Common Sources of Water Damage ~ Let SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Handle the Clean Up

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County help with Water Damage Cleanup to avoid more costly future damages.

Nobody expects water damage, caused from with in our homes, but occasionally, we have to deal with it anyway.

But knowing the typical places these kinds of accidents may occur is a first (and big) step toward keeping them from happening.

Toilets. The toilet is one of your most-used water sources, and that means that the rubber flapper inside the tank and the valve seal underneath it are prone to wear out and develop leaks over time.

Appliances. Your refrigerator, dishwasher or any appliance that transports water may develop leaks from various hoses or joints. Washing machine disposal pipes are particularly prone to deterioration, and old water heaters have even been known to burst.

Clogged gutters. Leaves fall, dirt collects and debris clogs. These things all happen in your gutters, and when they do, you’ll find yourself with water backing up into your house, either in the roof and attic, or streaming down interior walls.

Roof damage. Your roof really takes a beating, bearing the brunt of harsh, daily sunshine, regular rain and occasional hail. All these things can cause your shingles and flashing to degrade over time.

Pipes. Pipes fail for a number of reasons, from rust to water pressure to faulty joints. Keeping plumbing updated is a real headache-saver. Another scenario that’s harder to catch is the presence of tree roots in outdoor lines.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. You probably know that coffee grounds can clog your disposal—foods like rice and potatoes can, too. Anything that collects into a sludge or retains a lot of moisture can cause backups or blockages.

Taking regular stock of your water systems at home can save you some hassle, time and frustration, and allow you to go to bed pretty confident that your house will be dry inside in the morning.

Learn more about water damage tips.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO® today so we can get started.

24-Hour Emergency Service When You Need It Most from SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County has training and experience cleaning fire, smoke and soot damage.

It was the worst. Before the advent of same-day delivery, order-ahead apps and instant pots, there were things you simply couldn’t get right away.

And before 24-hour emergency service, cleanup and recovery for damaged homes was one of those things.

But now we live in the “now” age, and you can get instant help from your Eastern Rockland County SERVPRO® mere moments after you experience a recovery need at home or at your business, even if it happens in the middle of the night or on a holiday weekend.

That’s not only convenient, it can save you further trouble and cost.

After a fire. The immediate effects of a fire are painfully obvious to the eye. But you may not realize the hidden, quick work being done by soot, the tiny, sticky particle bits left over after incomplete combustion. These latch on to carpet and surfaces instantly and start digging in, creating stains in minutes.

In a matter of a few hours, soot and its partner smoke can cause irreparable damage to walls, ceilings, flooring and furniture. You don’t have time to wait, and we won’t make you.

After water damage. The timeline to active mold after water damage is a measly 48 hours. After that time, you’re guaranteed to have mold on damaged walls and affected surfaces in moistened areas. It’s imperative that water be removed and thoroughly extracted from your home right away, because mold can cause health problems, as well as threaten your home’s structural integrity.

There are all kinds of possibilities for acute damage when storms and natural disasters rip through town as well. And while you can’t be fully prepared for all of them, you can know the right call to make to get help as soon as your issue presents itself. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a tornado, you always know you’ve got help right away when you call the industry leaders at SERVPRO.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Damages Storms Can Do | SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Can Help

3/21/2024 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County your first call.

Severe weather has a way of ruining the day sometimes. When you own a home, you have the double worry of both your family’s safety and how well your property will do.

Most modern homes can withstand some pretty strong storms; however, sometimes damages just can’t be stopped.

Seasonally, we are faced with thunderstorms, hail and lightning when it is warm, and freezing rains, snow and sleet when it is cold. No matter the kind of storm the season brings, they all create a threat for your home.

The kind of threat will depend on the type of storm moving in, the geographic location of your home and even the landscaping you have on property. The building materials used to construct your home are even a part of your risk factor when it comes to determining the ways you may experience storm damage. And sometimes how you weather a storm simply comes down to luck.

New York weather can present a few different types of risks throughout the year. In the warmer months, we can see strong thunderstorms and even an occasional tornado.

In the winter, we often experience snowstorms and freezes. We need to be prepared for not only these threats but also the possibility of high winds and flooding throughout the year. The more we are able to learn about the kinds of damage we may experience, the safer we can stay.

Wind

Wind becomes a destructive force when it reaches high speeds and pummels buildings with strong gusts. These kinds of winds always come with tornadoes and hurricanes, but even a thunderstorm can pack winds of up to 100 mph.

When wind reaches this kind of strength, it can throw debris around or knock trees over quickly. If a storm moves in with high winds, make sure you shelter in an interior room of your home. Debris can easily pierce walls or break windows when it is thrown about.

You can take the time before a storm rolls in to clean up any loose limbs or rocks in order to minimize the risk of wind damages your home may receive. Be sure to anchor down any furniture and take out any unhealthy trees as well before they can be knocked over.

Water

Water damage is one of the top forms of damage across the United States. A storm, even when it is not severe, can contain heavy rains that create ponding water that can seep through doors or window seals.

If a substantial amount of rain falls and creates saturated soil, the foundation of your home may be at risk as water begins to rise through your floor. This can even create structural damage.

To mitigate your risks of taking on water, consider using any space outside of your home to force water to roll away. Use strategic landscaping to create slopes or consider installing a rain garden. This is a curb-appealing and highly effective way to absorb moisture before it can pool up and create a problem for your home.

You should also keep your gutters cleaned out year-round in order to ensure water moves away from your house. When your gutters are dirty or clogged, water can pool on your roof, which can lead to a leak that affects your home from the top down.

Impact

Another common form of damage that can happen in just about any storm is “impact damage.” Impact damage occurs when one object hits another (or impacts it) as a result of wind or saturated soils. Fallen trees are one of the most common forms of impact damage, and impact damage can be completely destructive.

The best way to protect your home from impact damage is to keep trees trimmed or removed when they are dying or have grown too close to your home.

In 2021, weather caused over $145 billion in damages across the United States. When you take the time to prepare your home and yourself, you can save money and stress knowing that you are riding out the storm as safely as possible.

If your home is damaged during a storm, call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ to start your restoration faster. Our professionals are your neighbors, and we want to get you back to life as it should be.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

How Water Damage Advances As Time Passes | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

So you noticed a slight, steady drip of water coming from your ceiling. For the moment, a bucket can easily take care of the mess, and you don’t think much of the water since it’s a small amount.

However, you should never underestimate the destructive effects moisture can have on your home. The average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year, with much of that water circulating somewhere in your home.

It’s vital you address water damage before it gets out of a hand to prevent irreparable damage. Moisture will quickly seep into your floors, walls and soft surfaces. You can expect any significant water damage to follow this destructive path:

<h2the-first-24-hours">In the First 24 Hours

In your Eastern Rockland County house, there is a one in four chance of a flood damaging your home within a 30-year period in a high-risk area. Knowing what to do next is essential.

You want to take advantage of the first 24 to 48 hours because it will become much harder to salvage items after this point. Fragile personal belongings like books and photographs will immediately fall victim to water’s harmful effects.

Soft furnishings and upholstery will soak through, and wooden structures can swell from the moisture. In addition, mold typically starts to develop within this timeframe. It’s essentially you act quickly.

SERVPRO’s expertise and “restore vs replace” mentality can help you save money and preserve precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced, such as family heirlooms. Our experts will go ahead and remove any salvageable items to speed up the drying process. If we encounter any items that cannot be saved, we will communicate this to you as soon as possible.

<h2the-first-week">Within the First Week

After the first 24 hours, water damage will progress further and quickly. At this point, mold will begin to form, and it can spread like wildfire with excessive moisture. Mold will also lead to further structural damage.

Additionally, porous surfaces, such as wood surfaces and walls will become increasingly compromised, and metal surfaces will start corroding.

<h2one-week">After One Week

Most likely, the damage will have progressed significantly, perhaps even too far, by this point. You want to avoid letting moisture sit and fester in your home for over a week because as time goes on, the costs and efforts to restore your property will increase significantly, as will the risks of structural damage.

<h2SERVPRO-will-help">How SERVPRO Will Help

Here’s where we come in. Our Eastern Rockland team of specialists will start the restoration process as soon as you make that first call. Service work typically begins by drying your home completely and extracting excess water to prevent any more damage.

Mostly likely, floors, furniture and other belongings will require cleaning, sanitizing and deodorization. After the bulk of the water has been removed, our specialists will use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see.

Once these steps are completed, our team can move on to the construction phase, where we will make minor or major repairs to your home. We will do whatever it takes to get your property back to its preloss condition.

Allow our team to simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. SERVPRO will keep you up to date on every step and have you back in your home or business in no time.

Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us 24⁄7 when you need a dependable team to help you recover.

Summer Backyard Safety Tips | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

7/17/2023 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to learn more.

The summer season means the rise of backyard events like family reunions and graduation parties, gender reveals, and church socials, all of which definitely call for a good barbecue session. What’s a party without chicken wings, right?

Unfortunately the rise in backyard activity also brings with it an increase in fires. 

So what can you do to ensure your backyard parties are safe this season? Here are a few places to start:

The grill. Whether it’s propane, charcoal or a big fancy smoker, your grill needs fire to get going, and that makes it an automatic danger. Make sure the grill is sturdy and in good working order, and that it has no breaks, leaks or rusted-out spots. Never use liquid accelerants once the fire is going, and make sure the grill is safely away from anything flammable, including the side of the house. And don’t forget about cleanup! Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

The fire pit. A favorite gathering place for many, the fire pit is a wonderful place for having conversation and roasting marshmallows in the evening. But make sure you are doing it safely. Never leave any fire unattended, and never leave children unattended beside any fire. Make sure you have a bucket of water with which to douse any errant flames, and use that same bucket to slowly, safely put out the fire when you’re finished. And avoid adding anything like leaves or pine needles to your fire, because those can easily create flying embers that put your yard and neighborhood at risk of wildfire.

The chimney and dryer vent. These aren’t technically backyard-related, but you should do them anyway while you’re thinking about fire safety in the spring or summer. Make sure your chimney gets clean and clear of built-up ash or soot, and check your dryer’s vent pipe to make sure that lint hasn’t gathered inside.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

How Much Do You Know About Floods? | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

Did You Know? 

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you home or business is near a coastline, along a city street, in the mountains, near a river or even in a desert--there is always a potential for flood  damage. 

Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. 

The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc. In September 2021, remnants of Hurricane Ida tore through New York and New Jersey. In Rockland, 85 people were rescued from submerged cars during the storm. Several roads had to be closed, and Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc. reported nearly 1,500 power outages during that time.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.

Snow-melts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice dams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact the Professionals at SERVPRO, even minor floods can lead to major damage when not treated quickly and properly. Cleaning up after a disaster yourself is often an overwhelming task.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Technicians have the training and specialized equipment to dry hard to reach places such as between walls and hardwood floors.  It's not only the equipment but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying standards are being met.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

Commercial Services to Make Your Business Shine | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for all your cleaning needs

SERVPRO is the industry leader when it comes to home restoration and recovery. We make sure homeowners struck by flooding, water damage or physical disasters of any type receive the attention and recovery they need, and that their restoration process is total.

But did you know we also offer the same services and more for businesses? You better believe we do.

We offer everything for business owners we provide for homeowners, and then some! What’s the “then some,” you ask? How about ultra-grade commercial cleaning, so you can present your best look to employees, customers and potential clients.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Size

Your business service is what you do best, and we make it our mission to help you keep your focus there, while we focus on cleaning and sanitizing your facilities. We do this everywhere, including:

Stores, supermarkets and retail spots. Give your customers the clean feeling that makes them feel good about coming in and spending some time.

Scholastic facilities and athletic venues. Regular cleaning by teachers and students, though certainly well-intended, is only getting rid of half the bacteria that resides on desks and chairs, and the numbers are even worse when we start talking about things like printers and computers. We can make it safer at schools by providing the kind of cleaning you only get from SERVPRO.

Healthcare facilities. Hospitals, nursing facilities and outpatient treatment centers require a high level of sanitation care, and we can provide it.

Resorts, hotels and casinos. When people are mingling and hospitality is key, we can help you make sure everything is clean and safe.

Restaurants and foodservice facilities. Whether you’re serving, preparing or manufacturing food products, you need a spotless, germ-free space, and we can make it happen.

Commercial complexes and managed properties. Anywhere people live, play or do business, we can improve the experience by providing a next-level cleaning.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Choose SERVPRO for Odor Removal | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County day or night.

With experts all around the nation, SERVPRO is the well-known restoration and cleaning provider that can handle your mold-, water- or fire-damaged home or business. What you may not know, though, is that we also handle odor removal services.

We all hope to never deal with the stress that comes along with a disaster on our property. In the midst of recovering, worrying about how things smell is probably the last thing on your mind.

Every kind of disaster, whether it is from a storm, flood or fire, can create odors that may linger long-term when remediation doesn’t happen quickly. Even when your home looks sparkly and new, smells might be hiding out in places you never thought possible.

The good news is: Our professionals can kick odors out of your house completely and quickly.

Winter Storms Are on Their Way Again: Here’s How to Prepare | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for fast, restorative solutions.

Not to steal a phrase or anything, but winter is coming. Whether you love it or dread it, cold weather is on its way back to New York again, alongside holiday parties, religious festivals, family gatherings and the prospect of a new year.

Living in Rockland County means dealing with winter’s potentially harsh and dangerous weather, so let’s run down the list of things you need to prepare as it heads your way.

Protect Your Family

Does your family know what to do in the event of an emergency? You need an emergency action plan to help everyone know what to do, where to meet and how to stay in contact during a crisis.

Take time to winterize your vehicle, whether by yourself or with the help of a mechanic. Check all major systems, as well as your battery, fluids and tires. Replace or repair anything that needs attention before you find yourself on the side of the road during a freeze, or on a slick road with bald tires.

And finally, keep your family’s emergency kits stocked up, both at home and in the car, including fresh clothes and sturdy shoes.

Protect Your Home

Frozen pipes are a serious issue in the cold clutches of winter. Avoid this source of intense water damage by letting your faucets leak during deep freezes, and insulating pipes where needed.

Check your home’s heat systems and perform any necessary repairs to avoid being left in the cold. It’s better to do a little maintenance while weather is still relatively mild than to be suddenly left without heat during an intense cold snap.

If you use any wood-burning appliances for heat or recreation, make sure furnaces and flumes are clean, and that you have proper ventilation to avoid smoke damage or inhalation.

If you notice cold air leaking indoors, check to see whether you may need to reseal your windows or add some insulation in the attic.

Protect Your Pets

Your dogs and cats aren’t made to handle cold weather, so bring them in where they can be comfortable.

Any outdoor livestock should have adequate shelter and access to non-frozen water.

Watch for Melts and Flooding

When heavy snow and thick ice melt, they can cause dangerous floods. From ice dams on your roof exploiting leaks in your roof to creeks and ponds flooding, always be careful during a seasonal thaw.

As always, stay tuned into local news outlets, and let weather apps and national agencies send you alert notifications by phone or text.

If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for fast, restorative solutions.

How will I know if my Basement Has Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course

The basement of your Rockland County home can be a great utility area in a home. It can serve as bonus living space if it’s fully furnished, but it can also serve as a storm shelter for the family if needed or just some extra storage.

But because true basements are mostly or fully underground, they are prone to taking on some of the water and moisture from the surrounding area, creating potential for some unwanted situations.

It’s almost a statistical certainty that at some point a homeowner with a basement will have to deal with some degree of water intake. Below, we will look at some of the signs that water damage is present in your basement. If you need mitigation or if you just need someone to take a closer look, our well-trained teams are always here to take your call.

Signs of Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. The groundwater that enters basement spaces may not be dirty like water that comes up from a sewer backup, but over time, it stagnates and evaporates, creating that signature basement aroma. Many people believe basements inherently smell a little musty, but that’s not the case. The odor arises when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while they may be hard to see initially, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Even seasoned homeowners sometimes believe that a layer of waterproof paint will do the job when it comes to preventing water leakage from the outside. Unfortunately, even the best paint will only hold back groundwater leakage for so long. Water that seeps in will inevitably bubble under and flake the paint, creating cracks and gaps and laying the groundwork for mold and mildew.

Foundational cracks. Cracks in the foundation should be taken very seriously, even though many houses do shift over time. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls and often signify that dangerous pressure is being applied to your structure due to water leaks. If hairline cracks appear, don’t panic, but keep an eye on them. If they begin to expand, call us right away.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more