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.

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.

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

Stop Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for quick and professional restoration.

A new year means new opportunities to tackle some projects that can make life a little easier. This year, make one of those projects protecting your home from water damage.

By adding a few simple steps into your regular routines, you could lower your risks and save your family money by avoiding the need for costly repairs.

Water is one of the top causes of damage to private property, and a hole the size of a pin can cause complete chaos in your home. Make a resolution you can keep this year and make changes that will protect your home.

<h3causes-water-damage">What Causes Water Damage?

To prevent damage, you need to first know where it comes from. Water leaks can start on the inside or the outside of your home.

Outside, gutters and heavy downpours are common sources, while inside bathroom fixtures and large appliances often cause issues.

Pipes that have aged and worn-out or caulking that has broken down around windows can also lead to excess moisture in your home. When a leak is left unattended, it can result in mold growth or even rotted walls and floors.

Appliances that come into contact with water can begin to rust or stop working all together. The faster an issue is identified and the source is addressed, the more damages can be mitigated.

<h3to-prevent-damage">How to Prevent Damage

It only takes a little water to do a lot of damage, but there are a lot of ways to avoid complete destruction. Finding the problem early is the best way to avoid total losses, and when you are active in prevention, catching a leak will be simple.

To find water where it doesn’t belong, make a habit of checking your bathrooms and kitchen for damp spots or mold growth. When it rains, run your hand along the window seal to check for moisture. Give the kids a giggle by sniffing around the house to check for musty odors.

Take a look at your roof once a month and after wind events. Look for missing or loose shingles, and after a snowstorm moves out, feel for soft spots.

Make sure your gutters are cleared year-round, but particularly before winter storms to prevent the possibility of ice dams forming. Clean the area around the downspouts regularly as well so when the snow does melt it can flow away from your home well.

Use your yard as another way to protect your home. Keep a gentle slope away from your home built by adding soil as needed. This is another area you want to check after one of our snowstorms moves out to ensure there hasn’t been too much erosion.

Incorporating simple steps into your pre-existing housekeeping routines can save your home from damages that could lead to extensive and costly repairs later. Plus, you can pat yourself on the back for finally making a resolution you kept!

Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.

How Water Can Enter Your Home | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.

A slow water leak can go unnoticed for a long time, but you can train yourself to check for signs. When there is too much moisture in an area, the air quality can be lowered, creating a musty and unpleasant smell. You may also notice peeling or bubbled paint, stains or even cracks that could be indicative of water somewhere it is not supposed to be.

Your appliances could also begin to rust if there is a leak nearby. While these are all subtle indications that you have a leak, the most obvious sign of water intrusion will always be a puddle on the floor.

Water damage can run very deep and create serious problems in the home. The more you learn about how to detect, prevent and correct them the safer you can keep your house.

Property Protection From Flooding Both Inside and Out | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to get the restoration process started right away.

Protecting your home from flooding should be a priority on every homeowner’s list, regardless of location. Damage can happen from even just an inch of water, and any damage will always leave you with a large repair bill.

When you live in an area that is not considered at high risk for flood activity, you may not be eligible for help from insurance companies or federal funding. This makes taking care of your property and mitigating your risks even more essential.

While we may feel pretty landlocked in our part of New York, we have still seen a good deal of flooding over the years. Heavy storms in the summer can leave the streets impassable, and snow melt at the end of winter can turn things sloshy all over again.

It is essential to know not only the risks our entire region faces but to also understand your personal risks so you can put prevention into action.

The Water You Don't See: Water Removal and Dehumidification by SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

For help restoring your home after a water loss, call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County at 845-753-3730.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. 

We have a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our trained SERVPRO staff. 

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters  are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materails. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO staff can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
• Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easliy penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. 
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attch to and neutralize odor-causing particles. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County we have the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Give us a call at 845-753-3730.

Understanding Water Damage: Different Types of Water

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for any size water damage disaster.

When a Rockland County home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. 

There are three types of water:

• Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean.
• The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.
• Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. 

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water: 

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 
• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building is access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 
• Move moisture sensitive items like paintings, documents, and computers to a safe dry place. 

DON'T:

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your house hold vacuum to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area. 

DON'T:

• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants. 

When you have a water damage disaster, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County we are your water damage remediation and restoration experts.

When Water Damage Strikes Your Rockland County, New York Home

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to handle any size water, storm or fire disaster at your home.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage to your home or business. To help ensure a water damage is handled correctly complete the following steps:

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland  County

Inspection: SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Service Technicians will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work. 

Emergency Service: Service Technicians will take steps to help protect your home of business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damages by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step by step.

Monitoring: To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a technician will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently be communicated to you. 

Restoration Services: Are available upon request. We will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property. A final walk-through of the job-site will be conducted with you.

Emergency Water Damage Tips:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. 
• Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water *this could cause electrical shock and/or damage to the vacuum.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County offers 24/7 emergency service, we can help you navigate the difficulties of a water damage disaster.

Visit our Google listing at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Google Page

SERVPRO’s Water Damage Checklist | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

It seems almost unbelievable, but it’s true—14,000 Americans every day are the unfortunate victims of a home water disaster. It happens all over the country, multiple times a minute.

And if you happen to be one of today’s crop of frustrated, soaked homeowners, we hope you know you can count on SERVPRO to get you back in the dry.

We’ll walk your property through a thorough process to get everything safely and effectively handled—here’s how it looks.

Emergency Contact. When you contact us by phone or online, we’ll quickly guide you through some questions to help us understand the situation at home. Then we’ll set up a time in the very near future when we can meet with you on site.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. If the source of water is still active when we arrive, first priority will be stopping that flow. Then we can properly assess the damage, lay down a game plan and inform you of any hazards of which you need to be made aware. We’ll also determine which items need to be replaced.

Water Removal. The removal phase begins next, wherein we bring in incredibly powerful pumps and industrial vacuums to remove invasive water gallons at a time. Hundreds, maybe even thousands, of gallons of the wet stuff will come out of your house as we do whatever it takes to completely remove every drop.

Damaged Material Removal. Our first aim for your possessions is to be able to restore them to their pre-damage conditions. However, some items may not be salvageable, and these will be removed to help expedite the drying process for the rest of your home.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. The mess water makes leaves stains, toxins and smells behind, and we’ll be hard at work getting rid of all of them.

Drying. Visible water may be gone now, but moisture remains, locked up in surfaces all over, threatening to breed mold. We’ll dry out every ounce of unneeded moisture to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Monitoring. All the while, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the proceedings, making whatever adjustments may be necessary, depending in your specific home and situation.

Repairs and Construction. Once all is dry again, we can put the final touches on your home, restoring drywall, carpet and more, and reconstructing any areas which incurred major damage.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

What Kind of Water Damage do You Have?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Clean Water Or Contaminated Water

When your Rockland County, New York home or business suffers from a water damage disaster, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water.

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source, and rainwater.

The term grey water is used to describe slightly contaminated water, which is usually clean water that has been left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.

Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. 

When you have water damage, don't leave your Rockland County property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to professionally cleanup any size disaster in your home or business. 

The Water You Don't See Is The Problem

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Even small water damages in your Rockland County home have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. 

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a serious problem that will affect your property. Our SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County service technicians have the training and equipment to find and dry unseen water before secondary damage occurs. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage and expense during a fire or water damage event. 

When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to work, here are just a few of the tools our technicians use to do their job and restore your property.  

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls. 

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate reading, allowing technicians to monitor the drying process. 

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, technicians can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but  also to disinfect and deodorize. 

Ultra Low-Volume Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach areas. 

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles. 

These are just a few pieces of the professional grade equipment that each SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County technician is trained to use to help ensure your property is completely restored.

The Science Behind Drying

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Air Fans

Did you know there is a science behind the process of drying? SERVPRO has both the training and equipment essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. 

SERVPRO is trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. 

SERVPRO will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage form happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly. 
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional dying equipment.

What does it mean to help speed up mother nature? A building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material, but this only happens if the air is indeed drier. Often secondary mold damage occurs because the material does not dry fast enough. 

SERVPRO has specialized equipment to help dry hardwood floors, inside walls, and much more. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO has the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."