come from residual moisture.

At SERVPRO of Central Manhattan, we take pride in our ability to erase the damage done by water, including damages caused by hidden problems. After 48 hours of exposure to water, there is a risk of mold growth in wet materials. Our Manhattan SERVPRO team of technicians puts years of training, experience, and specialized equipment to work for you, ensuring the removal of all remaining moisture and a fast, effective drying process that you can count on. Our restoration specialists utilize infrared technology and thermal imagery to assess the full extent of the damage that your property has suffered. The technology can show our technicians areas where water might still exist based on a temperature difference. This process can ensure that the damage has not reached other areas of the building and confirm the completion of the restoration process.