The Consequences of Ignoring Property Water Damage: Severe Structural Damage and Uncontrolled Mold Growth

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO specialize in providing emergency response water damage cleanup services, responding swiftly to minimize secondary damages.

We specialize in providing emergency response water damage cleanup and mitigation services, responding swiftly to minimize secondary damages to your property.

Your Trusted Partner in Addressing and Restoring All Types of Water Damage on Manhattan

Water damage can pose significant threats to your property, including structural damage and mold growth. Neglecting to properly clean up and remediate water damage can lead to even greater issues down the line. Some property damage may seem like a small problem at first, such as a dishwasher flood or a ceiling stain, there could be hidden damage. That's why SERVPRO is here to help. We specialize in providing emergency response cleanup and mitigation services, responding swiftly to minimize secondary damages to your property.

The Importance of Addressing High Humidity and Hidden Water Damage

During warm spring and summer months, maintaining ideal relative humidity can be challenging, particularly if there is a hidden moisture source within your property. If you're experiencing difficulties with high humidity in your residence or commercial building, there may be hidden moisture causing the problem. Our highly trained SERVPRO crews are experienced in identifying unseen water damage concerns. By utilizing advanced technology, our team can locate hidden moisture and other property damages that may have been missed.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR DETECTING HIDDEN WATER DAMAGE

At SERVPRO, we employ special detection equipment to identify and address hidden water damage effectively. Our tools include:

• Moisture Sensors: These sensors detect moisture in carpets and carpet padding, helping us locate areas that require attention.
  
  
• Moisture Meters: By measuring the actual moisture content of various materials, our technicians can monitor the drying process accurately. This information is crucial in determining the progress of restoration.
  
  
• Thermo-hygrometers: These devices measure both temperature and relative humidity. By capturing these readings, our SERVPRO technicians, using a psychrometric chart, can calculate specific humidity, dew point, and vapor pressure.
  
  
• Infrared Cameras: Infrared cameras are invaluable in identifying the location and extent of moisture in walls. They allow us to identify hidden pockets of water that may be causing damage.

THE DANGERS OF HIDDEN MOISTURE AND HIGH HUMIDITY

Hidden moisture or water leaks can cause serious issues such as structural damage and mold growth before they are discovered. Excess water and moisture can be absorbed by wood, drywall, insulation, and furniture, leading to warping, stains, bubbling, and structural deterioration. Additionally, hidden moisture problems can contribute to high indoor humidity levels, which can result in mold growth and other property concerns over time. The key to mold prevention lies in moisture control and proper airflow.

SERVPRO’s Mold Remediation Services

If you suspect your home is suffering from excessive high humidity or mold growth, it's crucial to seek professional assistance promptly. Our experienced SERVPRO staff can inspect your property for mold and water damage, locate the source of hidden moisture, and develop a customized mold removal and remediation plan to restore your home to a healthy and safe condition. Our certified specialists will thoroughly inspect the property, utilizing moisture meters, cameras, and other tools to identify hidden or less accessible problem areas. If mold is detected, we will contain the damage to the smallest possible area, physically remove the mold, thoroughly dry the affected areas, and utilize antifungal and antibacterial cleaners to prevent its return. We always strive to restore building materials and possessions affected by mold rather than replacing them whenever possible.

Choose SERVPRO for Professional Property Restoration Services

When your Manhattan home or business experiences water damage or high humidity concerns, rely on SERVPRO for top-quality property restoration services. Our skilled technicians utilize sophisticated tools 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. Rest assured that our SERVPRO specialists closely monitor and document all cleanup, mitigation, and remediation steps to ensure that your moisture problem is addressed correctly.

Don't let water damage and hidden moisture compromise the safety and integrity of your property. Contact SERVPRO of Central Manhattan today for comprehensive restoration services and let our experienced team restore your property "Like it never even happened."

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.

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.

Solving the mystery of hidden water damage lurking in your home or business

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is among the most common causes of property damage claims. The possible causes of water damage lurking in your home can originate from many different sources, with varying intensities, danger levels, and reach of damage. Even a well-maintained property can have unexpected water damage including, a leaky dishwasher or sink, broken pipe(s), an overflowing washing machine, an old leaky roof, flood or storm damage and foundation cracks. If you see signs that water damage is lurking in your home, SERVPRO of Central Manhattan always here to help!

Our crews use many tools and techniques to successfully locate and address high humidity and other hidden water damage concerns across New York City. Calling SERVPRO professionals 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.

Is Hidden Moisture Causing High Humidity Concerns for Your Local 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 is absorbed in wood, drywall, insulation, and furniture and can lead to warping, stains, bubbling, and structural deterioration. If you notice signs of these common concerns affecting your property our team has decades of experience with solutions that can help.

Water spots under sink cabinets

If you see water under the bathroom or kitchen sink it’s a warning sign that you have water damage and potential mold growth around the sink area. If the leak is bad enough, it could cause additional damage to the building structure, including the floor and walls, even if there’s no water present, water spots clearly indicate that pipes under the sink have a slow leak.

Ceiling and wall stains

Ceiling and wall stains are obvious signs of a roof, appliance, or plumbing leak, water saturates insulation and drywall, it can also lead to major water damage, that can compromise the structural integrity of the property. Check your roof for damage, broken tiles, or pooling, also investigate appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets for leaky spigots that could be dripping water and causing damage.

Mold growth

Mold needs water to grow, so it’s common to find mold in consistently damp locations—and finding mold is never a good thing, since it means your air quality is suffering.

Squishy kitchen/bathroom tiles

Water damage is not always visible. In fact, it’s more common for damage to occur behind the floor, ceiling, and walls where you can’t see it. Since the bathroom is the most humid room in your home, it’s a common place for water damage and mold growth.

Standing water

Many things can cause water to pool in unlikely places, including a broken pipe or flooding. If you find standing water, it’s important to seek water damage remediation as quickly as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to greater damage to your home’s structural integrity and air quality.

When you are dealing with water damage, call in the experts to help! SERVPRO of Central Manhattan can respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

An initial inspection is critical for SERVPRO professionals to effectively resolve unique water damage concerns in each property disaster restoration

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and most serious emergencies your property can ever experience. Whether you’re facing a storm, flood, weakened roof, HVAC leak, busted pipes, overflowing appliances or sewage backup, a water problem is distressing and threatening to your property’s safety and value. Finding the cause of water damage and addressing the issue is half the battle, the other half is mitigating the damages. The extent of water damage can be misleading when looking at the outside surface but often water seeps into the deeper materials of your home. Due to the unique nature of water, the damage cost can range from high to low.  Here’s a look into factors that will affect the price of water damage mitigation.

What you can expect during SERVPRO Property Restoration Services

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your property damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Emergency Contact: After a property disaster or emergency at your Manhattan home or business, your call to us will connect you to one of our trained SERVPRO restoration professionals to take some basic information to provide to our project managers and technicians.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name, address, and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?

Inspection and Damage Assessment including Estimate: One of our trained professionals will come and assess your property damage. What type of water loss was it? How much of the property is affected? These answers are critical to addressing the unique solution for your restoration needs.

These key factors can determine the amount of mitigation, restoration and rebuild needed to recover your property following a disaster:

• The type of water affecting the property. Clean water from a burst plumbing pipe poses less risk than “black water” from the sewer or debris-laden floodwaters. The type of water that has damaged your property makes a big difference in what it will take to appropriately treat the damage.
   
• The types of materials involved. Porous materials will swell, warp, and disintegrate when it’s wet. The makeup of damaged structures and property strongly affect the approach and costs for cleanup and restoration.
   
• How deeply the structure is affected. In the example above, the stone tile of a floor may not be damaged, but water may still have damaged the subfloor. Water can cause many “hidden” losses, and a professional will carefully identify and evaluate the potential for deeper, unseen damages.
   
• How long the property has been wet. Mitigation efforts are most effective when they happen immediately after the damage happens. If a property has been standing in water for a long time or wasn’t appropriately treated when the water was removed, the damage may have worsened significantly. The growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria also becomes an increasingly major concern the longer a property stays wet.

Property Emergencies happen every day and acting fast after property damage could mean the difference between restoring your home quickly to pre loss condition or needing extensive and expensive reconstruction. Our SERVPRO team never stops being READY to handle your New York City fire, water or mold property disaster, we have the best staff, with the best resources standing ready to answer your call quickly and restore your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Water Removal – Assessing your damage and quick action

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the property disaster recovery and restoration business. Our on-call 24/7 emergency response teams are highly trained and experienced with all types of property disaster losses including fire, smoke, water, sewage, flood, and storm damage. Our restoration professionals near you have 30 years of experience providing high-quality commercial and residential property disaster restoration and reconstruction services to local Manhattan communities every day.

Emergency Response Property Disaster Restoration Services
SERVPRO of Central Manhattan is committed to making the cleanup, restoration and rebuild process for our customers organized, efficient and successful, after a frustrating and confusing property disaster event. Whether your home or building sustained damages from a storm, flood, fire, or water disaster, you’ll have trusted and compassionate professionals by your side. We will work with you to survey the extent of the property damage, develop a plan for cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction.

Disaster restoration and repairs for your Manhattan commercial or residential property is best left to professionals. Our SERVPRO professionals are skilled with the complexities of removing water and the water extraction, drying, dehumidifying, disinfecting and removal equipment required to complete the job properly. Our expert team has the experience, certifications, and equipment to complete any size restoration and repair project quickly, correctly, and affordably.

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 in 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: 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.

Odor and Mold remediation: SERVPRO’s full-spectrum restoration capabilities have many benefits when it comes to secondary damages after water intrusion. We often use air scrubbers that create negative air pressure to force contaminants through HEPA filters before exhausting to the outdoors. Air quality is improved, including the clearing of any fumes from cleaners or solvents used to neutralize contaminated water or mold damages.

Our team provides professional and prompt emergency restoration services for all local New York City commercial businesses and homeowners. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan’s building services gives our location a unique opportunity to streamline the entire property restoration and recovery process, while mitigating challenges and providing quick and seamless professional service from start to finish.

Manhattan lower-level and basement flood damage cleanup and repairs

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

GROUND FLOOR AND BASEMENT FLOODING: A Basement is a wonderful asset to your home or business, it can provide additional storage or living space to a crowded property. Storm flooding and melting snow can cause water damage in your basement from faulty gutters, cracks in foundations and improper drainage. Water damage is one of the most common and worst side effects of water leakage or flooding in a basement. In addition to contributing to structural and foundation problems, basement water damage can destroy your personal belongings and interior decorative finishes and it also has the power to create the perfect environment for toxic mold growth.

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 SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and have experience working with a variety of water damage situations both big and small. We have seen flooding and carpet issues, to broken or frozen pipe and plumbing issues, and basement and roof leaks. Our technicians understand that a property damage event can be traumatic and unexpected; they realize time and efficiency are important and they take every step possible to minimize the intrusion while executing the cleanup and restoration of your home or business.

Call Our 24 Hour Emergency SERVPRO Restoration Service

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan provides 24-hour Emergency Services to local communities suffering from fire, smoke, sewage and water damage and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. Our service pros respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
    •    24-Hour Emergency Service
    •    Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
    •    Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
    •    A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
    •    Locally Owned and Operated
    •    Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

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. SERVPRO professionals have extensive experience repairing and restoring catastrophic water damage. 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.

Looking for property restoration services after a snow storm, SERVPRO crews are here to help

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Our team can respond quickly and help you assess your damage and find a restoration solution that you can trust.

Providing Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services to local Manhattan residents and businesses with one call 24-hours, every day. 

2021 is giving us a winter to remember this year, with freezing temperatures and blizzard-like snowstorms we have not seen in a few years. While we all dig out making snow piles and maybe a few snowmen. Our crews are out and about helping residents with unexpected winter property damages caused by some of the most common concerns for property owners including burst pipes, flooding, roof and other exterior leaks. While snow may come and go from year to year, one thing you can count on is our professional restoration services across Manhattan. 

SERVPRO STORM & WATER MITIGATION SERVICES INCLUDE

• Roof tarping and Board Up Services
• Category 1, 2 and 3 Water Extraction & Cleanup
• Drying of affected areas, including walls, carpets and furniture
• Cleaning and Restoration of affected possessions
• Remediating mold and mildew
• Reconstruction and Repairs

 Our SERVPRO team can’t stop the storm, but we are here to help you recover from property damage afterwards. Winter storms vary in degree of severity and duration and can last for a couple of hours or for several days. They can bring dangerously low temperatures and can cause damage to your home or business. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan wants New York City residents to know that when the storm hits and causes property damage, our crews are always here to help. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment and practices to find and remove water in a quick and efficient manner. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process from start to finish ensuring your experience with us goes seamlessly. When the unexpected happens to you, we have experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly.

COMMON CONCERNS FOR WINTER WATER/FREEZING PROPERTY DAMAGE

About one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. It is five times more likely your home will be damaged by water than you'll have a claim for theft, and water damage is seven times more prevalent than fire.

ICE DAMS

Ice dams occur after a snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures, common weather conditions in the Northeast during winter. Warm air inside your property leaks into the attic and warms the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt. The melted water refreezes on the cold overhang and can form icicles and an ice dam on the roof and gutters. This process can cause damage to the roof and exterior that can cause water to leak inside causing water damage to the ceiling, walls, insulation, and other areas.

LEAKING BASEMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS

Wet basements and ground floor apartments are a common occurrence for many property owners in Manhattan, the impact of heavy snow, ice and rain on saturated street and sidewalks often leads to water leaks, flooding and other types of basement and foundation water damage. Repeated wetness can often lead to significant structural damage, destroy furnishings and other belongings, added moisture and flooding can also lead to elevated humidity and mold issues.

FROZEN WATER PIPES

When Northeast temperatures drop to at or below freezing, the water flowing in your plumbing has the potential to freeze. Water expands when it freezes, the expansion of the frozen water can cause a rupture, causing catastrophic flood damage. It’s important to note that the break often occurs between the frozen point and the faucet, as the ice blocks the pipe, and the water pressure increases leading to stress on the pipe. Pipes that run through the exterior walls are particularly at risk, but those that run through uninsulated attics and crawl spaces can also freeze.

Although, these frozen water damage situations are very common, sometimes the damage could have largely been prevented by taking a few preventative steps ahead of time. These are a few tips you can take to try and avoid turning the coming frigid days and nights into inconvenient and expensive property disasters.

HELP PREVENT FROZEN WATER ISSUES IN YOUR HOME

• Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing, so insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
• Seal air leaks in your attic, basement, and exterior walls, look for air leaks around electrical wiring, vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• To avoid ice dams, add roof and soffit vents to regulate the air temperature close to the underside of the roof.
• Sump pumps and sub-floor drainage systems are typically used to avoid the continued damage associated with basements and other foundation issues.

Manhattan weather can be unpredictable even when winter temperatures aren’t extremely cold; property water damages happen to home and business owners often. Often when our crews answer calls for water spilling over the floors or filling basements, it is usually from a failed water heater shut-off valve or a split line on a washing machine. Many factors contribute to the length and cost of your property damage cleanup and restoration project, including the amount and type of water involved, length of time before service and the total area impacted. Our qualified and experienced staff can help answer your disaster restoration questions and provide a step-by-step plan for a full recovery of your flooded commercial or residential property. Our crews explain the process of water extraction, drying and restoration. Our Manhattan SERVPRO team has a unique rebuild option with our dedicated construction crew, to seamlessly move from restoration to reconstruction, helping you recover more quickly. Our specialized equipment and highly trained staff have the scope of services to handle your property restoration needs from start to finish. We understand you may not have all the answers, calling our team connects you to professionals that can provide the answers to your restoration concerns and tailor a solution to repair your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

Neglecting a property water damage occurrence can lead to excessive structural damage and microbial growth

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait too long to choose a professional cleanup and recovery service following property damage, it can be a costly and hazardous mistake.

SERVPRO is here to help local Manhattan neighborhoods 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. Water damage can saturate and destroy your home/business and its contents but also threaten it with secondary damages such as mold damage.

Key mishaps that can occur from neglecting a water damage or postponing the cleanup.

Hidden Moisture - Water is practically invisible, and its effects are devastating even in small amounts. Water penetrates most materials quickly and can seep deep down into fibers that hold onto moisture at the deepest levels. This means there could easily be water hiding underneath floors or walls, even if they feel dry.

Inefficient Cleanup – A professional restoration company can accurately assess the damage and create the most efficient mitigation plan to recovery your property. After water damage has occurred, using the proper methods to clean and disinfect every area of your home is crucial. Since water damage can come from a variety of sources, the corresponding clean-up procedures and safety protocols that should be used will vary in intensity.

The key to avoiding secondary damages is simple: moisture control, proper disinfecting, and enough airflow. If you suspect your home is suffering from excessive high humidity or microbial growth, 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 concern and plan a mold removal and remediation process to get your home healthy and safe, “Like it never even happened.”

Ask About SERVPRO’s Visible Mold Inspection

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

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 pre loss 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 Manhattan home or business experiences a water disaster issue, or you suspect that high humidity maybe a problem, call our trusted local SERVPRO of Central Manhattan property restoration service specialists. Our sophisticated tools can make it easy to determine the presence of hidden moisture and dampness in your local New York City 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.

Wet basement problems from flooding and storm damage need SERVPRO professional cleanup and repair specialists

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common and worst side effects of water leakage or flooding in a basement.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan is prepared with highly trained professionals and top-notch equipment to be your number one resource during these times of distress. No property disaster is too large for us to handle, our professionals can find solutions to restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”

WET BASEMENTS: A Basement is a wonderful asset to your home or business, it can provide additional storage or living space to a crowded property. During winter months melting snow can cause water damage in your basement from faulty gutters, cracks in foundations and improper drainage. Water damage is one of the most common and worst side effects of water leakage or flooding in a basement. In addition to contributing to structural and foundation problems, basement water damage can destroy your personal belongings and interior decorative finishes and it also has the power to create the perfect environment for toxic mold growth.

Our SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and have experience working with a variety of water damage situations both big and small. We have seen flooding and carpet issues, to broken or frozen pipe and plumbing issues, and basement and roof leaks. Our technicians understand that a property damage event can be traumatic and unexpected; they realize time and efficiency are important and they take every step possible to minimize the intrusion while executing the cleanup and restoration of your home or business.

Need 24 Hour Emergency Property Disaster Restoration Cleanup and Mitigation Service call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan

SERVPRO provides 24-hour Emergency Services to local New York City communities for fire, smoke, sewage and water and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. Our service pros respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

SERVPRO professionals have extensive experience repairing and restoring catastrophic water damage

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians understand that unattended water damage continues to cause harm to your property over time, so they work quickly to minimize losses.

Water damage to your property can happen anytime. It can come from both clean and contaminated sources, so knowing what to do will save precious time and ultimately minimize losses to your property and building contents.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals have extensive experience repairing and restoring catastrophic water damage to both commercial and residential properties. Our technicians understand that unattended water damage continues to cause harm to your property over time. It is necessary to make quick, informed decisions while performing quality restoration services as soon as possible, to save your property from even further damages. SERVPRO uses many tools and has vast experience in helping home and businesses owners manage water disasters and we are always prepared to provide emergency services when you need us.

How SERVPRO professionals mitigate and restore property water damage

Step 1 - Emergency Contact
When you call, our representative will guide you through several questions that will help the SERVPRO of Central Manhattan team respond to your water emergency more quickly and efficiently. This initial contact is an important part of a fast, effective restoration.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
They carefully inspect your property's water damage, determining the type of water damage and the areas affected. This is a crucial step to creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction
Typically, hundreds or thousands of gallons of water are removed using our powerful pumps and vacuums during the water removal process. The SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals start this process as soon as possible to minimize further damage and to help prevent mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification
After the bulk of the water has been removed, SERVPRO of Central Manhattan local technicians use specialized equipment to target the water that is harder to access. They use less intrusive, scientific drying methods to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
Water damage also affects your belongings, like furniture, clothing, and personal items. Our team of professionals can clean and restore items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. They also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6 - Restoration
The last step is restoring your home or business back to its pre-water damage condition. The restoration step can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels, or could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding entire rooms of a home or business. We are your complete restoration and repair solution.

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.

How to protect your property from water damage during winter

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Our qualified and experienced staff can help answer your disaster restoration questions and provide a step-by-step plan for a full recovery.

COMMON CAUSES OF WINTER WATER PROPERTY DAMAGE

ICE DAMS
Ice dams occur after a snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures, common weather conditions in the Northeast during winter. Warm air inside your property leaks into the attic and warms the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt. The melted water refreezes on the cold overhang and can form icicles and an ice dam on the roof and gutters. This process can cause damage to the roof and exterior that can cause water to leak inside causing water damage to the ceiling, walls, insulation and other areas.

LEAKING BASEMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS
Wet basements and ground floor apartments are a common occurrence for many property owners in Manhattan, the impact of heavy snow, ice and rain on saturated street and sidewalks often leads to water leaks, flooding and other types of basement and foundation water damage. Repeated wetness can often lead to significant structural damage, destroy furnishings and other belongings, added moisture and flooding can also lead to elevated humidity and mold issues.

FROZEN WATER PIPES
When Northeast temperatures drop to at or below freezing, the water flowing in your plumbing has the potential to freeze. Water expands when it freezes, the expansion of the frozen water can cause a rupture, causing catastrophic flood damage. It’s important to note that the break often occurs between the frozen point and the faucet, as the ice blocks the pipe and the water pressure increases leading to stress on the pipe. Pipes that run through the exterior walls are particularly at risk, but those that run through un-insulated attics and crawlspaces can also freeze.

Although, these frozen water damage situations are very common, often the damage could have been avoided by taking a few preventative steps ahead of time. These are a few tips you can take to try and avoid turning the coming frigid days and nights into inconvenient and expensive property disasters.

HELP PREVENT WINTER WEATHER & FREEZING WATER ISSUES WITH THESE TIPS

• Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing, so insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes, and prevent ice dams.
• Seal air leaks in your attic, basement and exterior walls, look for air leaks around electrical wiring, vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• To avoid ice dam concerns, add roof and soffit vents to regulate the air temperature close to the underside of the roof.
• Sump pumps and sub-floor drainage systems are typically used to avoid the continued damage associated with basements and other foundation issues.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Let warm water drip overnight, from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes under sinks and plumbing near exterior walls.

Manhattan weather can be unpredictable even when winter temperatures aren’t extremely cold; property water damages happen to home and business owners often. Often when our crews answer calls for water spilling over the floors or filling basements, it is usually from a failed water heater shut-off valve or a split line on a washing machine. Many factors contribute to the length and cost of your property damage cleanup and restoration project, including the amount and type of water involved, length of time before service and the total area impacted. Our qualified and experienced staff can help answer your disaster restoration questions and provide a step-by-step plan for a full recovery of your flooded commercial or residential property. Our crews explain the process of water extraction, drying and restoration. Our Manhattan SERVPRO team has a unique rebuild option with our dedicated construction crew, to seamlessly move from restoration to reconstruction, helping you recover more quickly. Our specialized equipment and highly trained staff have the scope of services to handle your property restoration needs from start to finish. We understand you may not have all the answers, calling our team connects you to professionals that can provide the answers to your restoration concerns and tailor a solution to repair your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO professionals will cleanup and restore your Manhattan property after any size water damage.

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Our experienced Manhattan team has been providing property damage support to all local Manhattan neighborhoods for almost 30 years.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals specialize in the cleanup, restoration and repairs of all types of residential or commercial property after a winter water property damage emergency. Our experienced Manhattan team has been providing property damage support to all local Manhattan neighborhoods for almost 30 years.

Winter weather and freezing temperatures can be incredibly damaging to your residence or business, frozen water, snow and ice can all lead to significant Manhattan property damage disasters. On average each year a quarter of a million homeowners will experience the destructive power of frozen water problems including, frozen pipe bursts, ice dams and other leaking water damage occurrences. A frozen pipe alone can result in gallons of water spilling over your floors, leaking or pouring through ceilings and walls, and ruining furniture and other valuable possessions.

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.

Water extraction is the heart of most water restoration projects, and depending on the severity of your issue, can get accomplished in several ways. For smaller volumes needing removal, a combination of portable pumps and wet-vacs get used to pull the water from the floors. For larger projects, especially those that stand to risk the structural integrity of your home considerably, our SERVPRO technicians might opt to use a pump truck.

If the water level is above two inches, each team of WRTs starts removal with a commercial grade, submersible pump. For water levels under two inches, SERVPRO WRTs utilize extraction wands and other, smaller devices. Each one has three components, but technicians start by using only the pump option to remove water from the floors. Once they begin drawing water out of carpets, upholstery, and other items, they use the other two, a heater and vacuum to carefully draw water out of carpets and from between floorboards.

HOW SERVPRO CAN HELP RESTORE YOUR FLOOD AND WATER DAMAGE FOLLOWING A PIPE BURST

When winter temperatures drop below freezing, the water flowing freely in pipes throughout your home or business have the potential to freeze. When your pipes burst from freezing water, getting the water out fast is our highest priority. Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan comes ready with all the necessary equipment to get it done quickly because we want to prevent it from causing further damage to your property. We have years of experience in dealing with Manhattan residential and commercial water damage, and we know what it takes to restore your New York City property, "Like it never even happened."

Basement Water Damage Cleanup, Mitigation and Disaster Restoration Services Manhattan, New York

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring your Manhattan property basement flood or property water damage quickly, takes specialized equipment and IICRC certified professionals.

The 3 types of water damage affecting your Manhattan Neighborhood home or business

There are numerous reasons why Manhattan basements can suffer from flood and water damage– heavy rains, foundation seepage, sewage backup, high tides, storm flooding and when time is of the essence, you need cleanup and repairs from the trusted SERVPRO of Central Manhattan Disaster Restoration specialists. Rely on our Manhattan crews and Emergency services to quickly cleanup and remove the water and other fire, mold and water related damage to your property. SERVPRO professionals are available to help with your home or business restoration needs around the clock, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, to restore your New York City property, “Like it never even happened.”

Water damage is one of the most common problems that commercial and residential property owners experience. Manhattan basement flooding and water damage is especially common because it is the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There is always a risk of basement water damage and flooding due to substantial rain and defective plumbing, additional common causes for water damage to your local Manhattan basement or foundation include: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Sanitary/Storm sewer backup
• Foundation damage or drainage failures
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

When considering a solution to your Manhattan commercial or residential property water damage, our SERVPRO technicians will access what type of water caused the damage. This assessment will help our crew make the most effective plan for cleaning and removing the water, drying and mitigating the damage and repairing and restoring your property and contents correctly. When your Manhattan home or business suffers a water damage there are 3 types of water that could have caused your property damage, including clean, grey and black water, understanding what type of water is affecting your property is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. Water carries hidden dangers that may not be immediately evident when you first see the damage. That’s why it’s recommended that you always choose a professional restoration service provider like SERVPRO of Central Manhattan to assess and repair any water damage affecting your property. We offer 24-hour Emergency Property Restoration Services to your Manhattan neighborhood, excellent customer care and expedient remediation work that will return your home or commercial property to a safe, healthy and sanitary condition.

Three types of water damage – our SERVPRO restoration professionals can decide what to do next

Category 1:

Clean water originates from a sanitary source such as a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. However, it may not always remain clean after it meets other surfaces or materials.

Category 2:

Gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. It may contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological).

Category 3:

Black water is highly contaminated and filled with pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster; black water should always be handled by trained professionals.


RECOGNIZED AND TRUSTED WATER DAMAGE EXPERTS

Restoring your NYC home or business quickly, takes specialized equipment and highly skilled IICRC professionals. Our team closely inspects the damaged areas; measuring the moisture content, humidity and temperature to assess the full extent of the damage. They provide a step-by-step solution to restore and repair your Manhattan property and contents to help minimize additional damages and get you back to normal quickly and efficiently. If your home or commercial property in Central Manhattan has experienced water or sewage damage from any number of causes, we are prepared 24-7 with Emergency help when you need us! Let our SERVPRO disaster restoration team determine the most effective methods and services to begin the cleanup, repair, and restoration process and get your property water damage corrected.

Prevent a frozen water damage event in your home or business this winter.

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Freezing temperatures can be incredibly dangerous to your home or business, frozen water, snow and ice can cause significant property damage.

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals specialize in the cleanup and restoration of your Manhattan residential or commercial property after a frozen water property damage emergency. 

Our specialized equipment and highly trained staff has the scope of services to handle your property restoration needs from start to finish. We understand you may not have all the answers, calling our team connects you to professionals that can provide the answers to your restoration concerns and tailor a solution to repair your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”


These are a few tips you can take to try and avoid turning the coming frigid days and nights into inconvenient and expensive property disasters.

HELP PREVENT FROZEN WATER ISSUES IN YOUR HOME

• Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing, insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes and prevent ice dams.
• Seal air leaks in your attic, basement and exterior walls, look for air leaks around electrical wiring, vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• To avoid ice dams, add roof and soffit vents to regulate the air temperature close to the underside of the roof.
• Sump pumps and sub-floor drainage systems are typically used to avoid the continued damage associated with basements and other foundation issues.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Let warm water drip overnight, from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

For more HELP WITH YOUR RESTORATION AFTER A FROZEN WATER PROPERTY DAMAGE... Connect with us on Facebook!

Frozen Pipes: A Winter Water Damage Emergency

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Low temperatures cause seasonal property damage including frozen pipes and ice dams, taking key steps with SERVPRO can help avoid a major restoration.

We can’t control the weather frigid winter temperatures are here in the Northeast, the lower temperatures cause a new set of seasonal Manhattan property disasters including frozen pipes, ice dams and other frozen water damage concerns.

Every winter our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals help countless home and business owners in Manhattan with property damage restoration, cleanup and repair of their property following a frozen water property disaster.

Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?

• When water begins to freeze, it expands. This can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst, possibly leading to significant water damage to your home or business.
• Since water expands when it freezes, it puts unwanted pressure on pipes.
• As water freezes, the force exerted from the expansion can cause a pipe to burst, regardless of the strength of the material.
• You may not know you have a burst pipe as the water has turned to ice. Once the temperature starts to warm and thawing begins, leaking and flooding can occur.

TYPES OF WATER DAMAGE FROM A FROZEN PIPE OR OTHER FROZEN WATER DAMAGE

Manhattan residentials and commercial plumbing pipes are typically protected in insulated spaces reducing the risk of freezing, however pipes that run through exterior walls or those that run through uninsulated or under-insulated spaces can freeze. A frozen water property damage event including a frozen pipe burst is especially likely during days and weeks of extended subfreezing weather, or when pipes are in high risk locations for example in cold areas caused by poor insulation, cracks in the walls or foundation, or around entry points commonly found in basements and crawlspaces. Frozen water pipes and the damage they can cause are a reality for thousands of Manhattan home and business owners each year. 

Frozen pipes can often lead to water damage from leaking water or flooding. Water damage can be very intrusive it can cause obvious surface damage but can easily penetrate all the porous materials in your home or business and additionally cause structural damage and mold growth. When moisture meets your property the initial water damage to your home or business and the contents are considered primary issues, with prompt mitigation and repairs by our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan teams, almost all primary issues from water and flood damage can be reversed, avoiding the need for additional costly restoration. However, any continued damage due to rising humidity and prolonged exposure to water or water-soaked materials is considered secondary damage. Water damage that sits for just 24 hours will begin to carry a higher risk of permanently damaging your property, flood and other water damage that goes untreated for longer will almost always result in serious and lasting damage.

FROZEN PIPE WATER DAMAGE TREATMENT AND RESTORATION

The key to avoiding costly secondary damage is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property with proper mitigation. Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan teams have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. We begin removing the standing water from your property with extraction methods, and rapidly dry your structure and contents with dehumidifiers that lower the indoor humidity levels, so your building dries out quickly. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan professionals will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.

FROZEN PIPE PREVENTION

Short- and Long-term solutions for low temperature plumbing problems include:

• Locate and seal cracks and openings in the walls, attic, basement or crawlspace.
• Weather strip and caulk around crawlspace doors and basement windows.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Pay special attention to areas where pipes are located.
• Insulate unprotected pipes and don't leave gaps. Pipe sleeves simplify the process. Keep the pieces tight against each other and seal the slits and joints with duct tape.
• Install storm windows over basement windows or replace the old windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
• Find your main water shutoff so you can turn off the water quickly if needed. Locations vary — look in the crawlspace or basement where the water supply enters the house, inside a water meter box directly outside the house or near the water heater.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air flow around the supply lines. Move any cleaners or other chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Keep your thermostat at the daytime setting during the night. If you'll be away for several days during subfreezing weather, keep it set above 55° F.

What Do You Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe?

• If you have a leak or flood, turn the water off immediately to prevent further water damage and call a licensed plumber to make repairs. 

HOW SERVPRO CAN HELP RESTORE YOUR FLOOD AND WATER DAMAGE FOLLOWING A PIPE BURST

When winter temperatures drop below freezing, the water flowing freely in pipes throughout your home or business have the potential to freeze. When your pipes burst from freezing water, getting the water out fast is our highest priority. Our SERVPRO of Central Manhattan team comes ready with all the necessary equipment to get it done quickly because we want to prevent it from causing further damage to your property. We have years of experience in dealing with Manhattan residential or commercial water damage, and we know what it takes to restore your New York City property, "Like it never even happened."

If you have water damage to your Manhattan home or business give us a call, we are always here to help!

Water Damage & Flooding

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage or flooding, contact SERVPRO of Central Manhattan immediately

The rainy season is upon us in Central Manhattan. Excessive rainfall means the potential for leaky roofs, flooded basements and other types of water damage. These situations are some of the most costly that a homeowner or business owner can face. Water can quickly lead to mold growth, damage furniture and drywall, and compromise the very structure of a house or building.

Common causes of water damage include corroded or damaged pipes, blocked gutters, and leaks from roofs or windows.

To prepare for flooding, elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home or building. Install check-valves to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains. And know how to locate and safely shut off all utilities.

There are also several measures you can take to help prevent water damage. Inspect sinks, showers, toilets, gutters and downspouts to ensure there are no blockages. Have a sump pump installed in the basement of your home or business. Seal basement walls and floors with waterproofing compounds.

If certain areas consistently have standing water or if there are a few spots in your basement where water regularly collects, there might be a problem with the pitch or angle of the grounds outside. If the ground is pitched toward your house or building, water will run back toward it, causing leaks or flooding. So make sure the ground pitch is angled away from your home or facility.

Water and flood damage restoration is not a do-it-yourself project. It is a lengthy and potentially dangerous process that should be tackled only by experienced professionals, like the experts at SERVPRO of Central Manhattan. If you have an issue, call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan right away. While you wait for our restoration team to arrive, take the following steps:

1. Turn off all power
2. Move important possessions and documents to safety
3. Raise all furniture or remove it entirely
4. Let in fresh air if weather permits
5. If safely doing so is possible, use buckets to remove water, and clean out the internal and outside water drainage of your home or building

Once they arrive, the SERVPRO of Central Manhattan team will begin the repair and restoration process:

Assessment

Our technicians determine f the water is from a clean source or an unsanitary place like a sewerage system. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan locates and measures the damage, from subfloors to inside the wall cavities and elsewhere.

Water removal

We use powerful vacuums capable of removing thousands of gallons every hour.

Drying

Our licensed restoration professionals have the knowledge and heavy-duty
equipment to start the air movement necessary to dry out your home or facility. They will also inspect the affected areas for mold.

Without prompt action, water damage is virtually guaranteed to spread and become permanent. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of mold growth and unrecoverable property. So if you live in Central Manhattan and have a water issue, call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan immediately. Our professionals have the expertise to reverse and prevent the devastating effects of flooding and water damage.

When a pipe bursts in your home.

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

A burst pipe can cause serious water damage.

2018 has brought us mostly subfreezing temperatures. When it gets this cold outside homes are at risk of burst pipes and all of the headaches and water damage they bring. Water pipes burst when the water inside them freezes and expands causing an increase in pressure inside the pipe. When the pressure gets too high for the pipe to contain it bursts causing damage to your home.

A burst pipe can happen almost anywhere, but usually occurs with pipes that are close to the exterior of your home. The most critical aspect of dealing with a burst pipe is turning off the water supply and stopping the flow of water. Water in a crawlspace or basement is usually well contained and can be easily dried out. However, when a pipe bursts in the main part of your home, such as a toilet feed or an under-sink supply line, it can create a much bigger mess depending upon how much water has inundated the house.

As with any water damage, time is of the essence as mold can start to develop in as little as 24 hours after flooding occurs. The more time that passes without treatment the more likely those materials will continue to deteriorate and may not be salvageable. This is doubly true in homes with carpeting.

When a pipe in your home bursts—affecting multiple rooms—travels from an upper level to a lower level of the home, or has been left unnoticed for more than 8 hours, professional water mitigation and specialized drying equipment is essential for preventing long-term damage. If you see that water has seeped into the subflooring or the drywall the safest step would be to contact a professional water damage remediation company like SERVPRO of Central Manhattan  to help remove or restore items that would otherwise be destroyed by mold.

Water Damage: A Timeline 

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Central Manhattan provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Central Manhattan arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

             Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Central Manhattan

SERVPRO of Central Manhattan specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What To Do After a Flood

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

It is hard to be prepared for a flood because so often they come on so quickly. While floods rarely can be prevented, what you do after a flood can save you thousands of dollars on flood remediation and water damage repair costs.  Here are some tips to take after you notice flood damage.

1. Tread Carefully

Do not go into the water without protection even if it is clear. Flood waters can be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. If there is possibility of downed or live wires don’t risk it, wait for a professional. If it is safe to go into the water wear waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots. In addition, wear rubber gloves to remove water- damaged possessions and to avoid contaminants. Hiring a professional to do flood clean-up is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of your possessions. Any food that came into contact with the flood waters should be thrown away. Boil all of your water until authorities declare the water supply is safe.

2. Get Pictures

Before you remove any water or make any repairs, fully document the damage to send to your insurance company by taking photos or video. If you start removing water or making repairs before you photograph the damage, you run the risk of decreasing the extent of your coverage.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

After you have ensured your family is safe, the first person you contact should be your insurance agent. If the floods have affected an entire region note that your agent might be dealing with their own flooding emergency and may not be available. If that is the case, contact your insurance company’s headquarters they should be able to direct you to the right information.

Let your insurance company know the extent of the damages to your home and any repairs you intend to do immediately. Be sure to follow the insurance company’s direction about whether or not to wait for an adjuster to inspect the property before making repairs. Document the damage and conversations at every stage of the process.

4. Call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan

Our expert flood damage remediation specialists can help you recover from water damage. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.

If you have flood or water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan at (347) 690-7449

Burst Pipes

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

When old man winter starts doing his worst, it wreaks havoc on your home. Plunging temps put your pipes at risk of freezing. Burst pipes cause problematic water damage require remediation, not to mention the risk for mold as well. As water freezes it expands putting pressure on metal and other pipes. The continuous expanding and contracting eventually weakens the integrity of your pipes turning them into ticking time bombs. Expanding water can cause pipes to break leaving you with a big, wet, cold mess.

So How Do you Prevent Burst Pipes?

Ice alone forming in a pipe is not what causes it to break. It’s the continual freezing and expansion that causes water pressure to increase downstream, between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end. It’s this increase in water pressure that leads to pipe failure and usually the pipe will burst where little or no ice has formed.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Keep the water running at a trickle to keep water from settling? Open cabinets and draw heat to pipes against exterior walls and places like your basement.

If you should find yourself faced with a pipe break situation, contact your insurance company then call us. We have 24 hour emergency services available and will do our very best to bring your home back to its pre-loss condition as soon as possible.

Call SERVPRO of Central Manhattan at (212) 246-4148