Why SERVPRO? We use Infrared Technology to Detect Water Leaks

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

While you’re researching restoration companies, you’re always looking for the “why?” Why is company A better than company B? You’ll start to answer the why on your own as you do your research and read through reviews, but we can tell you that one of the reasons why you should choose SERVPRO of West Somerset County is because we used infrared technology to detect water leaks - which is something many companies don’t use.

Every year, water leaks cause serious problems for residential and commercial property owners alike, especially those who live or work in buildings that were constructed before the 1950s. The hardest part has always been finding the source of a leak, but infrared technology is now being used to solve this costly and irritating problem.

What Causes Water Leaks?
Modern plumbing is a necessity for most buildings, but they are subject to laws of entropy just like everything else. As a consequence, even the most well-designed plumbing systems will break down over time, which usually comes in the form of cracks within the piping, allowing water to leak.

Water leaks might also be the result of rainwater entering the building through the roof. This is a common occurrence especially in aging ceilings and walls. The most hazardous water leak is the one you don’t quickly recognize. The circulation of water around the property will cause dampness in the surrounding air, which makes it unhealthy to breathe.

In extreme cases, those living or working on the premises might develop an ailment which is airborne. If enough time passes, the leak will also begin to compromise the structural integrity of the building and the presence of any electrical conductors or equipment, creates an additional danger. It is for these reasons that rapidly identifying a leak and its source are extremely important.

Why We Work With Infrared Technology
Infrared imaging is considered state-of-the-art technology that allows us to identify leaks with ease. It is also used to inspect electric fittings, HVAC, and insulation. It accomplishes this through infrared rays which look for thermal abnormalities in a given space.

Every object, whether it be plants, animals, humans, or inanimate things, gives off specific infrared emissivity. However, the emissivity of an object will change along with the temperature. Therefore, a special camera is used to take infrared radiation images and the various emissivity levels will be displayed as distinct colors within the camera’s display.

Water leaks will raise or reduce the temperature for the surrounding area. This, in turn, will affect infrared emissivity levels which correspond to specific colors. A professional plumber will then be able to identify wet spaces within the camera, and can also identify leaks in places where the liquid is falling within a location because of the air dampness in that particular area.

While infrared imaging is innovative, it still takes a trained eye to read the screen and identify leaks, which is why you should fire a professional. Even if a property owner purchased one of these cameras and tried using it, the images wouldn’t make much sense to them unless they have a deep technical understanding of plumbing systems, roofing, and heat changes.

The best case scenario is to give SERVPRO of West Somerset County a call. We have experienced, knowledgeable, technicians that can take care of finding the source of your building’s leaks and presenting the right advice and assistance to fix it.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of West Somerset County 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 Hoboken/Union City, 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.”

What You Should Replace After Fire Damage

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Harvey in West Somerset County understands the heartbreak that homeowners go through when they lose belongings, lives, and even the structure of their home in house fires. However, if the fire you experience is mild, there may be some things you can keep and some you must replace.

After a fire accident at home, you should always assess the situation and environment when it is safe to do so. You should also rope in technicians and engineers to ensure that your house is structurally stable and safe. A fire accident damages the property and its contents, hence, you should figure out which items can be salvaged, and which need to be replaced. This is a guide on the important items you should replace after fire damage.

Burned Clothing
Textiles, such as clothes and bedding can be salvaged after a fire if proper disinfection and cleaning is done. However, if any clothes are burnt, they should immediately be thrown away and replaced. If you have any young children at home, then you should set a stricter set of criteria for considering which clothes should be replaced and which can still be worn.

Medicine and Cosmetics
Your medicine and cosmetics contain numerous chemicals and minerals which may be affected by fire and high heat. This can alter the composition of the products such that they become more toxic and contaminating. You should inspect the products for any signs of fire extinguisher dust, soot, heat, or other damage. The potency of medication could also be altered due to the high heat, smoke, water, or the chemicals used by firefighters to fight the fire. It is recommended to throw away all cosmetics and medication and replace them.

Insulation and Electrical Appliances
After a fire, there is a high chance that your house insulation and wires may have been damaged by heat or fire. You should always replace the insulation after a fire as burnt insulation is ineffective due to the presence of air holes. Burnt insulation is also hazardous as a hidden ember can continue to burn for hours and could reignite, thereby triggering another fire. Electrical appliances should also be checked for water or heat damage. Wires and appliances which have been damaged by the fire are hazards that may shock and ignite at any point in time. These wires and appliances could also have hidden faults that are not visible to the naked eye. If you spot any damaged or melted wires or electrical appliances, then that is a red glad and should be replaced. As a rule of precaution, all electrical appliances should be replaced and tossed away if you are unsure about their condition.

Food
Non-perishable food could be compromised by the fire and food safety is a huge concern especially after a fire. Although sealed food that is not damaged or burnt may appear to be healthy for consumption, it may not be edible - especially if they were close to the fire. This is because toxic fumes emitted from the fire and smoke could contaminate the food through the cans and sealed jars. High heat can also cause the food to taste unpleasant and activate bacteria which promotes food spoilage. The water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire could also contaminate both perishable and non-perishable food. You should always be rigorous and detailed when inspecting your kitchen after a fire anc check for any heat, smoke, or chemical damage caused by the fire and fire extinguisher. As a rule of thumb, you should throw out any food items.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of West Somerset County 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 Hoboken/Union City, 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.”

Water and Storm Damage Tips

4/27/2023 (Permalink)

Spring is on the way and we all know the saying, April showers bring May flowers. As nice as the flowers are, we need to stay on top of the spring storms that are headed toward us. SERVPRO of West Somerset County is here to help you with water and storm damage tips, as well as some insight on how we can help you restore any damage.

Storm Damage Cleanup & Restoration
We know that our part of the country can experience storm systems, and we have seen that occur in recent years with Hurricane Sandy, Irene, Ida, and others damaging large portions of the state. Our restoration teams traveled to the coastline to help townships still working to dry and repair their homes for months after Sandy slammed the shoreline.

We have prepared for the likelihood of flooding in severe storm events and have acquired the leading tools and equipment to address standing water and saturation throughout an entire property. With hundreds of air movers and dehumidifiers, we can address thousands of square feet of saturated material to work to remove or preserve it as installed.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
Floods and storms don’t wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

We’re Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms & Disasters
Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. On the other hand, we can access resources from 2110 franchises across the state and country and even utilize disaster recovery teams for major storms and disasters.

Water & Storm Damage Tips
What can you do until help arrives? After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the more prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful.

What to do after flooding?

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and 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.

What NOT to do after flooding?

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If you’re in need of immediate storm or water damage restoration, reach out to SERVPRO of West Somerset County ASAP. We’re here, working 24/7 every day to make sure that we can get the right personnel to you when you need it.

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 Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, 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 of West Somerset County’s Residential Cleaning Services

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Cleaning is an element to every recovery project that we undertake, and as a full-service restoration team offering a one-stop-shop solution, having a roster of highly-trained cleaning technicians is vital. We have team members accredited in multiple facets of renewal and recovery through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC), such as Carpet Cleaning (CCT), Odor Control (OCT), Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning (UFT), and biohazard recovery.

What Can We Help With?
We can help with water, fire, mold, or other loss incidents. This even includes a vandalism case in Skillman, NJ. Our professionals could see that the scope of the damage caused was extensive. Since the home was being put up for sale, we had to work quickly to clean up after these damages. We prepared the building and worked with a contractor who could replace broken windows, reconstruct damaged areas, and repaint where necessary to make it “like it never even happened.”

What Services Do We Offer?
We offer carpet & upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning, odor removal, sewage & biohazard clean up, ceilings/floors/walls, drapes & blinds, trauma & crime scene, vandalism & graffiti, and commercial cleaning as well. Let’s dive more into these.

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

Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning
We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of your 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.

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

Ceiling, Floors, & Walls
Ceiling and wall cleaning should be a part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. You should also clean walls before painting so that primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, we can help.

Drapes & Blinds
We excel at cleaning fine fabrics and intricate pieces using wet or dry methods as required. We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of our system’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. We use state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for cleaning fine fabrics.

Odor Removal
As experts in deodorization, we’re trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Sewage Cleanup & Restoration
Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Trauma & Crime Scene Cleanup
Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Vandalism & Graffiti Cleanup
Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

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 Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, 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 For Your West Somerset Business

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Aside from causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

• We provide 24/7 emergency service
• We’re faster to any size disaster
• We’re a trusted leader in the mold and water restoration industry with over 2110 franchises
• We’re highly trained mold and water damage restoration specialists

Why is Commercial Mold Remediation a Unique Challenge?

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. We can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss conditions. Our training and certifications include:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Mold Affects Indoor Air Quality

Mold in a home is dangerous, but mold in your commercial building is even worse - as there are many people that enter and exit the building. Mold significantly impacts indoor air quality causing health problems such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms.

In many cases, people complaining about odor normally point to microbial volatile organic compounds, which are molds released into the air. Exposure to this has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

Where is the Mold Coming From?

Mold comes from moisture problems. These problems can occur from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under the building, unvented combustion appliances, and delayed or insufficient maintenance. However, there are many hidden sources of mold. Sneaky, hidden mold hides on the backside of drywall, under wallpaper, behind paneling, on the top of ceiling tiles, and the underside of carpets and pads.

If you suspect a mold problem or if you know you may have water damage to your commercial building, call SERVPRO of West Somerset County. We’ll start the remediation process and help you keep you, your customers/clients, and your employees safe.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of West Somerset County 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 Hoboken/Union City, 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 West Somerset County 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 Lower Manhattan 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 Hoboken/Union City, 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.”

What To Do About Your Smoke Damaged Furniture

2/18/2023 (Permalink)

After the fire has been extinguished and it is safe to go inside your home, it’s time to figure out what is salvageable. For most furniture, it is possible to restore them if they were not damaged too much by the fire, however, before trying to clean them off, be sure that your house has good ventilation by opening doors and windows. If the weather is decent, bringing the furniture outside to clean them off may be a better bet.

An important note is to remember to wear protective equipment such as face masks and gloves when cleaning the furniture, as there could be a lot of soot and smoke particles released during your cleaning process. If this is breathed in, it will affect your respiratory system. However, if you’re unsure of what to do, we recommend calling a fire restoration specialist like SERVPRO.

If you’re looking for some advice on what to do about your smoke damaged furniture, we’ve provided some information below that could help. In addition to this, we can help bring your pre-fire damaged home back to life with our skilled technicians and staff.

Leather Furniture

• When dealing with leather, the leather must not get too wet during the cleaning process and you have to be gentle as leather material can be scratched easily.
• Use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the smoke and soot particles. Hold it above the surface instead of directly onto the leather furniture to prevent scratches.
• Gently wipe down and clean the furniture using a soft cloth and leather cleaner.
• Afterward, mix equal parts of vinegar and water to make a solution. Use a different cloth to wipe the furniture using the solution. Vinegar helps to deodorize the smoke smell.
• Wipe down the leather furniture using water. If the smoke smell persists, sprinkle baking soda onto the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit overnight.
• Vacuum the baking soda using the flat brush attachment the next day and repeat this process if necessary.

Wood Furniture

• Use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the soot or you could also use a duster to do so.
• Afterward, use a dry chemical sponge to remove soot embedded in the grain. Wipe down the furniture and move the rag along the grain to prevent scratches.
• Let the furniture sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth.
• After letting it dry, use a high-quality wood conditioner or polish to restore the wood finish on your furniture. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product used.

Fabric Covered Furniture

The fibers present in fabric furniture are very efficient in trapping smoke and soot particles. If left uncleaned, these particles could gradually be released and pollute the air.

• To clean fabric furniture, use the flat brush attachment to vacuum up the soot.
• Sprinkle baking soda into the entire surface of the furniture and let it sit for 24 hours.
• Vacuum up the baking soda and repeat this process.
• Remove any removable covers and wash them in cold water using a detergent that is specially designed to remove smoke odor and vinegar.
• Hang the covers outdoors to speed up the drying process and remove any odors.
• Lastly, you should spray the fabric furniture with a product designed to deodorize smoke-damaged fibers.

We hope these tips helped! If you need fire damage restoration for your home, reach out to SERVPRO of West Somerset County. We’re available 24/7 and consist of highly trained fire restoration technicians that are ready to help anytime, anywhere.

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 Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, 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 to Prevent Water Damage to Your Far Hills Home This Winter

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage to your home can happen at any time of the year, but in winter, your home may be especially susceptible. The wet weather and freezing temperatures can cause water to leak into the nooks and crannies of your house. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this. Here are some tips to prevent water damage to your Far Hills home this winter!

Preventing Ice Dams on the Roof

Ice dams are formed when ice collects at the edges of a roof. This typically happens when the upper portion of a roof is warmer than the lower portion. Snow on the upper portion melts faster and runs down to the cooler part of the roof where it freezes again, creating an ice dam. These are problematic because they block the water from melting snow from flowing off your roof. The water can accumulate and seep into your house through tiny cracks or gaps in your roof. Not only do you have to worry about water damage, but mold growth as well as the water makes its way into your home.

To stop ice dams from forming, you have to ensure that all parts of your roof are equally cold. This can be done by keeping your attic well-ventilated to maintain an evenly cold temperature. You should also seal any ceiling cracks or openings that may allow warm air from other parts of your house to enter the attic. We suggest you get your roof inspected prior to the winter storm months to ensure you’re in good shape for the season.

Clearing the Gutter

Keeping the gutter clear allows water to drain down and away from your roof which also helps to keep water from collecting on your roof. This is an unappealing task but it is very important in preventing a clog. You can do it yourself with gloves, a garden trowel and a ladder. However, it may be better to get professional assistance, as this may be a bit dangerous. You can also install gutter covers to reduce the need to clear your gutter, but you should still check the gutter occasionally to ensure that it is not clogged. Leaves and other debris are most likely to collect at the corners and junctions of the gutter.

Keeping Your House Perimeter Dry

After you clear ice, snow and water from your roof and gutter, you need to make sure to keep the foundation of your house dry as well. Melting snow surrounding the perimeter of your home can seep into the soil and enter your house through cracks or leaks in your windows and doors. It can also saturate your foundation and basement walls, increasing the chances of mold forming in your home. The best solution is to shovel the snow away from your house before it melts. You can also seal up gaps or other openings in your basement wall to prevent water from seeping in.

Watching Out for Frozen Pipes

Due to the cold temperatures in winter, water in your pipes can freeze over and lead to high internal pressure in the pipes. If the pressure continues to build up, it can be enough to rupture your pipes, causing a huge amount of water to be released in your house. To prevent frozen pipes, you can insulate the ones located in places of your home with freezing temperatures. In especially cold temperatures, it is recommended to let your faucets drip slowly to relieve pressure in case the pipes have frozen. If water from your pipes stops flowing completely, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible because it is likely that the pipe has frozen.

If you notice that your pipes may be frozen or on the verge of freezing, wrap a heating pad around the pipes, open the cabinet doors, and keep an eye on it. This could help prevent it from freezing.

If you end up with water damage after a winter storm, give us a call ASAP. It’s important to get on top of water damage rather than letting it sit, causing more damage and mold growth. SERVPRO of West Somerset County is here for you and ready to help wherever and whenever.

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 Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, 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 Fire Damage Can Disturb Your Somerset County Office Building

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire can cause devastation in any environment, but especially to commercial establishments like office buildings. The effects of smoke and fire damage can vary depending on the size of the fire, the type of damage, and how quickly it is handled. For your own peace of mind, please read on and learn about how fire damage can disturb your Somerset County office building.

Your Employees
If a fire broke out during business hours while your staff is in the building, their safety is your number one priority. Smoke is made up of toxic materials. It can cause skin and eye irritation, leading to rashes or more severe eye issues in the future. The toxicity can also cause issues to your respiratory system, aggravating the lungs, and more.

Business Operation
If a fire breaks out in your office building, the productivity slows detrimentally. It causes the employees to have to leave their desks and leave the building, halting a day (or more) of work. Not only does this affect your employees, but your business as a whole. This will then lead to financial losses.

Financial Losses
Larger corporations that have multiple branches or headquarters suffer less of a risk if a fire breaks out in one of the locations. However, if you own a smaller-than-corporate business, your revenue, productivity, data, and technology is at risk.

Loss of Data
Today, we depend on computers and the internet to get us to where we need to be. We store data in our computers that contain hard drives, operating systems, databases, and more that could be lost if the fire destroys our technology. It’s always a good idea to have your important information backed up somewhere that you can access from any computer and not only save everything on one.

How to Prevent Fire Damage in Office Buildings
The first step in protecting your business from fire damage is to have great insurance coverage. Insurance carriers differ widely when it comes to their dependability and some are frustrating to deal with. You’ll need to show evidence of the damage and the goods that were destroyed.

The second step is to operate in buildings which have natural resistance to fire and have at least one working fire extinguisher on site at all times. Annually inspect wiring or other sources that could cause a fire and store critical company documents and files in a safe that is fireproof. Using laptops rather than desktop computers allow staff on site to rapidly unplug and carry them outdoors during an emergency.

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 Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, 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.”

6 Causes for Winter Water Damage in Your Somerset County Home

1/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time during the year and when it happens, it causes a mess and many headaches. However, now that we’re in the winter season, there are 6 main causes for winter water damage that you should be aware of.

Frozen Pipes
SERVPRO can help you with all types of winter water damage. Winter can bring about frozen pipes, rising temperatures, and heavy snowfall, which can all pose risks to your home.

For example, when pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures, they can split and cause costly damage to your property. When your pipes are frozen, it causes the water molecules to expand, and if they expand too much, the pipe will burst.

How can you prevent this from happening?
To prevent your pipes from bursting, you can keep your cabinet doors open overnight to allow the heat from your home to wrap around the pipes, keep a very slow trickle of water flowing, and most importantly, keep an eye on the weather. If you’re not aware of the temperature drops overnight, chances are you won’t be able to get prepared.

Air Conditioning Units
When not properly maintained or insulated against the elements, air conditioning units can also burst during frigid temperatures. If you like to keep your air conditioning units in the windows all year long, please insulate them accordingly to avoid this from happening.

What are the best ways to avoid this?
Insulate your units by adding flexible foam insulation material around the entire air conditioner and use tape to prevent air leaks. There are also many different products out there that’ll help you cover the units safely.

Water Heaters
If you live in an area where the temperature can drop down to 25 degrees or colder in the winter, your water heaters are forced to work harder than normal. Also, if your water heater isn’t properly maintained or if it’s on the old side, there’s more of a chance for leakage.

Snow
The obvious cause is melting snow. If snow accumulates to a large amount, your home is at risk of flooding, mold growth, and roof issues. Be sure to remove the snow before it has a chance to get too high, causing it to sit for days while it melts.

Clogged Gutters
Before a winter storm hits, it’s a good idea to go up and check your gutters. You want to make sure there aren’t any leaves or debris buildup. If they are clear, you have a better chance of them not overflowing. However, if your area suffers from a large winter storm causing a large amount of snow and ice, your gutters can freeze and cause spillage down the foundation of your home as it melts. After the storm, we advise you to clean them out before this happens.

Badly Insulated Pipes
If your water line is exposed to outside temperatures, the pipes must be properly insulated. Have your pipes checked out prior to the winter season. If you don’t have time, you can purchase pipe insulation made of foam or fiberglass to protect them from freezing.

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 Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, 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.”