How to Choose the Right Restoration Company

11/23/2023 (Permalink)

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

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

Check the Location

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

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

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

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

Licenses and Certifications

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

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

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

Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC
• Employee Certification
• Initial Franchise
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

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

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

Check Out Reviews and Recommendations

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

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

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

Review Past Projects

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

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

What SERVPRO of West Somerset County Can Do

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

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

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

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

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

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

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

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Contact us now!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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