The Realities of Leaky Appliances at Home | SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater

9/1/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage from a leaking appliance is an easy fix for SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater!

We are all so busy these days that we often rely on our appliances to do a lot of our housework while we are at work or running errands. While it may be nice to come home to clean clothes or a dishwasher full of clean dishes, appliances can be unreliable at times and lead to serious issues, especially if you are not home to address the problem right away. 

Even the smallest leaks can turn into disasters, so knowing what to do if this happens to you can help you stay in control and minimize the situation. 

The Truth About Water Leaks 

We use water in so many ways in our homes, which means that there are water lines and pipes all over the place. They are behind your walls, in your ceiling and even under your floors. 

This easy access to water sure is convenient, but it also means that water leaks can happen virtually anywhere in your home. Once a leak starts, it can lead to widespread damage in just a few minutes. 

Water will seep and leak under floors, behind walls and into your carpet. From there, it can continue to spread to multiple levels of your home and at that point it can be really hard to dry out on your own. Lingering moisture can eventually lead to mildew, mold and even rot. 

Tracking Down the Leak 

Depending on the scale of the disaster, you will most likely be alerted to the water disaster as soon as you walk into the room in question or when your socks become soaked through as you open the door. Locating the source of the leak and stopping the flow of water should always be your top priority. Stay out of the water if possible and locate the water valve that controls your appliance.

Once the water has stopped flowing, you should also shut off power to that particular appliance or simply shut off electricity to the entire room for the time being. If not, the appliance could unexpectedly start back up and dump the remaining water in the machine onto your floors. After you have the area partially secured, call SERVPRO® so we can get to work for you. 

The Restoration Process 

Our first phone call with you will include many different questions that will be centered around how the leak started, how much water is on the floor and the extent of any damage you see. After we understand your situation more thoroughly, we will be able to pack up our trucks and arrange the right crew for the job and then we will be on our way to you.

We know that water disasters are time-sensitive, which is why we prioritize your call and jump into action immediately. Once we arrive at your home, we will get right to work to remove the standing water and hidden moisture from behind your walls and under your floorboards. 

We are trained to also repair soggy drywall, warped wood and soaked carpet, so you can rest assured that your entire restoration will be taken care of by our very capable hands. Call us the next time your dishwasher or washing machine inevitably leaks, and we will proudly be your restoration partner. 

A simple water leak can lead to serious water damage. Call SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater for a fast restoration.

Keeping the Flames Under Control at Home | SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater

6/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater is here for you whenever disaster strikes.

What is your favorite meal to whip up in the kitchen? Whether you delight in a three-course meal or a cup of mac and cheese, we all spend a considerable time in the kitchen preparing food.

In the majority of cases, we rely on heat and flame to cook our food to perfection! Because of that, it should be no surprise that the vast majority of house fires start in the kitchen. We explain some easy ways to stay fire-safe while making your meals below. 

Safety Tips  

All it takes is a single spark or wandering flame to cause a serious fire in a matter of seconds. Start by preparing your space before you even light a burner or turn on your stove. 

Remove flammable materials from around your stove, like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and decorations. You should also be mindful of the clothes you are wearing when you are cooking. Loose sleeves, apron strings and even long hair can be dangerous near a flame, so keep your sleeves rolled up and your hair pulled back.

Grab a lid for the pot or pan you are using and keep it on the counter while you are cooking so you can quickly toss it over a growing flame to snuff it out. If a spark flares up, you can easily take control without having to reach for your fire extinguisher.

Remember, grease and water do not mix, so never use water to put out a grease fire. You always smother a grease fire.

What to Do First

Whether you are trying out a new recipe or making a dish you have made hundreds of times, fire is unpredictable and can start at any time. If you are near the flames when they erupt, either smother the flames with your pot lid or grab a fire extinguisher to put them out that way. 

If a fire starts in the oven, do not open the door. Simply turn off the oven and wait for the fire to slowly run out of fuel and extinguish itself. 

Keep in mind that these fire-extinguishing methods only work if you feel comfortable staying to fight the fire. Your safety should always be your top priority, so remember that it is OK to back away and call 911 if you are in danger. Stay low below the smoke line, and get outside as quickly as you can. 

Where Our Team Comes In 

Once the fire is out and the trucks roll away from your drive, our team will be there to take over the next steps in your restoration. We are fully trained to handle every aspect of your fire and water damage, and we can even rebuild the entire affected area.

We will work hard to clean, sanitize, deodorize and restore your beautiful home in no time at all! Once we are through, you will never know that a fire broke out in your kitchen or anywhere else in your home.

Don’t wait to call SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater if your home suffers fire damage. We are Here to Help®!

Recovering From a Flood Disaster, Safely | SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

No matter where the water comes from, SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater is ready to restore flood damage to your property!

Have you ever watched the rain fall from the safety of your house and been impressed with how powerful nature is? While we can appreciate the comfort and safety of our homes during severe weather, it is also the unfortunate fact that our homes aren’t invincible and they can suffer significantly during powerful weather events.

Strong storms can produce strong wind and heavy rain that can overwhelm the ground, causing flash flooding issues quickly. As the water builds up and flows down the street, your home could easily become compromised. Follow the tips below to help you navigate an unfortunate flood disaster in your home. 

Safety First 

It is important to remember that flash flood warnings can be issued even if it is not actively raining. That said, you still need to take action right away so you are ready for when the rain does start to fall. 

Head home if you aren’t already there, and be sure to avoid any low-lying areas or roads that are prone to flooding. A few inches of fast-moving water have the potential to sweep you off your feet, so stay inside once you get home.

If you know that your home is in a flood zone, consider shutting off electricity to your lower levels and moving anything important or sentimental to higher ground. Tie down any outdoor furniture or anything that is too heavy to bring inside but still vulnerable to being swept away by the moving water. 

Responding to a Flooded Home 

If the water starts to sneak into your home, do your best not to panic. There really isn’t much you can do about the situation until the storm has passed and the water stops rushing in. 

Simply stay above the water line and stay dry. Once the water stops flowing, use caution when moving about your home and avoid coming into contact with the water. Floodwater can easily become dangerous as it picks up chemicals, debris and sharp objects, so wear sturdy boots and gloves if you must walk through the water.  

Avoid broken glass, bent nails or any visible structural damage as you make your way to safety. Once your family is accounted for and you have checked on your neighbors, pick up the phone and give us a call. 

How Our Flood Restoration Process Works 

We know that time is of the essence when it comes to responding to flood disasters, so we will have already prepared our teams and trucks as soon as a flood watch or warning is issued. We will be able to jump right into action for you exactly when you need us!

Our team will get to work removing the standing water and securing your home from further damage. We are dedicated to saving as much of your home as possible, which is why we focus on a “restore vs. replace” mentality. We will pay just as much attention to your soft upholstery and fragile objects as to your more obvious structural damage. Our team is ready 24/7 to help you overcome your next flood disaster!

Dealing with flood damage? Call SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater right away.

Preventing Water Damage a Single Step at a Time | SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

If Spring showers bring water damage in to your home, call SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater for a faster response!

It can be so much work taking care of your home on a daily and monthly basis! There is so much to clean, tend to and repair that it can seem like never-ending work. 

While you are busy doing the predictable tasks like cooking, cleaning and getting out of the house for work, you could very well have a larger problem looming just out of sight. Water leaks are sneaky and can cause your home serious damage without much notice. Take the steps below to reduce your risk of suffering from a water leak as much as possible.

Preparing Outside Your House 

One of the biggest threats when it comes to water damage is rain! Rainwater can easily get into your home whether it is drizzling or downpouring. In order to prevent water from infiltrating your home, you have to make sure it has a place to flow down and away from your home. Consider investing in a gutter system if you don’t have one already, and check your downspouts regularly to ensure they aren’t clogged or blocked by yard debris. 

In addition, you should be checking your windows and doors often for signs of wear and tear. Even the smallest hairline crack can invite water into your home that will then leak and seep into your walls. Seal up any gaps that you find and consider fully replacing any aging or sagging windows. 

Prepping Inside Your Home  

Of course, it doesn’t have to be raining for water damage to occur. Water leaks inside your home can be caused by manmade accidents or faulty appliances just as easily. Check any appliances that rely on water to function often by running your hands around and under them to check for moisture. Clean your appliances regularly and service them often to make sure they are in good working order.

Another common place for water damage to occur is near a busted or leaking water line. Since water is always flowing in and out of our homes, this risk is a near constant! Check your water lines regularly and replace worn seals or loose connections as soon as you notice the issue. 

Why a Professional Restoration Matters

Even if you do your best and are attentive to preventing water damage, situations can always sneak up on you and leave you with a serious water leak that needs attention. While you may think that a simple bucket and mop might be enough to clean up the mess, by the time you discover the leak, water will have already infiltrated your walls and floors. Once it gets to a hard-to-reach area like this, it can be really hard to dry out your space completely on your own.

Calling a professional company like SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater ensures that we dry up all of the water to prevent mold, mildew and rot from further compromising your home. We will remove all of the water while simultaneously tackling repairs to help you fully recover from your watery disaster. 

A simple water leak may not stay so simple. Call SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater for immediate water damage restoration assistance.

Is Your Business Ready for Disaster? | SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

Is your business ready for the unexpected? Let SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater help you prepare for disaster with an ERP!

We know how many different hats you wear as a business owner. It takes a lot of brain power, ingenuity and determination to run a successful business! You have to plan for the future while also tackling day-to-day issues, which can be overwhelming at times. 

Unfortunately, planning for the future is an incredibly important part of safeguarding your business in the long-term. Did you know that a quarter of all businesses that suffer a disaster close and then never reopen? SERVPRO® is Here to Help® you build a reliable emergency plan so that you can stay in control no matter the situation.

Dealing With Emergencies 

Navigating disasters can be overwhelming no matter how large or destructive they are. You have to focus on keeping your staff safe while also making sure that you focus on controlling the situation as quickly as possible. 

In order to do that, you need to know what to do in any scenario! That’s where we come in. Our team can help you create an Emergency Ready Plan for your property to help you work through any sort of disaster situation as soon as it happens. 

Having a plan in place can help you stay focused amidst the chaos, which can ensure you stay on track for addressing repairs and getting back under your feet faster. Our Emergency Ready Plan will outline what to do before, during and after your disaster situation so you are guided every step of the way. 

The Creation of the Plan 

The first step of your plan creation will include a no-cost assessment of your property. We will inspect every room in your building and identify the different potential threats that could impact your business throughout a typical year. We will then create a Profile Document based on our findings. This document outlines crucial escape routes, fire extinguisher locations, first-aid kits and other emergency information. We can also create specific plans for things like creating go-bags or formulating a temporary remote working location.  

We will also make sure to create a strong communication plan for your employees so that everyone will be connected as the situation progresses. For example, if your warehouse catches on fire, you will know who is in charge of calling 911, who is in charge of grabbing fire extinguishers and who knows how to use them properly. 

Stepping in to Help
While having a plan in place can help mitigate a certain amount of damage, it sometimes isn’t enough to completely avoid damage. We can help you in this aspect, too! In addition to helping you prepare for disaster, we can help you clean up from one as well. Our team will get right to work cleaning, sanitizing and restoring your property. 

We know that every minute that you are closed has an effect on your livelihood, so we work quickly to make sure your property is restored efficiently and thoroughly.

Don’t wait for a disaster to happen! Contact SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater to create an Emergency Ready Plan today.

Practical Things to Note about Soiling in Dover Homes from Fire Damage

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs in your Dover home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO. We are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration.

SERVPRO Offers Guidance and Assistance in Dover to Facilitate Fire Restoration

After a property disaster, many thoughts may run through your mind. The physical damage to valuables and structural elements is usually the primary concern, especially after fire incidents, since the heat and flames consume materials. Such incidents also leave Dover properties heavily soiled. Therefore, when preparing to address the damage, you should have a solid plan to tackle the soiling it causes.

Some of the things you notice in your Dover property after fire damage may not paint a clear picture. For instance, if the incident seems minor and is restricted to one area, such as the bathroom, you might assume every aspect of restoration needed, including the cleaning process, would be easy. However, an experienced team like SERVPRO understands that surface evaluation can be deceiving when dealing with fire.

The combustion process has many byproducts, and most soil various materials, whether fabrics, wood, stone, and plastic, in many ways. Ash, dry soot, and wet smoke residues are the most common results. Quelling the fire also contributes to soiling since it introduces water or fire-retardant chemicals within the house. The water readily dilutes residues driving them deeper into materials or causing staining in fabrics. 

Some important things to note:

• A small fire does not always leave minimal soot
• Soot is not a homogeneous residue
• Fire intensity influences the physical condition of soils

The amount or quality of residues you have to remove from your property depends on what transpires during combustion rather than how far the flames spread. If the blaze is scorching, it consumes materials almost entirely, thus leaving minimal deposits. Residues also tend to be fine. On the other hand, a smoldering fire only manages partial combustion, thus leaving significant wet residues. 

Synthetic and Organic Residues

Fire residues can be simply described as a mass of black or gray deposits embedded or accumulating on surfaces. From this perspective, cleanup is expected to be straightforward, wiping off residues from surfaces. In reality, fire residues greatly vary, which affects the ease of cleaning. One of the factors with the most significant impact is whether the materials burnt are organic or synthetic. Organic material is a naturally occurring substance such as wood or cotton fiber, while synthetics are artificial and include plastics. 

Qualities of soot from organic sources:

• Fine and powdery
• Less pungent
• Dry and easy to clean

The cleaning challenge is significant if the soiling left in your house by fire comes from synthetic materials. Such deposits tend to adhere to surfaces. Alternatively, the residues can be wet and smeary. Our SERVPRO technicians use distinct approaches to deal with soling from such residues. In the case of upholstery or fabrics, we use the salvage cleaning technique using 1 percent chlorine solution bleach. For structural materials such as wood, highly abrasive methods such as sanding or blast cleaning help strip off the stubborn layers of residue accumulating on the surfaces. For china and crystal, especially in kitchenware, the acidic properties of wet smoke residues can cause etching. Timely cleaning is the best solution to such an outcome. A method like ultrasonic cleaning helps remove the fire residues fast and effectively. 

SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater has years of experience and is well prepared to handle any aspect of fire damage at your property, making it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (973) 810-2825. 

Technical Restoration by SERVPRO in Dover Homes with Water Damage

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can leave your Dover property with many issues. Trust our experts to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why Are Certain Actions Necessary in Dover Homes Undergoing Water Restoration?

Restoring your Dover property after water intrusion can seem challenging or straightforward, depending on your perspective of water-triggered changes. Actions such as extracting stagnant water or wiping wet areas are standard. However, the importance of something like blowing air over wet contents as part of addressing water damage may confound you. Knowing the technical processes that facilitate drying makes it easier to understand which actions are vital.

Whether you want to work on your own or involve a Dover water damage professional to handle the problem for you, having the correct information is essential. At the very least, it can help you manage your expectations and limit the chances of conflict with the people working for you. SERVPRO crew chiefs spare time to explain the processes we intend to utilize in your home and their importance in combating the loss.

Crucial things to know include:

• Water readily changes form
• A material can have several unique properties
• Moisture is constantly moving

Water intrusion can originate from any section of a house, whether it is an opening in the roof, a pipe under a sink, or an overflowing appliance in the kitchen. Conventional wisdom would indicate the problem is restricted to the areas where you notice physical wetness. However, water damage can occur in any section of your house following such an incident, even if it is far from the leak point. Such unexpected outcomes develop because water quickly changes form after it spills. Evaporation and condensation can transfer a problem to the ceiling when it starts from the floor. Moisture also moves constantly, especially by wicking through materials or gravity flow. 

Technical Implications of the Moisture Changes

Controlling or limiting moisture movement is essential for successful drying. For instance, when restoring assemblies such as walls or ceilings, regulating the conditions at the top and bottom of the assembly helps ensure uniform drying. If you concentrate only on one side, you can run into roadblocks, or other advanced issues can arise. For instance, moisture from the wet concealed areas replenishes the dried spots. Materials like floorboards can also cup when moisture levels at the bottom are higher than at the surface.

Drying Requirements

• Humidity control
• Airflow
• Temperature control

Managing the conditions that facilitate drying is challenging, especially in vast or concealed areas. Our SERVPRO technicians take different actions to ease the process during water restoration. Creating access points to reach covered areas is one such step. Therefore, do not be surprised when our technicians punch holes at the base of the wall. Such holes provide a perfect access point to increase the airflow within the concealed area for sustained drying. Our crews can set up drying chambers for better humidity control when drying big rooms.

Heating is one of the straightforward actions people expect to facilitate the drying of wet items. However, you might have the wrong idea of how the heat eliminates wetness since it works indirectly by increasing the capacity of surrounding air to hold more moisture. Therefore, more water escapes from the materials into the air. If the moisture-rich air is cooled, the vapor quickly condenses and can wet the dried materials again. Heat also helps improve the vapor transfer rate from the core of semi-porous materials toward the surface. Our SERVPRO crews can use portable heaters, indirect-fired furnaces, or AC systems to regulate the temperature in water-damaged areas.

SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater views any case of water damage from a technical perspective, thus adopting the right approach to resolve it "Like it never even happened." Call us at (973) 810-2825.

Safe and Long-Term Intervention for Dover Homes with Mold Damage

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Containment is essential when remediating mold damage in your Dover home.

SERVPRO Experience Overcomes Dover Mold Contamination

It is no secret that mold infestation creates risks once it develops in a property. Deterioration of structural materials and release of particulate matter are the main issues people fear. Some mold damage hazards might develop when you try to mitigate the problem, so it is better to involve a professional when the issue affects your Dover home.

Some of the safety issues that develop when your Dover home has mold damage emanate from your choices. Choice of restoration method, equipment, or chemicals can lead to adverse outcomes, including damages from residues or fires when chemical control products ignite. SERVPRO helps prevent negative consequences by choosing safe yet effective solutions.

Safe mitigation of mold damage starts with a clear understanding of the problem. The contamination is caused by different species of fungi that colonize organic materials, which they break down and consume as nutrients. The process starts when moisture activates microscopic spores lying on a surface. The problem only becomes apparent when a large colony forms and exhibits signs like discoloration and dark patches. Removing the colonies takes physical agitation, applying biocides and deodorization to manage the musty odors.

Ways to Contain Mold Development

• Eliminating moisture sources
• Killings spores
• Removing unsalvageable materials
• Refinishing and restoration

The moisture that activates mold spores can be from a temporary source such as flooding or a long-term one such as pipe leaks. If the source still adds moisture to a building, the problem keeps growing and spreading beyond the initially affected areas. Eliminating such sources is vital. Our SERVPRO technicians can help perform various actions against moisture, including regular or specialized water extraction or drying. 

Problems After Intervention Against Mold

Issues can arise from the very actions you take to manage an infestation. For example, drying needs to be closely monitored and managed to avoid spreading contamination. Drying involves using air movers. The air currents produced can spread spores and moldy residue across the house. Of significant concern is the possibility of contaminating the HVAC system with such residues, resulting in long-term indoor air quality issues. Spreading residues can also contaminate new areas. 

Drying also removes moisture from wet materials, releasing it into the air as humidity. Unfortunately, this is not a final solution since condensation can release moisture into the materials you intend to dry. SERVPRO professionals ensure sufficient dehumidification resources to extract humidity from the air.

Other useful precautions:

• Using a dry deodorization technic
• Turning off flames, flash, and ignition sources when fogging 
• Using essential PPE such as respirators or bodysuits

Curtailing moisture supply resolves a mold problem only halfway. A complete solution needs to clean soiled areas eliminating signs of the contamination "Like it never even happened." Cleaning moldy soils is challenging compared to ordinary materials because you must collect all the fine residues from surfaces and crevices. Using wet cleaning methods is not ideal since it can spread the contamination further. Our SERVPRO technicians HEPA vacuum surfaces first before using other cleaning methods. We then damp-wipe the affected areas with antimicrobial detergents. The best cleaning products contain sporicides that effectively control fungal and bacterial spores.

SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater can help ensure your home is safe from immediate recurrence after mold damage by addressing the root causes of an infestation. You can reach us at (973) 810-2825.

SERVPRO Helps Dover Homeowners with Fast Flood Removal After a Storm

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater at (973) 810-2825 for fast and efficient service.

Why is SERVPRO the first choice of Dover residents for flood removal? 

Flooding after a storm can spell disaster for property owners. If flood removal from your Dover home is not done promptly, it can create major problems in the time to come. Taking help from professionals like SERVPRO can help you stay on top of things and prevent potential long-term issues. 

While getting rid of any standing water is the first step that SERVPRO techs engage in, flood removal from your Dover property involves much more than that. The biggest challenges that SERVPRO restorers face after this initial step include:

• Getting the structure dry as soon as possible
• Preventing the growth of microbes and other contaminants
• Eliminating the odors (if any)

Restorers can't address the problem of contamination and odor unless the structure is dried to a preloss condition. Hence, the SERVPRO team first eliminates excess moisture using equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers. 

What Refrigerant Dehumidifier That SERVPRO Techs Use During Flood Restoration In Dover? 

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the equipment of choice to accelerate drying your flooded Dover home. These dehumidifiers work similarly to an air conditioner and condense the excess vapors in the air to liquid water, thereby removing them from the air. SERVPRO techs use refrigerant dehumidifiers that use either conventional or low grain refrigerant (LGR).   

An LGR dehumidifier has the advantage of producing lower humidity ratio conditions than dehumidifiers with conventional refrigerants, which translates to faster drying rates. LGR dehumidifier is more effective in drying wood floors and other difficult materials. 

Call SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater at (973) 810-2825 to discuss your restoration needs. 

Our IICRC Trained Professionals Are Ready to Restore Your Hopatcong Home

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and experience to handle water damage in your home. Call us right away we are available 24/7 for all your restoration needs

Fast, Professional Results are Why SERVPRO is the Solution to Water Damage in Hopatcong

Every year, one out of every 50 homes have a water loss claim according to the Insurance Information Institute. A number of those homes are likely to be in Hopatcong, and the way you respond if yours is among them can significantly affect the outcome of any restoration efforts. A lineup of IICRC trained technicians, state of the art equipment, and a commitment to customer satisfaction is why our services offer a superior result.

Water damage in Hopatcong occurs due to a broad range of circumstances. Storms and accidents that destroy the integrity of your home’s structure can allow water to invade through roofs, windows, and siding. Tiny cracks to big breaks in pipes or loose connections let fresh or wastewater soak into structural components or contents. Spills and overflows or appliance malfunctions can flood areas of your home. Sewers back up and send foul liquids into lower levels. Each type of damage has its challenges, and our experience and knowledge are why we can respond most effectively.

Contamination of the water that damages your home potentially exposes your family to pathogens, chemicals, and other noxious substances. Evaluation of the category of water is crucial in planning for extraction and drying. Our team completes comprehensive training concerning contamination, which is why SERVPRO is best positioned to contain and discard the water safely and according to applicable regulations.

Even relatively clean water is immediately destructive to most building materials, dissolving cellulose-based wallboard and ceiling tiles and causing wood floors, trim, and cabinets to swell, warp, and buckle. We are Faster to any size disaster, explaining why SERVPRO crews are available 24/7. The earlier we arrive, the more likely we can salvage water saturated materials by removing standing water and using commercial-grade equipment to dry structural components and fixtures. Fast removal and rapid drying help avoid secondary damage such as mold growth and offensive odors which complicate and raise the cost of the restoration process.

Responsiveness and quality of outcomes are two of many reasons why SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater should be your first call for water damage assistance. Call us at (973) 810-2825 for round the clock help with any water emergency.