The Water Mitigation Process

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Residential water damage is a common and devastating issue for homeowners. Water damage can occur from a variety of sources like plumbing leaks, roof damages, flooding, and or faulty appliances. The severity of the damage can vary based on the extents of the damage and how quickly the issue is attended to. 

Types of Water Damage

1. Clean water damage: Caused by broken water lines, overflowing sinks/bathtubs. This water is free of contaminants.

2.Gray water: This can come from appliances as well as passing through areas of the structure. This has the potential to have pollutants within the water.

3. Black Water: This can be harmful for a variety of reasons. This is often from sewage or flooding. This water can contain harmful bacteria and chemicals, posing severe health risks.

Steps in Mitigating Water Damage

1. Assessment and Inspection: The first step is identifying the source of the water and assessing the damage. 

2. Water Removal: Once the source of the water has been fixed. Removing any standing water quickly is crucial to preventing further damage. In order to remove the water we use pumps, wet-vacuums, and a wide range of other equipment to remove standing water.

3. Drying & Dehumidification

Once the water has been extracted, it is essential to thoroughly dry affected areas, such as the walls, floors, and furniture. Industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers will be used to accelerate the drying process along with preventing mold growth. 

4. Cleaning & Sanitizing: Depending on the type of water, cleaning and sanitizing the would be necessary to eliminate harmful bacteria and contaminants. 

Preventing Water Damage

Prevention is always better than having to clean up after an issues occurs. Regular maintenance of your home's plumbing, roof, gutters, and ensuring proper drainage around the home. This can reduce the risks of water damage ever occurring.

SERVPRO's Water Damage Restoration Service

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

The drying process.

Water damage is one of the most common and destructive problems that homeowners and businesses face. Whether it's a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster, water can cause significant damage to your property and belongings. That's where SERVPRO's water damage restoration service comes in.

With over 50 years of experience in the industry, SERVPRO is a leading provider of water damage restoration services. Our team of highly trained professionals is equipped with the latest technology and techniques to quickly and effectively restore your property to pre-damage condition. 

A team will inspect the affected area and develop a comprehensive plan to remove any standing water, dry out the area, and prevent further damage from occurring. They use specialized equipment such as pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove water and moisture from the affected area, preventing the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms.

Once the water has been removed, our team will begin the process of drying out the affected area. Using high-tech moisture detection tools to identify any remaining moisture and ensure that the area is completely dry. This step is crucial in preventing mold growth and ensuring that your property is safe to occupy.

Water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, you can rest assured that your property will be in good hands. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing fast, efficient, and high-quality service to help you recover from water damage and prevent it from happening again in the future. If you're dealing with water damage in your home or business, contact SERVPRO today to learn more about our water damage restoration service and how we can help you recover.

Water Damage Woes in the Winter

12/28/2022 (Permalink)

Building up defenses for winter.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage during the winter months, preventing them from freezing is important when it comes to reducing the risk of water damage and potential flooding. During periods of extreme low temperatures water within pipes can expand if given the chance to freeze, leading to a cracks forming in the pipe or it can completely burst. When the ice begins to melt, water pressure will begin to force water out of the pipe leading to significant damage that can cost you thousands in repairs.

Here are a Few Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulating Your Pipes can Make a Large Difference

Make sure you get any pipes insulated that are located within uninsulated/unheated spaces such as attics, garages, and basements. Insulating your pipes helps keeps the temperature warm enough to prevent freezing instead of allowing the heat to escape in the air. By insulating your pipes your greatly decrease the chances of your water pipes freezing over and over all is significantly cheaper than dealing with potential water damage.

2. Draining Water From Outdoor Lines

It is important to shut off outdoor water lines and drain pipes, before the winter season begins. Another important task to preform is to make sure that all pool and sprinkler lines are free from moisture in the fall before the temperature gets to cold. Don’t forget to drain garden hoses and shut off all outdoor faucets.

3. Allow Water Faucets to Drip

When you allow a faucet to drip this can be an effective way to prevent frozen pipes. Don’t worry it’s not necessary to have all the water faucets drip, only faucets that get their water from uninsulated pipes.

4. Keep your Home or Business Warm

A simple way to prevent your pipes from freezing would be to simply keep your heat on. Inside temperatures should be around 70F. Keep interior doors open to ensure that the temperature is consistent throughout the structure and each room.

5. Seal Structural Cracks

It is vital to seal any cracks/openings on the structures exterior, around the windows, and doors to prevent air leaks. This helps prevent pipes from freezing during cold weather and as an added bonus bring down your energy bill.

Take Action

So if your home and/or business has been damaged because a pipe leak or burst caused by pipes freezing over, act quickly and give us a call as soon as you are aware of any water damage. Once you are connected to one of our specialists over the phone, we will dispatch a restoration technician to your location ASAP. You can count on SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to complete the job to your satisfaction.

Experiencing Water Damage - Look No Further Than SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Southern Rockland County home affected by a pipe leak in a finished basement, our technicians quickly got to the scene and saved the day.

SERVPRO's Experienced Water Damage Teams are Available 24/7 in Southern Rockland County

A water loss can be difficult obstacle to any homeowner or business. One thing that makes a water emergency complicated to handle, is the overwhelming amount of ways that can cause it. The causes could range from a sewage backup, burst pipes, or a leaking roof from storm damage, you need a professional on site and ready to get to work as fast as possible. The longer a person waits to begin water extraction and drying, the more a property owner can open yourself up to more costly secondary damages. SERVPRO is available 24/7 even on weekends and holidays, we can assist with water removal services, drying, along with the complete restoration process.

How to Handle Burst Pipes in Your Basement

Broken piping can catch you off guard in your home or business. A large amount of plumbing can be hidden in plain sight, so an issue may be overlooked or unnoticed until the damage reveals itself. If you notice damp building materials, musty odors, or any staining, these are indications that you might have a water damage issue developing. There are other signs to determine if you have a pipe leak such as:

• Standing water below sinks in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.
• An unexplained spike in your water bill
• Strange noises coming from the pipes like bubbling or whistling
• Water that is discolored or has a funny smell
• Changes in your water pressure

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has technicians that carry multiple IICRC certification related to restoration work, they can conduct a thorough investigation with specialized equipment to determine the scope of the job and what may need to be done to address the issue. We make sure the issue is fixed before the water remediation can begin, so there isn't any further damage due to the cause of the loss. Whenever there is non-salvageable materials, we use controlled demolition to remove them carefully, dispose of them, and then rebuild.

Dehumidification and Drying are Essential in All Water Restoration Projects

During water related emergencies a big chunk of the work is done by using our drying and dehumidification techniques. SERVPRO has tested and proven methods to assist with bringing the interior of your property back to preloss conditions, but we can't do it on our own. We enlist the help of industrial grade equipment and experience with drying theory. Our company has access to large amounts of resources, which allows us to scale each project if needed. 

• Powerful extractors, both portable and truck-mounted, allow our crew to remove standing water and pull moisture from carpeting, flooring, etc.
• Air movers, industrial fans, drying mats, and other equipment allow us to enhance evaporation to reduce overall drying time.
• Dehumidification equipment help to cut back on relative humidity (RH) to help boost evaporation rates throughout the work zone.

No matter the cause of water damage to your property, our technicians have the skills and expertise needed to restore everything to pre-water event conditions. For water repair and restoration look no further than SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County - you can reach our team by calling (845) 400-4888 and remember "We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!"

How Suffern Households Can Counter Water Damage

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

We have the cleaning and restoration equipment ready to be dispatched to your Suffern home that has experienced water damage.

SERVPRO Manages Suffern Water Cleanup Professionally

Since water freely flows once it finds an opening from a contained area, you have limited options to stop it from spreading around your Suffern house. However, you should not sit idly and let water damage take root. You can take pre-emptive actions on your own or hire a professional team to help mitigate the damages.

After exposure, it takes time before Suffern homes develop water damage. Severe problems might include warping or buckling in areas with solid wood, delamination for composite materials, and staining of fabrics, among other issues. Utilizing the window before such adverse damage sets in, which ranges from a few minutes, can reduce costs and inconveniences from the incident. For example, wood can swell within a couple of hours after water exposure, but it takes days for irreversible damage like warping to develop. Calling SERVPRO helps because we expedite restoration processes and use techniques that deal with the intrusion "Like it never even happened."

Priority actions to counter water damage:

• Moving items
• Blocking the water
• Extracting moisture

Some of the most helpful actions are also the simplest to implement. It helps if you do not hesitate to take them even as you wait for professional assistance. Removing areas rugs or other movable items from carpeted floors and lifting drapes minimizes the chances of running dyes causing staining. You can also use thick towels to blot wet areas or block water from spreading quickly from the source to the rest of the house. Mopping standing water from surfaces limits absorption into porous and semi-porous materials. It also limits evaporation into the air, which is detrimental since it raises the overall humidity levels in the house. If the humidity level exceeds 60%, it can trigger widespread mold growth on all organic surfaces like walls, ceilings, floors, and on contents such as wooden furniture or upholstery.

Advanced Action Against Moisture

Water is constantly moving even when it is not flowing physically over surfaces. Wicking through materials or condensing and wetting new areas after evaporating elsewhere are some of the insidious ways moisture moves, creating unexpected problems. Elaborate procedures are necessary to halt such movement and curtail the adverse outcomes. 

Useful actions include:

• Dehumidification
• Air movement
• Containment

Moisture wicks through materials from very wet areas to dry ones as it seeks equilibrium. Evaporating the water trapped in wet materials effectively limits such movement by providing an alternative escape route for the water. One way to sustain evaporation is by supplying a constant stream of air over wet surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians use air movers to direct air currents towards the wet areas we identify in a house. 

Drying can run into a bottleneck if the air inside your home is oversaturated with the moisture escaping from wet materials. Opening windows can help push the moisture-laden air out of the house in what is referred to as an open drying system. However, that plan can run into problems since the outdoor air might also be humid. Our SERVPRO technicians prefer to incorporate dehumidification in drying your house. The dehumidifier draws in the moist air from a room and cools it down, forcing condensation of the absorbed moisture before releasing dry air back into the room. Sometimes we use plastic sheets to create containment, thus limiting airflow between different house sections.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County finds convenient solutions to deal with water damage. Call us at (845) 400-4888. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Pearl River Trusts SERVPRO with Water Damage Restoration

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists use the latest techology and equipment for every job.

SERVPRO Handles Odors & Water Damage in Pearl River Homes

Combating the smells can be a big challenge during the water damage restoration of your Pearl River home. SERVPRO restorers use a multi-step approach to get your flooded home smelling like home again. 

The first deodorization step during water damage restoration of your Pearl River home is to remove the source of the odor from the property as soon as possible. There can be several sources of smell in a water-damaged home, including-

• Trash and garbage
• Moisture
• Mildew
• Pet waste
• Bio-breakdown on materials on surfaces

Most odor problems from water usually occur because the wet materials have not completely dried. SERVPRO techs use dehumidifiers and air movers to accelerate drying to remove some odors. However, some odors that remain might need special deodorization treatments. 

SERVPRO uses multiple methods approach to deodorize after water cleanup 

SERVPRO techs ensure that your Pearl River home is restored, smelling "Like it never even happened." We use several deodorizing agents as a single agent never works for all kinds of odors. 

SERVPRO techs use masking agents to cover bad odors with a pleasant smell. However, some odors can't be masked, and for those, the techs use pairing agents. The chemicals present in the pairing agents can combine with the odor-causing molecules to neutralize them. 

SERVPRO techs also use electrically generated deodorizers like hydroxy generators. A hydroxyl generator uses ultraviolet type C (UV-C) radiation to break apart water vapor molecules, generating very reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH-). The radicals combine with odor-causing molecules, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to make them odorless. 

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County, Stony Point, at (845) 400-4888; we are available round the clock to assist you. 

Tools Used During Water Mitigation Efforts in Suffern

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Drying mats can save hardwood flooring in your Suffern home from the trash heap--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Handles Water Damage Remediation in Suffern

Whenever a homeowner suffers from a water leak, they usually notice when they see a puddle where there should not be one or when items in your house get wet. However, leaks can often start in concealed places like your wall cavities, where it is hard to tell everywhere the moisture went. As soon as water contacts your contents and building materials, it can soak into them and evaporate into the air, raising your structure's relative humidity.

The hardest part of water mitigation in Suffern is finding water migration and determining which of your contents and structural components got wet. Mold can grow if wooden or paper items stay wet for more than two days. Therefore, we must find all the damp materials in your home so that we can take steps to remove the moisture before a fungus starts to form. Before we begin any work, we first ensure the work area is safe for our crew and building occupants.

Next, we can conduct a thorough inspection of your house to discover moisture points and how wet your building materials and contents got. For carpets, we can use a moisture sensor that beeps and lights up in places where your carpets remain with embedded water. We can also use a penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meter to check the moisture content in your drywall and wall studs. To determine how much the relative humidity in your house raised, we can use a hygrometer.

Steps we can take to restore your water damage

• Water Extraction Services
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Water Damage Debris Removal
• Restorative Carpet Cleaning

If you ever notice a puddle of water in your house, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888.

Nyack Residents – Choose Professional Water Restoration Companies

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides dependable water damage restoration services every time. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Select Trusted Water Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO in Nyack

Everyone loves to save money, which is a primary reason people in Nyack may attempt DIY water cleanup if they have an emergency. However, there are tremendous benefits from hiring the pros for emergency services water damage – especially if you want dependable results. SERVPRO takes pride in providing the best when it comes to response times, mitigation, and reconstruction services.

With trusted water restoration companies in Nyack like SERVPRO, you have a plethora of experience at your service. Whether you have burst pipes in the middle of the night or your ground floor encounters flooding from a storm, we can have our Green Fleet and technicians there and ready to work within hours. Because of our full selection of professional equipment and IICRC training, you can rest assured we get the project done quicker and with better results than DIY ever could.

Factors SERVPRO takes into consideration for all water cleanup calls:

• All flooring surfaces along with total square footage for impacted areas
• Individual rooms affected by water or moisture, as well as areas where moisture may have migrated
• Relative humidity (RH) levels within your property and how it may lead to bacterial growth  

How it starts:

All property owners have to do is put in a call to us at SERVPRO, and we dispatch a team within hours. We arrive to initiate the initial inspection and assessment to begin water removal services. At the same time, crew members set up drying and dehumidification equipment to work in tandem to help us meet our goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Are you worried about dealing with your insurance provider? SERVPRO is at the top of the chain for water restoration, handling all documentation to ensure your claim goes as smoothly as possible.

No water restoration companies are faster when it comes to a water-related emergency. Trust SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County and give us a call whenever you need us at (845) 400-4888.

Suffern Residents Deserve Fast, Efficient Water Restoration

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration can be a hassle. SERVPRO techs will have your home back to preloss condition ASAP. Call now!

SERVPRO’s Water Restoration Gets Your Suffern Property Back to Normal

Have you had a tub overflow or a sizable water spill somewhere within your Suffern property? If so, there could be a lot of hidden moisture and water damage even when you think you have pulled up all standing water. It is best to have professional water removal services tackle the job to avoid secondary damage or mold infestation. SERVPRO is your number one line of defense for handling extractions, water damage mitigation and any restoration efforts required.

Whether big or small, skilled restoration technicians help get the job done faster than DIY with any water damage. Not only that, but water restoration in Suffern with SERVPRO also gets you help when filing your insurance claim. We take the time to go the extra mile for all of our customers so we can ensure your life sees as little disruption as possible.

SERVPRO covers the entire gamut of water damage and restoration services, including but not limited to flood damage repair, burst pipes cleanup, a leaking roof from storms, sewage backups, and more.

• Standing Water – All standing water from whatever incident took place must get pulled up quickly. Water left to sit or drain slowly opens the door for saturated building materials and moisture migrating into dry spaces. This then leaves your property vulnerable to mold growth.
• Flooding – Floodwater of any kind harbors possible contamination. SERVPRO’s water restoration technicians (WRT) follow protocols for treating floodwater, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Equipment – Our Green Fleet comes fully stocked with the right tools to handle water removal and restoration. Pumps, extractors, industrial fans, and dehumidifiers are just part of the lineup. 
• Controlled Demolition – While we work to repair versus replace, some water restoration projects call for controlled demolition with trusted contractors to make your interior “Like it never even happened.” 

Because no two water restoration jobs are alike, you need a team like SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to create a tailored plan of action. Reach us 24/7 by dialing (845) 400-4888.

What Determines the Outcome of Water Damage Restoration in Suffern Homes?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment for fast water extraction and drying. Call us today!

SERVPRO Improves Water Restoration in Suffern Properties Through Better Preparedness

Water changes almost any of the materials found in a home. However, many factors influence the outcome, so each water leak is unique. What matters most after an incident at your Suffern home is the restoration plan that you implement.

A water damage restoration plan for Suffern homes incorporates many things and depends mainly on the resources you can mobilize. SERVPRO steps in to provide any necessary resources, including equipment, technical skills, and workers to perform various tasks that manage the damages left on your property.

Typical water restoration tasks include:

• Cleaning to remove soils or stains
• Moisture control
• Removal of materials

Usually, restoration starts with mild procedures such as water extraction, cleaning, and drying. Other things like replacing materials should only be used as a last resort since it can be very costly, and you cannot return the sentimental value of the removed item. Most of the time, efforts to salvage items exposed to moisture fall short because of poor preparation.

Poor preparation can mean different things like:

• Failure to set any goals
• Insufficient equipment
• Insufficient workforce

Setting restoration goals help establish what is achievable and the likely timelines. Setting goals requires the appropriate information, such as the level of wetness in materials and the standard moisture content. Evaluating the current wetness levels with the normal typical moisture levels establishes the span such a process can take. 

Most aspects of water restoration are repetitive and tedious. If there is a limited workforce or equipment, even straightforward tasks like drying wet carpets can take longer to complete. Apart from having multiple technicians, our SERVPRO teams bring various equipment, including air movers, deep water extractors, and dehumidifiers, to the affected property. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is always prepared to tackle water damage restoration addressing any deterioration "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (845) 400-4888.

Monitor Every Step in the Water Damage Restoration of a Pearl River Home

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to prevent the demolition of walls after a large water spill in your Pearl River residence.

Professional Water Restoration Technicians Mitigate Water Damage in Pearl River

It is common for homeowners in Pearl River to debate whether to call a professional water restoration technician or attempt to tackle water damage on their own. The risk of leaving water residue behind and encouraging mold growth should always outweigh any reservations about enlisting the help of a water restoration company. Water emergencies are not the moment to try your hand at do-it-yourself solutions. Instead, rest easier by letting the experts take care of your needs.

In Pearl River, the water damage restoration team that brings peace of mind is SERVPRO. Our certified crew holds the skills and experience necessary to perform a successful water removal process. As we consider your needs, we investigate the type of water (wastewater vs. clean water) and its source. We also inspect the house in its entirety to identify any burgeoning problem areas and address them as soon as possible. 

Excess moisture can cause mold and structural weaknesses, not to mention the smell it leaves behind. Moisture left behind can result in needless demolition as shown in the photo. To avoid it, we use tools such as the following to discover excess humidity and rectify it:

• Penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to assess carpets and furniture, among others
• Infrared moisture sensors, which are particularly useful in porous materials
• Thermo-hygrometers also help guide us to problem areas and target our drying methods.

Regardless of how big or small your water incident may seem, reaching out to a team with the latest water damage and restoration technology is crucial. Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County as soon as you can at (845) 400-4888 and let us work diligently until your home feels once again “Like it never even happened.”

What is the Difference in Water Damage Restoration Needed for a Toilet Backup Versus a Toilet Tank Leak in Suffern Homes?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Toilet water is contaminated with wastewater. SERVPRO will handle all water damage restoration services needed for your home.

SERVPRO Techs Can Handle Contaminated or Clean Water Cleanup in Suffern

Toilets in Suffern homes are a frequent cause of water damage. However, the outcomes can be vastly different depending on the type of water in the house. 

When SERVPRO handles water damage restoration in Suffern properties, the technicians identify the cause of the home disaster. A toilet backup can deliver gallons of sewage-tainted water within a home and ruin anything that absorbs the water. In the case of a tank leak or supply line coupling failure, the water can damage. Still, as long as the water cleanup efforts begin within 24 hours before it starts to degrade, it is considered clean with limited if any bacteria.  

When carpet gets affected by either of these water types, the outcome can vary. When carpeting absorbs contaminated water, there is very little chance to sanitize it for reuse. SERVPRO technicians need to safely extract the wastewater and dispose of the carpet using biohazard protocols. For a clean water carpet disaster, SERVPRO technicians can:

• Perform water removal
• Dry the carpet
• Make no water spots remain through steam cleaning

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 brings their professional water damage restoration services to the local Suffern community and is available 24/7.

Water Damage Restoration Be Carried Out Promptly in Pearl River Homes?

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands the need to quickly remove water and molsture from your Pearl River home to mitigate water damage and mold growth

Time Lost in Seeking SERVPRO's Help in Water Damage Restoration of Your Pearl River Home Can Prove Costly

Burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or basement flooding, whatever be the cause, water damage restoration should be your immediate priority after a water incident at your Pearl River home. SERVPRO technicians can prevent the damage from getting worse if they can start the restoration process as soon as possible after the incident.

SERVPRO's technicians begin the water damage restoration of your Pearl River home by extracting any standing water. However, hidden water can continue damaging your property even after the standing water is removed. Water can enter into materials in two primary ways-

• by absorption of water directly in contact with the surface
• by absorption of excess moisture in the air

Knowledge of the mechanical process of moisture movement might help you better understand how SERVPRO restores water-damaged homes in the Pearl River area.

Why Some Water Cleanups Take More Time Than Others in Pearl River?

The time required to dry the structure depends on how moisture moves in and out of the material. Mold can develop if this dampness is not soon removed from organic materials. Some of the mechanical processes of moisture movement include-

• Liquid Flow- Water moves in liquid form into the structural components after ceiling leaks and broken pipes or whenever there is standing water. Such movement stops once SERVPRO techs remove the water.
• Air Movement- Water in the vapor form can enter the structure with moist air through cracks and small openings. SERVPRO techs control humidity to prevent such kind of movement.
• Capillary suction- The movement of liquid water through small pores in a porous material such as wood and fabric occurs by capillary suction. Drying such materials can take time.

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 for reliable water damage restoration.

What Mitigation Solutions Do SERVPRO Restorers Provide Nyack Homes?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Our skilled teams of experts have the tools and experience you will need after water strikes in your home.

The First Actions Professionals Take After Water Damages can be Critical for Nyack Properties.

The objective of drying is to create an environment that supports efficient evaporation of moisture-damaged materials and contents. This process focuses on isolating your home's damaged areas and preventing the migration of any standing water or trapped moisture. Water mitigation plays a critical role in this process, providing the initial efforts necessary to remove pooling on floors. Wet vacuums are typically ideal when combined with high-efficiency attachments for less accessible areas like light wands and carpet wands.

How Can Mitigation Professionals Protect Contents? 

Your personal belongings must also be a focal point of water mitigation in Nyack properties. Relocation provides the most immediate results when potentially affected items are not yet damaged, though on-site cleaning might also be required. The recovery of your personal belongings is a staple of many services we offer, including:

• Flood restoration
• Water damage remediation
• Emergency services water damage

When water mitigation is needed in your home, our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help. Call us today at (845) 400-4888.

How Do Specific Efforts Increase Water Clean Up Efficiency for Suffern Homes?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Talk to our certified experts today for assistance with water damage in your Suffern property.

Our Team Responds Fast to Clean up Water and Dry the Damaged Areas of Suffern Properties.

Every water damage incident that impacts homes and businesses throughout the area requires multiple steps and stages to clean and restore. As rapidly as homes can become damaged by standing water or other threatening conditions, our professionals provide thorough water damage cleanup for area homes that encompasses highly efficient drying and surface cleaning practices. We intend to make these emergencies “Like it never even happened.” We can help with:

• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Emergency services water damage
• Water damage remediation

Getting Water Removal Services Started Immediately in Water-Damaged Homes 

Water damage cleanup in Suffern is not as successful if water removal services have not started. Standing water can be a substantial threat to residences, making it critical for our responding technicians to provide immediate actions to overcome these concerns. Standing water leads to saturation into flooring materials, drywall, and areas beyond these surface materials like subflooring and structural cavities. Without preventing the spread of moisture through the property, the subsequent drying required will take longer and ultimately cost more. Eliminating standing water involves several extraction tools in our inventory, including:

• Wet vacuums
• Self-priming trash pumps
• Electric submersible pumps
• Light wands
• Truck-mount extractors

How Can Air Movers Improve Evaporation?

Air movers are often the most critical element to water damage cleanup and drying. Centrifugal units target specific points of the damaged surfaces to maximize evaporation at these spots. Moisture monitoring equipment can help determine when these units have reached the desired production value on a specific area and should move to a new location to continue with efficient evaporation for collection by our strategically placed dehumidifiers.

How Do Dehumidifiers Eliminate Moisture Concerns?

Dehumidifiers work by capturing the moisture present in the environment and converting it back to a discardable liquid. Often, much of our equipment relies on pulling environmental air across cooling coils to allow for condensation to collect in a tray on the unit to be regularly emptied. In situations where entire households suffer moisture concerns, we have trailered desiccant dehumidifiers to pull out moist air and replace it with warm, dry air instead.

Is It Possible to Prevent Water Damage Repairs? 

It is always the intention of responding technicians and experts from our team to minimize tear-out and reconstruction whenever possible. While some degree of repair and build back might be inevitable in almost all water damage incidents that occur, the amount can often be reduced through swift action and thorough cleaning. Water damage cleanup focuses on removing surface moisture and trapped water from installed materials, making it possible to preserve and protect several building materials that otherwise require discarding.

Many tools and products are critical to water damage cleanup and mitigation of damaged properties. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County team can help with efficient solutions to help you every step of the way. Give us a call today at (845) 400-4888.

Local Suffern Property Owners Rely on SERVPRO for Expert Water Damage Restoration Services

4/4/2021 (Permalink)

Need help with mitigating water damage from a roof leak ruining your Suffern home's ceiling? SERVPRO provides the solutions--and fast.

SERVPRO Brings Years of Experience and Knowledge to Handle Suffern Water Damage Remediation 

For its size as a small village in New York, Suffern's town has a large number of historically significant sites. Of particular interest to history buffs, George Washington stayed in the village on several occasions as America fought to get freed from British rule.

Suffern is a stop on the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, designated by the National Park Service. This trail recreates the route taken by General Washington and the French Comte de Rochambeau as they traveled to the siege of Yorktown, Virginia. This battle led to the victory for the newly named United States in gaining independence. This was no small number of soldiers. The Rochambeau encampment had roughly 5,000 men that stayed in August 1781, where the presently located Lafayette Theater, named for Revolutionary War Hero Marquis de Lafayette, resides. After the battle in Yorktown, the men came through again in September 1782 as they headed to New York and set up camp in the same place. There is a historical marker on the Washington Avenue side of the Lafayette Theater that marks the space as Rochambeau's Encampment site. At the time of the encampment, the place was across the road from the home and tavern owned by John Suffern, the village's founder. The property was torn down in the late 1800s and is now the Suffern Furniture Company's home. The top historic places to visit in the village are:

• Rochambeau Encampment located at Lafayette and Washington avenues
• Soldier's Monument, also known as Washington Ave. Monument,
• Suffern's Depot Located at 1 Erie Plaza

Some world-renowned brands have established bases in Suffern. The first railroad to cross Rockland County was the Erie Railroad. In exchange for the right-of-way given to the rail to run through Suffern by Judge Edward Suffern, son of the founder, the Erie Railroad named the depot "Suffern's Station." Another well-known company got its start in Suffern as the California Perfume Company when they built a laboratory in 1897. The lab went on to expand to 3,000 square feet and employ many residents when it re-branded as Avon Products. By 2005, the company expanded its global hub to a 225,000 square foot research and development facility in Suffern.

How Does SERVPRO Limit Disruption to Suffern Homes During Water Damage Restoration Services?

When SERVPRO technicians handle Suffern water damage, there are considerable efforts to disturb the home as little as possible. It is stressful to have a burst pipe or ceiling leaks from a damaged roof, and the techs know that. They make every effort to move out as few furnishings as possible, including: 

• Putting furniture on blocks to dry in place during water removal services
• Use of secured pods on-site when interior humidity may further cause water damage repairs needed
• When circumstances require pack out, items get put back exactly in their original location

The portable pumps and maneuverable ride-on water extraction equipment used by SERVPRO allow the technicians to move around furnishings while still perform professional water removal services.

For fast, efficient water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888. The trained, certified technicians are available 24/7 to make the issues caused by the water "Like it never even happened."

The Problem: It's the water you don't see

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Even small water damages 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 Southern 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 technician is trained to use to help ensure your property is completely restored.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County Has Drying Down To A Science

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Did You Know There is Actually a Science Behind the Drying Process?

Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. Our SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County Service Technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damage to your home or business property. 

What is the Science of Drying?

The Science of Drying is a process that was created to establish industry guidelines, regulated techniques, and provide validation and documentation on the drying process.

Why is it important?

When it comes to water damage, there’s nothing more important than making sure the job is done right the first time. Doing so relies on a restoration company like SERVPRO that is dedicated to training, technology and technique. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County is an industry leader in all three. We have the equipment to help dry hardwood floors, hard to reach spaces inside walls and much more. We also have state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. The technology of DryBook a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry standards are met. 

Our Service Technicians Will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from 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 drying equipment. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has the training, equipment the technology to make your water damage or storm flood damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

Do You Know What To Do When Your Home Has Water Damage?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage and Flood Tips

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

Call SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County:

SERVPRO Southern Rockland County Technicians will provide the following services in a timely and professional manner. 

Inspection: Our 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: 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. Watch for a possible Ceiling collapse.

SERVPRO is an IICRC Certified firm and our Service Technicians will quickly and professionally clean and restore your home to pre-damage condition.

Defense Against Mold: Rapid Water Damage Cleanup

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know? Prompt water damage mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions.  The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage or excessive mold growth will happen to your building. 

Follow these tips to help prevent mold growth in your home or business. 

• Keep the humidity between 30 and 60 percent.
• Provide proper drainage away from building foundations.
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately. 

Don't forget to contact SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County for professional water removal and mold mitigation. We are a local company with over 25 years of experience in the water and mold remediation industry. Our Production Managers are IICRC Certified and our Service Crews are highly trained and have professional grade equipment to facilitate proper cleanup. Don't hesitate to call us at (845) 400-4888. We are Faster to any size disaster.

Got Water? Mother Nature May Need Help

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

What exactly does it mean to "help" Mother Nature?

A wet 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 only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature takes too long and secondary damages like mold may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has  the tools and professional equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, and tough-to-reach spaces inside walls and much more. 

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

Water Damage Disaster at Commercial Properties

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides expert water damage cleanup and restoration in Suffern

There's no such thing as a small disaster: especially when the water you don't see trapped behind walls and under floors contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unseen damage until it is out of control.

Water damage can affect the value of your Rockland County property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your business if it is not cleaned properly and quickly. 

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County knows how disruptive water damage can be for your business. Our Office Staff, Production Manager, and Service Technicians are trained and equipped to manage the drying process from start to finish. By assessing the damage and utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your commercial building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary damage such as mold. 

With rapid response time, 24/7 emergency service, and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Rockland County can help you regain control quickly, by helping to ensure your facility and its contents are properly dried, cleaned, and deodorized.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your commercial property, and losing precious hours doing business call your local professional cleanup crew  at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County (845) 400-4888.

The Science to Drying Water Damage

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know?

There is actually a science behind the process of drying. Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow IICRC industry approved standards. This helps lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold growth. 

Here are the steps we will take to ensure your water damage restoration is handled correctly and efficiently.

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

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up mother nature"?

A wet 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 only if the air-is drier.  The only issue is that nature often takes too long and secondary damage such as mold may occur. SERVPRO has special equipment and tools to help dry hard wood floors, and hard to reach spaces inside walls. We use modern moisture monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process called DryBook to help speed the drying of your home or business. DryBook is a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process. It helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process.

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County has the training, equipment and technology to help make your water damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

Minimizing the Impact of a Water Damage Disaster

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water causes millions of dollars in damage to residential and commercial properties every year.

What is the Cause of the Damage?

There are frequent leaks in plumbing, overflowing bathtubs and toilets, malfunctioning hot water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, and many more. The water spreads from the source, and if the cause is not contained quickly, water can spread to every area of the home. There are steps the average homeowner can take to contain the damage until help arrives.

How can SERVPRO Help?

SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County provides water damage mitigation and restoration services in Rockland County and surrounding areas. Our Production Managers are IICRC Certified and Service Technicians are trained to follow IICRC certified water mitigation and removal techniques to minimize the damage to your home. We aim to remove all excess moisture and dry your home to avoid potential mold infestations that can affect your health as well as the structure of your home or business.

What Can You Do to Minimize the Impact of Water in Your Home?

After shutting off the valve to the central water intake to your home and calling your plumber for repairs and SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration help, there are several things that homeowners can consider to minimize the damage. First, make sure that it is safe to enter the area. There is no need to make a bad situation worse by slipping and falling or being shocked by an exposed electrical connection that has been immersed in water.

Secondly, colorful items such as pillow cushions and magazines can leak and stain porous  surfaces. If possible, remove all wet items away from wet carpeting and furniture. Lift furniture legs and place aluminum foil under the legs. High humidity can damage decorative items such as paintings and other valuable items. Remove these items as quickly as possible to another area where there are lower humidity levels. 

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day and arrives on-site as soon as possible. Our Service Technicians can pack out your contents, and move heavier items if needed. After removing contents we will begin removing water and moisture from your home with commercial grade fans and air scrubbers. We want to return your home to normal humidity levels quickly to avoid mold growth.

Call our Customer Service department at SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County at (845) 400-4888 to learn about all our cleaning and restoration services. We proudly serve all of Rockland County and the surrounding areas. We are #heretohelp when it matters most. 

The Problem is: The Water You Don't See

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Clean up

Even small water damages 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 real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Southern 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 materials. 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 attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles. 

The bottom line? At SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County we have the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today (845) 400-4888.

Understanding Different Types of Water Damage Disasters

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

When your Southern 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 help 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 Southern Rockland County we are your remediation and restoration experts.