The Scariest Thing This October? Neglecting Your Property's Maintenance

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

As the Northeast gears up for Halloween, the festive season brings its own share of spooky thrills—but there’s nothing scarier than overlooking crucial property maintenance. From fire hazards caused by decorations to the looming risk of storm damage, Halloween presents unique risks to homes and businesses alike. To help keep your property safe from the haunting consequences of neglect, the experts at SERVPRO® have put together a checklist of essential Halloween property maintenance tips.

Halloween Property Maintenance Checklist

1. Check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
2. Use battery-operated candles instead of open flames
3. Keep decorations away from heat sources
4. Secure outdoor decorations against wind and storms
5. Clear walkways and stairs of tripping hazards
6. Lock doors and windows to prevent vandalism
7. Inspect your property for signs of water damage
8. Have SERVPRO's emergency contact info ready

1. Fire Safety: Watch Out for Flammable Decorations and Open Flames

Halloween decor can be especially vulnerable to fire hazards, especially with the use of candles, paper decorations, and even dry foliage displays. Here are some essential tips to minimize fire risk:

• Opt for LED Candles: These are safer alternatives to traditional candles, particularly if placed inside carved pumpkins or near decorations.
• Check Smoke Alarms: Make sure all smoke detectors are functioning properly before the big night. Batteries should be replaced as needed, and alarms should be tested monthly.
• Keep Exits Clear: Ensure that no decorations block your doors, windows, or exit paths. In case of an emergency, everyone should be able to leave safely.

2. Prepare for Vandalism Prevention

While Halloween night is fun for trick-or-treaters, it can also bring an increase in vandalism incidents. Simple precautions can deter any would-be mischief makers:

• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in anything that could be tampered with, such as garden tools, planters, or lawn decorations.
• Install Motion-Activated Lights: These can deter vandals by spotlighting activity around your home or business, keeping your property secure.
• Consider Security Cameras: If possible, install visible security cameras, which help deter trespassing and can provide valuable footage if any issues arise.

3. Check for Gutter and Roof Readiness for Fall Weather

With leaves falling and Halloween approaching, October is the perfect time to inspect and clear your gutters. Overflowing gutters can lead to serious water issues as fall rains increase, potentially causing water damage to your property:

• Clear Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling near your foundation, risking basement flooding. Be sure to remove any leaves and debris before Halloween.
• Inspect Your Roof: Fall is prime time for roof leaks due to seasonal storms. Check for loose or missing shingles, as well as any signs of wear. Addressing small roof repairs now can prevent larger (and scarier) problems later.

4. Protect Against Water Damage from October Storms

The Northeast is known for unpredictable fall weather, which can bring sudden rainstorms that can easily damage properties without proper maintenance. Here’s how to be storm-ready this Halloween:

• Seal Windows and Doors: Gaps in doors and windows can let water and cold air seep inside. Caulk and seal any exposed areas to prevent drafts and water intrusion.
• Have Sandbags Handy: In flood-prone areas, keeping sandbags on hand can be helpful for redirecting water away from vulnerable entry points.
• Inspect Your Sump Pump: For properties with basements, a working sump pump is essential to keep out water. Test it regularly and clear any debris that could clog the pump.

5. Assess Your Electrical System for Added Load and Outdoor Decor

Adding spooky decorations around your property may mean plugging in extra lights and equipment, which can put added strain on your electrical system. To avoid risks, follow these steps:

• Use Outdoor-Rated Extension Cords: Make sure any extension cords used outdoors are designed for exterior use to reduce the risk of electrical issues.
• Limit Plug Load: Avoid plugging too many items into a single outlet or power strip, as this can lead to overheating.
• Check for Frayed Wires: Before plugging in older decor, check cords for wear and tear to prevent electrical shorts or sparks.

6. Have a Plan for Emergency Response

Even with careful planning, unexpected events can still happen. Having a clear plan in place helps to ensure safety and minimize damage if an emergency arises:

• Keep Contact Numbers Handy: Save the number for emergency restoration services like SERVPRO so you can quickly respond to any property damage that may occur.
• Know Your Property’s Shut-Offs: Familiarize yourself with your property’s electrical, gas, and water shut-off points. Quick action in an emergency can prevent minor issues from becoming full-blown disasters.
• Document Seasonal Decor and Property Conditions: Take photos of the condition of your property and decor so you have a record to provide insurance in case of damage.

When to Call SERVPRO for Restoration Help

While Halloween is all about harmless frights, real-life damage from fire, water, or vandalism can be truly terrifying. SERVPRO offers 24/7 restoration services to help with fire damage, storm damage, water intrusion, and more. Our team understands the unique challenges Northeast properties face, especially during the fall and winter months, and we’re here to help you recover quickly and effectively.

With our specialized equipment and seasoned technicians, SERVPRO is ready to make any Halloween mishap “Like it never even happened.” This October, remember: the scariest thing you can do is neglect your property’s maintenance. Take the time to prepare your home or business, and you’ll have peace of mind through every spooky surprise the season brings.

Brooklyn Fire Damage Restoration Services by SERVPRO®: Making It "Like it Never Even Happened"

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage can devastate your Brooklyn property, but the fire damage restoration team at SERVPRO® of Southwest Brooklyn offers an efficient and reliable way to return your home or business to its preloss condition. Our local team of experienced professionals is available 24/7 to begin the cleanup, restoration, and rebuilding process immediately following a fire disaster, addressing all aspects of damage, from structural integrity to smoke and odor removal.

Comprehensive Fire Damage Assessment & Immediate Response

The first step in SERVPRO’s fire damage restoration process is a thorough property inspection. Our experts assess the fire, smoke, and soot damage in detail to determine which advanced techniques and equipment are needed for restoration. With a SERVPRO emergency response team on-site, you’ll receive fast-acting support tailored to your unique situation, including:

• Smoke, Soot & Stain Removal: Specialized cleaning techniques target soot stains and smoke residue on walls, floors, and furniture.
• Odor Removal & Deodorizing: HEPA air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators help neutralize lingering smoke odors, restoring clean air to your space.
• Property and Contents Restoration: We work to save as much of your property as possible, carefully removing non-salvageable items and restoring what can be saved.

Personalized Restoration Plan & Ongoing Communication

Every fire recovery situation is unique. Our team assesses the specific extent of damage to formulate a tailored recovery plan for your home or business. Here’s what our process involves:

1. Initial Assessment: Testing for soot and smoke damage, evaluating safety risks, and documenting all damage for insurance and restoration planning.
2. Customized Recovery Strategy: Your SERVPRO manager and crew chief will create a structured restoration timeline, budget, and detailed recovery plan so you know exactly what to expect.
3. Insurance Support: We communicate directly with insurance adjusters, making sure the project aligns with your policy to help expedite claims.

With our detailed recovery plan in place, you can focus on personal recovery, knowing SERVPRO’s fire restoration experts will handle every aspect of the restoration and rebuilding process.

Efficient and Thorough Fire Cleanup & Controlled Demolition

SERVPRO’s fire damage cleanup services go beyond surface cleaning to address hidden and deep-seated damage throughout your property. Immediate placement of HEPA air scrubbers and odor-mitigating equipment ensures air quality improvement while our cleaning and controlled demolition services include:

• Surface Cleaning: Specialized equipment removes soot and ash from walls, cabinets, and furniture, protecting materials from further damage.
• Soft Goods Cleaning: We clean and restore smoke-damaged fabrics such as clothing, bedding, and upholstery.
• Targeted Soot Removal: SERVPRO customizes soot removal techniques based on the type of smoke damage identified during pretesting.

Smoke & Soot Damage Cleanup: Removing Harmful Residues Before They Cause Long-Term Damage

The spread of smoke and soot damage is invasive, reaching areas far from the fire’s origin. Residues can stain, discolor, and damage surfaces quickly, affecting wood, drywall, metal, and glass. Prompt removal of these residues is critical to prevent ongoing deterioration. Our cleanup efforts include:

• Complete Soot & Ash Cleanup: Swift removal of soot and ash to prevent etching and discoloration on affected surfaces.
• Odor Neutralization: Advanced odor removal techniques ensure that your home or business is free from lingering smoke smells.
• Documentation and Disposal: SERVPRO carefully documents losses and disposes of non-recoverable items to streamline your recovery.

Puff Back Cleanup: Specialized Solutions for Heating System Soot Damage

In the Northeast, heating systems like oil burners can sometimes cause puff backs, releasing soot throughout the property. Our SERVPRO team in Brooklyn is equipped with advanced training and equipment to manage puff back cleanup, including:

• Soot Removal: Thorough cleaning of all affected surfaces, walls, and furniture to remove oily soot residue.
• Odor Removal: Professional deodorization techniques eliminate residual oil smoke odors.
• Restoration of Damaged Property: Comprehensive cleanup and restoration solutions to return your home or business to preloss condition.

Rebuilding Damaged Structures with SERVPRO's Licensed Contractors

In cases of severe structural damage, SERVPRO’s licensed contracting division is ready to assist. Our construction team provides full rebuilding services to restore properties impacted by fire or smoke, offering:

• Controlled Demolition: Removal of irreparable materials while preserving salvageable elements of your property.
• Reconstruction Services: Structural rebuilding and finishing work to ensure your property is restored efficiently and safely.
• Minimizing Disruption: We coordinate repairs and replacements to reduce impact on your daily life, working diligently to get you back in your home or business.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration?

• Rapid Response: We’re available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance for fire damage emergencies.
• Experienced Professionals: SERVPRO technicians have extensive training in smoke, soot, and odor removal and advanced fire restoration techniques.
• End-to-End Solutions: From initial inspection to full reconstruction, we offer comprehensive fire restoration services.
• Trusted Insurance Support: Our team works closely with your insurance adjuster to expedite claims and reduce stress.

For reliable, expert fire damage restoration in Brooklyn, trust SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Contact SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn today for emergency fire damage cleanup and restoration services to protect and restore your property this season 1-800-535-1009

Quick, Professional, and Effective Storm Property Restoration Services in Brooklyn and Queens

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Comprehensive Storm Property Restoration Services for Every Season

No matter the season, SERVPRO offers expert property damage restoration solutions tailored to the unique weather challenges of Brooklyn and Queens. From winter's freezing conditions causing plumbing bursts to spring's floods and roof leaks, our highly trained restoration team stands ready to resolve any property disaster swiftly and effectively.

Seasonal Hazards and Their Impact on Local Properties

Brooklyn and Queens face various seasonal hazards, including severe storms bringing coastal flooding, torrential rains, strong winds, and lightning. These elements pose significant risks such as foundational cracks from winter's freezing temperatures or burst pipes. Your home or business could experience a range of damages, including water damage, flood damage, mold growth, fire damage, sewage backups, or plumbing leaks.

Proactive preparation and timely response are crucial for mitigating storm-related damages in Brooklyn and Queens. SERVPRO's commitment to quick, professional, and effective property restoration ensures that your home or business receives the best care and attention during any season's challenges. For more information or immediate assistance, contact SERVPRO of Southeast Brooklyn at (800) 535-1009 today!

Storm and Coastal Flooding Risks

Flooding presents a serious threat to both residential and commercial properties in Brooklyn and Queens. Northeast thunderstorms and hurricanes can bring substantial moisture and tidal surges, leading to significant water intrusion. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods claim more lives annually than lightning, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.

Prompt cleanup and restoration by a professional team are crucial to mitigating contamination and structural damage, including drywall, contents, and support structures. Without immediate attention, properties are at risk of secondary damages such as mold growth and bacterial contamination within 24 hours.

Common Secondary Damages and Their Risks

• Building Damage: Severe storms can cause extensive water damage to building materials, foundations, and basements. Immediate hazardous water removal is critical to prevent further costly damages. SERVPRO technicians provide temporary structural support, tarping, and board-up services to stabilize properties post-storm.
• Mold Contamination: Water damage can lead to mold growth within 24 hours if not properly addressed. Our certified technicians specialize in mold remediation to prevent the spread of mold colonies throughout your property.
• Moisture Control: Rapid drying techniques are employed to mitigate ongoing moisture exposure, preventing additional water damage. Our technicians monitor moisture levels to address hidden water damage promptly, minimizing costly secondary damages.

Our Comprehensive Storm & Water Mitigation Services in New York City Include:

• Roof and Structure Tarping and Board-Up Services
• Water Extraction and Cleanup for Category 1, 2, and 3 Water Incidents
• Drying of Damaged Areas, including walls, carpets, and furniture
• Cleaning and Restoration of Affected Possessions
• Mold and Mildew Remediation
• Reconstruction and Repair Services

Pre-Storm Safety Tips:

• Stock Up: Ensure your disaster supplies are stocked and up-to-date, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and essential personal documents.
• Stay Indoors: During storms, stay indoors away from windows and glass doors. If flooding is anticipated, turn off electricity at the main breaker and major appliances to minimize damage.
• Property Inspection: Regularly inspect your roof and foundation for damage, secure doors and windows, and trim overhanging tree limbs to prevent potential storm damage.

Trust SERVPRO of Southeast Brooklyn for Your Property Restoration Needs

With nearly 30 years of serving our local communities, SERVPRO of Southeast Brooklyn is equipped with expert training and state-of-the-art equipment to handle any residential or commercial property restoration. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 to provide rapid and effective cleanup and repair services for water, sewage, smoke, or fire damage. Your satisfaction is our priority, ensuring your property and belongings are restored give our local Brooklyn SERVPRO team a call at (800) 535-1009 and we will make your property challenges, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Professional Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Service offers surprising benefits to your Brooklyn Business

10/26/2023 (Permalink)

Business owners and managers are busy, countless daily tasks and emergency situations make paying attention to routine maintenance difficult at times. Turning your attention annually to your commercial HVAC system and air duct system including performing scheduled inspections, maintenance and cleaning services is crucial to keeping your operations running efficiently.

There are many benefits to having our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn commercial cleaning professionals perform an air duct, vent and register cleaning at your commercial building.

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Benefits:

• Reduce energy costs for your business
• Reduce the potential for mold growth
• Improve indoor air quality
• Increase air circulation and flow
• Increase your commercial system performance
• Extend HVAC equipment life

Whether your focus is eliminating contaminants, dust, debris, and other harmful pollutants to improve your buildings indoor air quality, or you want to extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC and air duct system; SERVPRO professional commercial HVAC/air duct cleaning services could benefit your business. According to the US Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted due to air pollutants and other dirt and debris clogging up residential/commercial air ducts.

Things that decrease air flow in your commercial air duct system:

• Obstructed condenser unit
• Blocked vents and registers
• Clogged filters
• Blocked or leaky ducts

Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn technicians have advanced training to help resolve potential air flow concerns and accurately clean and remove the buildup of dust/debris, contaminants, mold spores, and particulates circulating throughout your commercial air duct system. Our crews use a variety of specialized equipment to overcome years of buildup and pollutants within your air duct system, including high-powered HEPA vacuums, negative air machines and whisking brushes to help remove debris and mold spores from internal surfaces. Our goal is to provide a thorough commercial air duct cleaning and remove built-up sediment and pollutants from your system, improving efficiency and indoor air quality.

Why is Cleaning Your Commercial Air Ducts Important?

The air ducts in your Brooklyn commercial building serve an important function, bringing heating and cooling throughout your facility as well as circulating the air through a filter, which cleans out some of the dust particles before reaching the rooms in which air is breathed by you and your employees.

Air Duct Cleaning Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

By routinely having your air ducts cleaned you can significantly decrease the number of airborne molecules in your office, all while avoiding weighty fees for other air purifying solutions.  Air ducts, like everything else in our office, collect dirt and debris. While filters may catch a lot of streaming debris, there is still a considerable amount of dust that settles within the ducts.

Air Duct Cleaning Conserves Energy

Air duct cleaning provides a beginning in optimizing your duct function, a properly and thoroughly cleaned HVAC system, can reduce the costs associated with running your HVAC system and increase the useful life of your air conditioner and furnace. Performing routine commercial air duct cleanings removes obstructions and improves airflow, helping your systems to work better, faster, and more efficiently, all while using less energy!

SERVPRO specializes in cleaning local Brooklyn and Queens commercial and industrial air ducts; contact our staff to schedule an inspection and estimate for your commercial cleaning solution. Our crews have experience, training and advanced equipment to restore your HVAC system to optimal performance. Our SERVPRO commercial cleaning specialists are familiar with all types of commercial and industrial HVAC/air duct systems, give us a call so we can get to work, and you can start experiencing the benefits a commercial air duct cleaning service can bring to your business!

Simultaneous Fire Damage Recovery Operations and SERVPRO's Priority Response Fire Restoration Team

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, such as a devastating fire, your world can turn upside down in an instant. That's where SERVPRO's Priority Response Property Restoration Team come into play. These dedicated professionals are your guiding light, offering immediate support, mitigation, and expert guidance to help you navigate the complex journey of property restoration.

The Complexity of Fire Restoration

A fire disaster leads to a range of issues, including water damage, structural problems, and soot and smoke infiltration. To address these challenges effectively, multiple operations must happen at the same time.

Simultaneous Recovery Operations

• Water Extraction and Demolition: Excess water from firefighting efforts must be removed swiftly to prevent further damage and mold growth. Simultaneously, severely damaged areas are demolished to prepare for reconstruction.
• Inventory and Item Relocation: Salvageable items affected by smoke or soot are meticulously inventoried and relocated to prevent further contamination.
• Soot and Smoke Mitigation: Soot and smoke particles are tiny but pervasive. Industrial-strength air scrubbers and vacuums with HEPA filters are used to capture soot, purify the air, and eliminate odors.
• Restoration and Rebuilding Services: Our qualified construction team ensures a smooth recovery process, often minimizing costs and reducing the timeline for project completion.

Priority Response Property Restoration Team

Our Priority Response Property Restoration Team is available 24/7 to provide immediate support, mitigation, and guidance during the early hours of a fire disaster.

Immediate Support: Our team responds rapidly to mitigate further damage and ensure a swift recovery.

Mitigation and Damage Control: They secure your property with emergency board-up services to prevent unauthorized access and further destruction.

Expert Guidance: Our team offers expert guidance on what to do and what not to do, ensuring your actions align with a successful recovery. They also work with your insurance company to streamline the claims process.

The Director of Emergency Support

Our Director of Emergency Support, Elvis Gonzalez, brings years of experience managing fire property restoration losses. His expertise ensures a seamless response to the challenges of fire restoration. He understands the complexities of managing fire restoration operations, making critical decisions promptly to provide immediate attention and support. His knowledge is a valuable asset in navigating the intricacies of fire damage recovery.

The Power of Preparedness

While you can't predict a fire disaster, preparedness is crucial:

• Create a Fire Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency plan for your household, including escape routes and a meeting place.
• Install Smoke Detectors: Ensure smoke detectors are installed and functioning throughout your property.
• Maintain Fire Extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers accessible and well-maintained.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct routine property inspections to identify and address potential fire hazards.

Fire damage restoration involves multiple operations that must occur simultaneously. Our Priority Response Property Restoration Team, led by our Director of Emergency Operations, ensures a swift and efficient response to your fire damage challenges. Be prepared, and remember that help is just a phone call away @800-535-1009. In times of crisis, our experienced SERVPRO team will provide the support and expertise you need to recover and restore your property completely.

Emergency Water Removal – Addressing your flood damage with a quick reaction

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

There are numerous reasons why your Brooklyn residence or business can suffer from flood and water damage– heavy rains, foundation seepage, broken appliances, sewage backup, high tides, plumbing problems and storm flooding. When time is of the essence, you need cleanup and repairs from the trusted SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn Disaster Restoration specialists. Rely on our Brooklyn SERVPRO IICRC certified professionals and Emergency restoration 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 residential or commercial property, “Like it never even happened.”

Choosing a disaster restoration and recovery company after your New York City 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.

It’s critical to take quick action and call our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn team to begin taking steps to stop the 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 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 property and contents to help minimize additional damages.

OUR BROOKLYN AND QUEENS STORM & WATER MITIGATION SERVICES INCLUDE
    •    Water Extraction
    •    Drying of affected areas, including walls, carpets and furniture
    •    Cleaning and Restoration of affected possessions
    •    Mold and Mildew Remediation
    •    Reconstruction and Repairs

Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn Water Damage Restoration Team has the experience and resources to handle your property damage quickly and professionally. We know what comes next after a property disaster strikes and we are prepared 24-7 with Emergency help when you need us!

Brooklyn Emergency Water Mitigation: common water damage concerns affecting local properties

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn professionals specialize in the cleanup and restoration of NYC residential or commercial property after a seasonal water property damage emergency.

A Fast Water Removal Response Minimizes Damages

Our crews are available 24/7 to aid our local Brooklyn and Queens County 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.

If the water level is over two inches, each team of WRTs starts removal with a commercial grade, submersible pump. All water we remove goes directly in a drain, and not across the backyard to cause a problem for neighbors or the residents one street over. If possible, technicians direct it into sewer access if one is available.

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.

Water extraction is the heart of this water restoration process, 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.

There’s no way to eliminate all risk of water damage to your property, but knowing common concerns, practicing good maintenance, and taking preventative measures will reduce your risks and help you respond better if something does occur. About one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year. Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn staff is highly trained and experienced in the cleanup and restoration of water property damage from seasonal temperature and precipitation. Our team can respond quickly and help you assess your damage and find a restoration solution that you can trust. If your home or business experiences a water or flood damage, calling our IICRC certified water restoration professionals can minimize the damage and help reduce your repair cost.

Most common water damage concerns impacting Southwest Brooklyn properties:

• Worn Appliances and Equipment
  If your home or business has equipment that utilizes water, leakage is an ever-present danger. Air conditioners, water heaters and washing machines or anything that uses tubes, pipes, gaskets, or filters to operate has the potential to leak. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your equipment, replacing old or worn parts and having adequate insulation can help prevent an unnecessary leak or pipe burst.
• Roof Damage
  Make sure you’re checking your roof regularly, closely monitor for any damage to your perimeter flashing, roof membrane or roof penetrations like drains, pipes and gas lines. Over time, small concerns can cause incredible strain and lead to leaks leaving you with a minefield of potential hazards.
• Faulty Pipes and Drains
  Your property’s plumbing system is susceptible to stoppages, clogs and other types of damage that could potentially spill over 250 gallons of water per day. Even a small leak can cause secondary damages such as mold growth or high levels of humidity. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are critical to avoid plumbing concerns, look for outward signs of moisture, blue stains, rusting, cracking and bulging. Also, if your facility is exposed to lower temperatures, keep your pipes always insulated to prevent freezing.
• Sprinkler Systems
  Overspray, installation errors and broken pipes and sprinkler heads can all cause water property damages. Always check your sprinkler system for signs of damage or rust and replace them regularly to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Mother Nature
  Natural disasters like hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding can do untold damage to your property. You certainly can’t control the weather, but you can control how ready you are for it. Keeping your gutters clear, installing barriers, and storing sensitive files and electronics at a higher level are all things you can do to keep the damage minimal.

We specialize in Basement Water Removal and Damage Restoration

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

A Basement is a wonderful asset to your Brooklyn home, it can provide additional storage or living space to a crowded property. As unfortunate as it may be, 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’ll 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.

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.”

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

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help local Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn crews use many tools and techniques to successfully and thoroughly locate and address Brooklyn high humidity and other hidden water damage concerns. 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 Brooklyn 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 removal and remediation process to get your home healthy and safe, “Like it never even happened.”

Signs of mold in your Brooklyn home 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 of Southwest Brooklyn property restoration service specialists. Our sophisticated tools can make it easy to determine the presence of hidden moisture and dampness in your Brooklyn 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.

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

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help local Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn crews use many tools and techniques to successfully and thoroughly locate and address Brooklyn high humidity and other hidden water damage concerns. 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 Brooklyn 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 removal and remediation process to get your home healthy and safe, “Like it never even happened.”

Signs of mold in your Brooklyn home 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 of Southwest Brooklyn property restoration service specialists. Our sophisticated tools can make it easy to determine the presence of hidden moisture and dampness in your Brooklyn 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.