Removing Black Soot from Fire Damaged Concrete

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

After a structural fire, even if there isn’t a lot of structural damage, the clean-up required can mean hours and hours of hard work. Afterwards, to ensure that entry is safe, a structural engineer must check concrete and other affected masonry surfaces. The restoration process can begin once an area has been thoroughly cleaned.

One characteristic of concrete is its natural heat resistance. So, structures made of concrete - think vehicle tunnels, parking garages, etc., will often suffer damage only to the surface as the result of a fire. Black soot and smoke damage are fairly common. Cracking (also referred to as spalling) may occur if the fire gets hot enough to hear the structural steel that exists within the concrete in some structures. How long a fire burns can have everything to do with the severity of damage issues. Potentially, concrete could be rendered unsalvageable if its physical characteristics are changed due to a severe fire.

Cosmetic Fire Damage
The process of removing soot from concrete is relatively straightforward. For removing soot, there a couple of approaches that may be used:

• Using abrasive blasting to exfoliate the surface and reveal the surface below, which is clean.
• Use water and various chemicals to wash the soot away. Multiple attempts may be needed to remove the soot, which is a lengthy process. Even after the visual damage has been removed, deep within the concrete the smell may have permeated and will remain. Additionally, so that any runoff doesn’t flow into sewers or storms when executing a liquid-based cleaning method, great care must be taken regarding runoff collection.

Severe Fires
If the fire has been severe enough that spalling and cracking on smooth surface concrete layers has occurred, this changes things. Prior to reapplying a skim coat, a rough surface may need to be created on the concrete by a contractor. CSP - a standard to which the rough surface is held - was created by the ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute). The new coating being applied, or the new layer of concrete, will help determine the level of roughness required.

This roughness cannot be created by chemical cleaning or water cleaning. For creating the roughness referred to here, the best option is abrasive blasting. Occasionally, contractors may use hand tools, so that in one step, surface roughing and soot removal can be carried out.

Sponge Blasting
During this process, the smell of fire should be removed from the concrete at the same time the soot layers are removed. Surfaces that are sponge blasted may actually end up being cleaner than they were before the fire, as long as no spalling or cracking has been sustained by the skim coat. Surface soot damage sustained by the concrete is easily removed in this manner.

If you need concrete cleaned due to soot and fire damage, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City are your guys.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Mold Remediation Terms You Should Know

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is the worst. Not only is it far from visually appealing, but it’s extremely dangerous to be around. When you’re looking for a team to perform mold remediation, you should be up-to-date on the latest mold remediation terms so you know what to look for.

Anywhere at any time, a mold colony can take place. Because these colonies can spread and grow so quickly, to prevent property damage, you must act quickly. It’s best to work with a company that specializes in professional mold remediation, like SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

When you’re working with any company that specializes in mold remediation, it can be confusing to hear them speak in terms common to the profession. To help you better understand what’s going on, we’ve included some of the most commonly used terms as well as brief, simplified definitions.

Spores
Emitted from fungi, spores are reproductive, microscopic structures.

Remediation
The process of a remediation of a site includes assessment, containment, removal, and treatment of the mold.

PPE
Technicians wear this type of gear during the process of remediation, specified by OSHA. The letters stand for Personal Protective Equipment.

Porous
In porous materials, mold spores are easily absorbed and can flow because these materials allow easy air passage. Sponges, wood, rubber, and some rocks are considered porous materials.

Mycotoxin
Designated as toxic to humans and produced by fungi, mycotoxins are specific compounds. The term 'mycotoxin' is usually reserved for the toxic chemical products produced by fungi that readily colonize crops.

MVOCs
Released into the air as a musty, moldy odor, and produced by mold colonies, these are chemicals. They are referred to as microbial volatile organic compounds.

Moisture Content
This is exactly what it sounds like, it refers to the content of moisture within a material. Before mold growth occurs, a greater moisture content can be sustained by various materials, i.e. wood, textiles, paneling, insulation, etc.

Microbe
Unseeable by the naked eye, a microorganism that is a type of bacteria and fungi can be referred to as a microbe.

HEPA
Used for removing particles greater than .03 micrometers by about 99.97%, this refers to an air filter technically named high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter.

Fungi
This is a somewhat all-inclusive term. Sub classes include puff balls, yeasts, mushrooms, and molds.

Containment and Containment Barrier
To close off an infestation, seals and barriers are put into place. To control airborne spore movement, filtration devices are used. This is all in an effort of containment.

Colony
Viewable by the naked eye, a surface cluster of mold that has spread is referred to as a colony.

Antimicrobial
To combat mold and fungi, a chemical agent is used. To suppress microorganisms, an antimicrobial agent is used on direct contact.

Air Scrubber
To remove mold particulate matter from the atmosphere, this mold abatement process/device is used. Through a series of filters, air is sucked in using a high-powered fan and filtration device. A HEPA filter included.

Air Sampling
Exactly what it sounds like, samples of the ambient air are taken to test for mold and/or other contaminants.

Abatement
When, on a specific property, any source of mold is removed fully, the process is known as mold abatement.

We hope this helped out and taught you everything you need to know about the mold remediation world. If you need mold remediation done at your home or business, give us a call!

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Team Harvey’s Water Restoration Steps

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

Each water damage scenario is usually a little different. Homeowners and business owners deal with water damage from burst pipes and floods, to sewer backups, and plumbing problems. Whatever the case may be, we have a 6 step process for water restoration. These steps detail our process for the typical water-damaged property.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
The Restoration process begins when you call us. SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you’re dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

When you call, you’ll be asked several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the damage? (If known)
• Is there electricity available? (On-site)

Step 2: Inspection & Water Damage Assessment
When responding to a water damage emergency, we begin with a detailed inspection of your home or property, including a damage assessment. At this stage, our professionals are trying to determine the scope of the damage so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action.

We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. The source must be stopped before any restoration or drying of the building can be successful.

We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration process we use.

We’ll inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, we will inspect for safety concerns that may be evident. If there are any safety issues like lead or asbestos, please bring them to our attention.

Step 3: Water Removal/Extraction
After the inspection and damage assessment, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water, as we use powerful pumps and truck-mounted units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, we can conduct an organized move-out to protect your belongings from further damage.

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

The water removal equipment we use include:

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters that measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification
Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the process using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

Our drying equipment includes:

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling or warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pas, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing
Your walls, flooring, and ceiling will most likely require professional cleaning services. In addition to cleaning your property’s structure, we will clean your furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable belongings damaged by the water. Most flooding and water damage also require professional odor removal and deodorization since wet materials have a very distinct odor.

We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise and industrial grade scrubbers and fogging equipment go well beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

When it comes to sanitizing treatments, depending on the scenario, we may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

Step 6: Restoration
Restoration is the final step! It’s the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs such as reconstruction or various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If you need our restoration services, please contact us right away. You don’t want to let water sit in your home, causing more damage and getting more expensive.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Can You Remove Mold Yourself?

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

If you’ve discovered mold in your home, don’t run to the store, grab gloves, and attempt to remove it on your own. Although you may have found some “great” DIYs on Pinterest, performing a mold remediation or removal on your own can be extremely dangerous to you and everyone in your home. Instead, call us. We’ll take care of it. You may ask why you shouldn’t take care of it on your own. Well, here’s a list of reasons why.

First, Let’s Understand Mold
Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoor and outdoor. Here are some facts to help you understand a little bit more about mold:

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

Mold Could Be Deceiving to the Eye
If you see a small patch of mold that you think you can take on by yourself - stop. Mold is sneaky and it’s extremely deceiving. What we mean by that is, there could be a lot more that you cannot see. Mold thrives behind the walls, under tiles, etc.

A professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO understands that and we have the knowledge, skill, and technology to detect potential mold in walls and other hidden areas.

Mold Can Come Back Quickly
The risk of mold coming back is one of the biggest reasons why you should never attempt to clean it yourself. You’ll be putting yourself at risk and tiring yourself out for nothing. If the source of the mold is not repaired or replaced, mold is likely to reoccur within a few days.

You Need the Right Equipment & Expertise
Those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and Lysol Wipes are not going to cut it when it comes to mold. Sure, it may take it off the surface - but it won’t get rid of it. Our remediation specialists are highly trained and include applied microbial remediation specialists, water damage restoration technicians, and applied structural drying technicians. Plus, they come with pretty cool, high-tech machines that will make the remediation process successful.

You Could Make The Situation Worse
Because mold spores float in the air and may land in other areas to begin growing again, you could cause the mold to spread into areas of your property that were previously unaffected by attempting to clean it.

It’s Very Dangerous
If you decide to clean the mold, you’re risking breathing in air filled with dispersed mold spores. This could cause mold allergy symptoms like wheezing and coughing, or worse, it could aggravate the risk of asthma in children and the rest of your household.

You Need to Act Quick
Don’t rush back from the store with cleaning supplies and get right into it. Instead, rush to call us. We follow specific procedures when it comes to mold remediation. We’ll assess the situation, contain it, remove, repair, and filter the air.

If you’ve found mold in your home, act fast by calling SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City. We work 24/7 every day so we can ensure the safety of you and your home.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Residential Cleaning in the Spring

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Spring is coming! When most of us hear “spring” we think of spring cleaning. The thought of having your current or new home professionally cleaned is the “ahh” moment you’ve been waiting for all year. With that said, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City provides residential cleaning services so you can enjoy that fresh feeling.

Life can be messy. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents, and homes get dirty. We have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. We use special SERVPRO products that wipe out dirt and grime with ease. If you want a deeper, thorough clean - we’re here to help.

It’s also beneficial to get a professional cleaning service done to your new home prior to moving in. You never know what kind of dirt, dog, hair, grime the people that just moved out left behind. Keep your mind at ease and allow us to make it feel brand new.

Our Residential Cleaning Services Include:

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

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

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

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

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

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

We provide cleanup and recovery for many biohazard situations including:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

If you’re ready for the ultimate spring cleaning for your current or new home, contact SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City. We have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to make your home feel new again.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Benefits of Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

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

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

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

What Are the Benefits of Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning?

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

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

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

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

Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

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

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

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Signs of Water Damage in Your Hoboken Home

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage tends to be invisible until the degradation of your property from long-term exposure to a myriad of external and internal sources becomes severe. This happens when moisture seeps into the structure and ruins parts of your building. For example, a leaky roof or burst pipe may introduce an accumulation of moisture which results in a variety of damages. It is important to address the issue as quickly as possible when you see signs of water damage in your Hoboken home. You may need to get help from a water damage restoration company to restore your property.

Not sure of the signs? SERVPRO can help you out:

Dark or Wet Spots
If you see discoloration on the ceiling, the interior and exterior walls, or even the floor - this is a sign of water damage. A professional like SERVPRO will be able to diagnose the issue and find out where the water is coming from. Once we’ve figured that out, we’ll restore it like new.

Bubbling, Cracking, or Flaking
If you start to see cracks, flakes, or bubbles on your walls - chances are, you’re dealing with water damage. Water seeps into the drywall creating these effects.

Puddles
This is the obvious sign. If you find a puddle of water somewhere in your home, this means you have a leak. If the puddle is under the sink - it could be a pipe issue. If it’s coming from the attic, chances are you have a roof leak. Regardless of where the water is coming from, let us help you fix it.

Water Sounds
Sometimes it’s difficult to see water damage, as it does a good job of hiding at first. However, if you hear rushing water or dripping sounds, you’ll want to get that checked.

Higher Utility Bills
A spike in your water bill without reason could also point towards a hidden leak. We can find the leak with our updated technology to help you solve the problem.

Damp Smells
A damp and musty smell is very recognizable. If you smell this, contact a professional right away. This could not only be water damage, but mold as well.

Buckling of Wood Flooring
Excessive moisture on a hardwood floor is the main cause of buckled floorboards. This can be spotted as cracks in between the boards, swelled edges, crowning, and the lifting of boards. When water is allowed to persist on your hardwood floorings, such as from a spill or a rise in indoor humidity, it leads to a buildup of moisture that makes floorboards expand, contract, or pop up.

If you’re noticing or experiencing any of the signs above, it’s time to reach out to a professional like SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City. We are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your Hoboken home back to pre-water damage condition. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Interesting Facts About Mold

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a kind of fungus that can penetrate surfaces, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Often, mold grows behind walls and in crawl spaces, so they are hidden from sight. However, this does not mean that there is no mold issue. When they can be seen, depending on the type of mold, they are usually in black or green patches. In contrast, mildew is a subtype of mold that does not penetrate the material that it grows on. Instead, mildew will stay on the surface and can be easily seen. It usually grows on damp surfaces, fabrics, and paper.

But, enough about that. Let’s talk about the interesting facts about mold!

• Mold is more common in households today than it was 50 years ago.
• About 50% of homes contain mold problems.
• 100% of chronic sinus infections are caused by mold.
• There are over 10,000 species of mold.
• Mold is linked to causing 30 different health problems.
• Penicillin and blue cheese is just a petrified mold.
• Infants born during mold season are 3x likely to develop asthma and other allergies.
• There is a creepy form of mold that can move around on its own, it’s called “slime mold.”
• Mold is one of the only organisms that doesn’t need light to grow, meaning it thrives in dark, wet areas.
• Christmas tree allergies are caused by mold put into the air by the tree.
• Black mold is known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, and it’s not always black - sometimes it’s green.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about mold, let’s learn some common mold remediation terms!

Remediation
The process of a remediation of a site includes assessment, containment, removal, and treatment of mold, fire damage, water damage, etc.

PPE
Technicians wear this type of gear during the process of remediation, specified by OSHA. The letters stand for personal protective equipment.

Mycotoxin
Designated as toxic to humans and produced by fungi, mycotoxins are specific compounds.

MVOCs
Released into the air as a musty, moldy odor, and produced by mold colonies, these are chemicals. They are referred to as microbial volatile organic compounds.

Moisture Content
This is exactly what it sounds like, it refers to the content of moisture within a material. Before mold growth occurs, a greater moisture content can be sustained by various materials, i.e. wood, textiles, paneling, insulation, etc.

To find more, check out this blog.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Tips For Hoboken Commercial Business Owners When Dealing with Water Damage

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

There are many different causes of water damage, and it is extremely important that commercial business owners understand what they are, how to prevent them, and where to turn for restoration help. Luckily, SERVPRO is well-educated and skilled in this, so below you will find tips for your Hoboken commercial business if you’re to deal with water damage.

Protect Yourself & Your Equipment
Water damage can not only pose a threat to the occupant’s wellbeing, but can also ruin your equipment. If water starts to come into your building, please do the following:

• Disconnect your technology from the walls and transport as much as you can to a safe place.
• Evacuate everyone that may be working in the flooded area.
• If you are to return to the building, please be sure you are wearing protective clothing. You don’t want the water to touch your skin, as there could be hazardous chemicals.
• Take pictures of the damage for your insurance company.

Find the Source
If you’re not aware of where the water is coming from, you’ll need to find it so you can try to do your best to make it less of a mess. Check the pipes in bathrooms, kitchens, etc. and ensure none of them burst; check for watermarks on the ceiling or drippage - this could be coming from the roof; check the windows, doors, etc. The faster you can spot the source, the less damage there could be.

Call Your Insurance Company ASAP
Once you have evaluated the area and took pictures, contact your insurance company right away so they are aware of the damage. The sooner they can help, the sooner you’ll get your funds to put everything back together.

What to Do After Flooding & What Not to Do
To Do:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and desk/tabletop items
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying (in the summer)
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
• Gather loose items from floors

Don’t Do:

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
• Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to remove water
• Don’t use technology like computers, fax machines, etc.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet

Contact a Water Restoration Company
If your Hoboken commercial business has been damaged by water caused by flooding or water leaks, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment to restore your business. Our water removal and cleanup process also provides validation and documentation that your property is dry.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

How to Handle Winter Storm Aftermath at Your Hoboken Home

1/12/2023 (Permalink)

Winter weather can pose a distinct challenge to the owners of various types of properties. Snow, ice, and sleet can cause damage to your siding, roof, walkways, driveways, and more. If your area deals with frequent freezing temperatures that thaw in cycles, your property is at risk of leaks, frozen pipes, and other issues. So, what are the best ways to handle winter storm aftermath at your Hoboken home? Let’s take a look.

Types of Winter Storm Damage
First, let’s take a look at the types of winter storm damage. These include flooding, fires, roof leaks, and structural damage. Flooding occurs when water freezes in your pipes, causing them to burst. If this happens, it is important to contact someone immediately for help as this could then lead to mold and other damage.

Fires can be caused by a number of reasons such as improperly cleaned chimneys, unattended fireplaces, downed power lines, or even overloaded electrical outlets. Regardless of the reason, winter storms are known to cause various types of fires.

As for roof leaks, ice dams can block pipes and snow can melt and freeze onto your roof breaking through shingles. High winds and hail can also cause damage to your roof which then exposes your property to moisture damage.

How to Handle the Aftermath
If your property falls victim to any type of winter storm damage, chances are your anxiety level will be through the roof. We understand that events like this can cause panic, but the best thing you can do is stay calm, take a few breaths, evaluate the situation, and make wise decisions to react appropriately. You’ll also want to make sure everyone inside is safe and evacuate everyone if necessary.

Turning off the water and power is a great idea, because as we mentioned above, winter storms may lead to floods, leaks, and roof damage. Turn off the water source to prevent further damage and turn your main power outlet off so you can prevent electrical fires.

You’ll also want to have a clear head so you can record your property losses. This is important to present to your insurance company when making claims.

Contact SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City
Storm and flood damage require special restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your Hoboken property, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise.

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

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”