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Commercial Fire Restoration for Your West Somerset County Business

Name: SERVPRO of West Somerset County
Address: 423 County Road, Suite 2, Cliffwood, NJ, 07721
Telephone: (732) 805-9944

10/13/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Restoration for Your West Somerset County Business

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 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.

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.”

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

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 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.

How We Handle Sewage Cleanup & Restoration

7/12/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits - these damages can also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

If you’re experiencing flooding from a sewage backup, you need to call in professionals ASAP. Not only is the water from a sewer system very dangerous, but it’s unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. To clean a mess like this up and restore your home, you need special training and equipment to safely clean this type of contamination. That’s where SERVPRO comes in!

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of West Somerset County will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

What Are the Three Types of Contaminated Water?
The three types of contaminated water include “clean water,” “gray water,” and “black water.”

Category 1: Clean Water - This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water, depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2: Gray Water - This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with some urine & no feces, or dishwasher overflow. This may contain bacteria and viruses and can quickly degrade to category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: Black Water - This water is grossly unsanitary and can cause severe illness or death if ingested. Any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth. This may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes.

Other Cleaning Services We Offer
SERVPRO of West Somerset County doesn’t only take care of cleaning up sewage, we also offer cleaning services for:

What Smoke Damage Can Do to Your Home

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke damage prior to a house fire can cause a lot of cleanup, restoration needs, and replacements of furniture, clothing, and more. When most people think of a house fire, they think about the fire - however, the smoke and soot damage can be just as damaging. So, how does smoke damage affect your home’s contents?

Can You Salvage Belongings?
If you don’t have experience with smoke damage, it can be challenging to decide which items require the most attention. However, with the help of expert professionals, you will be able to determine which of your belongings can be salvaged. More importantly, you should note that these items should be salvaged as soon as possible, which might be impossible if you do not possess the necessary equipment knowledge.

Damage to Household Items
As far as furniture is concerned, if you happen to own wood furniture, it is best that you do not try to clean it on your own. This is because they can strain your flooring or carpets with its dyes. If your furniture is largely made of metal, smoke damage can cause rust to happen and stain your rug or carpet as well. This is why professionals like SERVPRO use various protective barriers to separate the different surfaces in your home until they are completely dry.

Some porous surfaces such as paint and plaster can be irreversibly stained by smoke. As such, it is essential to use dry chemical sponges to avoid causing permanent stains on your walls.

In the case of a fire, wooden flooring might need to be replaced entirely because of the water damage from fighting the fire. However, if there are still areas of your floor that are undamaged by water, it might even be possible to resurface them.

Items You Should Discard
Almost anything in your home can be damaged by one of the most dangerous things that can occur - fires. Any items damaged by flames and heat, melted, or burned, should be thrown away after a house fire. Additionally, the following should be discarded after a fire:

Fire damaged mattresses and furniture - Because they can fall apart, any mattresses or furniture burned in a fire should be thrown away. If minor to moderate soot stains and smoke occur on hardwood furniture, that would be an exception. By cleaning with oil soap, hardwood furniture might be salvaged. Sanding and refinishing could be a possibility if staining is severe.
Burned bedding, towels, and clothing - any bedding, towels, or clothing that was burned or charred should be thrown away. You can try washing items with dish soap for minor soot stains. Before washing, soak fabrics in vinegar to remove odors.
Fire impacted hygiene products, cosmetics, and medicines - any of these were damaged by the fire should be discarded. Contact your doctor immediately if prescription medication has to be discarded.
Fire exposed boxed or canned foods - any box or canned foods that were exposed to smoke or flames should be thrown away. This is particularly applicable if they have burn marks, sweat stains, or were opened.

Smoke Can Cause a Bad Odor
If you have ever experienced smoke or fire damage, you would know that eradicating the stubborn smoke smell can be a challenging problem. When your home becomes filled with smoke, the microscopic smoke particles can penetrate porous surfaces and stain any furniture and household items. Effectively removing the smoke smell in your home typically requires the use of proper cleaning agent, equipment, and lots of effort.

If you have fire damage to your home and you need fire damage restoration, SERVPRO can help. We can not only restore your property, but clean soot, smoke, and restore any water damage from the fire fighting as well.

SERVPRO Water Damage Equipment for Restoration

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Our professionals will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, and trained/uniformed personnel. Certainly, the right tool for the job is vital to timely mitigation, but perhaps more important, these water damage professionals thoroughly understand how to dry a structure and personal property effectively.

Psychrometrics
Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure, and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO franchise professional to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.

Water can damage materials in two ways: first, by absorption through direct contact with water; the second, absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process. Restoration professionals must establish an environment favorable for drying.

Detection Equipment
Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure affected by water and defining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Moisture detection devices are also used to verify that an environment has been dried thoroughly.

Moisture Sensors - are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.
Moisture Meters - are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable us to monitor the drying process.
Thermohygrometers - measure both temperature and relative humidity. Capturing these two readings, we can calculate specific humidity, dew point, and vapor pressure.

Extraction Equipment
The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is critical to respond quickly to water damage and provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster.

Extractors - are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following water damage. Extractors can either be truck-mounted or portable, allowing for greater access inside structures.

Air Moving Equipment
Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases. This moisture is then eliminated via the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment
By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn, increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damaged structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air, and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. We use two types of dehumidifiers:

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers - work similarly to air conditioners
Desiccant Dehumidifiers - use chemicals, called desiccants, that readily absorb moisture from the air.

Water Damage Process Overview

Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. You’ll know help is on the way.
Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.
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.
We will then begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
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.
We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.
After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Why SERVPRO? We use Infrared Technology to Detect Water Leaks

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

While you’re researching restoration companies, you’re always looking for the “why?” Why is company A better than company B? You’ll start to answer the why on your own as you do your research and read through reviews, but we can tell you that one of the reasons why you should choose SERVPRO of West Somerset County is because we used infrared technology to detect water leaks - which is something many companies don’t use.

Every year, water leaks cause serious problems for residential and commercial property owners alike, especially those who live or work in buildings that were constructed before the 1950s. The hardest part has always been finding the source of a leak, but infrared technology is now being used to solve this costly and irritating problem.

What Causes Water Leaks?
Modern plumbing is a necessity for most buildings, but they are subject to laws of entropy just like everything else. As a consequence, even the most well-designed plumbing systems will break down over time, which usually comes in the form of cracks within the piping, allowing water to leak.

Water leaks might also be the result of rainwater entering the building through the roof. This is a common occurrence especially in aging ceilings and walls. The most hazardous water leak is the one you don’t quickly recognize. The circulation of water around the property will cause dampness in the surrounding air, which makes it unhealthy to breathe.

In extreme cases, those living or working on the premises might develop an ailment which is airborne. If enough time passes, the leak will also begin to compromise the structural integrity of the building and the presence of any electrical conductors or equipment, creates an additional danger. It is for these reasons that rapidly identifying a leak and its source are extremely important.

Why We Work With Infrared Technology
Infrared imaging is considered state-of-the-art technology that allows us to identify leaks with ease. It is also used to inspect electric fittings, HVAC, and insulation. It accomplishes this through infrared rays which look for thermal abnormalities in a given space.

Every object, whether it be plants, animals, humans, or inanimate things, gives off specific infrared emissivity. However, the emissivity of an object will change along with the temperature. Therefore, a special camera is used to take infrared radiation images and the various emissivity levels will be displayed as distinct colors within the camera’s display.

Water leaks will raise or reduce the temperature for the surrounding area. This, in turn, will affect infrared emissivity levels which correspond to specific colors. A professional plumber will then be able to identify wet spaces within the camera, and can also identify leaks in places where the liquid is falling within a location because of the air dampness in that particular area.

While infrared imaging is innovative, it still takes a trained eye to read the screen and identify leaks, which is why you should fire a professional. Even if a property owner purchased one of these cameras and tried using it, the images wouldn’t make much sense to them unless they have a deep technical understanding of plumbing systems, roofing, and heat changes.

The best case scenario is to give SERVPRO of West Somerset County a call. We have experienced, knowledgeable, technicians that can take care of finding the source of your building’s leaks and presenting the right advice and assistance to fix it.

What You Should Replace After Fire Damage

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Harvey in West Somerset County understands the heartbreak that homeowners go through when they lose belongings, lives, and even the structure of their home in house fires. However, if the fire you experience is mild, there may be some things you can keep and some you must replace.

After a fire accident at home, you should always assess the situation and environment when it is safe to do so. You should also rope in technicians and engineers to ensure that your house is structurally stable and safe. A fire accident damages the property and its contents, hence, you should figure out which items can be salvaged, and which need to be replaced. This is a guide on the important items you should replace after fire damage.

Burned Clothing
Textiles, such as clothes and bedding can be salvaged after a fire if proper disinfection and cleaning is done. However, if any clothes are burnt, they should immediately be thrown away and replaced. If you have any young children at home, then you should set a stricter set of criteria for considering which clothes should be replaced and which can still be worn.

Medicine and Cosmetics
Your medicine and cosmetics contain numerous chemicals and minerals which may be affected by fire and high heat. This can alter the composition of the products such that they become more toxic and contaminating. You should inspect the products for any signs of fire extinguisher dust, soot, heat, or other damage. The potency of medication could also be altered due to the high heat, smoke, water, or the chemicals used by firefighters to fight the fire. It is recommended to throw away all cosmetics and medication and replace them.

Insulation and Electrical Appliances
After a fire, there is a high chance that your house insulation and wires may have been damaged by heat or fire. You should always replace the insulation after a fire as burnt insulation is ineffective due to the presence of air holes. Burnt insulation is also hazardous as a hidden ember can continue to burn for hours and could reignite, thereby triggering another fire. Electrical appliances should also be checked for water or heat damage. Wires and appliances which have been damaged by the fire are hazards that may shock and ignite at any point in time. These wires and appliances could also have hidden faults that are not visible to the naked eye. If you spot any damaged or melted wires or electrical appliances, then that is a red glad and should be replaced. As a rule of precaution, all electrical appliances should be replaced and tossed away if you are unsure about their condition.

Food
Non-perishable food could be compromised by the fire and food safety is a huge concern especially after a fire. Although sealed food that is not damaged or burnt may appear to be healthy for consumption, it may not be edible - especially if they were close to the fire. This is because toxic fumes emitted from the fire and smoke could contaminate the food through the cans and sealed jars. High heat can also cause the food to taste unpleasant and activate bacteria which promotes food spoilage. The water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire could also contaminate both perishable and non-perishable food. You should always be rigorous and detailed when inspecting your kitchen after a fire anc check for any heat, smoke, or chemical damage caused by the fire and fire extinguisher. As a rule of thumb, you should throw out any food items.

Water and Storm Damage Tips

4/27/2023 (Permalink)

Spring is on the way and we all know the saying, April showers bring May flowers. As nice as the flowers are, we need to stay on top of the spring storms that are headed toward us. SERVPRO of West Somerset County is here to help you with water and storm damage tips, as well as some insight on how we can help you restore any damage.

Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration
We know that our part of the country can experience storm systems, and we have seen that occur in recent years with Hurricane Sandy, Irene, Ida, and others damaging large portions of the state. Our 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 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.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
Floods and storms don’t wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

We’re Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms & Disasters
Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. On the other hand, we can access resources from 2110 franchises across the state and country and even utilize disaster recovery teams for major storms and disasters.

Water & Storm Damage Tips
What can you do until help arrives? 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 more prevalent concerns.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful.

What to do after flooding?

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of 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 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 carpet 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 the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If you’re in need of immediate storm or water damage restoration, reach out to SERVPRO of West Somerset County ASAP. We’re here, working 24/7 every day to make sure that we can get the right personnel to you when you need it.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan 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.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County’s Residential Cleaning Services

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Cleaning is an element to every recovery project that we undertake, and as a full-service restoration team offering a one-stop-shop solution, having a roster of highly-trained cleaning technicians is vital. We have team members accredited in multiple facets of renewal and recovery through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC), such as Carpet Cleaning (CCT), Odor Control (OCT), Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning (UFT), and biohazard recovery.

What Can We Help With?
We can help with water, fire, mold, or other loss incidents. This even includes a vandalism case in Skillman, NJ. Our professionals could see that the scope of the damage caused was extensive. Since the home was being put up for sale, we had to work quickly to clean up after these damages. We prepared the building and worked with a contractor who could replace broken windows, reconstruct damaged areas, and repaint where necessary to make it “like it never even happened.”

What Services Do We Offer?
We offer carpet & upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning, odor removal, sewage & biohazard clean up, ceilings/floors/walls, drapes & blinds, trauma & crime scene, vandalism & graffiti, and commercial cleaning as well. Let’s dive more into these.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaning carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning
We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of your priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal
Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage & Biohazard Clean Up
Our experts are ready to assist in the cleanup of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home.

Ceiling, Floors, & Walls
Ceiling and wall cleaning should be a part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. You should also clean walls before painting so that primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, we can help.

Drapes & Blinds
We excel at cleaning fine fabrics and intricate pieces using wet or dry methods as required. We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of our system’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. We use state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for cleaning fine fabrics.

Odor Removal
As experts in deodorization, we’re trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Sewage Cleanup & Restoration
Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Trauma & Crime Scene Cleanup
Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Vandalism & Graffiti Cleanup
Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

Mold Remediation For Your West Somerset Business

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Aside from causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

We provide 24/7 emergency service
We’re faster to any size disaster
We’re a trusted leader in the mold and water restoration industry with over 2110 franchises
We’re highly trained mold and water damage restoration specialists

Why is Commercial Mold Remediation a Unique Challenge?

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. We can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss conditions. Our training and certifications include:

Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technician
Odor Control Technician
Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Mold Affects Indoor Air Quality

Mold in a home is dangerous, but mold in your commercial building is even worse - as there are many people that enter and exit the building. Mold significantly impacts indoor air quality causing health problems such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms.

In many cases, people complaining about odor normally point to microbial volatile organic compounds, which are molds released into the air. Exposure to this has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

Where is the Mold Coming From?

Mold comes from moisture problems. These problems can occur from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, unvented combustion appliances, and delayed or insufficient maintenance. However, there are many hidden sources of mold. Sneaky, hidden mold hides on the backside of drywall, under wallpaper, behind paneling, on the top of ceiling tiles, and the underside of carpets and pads.

If you suspect a mold problem or if you know you may have water damage to your commercial building, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County. We’ll start the remediation process and help you keep you, your customers/clients, and your employees safe.

Benefits of Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

The air ducts in your home provide a very important function. They circulate the air from your heating and cooling system into and out of each room, which allows for consistent interior comfort regardless of the season.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

Dust
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and debris
Other contaminants

What Are the Benefits of Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning?

There are many benefits when it comes to cleaning your air ducts and HVAC system. These include:

Creating a cleaner living environment
Providing better breathing air
Reduces allergens and irritants
Removes unpleasant smells and odors
Improves airflow efficiency
Helps restore peak energy efficiency
Helps reduce the potential for mold growth

SERVPRO of West Somerset County professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment and can in turn, save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illness and if, after a look inside the ducts, you may see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold, having them cleaned is probably unnecessary.

However, if family members are experiencing unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think might be related to your home environment, you may want to have your air ducts looked at. SERVPRO will come and take a look and provide information on whether you need them cleaned or not.

What To Do About Your Smoke Damaged Furniture

2/18/2023 (Permalink)

After the fire has been extinguished and it is safe to go inside your home, it’s time to figure out what is salvageable. For most furniture, it is possible to restore them if they were not damaged too much by the fire, however, before trying to clean them off, be sure that your house has good ventilation by opening doors and windows. If the weather is decent, bringing the furniture outside to clean them off may be a better bet.

An important note is to remember to wear protective equipment such as face masks and gloves when cleaning the furniture, as there could be a lot of soot and smoke particles released during your cleaning process. If this is breathed in, it will affect your respiratory system. However, if you’re unsure of what to do, we recommend calling a fire restoration specialist like SERVPRO.

If you’re looking for some advice on what to do about your smoke damaged furniture, we’ve provided some information below that could help. In addition to this, we can help bring your pre-fire damaged home back to life with our skilled technicians and staff.

Leather Furniture

When dealing with leather, the leather must not get too wet during the cleaning process and you have to be gentle as leather material can be scratched easily.
Use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the smoke and soot particles. Hold it above the surface instead of directly onto the leather furniture to prevent scratches.
Gently wipe down and clean the furniture using a soft cloth and leather cleaner.
Afterward, mix equal parts of vinegar and water to make a solution. Use a different cloth to wipe the furniture using the solution. Vinegar helps to deodorize the smoke smell.
Wipe down the leather furniture using water. If the smoke smell persists, sprinkle baking soda onto the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit overnight.
Vacuum the baking soda using the flat brush attachment the next day and repeat this process if necessary.

Wood Furniture

Use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the soot or you could also use a duster to do so.
Afterward, use a dry chemical sponge to remove soot embedded in the grain. Wipe down the furniture and move the rag along the grain to prevent scratches.
Let the furniture sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth.
After letting it dry, use a high-quality wood conditioner or polish to restore the wood finish on your furniture. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product used.

Fabric Covered Furniture

The fibers present in fabric furniture are very efficient in trapping smoke and soot particles. If left uncleaned, these particles could gradually be released and pollute the air.

To clean fabric furniture, use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the soot.
Sprinkle baking soda into the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit for 24 hours.
Vacuum up the baking soda and repeat this process.
Remove any removable covers and wash them in cold water using a detergent that is specially designed to remove smoke odor and vinegar.
Hang the covers outdoors to speed up the drying process and remove any odors.
Lastly, you should spray the fabric furniture with a product designed to deodorize smoke-damaged fibers.

We hope these tips helped! If you need fire damage restoration for your home, reach out to SERVPRO of West Somerset County. We’re available 24/7 and consist of highly trained fire restoration technicians that are ready to help anytime, anywhere.

Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Your Far Hills Home This Winter

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage to your home can happen at any time of the year, but in winter, your home may be especially susceptible. The wet weather and freezing temperatures can cause water to leak into the nooks and crannies of your house. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this. Here are some tips to prevent water damage to your Far Hills home this winter!

Preventing Ice Dams on the Roof

Ice dams are formed when ice collects at the edges of a roof. This typically happens when the upper portion of a roof is warmer than the lower portion. Snow on the upper portion melts faster and runs down to the cooler part of the roof where it freezes again, creating an ice dam. These are problematic because they block the water from melting snow from flowing off your roof. The water can accumulate and seep into your house through tiny cracks or gaps in your roof. Not only do you have to worry about water damage, but mold growth as well as the water makes its way into your home.

To stop ice dams from forming, you have to ensure that all parts of your roof are equally cold. This can be done by keeping your attic well-ventilated to maintain an evenly cold temperature. You should also seal any ceiling cracks or openings that may allow warm air from other parts of your house to enter the attic. We suggest you get your roof inspected prior to the winter storm months to ensure you’re in good shape for the season.

Clearing the Gutter

Keeping the gutter clear allows water to drain down and away from your roof which also helps to keep water from collecting on your roof. This is an unappealing task but it is very important in preventing a clog. You can do it yourself with gloves, a garden trowel and a ladder. However, it may be better to get professional assistance, as this may be a bit dangerous. You can also install gutter covers to reduce the need to clear your gutter, but you should still check the gutter occasionally to ensure that it is not clogged. Leaves and other debris are most likely to collect at the corners and junctions of the gutter.

Keeping Your House Perimeter Dry

After you clear ice, snow and water from your roof and gutter, you need to make sure to keep the foundation of your house dry as well. Melting snow surrounding the perimeter of your home can seep into the soil and enter your house through cracks or leaks in your windows and doors. It can also saturate your foundation and basement walls, increasing the chances of mold forming in your home. The best solution is to shovel the snow away from your house before it melts. You can also seal up gaps or other openings in your basement wall to prevent water from seeping in.

Watching Out for Frozen Pipes

Due to the cold temperatures in winter, water in your pipes can freeze over and lead to high internal pressure in the pipes. If the pressure continues to build up, it can be enough to rupture your pipes, causing a huge amount of water to be released in your house. To prevent frozen pipes, you can insulate the ones located in places of your home with freezing temperatures. In especially cold temperatures, it is recommended to let your faucets drip slowly to relieve pressure in case the pipes have frozen. If water from your pipes stops flowing completely, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible because it is likely that the pipe has frozen.

If you notice that your pipes may be frozen or on the verge of freezing, wrap a heating pad around the pipes, open the cabinet doors, and keep an eye on it. This could help prevent it from freezing.

If you end up with water damage after a winter storm, give us a call ASAP. It’s important to get on top of water damage rather than letting it sit, causing more damage and mold growth. SERVPRO of West Somerset County is here for you and ready to help wherever and whenever.

How Fire Damage Can Disturb Your Somerset County Office Building

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire can cause devastation in any environment, but especially to commercial establishments like office buildings. The effects of smoke and fire damage can vary depending on the size of the fire, the type of damage, and how quickly it is handled. For your own peace of mind, please read on and learn about how fire damage can disturb your Somerset County office building.

Your Employees
If a fire broke out during business hours while your staff is in the building, their safety is your number one priority. Smoke is made up of toxic materials. It can cause skin and eye irritation, leading to rashes or more severe eye issues in the future. The toxicity can also cause issues to your respiratory system, aggravating the lungs, and more.

Business Operation
If a fire breaks out in your office building, the productivity slows detrimentally. It causes the employees to have to leave their desks and leave the building, halting a day (or more) of work. Not only does this affect your employees, but your business as a whole. This will then lead to financial losses.

Financial Losses
Larger corporations that have multiple branches or headquarters suffer less of a risk if a fire breaks out in one of the locations. However, if you own a smaller-than-corporate business, your revenue, productivity, data, and technology is at risk.

Loss of Data
Today, we depend on computers and the internet to get us to where we need to be. We store data in our computers that contain hard drives, operating systems, databases, and more that could be lost if the fire destroys our technology. It’s always a good idea to have your important information backed up somewhere that you can access from any computer and not only save everything on one.

How to Prevent Fire Damage in Office Buildings
The first step in protecting your business from fire damage is to have great insurance coverage. Insurance carriers differ widely when it comes to their dependability and some are frustrating to deal with. You’ll need to show evidence of the damage and the goods that were destroyed.

The second step is to operate in buildings which have natural resistance to fire and have at least one working fire extinguisher on site at all times. Annually inspect wiring or other sources that could cause a fire and store critical company documents and files in a safe that is fireproof. Using laptops rather than desktop computers allow staff on site to rapidly unplug and carry them outdoors during an emergency.

6 Causes for Winter Water Damage in Your Somerset County Home

1/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time during the year and when it happens, it causes a mess and many headaches. However, now that we’re in the winter season, there are 6 main causes for winter water damage that you should be aware of.

Frozen Pipes
SERVPRO can help you with all types of winter water damage. Winter can bring about frozen pipes, rising temperatures, and heavy snowfall, which can all pose risks to your home.

For example, when pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures, they can split and cause costly damage to your property. When your pipes are frozen, it causes the water molecules to expand, and if they expand too much, the pipe will burst.

How can you prevent this from happening?
To prevent your pipes from bursting, you can keep your cabinet doors open overnight to allow the heat from your home to wrap around the pipes, keep a very slow trickle of water flowing, and most importantly, keep an eye on the weather. If you’re not aware of the temperature drops overnight, chances are you won’t be able to get prepared.

Air Conditioning Units
When not properly maintained or insulated against the elements, air conditioning units can also burst during frigid temperatures. If you like to keep your air conditioning units in the windows all year long, please insulate them accordingly to avoid this from happening.

What are the best ways to avoid this?
Insulate your units by adding flexible foam insulation material around the entire air conditioner and use tape to prevent air leaks. There are also many different products out there that’ll help you cover the units safely.

Water Heaters
If you live in an area where the temperature can drop down to 25 degrees or colder in the winter, your water heaters are forced to work harder than normal. Also, if your water heater isn’t properly maintained or if it’s on the old side, there’s more of a chance for leakage.

Snow
The obvious cause is melting snow. If snow accumulates to a large amount, your home is at risk of flooding, mold growth, and roof issues. Be sure to remove the snow before it has a chance to get too high, causing it to sit for days while it melts.

Clogged Gutters
Before a winter storm hits, it’s a good idea to go up and check your gutters. You want to make sure there aren’t any leaves or debris buildup. If they are clear, you have a better chance of them not overflowing. However, if your area suffers from a large winter storm causing a large amount of snow and ice, your gutters can freeze and cause spillage down the foundation of your home as it melts. After the storm, we advise you to clean them out before this happens.

Badly Insulated Pipes
If your water line is exposed to outside temperatures, the pipes must be properly insulated. Have your pipes checked out prior to the winter season. If you don’t have time, you can purchase pipe insulation made of foam or fiberglass to protect them from freezing.

Identifying Black Mold in Your Raritan Home

12/21/2022 (Permalink)

You may have heard about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold.”

Information around this can be alarming and confusing, so it’s best to get the facts to better understand what type of mold you may be dealing with and how to get rid of it.

Stackybotrys chartarum, or “black mold”, is known to produce allergens and irritants, but it is not the only type of mold to do so. It is important to treat any mold with caution, stay out of affected areas, and don’t touch or disturb the mold (kind of like Gremlins).

So, how can you tell if you have black mold in your Raritan home?

Many types of mold can cause reactions, so regardless of the color, contacting a mold remediation company such as SERVPRO is essential. In many instances, multiple types of mold may exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect you may have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County immediately.

Things to know about mold:

When water intrudes into your home, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Here are some mold facts that may help:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic, float along the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture and can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45%

SERVPRO cares about your safety and the safety of your home. If you suspect any mold in your home, please contact us ASAP.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (732) 805-9944

How Often Does Your Branchburg Commercial Business’ Carpets Need to be Cleaned?

12/15/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to your business, first impressions are everything and cleanliness is next to godliness.

Customers and clients want to enter into a building that looks clean and pristine, and clean carpets in the entryway, lobby, etc. - are a crucial element to instilling customer confidence.

But how often do your Branchburg commercial business’ carpets need to be cleaned? Every business is unique.

Here are some specific examples of carpet cleaning schedules:

Churches - at least once a year, have a thorough cleaning and protecting done. Depending on the size, multiple cleanings can be done on entrances during the year.
Schools - every 3-6 months.
Office buildings - every 6 months to annually, office buildings should clean their carpets. You must also consider what kind of dirt is being tracked in by employees and customers, as well as the number of employees and customers coming in on a daily basis.
Retail stores - every 3-6 months.
Nursing homes/medical facilities - Regarding the sanitation and cleaning of healthcare facilities, there are numerous regulations. It has never been more important, considering the increased awareness of airborne contaminants today, for healthcare facilities to increase their deep carpet cleaning schedules.
Bars/restaurants - at least quarterly, carpets should be cleaned and protected in bars and restaurants. Among other things, kitchen grease that gets tracked through ad spills make this an essential duty.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County clean your commercial carpeting and more. At SERVPRO, we can also help with upholstery cleaning, should you feel you can benefit from that. When it comes to commercial cleaning, in fact, we cover all the bases. WE service military and government buildings, industrial and manufacturing locations, high-rise residential buildings, big box/large retail stores, hotels/motels, restaurants, and much more.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (732) 805-9944

Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent Fires in Your Somerset County Home

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

‘Tis the season for mistletoes, holiday music, and mall madness. However, ‘tis also the season for house fires and water damage.

Keep your holiday celebrations safe and worry-free with West Somerset County’s SERVPRO, providing you with holiday safety tips to prevent fires and frozen pipes for your Somerset County home.

Space Heaters
Whether you have a space heater from the 90s that is still kicking or a new, visually appealing fireplace heater, here are some tips to help you avoid a fire due to your heater.

Never turn on a heater you suspect is damaged.
Before use, inspect the heater, power cord, and plug for any defects.
Never leave the heater operating while unattended, or while you’re sleeping.
Keep materials such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at least 3 feet from the front, top, sides, and back of the heater.
Make sure the heater plug fits tightly into the outlet - if not, don’t use this outlet. Poor electrical connections are another leading cause of fires.
Ensure that the heater is placed on a stable, level surface and located where it will not be knocked over.

Christmas Trees
One of the deadliest types of fires that occurs during the holiday season involves live Christmas trees. Here are some tips to help you avoid Christmas tree fires.

Keep your tree properly watered
Check for electrical issues and broken bulbs when hanging lights on the tree.
Remove heat sources in close proximity to the tree.
Unplug your tree when you’re not home and overnight.

Fireplaces
There’s nothing like sitting in front of a fire, sipping cocoa, and watching a holiday movie. Keep fires from reaching outside the fireplace with these safety tips:

Clean up build-up and ash before lighting a new fire.
Schedule an annual chimney inspection before the season.
Use safe fire starters - this includes well-seasoned hardwood or CSIA-approved logs.
For kindling, stick to fired twigs or branches
Ensure all of the embers are completely burnt out before heading to bed.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (732) 805-9944

How to Prepare Your Branchburg Home for Winter Storms

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

storm damager restoration in somerset county nj

Example of storm damage restoration in Somerset County, NJ

Are you ready for winters storm damage?

Winter is coming, and along with it, the promise of cold winds, ice, and snow hang in the air. Winter storms and extreme cold can cause untold damage to your home and surrounding property, but pre-season prep can make all the difference. Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County give you some tips to prepare your home for winter storm damage.

Clean Gutters

Clean out your gutters while preparing for a winter storm. If your gutters are housing piles of leaves, sticks, and other debris, there’s a bigger risk of them falling off of your home with the added snow and ice. Protecting your gutters is also protecting your home from mold, mildew, and other water damage.

Extend Downspouts

Extending downspouts will prevent pools of water, ice, and any debris from sitting stagnant around the foundation of your home, causing severe water damage.

Tree Removal

If you have old trees close to your home, you may want to consider getting them removed ahead of the winter season. One nor’easter is all it takes for the tree to fall into your home. Even if your trees are appropriately far from the house, be sure to trim any daunting branches too close for comfort before the wind does it for you.

Battery Powered Smoke/Carbon Detectors

Having battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential to staying safe if your power goes out. In the event that there’s a house fire during a winter storm, these detectors will work in alerting you, as opposed to the hardwired detectors which will no longer be powered.

Chimney Cleaning

Cleaning your chimney is extremely important before the winter months, especially if you depend on it for heat. Ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned by a professional and ready for use before lighting your first fire. Keep in mind that snow and ice can block chimneys vents, and dryer exhausts - so be sure to keep these areas as clear as possible during and after a storm before usage. If they are clogged, there’s a larger chance of a house fire or fire damage.

Caulk Windows & Doors

If your windows and doors could use some re-caulking, now is the time to do it. This will help with any water damage and will keep your home warm and draft-free. If snow is piling up around your home, it could melt and seep through your doors and windows, causing mold, mildew, and other water damage.

Roof Inspection

Before the winter months, be sure to have your roof checked. Snow, ice, hail, and harsh winds are an inevitable part of winter weather. Get your roof inspected for missing shingles, cracks, leaks, etc. before heading into the winter season.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help Your Recover from Water and Storm Damage

At SERVPRO, we can help you recover from water damage resulting from a winter natural disaster. We’ll take care of plumbing leaks, flooding, roof leaks, sewer or toilet backups, fire damage, and much more. If water damage has already resulted in mold and mildew, we have services and skilled personnel that can be of assistance with mold remediation. We hope this blog helped you learn more about how to prepare your Branchburg home for winter storms.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (732) 805-9944

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 Holmdel/Aberdeen, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan.

How To Handle Water And Storm Damage Calmly

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Adverse weather can cause significant storm damage to even the most well designed properties, since the powerful winds can inflict debasement while heavy rainfall can cause considerable ground flooding. Below are some tips for calmly handling it. Before checking for specific property damage, ensure your own safety by being on the lookout for power lines which have fallen and standing water which might be electrically charged.

Inspect the Plumbing

Review the pipes indoors and outdoors. Shut off your water valves for the sinks and toilets, and if you notice that sewage has backed up into the shower or beneath the commode, this means the primary sewer line could be broken or clogged. Avoid using the toilet or sink as this will make the situation worse.

Review Your Electrical Systems and Appliances

Any appliances which have been exposed to liquid must be disconnected immediately and then serviced prior to being used again. Inspect the cables for frayed wiring and look out for sparks. If you notice structural damage or wires which have been exposed, contact an electrician and do not activate the power as you might electrocute yourself. While the majority of external breaker boxes are designed to be water tight they may nevertheless be exposed during a serious storm, so do not handle them if water is present. Avoid metallic fences or surfaces in the area as they might contain an electrical charge from nearby utility wires.

Check The Roof

You’ll want to check the roof for shingles which are missing, but be careful during your ascent and descent so you don’t fall down. If you notice that shingles are absent, you’ll want to contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible since missing shingles can lead to water leakage and roofers have the skills and equipment needed to repair them.

How to Handle Flooding

Standing water needs to be removed as soon as possible, as it poses a number of hazards. Unless you have the knowledge or tools needed to do it yourself, you’ll want to contact a restoration firm, but in the meantime you’ll need to employ a pump for draining it, use wet dried vacuums and get rid of any objects which are absorbent and contaminated. Dehumidifiers and air movers can be used for drying. Throw away any perishables which have been exposed to the flood water, including canned goods, cosmetics, medication and packaged food.

Vehicles

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other automobiles are readily damaged by flood water, along with falling debris or tree limbs. Any vehicle which has sustained such damage should be reported to your insurance company, and broken windows should be covered if it appears the vehicle can be salvaged. Make a list of any valuables inside that have been damaged or lost.

Only Hire Reputable Contractors

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people who will take advantage of those who have been affected by natural disasters or storms. To avoid such scams, be sure to only work with contractors that are well known or live locally, do not pay for work until the job is complete and watch for contractors that attempt to pressure you. Always get written estimates before the work begins.

Does Your Home Have Adequate Water Damage Protection?

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here's a question for you homeowners: What is one of the costliest yet most common disasters you can experience? Annually, it costs homeowners billions of dollars! Answer: water damage. Your most important asset should be safeguarded against water damage.

How do you execute water damage protection? Insurance is one of the best ways to guard yourself financially. Various types of policies are used, however, for different types of water damage. We are going to look at several aspects of water damage protection and then alert you as to the best service to call when you suffer water damage.

Insurance and Water Damage

People get homeowner’s, commercial, and renter’s insurance to protect themselves and their finances against numerous possibilities – water damage being one of them. Renter’s and homeowner’s insurance provide coverage for wind driven rain, burst pipes, and damage from roof ice dams. A standard homeowner’s policy basically covers water damage that originates at the top of the premises and flows downward (i.e., burst sprinklers, rainfall, etc.).

Not all policies cover drain and sewer backups. To your renter’s and homeowner’s coverage, you may be able to purchase a backup rider to cover sewer issues.

More often than not, water that begins at the bottom of a premises and flows up is covered by a separate policy for flood insurance (i.e., an overflowing river). This can be purchased from private insurers or the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).

One of the best ways to prevent water damage is to maintain a home or building properly.

Water Seepage – Prevent It

Water seepage is a problem in the basements of many homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, etc. To prevent water damage, it must be stopped. Here are some ways to deal with water seepage in basements:

Install a backwater valve.
Make certain that water drains in a direction away from your home, apartment, facility, etc.
Reseal your basement.

Indoor Plumbing Systems – Maintain and Understand Them

You don't have to be a plumber to have at least a minimal understanding of plumbing systems. You should do all you can to maintain them so that water damage doesn't occur. Here are some suggestions:

Check all heating and plumbing pipes regularly.
Within your plumbing system, install a valve for emergency pressure release.
Know the location of your home’s main water shut off valve.
Shut the water supply to the washing machine off when you're away on vacation.
Inspect tubs and showers.
Inspect all appliance faucets and hoses.

Your Home’s Exterior – Make Repairs And Protect It

Certain seasons and climates can be hard on the exterior of your home. Repair and protect it in the following manners:

Install gutter guards.
Check irrigation systems and sprinklers.
Check your downspouts.
Inspect your roof.
Seal and caulk windows.

Your Possessions Must Be Protected

Here are some ways in which you can protect your possessions against water damage or deal with water damage when it occurs:

Keep your home inventory up to date.
In basements, keep your belongings stored off of the floor (skids work to an extent) and on shelving whenever possible.
If there is a risk of water destruction, don't store memorabilia or valuables in that area.
In waterproof bins, store bulk items and seasonal gear.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset Help You Recover from Water Damage

At SERVPRO, we can help you recover from a flood resulting from a natural disaster, plumbing leaks and flooding, roof leaks, sewer or toilet backups, fire/water damage, and more. If water damage has already resulted in mold and mildew, we also have services that can be of assistance with mold remediation. Water damage and flooding don't have regular work hours – so we have available emergency service 24/7.

Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries!

How To Handle Water And Storm Damage Calmly

5/8/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect the Plumbing

Review Your Electrical Systems and Appliances

Check The Roof

How to Handle Flooding

Vehicles

Only Hire Reputable Contractors

Top Tips To Tackle Ceiling Cleaning Tasks

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Do you remember when the last time you cleaned your ceilings was? They are often the most overlooked when it comes to the daily cleaning routine. As such, they are usually dirtier than other areas of your home. If you want to get cleaning with your ceilings, here are some tips to help you kickstart your ceiling cleaning project!

Work from Top to Bottom

You should always start the cleaning right at the ceiling and then work your way down towards the floor. That way, you’ll be able to pick up any debris or dust that has fallen loose from the ceilings.

Don’t Overextend Your Reach When Using A Ladder or Step Stool

Always make sure your ladder is properly secured; ensure you have someone around to act as a spotter, to help hold onto your ladder as you are cleaning at heights.

Clean With Daylight

Perform your cleaning during the day so that you’ll be able to properly see any dirt or dust accumulated on the ceiling. You don’t want to end up doing the same job twice if you haven’t cleaned it properly the first time.

Use The Right Tools for The Job

Since your reach could be limited, extend it by using a long duster or with a vacuum attachment. Use a clean microfiber cloth, mixed with a reliable cleaning solution to achieve the best results.

Take Care to Protect Your Furniture

Before cleaning, you should pull any furniture underneath a few feet away in case any dust or drops of water land on them. You can also cover them with a tarp or dry cloths.

Schedule Regular Cleaning of Your Ceiling in The Future

Whilst engaging in deep cleaning of your ceiling is useful to keep your house clean once in a while, you should try to clean it more frequently to keep your rooms feeling inviting and refreshing. To clean any of your light fixtures or ceiling fans, regularly clean the blades with a good reliable microfiber cloth or a duster. Remove any of the grime or dust on the light fixtures as well.

Unsightly cobwebs and dust can accumulate very quickly, especially in the corners of your ceiling. You can easily remove them by using a long extendable duster or a vacuum attachment.

If your ceiling has crown molding and trims, dust may build up in the small details and along the edges of the trims. You can wipe them using a clean cloth together with a trusted cleaning solution. If you can’t reach the finer, intricate details, you can use an unwanted toothbrush to clean them instead.

Get Reliable And Trustworthy Clean-up And Restoration Services at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District

We are an award-winning company with a team of highly experienced experts, equipped with the required advanced techniques to solve any of your problems. Do consider our ceiling, floor and wall cleaning services at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District if you face any difficulties or problems with cleaning your homes. We also perform air duct and HVAC cleaning as your heating or air conditioning systems can distribute the contaminants, that have accumulated in the ceilings or walls of your home, throughout your property.

What Are the Different Types Of Air Movers?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Air movers help to remove moisture from surfaces into the air. They are also one of the best tools when it comes to moisture damage due to their ability to provide focused and directional air circulation. Air dryers can be used in any location and help dry out areas that are high in moisture due to pipe leakages, flooding, or spills.

They are very effective and efficient in ventilation and you must choose the correct air mover for your needs. This is because different types of air movers have different components and specifics and some are better suited for certain applications compared to others. You should also consider which areas you intend to place the air movers in. Here are some of the different types of air movers.

High-Pressure Axial

High-pressure axial air movers are mostly used to produce significant negative or positive pressures and to move high volumes of air through air ducts. They are built for performance at maximum capacity offer high-pressure air circulation. While this brings about advantages such as greater ventilation, there are also certain downsides such as it being very noisy when operating and higher amp usage. They are best used for contained or tight areas and have the best CFM (cubic feet per minute) ventilation.

Low-Pressure Axial

A low-pressure axial air mover uses lower amps than its high-pressure counterparts and produces much more airflow volume than carpet dryers. However, because they are low in static pressure, they are unable to be used in air ducts or enclosed areas to move mass volumes of air and redistribute them. They are ideal for circulating a constant and high amount of air on walls and floor surfaces.

Laminar

Laminar air movers are commonly used in buildings and homes that require focused directional air. They have a medium CFM pressure rate and the lowest amp draw which makes them a more affordable option. They specialize in providing a focused airflow in a straight line and provide static air pressure to specific areas. They can also be attached to wall injections or TEX boxes and are perfect if you are looking for a constant ventilation solution.

Centrifugal

Centrifugal air movers come in either low or high pressure. Low-pressure centrifugal air movers are commonly used to dry enclosed areas such as kitchens, cabinets, or to blow air into cavities. They use low amps of electricity compared to their high-pressure counterparts and when placed underneath a carpet, is strong enough to make it float in the air. The high-pressure centrifugal air movers are optimum for powering manifold systems or vents due to their high horsepower motor.

Why Choose SERVPRO of West Somerset County?

If you are looking for moisture control due to water damage or to control the mold growing in your house, then you should consider SERVPRO of West Somerset County. We use industrial-strength air movers that provide a highly focused, powerful air stream to dry carpets, walls, tiles, floors, or entire rooms. We are certified professional mold remediation and water damage restoration specialists and have the necessary experience and equipment to help you.

What Are the Most Common Residential Cleaning Services?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what project a restoration service undertakes, residential cleaning services end up being an essential element. It's crucial to have a highly trained team of cleaning technicians and offer a one-stop-shop solution for a full-service restoration company to succeed. Team members must be accredited in various aspects of recovery and renewal. The team at SERVPRO has, in fact, been trained in and through the following:

Biohazard recovery
UFT (upholstery and fabric cleaning)
OCT (odor control)
CCT (carpet cleaning)
IICRC (cleaning and restoration certification)
Institute of Inspection

Common Types of Residential Cleaning

At SERVPRO, we've encountered just about everything! There are some residential clean-up jobs more common than others, however. A handful of these include the following:

Biohazard and sewage clean-up – To provide you and your home with deep cleaning services, our experts are ready to be of assistance in the clean up of biohazard materials, sewage, and more.
Odor removal – To effectively deodorize your home, sufficient knowledge may not be possessed by your average cleaning service. Fortunately, for the removal of unwanted odors, our residential cleaning services take advantage of SERVPRO’s expertise and training.
Air duct cleaning – Though seldom thought of as crucial, your home's air ducts should be cleaned on a regular basis. Not only can proper cleaning help ensure better breathability for the air your family inhales, but your home’s cooling and heating efficiency could be improved as well.
Upholstery and carpet cleaning – Our cleaning services for upholstery and carpet get out the dirt you see, and so much more. Deep down dirt, dust, odors, etc. will be removed through our very thorough process. To freshen up your home and brighten a room, our deep cleaning furniture and carpet services can make all the difference.

Additional Services

Any residential cleaning service that also deals with full-service restoration may be expected to do a number of jobs. At SERVPRO, we are capable of being of assistance where mold, fire, water, and other loss incidents are concerned. This can even include cases of vandalism.

What if, for instance, your home was damaged but is also being put up for sale soon? Our experts would inspect the damage and immediately determine its extent. Given the situation at hand, we would know expedited repairs were of the utmost importance. To replace damaged areas, repaint, repair, etc., we can work with the contractor to get the job done. Before you know it, your home will be restored to its former beauty.

Residential Cleaning and More

We are so much more than a residential cleaning service! Overall, related cleaning services offered by SERVPRO include the following:

Commercial cleaning services
Building services
Graffiti and vandalism
Crime scene and trauma
Toilet and sewage overflow
Odor removal
Blinds and drapes
Certified cleaning services
Walls, floors, and ceilings
Upholstery and carpet
Biohazard
HVAC and air ducts

SERVPRO When You Need Residential Cleaning Services

Have you had a sewage backup? Was your home damaged due to a storm? If you need sewage clean-up, odor removal, air duct cleaning, upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning, or some other form of residential cleaning, we want to be your one-stop-shop location.

Structural Drying Processes Can Help Prevent Further Water Damage

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Many restoration teams regard structural drying as being one of the best ways to alleviate water damage since it removes excess moisture which is trapped within building materials. Plue, the experts can do so in a reasonable timespan. Below is a detailed analysis of how this process works and the different phases that must be completed.

Water Extraction and Air Movement

Water extraction simply involves the elimination of excess liquid, which enhances drying efficiency. However, air movement is also a necessity, because without it the water will continue saturating the surface which will slow down the evaporation rate. This in turn can lead to the development of mold or rot. Before air movement can occur, the restoration specialist will test the surfaces for asbestos or mold, and once it has been confirmed to be safe, the movement of air can commence.

Dehumidifier

Once the water has been extracted and air movement has occurred, applying a dehumidifier is essential. The reason is that moisture is capable of trapping itself within building materials when dehumidifiers aren’t utilized to capture excess liquid vapor. Just because a surface is dry by touch doesn’t mean that it has low water content. Relative humidity might still be higher than usual, and if this is the case it will promote the growth of mold.

Temperature

It is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature. This is because operating within optimal temperatures for dehumidifiers will maximize drying. Most experts recommend a temperature between seventy-five and ninety degrees which will accelerate evaporation while releasing moisture from the construction materials. You’ll want to avoid turning on air conditioners or allowing cool air into the area as it will slow the process of drying, but increasing the heat should also be avoided as it can inhibit dehumidifier effectiveness.

Additional Drying Techniques

There are a number of additional techniques that restoration specialists will use in certain situations, with two of the most popular being aggressive and disruptive drying:

Aggressive drying

This technique is usually reserved for drying within a place and is well suited to small water damage incidents. The drying equipment must be used for enhancing the rate of evaporation by spiking the airflow and temperature. The water category must be clean and free of sediment or building materials such as hydraulic fluid or asbestos. This technique is also popular because it is cost effective and minimizes downtime.

Disruptive Drying

In order to perform disruptive drying, the construction materials (rather than structural materials) must be removed. This includes baseboards, pads, insulation, flood cuts, and anything which can’t be efficiently dried within a short time span. This technique is preferred for drying structural objects which are normally concealed by finishes. It is applied to category two water, which is also known as grey water, as well as black water (category three). This is a standardized technique that gives you the ability to accurately assess moisture content within studs, wall cavities, and other areas which are hidden, ensuring that the structure is completely dry.

Fire Damaged Items You Should Consider Discarding

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Black, sooty, and or greasy smoke and residue can be produced by even the smallest fire. Even worse than natural fire residues are synthetic and protein fire residues. After a fire, it's important to know what you should throw away, even though you will probably want to save as much as you can. Even further than flames, soot and smoke will travel and ruin things you might not expect to be affected.

From clothing to food, and more, we are going to take a look at which fire damaged items you should throw away after a house fire and which ones can be salvaged.

Salvageable Items After a House Fire

The best way to remember what can be salvaged following a house fire is to think of nonporous, hard surfaces. If an item is melted, charred, or burned, it should be discarded.

Hardwood floors – After a fire, you can salvage most hardwood floors, unless there are burn marks or extreme charring. Use oil soap to clean the floors, then sand them. As necessary, refinish the floor.
Metal – Significant fire damage can usually be withstood by metals, though they may stain. Use dish soap and vinegar to clean them, sand the metal lightly, then paint it.
Glass – There is a good amount of fire resistance to glass. With dish soap and vinegar, you can usually clean glass, even when stained. You may also prefer the baking soda and vinegar soaking method.

Items That Should Be Discarded after a House Fire

Almost anything in your home can be damaged by one of the most dangerous things that can occur – fires. Any items damaged by flames and heat, melted, or burned, should be thrown away after a house fire. Additionally, the following should be discarded after a fire:

Fire damaged mattresses and furniture – Because they can fall apart, any mattresses or furniture burned in a fire should be thrown away. If minor to moderate soot stains and smoke occur on hardwood furniture, that would be an exception. By cleaning with oil soap, hardwood furniture might be salvaged. Sanding and refinishing could be a possibility if staining is severe.
Burned bedding, towels, and clothing – Any bedding, towels, or clothing that was burned or charred should be thrown away. You can try washing items with dish soap for minor soot stains. Before washing, soak fabrics in vinegar to remove odors.

Fire impacted hygiene products, cosmetics, and medicines – Any of these that were damaged by fire should be discarded. Contact your doctor immediately if prescription medication has to be discarded.
Any food that remained at room temperature or higher – You may need to throw away the food from your freezer and refrigerator if the power went out. Without power, after as little as two or as many as six hours, refrigerator food will spoil. You might be able to wait up to 24 hours with freezer food.
Fire exposed boxed or canned foods – Any box or canned foods that were exposed to smoke or flames should be thrown away. This is particularly applicable if they have burn marks, sweat stains, or were opened.
Stained or melted plastics – Most plastic items can be ruined by even a small fire. Plastics will pull in the soot and smoke, due to their makeup. That's why, following a fire, you should always throw them away.

Have Your Home And Possessions Suffered Fire Damage? Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help

We don't just handle fire damage restoration as a sideline here at SERVPRO… it's what we do. Since fire damage and water damage frequently go together, we specialize in both. If you have water damage from any type of natural disaster, plumbing problem, sewage backup, fire and more – we are here for you with emergency service, 24/7. The same goes for any resulting fire damage. We understand that when you need fire and water restoration, you can't wait.

Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries!

How Can IR Cameras Detect Water Damage?

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you constantly experience water leakage, there is a good chance that your water pipes and structure may be faulty. Other reasons could also be due to heavy rain and snow, condensation, and humidity levels. Moisture infiltration and accumulation are very damaging for a house or building and promote mold growth. In the past to tackle water leakage, people had to resort to intrusive methods such as hacking down walls and pipes to identify the source of the leak and how far it had spread.

This wastes much more resources and is more expensive and time costly. With modern innovations such as IR cameras, inspectors can spot areas that are not visible to the naked eye, and which do not involve invasive methods. They are thus able to use the IR cameras for water damage inspection. This greatly increases efficiency and reduces time and cost as the leak can then be isolated. Here are some ways how IR cameras can detect water damage.

Infrared Thermography

IR cameras help consultants, remediators, and technicians pinpoint and eliminate mold infestations and water leakages through a technological tool known as thermography. It is a technique that produces an image of infrared lights which are not visible to the naked eye, and which are emitted by objects due to the heat or lack thereof in the objects ‘thermal condition’. IR cameras thus resemble a typical camera recorder and can provide live pictures of heat radiation. More sophisticated IR cameras can produce false-color images based on the temperatures of objects or surfaces in the picture which aids in the analysis of thermal patterns.

Because the IR cameras can produce images of heat radiation, they can provide precise temperature measurement capabilities. This is one of the reasons why moisture and mold can be detected on IR cameras before they are visible to the naked eye as moisture is much cooler than construction materials. IR cameras are also valuable and cost-effective diagnostic tools which are used in construction problems of mold growth and water problems, such as through the usage of thermal analysis. The temperature measurement incorporated by the IR cameras can allow professionals to make better judgments and analyses due to the valuable information provided.

Mold and Rot Prevention

IR cameras can detect moisture patterns in buildings and houses. This is because the temperature difference created by the presence of moisture on an inside surface of a wall differs greatly from its surroundings. Owners should be wary of leaks and mold under certain situations such as when suspected plumbing leaks have occurred from the waterline, after any water damage event such as floods, and locating wet areas in non-accessible spaces. Doing so quickly will prevent mold growth and rotting of the construction materials and wall lining. Under the right conditions, IR cameras can serve as an early warning for roofs and ceilings that tend to retain water long before water leakage. It is recommended to hire a professional as they will be able to cut core samples of walls and analyze them for traces of moisture and mold. They will also be better at interpreting the results and in fixing the cause of the problem.

How Fast Can SERVPRO Of West Somerset County Respond?

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Of West Somerset County is a cleaning and restoration company that specializes in helping businesses and homes affected by water damage, fire damage, mold, and storm damage. We also provide 24-hour emergency services to help businesses for 7 days a week including holidays.

Fast Response

SERVPRO Of West Somerset County also provides commercial cleaning services to companies whose properties experience wear and tear. Here at SERVPRO Of West Somerset County, we provide comprehensive and efficient cleaning and restoration services. We work fast and well to minimize disruption in your business and help your business reopen quickly. We also remove stains, eliminate odors, clean furniture, and will tackle any of your concerns regarding your building’s looks or function. One of the things we take pride in is our fast response time to disasters. We know all too well that disasters can strike anytime and are thus prepared to manage any water, fire, storm, mold, or flood issues 24/7. This means that you can expect an immediate response time whether during the day or at night.

Time is Essential

When natural disasters strike or when your property is afflicted by fire, water, or mold damage, time is of the essence in mitigating the effects of the above damage and in preventing further structural damage. Using an example of water damage in the event of flooding, water is quickly absorbed into belongings, walls, upholstery, and floors. Books, photographs, and other paper goods will begin to swell and become deformed. Water will also quickly spread throughout the property and saturate everything. Furniture finishes may bleed and cause permanent stains on carpets and other fabric. All of this occurs within minutes of flooding.

We Act Fast

If left untreated for the next 24 hours, more serious problems will start to emerge such as the swelling and cracking of furniture, dyes and inks from paper goods will stain and spread, metal surfaces will start to tarnish, and drywall could swell and break down. This would affect the structural integrity of the property. Residents would also start to smell a musty odor. If nothing is done to resolve these issues in the next 48 hours to one week, the problem escalates and could involve the blistering of paint, the swelling and deformation of wood flooring, and the rusting and corrosion of metal. Moreover, the property would be at risk of severe biohazard contamination, and it may be dangerous to live in the property. This is because a very damp and moist environment promotes the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. There would also be a strong, sour smell due to bacteria growth and mold present.

About Our 24/7 Emergency Services

This is why we are always ready 24/7 and will work round the clock to ensure that your property is restored whilst minimizing further damage. We respond quickly to minimize financial costs and ensure that cleaning and restoration works are swiftly and efficiently done. If these problems are left untreated and persist, the time taken for reconstruction and cleaning will only grow and it would be more expensive to do so as entire structures and even the whole building may be compromised. We are well stocked with advanced equipment and recovery tools and will ensure that we respond and work immediately to make it seem as though the accident had never occurred. Your time is important, and we promise to uphold and respect it.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County Uses Infrared Technology To Detect Water Leaks

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Every year, water leaks cause serious problems for residential and commercial property owners alike, especially those who live or work in buildings that were constructed before the 1950s. The hardest part has always been finding the source of the leak, but infrared technology is now being used to solve this very costly and irritating problem.

What Causes Water Leakage?

Modern plumbing is a necessity for most buildings, but they are subject to laws of entropy just like everything else. As a consequence, even the most well designed plumbing systems will breakdown as time passes, which usually comes in the form of cracks within the pipe which allows water to leak.

Water leakage might also be the result of rainwater which is entering the building through the roof. This is a common occurrence especially in aging ceilings and the same can happen to walls if they develop cracks. The most hazardous water leakage is the one you don’t quickly recognize. The circulation of water around the property will cause dampness in the surrounding air which makes it unhealthy to breath.

In extreme cases, those living or working on the premises might develop an ailment which is air-borne. If enough time passes, the leak will also begin to compromise the structural integrity of the building and the presence of any electrical conductors or equipment creates an additional danger. It is for these reasons that rapidly identifying a leak and its source are extremely important.

Why Infrared Technology is the Answer

Infrared imaging is state of the art technology which will allow you to identify leaks with ease. It is also use to inspect electric fittings, HVAC and insulation. It accomplishes this through infrared rays which look for thermal abnormalities in a given space.

Every object, whether it be plants, animals, humans or inanimate things, give off specific infrared emissivity. However, the emissivity of an object will change along with the temperature. Therefore, a special camera is used to take infrared radiation images and the various emissivity levels will be displayed as distinct colors within the camera’s display.

Water leakage will raise or reduce the temperature for the surrounding area. This in turn will affect infrared emissivity levels, which corresponds to specific colors. A professional plumber will then be able to identify wet spaces within the camera, and can also identify leaks in places where the liquid is falling within an location because of the air dampness in that particular area.

While infrared imaging is innovative, it still takes a trained eye to read the screen and identify leaks, which is why you want to hire a professional. Even if a property owner purchased one of these infrared cameras and tried using it themselves, the images wouldn’t make sense to them unless they have a deep technical knowledge of plumbing systems, roofing and heat changes.

Important Items to Replace After Home Fire Damage

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire accident at home, you should always assess the situation and environment when it is safe to do so. You should also rope in technicians and engineers to ensure that your house is structurally stable and safe. A fire accident damages the property and its contents. Hence you should figure out which items can be salvaged, and which should be replaced after the fire damage. This is a guide on the important items you should replace after home fire damage.

Burned Clothing

Textiles such as clothes and bedding can be salvaged after a fire if proper disinfection and cleaning are done. However, if any clothes are burnt, they should immediately be thrown away and replaced. If you have any young children at home, then you should set a stricter set of criteria for considering which clothes should be replaced and which can still be worn.

Medicine and Cosmetics

Your medicine and cosmetics contain numerous chemicals and minerals which may be affected by fire and high heat. This can alter the composition of the products such that they become more toxic and contaminating. You should inspect the products for any signs of fire extinguisher dust, soot, heat, or other damage. The potency of medication could also be altered due to the high heat, smoke, water, or the chemicals used by firefighters to fight the fire. It is recommended to throw away all cosmetics and medication and replace them.

Insulation and Electrical Appliances

After a fire, there is a high chance that your house insulation and wires may have been damaged by the heat or fire. Thus, you should always replace the insulation after a fire as burnt insulation is ineffective due to the presence of air holes. Burnt insulation is also hazardous as a hidden ember can continue to burn for hours and could re-ignite, thereby triggering another fire. Electrical appliances should also be checked for water or heat damage. Wires and appliances which have been damaged by the fire are fire hazards that may shock and ignite at any point in time. These wires and appliances could also have hidden faults that are not visible to the naked eye. If you spot any damaged or melted wires or electrical appliances, then that is a red flag and should be replaced. As a rule of precaution, all electrical appliances should be replaced and tossed away especially if you are unsure about their condition.

Food

Non-perishable food could be compromised by the fire and food safety is a huge concern especially after a fire. Although sealed food that is not damaged or burnt may appear to be healthy for consumption, it may not be edible especially if they were close to the fire. This is because toxic fumes emitted from the fire and smoke could contaminate the food through the cans and sealed jars. High heat can also cause the food to taste unpleasant and activate bacteria which promotes food spoilage. The water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire could also contaminate both perishable and non-perishable food. You should always be rigorous and detailed when inspecting your kitchen after a fire and check for any heat, smoke, or chemical damage caused by the fire and fire extinguisher. As a rule of thumb, you should throw out any food items regardless of whether they are perishable and whether they have been sealed.

What Should You Do With Smoke Damaged Furniture

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Before assessing your furniture after a fire accident, ensure that it is safe to do so and that the fire has been completely extinguished. For most furniture, it is possible to salvage and restore them if they have not been burnt badly by the fire. Furniture that is still intact in a fire may contain lots of smoke and soot particles especially if they are near the fire. Before cleaning and restoring smoke-damaged furniture, you should always ensure that your house has good ventilation by opening the doors and windows. Alternatively, you could also bring the furniture outside of the house for cleaning.

Secondly, it is advisable to wear protective equipment such as face masks and gloves when cleaning the furniture as there could be numerous soot and smoke particles released during the cleaning process, which will affect your respiratory system. If you are unsure of what to do, it best to call a fire restoration specialist due to their specific expertise and advanced equipment. This guide aims to explain how you should treat the different kinds of furniture that have been damaged by smoke.

Leather Furniture

When dealing with leather, the leather mustn't get too wet during the cleaning process, and you have to be gentle as leather material can be scratched easily. Use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the smoke and soot particles. Hold it above the surface instead of directly onto the leather furniture to prevent scratches. Gently wipe down and clean the furniture using a soft cloth and leather cleaner. Afterward, mix equal parts of vinegar and water to make a solution. Use a different cloth to wipe the furniture using the solution. Vinegar helps to deodorize the smoke smell. Afterward, wipe down the leather furniture using water. If the smoke smell persists, sprinkle baking soda onto the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit overnight. Vacuum the baking soda using the flat brush attachment the next day and repeat this process if necessary.

Wood Furniture

Use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the soot or you could also use a duster to do so. Afterward, use a dry chemical sponge to remove soot embedded in the grain. Wipe down the furniture and move the rag along the grain to prevent scratches. Let the furniture sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth. After letting it dry, use a high-quality wood conditioner or polish to restore the wood finish on your furniture. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product used.

Fabric Covered Furniture

The fibers present in fabric furniture are very efficient in trapping smoke and soot particles. If left uncleaned, these particles could gradually be released and pollute the air. To clean fabric furniture, use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the soot. Sprinkle baking soda into the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit for 24 hours. Vacuum up the baking soda and repeat this process. Remove any removable covers and wash them in cold water using a detergent that is specially designed to remove smoke odor and vinegar. Hang the covers outdoors to speed up the drying process and remove any odors. Lastly, you should spray the fabric furniture with a product designed to deodorize smoke-damaged fibers.

How Fire Damage Can Affect Office Buildings

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can cause devastation in any environment where it gets out of control, especially commercial establishments since office building fire damage can impact both the company as a whole as well as its employees. Below are some ways in which office building fire damage can adversely affect businesses and how it can be avoided.

Downtime and Financial Losses

Most businesses are small to medium in size and contained within a single building. If a fire breaks out in that location, their operations will be severely disrupted and for startups without significant funds or insurance the damage could be irreversible. Without steady revenues employees will have to be laid off while the owner attempts to find a new location if possible.

Large corporations often have multiple branches or headquarters around the country or world which makes them largely impervious to fire damage. For example, a retail store or restaurant chain with dozens or hundreds of locations will only be minimally impacted by the outbreak of fire and neither their revenue nor stock price will fall by much. Smaller operations by comparison don’t have this luxury.

Data Loss

Even the smallest businesses in most developed countries today depend on computers and the internet. Computers contain hard drives, operating systems and data bases which allow critical company data to be stored, and it isn’t unusual for medium to large companies to use server farms.

Certain industries such as the manufacturing sector are dependent on software to perform essential automated tasks, and most retail stores and supermarkets use software to manage their large inventory. Finally, there are self-employed entrepreneurs who depend heavily on their computers to run software that allows them to create animations, simulations or renderings that can be used in a variety of different projects. Fire is therefore a serious threat because it can cause the loss of critical or sensitive data that may never be recovered, which can permanently damage an organizations ability to function.

Particle Ionization

When it comes to fire, people have a tendency to focus on the flames rather than the smoke, which is just as dangerous. Not only does inhalation pose a hazard to any company personnel who are onsite during the fire outbreak, but the smoke particles will become ionized and develop electric charges that will adhere to some surfaces, such as nails, plastics and any office furnishings which are manmade like vinyl, which will cause permanent staining.

How To Prevent Fire Damage in Office Buildings

The first step in protecting your business from fire damage is to have great insurance coverage. Insurance carriers differ widely when it comes to their dependability and some are frustrating to deal with. You’ll need to show evidence of the damage and the goods that were destroyed.

The second step is to operate in buildings which have natural resistance to fire and have at least one working fire extinguisher on site at all times. Annually inspect wiring or other sources that could cause a fire and store critical company documents and files in a safe that is fire proof. Using laptops rather than desktop computers allows staff on site to rapidly unplug and carry them outdoors during an emergency.

Common Types Of Fire Damage Residues

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

If your home has experienced even a small fire, the damage will go deeper than just the materials that were burned. Unfortunately, whenever there is fire, there is most often smoke. Additionally, water damage usually results from the efforts of firefighters or homeowners trying to put out the fire. Even if a fire extinguisher has been used, that's a separate mess to have to deal with.

Here, we are going to examine the three basic kinds of fire damage residues.

Natural

The burning of paper products, wood, and other natural products results in a grayish-black colored, dry powdery residue. You may even be tempted to refer to it as ash. Compared to protein and synthetic residues (see below), this type of residue is far easier to clean up. With a bristle brush, vacuum the area in which the residue has been left. After that, cleaning should be done with a dry-chem sponge method.

Proteins

The burning of proteins such as beans and meats involve fires that leave behind a residue which is yellowish brown. The texture of this residue sticks to any surface and has a greasy feeling. To clean this up, it can be an intensive and involved process. There are proper fire cleaning chemicals that should be used and can be purchased at some hardware stores. Your best course of action, however, when it comes to cleaning up protein fires, is to rely on a professional service. We'll introduce you to one at the end of this piece.

Synthetic

When oil-based materials such as fabrics and plastics are burned, synthetic residue can appear. This could include everything from electronics and carpets to furniture and window coverings. A thick black smoke is produced when synthetic materials burn. A smeary residue is left behind that, if not cleaned up properly, can create an extraordinary mess. To prevent smearing, the residue should not be touched, if at all possible. The best approach to cleaning left behind synthetic residue is vacuuming. After that, cleaning can be accomplished through a dry-chem sponge method.

Dry-Chem Sponge Cleaning

Since we referred to it a couple of times above, let's look at the basics of a dry-chem sponge method.

To absorb and scoop up soot and dirt, dry chemical sponges are used. These sponges are perfect for removing smoke and loose dirt from acoustic tiles, blown ceilings, latex paint, etc., due to their soft surface. The pores of the sponges do the absorbing. Because debris usually follows the law of gravity, begin cleaning at the ceiling when using these dry sponges.

Sponges such as these that clean a surface without getting it wet are also referred to as the following:

Dry clean sponge
Chemical sponge
Soot remover
Dirt eraser and more

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help You Recover from Fire Damage

At SERVPRO, we don't just handle fire damage restoration as a sideline – it's what we do. Since water damage and fire damage frequently go hand-in-hand, we specialize in both. If you have fire damage – or water damage from any type of natural disaster, plumbing problem, sewage backup, and more – we are here for you with emergency service, 24/7. We understand that when you need fire and water restoration, you can't wait.

Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries!

Take Great Care Of Your Hotel Furniture

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

When hotel furniture is both beautiful and comfortable, it is far more inviting to guests and makes a great first impression. Your guests will be sure to notice attractive, clean furniture. Not only that, they’ll be far more inclined to come back again because they were so impressed by your stylish amenities and your hotel’s decor.

To maximize the value of your pieces and fixtures, make sure to establish a relationship with a company or service that provides upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning, and other commercial cleaning services. You may also want to establish a relationship with a furniture and fixture restorer.

Let's take a look at some of the ways in which you can better care for your hotel furniture.

Hotel Furniture Transformation

To complement most any hotel setting, attractive furniture can be created from old, dull pieces. With reliable techniques, industry experience, and excellent customer service, the right company or individual is priceless for any hotel owner. For years to come, your guests will be able to enjoy your most cherished pieces thanks to cleaning or restoration services bringing them back to life.

Keep Your Furniture's Original Charm

To preserve the original character of your furnishing pieces, restoration goes a long way. It is, in fact, one of the main advantages of restoration. Hotels with quaint fixtures and antique furniture frequently depend on restoration services to maintain their historic, charming aesthetic. Whichever style and look you want to preserve, the right company or service can help keep those pieces which are near and dear to your heart well-maintained.

The following are methods of restoration, refinishing, and maintaining a hotel’s beloved decor:

Custom finishing, millwork painting, and molding – To your exact taste, design specifications, and the existing finish, precise pieces can be met and matched. Your millwork can be molded, sanded, and finished expertly and beautifully.
Reception lobby area retouching of wooden fixtures, furniture, etc. – Give your guests the first impression they crave. Keep them coming back time after time with a memorable experience.
Make a modern masterpiece from a classic elevator – With wood pane restoration services, you'd be surprised what can be accomplished.
Furniture restoration and refinishing – Using methods of a specialized nature, new life can be breathed back into old pieces.

Furniture Repair

It might be tempting, sometimes, to start from scratch and buy new furniture. STOP! Before you spend that kind of money, think about this: There may be more life left in that furniture than you may have thought. In the long run, you may benefit more from furniture restoration. Give it some serious consideration.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help You Care for Your Hotel Furniture

Our carpet and upholstery cleaning are second to none. At SERVPRO, however, we don't stop there. We can be of assistance with all sorts of building services, commercial cleaning services, and more. If you've had a problem with sewage and toilet overflow, need odor removal, want drapes and blinds cleaned, and more, trust us for the best service available.

We handle far more than hotels, as well. We service industrial and manufacturing locations, high-rise residential buildings, big box/large retail stores, small retail stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, and much more.

Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries!

What You Need To Know About Our High-Speed Air Movers

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Our high-speed air movers are an indispensable tool, but should not be confused with fans although they resemble them. While they do circulate air in a similar manner, they can stop or start immediately and will blow through an area which is more concentrated. Whereas fans are designed to cool an area down, the primary purpose of air movers is to rapidly dry areas which are damp or wet.

How Air Movers Dry Wet Spaces

Air movers can be used to dry areas or objects which are damp. They accomplish this by blowing air lower near the surface at rapid speeds, which forces the liquid to evaporate quickly. Because it operates near the surface of the floor, its air flow may be directed beneath cabinets or heavy furniture to quickly dry them. The main benefit of rapid drying is the avoidance of mold, but air movers are also used in situations where paint needs to dry fast.

Fume Removal

Aside from their ability to dry rapidly, air movers can also remove hazardous fumes. This is crucial for construction workers, contractors or anyone who works in an environment where harmful fumes are present. The air mover can push the fumes out of designated areas to establish a safe working environment.

Cooling and Blowing

Like fans, air movers can cool things down. This is why they are used by construction workers to ventilate areas which are stuffy, and the air can even be directed to machines or objects which are hot so they can be cooled.

Since these devices can circulate air with tremendous speed, they can also be used for blowing away particles which are unwanted, such as leaves, dirt, dust, pollen or debris, and can even be used as a type of insect repellent, driving away mosquitoes and other pests to prevent them from entering structures.

How Do Air Movers Compare to Air Conditioning Units?

Air movers are far more versatile than A/C systems. Because air conditioning doesn’t cause a change in the air, it is incapable of extracting crisp air from outdoors. Rather, A/C systems are designed to recirculate the air which is already present within a structure to cool it down, but it will not provide ventilation.

As stated previously, air movers are designed to eliminate moisture, whereas air conditioning systems will often create it. This is why those who’ve worked with or been around traditional air conditioning systems notice them leaking, especially from the rear. In fact, it is this leakage which can lead to a buildup of mold within A/C systems that owners will have to clear out.

The final difference is in the cost. Air conditioning systems require electricity to power their compressor, as well as the fan, evaporator, blower and condenser. Air movers by contrast only require electricity for powering their blowers which force the fresh air into spaces. This means that air movers are far more cost effective than A/C systems.

Top Tips To Plan A Home Restoration Project After Experiencing Storm Damage

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it's tornado season, hurricane season, or just a freak storm, you're likely no stranger to home damage restoration if you live in an area that has frequent violent weather breakouts. Between structural damage, flooding, and debris, a restoration can feel like an emotionally draining, daunting task.

By creating a clear plan, your home restoration project can run smoother, and you'll be prepared no matter when the storm hits. Before the next storm, and while tackling the next project, the following should be considered.

Restore and Repair

Okay, the storm has passed and you're concentrating on restoration and repair. Think about what you're doing. Are there some steps you could take now, for down the road, so your home will be better protected against having to do this again? Do you need stronger windows? Does your sump pump need replacing? Are the winds in your area too much for your garage door? Should you be reinforcing any of your home’s structural features? If storm damage restoration is currently being done, there is no time like the present to tackle preventative projects.

One Step at a Time

Try not to be overwhelmed. It might feel like you're rebuilding your entire house because things tend to pile up quickly. If you feel like you're not getting anything done, or you feel overloaded, stop! Regroup after taking a moment for yourself.

So you don't get buried, break down your costs and steps and only tackle one or two projects at a time. Unless you have temporary housing lined up, you'll have to live in your home so you must keep it somewhat comfortable and livable for the sake of your mental health and stress level.

Take Care Of Necessities First

First things first! What are your immediate needs in the storm restoration process? While redoing your kitchen may seem far more glamorous, you should concentrate immediately on drying out your home and assessing its structure. Where the necessities are concerned, don't cut corners, or you may end up with deterioration, mold, and other hazards or harmful situations.

Before You Begin – Do Your Research

Before you need it, start doing some research. Look at who the best area contractors are, factors that influence the costs of flood damage, your insurance coverage, and other need-to-know details. Don't be afraid to call contractors and other home restoration specialists or services. It's better to communicate with them now than in a panicked state because disaster has already hit.

Budget Crafting

For any home restoration project, try to set a clear budget. Think about things you might have to tackle in the future. Start budgeting subprojects by starting an emergency fund. Naturally, the cost of storm damage restoration can't be anticipated, but now you have somewhere to start.

The Best Tip Ever for Storm Damage Restoration – Contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County

SERVPRO doesn't simply assist people with a little water damage or storm damage restoration on the side – it's what we do! But we don't stop there. We also offer odor removal, carpet cleaning, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and so much more. Whether you have a residential or commercial building, we can help.

What's more, we offer 24/7 emergency service. We understand that disasters don't wait for a certain time of day – so neither do we. We will expedite a team of experts to your location when you need us. No job is too big or too small.

Don't take on the job of storm damage restoration on your own. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

SERVPRO of West Somerset County Offers 24-Hour Emergency Services

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

A fire or water emergency is devastating at any time it occurs, but especially after hours. The longer it takes to get the matter resolved, the greater the damage, which is why it is important to know an emergency restoration provider that offers 24-hour emergency services.

Why is Speed so Critical during a Crisis?

Property damage involving water and fire are incredibly invasive. Water will spread rapidly throughout the building, and will be absorbed by furniture, walls, floors and upholstery. The damage resulting from fire will continue even after it has been extinguished. The reason for this is because the particulates and soot which are emitted from the smoke will severely damage metal, fabric and anything that is porous.

Timeline for Water Damage

Minutes after flooding occurs, the liquid will spread all over the building, saturating anything it comes into contact with. The finish on furniture may “bleed” which can lead to permanent stains, especially on carpets. Books, photographs and anything made from paper will warp and swell.

After twenty four hours, the drywall will begin to dissolve and swell. Metallic objects might start to display tarnish, and furniture will crack. Any dyes or inks which are present on clothing and paper will stain and expand. Those who visit the property at this time might also detect a musty scent.

If the water damage hasn’t been repaired between forty eight hours to seven days later, mold will develop which will rapidly spread. Windows and doors will start to warp and swell, and metal will develop rust with corrosion. Paint will blister, wooden objects will warp and swell, and anyone who enters the property at this time is at risk of biohazard contamination. By this point, the restoration cost will substantially skyrocket.

Timeline for Fire Damage

Minutes after a fire subsides, the residue from the soot will settle onto every nearby surface. The soot will react with some materials in a manner that causes rapid corrosion and deterioration. It will become embedded within carpet fibers, drapery and any type of fabric. Materials which are porous will display discoloration.

Hours after a fire occurs, the flooring and wooden furniture might have to be completely refinished, since the soot will start to consume it. Metallic objects will corrode or rust while clothing will be permanently stained. Any nearby walls which are painted will turn yellow in color.

After a week or more has passed and the fire damage has not been repaired, any objects which have been exposed to the soot will be permanently damaged. It is also possible that the building itself might have sustained structural debasement that can make it dangerous to traverse.

As you can see, both water and fire damage is serious and must be addressed as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to restore your valuables, and the costs will rise correspondingly.

Should You Call A Plumber Or Water Damage Restoration Specialist

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you have an emergency involving water damage, who do you call? Who's more qualified, in this particular situation, to be the most help: water damage restoration specialists or a plumber?

At some point in your life, you're going to be glad we answered this question for you. Almost everyone has a pervasive problem like water damage at least once. In fact, every year, a water damage insurance claim is filed by one in 50 homes. Rest assured, you're not alone if you find yourself facing water damage.

As to whether to call a water damage restoration company or a plumber, however, it may depend on the type of water damage you experience. To assess and repair damage, you may require a plumber for some types of water damage. A water restoration company will be needed for others.

There are many kinds of water damage from full on flooding to a simple, leaky pipe. Let's take a look at who to call for certain kinds of damage.

Call a Plumber? Call a Damage Restoration Specialist?

A plumber is suitable for minor repair problems and fixes. If standing water or structures come into play, and for more severe issues, you should have the phone number of a reputable restoration company handy.

Let's take a look at what each of these services covers.

Water Damage Restoration Professionals

When excess water caused by natural disasters or plumbing issues requires emergency services, water restoration companies remove items that were damaged, and restore building contents and structures. Professional drying equipment is used by these experts such as air movers and dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth and further damage, as well as removing moisture from walls, floors, etc.

Since water damage and fire/smoke damage frequently go hand-in-hand, water damage professionals are also experienced in smoke damage. They also will likely have experience in construction, mold remediation, flood damage, storm damage, and repair.

Plumbers

What is the first and foremost job of a plumber? Answer: find the source of water damage and fix it. Their purpose is to figure out where the problem lies and stop the damage from happening. When it comes to repairing water damage and cleanup, however, plumbers may not be particularly knowledgeable.

Plumbers take care of broken sewer lines, gas lines, clogged toilets, cracked or leaking pipes, and broken kitchen faucets (among other things).

But if desperation grips you and you’re facing issues like frozen water pipes, home and basement flooding, mold, etc., the situation becomes a bit trickier. Deeper than the human eye can see, further damage may lie deep within walls, floors, etc.

Bottom Line

Here's your takeaway: If you experience flooding or leaks, a plumber is going to figure out what the problem is and stop it. However, to restore and repair your property damage, you're going to want to call in a water restoration company. Here's who to call…

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Repair Your Water Damage

At SERVPRO, dealing with water damage isn't simply a sideline – it's what we do. We have advanced water inspection processes, extraction processes, and state-of-the-art drying equipment. We are locally operated and owned, and, in the water restoration industry, have become a trusted leader. All our technicians are highly trained in water restoration and we are quick to arrive at any size disaster. We offer 24-hour emergency service – because water damage doesn't run on a schedule.

Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries!

How Often Should Commercial Carpets Be Cleaned?

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

To project a positive image, every business needs to concentrate on one of the biggest contributors – cleanliness. People assume you're running a business that's productive when your carpet, entryway, and lobby is welcoming and clean. Particularly in areas of high traffic, commercial carpets withstand constant debris, dirt, etc.

In your facility or office, how often do you suppose you should have the carpets cleaned?

Truth be told, there is not a singular correct answer to this question. A unique setting exists in every building. To determine cleaning frequency, however, there are a few guidelines by which to operate. The foot traffic experienced every day has a lot to do with your cleaning schedule. The type of business you run and the type of carpet you have also weigh in. Also possibly related to the operation of your precise business is the type of dirt that is tracked in.

When making a cleaning schedule, keep the following factors in mind.

Questions to Ask

To help determine a cleaning schedule, you want to have the answers to the following questions:

What type of commercial space do you have? Some facilities simply need more frequent carpet cleaning than others.

What kind of foot traffic is experienced throughout the week? Don't just count customer foot traffic. Remember to count staff members as well. More traffic means more frequent cleaning.

What is the style and color of your carpet? The lighter the color and the higher the nap, the more frequently your carpet will probably need cleaning.

Facilities and Carpet Cleaning Scheduling

Here are some various businesses and a suggestion as to how often to schedule carpet cleaning. Keep in mind that many variants figure into this equation, thereby changing the demand for cleaning:

Churches – At least once a year, have a thorough cleaning and protecting done. Depending on their size, multiple cleanings can be done on entrances during the year.
Schools – Every 3 to 6 months, schools should have carpets cleaned.
Office buildings – Every six months to annually, office buildings should clean their carpets. You must also consider what kind of dirt is being tracked in by employees and customers, and the number of employees and customers coming through.
Retail stores – Every 3 to 6 months, you should have your carpet cleaned and protected if you experience a high level of foot traffic.
Nursing homes/medical facilities – Regarding the sanitation and cleaning of healthcare facilities, there are numerous regulations. It has never been more important, considering the increased awareness of airborne contaminants today, for healthcare facilities to increase their deep carpet cleaning schedules.
Bars/restaurants – At least quarterly, carpets should be cleaned and protected in bars and restaurants. Among other things, kitchen grease that gets tracked through and spills make this an essential duty.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Clean Your Commercial Carpeting and More

Do you need commercial carpet cleaning? At SERVPRO, we can be of assistance. We can also help with upholstery cleaning, should you feel you can benefit from that. When it comes to commercial cleaning, in fact, we cover all the bases. We service military and government buildings, industrial and manufacturing locations, high-rise residential buildings, big box/large retail stores, hotels/motels, restaurants, and much more.

We don't stop at carpet cleaning, either. We remove graffiti and clean up vandalism, clean up crime scenes, we can handle toilet and sewage overflow, do only removal, clean your drapes and blinds, and more. There's almost no limit to the services we can provide for your business.

Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries!

How Does Smoke Damage Affect Your Property's Contents?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

If you have ever experienced a fire in your home, then you would know that even small fires can produce tremendous amounts of smoke. This can result in smoke damage that is difficult to mitigate without professional help. Smoke damage can damage the structural integrity of your home, tarnish your furniture and even destroy your personal belongings. Smoke contains tons of dangerous chemicals that can have detrimental effects on our health. It can also affect the various surfaces in your home differently, making smoke damage restoration a time-sensitive issue.

Can You Salvage any Belongings?

If you lack experience with smoke damage, it can be challenging to decide which items require the most attention. However, with the help of expert professionals, you will be able to determine which of your belongings can be salvaged. More importantly, it is important to note that these items should be salvaged as soon as possible, which might be impossible if you do not possess the necessary equipment and knowledge.

Important Factors

There are many different factors to consider when dealing with items that have been affected by smoke damage. In order to decide how to handle them, experts must first determine the temperature that the fire was burning at, what type of fire caused the smoke damage, and even the type of materials that were burnt. Furthermore, without the proper expertise, it is not easy to deal with the remnant smoke particles that might seep into any cracks in your home. If this is not dealt with properly, you might be left with a lingering, unpleasant smoke smell long after the fire is put out. When handling such situations, it is crucial to create good ventilation for your home, remove the remaining debris, and attempt to neutralize the odor of smoke. Experts also feel that the most important factor to remember after a fire is time.

Damage to Household Items

Furniture: If you happen to own a wood furniture, it is best that you do not try to clean it on your own. This is because they can stain your flooring or carpets with its dyes. On the other hand, if your furniture is largely made of metal, smoke damage can cause rust to happen and stain your rug or carpet as well. This is why professionals utilize various protective barriers to separate the different surfaces in your home until they are completely dry.
Porous Surfaces: Some porous surfaces such as paint and plaster can be irreversibly stained by smoke. As such, it is essential to use dry chemical sponges to avoid causing permanent stains on your walls.
Hard Floors: In the case of a fire, wooden flooring might need to be replaced entirely because of the water damage from fighting the fire. However, if there are still areas of your floor that are undamaged by water, it might even be possible to resurface them.

Sense of Urgency

If there is one thing you should take away from this article, it should be that time is of the essence when fighting smoke damage. If these actions are delayed for up to a few days, there is an increased chance of permanent stains in your home, with other problems such as rust and corrosion of your belongings. In the long run, it will definitely be much cheaper to hire a team of professionals to fix the problem with a sense of urgency.

Learn How to Avoid Winter Storm Damage

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Winter storms are a threat to anyone living in the northern hemisphere. According to research, the damage caused by ice, snow and windstorms is right behind tornadoes and hurricanes and may create more than one billion dollars’ worth of property damage, not to mention the lost sales and productivity. Below are some tips for avoiding winter storm damage.

Install the Proper Roofing Material

The roofing material you use should be large and flat with extensive insulation. Those living in areas with lots of tree cover are at particular risk as shady locations have a greater chance of heavier snowfall and buildup of ice, which can cause a phenomenon called drifting. Vents or skylights might have structural weaknesses which can lead to leaks. Any area of the roof which is inadequately insulated will allow the escape of heat, which will cause snow to then melt down and refreeze.

Protect Your Water Pipes

The crawl spaces, attics and exterior walls of many buildings in the northeastern U.S. contain water pipes which are used to bring water to the faucets. If these pipes are not properly insulated, they will freeze and then crack or even break. This in turn will lead to the leakage of water and all the damage that comes with it.

Make sure that the pipes within your home are insulated by using pipe sleeves, and in unheated rooms like the bathroom or kitchen, open the cabinets to allow the warm air from other areas of the building to circulate there. Another tip for preventing pipe freezing is to run a bit of water during ice storms.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance Coverage

Those living in areas which are vulnerable to freezing temperatures during winter need specific insurance coverage. Your policy should contain a term called “named perils” which covers the building and all the content within against damage resulting from windstorms, hail, and ice, sleet, snow, and collapse or water damage.

Trim Nearby Tree Branches

Low tree branches which overhang your property can become dangerous during winter storms, because the ice and snow weight will force the branches downward. This in turn will cause damage to the roof and other areas of the property. Additionally, power lines may become damaged if the branches are not maintained and then tumble downward during a snow storm. Cut every tree branch which is too close to your home especially ash and oak trees since their branches are most vulnerable to breaking off.

Use Insulation to Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams will appear when departing heat melts the ice along a roofline, causing it to drip down the sides and refreeze. If not addressed, the ice dams can cause roof damage or leakage, and the presence of icicles should serve as a warning. The best way to avoid them is through insulation. Seal the gaps near lighting fixtures to prevent warm from departing into your roof and make sure attic temperatures are warmer than the external air.

An Introduction To Manufacturing Plant Cleanliness

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of manufacturing plant cleanliness, what comes to mind? A or B?

A plant that offers its employees a healthy, safe, clean, and workable environment?
A plant littered with discarded debris and tools, covered in oil and grease stains, where grime, dust, and soot layer the walls and windows? To top it all off, every now and then a clogged HVAC system sputters to life.

What should come to mind is a manufacturing plant with sparkling windows, clean walls, stain- and debris-free floors, air ducts that flow effortlessly, and machinery that performs admirably.

Considering the above stated scenarios, which location would you rather work at every day? Which type of environment is going to produce the best products and inspire customer confidence? For its proper function, a manufacturing plant’s cleanliness is essential.

Here are some tips to keeping your manufacturing facility as clean as possible.

What's the Importance of Manufacturing Plant Cleanliness?

Why is it important to keep your manufacturing plant clean? Well, health and hygiene come to mind! Why are those so important?

Health and hygiene are crucial to keep your business running smoothly, among other things. Bacteria can easily spread in a large commercial facility that is often utilized especially in common areas such as the kitchens, break rooms, and other staff food preparation/eating areas.. These types of facilities require proper cleaning and disinfecting periodically.

Poorly ventilated plants and improperly cleaned surfaces can encourage health effects.

Additional Reasons for Facility Cleanliness

The following are other reasons to keep your facility as clean as possible. But they are by no means secondary to the above-stated health effects.

Positive first impressions
Less frequent maintenance
Better organization
Product quality
Efficiency and productivity
Reduced allergens
General safety

Regular Cleaning Is Needed

Regular cleaning is needed in various areas of manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Always try to keep a close eye on the cleanliness of the following:

Production surfaces
Machinery
HVAC system
Production floors
Windows
Storage spaces
Carpets
Tile and grout
Recycling bins and trash cans
Restrooms and food prep/eating areas

The best way to stay on top of the cleanliness of your manufacturing plant, warehouse, etc., is to rely on a professional team that can handle the job.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help Guarantee the Cleanliness of Your Manufacturing Plant

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is capable of odor removal, cleaning drapes and blinds, taking care of walls, floors, and ceilings, cleaning upholstery and carpet, biohazard cleanup, and HVAC/air duct cleaning. Does your place of business need any of these types of services? If so, we've got you covered.

Has a fire, flood, or excess water of some sort created an unsafe work environment at your manufacturing plant? If you aren't able to bring employees in because of unsafe conditions, that's money literally down the drain. Don't let that happen!

At SERVPRO of West Somerset County, we send out highly trained specialists capable of handling inspection and damage assessment, water removal and extraction, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and repair, and restoration. The last thing you need is hidden moisture causing health effects after the apparent water damage has been dealt with. Thanks to our technicians and inspectors, we can make sure your plant is fully dried, cleaned, and restored – leaving you, once again, open for business.

We offer 24-hour emergency service when needed. If you've experienced water damage or fire damage, and need cleanup and restoration, don't wait another moment. Contact us today.

Get To Know Our Moisture Detection Equipment

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business has experienced a leak (plumbing or roofing), a flood, or some other type of water damage, the most important thing right now is getting that moisture out of your house or building. Even a little bit of moisture can lead to a lot more moisture, structural damage, and some real health effects, if not taken care of immediately. Moisture detection isn't always easy, however, on your own. Sure, you may be able to see a water damaged area if staining is apparent, drips are coming from the ceiling, etc. But water flows according to gravity and that means all sorts of areas could be affected by water damage, but not be detectable by the naked eye.

At SERVPRO of West Somerset County, we have teams of highly trained and educated professionals. They use the best equipment for dealing with storm damage and water restoration. Before you can restore any area, however, you need to find out where the moisture and damage is. That's where some of our most advanced techniques and technology come in.

Is it crucial that you know exactly what kind of equipment we use? Not really. But we’d like to tell you about it anyway!

Moisture Measurement And Moisture Detection Equipment

Before specialized equipment can be used to employ scientific drying principles, equally specialized equipment must be used to measure, detect, and monitor the moisture levels of a property. Infrared cameras and other recent advances assist us in detecting water through a floor, ceiling, or wall. We use the following:

To measure the extent of moisture saturation, we use hygrometers, sensitive moisture detectors, and other meters.
For thorough water removal, to identify water locations, an infrared camera might be used.

But we don't stop at moisture detection. We use advanced methods and equipment for other processes as well.

Deodorization and Odor Removal

Deodorization agents and thermal foggers
Air scrubbers

Drying Equipment

To pull water vapor from the air, we use industrial grade dehumidifiers
To cause water evaporation at a faster pace, high-speed air movers are used

Equipment for Water Extraction

To perform efficient water removal, portable and truck mounted extraction units
For continuous high level water pumping, gas powered and submersible pumps

Antimicrobial, Germ Asides, and Sanitizing Agent Treatments

To remove and clean contaminants and odors from your property, we may need to use OSHA approved cleaning agents such as the following:

To stop the growth of mildew, fungi, bacteria, and various harmful microorganisms, disinfection products are used.
To control odors caused by excessive moisture, deodorization products are used.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Detect Moisture in Your Home or Place of Business

Our highly trained specialists are well-versed in moisture detection. We are IICRC-certified and specialized in the detection of moisture involving all types of properties. We know, all too well, the stress of having excess moisture and the resulting damage and mold growth in your home. That's why we provide every one of our clients with the highest quality equipment and services available. Please contact us if you have any inquiries!

We offer fast, 24-hour emergency service because we know that leaks, floods, and storms don't only happen during 9 to 5 business hours, Monday through Friday. To respond quickly to your water damage emergency, our highly trained specialists are available around the clock.

Is There A Strong Smoke Smell Caused By A Fire?

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Unbeknownst to many, many fires occur in the United States every day. The problem is that it is much more common than you think and there is a high chance that you might encounter a fire at least once in your life, regardless of how careful you are. You do not have to be an expert to know that a fire at home can be incredibly destructive to both you, your family, and the items in your household. If the after-effects of a fire are not dealt with in a timely manner, chances are that the damage will become irreversible. Furthermore, the impact of a fire, whether it is a big or small one, can be devastating to you and your loved ones. The effects of fire damage can cause problems even after the fire has been put out. One of these problems include the heavy smoke odor that you cannot seem to get rid of without professional help.

Useful Smoke Smell Removal Tips

If you have ever experienced smoke or fire damage, you would know that eradicating the stubborn smoke smell can be a challenging problem. When your home becomes filled with smoke, the microscopic smoke particles can penetrate porous surfaces and stain any furniture and household items. Effectively removing the smoke smell in your home typically requires the use of proper cleaning agent, equipment, and lots of effort.

In order to remove the unpleasant odor in your home, it important to understand the various factors that will affect this process. For example, it will help you greatly to know about the actual size of the fire, the amount of time that the interior of your home was exposed to the smoke, and also the materials that have been affected by the smoke (different materials react in different ways). Mitigating the effects of fire or smoke damage is not an easy task, meaning that it will save you a substantial amount of time, effort and money when you opt for hiring the services of restoration professionals instead.

Proper Ventilation

Even if you have decided to leave it to the professionals to rid your home of the lingering smoke smell, you can aid this process by creating proper ventilation. All you have to do is open the doors and windows so that fresh air can be channelled into your property. You should also turn on the fans putting them at the highest speeds, and face them towards the windows so that bad air can be filtrated. Doing this does not guarantee that you will be able to remove any unwanted smells however, it definitely helps in reducing it.

Repainting Your Walls

Another good technique to use is repainting. If you realize that the smoke smell is due to the tainted paint on your walls, then covering it with a fresh coat of paint will be extremely effective. First, if you own cleaning products that consist of glycol or ammonia, you can use them to wash your walls. Once you have washed the walls, rinse them and let it fully dry. Thereafter, you should apply a layer of primer that can trap the smell in the paint and cover it up with latex paint of your choice.

What You Need To Know About Storm Shutters

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Lots of people know that it's crucial to take proper precautions if they live in areas susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe storms. What they may not know, however, is that against water and wind damage, an extra measure of protection is offered by storm shutters. Are storm shutters something you should invest in for your home?

Here, we'll take a close look at storm shutters, their purpose, their benefits, and other ways to guard your house against damage from storms. Finally, we will recommend the best company to contact if you have already received, or receive in the future, water damage from any storm.

Storm Shutters – What's the Point?

We'll put this as simply as possible: To make sure your home doesn't fall victim to excess wind and water damage, storm (or window) shutters are used as a precaution. Additionally, to prevent shattered glass windows and debris from blowing into your home (during high winds), shutters help immensely.

When it comes to storm shutters, however, there are different types. You can choose from a number of styles and materials, depending on the style of your home and where you live. To give you an idea, here are some examples of hurricane shutters:

Waterproof/durable fabric
Fiberglass
Wood
Metal

What's more, some shutters cinch up accordion style, some roll down, and some close and lock (like the doors on a cabinet).

Storm Shutter Benefits

Now that you know what storm shutters are, it's time to ask yourself the question, "Are storm shutters something I should invest in?" The following reasons are why storm shutters are great investments, particularly if you live near any coastal area:

Especially if hurricane damage isn't covered by your homeowner’s insurance, you can save money on repairs.
The overall resale value of your house will be increased.
Between potential flooding and your home, an extra barrier is provided by hurricane shutters.
Destruction caused by any kind of storm will be greatly reduced.
The risk of injury from flying debris or broken glass is decreased by shutters.

Protecting Your Home in Other Ways

To avoid significant storm damage, there are also other ways. By taking the following precautions, you can better prepare for severe storms and hurricanes:

To prevent excess flooding, seal door frames.
To prevent power shortages, unplug electronics.
To prevent wind from blowing outdoor furniture around your house, bolt it down.
Used tarps to cover electronics and furniture.
In a watertight safe, lock away valuables.
Both before and following the storm, take pictures of your home for insurance purposes.

What If The Damage Has Already Been Done?

Now you know storm shutters are a good idea for homes. But what if the damage has already been done? What if a storm hit, you didn't know the importance of storm shutters, and your home received flood or water damage? Don't panic, we've got good news for you.

When you are looking for a quality storm damage cleanup and restoration service provider, and you need some assistance through trying times, SERVPRO of West Somerset County is prepared to help you. If you have water damage, don't wait another minute. Please contact us to find out mor

What Does “Dry Out” Mean In Water Damage Restoration?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is but one cause of water damage. It can also be caused by high humidity, broken pipes, leaks, and more. Inside your home, serious problems can be caused by water damage. The risk of your family’s health is even a possibility! It's important to remember that molds and bacteria love the breeding environment offered by wet and moist areas.

You will likely require the services of a reputable water damage restoration company if your West Somerset County business or home has a flood. Whether it's broken pipes, a storm, or some other cause of flooding, in order to dry out your home sufficiently, and as soon as possible, contact that company. Naturally, we recommend SERVPRO of West Somerset County.

The challenge of overcoming the risks posed by water damage and more can worsen if damp conditions are not taken care of through the use of appropriate drying techniques, advanced knowledge, and proper equipment.

Drying Out Damp or Damaged Areas

It is important, beyond measure, to completely and thoroughly dry out any water damaged area. There are a number of methods through which to do this. Some of them are as follows:

Absorb moisture
Freeze papers
Remove sodden objects
Wet/dry shop vac
Pump water
Dehumidifier
Mechanically move air
Naturally move air

The level of "dry out" needed will depend on the level of water saturation. This is one reason it's so crucial to hire professionals to take care of water damaged areas. They will be able to thoroughly assess the level of water damage and saturation, and then go about drying it out properly and completely.

No area can or should be restored until it is completely dried out or all wet materials have been entirely removed.

Equipment Is Everything

Your home can be damaged further by DIY attempts to dry out an area after a flood. In the entire water damage restoration process, the "dry out" process is a crucial step. It's the job of professionals to know how to complete this process properly. To ensure an area is completely dry, round-the-clock drying equipment can be employed by water damage professionals. So that you know your home is safe, top-quality equipment is used. Your home will be closely monitored by a team of professionals for humidity and moisture. To ensure everything gets back to its normal condition and is completely restored, adjustments will be made as necessary.

Why Are Professionals So Important?

Hiring water damage professionals is the best option after a flood. There are simply no two ways about it. They have the equipment, expertise, and knowledge needed. They understand many different areas in your home can be affected by water, even if it's only obvious in one spot. If you have a bigger home or massive water damage, the drying out process can be a rough one. But the damage can be properly handled by water damage professionals, and eventually restored to "like new".

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County Help with Water Damage Restoration

Our highly trained specialists are exceptionally educated and well-versed in water damage and restoration. For all types of properties, we are IICRC-certified and specialized in restoration and cleanup. We understand the stress of having water damage in your home and we strive to give each and every one of our clients the highest quality services available. Please contact us if you have any inquiries!

Top Tips To Maintain Restaurant Cleanliness

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

You know how demanding it is if you have work in a restaurant before. The prepping of meals, cooking and serving, it is an essential part of any restaurant management. Another crucial part is the cleanliness of the restaurant. The dining area and kitchen have to be cleaned regularly, not only for the customers but also for the health department. Restaurants can have odor, grime and moisture build-up as heavy foot traffic and food are always in play. There are several tips to keep in mind when serving and dealing your food and customers while still maintaining the restaurant cleanliness.

Preventing Your Restaurant from Getting too Dirty

Having a good cleaning practices or schedule is an excellent way to prevent any dirt build-up in your restaurant. Every waiter, chef and cleaning crew working in a restaurant have a part to play when it comes to the cleanliness.

Using effective cleaning supplier is the first step you can take in possibly killing germs and bacteria that lingers in the restaurant. Keep a checklist of all your cleaning supplies and note down the cleaning products that are at half capacity. The dining area’s front door, bathrooms and front of house areas and kitchen have to be regularly clean and disinfect multiple times during the day. When closing, heaving cleaning is needed.
The one area that is a target for heavy cleaning is the kitchen area. This is where most food items are prepared and with that, comes all sorts of contaminants. It is the duty of all kitchen crews to maintain personal hygiene by wearing chef’s hat and gloves when preparing any food items. Kitchenware such as pots and pans, oven handles and refrigerator doors have to wipe clean every few hours to prevent germs from contaminating another colleague.
Hiring a commercial cleaning crew will definitely help your restaurant cleanliness. They have the proper tools and equipment to handle all types of cleaning challenges.
Linens such as tablecloths, napkins, and curtains should always be cleaned and washed daily. Having clean linens are not only for hygienic purposes but also looks good and customers will feel great when entering your restaurant.
Perhaps the most basic of task to ensure the prevention of germs contamination but regularly ignored, is your personal hygiene. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water should occur before, after and during your shift. Personal hygiene plays a big part in your restaurant cleanliness. Ensure that hand sanitizers are readily available in every corner of your restaurant so staffs will never again forget to sanitize their hands.
Communication is key when it comes to restaurant cleanliness. In any good business, it is crucial to communicate with everyone to establish that they are all in the same page when it comes to personal hygiene and restaurant cleanliness.

Let SERVPRO of West Somerset County be Your Choice for Your Commercial Cleaning Needs

Our highly-trained specialists are well-versed in your commercial cleaning needs. We are IICRC-certified and specialized in the cleanup for all types of properties. We dedicate ourselves in providing our clients with the best solutions and have the best cleaning practices and standard. Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries!

Understanding The Severity Of Water Damage In Homes

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

According to estimates in the industry, close to 14,000 people in the United States experience water damage incidents each day. Water damage can originate from a plethora of sources and in turn will require a variety of different methods to be employed for remediation. The good news, however, is that many outcomes of water damage can be prevented with the right knowledge and understanding. Read on to find out more on the different types of water damage in your home.

Classes of Water Damage

Class 1 – refers to a small volume of water that is limited to one room without any further spread. This extent of damage is the easiest to deal with as it has only affected materials with low permeability such as concrete and plywood. Only light repairs will be required.

Class 2 – This class refers to a larger volume of water that has affected an entire room or area. This includes damaging materials with slightly higher permeability like carpeting and cushioning. In this class, there is moisture in the structural materials that may cause lasting damage to the structure of the building if left unattended.

Class 3 – This category indicates severe water damage affecting building materials like ceilings and walls, electrical systems like insulation and electrical appliances, furniture such as carpets and personal possessions with the fastest absorption rate. At this point, water may have seeped beneath the walls and has wicked the walls at over 24 inches. Extensive recovery techniques will need to be devised to remediate the situation.

Class 4 – The most severe form of water damage, where the water has penetrated porous and low permeance materials like brick, stone, hardwood, and plaster. Drying and getting rid of moisture in these materials can be particularly difficult as they will need to be treated at low humidity levels and will require longer drying times. If necessary, more specialized methods will be devised to remedy the issue.

Severity of Water Damage

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 the specific incident.

Category 1 – Ranking the lowest on the IIRCR scale, this is usually referred to “clean” water that usually originate from sanitary sources such as ruptured water supply lines, broken pipes, bath appliances like sinks and bathtubs that might 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 refers to “gray” water coming from sources such as overflowing appliances. These usually include washing machine, 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 effects later down the line.

Category 3 – Also known as “black” water, it is described as most toxic type of water and the most extreme case of damage that will requires immediate actions to mitigate its harmful effects. This category includes raw sewage water, flood waters and ground water. In this scenario, your items and materials will need to be removed immediately to prevent further damage and remediation requires the use of protective gear and extensive disinfection. The affected house may need to be evacuated until the water damage restoration process is completed.

Time-Sensitive Factors

Now that you can identify the different severity and classes of water damage, it is important that the water damage is remedied as soon as possible to prevent any health risks or hazards.

Over time, the water damage will worsen by the hour. The first zero to 48 hours are the most critical and this is where preventive measures can be taken to remedy the issue. At this point, the area of water damage increases and materials with high permeability rate like drywall and carpeting absorb and retain water.

After 48 hours, this is when the water damage will can start to pose health effects, creating the perfect environment for mold and airborne spores to grow and contaminate the area. Materials like paint and wallpaper will start to blister and peel off while wooden flooring and structures will start to deform and warp. All other materials will start to deteriorate even more.

At the one-week mark, it may no longer safe to enter without being equipped with the right gear and suits as it can pose health effects. Many major structural may be heavily damaged and compromised at this point and will require water damage professionals to remediate the situation.

If you’re facing a water damage issue that is proving too difficult to handle on your own, SERVPRO of West Somerset County is here to provide you with the water damage solutions you need for your situation. To find out more about our services, feel free to contact us today!

SERVPRO Of West Somerset County Is The Expert For Commercial Restoration Services

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you have experienced some type of damage in your business facility, you need the commercial restoration services of a fast, reliable, certified company to assist you with restoration and repairs. Whether you need a team to cover disaster recovery, assistance after a storm, mold remediation, fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, or something else, the experts at SERVPRO can help. No job is too small or too large.

Before you know it, our dependable team will make your building look like the damage never occurred. We do our best to minimize downtime and lessen interruption to your business as much as possible. The restoration, clean-up, dry out, etc. services we perform are not only done by highly trained staff, they are performed with care and empathy.

Commercial Restoration Services

Whether you've had a fire in your facility or you've experienced a flood, we at SERVPRO invite you to employ our expert staff. We’re here to help you whether you need mold remediated, soot cleaned up, water damage restoration, or some other service related to storms, disasters, etc. Before you know it, we will make your surroundings look like the damage never happened. To lessen the interruption to your business, we make it our goal to minimize time spent on drying out, cleaning up, repairing, restoring, and more.

For West Somerset County and surrounding areas, we are the go-to service. For more than 10 years, we've been servicing the area, so we know just what to look for.

Services and Staff

If you have experienced water, smoke, storm, or fire damage, and need clean-up services, board up services, restoration, etc., we can help. We also mitigate mildew and mold from businesses.

When it comes to commercial property damage restoration, we employ a highly trained staff. With all the knowledge required to restore your property to its former beauty and functionality, our experts are well-equipped. This can be attributed to not only initial training but that of an ongoing nature. Our staff is trained at our corporate training facility and attends regular IICRC-industry certification.

What's more, we employ a nationwide system of franchises that are qualified to take care of your post-disaster needs.

Turn to Highly Trained Individuals for Reliable Service

Included in our training program is the following:

Continuing education classes
E-learning
Initial franchise training
Employee certification training

IICRC training introduces and instructs employees regarding best practices where fire restoration, water restoration, upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning, mold remediation, and other restoration/cleaning services are concerned.

Modules of certification training include the following:

Water restoration
Fire restoration
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Crew training

What's Involved in Continuing Education?

Included in continuing education courses are the following:

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
Fire Damage Restoration
A non-credit course: Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
Restorative Drying for Loss Control
Water Damage Restoration

Why SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration and Repair?

When water or flood damage occurs at your West Somerset County commercial property, we respond immediately with specialized, trained technicians. But why should you choose SERVPRO over others? Here are just a handful of our attributes.

Experiencing Storm Damage? Try SERVPRO Of West Somerset County To Enjoy Peace of Mind

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Have you experienced storm damage or damage of another nature to your home or business? If so, you need a restoration service that's reliable, fast, and certified to assist with drying out, making repairs, replacement, and restoration. Whether you need assistance after a storm, disaster recovery, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or something else, the SERVPRO experts can be of assistance. No job is too large or too small.

Faster than you can even realize, our team of dependable experts will return your home or business building to its former beauty and functionality. It will look "Like it never even happened." Knowing how important downtime can be to a business and a family, we do our best to minimize the process and lessen the interruption to your life. With expertise, care, and empathy, our technicians will get the job done in an expedited manner – but completely and thoroughly, as well.

Time Has Been Our Teacher

Our technicians go through high levels of training and certification – but our company has learned through time and experience, too. If nothing else, hurricanes like Irene and Sandy have taught us well. Knowing that storms and other natural disasters can happen at any time, we are always prepared.

So we can better address entire property saturation, standing water, and more, we have acquired the leading equipment, tools, and technology to deal with storms and their effects. We know it's not a matter of "if" disaster happens – we are prepared for "when" disasters strike. We can address thousands of saturated material square footage with hundreds of dehumidifiers and air movers. If possible, we will preserve whatever materials we can, but are prepared to remove and dispose of materials that cannot be salvaged.

Additional Services Related to Storms

At SERVPRO of West Somerset County, we offer a number of services related to storms, flood damage, etc. These are as follows:

Commercial building storm damage
Building services
Odor removal
Carpet cleaning
Sewage clean-up
Mold remediation
Care for belongings
Water restoration process
Disaster recovery team
Storm and water damage tips

Disaster Preparedness

Storms, floods, and other disasters don't wait for bankers’ hours. Fortunately, neither does the expert team at SERVPRO. Our highly trained technicians offer immediate emergency response, and are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Storm Damage Specialist Training

We have not only specialized expertise, but advanced training as leaders in the water and storm damage industry. What's more, the level of hands-on experience we offer is exceptional. To quickly dry your home or business, we use experience and training. Before you know it, your commercial building or residence will be restored to its former beauty and functionality. The following specialists will assist you:

Applied structural drying technicians
Water damage restoration technicians

SERVPRO – Handling Disasters and Storms

Some restoration companies are overwhelmed by flooding events and storms. We, on the other hand, utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major disasters and storms, as well as country- and state-wide resources involving no fewer than 1,700 franchises. This isn't our first time at the rodeo! We know what to expect, what to do when disasters occur, and always perform in expert and expedited fashion.

For businesses – time is money. For families, the faster they can get back into their home, the better.

Don't wait another minute to contract storm damage restoration services for your West Somerset County business or home. Contact us today.

What Are The Processes Involved In Drying Out Your Home?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Drying out your home after a flood (from a storm, plumbing leak, etc.) can be a real chore. In many cases, it is best left to trained, certified professionals. Naturally, some people attempt to dry out their home on their own, without consulting the experts. Whether they're trying to save money or are simply avid DIYers, they feel they can do the job adequately and appropriately. This may well be the case. But trained professionals with certifications, the right technology, advanced equipment, and more, will likely do a more thorough job in as little time as possible. They will even go so far as to sanitize areas where needed.

If you have experienced a flood or water leak in your home, should you tackle water restoration on your own? Let's look at what's involved.

Evaluation of the Site

The first thing you want to consider is the type of water involved. Within the industry, category one water is referred to as clean. Category two, however, is contaminated on a minor basis. Black Water, or category three, is considered to have come from a source that is contaminated.

There are requirement standards to deal with each type of water. Affected area pressurization, personal protection gear, and special precautions are required when dealing with water sources that are considered contaminated. For category three or category two, it's always best to use a professional.

Additionally, you must be aware of a musty/mildewy smell or visible mold. It's growing if you can see it or smell it! You might also have to worry about asbestos being present, particularly if your home was built or remodeled before 1978.

Extracting the Water

Whether or not floor coverings stay or go can depend on the category of water referred to above. To get the water out of padding and carpet, you'll need a weighted extractor. No shop vac or conventional vacuum can do the job adequately.

If you have solid wood flooring, the only way to get under that is with special equipment.

Mapping Moisture

You have to know all of the areas of your home that got wet before you can be assured everything is dry. For an extended period of time, this could mean making your way around the premises on your hands and knees. Hopefully, you’re well-versed regarding building materials, tools, etc. To reduce assessment time, wireless monitoring systems, thermal imaging cameras, and more can be used. The experts have those handy. Do you?

Stabilization of the Environment

Air movers and dehumidifiers will be needed to stabilize the environment. Again, the experts have these on hand. Even if you use fans, dehumidifiers, etc., you may still experience a mildew/mold problem that could remain hidden until it's too late.

If you have filed a claim with an insurance company due to water damage, you may have no choice but to go with a professional for water removal and restoration services. Truth be told, this is the best way to go no matter if it involves an insurance claim or not.

Have You Experienced A Flood or Leakage?

If your home has been flooded, you've experienced a significant leak, had a fire extinguished, or some other source of water has infiltrated your area, you could well be in the market for water extraction and other services.

Not only does all of the water need to be completely and totally extracted, the area must be 100% dried out. After that, restoration has to take place. You may even need the area sanitized! That's a lot to deal with. Why not leave it to trained, certified professionals for guaranteed results.

How To Keep Yourself Safe During Fire Damage Restoration

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of a fire, very often, there can still be toxic chemicals and gases lingering in the air. This is why you should always keep yourself safe during fire damage restoration. If it is necessary for you to return to the scene of the accident, such as to retrieve your items, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep yourself as safe as possible. Children and pets should not be allowed back on the site under any circumstances, until the all-clear has been given.

Minimize Exposure to Contaminated Areas

Of course, you should not be returning to the site unless absolutely necessary. This is so that you can avoid breathing in contaminated air that can be harmful for you. If you have to return, avoid any areas that have soot, ash or smoke odors. If soot or ash comes into contact with your skin or hair, wash with mild soap and water immediately. Air scrubbers with HEPA filters should be set up in any enclosed spaces with a lingering smoke odor.

Wear Protective Equipment Before Entering

At the very least, you should be wearing a mask when conducting post-fire clean up or entering an area with smoke odor. Individuals with heart or lung disease should consult their physician before donning a mask and if at all possible, avoid entering the area altogether. It is recommended for personal protection equipment (PPE) to be worn when entering smoke damaged structures, including a respirator with a P-100 HEPA filter.

When sorting through items, avoid coming into direct contact with items that have been affected by soot, ash or smoke. If these items have to be retrieved, always ensure that you have on the adequate PPE such as coveralls, gloves, eyewear and more before doing so.

Best Practices for Cleaning Up

When cleaning up in the aftermath of a fire, the aim is to avoid getting ash in the air as much as possible. To this end, avoid using leaf blowers and other devices that can potentially blow ash into the air. Shop vacuums and vacuum cleaners for residential cleaning should also be avoided as they do not filter out small particles. On the contrary, these particles get blown out through the exhaust where they can be inhaled.

Engage Fire Damage Restoration Services from SERVPRO

If your property has recently underwent a fire, you will be looking to hire fire damage restoration services to get it up and running again. To this end, SERVPRO is your one-stop shop. Our 24-hour emergency service means that our staff can get to your premises quickly and start work as soon as possible. Our fire restoration technicians are highly trained and receive ongoing education to keep abreast of the developments in the industry. Not only do we do our job well, but we also care about our customers. If you have any queries or would like to book a service, please feel free to contact us now.

Was Your Home Hit By A Flash Flood?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

If your home has been hit by a flash flood, you may be at a loss what to do. Of course, you will have to call in the storm and flood damage restoration professionals as soon as it is safe to, but what can you do in the meantime? In this article, we share with you some best practices to follow in the event of a flash flood.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned in to local radio and TV, that will alert you when the dangers are over, and it is safe to go out again. Dangers may still be present even if the flood waters have receded somewhat, so never assume it is safe to go out without the all-clear.

Safety First

If you see any sparks or broken wires, or smell burning smoke, turn off the electrical systems if it is safe to do so. You should vacate immediately if you smell natural gas or propane, on top of calling the fire department.

In addition, you should not try to drink tap or well water until it has been declared safe for consumption. At this point, you may not yet know whether the water has been polluted with human waste, fuel, and other contaminants. Do not use this water to brush your teeth or even wash your hands. If you have access to an undamaged water heater or ice cubes, use these as your water supply temporarily. Boiling or bleaching water can help to get rid of some contaminants, however, take note that these methods may not make it completely safe for consumption. Any food items that have come into contact with the floodwater should be tossed out.

Travel with Caution

If you absolutely must travel, always do so with extreme caution and keep away from moving bodies of water, no matter how shallow. Just six inches of moving water is enough to knock a person off their feet, and a few feet of water can carry away moving vehicles. Wear sturdy shoes and ensure you have a stick or pole to help you gauge the depth of water and firmness of ground before moving forward. Contaminated water, debris, electrical hazards, and eroded walkways can also lend you in serious danger.

Engage Flood and Storm Damage Restoration Services from SERVPRO

If your home has sustained damage caused by a flash flood, our restoration technicians at SERVPRO are ready and able to assist with the restoration process. When you engage our services, you can be assured that we have the tools and equipment necessary to address the issue of standing water within a property. Our technicians are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, as we understand that floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours. Not only do we do our job well, but we also care about our customers. If you have any queries or would like to book a service, please feel free to contact us now.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Water Damage Restoration

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Many people may associate water damage with heavy storms and floods. Did you know that most water damage cases result from household problems such as damaged pipes, sewage backup and leaks? When that happens, do not put off water damage restoration. The longer you leave the water there, undrained, and undried, the higher the chances of secondary damage occurring. This can lead to further complications and higher costs down the road.

The Dangers of Secondary Damage

Secondary damage refers to problems that arise as a result of water not being gotten rid of promptly. Even if you have managed to drain most of the water, the fact remains that substantial damage may already have occurred to your ceilings, walls, and floorboards, possibly affecting the structural integrity of your property. In addition, water damage can also result in the growth of mold and mildew, which can pose health effects to occupants.

What to Do When Water Damage Strikes

At the first sign of water damage, you should be ready to spring into action by following these simple steps:

Identify the source of the water and stop it if possible. For example, if a pipe has burst or is leaking, take temporary measures to block off the source of water before the professionals arrive.
Take photographic evidence of the damage that has occurred. This will help your insurance claim. Do not attempt to move anything until this step is completed.
Contact your insurance company and a reliable water damage restoration professional. The sooner they can arrive, the sooner you can get your property back to normal and process your claim. You should also take the chance to ask your insurance provider what steps they require you to take in order to make a claim.
If possible, start drying out your premises within 24 hours of the incident. Remove furniture and bring in fans and dehumidifiers. This can go a long way in reducing the growth of mold and mildew.
Although you can get started with drying before the professionals have arrived, the truth is that water damage restoration professionals have specialized equipment at their disposal that can help you handle any complications. This is one area where it definitely does not do to skimp and save.

Engage Water Damage Restoration Services from SERVPRO

If your property has recently sustained water damage, SERVPRO is your one-stop shop for water damage restoration. When you engage our services, you can be assured that our 24-hour emergency service will get us to your doorstep as soon as possible. Our water damage restoration technicians have expertise in advanced water extraction and inspection besides having a wide range of drying equipment at their disposal. Not only do we do our job well, but we also care about our customers. If you have any queries or would like to book a service, please feel free to contact us now.

5 Common Causes Of Household Fires

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are extremely dangerous and can spread very quickly. Household fires are especially deadly because they can endanger everybody living in that home, especially young children, or the elderly living inside. It can also result in a lot of monetary damage. When such fires occur, it is important to call for professionals to help with fire damage restoration. While your insurance can help to mitigate some of the losses resulting from the fire, it is a much better idea to prevent these fires from happening. Read on to find out some of the most common causes of household fires.

Cooking-Related Fires

Fires related to cooking make up about 50% of household fires. These fires usually come as a result of the stove or oven overheating grease. When it hits a certain temperature, grease becomes extremely flammable and can combust even without coming into contact with flames. Fire that results from grease is also difficult to smother. To prevent such a fire, ensure that you never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking oily, fatty foods are when oil is used in your food.

Fires Resulting from Heating Appliances

Some heating appliances are prone to causing fires, including home space heaters and baseboard heaters. Fires occur if combustibles are left near these heaters. Cooling and heating appliances have also caused a considerable number of household fires. If your heater requires fuel like kerosene, you have to make sure you keep an eye on it as the heater can explode or ignite if homeowners are negligent. Furthermore, electrical heaters can also cause fires if there are problems with the electrical wiring.

Fires from Electrical Faults

Electrical faults in the wiring of the home can also result in fires. These fires usually occur due to short circuits which ignite the surrounding materials. If the circuit is overloaded, the wires will overheat, resulting in a higher chance of a household fire. Ensure that these circuits are checked and maintained regularly to lower the chances of such a fire.

Smoking

Smoking is not only hazardous to health, but it can also even potentially cause household fires. When cigarette butts are not properly disposed of, they can catch fire. The most dangerous thing to avoid is smoking in bed. One single stray ash has the power to ignite the carpet, the blanket, the mattress and more, making the home prone to household fires. If needed, smoke outside or smoke over the basin.

Candles

Candles are also one of the common causes of household fires. Combustible materials are fabrics near the candle can catch fire if there are strong winds, or if left unattended. Furthermore, lighters or matchsticks used to light these candles up are also highly flammable. If you have a candle at home, you should keep it at least 12 inches away from materials that have a risk of igniting.

In the case that a household fire has broken out, after you have contacted the fire department, you should also contact professionals for fire damage repair and restoration. SERVPRO has a team of experts that can help to quickly assess the situation and carry out the necessary repair works. We respond quickly to calls for help, and also provide a 24-hour emergency service. Feel free to contact us to find out more about our fire damage repair and restoration!

How To Protect Your Home From Hurricane Damage

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

What Are The Main Causes Of Hurricane Damage?

Although hurricanes are necessary to sustain our ecosystem, they are life-threatening and destructive. Better understand more about the different types of hurricane damage and how you can better protect your home against hurricanes in future.

What Are Hurricanes?

The characteristics of a hurricane are storms that rotate rapidly with strong winds, a spiral arrangement thunderstorm with heavy rain, closed low-level atmospheric circulation with a low-pressure center. They are part of Mother Nature’s way to sustain our ecosystem but can prove to be highly destructive.

Hurricane damages can result in physical, economic, or emotional hardships. Some of the most destructive and well-known hurricanes are called Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey. Both hurricanes caused property damage worth a total of $125 billion.

Types of Damage Caused by Hurricanes

While windy days are highly welcomed, especially on hot summer days, strong hurricane winds have enough power to uproot trees and other types of debris. When picked up by the hurricane wind, it can send them hurling through the air at dangerously high-speed.
Storm surges are known as one of the deadliest damages by hurricanes. In an analysis of tropical cyclones which have occurred between 1963 to 2012. Storm surges are caused by strong wind which causes the sea levels to rise rapidly, pummeling and engulfing anything in its path.
Flooding is a result of the prolonged rainfall that often comes with hurricanes. The most significant floods were caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. They hold a record of cause floods that go up to 50 inches high. This is extremely damaging to vehicles, vegetation, and lower-level buildings.
With the speed of hurricane winds, multiple small tornado paths may be created. Again, this causes trees or even homes to be uprooted, creating even more windborne debris.

How to Protect Your Home from Hurricane Damages

It is important to proactively protect your home from potential hurricane damages. If there is an impending hurricane, board up your windows and be sure to stock up on items such as generator fuel and emergency supplies. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, look out for hurricane prep lists to check what you are missing. Other ways of protecting your home includes installing impact windows and doors.

What Can SERVPRO Do for You?

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is always prepared for the likelihood of responding to flooding incidents resulting from severe storm events. We have acquired the industry’s leading tools and equipment to properly address flood damages that may span up to thousands of square feet.

Our water restoration teams have also traveled to coastline townships to assist in drying and repairing homes after Hurricanes Sandy and Irene. If your home has been hit by a hurricane or a flood, you can depend on SERVPRO to respond immediately. Our highly trained specialists are available 24 hours, seven days a week to assist you.

Time is of the essence when it comes to water damages

Understanding Fire Damage Restoration Processes

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Meta: As a homeowner, it is important to be prepared. Find out more about fire damage restoration processes to understand and react swiftly if a fire occurs in your property.

Understanding Fire Damage Restoration Processes

You should never try to attempt fire damage restoration after a fire has occurred. To ensure that your home is safe again, it is important to reach out to a professional fire damage restoration professional to carry out the proper fire restoration process required. As a homeowner, it is important to understand how these processes are carried out.

Confirmation That Property Has Stabilized

The first step to a professional remediation process is to check if the property has stabilized enough for safe entry. A professional will check for signs of damage to the home’s structure and inspect the property carefully from the outside before opening the door. It would be advisable to wait for an inspector to consider the property safe to enter before you do so.

Damage Control

Be cautious of soot stains, rust, corrosion, mold, mildew, and the air quality in the home. Even after the fire has been extinguished, smoke and soot can cause further damage to your home.

Soot stains are caused by soot which adheres to the surface and discoloration occurs. Depending on material and time elapsed, soot stains may be removable while soot stains may be permanent for other materials.
Mold and mildew form quickly after a fire has occurred due to the fire extinguishing process. If there has been signs of water damage, proper damage restoration processes should be implemented as soon as possible to minimize further damage.
Rust and corrosion refer to the risk of any metals that become oxidized after interacting with water. This is important to take note of small electronics with metal. If components in the electronics corrode, please notify your restoration specialist.
Air quality is one of the areas which professionals focus on, especially when lingering odors are detected. Smoke damage cleanup is often done with the use of an air scrubber and air mover.

Removal of Items Damaged Beyond Repair

For personal possessions that have been damaged beyond repair, they should be removed with extra caution by a professional. This is especially important for electrical appliances or machines. Conversely, items that have not been damaged by the fire should be removed as well to prevent further contamination.

Cleanup Excess Water and Wet Surfaces

Standing water needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible because water may damage your walls or flooring.

Deodorizing, Deep Cleaning, and Stain Removal Begins

Once the damage has been assessed, professionals will begin the appropriate damage restoration process for the property. Taking into consideration the level of damage, they should consult with you to work out the level of priority to work with and you should receive regular updates from them.

Why Work With SERVPRO?

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with fire damage. If you have experienced fire damage to your home in West Somerset County, reach out to us immediately. Our highly trained fire restoration specialists will be dispatched as soon as possible to assist you. Time saved in getting a response team on site equates to lesser damage caused to your property. If you would like to find out more, contact us today!

Clearing Dust In Ducts Can Aid Mold Prevention

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Are you dealing with mold in your home? In this article, we will explain how clearing dust in vents and ducts can aid mold prevention. Read on to find out more.

It is common for homeowners to deal with mold in their vents and ducts. Having a mold problem in the home is not only unsightly and annoying, but it can also cause reduce the quality of life for those who are living there. However, it is not easy to get rid of a mold infestation. This is why it is crucial to prevent mold from growing in the first place. In this article, we will explain how clearing dust in vents and ducts can aid mold prevention. Read on to find out more.

Importance of Cleaning Vents and Ducts

If you own an HVAC system, you might be familiar with how easily mold colonies can form in the vents and ducts. An HVAC system that is not cleaned regularly and has humidity issues provides mold with the ideal environment to thrive. When mold starts growing in the vents and ducts, it is possible that the mold growth can spread an unpleasant odor to the adjacent rooms. As time passes, the mold may be able to spread across the entire ductwork in the home. This will greatly affect the indoor air quality which will reduce the level of comfort in your home.

Causes of Mold in Vents and Ducts

Mold grows well in moist conditions. Vents and ducts are especially prone to moisture accumulation when cold air travels through them. Due to the area being enclosed, the water in the vents and ducts starts collecting instead of evaporating. With dead skin cells, dust, and other dirt, the vents and ducts become very suitable for mold to grow.

Identifying Mold in Vents

In some cases, you can see mold growth in the form of black streaks in the vents and around ducts. However, mold growth can also be hidden from plain sight. If you smell a musty odor, it is a sign that there is mold growing in your home. In addition, as the air quality becomes poorer, an even bigger problem may just be waiting to form. You may eventually realize that the comfort level in your home is slowly deteriorating.

How to Keep Vents and Ducts Clear

To keep the vents and ducts clear, condensation must be reduced in the ductwork. You can do so by insulating the air ducts. To increase the rate of evaporation and prevent water from pooling, try placing dehumidifiers near vents and ducts. For a greater peace of mind, consider getting a professional mold prevention and removal company to conduct a check on your ductwork annually.

Professional Mold Prevention and Removal

SERVPRO provides professional mold prevention and removal services. Our team is highly trained and experienced in dealing with mold using specialized mold remediation equipment. With our commitment, you can trust us to restore your home if there is a suspected a mold problem. Contact us today to let us know how we can help you.

Top Tips To Remove Offensive Odors in Your Home

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes, offensive odors may pop up in your home. As long as you live in your house and use the amenities within it, it is normal for odors to occur time to time. To prevent such odors from happening, you can consider engaging cleaning services to ensure that your home is always kept spick and span, reducing the chances of odor. However, if they do occur, here are some tips to remove them.

Hacks for Odors in Your House

Sometimes, odors are stubborn and will reach every corner of your home. Here are some hacks you can try to get rid of it.

Opening the windows: if the weather is good, open the windows to facilitate cross-ventilation and to get the fresh air blowing into your home. This can help to air out the room and remove odors.
Cut lemons up and place them in inconspicuous spots: Lemons are a natural deodorizer and gets rid of bad odors. They also leave a fragrant, fruity aroma.
Dab vanilla or essential oil on a light bulb: This creates a mini diffuser that is effective for hours. This works great to soothe and to keep bad odors out.
Sprinkle some baking soda on your carpets: After you sprinkle them, leave it there for at least two hours. Baking soda can help to absorb bad smells and is easy to clean up with vacuum cleaners. This is also a good idea for other types of textiles and upholstery.
Soak a hand towel in white vinegar and wring it: Bring the towel along as you walk through your home, and wave the towel about. Although it seems silly, vinegar is effective in getting rid of bad odors, and can even eliminate the smell of cigarette smoke.

Laundry Room Odors

Odors can also come from specific rooms in your home. One possible place could be the laundry room, where the dirty clothes could emanate a stench. In order to get rid of the stench in the laundry room and to ensure that it is kept fresh, you can clean your washer by running a hot wash. Do this when the machine is empty. Then, fill up the fabric softener dispenser with white vinegar. This is effective in keeping the musty smell at bay. When the washer is not in use, the washer lid should be kept open to prevent odors from developing. This can also help keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Kitchen Odors

Kitchen odors can come from several places like your refrigerator, the trash, or the oven. If your refrigerator has not been cleaned in a long time, it is time to give it a good cleanse. Throw out food that has gone bad and wipe down your fridge every once in a while to get rid of any food spills that may have happened in the fridge. You should also aim to clean the oven every time you use it, and this can be done with a cloth and mildly soapy water after the oven has cooled.

Are you finding ways to remove odors from your home? Odors can happen anywhere inside your house, and it may be difficult to completely eliminate it if you do not know how. In order to prevent these odors, you can look into engaging cleaning services to ensure that every corner of your home is clean, reducing the chances of these offensive odors. SERVPRO has a team of cleaning pros that use the right equipment and techniques to ensure that your house is always clean. Feel free to contact us to find out more about our cleaning services today!

Did Storm Damage Destroy Your Roof?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Did Storm Damage Destroy Your Roof?

Your home’s roof is constantly exposed to the elements and bears the brunt of seasonal changes and harsh weather conditions. To ensure that your roof stays in good condition, it is vital to check on it, especially in the aftermath of weather events like storms. A strong storm can inflict various kinds of storm damage on the roof. Signs of such damage include wet walls, water spots on the ceiling, faulty or missing roof shingles and damaged roof flashing. If left unchecked, even something as small as a leak can cause more serious damage to the roof and your home’s interior, i.e. water damage. Here are some types of roof damage to look out for after a storm has occurred.

Damage by Wind

Strong windstorms can cause damage to your shingles, puncturing them, removing them, or even just lifting them off a little. When this happens, spots are left open in your roof and leaks can occur through them when it rains. Additionally, flashing can go missing along the edges of the roof, skylights, chimneys, and vents. Windstorms can also cause debris to fall onto your roof and damage it. It is important to conduct a complete assessment of your roof after a strong windstorm occurs, as damage caused by such storms are usually not always apparent.

Damage by Hail

Come spring and fall, hail tends to be the most common reason behind roof damage. Hailstorms can create holes and dings in your roof, especially in asphalt shingles. These can give rise to more serious problems immediately. However, hail is also capable of causing less obvious damage that may go undiscovered until it becomes severe enough to give rise to more damage.

Damage by Rain

Damage caused by rainstorms is the most common and obvious type of storm damage that can happen to your roof. The integrity of your roof is challenged when the internal layers of your roof get exposed to moisture. This gives way to a host of other problems such as decay, mold, leaks, and structural damage, all of which are indicators of damage caused by rain. Such problems may mean that you need to replace your roof soon.

It is imperative that you inspect your roof for damages after a storm has occurred. However, it can sometimes be hard to spot signs of damage because they are not always obvious. Professional roofing experts can help you spot these signs of damage and fix them promptly. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that homeowners enlist the services of professional roofing experts at least twice a year to inspect their roof. It is hence imperative that you act on it as fast as you can after a storm occurs. At SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, our storm damage specialists understand how to look out for damage on your roof and can help you fix issues before it is too late. Contact our team of professionals, who can advise you on how best to protect your roof and your home from future storms.

Top Tips For Storm Damage Recovery

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

It is easy to be overwhelmed by what is left to tackle after the storm has hit you hard. Do not despair as help is on its way. First and foremost, prepare yourself for what is about to come up next to be able to handle the storm damage aftermath with grace and great knowledge.

Educating Yourself

Be sure to know your rights and what you are entitled to as a homeowner. Since you first moved into your current house, have you ever had a need to replace the roof and how many occasions have you ever followed up with an insurance claim?

Always know how and when to file a claim. After the disaster situation has settled, contact your insurer to find out what your options are. Notify them of your current state and what are the subsequent steps to be taken before a claim can be made. Do not hesitate to get into details by inquiring regarding every aspect of your insurance coverage including any reports, cash value, deductibles, depreciation, and more.

Selecting a Contractor

This is not the time to be naïve especially when there are plenty of people out there waiting to take advantage of your vulnerable situation. Just about anyone can claim that they are a contractor. Thus, adequate research is necessary to ensure you get ahold of a licensed contractor who is certified to work within your city with necessary permits on hand.

Assessing the Damage

Look around every nook and cranny of your property to roughly estimate the scale of the losses as an entirety. Inspect your front and back yards as well for damages incurred on any structures or furniture pieces. If your vehicle had been parked outside, consider that as a separate section out of your total damages as its insurance claim will fall under a different category.

Filing the Claim

Once you are confident that the situation is well under control, go ahead and file the loss claim. This warrants an adjuster to pay a visit to the damaged property to assess the losses thoroughly. An evaluation report will be generated to be submitted to your insurer for a reimbursement. Once the settlement amount is well underway, it is time to launch the restoration project. The earlier you get the contractor starting work on your property, the faster you can settle down and allow things to fall back into place like before.

Remember that you are not alone! Never let yourself fall into an even bigger predicament by allowing the problem to drag on and cause your property condition to deteriorate further. Take control and take matters into your own hands! Nothing is impossible with professional help around.

Here at SERVPRO, our experts understand that time is of the essence when dealing with storm damage. Work with our team of professionals to formulate a plan to get your storm damage problems well under control to get you back on track!

What Are Crime Scene Cleaners Trained To Do?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Oftentimes, accident and crime scenes have biohazard and blood contaminants that pose a serious health risk. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that the affected area is kept clean and restored to a safe and clean state. Crime scene cleanup involves so much more than just cleaning body tissues and fluids that are left behind after a violent assault or homicide. As a matter of fact, there have been many terms used to describe this industry. One such term is “biohazard remediation”- a term used to show that crime scene cleanup involves cleaning a wide range of contamination issues. Discussed below are some of the many projects that fall under the job scope of crime scene cleaners.

Biohazard Cars

When a car is referred to as a biohazard, it may mean residues of blood and other body fluids have been found inside. Such residues reduce the car’s resale value since nobody wants to buy a pathogen-carrying car and put themselves at risk. Regardless of the amount of air freshener you use, the bottom line is you will need professional biohazard cleaners to help with thorough cleaning and deodorization.

Industrial Accidents

Workplace deaths and injuries can happen anytime and to anyone. Most employees lack the knowhow on how to manage such complex cleanup procedures. Various residues and blood spills can spray into inventory containers, ventilation systems and machinery parts. Due to this, ensure you look for certified cleanup and restoration technicians that are compliant with OSHA regarding the cleanup of biohazard worksites.

Mold Cleanup

Any property with a water source can rapidly become infested with mold and pose health effects to the occupants. If you suspect your home or property is infested with mold, act immediately and contact certified mold remediation specialists to get your property restored thoroughly and quickly.

Unattended Death

An unattended death refers to an occurrence where a person unexpectedly passes on outside a doctor’s supervision. This could be due to various reasons. When this happens and the body is not discovered for a long time, it starts decomposing releasing unpleasant tissue and fluids that need to be cleaned up. In this case, cleaning might require removal of drywall, subflooring, or carpet to reach leaks embedded within the structure. SERVPRO of West Somerset County technicians will properly and thoroughly sanitize your property to prevent pest and mold infestations.

Contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County for Professional Crime Scene Cleaners!

All our technicians observe IICRC standards for cleaning and restoration. We use advanced techniques and technology to restore your property back to preloss state more effectively and quickly. We offer faster 24-hour emergency service to most disasters, hence you do not have to worry about us being available only during business hours.

What Should You Discard After Fire Damage?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Minimize Exposure to Contaminated Areas

Wear Protective Equipment Before Entering

Best Practices for Cleaning Up

Engage Fire Damage Restoration Services from SERVPRO

Home Fire Detector Safety Tips to Know

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Home Fire Detector Safety Tips To Know

Installing home fire detectors helps you feel safe from a possible fire. However, do not only rely on the original detectors that came together with your house. Research has shown that with modern furnishings today, fires can spread much quicker than in the past when mainly natural materials were used. Hence, it is important to have adequate fire alarms that are located properly so as to maximize the escape time during a fire.

Although the old rule was placing one detector on each level, homes built to former standards do not usually meet that minimum requirement. Fire detection needs have evolved over time and it is essential to take certain steps to ensure that all homes have a sufficient complement of fire alarms.

Where to Place Fire Detectors

A majority of fatal fires happen in the early morning or late at night when everyone is asleep. Therefore, it is recommended to place the smoke detectors on every level and in every bedroom that is occupied. You should also add one detector to the laundry room. However, do consider how you use your home and where higher risks lie. If your basement is refinished, do place interconnected detectors downstairs too.

In the kitchen, install the fire detector further away from the stove so as to avoid false alarms. It is recommended to place them on the ceiling. If you have to mount the smoke detector on the wall, make sure it is installed less than 12 inches away from the ceiling to ensure that fires will be accurately detected. It is also advised to not rely too much on detectors in dusty places such as garages and attics.

Current Technology

A dual sensor is a combination of both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors. Photoelectric ones are more effective at picking up smoldering and slow-building fires, such as those that are caused by a lit cigarette. On the other hand, ionization detectors are more efficient in picking up sudden combustible fires with large flames.

To achieve the most ideal safety and protection, it is recommended to go with the dual sensor. Since you may not know what kind of fire will spark, having both detectors will give you an early warning and allow you to have sufficient time to react and take action.

Heed Those Chirps

Home fire detectors can be very effective, but the most effective detectors in the best locations will only protect you if they are maintained properly. In cases of home fires where the fire alarms were present but not operating, many of the alarms had disconnected or missing batteries.

As a fire detector is constantly filtering the air in your home, maintenance is extremely important. Many detectors come with a “chirping” alert to notify you when the battery is running low, so do pay attention to that. It is also recommended to change the batteries every year, test the fire detectors minimally once a month, and replace old detectors every ten years.

Whenever your property suffers from fire damage, you can contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County for assistance and advice. Our SERVPRO team has the accreditation, training, and expertise to safely restore both your property and valuables while safeguarding the health of your family. We understand the importance of a swift response for mitigation, reconstruction, and recovery, and are committed to ensuring that your home will be restored in the best way possible after a fire incident.

Professional Debris Removal is Ideal for your Somerset County Home

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

What you see here is the charred remains of the interior of a home.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is who you want to call if your house ever looks like this after a fire.

One of the initial steps to recover any structure fire that affects the communities of Hillsborough is fire debris removal. Because of how threatening these conditions can be, most insurance companies have this step covered in even basic levels of home insurance policies. This coverage encourages homeowners not to attempt this restoration on their own and to rely on the expertise and safe approach of our SERVPRO professionals.

Fire debris cleanup in Hillsborough homes should happen as promptly as possible, so we encourage property owners to reach out to us directly after a fire. We have established business relationships with every insurance company in the region, meaning that we can work with our customers and their provider to get services approved and paid for, even after some of them have already completed. Choosing professional debris removal and cleanup benefits your home in numerous ways.

Reduces Noxious Odors

Smoke odors are a common challenging threat after a fire in any structure. Rubbish and charred remains of contents and specific structural elements can amplify these scents. Removing the debris can eliminate several sources of continued harsh odors. We can bag and remove or for large jobs, we can set a dumpster on the property to contain the debris.

Allows for Thorough and Complete Inspections

Damaged construction materials and piles of debris restrict access to our SERVPRO technicians. Once we have taken the time to eliminate the piles of debris or rubble, our team can better inspect walls, flooring, ceiling, and other areas that might require controlled demolition.

Reduces or Eliminates Hazardous Particulates

Soot and smoke residues can collect most dangerously in the ignition site and the immediate vicinity. With the health threats that these particles can cause, it is safer for our team to reduce the presence of these microscopic respiratory risks by removing debris from your damaged property.

Debris removal is almost always one of the first steps and services that you need to secure once a fire gets extinguished. No matter how severe this threat, you can reach our SERVPRO of West Somerset County 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.” We can help, however, you need, when you call (732) 805-9944.

Click here for more information about the township of Hillsborough.

Is Demolition Cheaper than Remediation for Somerville Restaurants?

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

A look inside our storage facility where we keep the equipment.

When water losses or mold damages occur to your Somerville restaurant, you get fixated on whatever steps are necessary to get your doors back open and to limit the spread of the damage in your building. More to this point, you are looking for whatever puts the public relations fire out if the word begins to circulate about the discovery of mold in your eatery. You need the most efficient path to clearing out the hazards, and it might not always be the option you think.

Mold damage in your Somerville restaurant threatens your ability to serve customers and patrons, and when left unchallenged, it can become a costly situation to remediate and restore as well. Remediation tactics can help to address colonization using proven techniques and methods, many of which can successfully restore and recover damaged materials without demolition. Abrasive cleaning techniques and potent antimicrobial products are prime examples of these alternative strategies.

There are many instances in which demolition, especially controlled removal tactics our in-house general contractors utilize, can be a more cost-effective and streamlined approach to remediating mold. Construction material removal is not an uncommon need after loss incidents like mold growth. It is a direct path to removing colonies spreading along with organic materials in the water-damaged areas of your restaurant. With a team of qualified contractors to immediately begin build-back after preliminary remediation tactics, reconstruction can often be less time-consuming and costly than recovering installed materials with abrasive blasting techniques or sanding.

This same practice can more directly deal with mold growth on wooden booths, tables, chairs, carpets, and sensitive materials. Though actions like our pack-out procedures can remove susceptible contents before migrating mold colonization can damage the materials, this same practice can also remove at-risk furniture and fixtures to a safer location within the building or to our SERVPRO facility for safekeeping.

Your restaurant cannot often work around the presence of mold, as this is a violation of strict guidelines for food and beverage establishments. Our SERVPRO of West Somerset County team can help you to get control of this situation and remove colonies to get your restaurant back to normal quickly. Give us a call anytime at (732) 805-9944.

More about Somerville.

Being Prepared for the Next Hurricane Season

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare yourself next hurricane season and call professionals at SERVPRO of West Somerset County.

The most recent hurricane season was the worst one we've seen yet. In the past few years, Somerset County has been hit pretty regularly so it helps to be prepared. SERVPRO of West Somerset County has plenty of experience with storm damage starting with Hurricane Floyd back in 1999, so we know well what likely causes of damage can be. The following tips can prevent the stress of having water where it shouldn’t be.

Inspect your sump pump

Protect your contents, structure, and peace of mind by making sure that your sump pump is functioning as it should before the rain starts.

Check your insurance policy coverage in case of wind or flood damage

After the storm isn’t the time to find out the damage to your property isn’t covered.

Trim all trees and shrubs

Any dead limbs can be a danger, but pay particular attention to trees close enough to your house or power lines to cause damage if limbs fall.

Use surge protection on all major appliances

If the power goes out they could be damaged by a surge when the power resumes. Consider a whole-house surge protection system to safeguard your expensive equipment.

Check your carbon monoxide detectors

They should be checked twice a year, with one on each floor of your house. Power outages can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels.

Prepare your roof

Even small issues can cause large damage in heavy rain or hail. If your roof needs to be replaced, consider getting one designed to be hail resistant.

Add storm shutters

Shutters that can easily be pulled closed to protect your windows can prevent broken glass or leakage.

Clean your gutters

Blocked gutters can send water where it shouldn’t be, potentially damaging your siding, foundation, and landscaping.

For more information about personal preparations for your family and pets, check the following:

Ready.gov

National Severe Storms Laboratory

NOAA Hurricane FAQs

Sometimes storm damage happens despite your best efforts and preparations. When it does, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County 24 hours a day at 732-805-9944 and we will come dry you out!

Sources

DIY hacks to prepare your home for storm season

Tips to help prepare for hurricane season

Assessing summer storm damage

Commercial Ceiling Repair

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial ceiling after we performed cleaning services.

Commercial ceiling after we performed services, no visible damage afterward.

This particular job was for one of our clients who experienced troubles after a pipe burst in their parking garage. Not pictured here is the damage that took place on the ceiling of the garage. The ceiling had air pockets that were swelling up with water inside them. This type of damage can lead to a number of other issues including mold. Our client was lucky they called us when they did or this could have gotten much worse. Our crew went in with SERVPRO tools and the damage was fixed hastily. The picture on the right is the ceiling once it’s been patched up and restored to its original condition. Our client was very happy with the results and noted that it was done way sooner than anticipated.

This Area in Your Hillsborough Home Gets Hit the Hardest with Flood Damage

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage is one of the most stressful and severe events a homeowner can face. The loss adds up quickly, and in cases of groundwater, even a small amount has the potential to leave behind catastrophic damage.

When a Hillsborough home has flood damage, first and foremost, the cleanup needs to begin as soon as possible. SERVPRO technicians advise homeowners to avoid contact with groundwater and only stay on-site if it is safe to do so.

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians have extensive experience handling all types of water loss, including groundwater, which carries a rating as a category three biohazard. They have the safety and professional extraction equipment to manage the water removal cautiously and efficiently.

Tracking Floodwater

Using their state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment, SERVPRO technicians identify all areas of excessive moisture and extract as needed.

Controlled Demolition is Common

Depending on the type of flooring, it may be a loss. Carpet and padding saturated by groundwater have no restoration potential and require removal and disposal. Tile and other hard floorings might respond to disinfection and cleaning if the subflooring remained dry.

The clean cuts on sheetrock often seen in flood loss properties (aka "flood cuts") performs the dual function of allowing greater airflow during the drying phase of mitigation as well as halting any further water wicking into the sheetrock.

Make Ready for Reconstruction

There are several considerations to handle before a flood loss property is ready for rebuilding. SERVPRO technicians ensure that the residence has no danger for mold infestation, no foul odors, and is completely dry.

Lessen Stress for Rebuilding

Through their general contractor license#13VH05228000, SERVPRO offers homeowners the ability to get any needed repairs or reconstruction handled after the restoration services complete. This service takes the anxiety out of finding and vetting a contractor for any rebuilding required.

At the first sign of flood damage, contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County at (732) 805-9944. The technicians have the training and equipment to make the water loss in your home, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Hillsborough.

The Advantages of a Regular Industrial Cleaning

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Many of us spend a significant amount of time at our workplace, so it is important that the office is not riddled with filth. If you are working in an industrial setting, it is crucial that things are arranged in a clean and organized manner. Using an industrial cleaning service will definitely assist you in keeping your workplace environment in ideal condition. So as to ensure that the industrial facility is kept in a pristine condition, you will have to engage a professional cleaning provider. An industrial cleaning service can bring about several benefits and advantages. Here are some of the best perks you will enjoy.

Eco- Friendly Service

Many manufacturers are usually very considerate about the condition of the environment. In order to preserve the state of the environment, industrial cleaners often use cleaning solutions that use minimum amounts of energy. Industrial cleaning professionals generally depend on the use of personal protective equipment. This machinery will ensure that any chemicals or other harmful pollutants will not contaminate plants and airflow.

Low Maintenance Solution

With a professional cleaning partner helping you, you will not need to worry about having to purchase a number of cleaning supplies. Industrial cleaners are usually equipped with the necessary tools and materials required to clean every part of the industrial setting. Industrial cleaning is definitely not rocket science, but it is a corrective action that needs expert knowledge and care. Hence, you should expect to receive a quality service for minimal maintenance cost every time.

Safer and Healtheir Work Environment

A clean environment also means a safe environment. Employers consider public health as an important priority. In an industrial setting, one critical priority is clean personal hygiene. An unsanitary work environment will encourage the spread of allergens, germs, and diseases rapidly. Cleaning and restoration specialists help to get rid of harmful bacteria in your workplace, encouraging better health and limiting the spread of diseases as well.

Long-Term Cost Efficiency

A premium quality cleaning provider will manage each and every aspect of the facility, even the areas that may be hard to reach. With an experienced and qualified cleaning provider taking care of the necessary things for you, you will no longer have to make emergency appointments to clean up your things. All cleaning services are all-inclusive, helping you save much more money in the long term.

Keeps Things Organized

Industrial cleaning providers are in charge of the maintenance of your entire facility. With a trusted partner helping you, you will not have to worry about your stuff being disorganized and untidy. Not only will your things be kept in a clean and tidy fashion, you will also have a peace of mind knowing that everything will be arranged in the right place. This will then help to increase the efficiency of your entire operations.

Experienced and Proficient

Industrial cleaners are usually seasoned and experienced professionals. Rest assured that your facility will be in good hands as it is cared for by a qualified service provider.

If you are hoping to engage a cleaning service that is suitable for industrial facilities, do not hesitate to contact our team of professionals and experts here at SERVPRO in Manhattan. Our team of professionals are licensed and experienced in carrying out high quality industrial cleaning services. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!

What Exactly Happens During Mold Remediation?

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

No one enjoys unexpected surprises when there is any work done in the home. It is a disruptive situation regardless of the type of project. In the case of mold remediation, you will be having strangers in your home using serious chemicals. If you have a better idea of what exactly happens during the mold remediation process, you will definitely feel less stressed and more relaxed.

Firstly, you will need to do a few things before the workers arrive:

Fix the water issue that led to the mold growth. Mold remediation is a costly process and you will not want to do it over again.
Make a clear path for the workers to move from the outside to the mold area and back with ease. For example, clear the cars from the garage and driveway.
Keep any pets out of the way, either in the yard or in a room where the doors are closed.

Use Biocide to Kill Mold

Company starts preparing

The company will be parking a truck near the doorway and place plastic sheeting on the floor. Next , they will run hoses across the house to the affected area. When the mold area is easily accessible, it is much easier to do the necessary work. Engaging a good mold remediation company will ensure that your house is kept clean while the necessary work is being done. Suiting-Up Process

Just like any other potentiall hazardous process, like the removal of asbestos or lead-based paint, mold remediation workers will need to fully suit up for the process: from head to toe with white suits, respirators, booties, and goggles. This does not always mean that the mold remediation company is in charge of getting rid of mold. This is the standard operating procedure for all the work that they do.

Spray Down

The initial step of the two-step process is to use a biocide to spray the mold area. Biocide refers to any EPA- approved liquid which is meant to kill mold. Do take note that the EPA does not approve using bleach for getting rid of mold. Usually, this first step should take shorter than the next step.

Wait

After the workers have left, the biocide will start working, hence killing the mold spores.

Spray Mold Area with Encapsulant

The next day, the mold remediation company will come back and as usual, clear access is required. The workers will be spraying the mold area with a type of whitewash or paint that encapsulates any mold spores remaining. The mold remediation company should make sure that they spray well beyond the area where mold is growing make sure that there will be no more growth of mold. For instance, if only a restricted area of an attic shows signs of mold, the entire attic should probably still be sprayed down. This is more ideal and you should check in with the company if they are doing this.

If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of mold exposure in your homes, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts here at SERVPRO.

Hurricane Season 2020

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Image of a Hurricane Courtesy of Pexels.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is in full swing. This season has had tropical cyclone formations at an unprecedented rate. So far, it has featured a total of 24 tropical or subtropical cyclones, 23 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Are you prepared for a hurricane? Continue reading to learn ways to prepare yourself and your property for this type of storm.

Create An Emergency Ready Plan

At SERVPRO we belive individuals should always be prepared for a storm and should have a place in place in case your home or property is in the path of a storm. A few basic items to include in an emergency ready pack are backup generators, flashlights, batteries, dried goods. It is also important to have a route planned on where you will go, and how you will remain in contact with the members of your household.

Get in touch with a member of our team to schedule a free phone consultation about Emergency Ready Plans: 732-805-9944.

Clearing the Smoke and Soot Damage After a Somerville Fire

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Visible smoke and soot damage on ceiling.

This was the state of the ceiling before we came in to do cleaning services.

The residues left in your Somerville home after a fire do not clean up simply by using conventional techniques and products. When homeowners try to remove the soot coating every surface, their efforts frequently make things worse rather than better. Our technicians master techniques during the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training that rid your home of the different types of soot household fires produce.

Depending on the materials fire damages in your Somerville home, the smoke and soot produced have different qualities. Our well-trained crew members evaluate the characteristics of the soot space to space throughout your home. Each of our crews has Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) certified by the IICRC at the scene of your disaster.

When a fire burns fast and hot, often seen with paper and wood, the residues are light and ashy. SERVPRO employees know to use dry sponges and a light brushing action to loosen the soiling, vacuuming up the dry debris. Thick, sticky soot deposits after electrical or slow-burning fabric fueled fires need more aggressive action, including agitation and pre-treatment with products containing surfactants and wetting agents to loosen the residue.

We frequently address protein-based soot as kitchen fires are commonly the source of the disaster. Food and grease produce a thin, lacquer-like coating that has a strong odor and is difficult to remove. SERVPRO crews employ abrasives and solvents to remove this coating, taking care not to damage further the surfaces involved.

Soft materials damaged by soot need specialized care during cleanup. SERVPRO has resources available for laundering items that are washable and dry cleaning others. Furnishings can respond well to foam cleaning; the product brushed on to absorb the soiling and then lifted off.

At our production facility, we have tools, equipment, and skilled technicians who use a variety of innovative methods to clean and restore household and personal items damaged by the fire. SERVPRO invests in ultrasonic cleaning and other immersion tubs and other systems that clean, dry, and restore items damaged by smoke and soot. Many of the articles you fear destroyed can be brought back to function and appearance using our training and state-of-the-art equipment.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is ready to help you recover from the devastation of a fire. Call us at (732) 805-9944 day or night to set up an assessment.

Read about Somerville here.

Managing Water Damage in Hillsborough

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call us 24/7 with any questions.

Water damage may be the last thing you think of when operating a courier or other delivery service. However, when it does happen, your business can suffer irrecoverable losses because customers may opt to deal with your competitors in the future. The unique thing that worsens such a loss in your courier business is that most of the contents likely to be affected belong to other people, and they might have sentimental or intrinsic value that supersedes any financial reimbursements you might offer.

Failure to respond suitably after commercial water damage in Hillsborough can worsen the situation. Most of the effects water has on items after spilling take time to manifest, so taking immediate countermeasures can help stop them. Our SERVPRO technicians take steps such as placing wet documents in a freezer facility to prevent further deterioration. If electronics are affected, we try to minimize the chances of corrosion by preventing them from drying cooling beyond the dew point.

If the water affects your main item-receiving area or long-term storage section, proper care is necessary to ensure the traceability of the parcels once the emergency is over. In the haste to save the items from damage by water, you might misplace or lose track of some, which can present challenges when it is time to make deliveries. Our SERVPRO teams can help move items and make proper records. We can even use our electronic CCIS, Content Claim Inventory Service, which keeps records of the items moved, and their original location in your facility.

Delivering items to your clients that smell moldy can ruin the reputation of your business. Mold colonies start developing on any organic material within periods as short as 24 hours. One outcome of water damage incidents in the presence of higher than normal levels of humidity in the affected rooms, which can lead to recurrent mold growth. Our SERVPRO crews include AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, who can help take steps to prevent mold growth. We use moisture detection equipment such as thermo-hygrometers to check humidity levels in different sections of your property before dehumidifying it to restore normal levels.

To save your courier service from the ravages of water damage, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County to assist you. You can reach us at (732) 805-9944. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here to learn more about Hillsborough.

Fast Drying to Prevent Secondary Damage

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help, all hours of every day.

You can count on our technicians to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Many Hillsborough homeowners mistakenly believe that water loss incidents and saturation can naturally resolve itself without causing substantial damage to structural elements or construction materials. In truth, water damage can spread quickly to affect many surfaces, contents, and materials throughout the property. Even when surface moisture appears resolved, moisture and dampness can persist out of sight, which can meet the conditions for secondary effects like mold growth. Avoiding this costly and damaging circumstance begins with ensuring that water loss incidents get properly dried right away.

If water damage has occurred in your Hillsborough home, fully restoring these effects is critical to protecting both your property and its occupants. Our SERVPRO professionals have a 24/7 response to water emergencies, arriving with our IICRC-Certified Water Restoration and Applied Structural Drying Technicians to set up both containment equipment and barriers as well as establishing the best location for extraction and drying equipment.

Our technicians arrive with a wide variety of recovery and drying equipment including our high-velocity air movers and dehumidification units of varying size and strength. We tailor the positioning and volume of these efficient units throughout the home to the severity of the damage the property has sustained. With the appropriate response time to the emergency, we can help to not only prevent secondary effects from forming but also to preserve original construction materials from requiring replacement.

From floating carpets to our Injectidry system for flooring, wall cavities, and ceiling spaces, we have the advanced tools for restoring your property fully after a water loss incident.

Drying is an important step for restoring your home after a water loss incident, and you can count on our SERVPRO of West Somerset County rapid response team to get these practices started as soon as we arrive in your home. Whenever disaster strikes, you can count on our technicians to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (732) 805-9944.

Click here for more about Hillsborough.

Managing Water Damage in Your Bedminster House For the Best Results

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water spills, whether from a clean source or otherwise can soil your home and its contents in many ways. Water can cause dyes in fabrics and upholstery to run, leading to stains. It also causes chirping on painted surfaces, and if you take long to remove it, mold, rot and other problems develop. A timely and well-executed cleanup exercise can help deal with these problems.

The most crucial step during water cleanup in your Bedminster home is removing the excess water pooling around. As the water sits in a property, it continues to cause other problems. Unlike the spill which can happen in seconds, removal is a tedious process, especially when done manually. Our SERVPRO technicians used a wide array of equipment to fast-track water removal. Among the sophisticated equipment we have in our green trucks are:

Water Claws

Truck-mounted Pumps

Wet vacs

Ride-on Water Extractors

Cleaning up after water spills is not a straightforward process because of the different dynamics in each loss. Some steps may require prioritization over others for better outcomes. Stains that often happen after water spills can set leading to permanent damage. Our SERVPRO technicians prioritize stain removal from items such as carpets while they are still wet to minimize the chances of setting. We have certified CCT, Carpet Cleaning Technicians and UFT, Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technicians, who utilize their advanced skills to deliver the best results.

General cleaning of the entire loss area is essential to remove residues left by the water. Such cleanup might require agitation or use of professional cleaning agents. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on equipment such as pressure washers and multi-surface scrubbers to remove residues and other forms of soiling, “Like it never even happened.” We also apply professional cleaning agents to clean the loss site to a sanitary level.

For a thorough cleanup of your Hillsborough, Somerville, or Far Hills home after water loss call SERVPRO of West Somerset County to assist. You can reach us at any time at (732) 805-9944.

Click here to see more about Bedminster.

Solutions To Water Damaged Tile Floors in Somerville

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

The tiles on this flooring has been affected by water damage.

This is what the bathroom looked like initially before our services.

t can come as quite a surprise to a Somerville homeowner when tiled walls and floors do not merely shrug off a water loss. The standard expectation when installing tile is that it is impervious to water. Unfortunately, some circumstances develop where water does migrate unexpectedly. When this becomes evident to the unsuspecting homeowner, the damage might be significant because it was unnoticed and not addressed in its minor stages.

Grout Can Be Vulnerable

One of the reasons you chose a grouted tile construction in your Somerville residence was its water damage resistance. When properly installed, ceramic tile with grouted joints is a waterproof construction. After installation, however, occasional maintenance of the grout is imperative. Resealing the grout with a product recommended by the manufacturer needs to be on your rotation of house maintenance tasks. Regular inspection for any gaps or cracks is the key to minimizing any water seepage.

Subfloor Damage -- Cause

If the subfloor is damaged in any way during installation of the tile or later, SERVPRO crews might find cracks or gaps in even rigorously maintained grout. Uneven plywood subflooring can result from inadequate preparation of lower layers of an existing floor structure. A subfloor that sits above a damp crawl space with missing or damaged vapor barriers can swell, eventually warping and causing the grout to crack and loosen. This distortion of the flat surface opens up areas in the expanse of tile to permit percolation of water from a leak or appliance failure into the supporting structures.

Subfloor Damage -- Effect

Regardless of the cause of the grout cracking, once the waterproof seal goes missing, the underlying floor is in trouble. Spills and leaks drain into the subfloor, causing warping and expansion. The tiles break away from the grout, coming loose and requiring reinstallation after the subfloor is repaired or replaced. SERVPRO’s general contractor license permits you to rely on us for the rebuilding to code of the subfloor needed after the water removal and structural drying.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County offers our customers wrap around rebuilding services after a water loss. Call us at (732) 805-9944 to assess and plan for restoration that makes it “Like it never even happened.”

Contractor License: General: 13VH05228000

Click here for more information about Somerville.

Drying Shared Wall Areas in a Hillsborough Shopping Plaza

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Plumbing issues cause water damage to pipes.

The brown tinted area is where the visible water damage has taken place.

Plumbing is a complex component to all modern construction for businesses in Hillsborough, and the skills of pipefitters and plumbers get put to the test to conceal these components as best as they can within wall cavities, ceilings, and floors of plazas and shopping centers. One significant water loss incident occurring from somewhere in this network of hidden plumbing could prove detrimental to more than one business if they break or leak occurs within a shared wall.

With so many connections, joints, and elbows that make up a plumbing array within the walls of a shopping plaza, it is not difficult to determine how likely potential water damage scenarios can be in Hillsborough. We strive to provide every customer with an immediate response to their water loss incidents, offering each component of our advanced inventory of drying and moisture detection to identify where plumbing repairs must occur and to restore the damage that has happened. Our SERVPRO professionals can work to identify the full spread of this damage from our arrival to determine the best placement for drying equipment and machines that we bring with the Green Fleet.

With leak and moisture detection equipment, our team can identify the problem area within a wall cavity to prevent excessive and unnecessary demolition of affected materials throughout the plaza. Once we have identified the location of the water break in the plumbing exclusively, our professionals can work to remove the portion of drywall in the immediate area so that the break becomes accessible to get fixed.

Flood cuts are a common approach when substantial water loss situations have occurred, primarily when the damage has spread beyond the affected wall cavity. Drywall can quickly absorb pooling water, and allow this moisture to wick upwards towards the ceiling, making an irreparable portion of this wall damaged, even with the fast response of our SERVPRO team. Once these cuts have occurred to remove saturated portions, we can dry out the cavity itself with our high-velocity air movers.

There are many steps to recovering your business after a water loss incident, but quickly addressing the source of the situation is a critical place to begin. Let our SERVPRO of West Somerset County professionals show you how we can make this damage “Like it never even happened,” by calling (732) 805-9944.

Hurricane Season Is Here, Are You Prepared?

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is here, and we want you to be ready.

For the first time in recorded history, eight named tropical storms formed before August 1st. The first hurricane of the season, Hanna, made landfall last weekend. With the season in full swing, it's time to start thinking of an emergency ready plan, and we can help you do just that. Our trained professionals can help you come up with an emergency ready plan that is suitable for your property. We've lived through dozens of storms and we know just how severe they can be, that being said it's always better to expect the unexpected. In the event of an emergency, it's helpful to locate all the possible exits of your facility. Establishing a plan between your family or employees is the first step in being prepared. With our guidance, we can weather any storm together.

The Hillsborough Fire Dept. Calls on SERVPRO

6/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water extraction happening in the fire department.

Production Technician Emmanuel extracts water from the carpet in the members’ room of the Hillsborough Fire Department.

When the Hillsborough (Flagtown) Fire Department had a wet firehouse due to a faulty water heater they called on SERVPRO® to come to dry them out.

The Fire Department discovered that their water heater had failed on a Friday morning, damaging their kitchen and other areas. SERVPRO of West Somerset County was on site within an hour of the call and began right away to remove as much water as possible. Unfortunately, not all the wet structure could be saved, so our crew worked over the weekend to remove the damaged materials. We put our drying equipment in place to remove moisture from what could be saved. On Tuesday the firehouse was clean and dry and ready to be rebuilt.

What Causes Damage to Hardwood Floors

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage on hardwood floors can be caused by various factors, including the following:

Roof leaks
Plumbing leaks
High humidity levels
Unattended spills
Tracking rain/snow
Tracking pool water

Any water sources can cause damages to your hardwood flooring. If there has been any spills or leaks, be sure to immediately wipe them off. Do not let them sit and be absorbed by your hardwood flooring through open pores. This will then cause discoloration, warping, or buckling.

Prevention of Water Damage to Hardwood Floors

There are plenty of ways to protect your hardwood flooring depending on the source of water that it is exposed to. The most critical prevention method is still to wipe off any leaks and spills immediately to get rid of any pooling before absorption occurs.

Spills and Leaks

It takes just a small splash of water from sources like a kitchen sink or a pair of wet shoes from outdoors to allow hardwood floors to start absorbing This can be avoided by placing an absorbent mat or cloth were necessary to catch these little spills instead.

When you need to organize a party, always prepare sufficient paper towels to allow guests to immediately clean up spills. Alternatively, you can layer the hardwood floors with a rug that can absorb spills and prevent them from touching the hardwood flooring.

Spills are inevitable when you have children around the house. Ensure they only eat and drink away from the hardwood flooring but if they must, just place a rug underneath their seating area.

Leaks and Humidity

Once you have cleaned up any leaks, there is still bound to be moisture residue left behind. An industrial dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture before the hardwood flooring can absorb any of it.

For the roof, always consult a specialist to prevent leaks spilling onto the hardwood floors. Early repairs can stop the roof leaks even before they can begin to spill.

Plumbing issues can be detected on walls as well as the floors. Any signs of damages need to be rectified immediately before spills occur and flow onto the hardwood floors.

For households that have been experiencing high humidity levels, implementing long-term solutions is the best bet instead of allowing severe damages to be inflicted onto the hardwood flooring.

Repairing Water Damage on Hardwood Floor

Water stains are typically white pigments on the hardwood floors. They can be removed by simply using a floor polish with a cotton cloth.

Blackwater stains are not that easy to remove which require sanding them off with sandpaper. A type of wood bleach will then be needed to lighten the shade of the stains. Slight discoloration may occur which has been deemed as unsightly for some or be regarded as nicer than the color of the blackwater stains.

Warping of Hardwood Boards

This situation can still be salvaged by first flattening the warped boards with something heavy. Leave it for several days to see if any changes can be seen. Boards that are not in line can be nailed down but popping of boards needs to be observed.

For everything else, simply seek the professional services of a water damage restoration company. It is highly advisable to spend on restorative procedures than to incur even heftier expenses, should your own repair attempts were to fail.

Can You Prevent Mold Growth?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Almost 50% of households within the United States experience mold growth of various severity scales. Several types of molds are considered life-threatening as they pose critical risks to human health and that of pets as well. Homeowners need to be aware of the mold situation within their household to minimize their exposure to this harmful growth. Apart from our health, molds may also jeopardize the value of our homes as they cause property damages.

Indoor Humidity

Molds are not able to thrive without moisture. Thus, we need to be sensitive to our surroundings and be vigilant in getting rid of water sources that are not in use. There are other areas of concern apart from water leakage and spills alone. They may be hidden away from sight and the usage of a hygrometer can help detect any humidity levels to monitor any moisture around the house.

Good Ventilation

Always ensure that every room in your house has enough ventilation. This will help to reduce the humidity levels in each region to help stop mold from surviving. Since air holds a certain percentage of water vapor, condensation can occur when the temperature of a room fluctuates. Good ventilation can help control this situation to prevent mold growth.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are often left unnoticed around the house since they are just a small device located at mainly the kitchen and bathroom. However, their purpose is really important to vent moisture away. This can prevent water vapor from sticking onto walls and promote mold growth when humidity levels increase.

Outdoor Drainage

Pay close attention to paths that contain water flows such as the drains or pools. If your house is not situated on top of a hill, most likely the water will remain stagnant. This can contribute towards the development of mold and becomes the foundation of serious mold buildup. This is also true for rain gutters that can collect rain but may not release it.

Wet Spillage

The simplest but most efficient way to prevent mold is to keep your home dry. Mop up any spills immediately regardless of where it may have taken place. Wet items should also be cleared and not left bundled up on the floor. Houses with carpets need to perform this simple action even more as carpets absorb water easily.

Mold Prevention: How it is Easier to Avoid than to Rectify

The abovementioned steps can most definitely help prevent mold buildup but not entirely. There will still be certain areas that are simply inevitable in promoting the growth of mold. Certain parts of your home which are out of sight or reach may still experience mold but probably not enough to cause an entire infestation to occur. As a homeowner, always be wary of your surroundings and tackle any situation that can support mold growth before it is able to even develop.

Natural Disaster Recovery Tips For Business Owners

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

The aftermath of natural disasters causes different degrees of impact on a business. Businesses may possibly suffer a great loss as the damage can be huge. The situation will also hit employees who are going to see the adverse effects inflicting upon their livelihood. Matters are then made worst when approximately 40% of startups will not reopen even after the natural disaster situation has settled down. You can prevent your business from making part of that figure. Make the necessary preparations to mend from a tragedy and increase your chances of successful natural disaster recovery for commercial businesses.

Before Disaster Hits

Business owners need to always be prepared way ahead of time. Do not have the mentality that their business is never going to be hit by a disaster. Take every necessary step to put risks at a bare minimum including those of hurricane, earthquake, flood, fire, and any other types of natural disasters.

Start by first getting a comprehensive insurance policy that covers a wide-ranging list of damages. Always check to ensure that the policy does include damages caused by natural disasters as not every insurance has such coverage.

After Disaster Hit

Keep a list of to-do things handy to know exactly how to react and what needs to be done immediately when a natural disaster strikes.

Activate Your Emergency Plan

An emergency plan needs to have the objective of minimizing the damages caused by the natural disaster towards your business as well as your employees. Call everyone and ask about their well-being and whereabouts.

Communication Strategy

A trusted employee needs to be the one handling all the communication with relief services, financial bodies, and suppliers. The same employee also needs to have a backup mode of communication should the first system were to break down.

Keeping Data Safe

Natural disasters cause disruption to your business system. For example, they may corrupt your files including every single financial data. Always ensure to back up every business file in more than just a single location, both online and offline.

Restoration Expert

Seek restorative services as soon as the situation has calmed. The earlier the restoration processes are put in place, the higher the chances for you to control the overall damages. This can help minimize your losses as much as possible. A professional restoration company will also assist you in getting the most value out of your insurance policy. They usually have prior experience to advise you accordingly.

Insurance Claim

Check your insurance coverage to examine any hidden clauses such as additional damages, deductibles, and more. Get all the facts right before filing for a claim after adding up the total losses faced by your business.

Disaster Loan

There are several government bodies and agencies that offer disaster assistance in various forms. There are the Disaster Loan Program, low-interest loan, and others which can cater to varying needs of business owners after a disaster. Simply contact any business development centers to list down your concerns and the type of assistance your business may require.

Critical Preparation

No crisis is too hard to recover from even if it involves getting hit by a natural disaster. You and your business will get back on track with proper preparation that gets put in place early. Always know your resources well to aid you in the entire recovery process.

Have You Been Hit With Water Damage?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

The cost to repair your home from water damage is extremely high. In fact, it is one of the costliest disasters your home can ever experience. It is important that you take appropriate measures to protect your home from water damage to prevent yourself from incurring such costs. This is especially so if you are living in a flood-prone zone as water damage can be very common. Learning how to prevent water damage at home would be beneficial, and this will definitely be much cheaper than having to pay for water damage repairs. Before we discuss how you can best protect your home from water damage, we need to first know what causes water damage and how to detect it.

What Causes Water Damage?

There are many things that can cause water damage. The most common causes are usually due to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains and floods. Burst or leaking pipes, malfunctioning electrical appliances such as the washing machine, damaged roof or groundwater seepage are also common causes of water damage. If you have experienced any of those recently, it would be a good time for you to check for the signs of water damage.

Signs of Water Damage

If you notice that the paint in your home is peeling or warping floors, it is likely due to water damage in your home. Ceilings and walls that show signs of discoloration are also an indication of water damage. If you smell a strong and musty smell, this may be a sign that there is mold in your house. Lastly, if you discover water pooling up in your yard, especially after rain, it is most probably due to water damage as well.

How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

So, the best way to prevent water damage is to properly maintain your home. You can do so by ensuring that there is good drainage by cleaning your gutters regularly. It is advised that you clean your gutters at least twice per year. Inspect your roof periodically, especially after a large storm. This is to check for any broken or missing shingles or cracked flashing. Remember to seal your windows to prevent rain and snow from leaking into your house. Check your plumbing system annually and lastly, remember to check if your basement has sealed walls and floor and is equipped with a sump pump and a backwater valve.

Proper maintenance of your home can help reduce the risk of water damage. However, even this cannot always prevent water damage from happening. If water damage does happen to your home, do not try to solve the problem yourself as it can be unsafe and hard to deal with. Your safest bet is to contact water damage experts and let them deal with any forms of repair to set your mind at ease.

Understanding Water and Storm Damage

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage and storm damage are a crisis feared by every property owner, whether it is a home or business space. It can cause severe damage to your furniture and appliances. Water damage restoration is important when your commercial property or home is suffering from water damage due to flooding or leaking. Although every water damage situation is unique and requires different solutions, there are general guidelines and processes to follow for all situations. Read on to find out more about the water damage restoration process.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The first step of water damage restoration typically involves calling a professional company. The staff member in charge will walk you through the crisis and lead you through some questions to get a better understanding of your situation and needs.

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

The second stage is to perform an inspection to identify the severity of the water damage. Tests will also be carried out to assess how much moisture has seeped in so as to ensure an efficient and effective restoration.

Step 3: Extraction and Removal of Excess Water

As soon as the initial inspections and assessments are completed, the water removal process will commence getting rid of standing water. Strong pumps and vacuums are utilized to remove a large amount of water from your home at a faster rate. This helps to ensure that there is no secondary water damage and growth of mold.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Most of the water would have been removed in step three. However, for remaining water located at places that are hard to access, specialized machinery will be used. Professionals will also make use of a variety of measures to estimate the ideal number of dehumidifiers and air movers required to completely dry your corporate office or home. Some of the measures include calculating the temperature, relative humidity, and taking room measurements.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

At this stage, the items and furniture damaged by the water that can be restored will be cleaned. There are various techniques professionals use to clean their clients’ belongings, and they are trained and experienced in getting rid of odors in your property by using sanitizing treatments.

Step 6: Restoration

The last stage is where the restoration of your property is carried out. Restoration refers to the process of bringing back the original condition of your property prior to the water damage. The restoration process may involve small repair work, such as installing a new carpet and getting new drywall or may require extensive improvements such as reconstructing damaged areas and rooms in a business or home.

If you are in need of professional help for any water damage, SERVPRO of West Somerset County can help. Our experts can guide you through this crisis, and determine the extent of the water damage so as ensure the most ideal restoration process for your property.

What is Fire Damage Restoration?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is the process of determining the extent of damage in an accident, securing undamaged items, and remediating the affected property. When there’s a fire, there’s damage. After a fire is put out and firefighters had done their duty to keep you and the environment safe, your house or office is most likely to face water, smoke, and fire damage. In most cases, you will need help to repair the damages. Every fire is different, hence there is no one solution for all types of fire damage. However, the steps one may take to implement fire damage restoration to their house/office stays the same.

Step 1: Call A Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration Company

The process of restoring your home/office starts when you call a professional cleanup and restoration company. The representative of the company will ask essential questions to find out more about the damage situation and then respond with the most suitable solution, with the appropriate resources and equipment.

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

Fire damage restoration experts from the company will then visit the site of the fire damage, where they conduct extensive inspections and test neighboring rooms of your house/office to determine the extent of the damage before developing and deciding on the next step as well as the action plan.

Step 3: Repairing Windows, Walls, and Roofs

The third step is to repair the broken or missing windows, walls and roofs, which are the most common affected areas after a fire. The experts will conduct board-up services on the windows and walls, and roof-tarp services on damaged roofs. Missing windows, walls and a leaking roof, can disrupt the structure and compromise the safety of your house/office. Hence, this step is carried out immediately.

Step 4: Water Removal

If water damage is present in your house/office, this step is also conducted immediately to remove most of the water. Afterward, air movers and dehumidifiers are utilized to remove the remaining traces of water and dry them.

Step 5: Smoke and Soot Removal

After removing water, it is time to remove the smoke and soot from all surfaces in your house/office. Specialized equipment and tools are used to remove them from walls, ceilings, corners, and roofs.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

After all the water, smoke and soot are removed, the next step is to sanitize and disinfect your house/office thoroughly. The experts will use special cleaning equipment and techniques to clean all structures and furniture that were damaged by the fire. Don’t worry about the smell; fire damage restoration specialists are trained to remove burning smells or odors with air scrubbers and through fogging.

Step 7: Restoration

This is the final step to reverting your home/office back to its original condition. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, this either means minor repairs to your home, such as installing new carpets and replacing drywall, or major repairs such as reconstructing bedrooms or kitchens.

If you are looking for a stellar services provider who can restore your house smoothly and properly, SERVPRO of West Somerset County is a good choice as your trusted fire damage restoration company. With technicians certified in every niche of this industry, there is no damage too complex or hard for us to handle. We promise to offer a comprehensive solution to every home or office at affordable prices. Call (732) 410-7309 to schedule an appointment with us today.

COVID 19: SERVPRO of West Somerset County Remains Operational

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19: SERVPRO of West Somerset County Remains Operational

COVID-19, or Coronavirus Disease 2019, is an infectious disease and has reach pandemic status. This respiratory disease can cause patients to experience an array of flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, breathing difficulties, and more. Although the Coronavirus Disease mainly spreads through contact with an infected person, e.g., when they sneeze or cough, it can also spread when a person touches a contaminated object or surface and proceeds to touch their mouths, noses, or eyes.

Cleaning has Taken a New Level of Urgency

Spring cleaning has taken on a new urgency in 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and other health regulatory bodies have advised all citizens to take preventative measures. As a result, individuals are intensely washing and disinfecting homes and offices, knowing that lives may depend on these actions. With more homeowners and business owners taking extra precautions, professional cleaning services providers have been receiving active requests for deep cleaning to eliminate virus-carrying particulate.

Understanding the COVID-19 Virus' Lifespan on External Surfaces

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC are conducting ongoing studies about the COVID-19 virus. So far, the 2019 novel coronavirus can live between two and three days on stainless steel and plastic surfaces. Because of the virus' survivability, individuals must keep their homes thoroughly clean during this time. If a family member or loved one is unwell, it is vital to disinfect high-touch surfaces in the household daily. These surfaces include light switches, keyboards, countertops, tables, handles, and doorknobs. In addition to cleaning, these surfaces must be disinfected with an alcohol-based solution that contains at least 70 percent alcohol.

How SERVPRO of West Somerset County Can Help

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is a professional cleaning services provider who adheres to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. In addition to providing standard cleaning and disinfection services, our cleaning specialists are also trained to safely and effectively remove biohazard contaminants from both residential and commercial properties.

You can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that our company is well-equipped to handle all of our clients' cleaning needs during the COVID-19 crisis. We have updated our cleanup protocol to provide proactive cleaning and disinfection solutions for a wide variety of facilities and structures. These include areas where there are no known threats of COVID-19 exposure or contamination. SERVPRO of West Somerset County will inspect, clean, and disinfect following the latest safety and prevention guidelines.

At SERVPRO of West Somerset County, our team can clean the above-mentioned high touch surfaces. Below is a non-exhaustive list for your reference:

Fitness Equipment
Playground Equipment
Elevator Cars
Stair Handrails
Rugs and Carpets
Sales Counters
Shelving and Racks
Water Fountains
Retail Spaces
Offices
Schools and Classrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchen and Food Preparation Areas
… and more!

From cleaning and disinfecting porous and non-porous surfaces to facilitating the safe disposal of waste, SERVPRO of West Somerset County has all your cleaning needs covered during the COVID-19 crisis. Feel free to call us at 1-800-SERVPRO or visit our Coronavirus Resource Page for more information.

Was Your Home Hit By A Flash Flood?

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

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Engage Flood and Storm Damage Restoration Services from SERVPRO

Top Tips to Prevent Your Home From Water Damage This Winter

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage to your home can happen at any time of the year, but in winter, your home may be especially susceptible. The wet weather and freezing temperatures can cause water to leak into the nooks and crannies of your house. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this. Here is a helpful list to guide you in keeping your home dry this winter.

Preventing Ice Dams on the Roof

Ice dams are formed when ice collects at the edges of a roof. This typically happens when the upper portion of a roof is warmer than the lower portion. Snow on the upper portion melts faster and runs down to the cooler part of the roof where it freezes again, creating an ice dam. These are problematic because they block the water from melting snow from flowing off your roof. The water can accumulate and seep into your house through tiny cracks or gaps in your roof. It can also result in mold and mildew growth on your roof.

Clearing the Gutter

Keeping Your House Perimeter Dry

Watching Out for Frozen Pipes

Due to the cold temperatures in winter, water in your water pipes can freeze over and lead to high internal pressure in the pipes. If the pressure continues to build up, it can be enough to rupture your pipes, causing a huge amount of water to be released in your house. To prevent frozen pipes, you can insulate water pipes located in places of your home with freezing temperatures. In especially cold temperatures, it is recommended to let your faucets drip slowly to relieve pressure in case the pipes have frozen. If where water from your pipes stops flowing completely, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible because it is likely that the pipe has frozen.

What are the Most Common Commercial Fire Hazards?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

If you own a business, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your customers, employers and any other people who set foot in your property. Meanwhile, you would also want to protect your building, important records and inventory. This can be done by having a well-designed fire protection system. However, that alone is not enough. It is highly important to avoid and prevent situations where a fire might occur in the first place. Therefore, we have put together a list of some of the most common commercial fire hazards that you should take note of.

Combustible materials

People who work in industrial settings are typically aware of any flammable chemicals and materials they have at work. However, people who work in offices may be less well-informed. Offices are full of combustible materials, especially dues to the huge amount of paper in them. Other than that, furniture, carpet, curtains and other fabrics can also act as fuel for a fire. Many cleaning liquids are also flammable and must be stored correctly to prevent any incidents. No matter where you work, it is essential to ensure that combustible materials are located far away from heat sources to prevent a fire.

Faulty Electrical Equipment

Some fire hazards may be easily detectable, such as a frayed wire on an office machine. However, there are also hidden threats that people do not always take into account. For example, faulty wiring in electrical equipment can also be a fire risk. It is important to have an electrician inspect the electrical components of your faulty equipment to ensure they do not pose a danger.

Overloaded Extension Cords

It is not uncommon to use extension cords to increase convenience at work. They are safe to use if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Unfortunately, many people tend to use extension cords improperly, such as by overloading them. In such cases, they can act as a serious fire hazard. It is recommended that you educate your employees on the appropriate use of extension cords and the fire risks they can pose to prevent any incidents.

Broken Cables

Any broken cables in your workplace should be removed as soon as possible. Leaving them lying around is highly dangerous and risks the safety of all workers. They may spark which can lead to the outbreak of an electrical fire.

Overheated Machines

Machines like photocopiers, printers, laptops and computers are present in all commercial buildings these days and they have a tendency to overheat. This is not usually a problem on its own. However, the heat generated by these devices can lead to a fire if there are combustible materials thereby, such as paper for example. It is important that you ensure that these machines are well ventilated and kept away from combustible materials, to prevent risks of a fire due to overheating. You should also remember to shut down these machines before leaving work to allow them to cool down over night.

Poorly Disposed Cigarettes

If smoking is allowed in your workplace, you should ensure that the designated smoking areas are far away from the main buildings and any flammable materials. Your employees should also be educated on the importance of putting out cigarettes properly to reduce risks of a fire.

What You Need to Know About Trauma Cleanup

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Trauma is never an easy thing to deal with. When you have to manage trauma cleanup in the aftermath of a traumatic event, you may be overwhelmed and you may not be thinking straight. Most people do not know where to start with the cleaning. Sometimes, they just want to clean up the place as fast as possible and they forget to consider safety.

Trauma cleanup is highly unpleasant and messy. However, it can also be very dangerous. The actual cleaning process can pose a threat to safety, depending on the situation. If the cleaning is not done well, it can also present a future health risk.

Your best choice would be to hire a professional to handle the trauma cleanup on your behalf. They are specially trained for these exact situations and will be able to get the job done safely and thoroughly.

Situations that Require Trauma Cleanup

You may be unsure of what qualifies as trauma or when the right time would be to hire a professional cleanup service. Below are some situations where it is highly advisable to call on a trauma cleanup service.

Tear gas cleanup
Blood spillage
Industrial accidents
Homicide
Suicide
Unattended deaths
Infectious disease contamination

Trauma cleanup is difficult thing to do. It can be both emotionally and physically draining. It can also be dangerous for your health. Fortunately, you can turn to trained professionals to help you get the place of the traumatic event, be it your home or elsewhere, thoroughly disinfected and void of health hazards.

Why you Need to Engage a Professional

In certain trauma events, the aftermath can result in numerous health hazards in the site of the incident. This is especially dangerous when the incident happened in your home as it can pose a threat to you and your family members.

If there are body fluids or other kinds of biological waste present, they need to be properly handled. They have to be disposed of in a biohazard waste facility that is specially equipped to deal with hazardous material. The affected area also needs to be properly cleaned to ensure that it will not pose a future health risk.

Professional cleanup technicians can do exactly that. They are well qualified to deal with any kind of trauma and will abide by government regulations when removing hazardous waste to guarantee everyone’s safety.

There are special equipment and cleaning agents designed for trauma cleanup to provide protection and thorough disinfection and cleanup technicians are well-equipped with them. After the cleaning, they will also conduct hospital-grade disinfection tests to ensure that no health risks remain.

It is highly recommended that you engage a professional trauma cleanup service as soon as you can after the incident. Delaying the cleanup can seriously increase the health risks as you and/or other people may be exposed to blood borne pathogens or other chemicals at the site of the incident.

You definitely should not try to clean up after a trauma incident yourself. Cleanup technicians are highly experienced and they will be able to do the job for you with all the sensitivity, compassion and professionalism the situation requires.

Why Utilize Restoration Services After a Disaster?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters, whether manmade or natural, are one of the worst things a person can experience. Even if one survives, they may have to contend with power outages, water shortages, and the unavailability of basic services. Additionally, the property that you invested time, energy and money into could be eviscerated. Below are some ways in which restoration services can help you overcome and rebuild.

What Type of Property Damage Is Most Severe?

While property can be damaged in many ways, the most severe involves water. The reason is because water damage is not an event which is singular. Rather, it is often the culmination of multiple issues involving gutters, shingles, flooding, downspouts, fire or wind. Damage involving water is very difficult, time consuming and costly to repair as it is typically accompanied by mold which causes additional problems.

How The Restoration Process Works

A contractor that specializes in restoration will begin with the factors that make the property unlivable, the most important of which are structural problems. If flooding has occurred, it is essential to ensure no mold is present within the flooring or walls, and each stud and support will have to be treated using special microbial agents. Fixing drywall which is crumbling due to smoke or water damage will also be needed, along with electrical and plumbing services. If left unresolved, the damage can irrevocably lower your property’s value.

Why Restoration Is The Fastest Way To Increase Property Value After A Disaster

There are a number of reasons why restoration is the best and quickest way to regain your property value post disaster. It allows you to remove moderately tiered fixtures such as carpets or laminated counters so that fresh, upgraded materials can be added such as hardwood or granite flooring. Furthermore, spaces which were unused and unfinished previously, such as attics or basements, can be finished to your exact specifications. A new climate control or A/C system can also be installed, along with repairing the roof.

While it may seem like restoring your property after a disaster will be a process full of stress, it won’t be if you choose the right contractor. An experienced professional will be able to assess the extent of the damage, and determine the best way to correct it in a manner which is most cost effective. However, the best contractors will not only restore your property, they will make it superior to the one you had previously.

They will work closely with you to repair damage involving fire and water. If you decide to keep your existing carpets, they provide specialized services that will get it fixed. One of the most common services requested by clients who have had their properties damaged is complete service restoration. This involves multiple tasks, including the elimination of odor, mold removal, and boarding up areas until they can be addressed. The best providers offer service which is affordable yet unobtrusive.

How Often Should You Clean Residential Air Ducts?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Even when you deactivate your cooling and heating system periodically, the air ducts will still collect allergens, dander and dust, along with mold spores that could compromise the safety of the home and everyone that resides in it. Below is a description of how frequently the ducts should be cleaned, and the best way to do it.

Factors That Determine When Ducts Should Be Cleaned

Most experts recommend having your residential ducts professionally cleaned every two or three years. However, there are circumstances which may increase or decrease the frequency. Examples include residing with someone who is at greater risk of becoming sick due to any particles or allergens that may be emitted from air conditioners or furnaces, such as toddlers, infants, seniors, or anyone who is known to suffer from asthma.

If you have pets, this means extra fur and dander will be present in the building and ducts. In this case the ductwork should be cleaned more frequently than two years, since otherwise the dander/fur might leave a permanent pet smell that will adversely affect those who are allergic. If you live near a dirt road, especially one which receives frequent traffic, the dust and soot from vehicle tailpipes could gradually enter the building over time.

Buildings that have elevated moisture levels, and which require dehumidifiers are also at a higher risk of growing mold spores within the ductwork. Mold that spreads throughout the building can become especially hazardous since everyone living there will be breathe it in, along with visitors.

How Ductwork Cleaning Works

Ductwork can be cleaned in multiple ways and each contractor has their own preferred method. A good team will be transparent regarding the process they use and will explain to you what will be done and why. They will start by inspecting your ducts to determine how dirty they are and whether or not special tools will be needed. They will also check for mold as well as asbestos.

They will put covers on your carpets and furnishings before starting the cleaning to make sure they aren’t exposed. The ducts will then be vacuumed, and the interior will be brushed to ensure all the debris and dust is dislodged. If nesting birds or other pests are found, they will be removed. If duct insulation is discovered which is too damp, they will recommend replacing it, to stop the development of mold. All of the ductwork will then be insulated and sealed as needed.

Although ductwork isn’t technically an HVAC system component, it serves a very important purpose. It is responsible for the filtration and distribution of air around your home. It is easy to ignore, which many residents do, until they have a problem. The best way to prepare the ducts for cleaning is to ensure there is always clear and unobstructed space near the HVAC and registers. This will make it easier for technicians to insert the extended flexible brushes that are used for cleaning.

Check These Appliances For Mold Growth

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth occurs naturally and is all over the place, especially in locations that have high moisture. Many people are unaware of the fact that mold might even be present in their appliances, so inspecting these machines is a great way to find hidden mold so that can be removed before it becomes problematic.

Washing Machines

If you notice a musty odor when opening your washing machine, this could be a sign that mold is present. Washing machines are manufactured to be water tight, which makes them an ideal environment for mold. Clean your washing machine’s gasket with water and soap, and then run it on a cycle that is empty using baking soda, hot water or bleach. If the musty smell persists, this means the mold has probably entered the filter, drum or drain, which means you’ll need professional assistance.

Air Conditioning Vents

The vent of your air conditioner is another place where mold can develop. It can usually be identified visually by peeking through the vents or smelling them to see if an unpleasant odor is present. If it is, you’ll want to consult with an A/C expert.

Humidifier

A lot of the new humidifiers are advertised to be antimicrobial, but in reality they require regular cleaning as well. Once a day, prior to refilling them, you will want to empty, then rinse and dry, and once per week you can remove scale using vinegar and then apply disinfectant according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

Refrigerator

If you see or smell mold inside your fridge, it can be easily addressed with some fungicide, baking soda and warm water. Remove all of the contents first, and then carefully wipe the walls and insides, which include the hard to reach crevices. Don’t forget to take out the shelves and bins so you can clean under them as well, but be careful with glass, as you don’t want to scratch it. Be sure to check the freezer to.

Do Thermostats Help With Mold?

No, because mold enjoys temperatures similar to those which are preferable to humans. Additionally, it can also thrive in frigid environments. Therefore, attempting to control mold with low temperatures will not be effective.

Getting Rid of Wall Mold

Mold needs moisture to thrive, so the best way to stop it from appearing on walls is to have it professionally cleaned, and then purchase a humidity and temperature sensor so that you can monitor and ensure that your home is always lower than 70 to 75 percent RH. Otherwise, you will need to invest in better dehumidification or ventilation.

Is It Possible For Black Mold To Appear On Plastic?

Black mold, which is also called Stachybotrys chartarum, is not able to thrive on plastic, concrete, ceramic or vinyl surfaces. It prefers materials which are rich in fiber with reduced nitrogen content, like wood, wallboard or paper.

Beware of These Office Fire Hazards

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Many people think that a fire is unlikely to take place in their office. However, they are sadly mistaken. Statistics from NFPA’s 2013 report showed that from 2007 to 2011, there was an average of 3340 fires in office properties each year. This is devastating number, especially as all these fires could have been easily prevented. To help you fire-proof your office, here are some office fire hazards you should beware of.

Combustibles

Although offices do not contain oils, gases or naked flames, this does not mean that there is no fire risk. Offices are home to a surprising number of combustibles.

Dust

Many people are unaware that dust can ignite when the thing it is coating gets too hot. On top of preventing machines from overheating, it is recommended to keep office spaces well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of dust.

Paper

There are hundreds of paper documents and binders lying around in every office, in cabinets, desks and waste paper baskets. It is best to keep these paper materials away from any heat sources and to empty out your waste paper baskets regularly.

Cleaning liquids

People often forget about the cleaning liquids that cleaning staff use to maintain the cleanliness of an office. These cleaning liquids are highly flammable and need to be stored properly to prevent an accident.

Electrical Hazards

It is not uncommon for fires to come from an electrical source. To prevent such a situation, here are the steps you can take.

Keep machines from overheating

You can do this by ensuring that all machines are properly ventilated to allow them to cool down. It is also a good habit to turn off these machines every night.

Remove broken cables

Leaving broken cables lying around the office is just asking for trouble. The moment there are sparks, an electrical fire is sure to break out.

Don’t overload extension cables

Everyone loves to use extension cables. However, it is important to check how much an extension cable can take before you plug in too many machines.

Get PAT testing

Having your PAT equipment inspected regularly will prevent any electrical faults that could lead to an electrical fire.

Don’t Block Exits

One of the most important things you need to do for a fire risk assessment is to ensure that all staff and visitors to your office can make a quick escape from the building in the event of a fire. Here is what you can do to maximise the chances of a safe exit.

Keep fire doors closed

It may be tempting to keep the fire doors open in a stuffy office or to allow for easy entry. However, fire doors are designed to keep fires contained to buy enough time for people to escape. This means that they must never be pinned open.

Keep doors clear

Never pile stocks or other belongings in front of doors. Doors must always be kept clear to allow for easy entry and exit in any emergency.

Keep corridors clear

To allow everyone to leave the building as quickly and efficiently as possible, corridors must be kept clear. If there are piles of office paper or binders in an already small space, they will become obstacles that impede an escape.

Now that you are aware of the common office fire hazards, you can take the necessary steps to remove them to keep you and your staff safe.

What Should You Do If A Grease Fire Erupts In Your Home?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Anyone who has ever experienced a flare-up in their kitchen knows very well how scary it can be. Grease fires are ten times more terrifying. They usually occur when the temperature of your cooking oil gets too high. In such cases, the oil will start to boil before starting to smoke. If the temperature is not reduced soon after that point, the cooking oil catches fire, resulting in a grease fire.

Grease fires are far more dangerous than regular fires and are much harder to put out. They can erupt suddenly and cause a huge amount of damage within the span of minutes. Trying to extinguish them the same way you would a normal fire can make a grease fire worse.

That’s why it is important to know how to deal with them if you ever have the misfortune of encountering one. Here are some tips on what to do and when you should contact a professional in the event of a grease fire in your home.

What Not to Do

In the event of a regular fire, it is okay to use to water to extinguish the flames. However, this should never be done in the case of a grease fire as the consequences are highly dangerous. When water is thrown onto a grease fire, it causes the oil to spread and splash, spreading the flames. The water will also be instantly flash-boiled into steam by the extreme heat, causing a small explosion that will send flaming oil droplets everywhere.

You may have heard of using baking soda to put out a grease fire. However, it is not a good idea to use any kind of powder type substances to put out a grease fire. Firstly, it is dangerous to get close enough to the fire to apply the powder. Secondly, it is difficult to cover the fire with enough powder to extinguish it. Last but not least, certain household powder substances can be ignited, making the whole situation worse.

Putting Out a Grease Fire

You may not be able to use water or baking soda but there are other ways to extinguish a grease fire in your kitchen. The first thing you should do is to turn off your heating source. Next, before the fire spreads outside of your pan or pot, cover it with a metal lid or cookie sheet. You must never use a glass lid as the intense lid could cause it to shatter, sending glass shards flying everywhere.

If the grease fire becomes too big and you have a class B chemical fire extinguisher at home, your best chance is to try to hose the grease fire down with it.

If none of these techniques are effective, you should evacuate the building immediately and call 911.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration

If your home has been damaged by a grease fire, it is best to get a restoration professional to clean your home for you. Grease fires can leave behind a mix of residues that require special tools and experience to remove. With professional help, your home can be restored to its original state in the shortest time possible. Our team of experts and professionals here at SERVPRO specialize in quick and effective fire damage restoration. Feel free to contact us to engage our services!

We Are The Experts You Can Trust In Somerville When You Are Facing Flood Damage

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Using our advanced cleaning techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, we will restore your home after a flood.

Engineered Flooring Drying for Class 1 Flood Damage in Somerville

Even though some flooding scenarios can be clean water losses, there are still many necessary steps to restoring affected materials in your Somerville home. Flooring can often experience the worst of flooding, as standing water can collect on these surfaces and begin saturating the material almost immediately. Depending on the porosity, certain types of flooring can be highly susceptible to substantial damages.

Engineered flooring might be more resistant than others to immediate flood damage after Somerville structural breaches, but they cannot entirely deter water damage. Though there are many varieties of this plank flooring, from interlocking tongue and groove to adhered units, the potential for eventual penetration is higher than you might believe. Drying out these affected materials is a priority of our SERVPRO professionals when we first arrive.

After extraction completes, we can focus on the surface drying of engineered flooring. Because these planks get comprised of multiple layers of thin wood glued together, penetration of the subflooring underneath can be a direct path to more substantial problems. Our professionals can use non-penetrating moisture meters once the surface moisture and standing water have gotten addressed to determine if any excessive moisture exists beneath the planks. Drying mats can be an excellent way to draw out moisture from this subflooring and support material underneath the plank, but only if more direct damage has not already occurred.

Our SERVPRO team must inspect planks and the thin seams between planks for swelling along the edges of the boards. Because of the composition of engineered flooring, this process is irreparable. The only solution left to restore structurally flood damaged planks is to remove them and reinstall them. We have a team of licensed contractors that can oversee the controlled demolition of this flooring and the efficient reinstallation when the house gets thoroughly dried.

Engineered flooring has a hardwood feel, making it a popular choice for modern construction. When flooding occurs, you can trust in the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of West Somerset County team to help protect these materials and the rest of your house from continued damages and threats. Give us a call anytime at (732) 805-9944.

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The Untold Secret to Mastering Water Removal in Somerville

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure frozen pipes don’t cause extensive damage in your home. Call SERVPRO.

Salvaging a Home Office in Somerville with Water Removal

While a slightly damaged pipe can seem like a small issue, cracked or frozen pipes account for almost 20% of plumbing supply system failures and can cause a significant amount of loss. Even a tiny crack in plumbing can let gallons of water into your home each day without your knowledge. Worse still, waterlogged walls and surfaces are not something easily cleaned with home products, and can damage your possessions, including important papers and electronics.

If the home office in your Somerville residence requires water removal, the team at SERVPRO and can help restore your home and your possessions to their preloss conditions. SERVPRO team members and franchise owners alike undergo extensive and continuous education on state-of-the-art mitigation techniques to save you time, money, and stress after a disaster.

Signs of Water-Damaged Walls & Ceilings

Keep an eye out for these indicators that your walls have been damaged by water:

The drywall becomes soft and eventually warps and breaks
Warped, bubbling, or peeling paint on walls
The ceiling sags and may leak accumulated water
Warping and staining from moisture and mineral deposits in the water
A musty, earthy odor from moisture-affected walls

How SERVPRO Can Save Your Office

While the drying process is focused on restoring structures, SERVPRO also has specialized techniques for various materials that need drying, including fabrics, upholstery, wood, drywall, documents, electronics, and much more. Technicians calculate placement for both centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers to optimize the drying process and cover as much surface area as possible while drying without overloading dehumidifiers.

Document drying can be done with a variety of methods, including air-drying, dehumidification, vacuum thermal drying, vacuum freeze-drying, and freezer-drying. While it may seem counterintuitive to freeze-dry documents, this process is effective in restoring papers to their prior condition without warping or other issues from water absorption. Electronics can be safely placed in a low-humidity environment and repaired as needed by an electronics restoration professional.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is Faster to Any Size Disaster, so your residence can be restored to its preloss condition. If you need fast-responding disaster cleanup services, call (732) 805-9944 today.

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Don’t Just Sit There! Call The Professionals In Commercial Flood Damage Removal For Your Somerville Business

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure to be prepared if flood damage affects your theater by having SERVPRO on speed dial. Be ready to call right away.

Weather Events Can Cripple a Somerville Movie Theater

Storm systems that can affect the area present unique threats to Somerville businesses and water penetration to area movie theaters can be financially damaging in multiple ways. Flooding is one of the most damaging of these conditions, as standing water can prevent customer traffic, but it can also put fixtures and the contents of the structure at risk as well. Addressing storm and flood damage falls to the capable hands of our SERVPRO flood restoration specialists as well as our in-house contractors.

While flood damage in Somerville businesses like this movie theater can be detrimental enough, we must address structural concerns first, such as damage to the roof of the building. We have licensed contractors (#13VH05228000) that have experience in the building trades to provide emergency construction solutions like tarping services and board up. Preventing further water exposure can ensure that the mitigation steps to follow are successful.

Standing water affects multiple facets of your business, including the short pile carpeting through the hallways and in the individual screening rooms. Overexposure to this flooring material can require its removal and replacement. With concrete flooring beneath the carpet, it is vital to dry out this material as it can retain moisture for prolonged periods and facilitate mold colonization and mildew production.

One of the most considerable investments that your facility makes is the films shown in the theater from week to week. As these are leased items, they are in your building for limited periods and are meant to be handled with care and precaution after your rental period ends. While most screenings are no longer the large reel of film that used to get shipped to theaters across the country, the digital versions of these productions are just as susceptible to moisture damage. Regulating dampness with the establishment of drying zones and rapid moisture removal practices can protect these films and your overhead.

Flooding can have a damaging effect on many areas and items within your theater, and it is our priority to get your doors back open as quickly as possible. From our mitigation to our reconstruction efforts, you can look to our SERVPRO of West Somerset County team to be your one-stop-shop for recovery. Give us a call anytime at (732) 805-9944.

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Proof That SERVPRO’s Remediation Services in Hillsborough Are Exactly What You Are Looking For

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

When your flooding situation seems insurmountable, contact team SERVPRO for effective water removal and remediation services.

Team SERVPRO is Available 24/7 for Your Emergency Call

While you hope that you never need restoration services for your Hillsborough home to contend with a developing or recently extinguished disaster, it is calming to know that teams like our professionals exist. We have built, and continue to build, a strong reputation and report with our customers and the communities we serve based on our helpful responses in a crisis. You might have multiple choices when it comes to what team can address loss effects in your home after an emergency. With our successes and experience in the fire, water, mold, and storm damage arenas, it is not hard to see how choosing SERVPRO of West Somerset County can help your home or business.

Fire

Fires can be a devastating force for Hillsborough homes and present multiple layers of effects for homeowners to face after the flames get extinguished. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that because the fire is out, the situation cannot get any worse. In truth, effects like soot and odors continue to spread out through the property and worsen their grip on surfaces and the contents of the household. We also must address situations like water saturation and damages from the extinguishment process if the fire loss was substantial enough to require it.

Fire damage in Hillsborough homes involves overcoming several types of threats, including smoke odors, residues, soot, airborne contaminants, structural degradation, and debris removal. Each of these is a vital step towards returning a property to preloss condition. We have technicians accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in several related areas, such as Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), Odor Control (OCT), Carpet Cleaning (CCT), Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning (UFT), and Water Restoration (WRT.) The determination of which professionals your home needs happens during the thorough inspection conducted by our management when our team first arrives.

When fire losses have occurred, you do not have time to waste. Hillsborough properties can benefit from the fast response time that our professionals have, and how rapidly our restoration technicians can arrive with industry-leading equipment to help in whatever manner your home needs.

Mold

While many of the situations that our SERVPRO team faces throughout the area, few circumstances can be as hazardous to the wellbeing of our customers as widespread mold growth. As innocent as these circumstances might seem, mold spores can present health effects and make life challenging for your entire household. This situation continues to worsen the more that the organism can spread and affect new areas of your Hillsborough property.

Contending with the growth and spread of this harmful organism involves addressing not only its presence in materials but also reducing the concentration of mold spores in the affected areas and addressing the moisture and dampness concerns that allowed the colonization in the first place. We have a full division of Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians accredited through the IICRC, many of which have secondary certifications and endorsements for water restoration and structural drying. We can overcome the root cause of mold growth to help prevent the same threat in your Hillsborough home happening again in the immediate future.

We have effective remediation strategies that can protect hosting materials and contents whenever possible. While sometimes controlled demolition is the only suitable solution for colony removal, we also have practices like soda blasting, which can eliminate an organism from an organic surface in your Hillsborough home without damaging the substrate. No matter how widespread or ingrained mold damage might appear, our professionals can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Storm

Storms damages are a challenging situation to overcome for Hillsborough homeowners, mainly because every instance can be different. Storms can knock down trees, generate several feet of snow that buckle your roof, allow for ice damming that can flood your attic space. No matter how your home becomes affected by the threats in any season, you have a dedicated team of professionals that can help. We are an IICRC-certified firm, ensuring that we have an entire roster of technicians accredited in nearly every facet of the restoration industry to help with whatever situation your house is facing.

Another challenge of storm recovery that our SERVPRO team is qualified and prepared to address is how widespread these damages might become. With severe weather systems, many homes can suffer storm damage in Hillsborough simultaneously, and our professionals have trained to address these larger-scale disasters with our involvement in a large loss recovery team. This partnership gives us limitless resources to address the problems in our service area, including more personnel, products, equipment, and other helpful tools amid a crisis.

Flooding is a typical result of substantial storm damage, especially in scenarios where runoff, torrential rains, or rising bodies of water can occur. Once the water has penetrated your Hillsborough home, you need fast and deliberate mitigation of this situation before oversaturation and the deterioration of structural elements and construction materials occurs. Our professionals have powerful extraction and drying tools that can quickly recover compromised areas of your household, even amid a storm.

Water

Water loss incidents present a unique threat to every Hillsborough home, specifically because every property throughout our service area is at a persistent risk of these emergencies occurring. From failing water fixtures and plumbing to malfunctioning appliances, the possibility of water disasters never wanes. Our SERVPRO professionals have responded to countless water loss incidents, and maintain a level of preparedness that sets us apart from our competitors.

Saturation presents risks of deterioration of the exposed materials, contents, and structural elements. Within a single day, elements like drywall or plasterboard can absorb too much moisture to stay installed. These materials can swell and distort, and in some cases, collapse or break loose. This timetable makes the fast response of our team that much more critical, as we can often reach water damage in Hillsborough homes within hours of your initial call.

Our ability to quickly gain control of a water loss situation hinges on our efficient extraction and drying equipment. We continually evolve our inventory of recovery tools to always have the leading devices, products, and equipment that save our customers money and help our water restoration team preserve more of your damaged Hillsborough home.

Emergencies can strike with little warning, so trust the team that can show We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give our SERVPRO of West Somerset County team a call anytime at (732) 805-9944.

Click here to learn more about Hillsborough.

We Are Available 24/7 For Your Somerville Home After A Flood

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

A controlled demolition called a "flood cut" is often needed after flood damage enters a property. We have the equipment to handle any job.

Misconceptions About Flood Damage in Affected Somerville Homes that Hinder Recovery

Flooding is an unfortunate outcome, and just like any other related incident, people have various misconceptions about the recovery process. Such misconceptions can prevent you from taking the right steps after your property floods, worsening the situation, or delaying recovery. Hiring a professional like SERVPRO immediately your property floods saves you the hassle of deciding which steps are positive, and which ones are detrimental.

Entering the Home to Save valuables

One misconception that can hamper recovery after flood damage in your Somerville home is the belief that you can enter your home to save valuable contents. While in some cases it is possible to venture into the flooded home, it is rarely advisable. The risks, including the possibility of electric shocks and health problems from exposure to contaminants, out weight the benefit of saving a few items. Our SERVPRO technicians access such properties safely because we use PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, which eliminates the risks.

Dry Surfaces Mean the Job is Complete

Another misconception is thinking that extracting all visible water and drying surfaces completes the job. Water moves in different ways, including wicking through materials. Therefore, there is a high chance of some water finding a way into concealed areas or being absorbed deep into materials. Our SERVPRO technicians help find such water using various moisture detection tools. For example, thermal cameras utilize differences in temperature caused by moisture to identify wet areas. We also use moisture meters with probes to verify that materials that appear dry on the surface do not hold excess moisture deep within the material.

Doing It On Your Own

Thinking that you can handle the cleanup and rebuilding process that follows flood damage is also a misconception. Apart from the lack of resources such as equipment to tear down and clean the property, there are other reasons why choosing to do it on your own might not work. For example, you might have a hard time deciding to throw away items such as carpets or upholstery. However, a professional restorer understands that such porous materials are heavily contaminated and cleaning them to a sanitary level is not possible.

With the right information, restoring flooded property is not difficult. Call SERVPRO of West Somerset County to assist. You can reach us any time at (732) 805-9944. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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We Have The Experience And Training To Restore Your Hillsborough Home After A Fire

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our experts are here to help! We have the specialized cleaning techniques and advanced equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition.

How to Overcome Odors Hillsborough House Fires Leave Behind

Odor removal is one of the most popular services that professional restorers undertake after house fires occur in Hillsborough. Many property owners must contend with these effects after a fire loss on their property, but few have the resources and available equipment to address the problems directly and successfully. Our team invests in the latest tools and technology to ensure that we can quickly overcome widespread smoke odors when that time comes in the restoration of a property.

While odors can be an uncomfortable effect of fire damage in Hillsborough homes, it is rarely one of the first things that our professionals must address when arriving at your property. Fire losses involve multiple layers of effects that test the experience and training of our talented team with each project that we begin. While we have an entire division of technicians boasting endorsements from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), we also have the additional talent available to handle water restoration, odor control, and licensed (#: 13VH05228000) contracting specialists.

Once much of the mitigation and restoration efforts have completed, your property should be cleaner and easier to navigate. Our SERVPRO team can set up stationary deodorization equipment, which is highly effective for even substantial open square footage, or we can implement portable solutions that address more confined and inaccessible areas and materials. We have several options, and depending on the situation, we can use thermal foggers, hydroxyl machines, ozone generators, and potent cleaning products to help.

Our processes for odor elimination do not mask scents but neutralizes them on contact or break these compounds up on a molecular level. Our products and cleansing agents can permeate porous surfaces to eliminate trapped noxious odors from smoke and charring during the fire loss incident.

Many homeowners might initially believe that they can address many of the effects that small fires can leave behind, but without our advanced technology and expertise, odors can be a lingering threat for weeks after a fire gets extinguished. No matter how we can help, you can count on our SERVPRO of West Somerset County professionals when you need us most. Give us a call anytime at (732) 805-9944.

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Is Water Damaging the Tile in Your Somerville Home?

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is always on call-day or night-to handle your water loss emergencies!

How Tile Becomes Affected by Water Damage in Somerville Homes

Bathrooms of your Somerville home are an ideal place to expect water loss incidents to originate. With so many fixtures, it only takes irregular pressure in the pipes or weakening joints to develop a severe water damage situation. Many homes boast ceramic tiles for flooring in their bathrooms. Ceramic tile flooring is nearly impenetrable to even standing water, making them an ideal choice for installation in moisture-prone areas of the property.

Even with the seemingly impregnable composition of the ceramic tiles, it is still critical to start water removal in Somerville homes as promptly as possible. Grout and subflooring materials can wick moisture from standing water and allow for penetration underneath the tiles. This saturation of subflooring and grout still does not often damage or compromise the tiles themselves. However, it can create an issue with your flooring where these components lay unevenly, or tiles can get unseated.

Substantial water loss situations that result in the flooding of a particular room can be devastating for not only the flooring but also installed elements like the vanity and shelving. Our SERVPRO professionals have a 24/7 response with powerful extraction tools that can help to remove this standing water fast from the affected areas. Our equipment includes portable options like sump pumps and wet-vacs to our heavy-duty trash pumps and extractor trucks. When our Green Fleet arrives at an address, we have the right tool for every job.

One of the advantages of choosing our SERVPRO team to help with compromised tile flooring and plumbing concerns is our full-service team of general contractors. Our licensed (#13VH05228000) team can address all of the structural concerns and repairs necessary to make this water loss incident “Like it never even happened.”

We strive to provide every customer with a fast and confident response, which is why so many of our team have accreditations as Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) Our SERVPRO of West Somerset County specialists are here to help however you need us by calling (732) 805-9944.

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We Are Available 24/7 to Restore Your Hillsborough Home After A Flood

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

A controlled demolition called a "flood cut" minimizes the tear out needed of the contaminated sheetrock after flood damage strikes a property.

Why Fast Response from SERVPRO Keeps Flood Damage in Your Hillsborough Property Manageable

Floods cause both immediate and ongoing damages to the properties they affect. Unless the case involves a catastrophic weather event, it is possible to save the home and restore its preloss state. For most of the steps necessary to achieve this objective to work, they need to be completed in the early stages of the loss. Seeking professional flood damage restoration in Hillsborough should help.

We are always on call

Arriving within the shortest time possible is a critical element in restoring flood damage in affected Hillsborough properties. Availability of service 24 hours a day is the only way to ensure this since flooding can happen any time even at night. Our SERVPRO support department is reachable any time and can give you handy tips that can help reduce the damage in some areas of your property before our crews arrive to take charge.

Taking proactive action against mold

Flooding can have several long-term effects, including mold development and deterioration of materials through rotting or other problems. The moisture absorbed from the floodwater sparks these problems. Problems can develop even in areas of the property not submerged by the water due to evaporation, which increases relative humidity. Our SERVPRO technicians can counter this problem by ensuring sufficient ventilation at the loss site.

Protecting Vulnerable Parts of the Structure

While removing flood damage is a significant step in the restoration of flooded property, doing it the wrong way might cause problems in some parts of the structure. Speedy removal of water from the basement can cause walls to collapse and floors to buckle. Our SERVPRO technicians respond fast but take a controlled approach whereby we remove about a third of the water a day, ensuring your structure is safe. We also take other protective measures such as boarding up openings such as windows or doors if damaged during the flooding incident.

Fast response after flooding incidents is necessary, but any action taken should be the right one. Call SERVPRO of West Somerset County at (732) 805-9944 to help with the cleanup and restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Hillsborough.

SERVPRO Strives to Clean and Restore Children's Centers in Hillsborough after Fire and Smoke Losses

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Hillsborough Area, and Saving Summer Camp Activities after a Fire and Smoke Loss--Yeah SERVPRO!

Commercial Smoke Damage May Make Summer Activity Centers Unsafe for Hillsborough Children

Keeping children and younger teens occupied safely in entertaining and educational activities while their parents work or study helps the community of Hillsborough grow increasingly stronger. While such centers play an essential role for many families, each center needs to maintain its building well. Damaged areas quickly become off-limits, reducing the amount of space available. Large areas can affect the number of people allowed to occupy the building, and consequently affect funding.

The specialists at SERVPRO live and work in Hillsborough, so smoke and fire damage at your facility become a priority as soon as you call. We know how important your building's interior environment is to you and the parents of the participants at your center. We use specialized techniques to remove smoke residues from all of the surfaces youngsters might touch.

We do not want any youngsters to ingest any of the soot, as this can cause unwanted health effects. Many children, as well as teens, often put their fingers into their mouths. If their fingers are covered in smoke residue, this can cause problems. It also transfers easily to clothing and faces. As we perform cleaning and mitigation, we wear personal protective equipment, including respirator masks, to protect us from these risks.

We wipe down non-washable surfaces like books with a dry sponge. When this proves insufficient to remove all of the ash, we switch to a slightly damp cloth. We use an ultrasonic water bath to strip soot from washable toys and other pieces of equipment or Esporta industrial-grade washing machines. Fewer detergents are needed for cleansing and sanitizing.

Storytime and other activities that take place on the carpeting can ruin clothing. Movement on the carpet can send loosened ash back up into the air, getting into the lungs of each child. We use cleaning agents that breakdown soot so our extraction units can more easily pull soot out of the pile and leave it safe again. We inspect all treated areas before releasing them back for general use.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County wants to help you continue providing much-needed services to the families in Somerville, Bedminster, and Far Hills. Smoke and fire damage can prevent this, or severely diminish your ability to do so. Call (732) 805-9944 for professional mitigation services from people who care about our community, 24/7, every day of the year.

More about your city here.

How Our Experts Save Your Flood Damaged Home In Hillsborough

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County at (732) 805-9944 today.

Controlling Heat, Humidity, And Airflow To Manage Flood Damage In Your Hillsborough Property

Flooding situations are considered clean water emergencies when large quantities of water have entered the home from a clean water supply such as rainwater or burst pipe. Unlike contaminated water flooding, clean water incidents involve less replacement of contents with a stronger focus on preventing staining, warping, or shrinking through restoration and mitigation. However, the focus on a quick solution remains just as crucial in this type of flooding scenario as clean water can become contaminated with prolonged exposure to debris in the home.

A property with clean water flood damage in Hillsborough requires immediate professional attention. The goal of a SERVPRO water restoration technician (WRT) is to prevent microbial growth from occurring while restoring the property to its preloss condition. Microbes- including bacteria, mold, and viruses- can propagate quickly in a flood scenario leading to increasing levels of contamination in the home, which means relative humidity needs to be controlled throughout service.

The relationship between water, air, and temperature- referred to as psychrometrics- is an intricate balance. During water removal procedures, high temperatures and rapid air circulation are used to encourage evaporation. This method, in turn, increases humidity levels in the affected area which can, if left unchecked, provide the ideal conditions for microbial growth; at the same time, higher temperatures can increase the moisture content in the air and speed up the drying process significantly.

SERVPRO technicians manage this careful balancing act using thermal hygrometers to take regular readings of the affected areas relative humidity. In flooding situations, it is not uncommon for proper drying procedure to take several days during which time mold spores can form full colonies in areas of the home. SERVPRO ensure that the relative humidity is kept below 60% at all times during restoration to prevent unwanted secondary damages like mold growth from further complicating what is already a stressful experience for the homeowner.

Floodwaters can cause primary and secondary losses in your home if not managed correctly. Contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County at (732) 805-9944 today.

For more about Hillsborough click here.

We Are Available 24/7 For Your Hillsborough Fire Damage Restoration

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage at this home started in the wiring of the water heater. The actual fire damage was minimal, but there was a good deal of soot.

Fire Smoke Leads to Widespread Damage from Grime and a Foul Smell in Homes in Hillsborough

Homes in Hillsborough can experience a fire in any room, with bathrooms and kitchens the most likely sites, followed by utility areas and garages. Depending on the combustible materials in the vicinity, a fire produces different kinds of smoke. Less ventilated spaces contain less oxygen, causing incomplete combustion, resulting in thicker, denser smoke. The soot and liquid components of the smoke create strong unpleasant odors that permeate clothing, walls, and carpeting, among other things.

When we respond to a call from a Hillsborough homeowner about fire damage, we always bring the equipment and tools that help us eliminate associated odors. Minor fire damage can produce unexpectedly enormous amounts of smoke, which we work hard to quickly remove from your home wherever it may have become attached to surfaces. This includes personal belongings, furniture, walls, ceilings, and also the flooring in every room and hallway. When fires burn extremely hot, smoke can end up inside your walls, as well.

We regularly use air scrubbers during cleanup and mitigation to reduce the number of pollutants in the air. As soon as we finish the cleaning, mitigation, and restoration work, we clean the air again. During our work, we use several different methods approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These get your property cleaned up, so they look and smell like they did before the fire.

Personal belongings of durable materials come clean fastest with an ultrasonic bath. Without any bleaching action, the microscopic bubbles become a powerful means of cleaning soil of all types, including the heaviest carbon deposits. This includes tiny depressions and grooves that might otherwise harbor blackened reminders of the fire.

Carpets, because of their location, contain substantial amounts of smoke residue. We use unique combinations of cleaning agents to loosen the soot and other by-products of fire and extract these from the fibers. When homeowners call us immediately after a fire, we can often restore these, so no stained areas become locations of permanent damage.

Deodorizing fire damage normally requires treatments with UV light machines that create hydroxyl gas. This gas poses much less risk than ozone, and while it takes longer to achieve the same results, we can work while the machine operates. Other methods involved in making your home smell as it did before the fire use strong scents that cover odors as they slowly dissipate.

Our building services, General Contractor License # 13VH05228000, cover areas that require special handling, from removing and reinstalling drywall, cleaning up electronics, and tarping areas of your roof to prevent rain from increasing the amount of damage your house endures. We scale our services to both large and small jobs, regardless of complexity, to match our customers' needs.

When fire ruins part of your home in Somerville, Bedminster, or Far Hills, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County's emergency line at (732) 805-9944. We mitigate fire damage, clean up soot, and deodorize homes to make things “Like it never even happened.”

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Experience and Reliability Are Why SERVPRO Is Hillsborough’s Flood Damage Expert

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Let us help you today.

SERVPRO can give you the breakdown.

Flooding can cause significant damage to your Hillsborough home. Rapid water removal and efficient structural drying are required to get your property back to preloss condition. Overland flooding or sewer backups are common sources of residential water damage, so the company responding must be skilled in water category assessment, containment, and appropriate disposal protocols as well. Our decades of disaster remediation work are why we are ready and able to help with all flood recoveries.

When heavy rains overtax the Hillsborough sanitary system flood damage inside your home can include raw sewage as well as seepage from the wet ground around your foundation. The scenario includes the potential for serious health risks as human waste and landscaping chemicals can both be in the mix of fluids collected in your basement or lower level. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Reconstruction Certification (IICRC)-trained crews identify the flood water as Category 3 or black water. The ability to manage highly-contaminated water emergencies safely is why our team stands out among remediation providers in our region.

Our crew chief assesses the circumstances upon arrival and develops a plan the crew follows immediately. Water deeper than two inches pumps out, and wanded, truck-mounted extractors remove the remainder of visible fluids. Employees use thermal imaging to trace the path of any migration of the flood waters into building cavities. Limited demolition strategies like flood cuts or drilled holes release that water for containment and proper disposal. We measure moisture levels throughout the affected space as a baseline for drying goals. The skill our highly-qualified technicians bring when employing innovative and sensitive technology is another reason why SERVPRO delivers superior remediation results.

Our crews clean and disinfect the flood-damaged space, using EPA-registered antimicrobial products to inhibit mold growth and minimize the presence of any lingering pathogens. Powerful air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers dry out the cleaned and sanitized area. The positioning of the equipment and continual monitoring of moisture levels depend on our crew understanding the science of structural drying, which is why SERVPRO sends crews, including certified Applied Structural Drying (ASD) technicians.

Training in remediation industry best practices and investment in state-of-the-art equipment are why SERVPRO of West Somerset County meets all your flood damage needs. Call us at (732) 805-9944 when the water rises for a fast and professional response.

If you would like to know more about Hillsborough, click here.

We Handle All Aspects Of Flood Damage Restoration In Hillsborough

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage that precipitated this condition originated on the second floor. We showed up right away and began restoration. We are available 24/7.

Flood Damage Cleanup in Hillsborough Basement Uncovers Larger Issue

Due to recent storms and substantial rainfall in this area of the county, water damage from flash floods has affected homes. Because of the potential for contaminants in groundwater, it is the most severe level of water damage that can occur in a home and should be professionally cleaned up to avoid secondary issues.

When our SERVPRO Technicians arrived on site for a Hillsborough home flood damage cleanup at the what we found was not from groundwater rushing in from outside from the rains it was seeping up into the basement. This event happens when the ground gets overloaded with water and relieves the hydrostatic pressure by pushing water towards the path of least resistance, which in this case was the basement.

There was nowhere for the water to go, so there was some standing water in the basement. Our technicians sprayed disinfectant on the water and used submersible pumps to extract the water quickly. The cinderblock walls retained some water, so we drilled holes near the bottom of the mortar joint to let water drain and let air flow into the wall cavity.

In the past, the homeowner felt the basement had a humidity issue, and stored items in plastic bins, which saved many possessions from water damage. Up until now, the reason was unknown for the exact cause of the ongoing damp conditions. The property owner saw random puddles of water in the floor but thought it was the boiler expelling water.
During the drying process, we angled the air movers to blow directly over the concrete floor. A separate setup of air movers directed air flow into the holes that we drilled in the mortar joists to send warm, dry air into the wall cavity. Once dry, we cleaned and disinfected the walls and floors.

Our SERVPRO location possesses a general contractor license, and once we completed mitigation on the basement, we gave the homeowner the repairs needed on the foundation to avoid this scenario in the future.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County at (732) 805-9944 can turn around flood damage to your home. We handle all aspects of water damage mitigation from start to finish, including necessary repairs to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information on the many community organizations in our Hillsborough community.

Who Says Water Damage Remediation in Your Hillsborough Home Has To Take Over Your Life

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Dishwasher leaks can create a giant mess if not cleaned up correctly. Contact SERVPRO today for all your remediation needs.

Dishwasher Malfunctions Cause Water Damage in Hillsborough Homes

Many appliances are commonplace in Hillsborough homes and help to make everyday tasks simpler and more efficient. The trouble with these appliances like dishwashers is without the appropriate maintenance, upkeep, and proper usage, they can also be the cause of devastating water loss incidents. Even by getting these units serviced regularly, human error can allow these circumstances from this machine as well. Addressing water loss incidents immediately can help to protect affected elements, materials, and fixtures of your kitchen.

One of the main concerns with water damage originating from the dishwasher in your Hillsborough home is how quickly this pooling water can spread to neighboring rooms, areas, and throughout the kitchen itself. There are many surfaces and types of materials that can be in the path of this moving disaster, and once exposed, there is a finite amount of time to address saturation before irreparable damage occurs. Our SERVPRO professionals can help, as we offer a 24/7 response to water loss emergencies, arriving with the full measure of our experience and industry-leading equipment.

An issue with dishwasher malfunctions is that the shutoff valve is often placed in an inaccessible area such as behind the appliance or into the cabinetry below the counter. Our experienced SERVPRO contractors have plumbing experience as well as years of general contracting expertise in the building trades. If a break exists behind the unit or the valve needs turned off, we can work quickly to access this point and repair the plumbing there if needed.

Addressing the standing water is critical to protect water-resistant flooring in the kitchen and exposed fixtures like cabinetry and shelving. We have multiple extraction tools to help in this regard, from portable sump pumps and wet-vacs to larger and more powerful trash pumps that can remove pooling liquid at a much faster rate.

There are many phases and concerns when addressing water damage from loss incidents in your kitchen. We know how quickly these effects can spread, so our SERVPRO of West Somerset County professionals can arrive fast to get mitigation work started. Give us a call anytime you need us at (732) 805-9944.

Click here for more information about the city of Hillsborough.

Professionals Talk About High Tech Water Removal I Hillsborough

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is ready dry your home

Why SERVPRO Relies on Advanced Technology for Water Removal in Hillsborough

Water intrusion, whether caused by failures in plumbing systems or weather events such as driving rain, can leave copious amounts of water in your Hillsborough home. Even when the amount of standing water is minimal, different materials and contents might have higher than usual levels of moisture after the incident, which can be a problem.

Depending on the intensity of the spill, water removal in Hillsborough can take time to complete. A professional restoration team can use multiple units of high capacity water extractors to counter this. Our SERVPRO technicians use truck-mounted water extractors. We also have portable extraction units, which make access to different parts of the property more convenient.

Water removal is a two-stage process that starts with the extraction of liquid water, then drying follows. Extracting more water in liquid form reduces the effort needed to dry the property, which relies on evaporation. Our SERVPRO technicians use different extraction wands for different materials such as carpets and hard floors to maximize the water removed. We also drill weep-holes or make flood cuts to release the water trapped in wall cavities, ceilings and other concealed areas minimizing the amount of drying needed.

Drying the property is an unavoidable step especially since it helps prevent secondary problems such as mold development and bad odors. Using the right combination of equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers speeds up the process. As the name suggests, air movers increase air movements boosting evaporation rate. Dehumidifiers then extract the evaporated moisture from the air. They also exhaust warm air into the room boosting the drying process further. Our SERVPRO technicians use Low-Grain Refrigerants dehumidifiers and centrifugal air movers, which have more advanced features that boost efficiency. For example, centrifugal air movers exact higher static pressure on a given air volume improving their efficiency.

For better management of water intrusion in Somerville, Bedminster and Far Hills, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County to help. You can reach us at (732) 805-9944 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

The Most Important Elements of Flood Damage Remediation in Somerville

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

Whether flood damage affects your home from the outside or the inside, calling SERVPRO is your best recourse for effective water removal.

Helping the Somerville Community with Flood Damage

The removal of large amounts of water from your home is best left to a professional. Often, flooding the home can create personal health risks. Structures weaken, fabrics can become stained and electrical wiring can become hazardous. We offer an experienced team of restorers who can conduct a professional risk assessment and carry out vital mitigation tasks.

It is essential to use a local service for flood damage in Somerville. Short call-out times can help to reduce the risk of permanent damages occurring from prolonged exposure to moisture. SERVPRO is a local company, but with the benefit of national resources which means we can arrive quickly and mobilize the necessary equipment for substantial scale water removal.

The primary method of removing water is by pumping it out into an open sewer point. SERVPRO deploys these pumps that are powered by gas and can reduce the level of standing water significantly. Afterward, we can move in using water extraction units to dry residual moisture without risking damage to fabrics that may be weaker when wet. Often, the combination of these two types of equipment is enough to get a home back to its natural dry state.

The remaining problems with flood damages tend to be odor related. Water carries microbes that can exacerbate a pre-existing issue or create the unpleasant odor of stagnation. We bring in thermal foggers that vaporize deodorant liquid and can be used either in the affected area or throughout the home for more severe odor issues. We can also treat surfaces with spray-on deodorants to mask odors until they dissipate naturally.

In our line of work, communication is key. SERVPRO has worked with local insurance providers as well as general contractors to ensure that our customers only have to deal with one company throughout service. We can create an inventory of items as well as services carried out for you to pass on to your adjuster and always conduct a walkthrough with you to show you what and where remediation tasks have been done.

Over the years we have refined our restoration service to make it increasingly efficient and professional, contact SERVPRO of West Somerset County at (732) 805-9944 today.

Click here for more information about the city of Somerville.

Hillsborough Homeowners Appreciate the Professional Approach SERVPRO Takes for Fire Loss Cleanup

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

When the Flames Are Out after a Hillsborough Fire--time to Call SERVPRO for Mitigation and Cleanup

How Professionals Manage Fire Damage in Hillsborough

A household fire brings normal life in Hillsborough to a halt. Moving your pets and family members to a safe place is a priority. When you return to survey the scene after first responders extinguish the fire, it might be difficult to recognize the sooty, waterlogged shell as your home. Setting things right after a fire is a complex and labor-intensive proposition. Our managers and crews are uniquely qualified to take on the challenge.

After your call, our team arrives at your Hillsborough home as soon as possible to assess the fire damage. We determine what tasks are most critical, assigning a work crew to begin the first item on the list immediately.

We often recommend a pack-out of the contents located in the fire-damaged area as a first step. SERVPRO uses a detailed Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to track articles removed. Our production facility technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to clean, dry, deodorize, and restore items, and then store your property in a climate-controlled area until we transport it back to your home after the fire damage mitigation completes.

At your home, we address fire fighting water and chemical removal. Because our service vehicles contain the equipment and products we need no delay is necessary. Pumps and extractors are truck-mounted, on the job even if your power is temporarily disconnected. Other members of the SERVPRO team evaluate and get to work cleaning up the soot damage throughout your house. We match cleaning tools, methods, and products to the different types of residues deposited as the fire consumed a variety of fuels room to room.

SERVPRO helps determine if any foods or personal care products need disposal. Even if they look untouched, heat can spoil the contents of cans and bottles and soot is fine enough to bypass even the threads on a jar, clearing contaminating boxes and bags of consumables.

Persistent odors after a fire are common. SERVPRO technicians rely on IICRC training and strategies to eliminate odors. We invest in technologies such as thermal foggers, ozone machines, and hydroxyl generators to neutralize particularly strong smoky smells.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County has the experience, training, and equipment to make the fire damage to your home and its contents “Like it never even happened.” No matter what time of the day or night, one call to (732) 805-9944 results in a highly-qualified crew coming your way.

More about our local FD by clicking.

September is National Preparedness Month

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

Take advantage of National Preparedness Month to review your readiness for emergencies and remember to keep SERVPRO’s number in your kit! 732-805-9944

“Don’t Wait, Communicate!”

Prepare BEFORE an emergency!

The following steps can help you be ready in case of an emergency:

Make a disaster supplies kit.
- One gallon of water per person (and pet!) per day for at least three days.
- Non-perishable food, at least a three-day supply; manual can opener for food.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask to filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Local maps (not on your phone!).
- Cell phone with charger, inverter, or solar charger.
- For more supply kit recommendations click here.

Make an Emergency Communication Plan that answers the following questions for your family or household:
- How will we get emergency alerts and warnings?
- How will we get to safe locations for relevant emergencies
- How will we get in touch if cell phone, internet, or landlines don’t work?
- How will I let loved ones know I’m safe?
- How will we get to a meeting place after the emergency?
- For more details, click here.

Download the FEMA app for alerts and more information here.

For more information about the different kinds of emergencies you can prepare for, click here.

And of course, make sure you have SERVPRO of West Somerset County’s number (732-805-9944) in your kit in case of any damage to your home or property. That way, we can get right to work helping you make it “like it never even happened!”

Professional Recommendations to Help Spring Cleaning

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today at 732-805-9944 for your deep spring cleaning!

Beginning with the right tools will help this year’s spring cleaning go quickly

It looks like it’s finally really spring in New Jersey, and that means spring cleaning! To help you out we have some recommendations from the professionals at the Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our SERVPRO crew members are certified by the IICRC so you know we have the training and experience to help you if you want to take your spring cleaning to the next level.

The IICRC identifies the following eight tools as the best to keep on hand for cleaning your property:

Microfiber cloths attract more dirt than you ever thought could be present, and distilled water is one of the most powerful solvents available while also being safe. The combination is unstoppable!
One damp and one dry cloth to follow it to make sure you pick up all the dirt and prevent streaking.
A white or blue non-scratch scrubbing sponge or microfiber cloth for hard to remove dirt. Green sponges usually have a risk of scratching surfaces. Remember that sponges can harbor germs, so keep the bathroom and kitchen separate.
A plastic or metal spackling knife or spatula to cover with a cloth and reach into edges and other tight spaces and between louvered door slats.
A NEW toothbrush – that’s right. While cleaning is a great reuse for an old toothbrush, consider getting a new one or even a scrub brush in a similar design to attack the difficult areas with the extra force of new bristles.
A razor blade, when used carefully and safely, can be irreplaceable in removing residue from hard surfaces such as tape or paint on a window. Always test first to make sure it won’t damage the surface you are trying to clean, and use at an acute angle to the surface.
A general purpose cleaner and a tile cleaner will take care of heavy dirt and mold better than distilled water.
Carry a plastic bag with you to collect trash and debris, saving you from having to clean up after your cleaning.

Bonus: A cleaning caddy with a handle or a bucket with pockets will be indispensable in keeping all your tools together as you move through your home or business.

Making a plan of the order in which to do your cleaning will give you direction and purpose and make sure you are thorough, completing each room before moving on to the next. Another good tip to keep in mind is to clean each room from the top down, that way you won’t have to clean the floor again if you knock dust off a high shelf.

If even after all these tips you think you may have a job for the professionals, call SERVPRO at 732-805-9944 and our experienced and IICRC-certified crew will be happy to give your commercial or residential property a deep clean!

Source

Building Services Management Magazine: April 2014; Eight Tools for Spring Cleaning and IEQ.

http://www.iicrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bsm-1.pdf

National Poison Prevention Week

3/24/2016 (Permalink)

National Poison Help Line 1-800-222-1222

“Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons!”

“Poisoning Spans a Lifetime.”

March 20 through 26 is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2016 National Poison Prevention Week. This makes it a good time to review the medications, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, laundry detergents, and other chemicals your keep around the house, particularly if you have children or pets. A recent survey by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding pesticide use in and around the home revealed that almost half (47%) of all households with children under the age of 5 had at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet, and less than 4 feet off the ground (i.e., within reach of children). The survey also found that 75% of households without children under the age of 5 also stored one pesticide within reach of children.

A few selected recommendations are listed below. Please see the links under “Sources” at the bottom of the page for complete information.

Always read the label: review all warnings and storage recommendations for everything you buy, and regularly review directions for safe use.
Store items out of reach and out of sight of children or pets: cabinet locks found at any hardware store can help keep little fingers and paws away from danger.
See your home from the perspective of children and pets: crawl around on your hands and knees to spot potential issues you might not usually see.
Never store cleaning chemicals, pesticides, laundry detergents, or anything else potentially dangerous in containers that could be mistaken for food or drink (i.e. cups, water bottles).
Keep chemicals in their original containers; or if transferring them to something such as a spray bottle, label it very clearly along with particular dangers (i.e. use with gloves).
Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after use or if you have to step away from a container you are in the process of using.
Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicine; always check the dosage. Avoid taking medicine in front of children and never refer to it as “candy.”
Alert all adults and caregivers coming into your home to potential dangers. When travelling to a home without children or pets (i.e. grandparents), make sure they have gone through these steps to avoid problems. A study conducted for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by the American Association of Poison Control Centers found that 23 percent of the oral prescription drugs that were ingested by children under 5 belonged to someone who did not live with the child.
Keep the number for Local Poison Control in a prominent place in your house and programmed on your cell phone: 800-222-1222.
Hold on to the label of anything someone might have ingested in order to provide the information to emergency personnel.

By following and reviewing these basic guidelines as well as the information provided by the EPA and HRSA at the links below, you can ensure the safety of everyone under your roof.

Sources

US Department of Health and Human Services – Health Resources and Services Administration – Poison Help: http://www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/

EPA - Pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides

EPA - Reduce Your Child’s Chances of Pesticide Poisoning: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/reduce-your-childs-chances-pesticide-poisoning

EPA - Protecting Pets from Fleas and Ticks: https://www.epa.gov/pets

http://www.poisonprevention.org/

Home Fire Danger Peaks During Holiday Season

12/3/2015 (Permalink)

Local SERVPRO^® restoration specialist cites statistics on escalated cooking and candle fire risk that can turn festivities into a fire drill

Warren, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) December 3, 2015 -- As the holiday season approaches and families gear up for decorating their homes and hosting large gatherings of friends and family, John Zoephel of SERVPRO^® of West Somerset County reminds homeowners to take note of some sobering statistics about home fire safety from the National Fire Prevention Association:

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires. The three peak days for home cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.¹

Candles fires peak in December. The top three days for candles fires are Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.²

“These statistics are a serious reminder of how the excitement of holiday entertaining can quickly turn into a life-altering fire or even a tragic injury or death,” says Zoephel. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for a great holiday get-together, homeowners need to exercise extra care in controlling the dangerous potential for fires.”

According to the NFPA³, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of home cooking fires, with frying posing the greatest fire risk and electric ranges posing a higher risk than gas ranges. Range top cooking in general started the majority of home cooking fires and caused 86 percent of related civilian deaths for the reporting period.

While incidents of candle fires peaked in 2001 and have been falling since, candles are still one of the top 10 causes of U.S. home fires, according to the NFPA. As with cooking fires, unattended or abandoned candles account for a large portion of candle fires–almost 20 percent–but the most frequent cause of candle fires is placing the candle too close to something that can burn, like curtains, decorations or furniture.

“It’s easy to see why cooking and candle fires both peak during the holiday season,” says Zoephel, “and it’s also easy to see why homeowners need to take extra care when decorating their homes or entertaining. A moment’s inattention at the stove or a guest repositioning a candle on a tabletop may be all it takes to turn the festivities into a fight to save property and lives. While our business is fire and water damage restoration and we stand ready to help at a moment’s notice if disaster does strike, our sincere hope is that our friends and neighbors will enjoy a fire-free and festive holiday season.”

For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com. For more information on SERVPRO^® of West Somerset County, please contact John Zoephel at (732) 805-9944 or office@SERVPROnesc.com.

¹ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking

² http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/candles

³http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO^® Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of nearly 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar losses. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Follow us!

9/24/2015 (Permalink)

Our team is ready 24/7 to respond to all your fire and water cleanup and restoration needs.

SERVPRO of West Somerset County is happy to announce our expanding web presence. We can now be found on Google +, Facebook, Yelp, and LinkedIn with our full name, and on Twitter and Instagram under the name SERVPROWSC. Follow us for information about upcoming events, seasonal tips for protecting your property, and more! We look forward to sharing the insight we’ve gained in over sixteen years of remediation and restoration in Somerset County, NJ.

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

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