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.

SERVPRO professionals will cleanup and restore your NYC property after seasonal water damage

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage (including damage from freezing) is one of the most common and most costly types of homeowners insurance claims. Every year, about one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim, accounting for almost 24% of all homeowner’s insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Winter can be hazardous to your property’s intricate network of plumbing and supply lines, freezing temperatures could lead to both major headaches and expensive repair bills. Other water problems, like a heavy storm, a deep freeze, flooding, and exterior leaks can penetrate from outside having a negative effect on your property’s structure, insulation, and interiors.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn we take pride in our ability to reverse 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 Brooklyn Property Restoration team of technicians put 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. Using advanced 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.

SERVPRO 24 Hour Emergency Restoration Service Calls to the Long Island area

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn provides 24-hour Emergency Services to local communities across Brooklyn and Queens 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

SERVPRO responds quickly to your water damage emergency with skilled technicians to your home or business whenever necessary. Our SERVPRO team’s primary goal is to mitigate additional damages with preventative procedures and neutralize and recover sustained damages using expert skill, experience, and equipment. When you need property disaster help give us a call.

SERVPRO professionals will cleanup and restore your Brooklyn property after seasonal water damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our team provides professional and prompt emergency restoration services for all local Long Island commercial businesses and homeowners. SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn’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.

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 Storm Team has the experience and resources to handle your winter weather property damage quickly and professionally. We know what comes next after the storm and we are prepared 24-7 with Emergency help when you need us! 

Winter weather is unpredictable, but you can count on SERVPRO to have reliable solutions to all your big and small winter property damage disasters.

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn property restoration specialists are available to clean up and reverse damages caused by winter. Frozen pipes, flooding and roof leaks from ice and snow are all concerns for Brooklyn and Queens property owners and tenants, our certified and reliable team is ready to restore your home or business whenever winter property damage strikes. 

Winter weather and freezing temperatures can be incredibly dangerous to your home or business, as frozen water, snow, and ice can all lead to significant 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. SERVPRO professionals specialize in the cleanup and restoration of Brooklyn and Queens residential or commercial property after a frozen water property damage emergency. Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn staff is highly trained and experienced in the cleanup and restoration of your frozen water property damage from frigid Northeast temperatures. Our team can respond quickly and help you assess your damage and find a restoration solution that you can trust.

Common causes of winter property damage in Brooklyn and Queens

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 home 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 which can cause water to leak into the home causing water damage to the ceiling, walls, insulation, and other areas.

LEAKING BASEMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS

Water damage and flooding to lower-level apartments is a common occurrence for many properties in Brooklyn and Queens. The impact of heavy snow, ice and rain on saturated soil often leads to water leaks, flooding and other types of basement and foundation water damage. Water damage can lead to significant structural damage, destroy furnishings and other belongings, and commonly lead to elevated mold and humidity 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 is 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 low- or 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.

Property water damage is common, our team has decades of local property restoration experience.

New York weather can be unpredictable even when winter temperatures are not extremely cold; property water damages happen to home and business owners often. When water begins spreading across 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 Brooklyn 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.”

Water is one of the biggest threats to your property and personal belongings, SERVPRO responds quickly to minimize water damage loss.

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Brooklyn team of technicians put years of training, experience, and specialized equipment to work for you reversing damage and restoring your property

Water damage (including damage from freezing) is one of the most common and most costly types of homeowners insurance claims. Every year, about one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim, accounting for almost 24% of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Winter can be hazardous to your property’s intricate network of plumbing and supply lines, freezing temperatures could lead to both major headaches and expensive repair bills. Other water problems, like a heavy storm, a deep freeze, flooding and exterior leaks can penetrate from outside having a negative effect on your property’s structure, insulation and interiors.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn we take pride in our ability to reverse 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 Brooklyn team of technicians put 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. Using advanced 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.

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn responds quickly to your water damage emergency with skilled technicians to your home or business whenever necessary. Our SERVPRO team’s primary goal is to mitigate additional damages with preventative procedures and neutralize and recover sustained damages using expert skill, experience, and equipment. When you need property disaster help give us a call.

Common causes of home or business water damage:

• Plumbing Problems: freezing pipes is a common problem that can lead to water damage. But it is not just a burst pipe that can create a leak in your plumbing. Pipes can corrode or connections to fixtures can become worn, causing major plumbing problems and water leaks.
  
  Prevention tips: When it comes to avoiding costly damage from plumbing problems keeping your pipes warm and avoiding clogs are the best things you can do. Even small leaks can cause plenty of harm to your home or business, any unexplained changes in your water bill can also be a sign you could have a hidden water damage problem.
  
  
  
• Ice Dams: When ice forms at the edge of your roof creating an ice dam, water can get trapped on your roof. This can cause leaks into your walls, around window or door jams and through the roof.
  
  Prevention tips: Proper ventilation, drainage and insulation are the only ways to prevent ice dams from causing major damage to your property. Inspect your attic and roof for proper ventilation, look for signs of rust or mold, make sure your vents are not blocked with debris or insulation. Look for air leaks and keep your gutters and downspouts working properly, diverting water away from your roof and foundation.
  
  
  
• Appliance Malfunctions: Supply hoses, water heaters and drainage systems are notorious for springing leaks. In a matter of minutes, hundreds of gallons of water can flood your home or commercial property if any of these connections or holding tanks becomes corroded or damaged.
  
  Prevention tips: Check and maintain your appliances and hoses regularly, looking for leaks or signs of wear. Damaged hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for homeowners. Replace yours regularly to avoid a big mess and expensive property damage.
  
  
  
• Basement Flooding: Keeping water out of your basement requires effective waterproofing and excess water removal systems in place. If your waterproofing is insufficient, or your sump pump fails, your basement can become flooded.
  
  Prevention tips: When water doesn’t properly drain it can cause water to backup or seep into your foundation and basement. Keep your gutters and downspouts working properly, extend them at least 10 ft. to divert water away from your foundation, drain subsurface water with a sump pump – run it every few months and perform annual maintenance.
  
  
  
• Roof Damage: A leaking roof can quickly cause extensive water damage in your home, dripping down through the ceilings and walls of your structure.
  
  Prevention tips: Doing regular inspections for roof damage is a great way to avoid the costly aftereffects that storms, and weathering can bring. Looking for missing shingles or ponding that could lead to water intrusion. Any place where there are openings or joints in your roof, there is the potential for leaks down the line.

Many of these common water damage issues can be prevented by keeping up with property maintenance. However, not all water infiltration can be stopped. When a pipe bursts or a storm punctures a hole in your roof, you not only need to worry about fixing the leak problem, but you also need SERVPRO’s expert water removal and restoration service to protect your home or business.

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

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO 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 from SERVPRO Professional Water Damage Restoration Service in Brooklyn

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 Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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.

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 of Southwest Brooklyn professionals have extensive experience repairing and restoring catastrophic water damage to countless locals in the Brooklyn community. Our technicians understand that unattended water damage continues to cause harm to your property over time. Making it necessary to make quick, informed decisions, to perform quality restoration services today, that save you from further damaging problems, tomorrow.

SERVPRO professionals have extensive experience repairing and restoring catastrophic water damage

4/26/2020 (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, knowing what to do will save precious time and ultimately minimize losses to your property and building contents.

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn 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 managed 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 properties 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn based team of property restoration technicians put 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.

Brooklyn ground floor and basement flood damage cleanup and repairs

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our restoration specialists respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration and cleanup needs.

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn 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.”

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.

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.

24 Hour Emergency Service Call SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn servicing Brooklyn

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn provides 24-hour Emergency Services to local communities like Brooklyn 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 

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

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Property restoration and recovery solutions by mitigating challenges and providing quick and seamless professional service from start to finish

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 Brooklyn and Queens communities every day.

Emergency Response Property Disaster Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn 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 repair for your commercial or residential property is best left to professionals. Our SERVPRO professionals are skills 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 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
• Soot and Smoke Mitigation: SERVPRO’s full-spectrum restoration capabilities has many benefits when it comes to fire and smoke damage restoration. We often use air scrubbers that creates 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 remove protein-based soot from kitchen fires.

Our team provides professional and prompt emergency restoration services for all local Long Island commercial businesses and homeowners. SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn’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.

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 Storm Team has the experience and resources to handle your winter weather property damage quickly and professionally. We know what comes next after the storm and we are prepared 24-7 with Emergency help when you need us! 

SERVPRO water extraction, cleanup and restoration makes a huge difference after any Brooklyn water damage disaster.

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO professionals excel at the cleanup, restoration and rebuild of after frozen water or winter temperatures damage your Brooklyn residential or commercial.

Winter weather and freezing temperatures can be incredibly damaging to your home or business, as frozen water, snow and ice can all lead to significant 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 Brooklyn neighborhoods with both commercial and residential flooding and water damage emergencies. A quick response and expert action to your water intrusion can significantly reduce the overall damage to your home or business. Our property damage restoration crew will tailor a specific plan using our advanced equipment capacities to quickly overcome any property damage situation. SERVPRO trucks and teams are available to deploy submersible pumps, water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers, quickly controlling the spread of water and moisture damages.

Many factors determine the specific process for your property damage recovery: level of water, type of contamination, and amount of exposure all play a vital role in the balance between restore and replace.

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, 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. For larger projects, especially those that stand to risk the structural integrity of your building considerably, our SERVPRO technicians start removal with a commercial grade, submersible or truck pump.

Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn staff is highly trained and experienced in the cleanup and restoration of your frozen water property damage from frigid Northeast temperatures. Our team can respond quickly and help you assess your damage and find a restoration solution that you can trust.

WINTER WATER PROPERTY DAMAGE

• ICE DAMS
  Ice dams occur after a New York City snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures, common weather conditions in the Northeast during winter. Warm air inside your home 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 which can cause water to leak into the home causing water damage to the ceiling, walls, insulation and other areas.
  
  
• LEAKING BASEMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS
  Basement and ground floor apartment flooding are a common occurrence for many homeowners throughout Brooklyn, the impact of heavy snow, ice and rain can overflow sewer drains and pavement often leading to water leaks, flooding and other types of lower lever water damage. Ground level flooding can lead to significant structural damage, destroy furnishings and other belongings and commonly lead to elevated mold and humidity 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 low- or uninsulated attics and crawlspaces 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 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 uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Brooklyn weather can be unpredictable even when winter temperatures aren’t extremely cold; property water damages happen to home and business owners often. When water begins spilling across the floor or filling the basement, 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 Brooklyn 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.”

High Humidity Levels could be causing property damage in your Brooklyn home

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Over time hidden moisture can contribute to high humidity levels, creating ideal conditions for mold growth and other property damage concerns.

Local Brooklyn homes and commercial buildings are at great risk from disaster water damage, it is a top reason for property damage insurance claims in the Boroughs. Water damage from floods, burst pipes, and sewage backups are obvious and require emergency SERVPRO property disaster restoration service right away. However, “hidden moisture” water damage can be difficult to detect and often leads to a considerable amount of property damage and an increased cost for water disaster restoration including cleanup, restoration and repairs.

One concern hidden moisture problems or sustained water damage can cause is an increase in the overall humidity of your property. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. During warm spring and summer months keeping an ideal relative humidity can be difficult, especially if your property is hiding a moisture issue. If you are having trouble with high humidity in your Brooklyn residence or commercial building “hidden moisture” could be a cause.

Potential problem areas in your property for high humidity are, damp basements, moisture prone high traffic areas, bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens with high humidity activities and poor circulation. Common signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. Over time hidden moisture, for example a slow attic leak or a foundation crack 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 Brooklyn property restoration projects start as small water leaks that cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn crews use many tools and techniques to successfully and thoroughly locate and address local Brooklyn area high humidity and other hidden water damage concerns. Calling local SERVPRO restoration 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.

How do SERVPRO property restoration specialists find hidden water?

Our SERVPRO professionals have IICRC certification and extensive training to handle all facets of water loss recovery in homes and businesses throughout NYC. Our technicians double check to ensure success during the water disaster restoration process, our goal is to provide quick and effective service to get life and operations back to normal. We use state of the art moisture monitoring and thermal imaging equipment to locate hidden water damage that could be lurking in your home after an emergency loss or lingering water property disaster.

MOISTURE DETECTION DEVICES:
Our SERVPRO water damage technicians use moisture detection devices, like a stud finder these moisture readers can indicate the presence of moisture behind, ceilings, walls and floors. The devices that our teams use emits electromagnetic waves and measures the resistance in their return to determine moisture content in the affected materials. This sophisticated equipment can help us to decide when structural element could be too saturated or damaged to preserve.

THERMAL IMAGING EQUIPMENT:
Our local SERVPRO disaster restoration professionals also use thermal imagery to indicate the presence of moisture pockets throughout affected and exposed areas of your property. Much of the damage in many water loss incidents can occur out of sight, so seeing a temperature array to detail the presence of moisture and dampness in challenging areas can help to determine the best points for installing drying equipment.

Is Hidden Moisture Causing Disaster Water Damage in your local 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.

Common signs of hidden water damage look like:

Water spots or warping 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 or wall stains and bubbling

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 puddling, also investigate appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets for leaky spigots that could be dripping water and causing damage.

Squishy or Warping kitchen/bathroom floors or tile

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.

Moisture detection equipment can help our SERVPRO restoration professionals to identify problem areas within your home that could be contributing to your home’s high humidity. Excessive moisture and high humidity can also cause mold to grow and spread in areas behind walls and ceilings where it is not easily detected. If water damage isn’t properly mitigated, mold and other secondary damages can begin to spread throughout your property in just a few days. That’s why it’s important to choose quality restoration professionals to dry and restore your property and take necessary steps to avoid further damages.

Ask SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn about a Visible Mold Inspection

The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control and adequate airflow. If you suspect your Brooklyn property is suffering from excessive high humidity, get in touch with our SERVPRO staff right away. Our Disaster Restoration 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 property are unpleasant odor, health effects or visual signs of mold growth.

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.

When your Brooklyn 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 local 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. To schedule a FREE inspection for property damage, give our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn team a call 24/7 at (718) 375-2388.

Basement Water Damage Cleanup, Mitigation and Disaster Restoration Specialists in Brooklyn

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

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

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

There are numerous reasons why Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn Disaster Restoration specialists. Rely on our Brooklyn 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 residential or commercial property, “Like it never even happened.”

Water damage is one of the most common problems that commercial and residential property owners experience. Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn to immediately assess and begin repair on any water damage affecting your property. We offer 24-hour Emergency Property Restoration Services to your 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 Brooklyn home or business quickly, takes specialized equipment and highly skilled IICRC certified 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 Brooklyn property and contents to help minimize additional damages and get you back to normal quickly and efficiently. If your residential or commercial property 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.

Frozen Pipes: A Winter Water Damage Emergency

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Low temperatures cause seasonal property damage including frozen pipes and ice dams, so take key steps with SERVPRO to avoid a restoration disaster.

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

Every winter our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn professionals help countless home and business owners with the 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

Brooklyn residential and commercial plumbing pipes are typically protected in insulated spaces reducing the risk of freezing, however pipes that run through exterior walls or spaces with no insulated 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 New York City 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn or Queens residential or commercial water damage, and we know what it takes to restore your property, "Like it never even happened."

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

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

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

Winter weather and freezing temperatures can be incredibly dangerous to your home or business, frozen water, snow and ice can all lead to significant 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 processions.

Our SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn staff is highly trained and experienced in the cleanup and restoration of your frozen water property damage from frigid Northeast temperatures. Our team can respond quickly and help you assess your damage and find a restoration solution that you can trust.

TOP FROZEN WATER PROPERTY DAMAGE CONCERNS

ICE DAMS
Ice dams occur after a Brooklyn snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures, common weather conditions in the Northeast during Winter. Warm air inside your home 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 which can cause water to leak into the home causing water damage to the ceiling, walls, insulation and other areas.

LEAKING BASEMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS
Wet basements are a common occurrence for many homeowners on Brooklyn, the impact of heavy snow, ice and rain on saturated soil often leads to water leaks, flooding and other types of basement and foundation water damage. Wet basements can lead to significant structural damage, destroy furnishings and other belongings and commonly lead to elevated mold and humidity 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 low- or uninsulated attics and crawlspaces 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, 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.

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.”

More Intense Storms are on the Rise, bringing increased property damage in Coastal Communities like Southwest Brooklyn.

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

More Intense Storms are on the Rise, bringing increased property damage in Coastal Communities like Southwest Brooklyn and New York City.

As the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season continues, scientists are worried that U.S. coastal communities, including Brooklyn could face more super storms with strong winds, storm surges and rainfall so intense that current warning categories don't fully capture the threat.

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn is here to help incase your Southwest Brooklyn Property suffer water damage from a storm.
 
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center forecasters predicted a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms with winds of 39 miles per hour or higher. Five to nine of those could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 m.p.h. or higher, and one to four could develop into major hurricanes, which have winds of 111 m.p.h. or higher.

We have been providing home property or commercial property damage help to a record number of local property owners in the Southwest Brooklyn areas during the last few weeks. We appreciate the trust our customers put in SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn to take care of their flooding and water damage brought on by these record setting rainfalls in our New York City/Brooklyn area. It is impossible to predict when a water or storm related emergency will affect your property, but these are a few tips to keep in mind when the weather report is calling for storms and flooding in your area.

 
BEFORE THE STORM
    •    Keep the name, address, insurance policy and claims reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
    •    Take inventory of your household items, especially valuables. Photograph and videotape items for verification and keep in a safe place such as a safety deposit box, and/or send copies of records to a trusted relative or friend who lives another state.
    •    Read your insurance policy and know what YOUR responsibilities are. Know what is and isn't covered, such as flooding, and know your general/specific policy limits and deductibles.

AFTER THE STORM DAMAGE. NOW WHAT?
    •    Find out the time limit on filing claims and notify your insurance agent in writing of the damage as soon as possible.
    •    If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible so that wind and rain do not cause further damage.
    •    Save receipts of what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
    •    Don't throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home.
    •    Photograph or videotape the damage for your records and the insurance company. Make a copy of your home inventory for your adjuster
 

Call in the Professionals

Every Brooklyn area storm and water restoration situation is unique and SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn treats them that way. During your home or commercial property damage emergency, our team is here for you in these very stressful times and we are Always Here to Help! SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn is highly qualified and trained in water restoration, our experts will come in, assess your damage, take the proper remediation steps to limit damage, and work with your to restore or rebuild your property. We are a single solution home emergency resource, also working hand in hand with your insurance company to restore your home or commercial property to what it was before. "Like it never even happened."

We are apart of the larger SERVPRO family, which means we have access to the best equipment and technology in the business.
We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
We provide 24-Hour Emergency Service
We are a Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
We are Locally Owned and Operated

Common Signs that Water Damage is Lurking in Your Home.

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn will closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.

Water damage is among the most common causes of property damage claims. One in every 50 insured homes will have a water-related property claim. 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 residence 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 Southwest Brooklyn always here to 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 puddling, 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. In fact, sensitive individuals may experience unpleasant symptoms such as aggravated allergy symptoms, cold-like issues, and more.

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 Southwest Brooklyn 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.

Contact us for 24-7 emergency service in your home. SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn Always here to help!

Water Damage & Flooding

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

If you experience flooding or water damage, contact SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn

The rainy season is upon us in Southwest Brooklyn. 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 Southwest Brooklyn. If you have an issue, call SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn and have a water issue, call SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn 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 Southwest Brooklyn  to help remove or restore items that would otherwise be destroyed by mold.

Burst Pipes

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen or burst pipes can cause serious water damage,

When old man winter starts doing his worst, it wreaks havoc on your home. Plunging temperatures put your pipes at risk of freezing. Burst pipes cause problematic water damage requiring 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 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. 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, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls—with little or no insulation—are also subject to freezing.

So, what should you do? 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 preloss condition as soon as possible.

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn at (718) 831-6294

What To Do After a Flood

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Floods happen so quickly that many are caught unprepared, and while floods often can’t 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. Stay Safe

Flood waters can be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals so do not go into the water without protection even if it is clear. 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. Take 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. Call 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 Southwest Brooklyn

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.

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn at (718) 831-6294

Raining on ceiling

4/29/2016 (Permalink)

Water behind paint on wall.

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 718-375-2388

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.
• Depending on the temperature of the structure, water can actually condensate so it appears to rain inside.
• 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 Southwest Brooklyn

SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn 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.