How SERVPRO of West Somerset County Handles Your Belongings After Fire Damage

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage, encompassing smoke and soot, impacts not just your home's physical framework but also your cherished possessions. At SERVPRO of West Somerset County, we recognize that your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other items transform your house from a mere structure into a cherished home, which is why we do everything we can to restore not only your home back from fire damage, but your belongings as well.

Contents Restoration Services

At SERVPRO, our specialty lies in restoring items affected by water, fire, or mold damage. Our approach prioritizes restoration over replacement, aiming to not only save you money but also protect irreplaceable keepsakes. Beforehand, we conduct tests on your belongings to identify those we can return to their pre-fire state. Employing various cleaning methods, we handle the restoration of your contents using:

Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe - Effective for items that can't withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

In the event that your home needs substantial restoration or cleaning after fire damage, we can facilitate a well-structured and efficient relocation of the impacted space. This move-out process offers numerous advantages, such as:

A quicker remodeling process
Protecting items from potential damage
Protecting contents from further damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance company.

Electronic Cleanup

Electronics affected by fire damage pose a significant risk. Avoid trying to power on or use any electrical device that may have been impacted by fire. Residues from smoke often contain corrosive acids that can damage metal surfaces. If left untreated, this corrosion can lead to electronic malfunctions. We'll manage the restoration of your electronics, overseeing:

TVs
DVD players
Computers
& more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent more damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document/Photograph Drying

In situations where your crucial documents, including photographs, suffer water or fire damage, handling them with utmost care is crucial to prevent further harm. While complete restoration to their pre-fire state might not always be possible, we can salvage a significant portion and mitigate additional damage, preserving as much as possible.

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have fire options for the restoration of documents:

Air Drying
Dehumidification
Freezer Drying
Vacuum Freeze Drying
Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Claim Inventory Service

In the aftermath of a fire emergency, the extent of damage can be daunting. To alleviate the stress and uncertainty in the recovery phase, we extend our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). This service meticulously documents your belongings, offering a comprehensive and precise list. We conduct a thorough inventory, capturing each room's contents through digital photos and, in certain cases, employing barcoding techniques.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

Pre loss list and value of contents
Detailed and accurate report
Better information to settle claims quicker
Assistance with burden of proof for claims

Fire Damage Restoration Process

When it comes to fire damage, SERVPRO of West Somerset County has a specific fire damage restoration process that we follow. This not only restores homes after fire damage, but water damage as well - as after the fire trucks leave, in many cases they leave behind water damage due to firefighting efforts. Let's dive in a little deeper on how our fire damage restoration process works.

Of course every fire damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the "typical" fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to preloss condition. We're also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step - getting your home or business to its preloss condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Why Choose Us

Our swift response during crises has aided numerous schools, businesses, and residences across Somerset County for decades. We're dedicated to delivering a personalized approach that suits individual needs and the challenges at hand. This ensures this application of precise methods and products, reducing restoration periods and enhancing customer satisfaction. Our SERVPRO team boasts various accreditations from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), covering Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT) and Odor Control (OCT). Additionally, our air duct cleaning service effectively diminishes smoke odors within structures.

If you're ever in need of fire damage restoration services, you should and can always reach out to SERVPRO of West Somerset County. We're the restoration company that not only handles fire restoration, but water damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, and more.

We pride ourselves on how we handle each recovery process, helping our customers feel like they are covered, taken care of, and providing them a peace of mind that their business or home will be back to preloss condition.

When disaster strikes, you know who to call.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns two other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

How to Choose the Right Restoration Company

11/23/2023 (Permalink)

Selecting the right restoration company is important when dealing with the aftermath of disasters such as fire, water damage, or mold infestations. The choice you make can significantly impact the speed and effectiveness of the recovery process for your home or business.

It's essential to consider several key factors to ensure you're entrusting the restoration efforts to capable hands. From evaluating their expertise and certifications to assessing their response time and customer testimonials, a meticulous selection process guarantees that you're partnering with professionals who possess the necessary skills and dedication to restore your property to its pre-damaged state.

Check the Location

Opting for a restoration company that is close to your home offers many advantages. First, proximity translates to quicker response times in case of emergencies like water leaks or fire damage, minimizing the potential for further damage to your property.

Location restoration companies often have a deeper understanding of the specific environmental conditions and challenges in your area, which can be invaluable when addressing issues such as mold or storm damage. Also, local companies are typically more accessible for site visits, consultations, and ongoing communication, ensuring that your needs are promptly met and concerns addressed.

Finally, choosing a nearby restoration company fosters a sense of community support, as you're investing in local businesses and contributing to the recovery and resilience of your neighborhood.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey. SERVPRO Team Harvey specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage.

Licenses and Certifications

Verifying a restoration company's licenses and certifications is important before hiring their services. These credentials serve as a testament to the company's expertise, professionalism, and adherence to industry standards and regulations. A licensed and certified restoration company demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle various restoration challenges, from water damage restoration to mold remediation.

It also signifies compliance with local and national guidelines, guaranteeing that the work will be conducted using appropriate methods and materials. By choosing a certified restoration company, you not only invest in the proficiency of the professionals, but also gain peace of mind, knowing that your property is in the hands of qualified experts who can deliver efficient, reliable, and safe restoration services.

SERVPRO Team Harvey is full of highly trained restoration specialists. From initial ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICEC Industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Our training program includes the following:

IICRC
Employee Certification
Initial Franchise
e-Learnings
Continuing Education Classes

IICRC Training and Certifications: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration services, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training: This is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of the course materials and an examination.

Check Out Reviews and Recommendations

Checking out reviews and recommendations before hiring a restoration company is crucial for several reasons. First, these evaluations provide valuable insights into the company's reputation and the quality of their services. Reading about the experiences of previous clients can help you gauge the company's reliability, professionalism, and efficiency in handling restoration projects.

Second, reviews and recommendations offer a glimpse into the specific types of services the company excels at, allowing you to assess whether they align with your restoration needs. Also, customer feedback can reveal the company's response to challenges, such as how they handle complaints or unforeseen issues, giving you confidence in their ability to handle unexpected situations.

You can find all of SERVPRO Team Harvey's reviews on our Facebook pages, Instagram pages, and Google!

Review Past Projects

Reviewing past projects before hiring a restoration company is important, as it offers tangible evidence of their expertise and capabilities. By examining their portfolio, potential clients can assess the quality of the company's workmanship and gain insight into the range and scale of projects they have successfully undertaken. The firsthand look at their previous endeavors allows you to elevate their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and adherence to safety standards.

It also provides an opportunity to check out if they have experience in handling projects similar to yours, ensuring they possess the specialized skills necessary for your specific restoration needs.

What SERVPRO of West Somerset County Can Do

Our team boasts a roster of skilled professionals accredited by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our growth has been substantial, allowing us to handle even the most substantial tasks. Every corner of the restoration industry is covered by our certified technicians, complemented by a team of licensed contractors dedicated to repairs and reconstruction.

Disaster strikes without warning, which is why our SERVPRO team remains on standby 24/7, ready to tackle emergencies ranging from water and fire damage to mold, storms, floods, and biohazard threats. Our green fleet is always equipped with state-of-the-art mitigation and recovery tools, enabling us to respond immediately to work tirelessly to restore your property to its pre-damage state.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County offers water damage restoration, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, and commercial services.

When it comes to cleaning, we offer these residential cleaning services:

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services
Air Duct Cleaning
Odor Removal
Biohazard
Ceiling, Floors, & Walls
Drapes & Blinds
Sewage & Toilet Overflow
Trauma & Crime Scene
Vandalism & Graffiti
Building Services
& Commercial Cleaning Services

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

Beware of Frozen Pipes This Winter

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

As winter descends and temperatures plummet, it's essential to be acutely aware of the potential hazards that come with the season, particularly the menace of frozen pipes. The freezing temperatures pose a significant risk to the plumbing in our homes, potentially leading to burst pipes and extensive water damage.

Understanding the dynamics of freezing pipes, identifying the vulnerable areas within your home, and implementing preventive measures is crucial in protecting your property. Let's dive in and talk about what causes burst pipes, how you can help prevent them, what happens when they do burst, and how SERVPRO of West Somerset County can help with water damage restoration and cleanup.

What Causes Burst Pipes?

Burst pipes during winter are a common and potentially disastrous problem caused primarily by freezing temperatures. When water inside the pipes freeze, it expands, creating tremendous pressure within the plumbing system. This pressure can become too much for the pipes to handle, leading to cracks, fissures, or complete ruptures.

Homes in regions when temperatures regularly drop below freezing (remember Christmas Eve of 2022?), are especially vulnerable. Pipes located in unheated areas such as attics, basements, garages, or crawl spaces are definitely at risk.

How Can You Prevent Burst Pipes?

Preventing burst pipes during winter involves proactive measures aimed at protecting your plumbing system from freezing temperatures. You'll want to make sure that you have adequate insulation; ensuring that pipes in vulnerable areas like attics, basements and crawl spaces are properly insulated with pipe sleeves or heat tape to keep them warm.

Exterior walls should also be insulated to shield pipes inside. All cracks and gaps in walls and floors should be sealed to prevent drafts.

During extreme cold, allowing faucets to drip slowly can relieve pressure within the pipes, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can also help prevent burst pipes. Another trick you can do is to leave your cabinets open so the pipes receive the heat from your house.

It's important to regularly check for signs of leaks, especially during the winter months, to try to stop any type of water emergency or damage before it's too late.

What Can Happen When Pipes Burst?

When pipes burst, the consequences of a water event can be both immediate and devastating. The initial impact is the sudden release of a large volume of water into your home, causing immediate damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings. This rapid flooding can lead to structural damage, compromising the integrity of your home. The water damage can also ruin electronic appliances, furniture, and cherished personal items.

Moisture seeping into walls and insulation can weaken the foundation of your home, potentially leading to long-term structural issues. Repairing the damage caused by burst pipes often involves extensive cleanup, restoration of damaged materials, and sometimes even reconstruction, incurring substantial financial costs and emotional stress. Timely action is crucial to mitigating these risks, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and swift response when dealing with burst pipes.

The longer you wait to seek professional help for the water damage restoration process, the more chances that there will be mold growth and structural damage to your home. That is why SERVPRO is a 24/7 restoration company. We can be there as soon as you call us.

What SERVPRO of West Somerset County Can Do to Help

When it comes to water damage restoration services, SERVPRO can help. We respond quickly and confidently to water loss incidents, extending our services from Hillsborough to Manville. These emergencies have the potential to rapidly escalate, spreading into new areas and causing continuous deterioration of construction materials and property contents.

To ensure a prompt response, we prioritize the certification of every technician on our team as Water Restoration Technicians through the IICRC. This proactive approach eliminates waiting times for our customers when loss incidents occur. Our expertise lies in structural drying and efficient content management, exemplified by our successful recovery efforts at the Balogh company facility in Somerset.

During this project, we effectively cleaned and dried the affected area, preserving extensive carpeted areas and avoiding unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction. Regardless of the severity of the water loss, you can rely on our professional team to restore your property to its pre-damaged state, ensuring it's as if the incident never occurred.

Since every flood and water damage scenario is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. However, the overall water restoration process remains the same. Here's a look into our water damage restoration process. If you're looking for more information about the process, click here.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment
Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Step 5: Cleaning and Repair
Step 6: Restoration

Assuming you let water damage sit in your home longer than you should have, you may have to start worrying about mold. If you start seeing the signs of mold, call us ASAP. We are mold remediation specialists and have the skilled techniques when removing it from your home.

When it comes to needing cleaning services for your property, we can help with that too. Whether you've had water damage, fire damage, mold damage, storm damage, or anything else - we have a list of cleaning services that will help. We can take care of cleaning air ducts and HVAC systems, biohazard materials, carpet & upholstery, odor remover, and sewage/toilet overflow.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

The Haunting Facts About the Types of Water Damage

10/27/2023 (Permalink)

Residential water damage can be a homeowner's worst nightmare, often leading to significant structural and financial consequences. This type of damage encompasses a range of issues, from burst pipes and a leaking roof to flooded basements and malfunctioning appliances.

When left unaddressed, water damage can compromise the integrity of a home's foundation, promote mold growth, and damage valuable belongings.

It's imperative for homeowners to promptly identify and mitigate water-related issues to prevent additional damage, escalating repair costs, and health hazards. Timely detection, proper maintenance, and effective waterproofing measures are key to safeguarding homes from the devastating effects of residential water damage.

Aside from the fact that water damage can cause many issues to your home, it's also important to know the types of water damage that can enter into your home.

Type 1: Clean Water Damage

Clean water damage refers to situations where the water causing the damage is considered clean or "category 1" water according to the industry standard classification used by professionals in the field of water damage restoration. Clean water is typically free from contaminants and poses a lower health risk compared to other categories of water damage.

Clean water damage can occur due to various reasons such as a burst water pipe, a leaking faucet, or rainwater entering through a well-maintained roof. While clean water damage may not pose an immediate health risk, it's essential to address it promptly to prevent further damage and microbial organism growth.

This typically involves drying out areas, repairing or replacing damaged materials, and ensuring proper ventilation to eliminate moisture and prevent mold from developing.

Type 2: Gray Water Damage

Gray water damage refers to situations where water damage is caused by "category 2" water. Gray water is water that is contaminated to some extent but does not contain the same level of hazardous contaminants as category 3, or black water.

Gray water typically originates from sources such as washing machines, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, plumbing leaks, and showers.

Gray water may contain some chemicals, detergents, and organic materials, making it potentially harmful if ingested or in prolonged contact with the skin. However, it doesn't contain the highly hazardous pathogens present in black water.

When dealing with gray water damage, it's essential to take precautions to prevent health risks. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear and ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected areas.

Additionally, prompt water extraction, a drying process, and decontamination are essential to prevent microbial organisms from growing and further damage.

Type 3: Black Water Damage

Black water damage refers to the most severe category of water (category 3). It involves water that his highly contaminated with hazardous substances, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemicals, and sewage. Black water damage poses a significant health risk and requires immediate and careful remediation.

Black water typically originates from sources such as sewage backups, toilet overflows, rising floodwaters, or water contaminated by industrial chemicals.

Because of the presence of pathogens and dangerous contaminants in standing water, exposure to black water or surfaces contaminated by it can lead to severe health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and respiratory problems.

When dealing with black water damage, it's crucial to prioritize safely and take extreme precautions. This includes wearing protective clothing, masks, and gloves, and avoiding direct contact with the contaminated water and affected materials.

Professional water damage restoration experts are typically required to handle black water damage, as they have the necessary training, equipment, and expertise to safely and effectively clean and sanitize the affected areas.

Water Damage Restoration Process

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.

Every water damage event is a little different and requires specific approaches, however, this is how the typical water damage restoration process goes down:

Emergency Contact - The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
Inspection and Water Damage Assessment: We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
Water Removal/Water Extraction: The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and more.
Drying and Dehumidification: We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
Cleaning and Sanitizing: We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Restoration: Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If You're Dealing with Mold

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is a leading remediation specialist for our region, and we can work quickly to provide your home and business with the solutions it needs to overcome the destructive organisms. We have unique practices that can protect the construction materials of your home while eliminating mold spores.

This is more common than you might think, and winter can present many moisture and water damage concerns that can develop into colonies.

This condition is similar to a project of ours in Bedminster, where a guest house suffered water damage unknown to the owner. By the time the damage was discovered, an outbreak had occurred.

We worked to contain these areas and remove it and worked alongside an industrial hygienist and the insurance adjusters to provide the most efficient and knowledgeable approach available.

Because we can provide our customers with a comprehensive approach to the recovery of their property, including reconstruction efforts, we work to assess damages right away and get started on whatever home or business work is required to return to preloss condition.

Facts About Mold

To fully understand what you're dealing with - assuming you suspect that you have a problem, you should know these facts:

Ubiquitous Presence: It's everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in a variety of environments, particularly in damp and humid conditions.

Microscopic Organisms: It's a type of fungus that consists of tiny, multicellular organisms known as spores. These spores are typically invisible to the naked eye.

Mold Varieties: There are thousands of species with different colors and appearances. Common types of household molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys ( often referred to as 'black mold').

Allergic Reactions: These spores can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.

Respiratory Issues: Prolonged exposure, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems, can lead to more severe respiratory problems, including asthma exacerbation and respiratory infections.

Property Damage: Mold can cause significant damage to buildings and materials over time, as it feeds on organic matter like wood, drywall, and paper. This can lead to structural issues and necessitate costly repairs.

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster. We're here day or night, at any time of the day because storms and other disasters don't wait for a convenient time to come, and we understand that. Not only do we have the right professionals to do the job, but we will walk you through the entire process, discuss anything with your insurance company, and make sure that your home or business is back up and running as fast as possible.

We will help you with cleaning services, storm damage restoration, commercial restoration, mold removal, odor removal, and so much more.

So, if your home or business falls victim to water damage, you know who to call.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

Commercial Fire Restoration for Your West Somerset County Business

10/13/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage can wreak havoc on a business, causing not only physical and structural damage and destruction but also significant destruction to daily operations. The aftermath of a fire can be a daunting and overwhelming situation for business owners, as it can lead to financial losses, loss of valuable assets, and the potential for a tarnished reputation.

However, commercial fire restoration plays a vital role in helping businesses recover from such disasters. It is a comprehensive and specialized process that not only restores the physical structure but also helps businesses get back on their feet by minimizing downtime, salvaging assets, and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

Let's talk about how SERVPRO of West Somerset County can deal with fire damage restoration services.

SERVPRO and Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we'll respond immediately to get you back to business.

We are:

A 24 Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A trust leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 2170 Franchises
Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

Commercial fire restoration presents a set of unique challenges that distinguish it from residential fire restoration. These challenges stem from the larger scale and complexity of commercial properties, as well as the critical need to minimize downtime and expedite the recovery process. Some of the notable challenges include:

Size and Complexity: Commercial properties are often larger and more intricate than residential homes, with multiple floors, extensive electrical systems, and specialized equipment. Restoring such complex structures requires a higher level of expertise and resources.
Business Continuity: Unlike residential properties, businesses must continue their operations to maintain revenue streams and customer relationships. Minimizing downtime during the restoration process is a top priority, and this can be a significant logistical challenge.
Asset Recovery: Commercial properties often house valuable assets like machinery, inventory, and sensitive documents. Restoration efforts must prioritize salvaging and protecting these assets to minimize financial losses.
Insurance Company & Claims: Navigating the insurance claims process for commercial properties can be complex, with larger policy limits and more extensive documentation required. Effective communication between restoration professionals, business owners, and insurers is crucial.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies.

Whether your fire emergency occurs in a house fire, a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. We will come fully prepared and ready with:

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians
Odor Control Technicians
Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technicians
Water Damage Restoration Technicians

How Our Fire Damage Restoration Process Works

After the fire trucks leave, your home or business likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage. SERVPRO has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your business to pre-fire condition. Here's how our fire damage restoration process works:

Emergency Contact: The fire damage restoration process begins when you call us. Our rep will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.
Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment: We carefully inspect and test the building to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service: Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present): The water removal process begins almost right away and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Removal of Smoke Damage and Soot Damage from All Surfaces: We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Cleaning and Sanitizing: We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We're also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Restoration: Restoration is the final step. Getting your business to its pre loss condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a business.

Areas We Provide Restoration Services in West Somerset County

We're locally owned and managed, as well as a part of a national network of over 2170 franchises with special disaster recovery teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

We're proud to serve these local communities:

Hillsborough, Bedminster, Branchburg, Raritan, Belle Mead, Somerville, Far Hills, Manville, Neshanic Station, and Skillman.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County Certifications

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration services. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes:

IICRC Training: The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our professionals study these standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration services.
Employee Certification Training: The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after a successful completion of course materials and an examination.
Initial Franchise Training: A 15-day hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility is the foundation of the SERVPRO training program.
e-Learnings: All of our staff have access to web-based training. This program is designed to be an ongoing, self-paced coaching series for franchise employees. Video presentations and support materials are followed by a knowledge test at the end of each module. This keeps our techs and office staff up to speed on industry standards and the professional quality you expect.
Continuing Education Classes: SERVPRO of West Somerset County offers both credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation.

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster. We're here day or night, at any time of the day because storms and other disasters don't wait for a convenient time to come, and we understand that.

Not only do we have the right professionals to do the job, but we will walk you through the entire process, discuss anything with your insurance company, and make sure that your home or business is back up and running as fast as possible.

We will help you with cleaning services, storm damage, specialty restoration services, commercial restoration, mold removal, smoke odors, smoke damage, fire cleanup, soot removal, duct cleaning, and all of the fire damage restoration services that you need.

So, if your home or business falls victim to water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold damage, or anything else, we're the fire damage restoration company you should call. We're trained and skilled in taking on fire damage repairs, smoke damage restoration, and much more.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services

Cleaning services are crucial following a disaster or an incident that causes water damage, fire damage, mold, or storm damage. If your home and belongings are not properly cleaned, it can lead to further damage, causing you to spend more money, time, and creating more stress. That's why we're here.

SERVPRO technicians can effectively clean your home "like it never even happened." Follow along as our team is here to let you know about our residential cleaning and commercial cleaning support services that'll help you get your home or business back to preloss condition, quickly.

Our Residential Cleaning Services Include:

Commercial Cleaning Services

You don't have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your company's regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of West Somerset County for prompt service.

Whether it's removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

We offer services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

Every cleaning and restoration service we mention above under residential cleaning and restoration, we can do for commercial as well.

When It Comes to Commercial Carpets

First impressions are everything and cleanliness is extremely important. Customers and clients want to enter into a building or environment that looks spotless and pristine, and clean carpets in the entryway, lobby, etc., are a crucial element to instilling customer confidence.

But, how often do you have to get your commercial cleaning done? Let's take a look at some examples.

For churches, it's important to get this job done at least once a year - and we mean a thorough, professional cleaning. Depending on the size of the facility, multiple cleanings can be done on entrances during the year.

School and retail carpets should be cleaned professionally every 3-6 months, as there is heavy traffic for most of the year with kids and customers.

Office buildings should expect to be cleaned every 6 months annually.

For nursing homes and medical facilities, there are numerous regulations involved. It has never been more important, considering the increased awareness of airborne contaminants today, for healthcare facilities to increase their deep carpet cleaning schedules.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County can clean your commercial surfaces, carpeting and more. We'll also help with upholstery cleaning, which is a large part of the deep clean process.

If You Need Restoration Services

SERVPRO has your back with all of your restoration services needs. We can help if your home or business falls victim to water damage, fire damage, mold damage, storm damage, and more. We will take you through the entire restoration process and ensure that your home or business is back to preloss condition fast and efficiently.

We'll talk to your insurance company, take care of various issues, and utilize our professional equipment to bring your home or business back to life. Our professionals care about you and want to help as quickly as we can, so things can go back to normal, quickly.

Our professionals are highly trained in every aspect of restoration and have access to many different resources to ensure that the job is done right. If you have an emergency and you need us, just give us a call and we'll be there to restore what you need.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of West Somerset County is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration Services

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration Services

Fire damage is one of the most devastating events your home can endure. Not only can it wipe out an entire property, but it can damage your belongings. Whether you're dealing with a large fire or a small one that causes smoke damage and soot damage, we're here to help.

Our ability to mobilize quickly in a crisis has helped multiple schools, businesses, and homes throughout Somerset County over recent decades. We strive to provide our customers with a unique approach, tailored to their specific needs.

Our team has multiple accreditations through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, including Fire and Smoke Restoration and Odor Control. We also do air duct cleaning which can reduce smoke odor in a structure. Here's how we can help with smoke damage cleanup, soot damage removal, and we'll break down our fire damage restoration process.

Structural Cleaning

After smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure.

Depending on the amount of soot, SERVPRO of West Somerset County may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, we will clean to "prepare for painting." This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. We begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. We can provide wet or dry cleaning services, additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition.

This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, we can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" personal items, if requested.

Deodorization

We provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. You can ask one of our SERVPRO professionals to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration Process

We provide a unique process per each situation, but generally the process is the same. Here's what our emergency fire damage removal and restoration process looks like:

ONE HOUR: Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. You'll know help is on the way.
FOUR HOURS: Within four hours of loss notification, a professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.
DETAILED EXPLANATION: A trained, uniformed, and equipped SERVPRO professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
PRETESTING: We will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
EIGHT HOURS: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.
CLEANING, RESTORATION, & DEODORIZATION: We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. We will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.
FINAL WALKTHROUGH: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Understanding Smoke

We understand that using professional equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. We will answer your calls with fast action, exceptional equipment, and trained, uniformed personnel. Knowing the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper fire restoration.

Wet Smoke - Plastics and synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.
Dry Smoke - Paper and wood; fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.
Protein - Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puff backs.
Other Types - Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

Deodorization Equipment

We use specific equipment for specific fire damage situations. These include:

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers: these will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to apply fungicides and disinfectants.
Thermal Foggers: these will dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

Additional Services For Fire Damage Restoration

We offer additional services if needed for a fire damage situation. This includes:

Board-ups: In some cases, it may be important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and by outsiders. We will perform the board-up ourselves, or outside subcontractors may be utilized if necessary.
Inventory - Utilizing Contents Claims Inventory Service (CCIS) technology, we can generate comprehensive room-by-room inventories. Contents are categorized as salvageable, non-salvageable, and questionable - allowing for easier content settlement.
Move-Outs: If prolonged exposure to the loss event could cause additional damage to your contents, your contractor requests relocation of the contents, or the safety of your contents is a concern, a move-out may be recommended. In these situations, we are trained to properly take inventory, move out, and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.
Electronics Cleaning: Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces when moisture is also present. If the residues are not removed, corrosion can eat away at the metal casing and can ultimately cause electronic failure in the device. We can clean the outside casing correctly, as well as refer your equipment to a qualified electronics vendor.
Artwork: Artwork ranges from inexpensive framed pictures to extremely valuable fine art. Restoration of valuable art requires the use of a trained art restorer, while less expensive art may not warrant these costly specialized services. We will usually subcontract fine art restoration to a conservator. If desired, we may attempt to remove smoke residues and odors, after qualifying with the customer that such cleaning procedures may affect the visible appearance of the items.

Important Information About Fire Damage That You Should Know

In order to start an emergency and restoration service, you must sign the "Service Authorization Form." This allows us to take action immediately. We do not know your insurance coverage, therefore, it is impossible for us to know exactly what your insurance will cover.

It is important to understand you are financially responsible for our services. Your deductible is payable before we start work. If for any reason insurance coverage cannot be verified at the time of our emergency service, an additional deposit may be required.

With that said, the steps we complete in the emergency service includes:

Surveying and Pretesting: We'll walk you through the job to determine the areas that have been affected. We will then pretest the clean-ability of surfaces as needed. Pretesting is a process designed to identify those items that will be restorable. Third, we'll make a detailed scope and inventory of each affected area. Finally, we will give you a summary of our findings and explain the best steps for restoration.
Extent of Cleaning: We will review the full extent of smoke damage. However, you and your insurance company have the final say as to the extent of cleaning to be performed. Please consult with your adjuster if you have any questions.
Window Cleaning: For normal smoke damage, windows will be cleaned on the inside.
Metal Polishing: Unless conditions warrant chemical restoration, metals such as silver and brass will be cleaned and buffed only. Polishing will only be done if we are authorized by both you and the adjuster.
Floor Finishing: Hard surface floors will be mop cleaned. Stripping, sealing, and refinishing will only be done if conditions warrant them if we are authorized.
Clean/Preparation for Paint: Wall and ceiling surfaces, which are heavily smoked and cannot be cleaned completely, will be cleaned so that sealer and paint will adhere. These surfaces may clean up better with additional work.
Deodorizing: We guarantee our deodorizing to be complete provided that all sources of odor have been removed, cleaned, or sealed.
Clothing: Your insurance company may encourage you to clean any affected clothing in your home. If the damage is too heavy or if facilities are not available, we will recommend a local professional laundry and dry cleaner we use to do the work. You may use any laundry or dry cleaner you wish. However, they must be familiar with smoke damage to do the job properly.
Ductwork: If you have forced air or heat, we will inspect your system to determine if smoke has entered the ductwork. If so, we will recommend measures to remedy the situation.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we'll respond right away.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond to quickly mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. We will come with a fire and smoke restoration technician, odor control technician, upholstery and fabric cleaning technician, and a water damage restoration technician.

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

What to Do if Your Commercial Business Floods

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is always a headache whether it affects your home or your business. However, when it hits your business, you lose precious time and money if you don't act quick enough. Not to mention, not acting fast enough will also cause further damage, mold growth, and more headaches down the road. SERVPRO is experienced in restoring both home water damage and commercial water damage, so we're here to give you some tips as to what to do if your commercial business falls victim to flood water.

Get Everyone Out of The Building

If the water event is happening while there are people present in the building, evacuate immediately. It's very unsafe for everyone to be lingering inside while the water is present. Not only can there be contaminated water, but there's the chance of structural damage, ceilings falling, fires, and much more.

Some water damage emergency tips include considering:

Is it safe to stay in the building?
Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be extremely heavy.

What to do AFTER flooding:

If it's safe, remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal or lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on (if it's safe to do so) for maximum drying in the summer.
Removed colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to do:

Don't leave wet fabrics in place.
Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floods.
Don't use a vacuum to remove water.
Don't use any kind of electrical equipment.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Don't take the risk!

Turn Off Utilities

When your business experiences this, it's important to shut off your utilities immediately. Leaving the gas and electricity on his a hazard to your building and those around you, as this will cause fires and much more damage than what you started with. If your business suffers from water damage due to a leaky pipe or a plumbing issue, it's important to shut off the water main as well to stop the water in its tracks.

Call Your Insurance Company

After you've turned everything off in your building, you need to call your insurance company ASAP. The faster you get your claim in, outlining the extent of damages, the quicker the adjuster will set up an inspection and have things ready for you.

Contact a Restoration Company

Right after you hang up the phone with your insurance company, you should contact a water damage restoration company. SERVPRO is an experienced and skilled restoration company that handles water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, and a plethora of cleaning services. Not only are our technicians skilled in everything that they do, but they come with the best equipment to have your business restored and dried out quickly and efficiently.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or a big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. After you contact us, we come with:

Water Damage Restoration Technicians
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
Odor Control Technicians
Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technicians

We are a part of a network of over 1,600 franchises with special disaster recovery teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters. We are proud to serve our communities that include Hillsborough, Bedminster, Branchburg, Raritan, Belle Mead, Somerville, Far Hills, Manville, Neshanic Station, and Skillman, NJ.

Construction Services, Building, and Remodeling Services

We understand the importance of quickly helping those facing structural issues in their homes and businesses after a disaster. A seamless transition between phases and keeping all of the work under the same roof saves our customers money, and it helps with more rapid job completion. From controlled demolition in fire and mold recovery efforts to renovations and remodeling built to your precise specifications, we have a team of contractors able to help.

For a list of the services we offer like board up, document drying, drywall installation, and more, follow this link!

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can come from plumbing issues like a leaking pipe, burst pipe, sewer backup, or toilet overflow, to natural disasters like heavy rain storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. It's important to understand the severity behind the type of water that has entered into your building.

These guidelines are established by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification board (IICRC) and are defined by industry's standards and regulations to identify the type of water involved in the specific incident.

Category 1 - Ranking the lowest on the IICRC scale, this is usually referred to as "clean water" that usually originates from sanitary sources such as ruptured water supply lines, broken pipes, bath appliances like sinks and tubs, that may have overflowed. As this type of water is sewage and toxin-free, it does not pose as health effects and does not require decontamination procedures.
Category 2 - This is referred to as "gray water" coming from sources such as overflowing appliances. These usually include washing machines, toilets, sump pump backups. While consuming or being in contact with it may not prove to be immediately harmful to humans, this water is considered contaminated and could pose a health threat later down the line.
Category 3 - Also known as "black water," it is described as the most toxic type of water and the most extreme case of damage that will require immediate actions to mitigate its harmful effects. This category includes raw sewage water, flood waters and groundwater. In this scenario, your items and materials need to be removed immediately to prevent more damage and remediation requires the use of protective gear and extensive disinfection.

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

Causes of Water Damage in The Summer

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

The summer season brings much joy, vacations, sunshine, but sometimes a lot of water. Water damage is never fun, especially when the damage hits your home or business. There are a decent amount of causes when it comes to water damage in the summer, and we're here to help you find those out so you're either prepared or, so you can prevent these issues in the future.

Summer Storms

Summer storms are a large reason for water damage during this season. They're unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, and can cause a lot of water damage to your home. A few things you can do to prevent flooding around the foundation of your home is to ensure that your draining systems are working properly and to clean out your gutters. Clogged gutters will cause water to flood and instead of drain, drop down near or on the foundation of your home, putting your home and basement at risk of flooding.

We know that our part of the country can experience storm systems, and we have seen that occur in the past with Hurricane Sandy and Irene, damaging large portions of our state. Our water restoration teams traveled to the coastline to help townships still working to dry and repair their homes for months after Sandy slammed the shoreline.

We have prepared for the likelihood of flooding in several severe storm events and have acquired the leading tools and equipment to address standing water and saturation throughout an entire property. With hundreds of air movers and dehumidifiers, we can address thousands of square feet of saturated material to work to remove or preserve it as installed.

Air Conditioning Overflows

The summer heat will cause you to want to run your air conditioning units as much as possible. Although it may seem like an easy task to just turn it on and let it do its thing, you also have to remember the amount of condensation that can build up. This excessive moisture not only will create water damage in the room your unit is working, but it can also cause mold growth. It's important to give your units a good look multiple times throughout the season to make sure everything looks ok.

Home Sprinkler Systems

Home irrigation systems are fairly common, especially if your home is in an area that gets a lot of sun. Everyone wants their grass to stay green all season and not develop crabgrass, which is understandable, however - it's important to pay attention to your system.

Don't point the sprinkler anywhere towards your home, as it can cause puddles of water that will slowly seep into your foundation and cause water damage to your home. It's also important to have your system serviced or looked at prior to using it to ensure there are no leaking or broken pipes.

Clogged Drains and Pipes

Summer is normally when people entertain the most. Whether it's summer parties, BBQs, or small get-togethers, there are usually more people than just those who live in your home in these months. When more people are using your plumbing and drains, it's important to check your toilet, sinks, showers, etc. after a party to ensure there are no clogs. If a clog is ignored, you can be dealing with a bigger issue down the road, causing not only water damage, but a large bill.

Excessive Humidity

Excessive humidity not only can cause water damage, but cause mold to grow as well. If you start to see droplets in your home, you need to make sure it is dried out properly and make sure to keep the humidity level low in your home. Turn on air circulation like fans, air conditioning, etc. to prevent this. The more humidity, the bigger chance for water damage and mold.

Fire Damage

If your home suffers from a house fire, chances are it will also suffer from water damage. We see many homes needing water removal due to the fire fighting efforts. If this happens, not only can we complete fire damage restoration, but we can also clean up the soot, odor, and of course, the water damage.

When it Comes to Water Damage...

SERVPRO has a fast and confident response when water loss incidents threaten homes and businesses from Hillsborough to Manville. These situations can quickly get out of control, moving into new areas and allowing the continuous degradation and deterioration of construction materials and the contents of your property. We encourage every technician on our team to acquire their water restoration technician certification through IICRC, ensuring that no customer has to wait when loss incidents have already begun.

We specialize in structural drying and content management in these situations, such as our recovery of Balogh company facility in Somerset. In this new building purchase, we could clean and dry the entire affected region, protecting much of their carpeted areas and preventing unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction.

It's crucial to act fast when it comes to water damage. Any kind of standing water is not only terrible for your home's health, but it's a health hazard to you and your family as well. Also, not acting fast creates further damage that will give you a headache and cause the bill to go up. Avoid further damage, mold, hazards, and more by acting quick. That's why we are a 24/7 restoration company that gets to you immediately.

Water Damage Emergency Tips

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

Is it safe to stay in the house?
Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be VERY heavy.

What to do after flooding:

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture and after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wooden blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to do after flooding:

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO's Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
- The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
Step 2: Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
- We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
Step 3: Water Removal (Water Extraction)
- The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
- When it comes to the drying process, we use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing
- We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning content using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Step 6: Restoration
- Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its ore-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Why You Shouldn’t DIY Mold Cleanup

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can be extremely dangerous and hazardous to your health. Depending on the type of mold spores you have in your home, determines whether or not it's dangerous to be near or touch. However, if you're not familiar with the types of mold, it's best that you don't go near it and try any of those Pinterest DIY mold removal hacks.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is here to explain the mold types, talk about why you should not DIY the remediation, and let you in on how we can help.

Why You Shouldn't Remediate on Your Own

If you find mold in your home, don't just put on gloves, grab a bottle of chlorine bleach, and start scrubbing. By attempting to remove the mold on your own, there's a large chance that you can release thousands of mold spores into the air. After this happens, they'll likely land on surfaces where there wasn't mold growth, contaminating the new areas.

Not only does this spread mold spores throughout the walls of your home, but you're now putting yourself as well as your family at risk by ingesting it. DIY mold removal is never a good idea and can cause many health problems for you and everyone living in your home or business down the road.

Also, if you're choosing a more potent chemical to attempt to remove mold, you're now dealing with breathing in toxic fumes along with the mold. We suggest, as soon as you see or smell any kind of sign of mold in your home, call a professional ASAP.

You Should Understand Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere including indoors and outdoors. So, it makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Many restoration professionals and businesses will advertise "mold removal," and will guarantee to remove all mold, which is false advertising.

We think it's important for all homeowners and business owners to understand as much as possible about mold:

Mold is present almost everywhere.
Mold can float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, and can even hitch a ride on your clothing or pets.
Mold thrives on moisture and can grow quickly into colonies when exposed to water.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support the growth of mold.

Our Mold Remediation Process

We understand that all mold damage scenarios are different and require a unique, non-cookie-cutter solution. However, the general mold remediation process stays the same:

Once you get any type of sign of mold, call us (732) 201-8872.
We'll complete an inspection and mold damage assessment.
Next, we'll contain the mold.
We'll filter the air with our equipment.
We'll remove the mold and mold-infested materials.
We can also clean contents and belongings that have been exposed.
Lastly, we'll complete the restoration.

We provide professional proper cleaning to kill mold, as well as restore water damaged areas. If you have a moisture problem, we can help with that as well - as this is probably the main source of your mold problems.

What is Black Mold?

This type of mold is also known as "stachybotrys chartarum." It produces allergens and irritants, however, most types of mold can produce this. Since many types of mold can cause reactions, you should contact us regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure, so if you suspect any type of mold, contact us right away.

DIY mold removal is never the way.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (732) 805-9944

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