Mitigate Damage While Waiting for Adjuster

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flood insurance can be a lifesaver, but it may still require waiting

Rising water in your Scullville, NJ, home can result in significant flood damage. Once it is safe to re-enter your home, you want to start getting your home back to normal as soon as possible. Unfortunately, your flood insurance company may have been bombarded with claims, resulting in having to wait. Although repairs can’t be made quite yet, there are a few ways to minimize the damage from spreading and ensure a smoother claim process.

Best Practices

As water sits, it can be causing more damage. To avoid that from happening, below are some best practices after a flood.

Document Everything – You will need to wait to throw anything away, but you can start removing saturated items. Before doing that, take pictures and videos of all the affected areas and items.
Start Removing Water – The sooner the water is out, the faster the cleaning process can happen. If you get the go-ahead from your insurer, use a wet vacuum to start the water removal process. If humidity levels outside are low, open doors and windows to increase airflow.
Mitigate Mold Damage – Mold grows fast, often within 48 hours. If possible, remove wet items, such as clothing, bedding and rugs, as soon as possible to minimize growth and potentially salvage more of your belongings.
Ensure Property Is Secure – Depending on the situation, there may be broken windows or roof damage. Temporarily board up windows and secure a tarp in the attic to prevent additional moisture seeping in.

Call the Professionals
Although you have to wait to see what your flood insurance will cover, calling a water damage and restoration specialist gives you a better idea of the extent of the damage. After the inspection, they will provide a plan of action for restoring your home. A trusted professional will also have the know-how regarding working with insurers.
Flood insurance can be a lifesaver, but it may still require waiting. While it’s always best to verify what can be done from your insurer, a few small steps may minimize the damage.

Everything To Know About Water Damage Restoration

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in Pleasantville, NJ

If you notice the supply line leaking in your commercial property, you may not think it is a big deal. However, the leak could eventually cause the pipe to break. This, in turn, could create a massive flood inside your Pleasantville, NJ, building.
Pipe burst cleanup involves more than just wiping away the excess water. Carpet and drywall must be dried thoroughly to stop the growth of bacteria and mold. For best results, you should contact a remediation company following a water disaster.

Water Restoration Process

Water restoration professionals will do what they can to salvage your building. The experts should follow the below process.

1. Assessment and Inspection
The specialists will start by surveying the water damage and classifying the water loss. The pros can then estimate the cost of the repairs.

2. Water Removal
The experts will next use powerful vacuums and pumps to extract the standing water from the property. They may also remove hardwood floors or carpets if necessary.

3. Dehumidifying and Drying
Dehumidifiers and air movers should eliminate any lingering wetness. The pipe burst cleanup specialists will monitor the moisture levels in the floors and walls to determine when the building is sufficiently dry.

4. Sanitizing and Cleaning
After the water is gone, the professionals will use various cleaning techniques to remove any contaminants. This process may include mold remediation, as well.

5. Restoration
Finally, the cleanup pros will return your building to the way it was before the flood. This could require extensive reconstruction.

Water Restoration Certification
Of course, not all water cleanup companies are the same. The experts you hire should be properly trained. Otherwise, they could leave your property in worse shape than it was before they arrived.
Look for specialists who are members of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This regulatory agency provides industry standards for remediation experts.
A massive supply line break does not have to destroy your business. Certified pipe burst cleanup professionals will know the right techniques for restoring a flooded building.

Mold FAQs

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold from water heater break

What To Do If Your Home Is Suffering From Mold Damage?

Mold growth is an extremely common issue that the vast majority of homeowners do have to deal with at some point. Ensuring that you take care of the problem quickly and effectively is the best way to prevent a tiny mold problem from spiraling out of control. Read on to have some of your common questions answered, especially if you suspect that your Somers Point, NJ, home is suffering from a mold issue.

1. Where is Mold Commonly Found?
Mold thrives in damp, dark places. This means that rooms, such as your kitchen, bathroom, garage and basement are all especially susceptible to unwanted mold. Any areas in your home that have recently suffered some type of water damage are also at risk.

2. How Can You Tell Whether You Have a Mold Problem?
You can usually spot mold with the naked eye. Black mold, one of the most common residential varieties, looks like a dark black or green stain that spreads across the surface of an object. A musty or dank smell is also a good indication of a mold presence.

3. How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?
Keeping your home as clean and dry as possible is the best way to prevent a mold issue. This involves cleaning spills and leaks as soon as they occur, ensuring your home doesn't suffer from high humidity levels and properly ventilating your home to prevent condensation from building up. Performing regular mold inspections can also help you catch the issues while they're still small.

4. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Mold is a living organism, so it's natural to assume that you'd be able to get rid of it simply by depriving it of its vital nutrients. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Cutting off the mold's access to water and organic matter could potentially halt its spread, but it won't kill the existing mold.
It's important that you address a mold issue swiftly and effectively in order to prevent the situation from becoming worse. If you discover unwanted mold growth in your home, make sure to contact mold remediation experts immediately.

Tips for Preventing Bathroom Mold

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a bathroom.

Ways To Limit Mold Buildup in Your Bathroom

Water damage to your Margate, NJ, home is more than just a minor inconvenience. It can also encourage the growth of mold throughout your house. Mold thrives in moist areas, so any wet locations are more susceptible to the fungus.
It is thus no surprise that bathrooms are a common location for mold. However, there are steps you can take to limit the buildup of mold near your sink or bathtub. All you need is:

• A squeegee
• A scrub brush
• Grout sealer

Bathroom Walls
Whenever you use your shower, its walls quickly get coated in water. If you let this water sit there, mold will start to develop. You should thus squeegee the walls each time you take a shower or bath.

Grout
While tile adds a bit of style to your bathroom, it is also prone to water damage. In particular, water can get trapped in the grout lines between each tile. You should thus apply grout sealer to the tile annually. Use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach locations.

Fans
Bathroom fans are another great mold prevention tool. Run your fan every time you use the shower or bath, and keep on the fan for at least a half-hour afterward.
For best results, choose a fan that removes most of the moisture within five or 10 minutes. If your fan takes longer than that, then you should switch to a fan that has a larger airflow. Calculate your bathroom's ideal airflow by multiplying its square footage by 1.1 (if you have an 8-foot ceiling) or 1.5 (if you have a 9-foot ceiling).
To prevent mold, you need to limit the amount of moisture in your bathroom. Still, even if you do keep your bathroom fairly dry, a sudden leak or pipe emergency can cause severe water damage that leads to mold growth.
Trying to clean this mold on your own only exacerbates the problem. However, local mold remediation specialists can address the fungus promptly.

3 Causes of Overflowing Toilets

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

The first potential culprit of your overflowing toilet is a clogged pipe.

Three Reasons Why Your Toilet Might Overflow

When you own a house, there are a variety of challenges that you might face. Overflowing plumbing fixtures is a common problem, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. It can require sewage cleaning and repairs and can sometimes become reoccurring. If your toilet is overflowing when you take a shower, this means that the water is unable to drain properly. The following are a few reasons why this might happen in your Ventnor, NJ, home.

1. A Clog

The first potential culprit of your overflowing toilet is a clogged pipe. This can happen when items in the drain don’t disintegrate properly. To prevent this, be careful of what you flush down the toilet or pour down the sink. Food, grease, paper towels, wipes, and other items that are not designed to be disposed of in this way can cause clogs and damage.

2. Overgrown Tree Roots

Something else that may be blocking the drain and causing a toilet overflow is tree roots. Sometimes, particularly if there are small cracks or leaks in the pipe, roots can be drawn to the moisture inside and begin to grow there. When this happens, water is unable to move through the pipes in these areas.

3. Damaged Pipes

Over time, aging pipes can begin to weaken or may become damaged by the environment. If this happens, then sewage cleaning is almost inevitable. Be sure to perform maintenance on your plumbing system regularly and replace pipes that show early signs of damage, such as rust or small holes, to prevent them from breaking.
No matter the cause, an overflowing toilet can be an inconvenience at best and the cause of severe damage to your house at worst. If you have a large amount of water in your home, it is a good idea to have sewage cleaning done by a professional cleanup and restoration service. They can help locate the cause of the overflow and perform any necessary repairs.

4 Things You Shouldn't Do After a Flood

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Don't travel on flooded roads.

Four Things To Avoid After a Flood

If a flood in Linwood, NJ, has caused water damage to your home, you might be wondering what to do next. An emergency of this kind is not always the easiest to handle, particularly if you are feeling stressed or panicked. If you find yourself in this situation, there are some things you should avoid doing to keep yourself and your family safe.

1. Don’t Touch Flood Water
Water from a flood is often highly contaminated. It picks up dirt, waste and debris and can bring it inside your house. Try to avoid entering areas with a lot of water and, if you do find it necessary, wear protective gear to keep the water from touching your skin.

2. Don’t Hesitate To File a Claim
If you have flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Waiting too long after the damage has occurred to start your claim can affect the amount of money that you are able to receive. In some cases, your claim may be denied entirely.

3. Don’t Wait To Arrange For Repairs
Storms can damage your home in several ways. Flood water can ruin building materials and contribute to mold growth if it is not removed quickly. An emergency cleanup and repair company can remove water, rebuild certain areas if necessary and clean damaged belongings.

4. Don’t Travel On Flooded Roads
It can be uncomfortable to remain in a flooded home before repairs are completed. However, it is better to stay where you are than to drive in unsafe conditions. If the roads are flooded, they can make it difficult to control the vehicle and can even cause damage to the car.
Avoiding these actions if there is flood water in your house can help you navigate the situation more easily. Stay away from contaminated water and contact professionals to help manage difficult tasks that you cannot do on your own. After a flood, your safety should be your top priority.

What Do You Do If a Pipe Breaks in Your Building?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Turn off the main water to the building as soon as possible.

What Should You Do If a Pipe in Your Building Bursts?

If a disaster strikes in your Northfield, NJ, office building, you want to be ready to act. You have to consider the safety of everyone in the building. You also worry about office equipment and materials. Bursting pipes, for example, can cause extensive flooding, leading to damage and destruction. If you know how to respond appropriately to this situation, you can minimize long-term problems. 

1. Shut Off the Water
Once you notice bursting pipes, get everyone to safety. You should then turn off the main water to the building as soon as possible. This will prevent more water from spilling out of the broken or damaged pipes and causing more flooding.

2. Turn Off the Electricity
Next, shut off the electricity to the Northfield, NJ, building. If there is water damage or standing water around, on or near any electronics, there is a risk of shock or electrocution. 

3. Call a Plumber
Fortunately, in emergencies, many plumbers are available to come to your business 24/7. An experienced plumber has the knowledge and training to fix a broken pipe and address other concerns. A plumber can also replace other plumbing components.

4. Begin Removing Water
You don't want to leave water in your building for long. It can continue to damage flooring, electronics, furniture, and other items. Plus, mold can begin to form. Use a wet vacuum to clear out as much water as you can. 

5. Call a Water Cleanup Company
If the flooding is widespread, you should contact a professional disaster cleanup company to remove the water. Professionals have the right equipment and proven methods to thoroughly get rid of any remaining water and dry the affected areas. The company will also rebuild and replace ruined materials. 
Bursting pipes can create significant damage to your building. The faster and more effectively you respond, the better.

3 Things to Understand About a Nor'easter

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

A Nor'easter is a strong storm that causes a lot of damage.

Nor'easter Facts You Should Be Aware Of

If you live in Egg Harbor Twp, NJ, you may be familiar with Nor'easters. This strong storm can cause significant damage, and it can be dangerous to be out in. Named because of the fact it normally hits the northeastern region, a Nor'easter may not come along very often, but you should be prepared if one does. The following are some Nor'easter facts you should be aware of.

1. It Generally Occurs During the Colder Months
The most common months for this storm are from September to April, as the cold air coming down from Canada mixes with warmer air, and this is a perfect combination for a big storm. However, this type of storm can happen at any time during the year.

2. A Nor’easter Produces Dangerous Conditions
This devastating storm produces heavy precipitation in the form of rain or snow, strong winds, high tides and rough seas. The storm typically lasts one or two days, and the conditions make it dangerous to drive or even be outside. The winds can cause power lines and trees to fall, causing widespread outages.
Flooding is a common occurrence with this type of storm. If you discover flood waters in your home, it is important to call flood restoration specialists to clean up the damage. Waiting to get rid of the water and dry things out can have disastrous results.

3. There are Two Different Types
The two types of storms are named after the gentleman, J.E. Miller, who first classified the storm in the 1940s. Miller type A forms along the Gulf coast and then moves up the east coast. This is the classic type. Miller type B forms in the Midwest and heads east towards the Appalachian Mountains.
A Nor'easter is a strong storm that causes a lot of damage. If you experience this type of storm and have damage to your home, it is important to start cleanup and restoration right away.

How To Clear a Clogged Drain Without Damaging Your Pipes

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

A drain auger works by making physical contact with the mass stuck in your pipe.

How to Unclog a Drain Without Causing Damage to Your Pipes

When you notice a clogged drain in your home in Longport, NJ, you want to clear it as quickly as possible. However, did you know that certain drain cleaning methods can cause permanent damage to your pipes? By understanding how different methods work and what alternatives there are for clearing out your pipes, you can help to protect your home and its intricate plumbing system.

Chemical Drain Cleaner
If you use a product that is chemically based, you may cause damage to your plumbing. Many liquid cleaners work by instigating an electron transfer process. As electrons are added to or taken away from organic substances stuck in your drain, heat energy is created. The heat breaks the clog down enough that it can then be flushed down the pipe with water.
There are three common types of chemical drain cleaners:

• Oxidizing
  
• Caustic
  
• Acid
  
  

Unfortunately, if you have grease, oils, or fats stuck in your clogged drain, the chemical cleaners may just cause the mass to move farther down the pipe. As well, over time, the heat caused by the chemical reaction can cause the pipes themselves to erode or become weaker.

Biological Agent
A biological agent uses nontoxic live enzymes or bacteria to eat away at the clog. This method works best on organic messes and can take around 24 hours to work, but it will not damage your pipes in the process.

Mechanical Drain Opener
The idea behind a mechanical drain opener is that the clog can be forced down the pipe without using heat energy or chemicals. A thrust of the plunger will send a burst of water, hopefully with enough force to dislodge what is stuck in your drain.
A drain auger works by making physical contact with the mass stuck in your pipe. When properly used, it should be able to dislodge most blockages without causing any damage. A professional sewage cleaning company can clear your drain in the safest and quickest way possible.
A clogged drain can interfere with your routine and quickly become a nuisance for everyone in the home. Choose the right way to clean the drain to preserve your plumbing.

Top Tips for Avoiding a Natural Gas Fire

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure everyone in your home knows these signs of a gas leak.

Top Natural Gas Fire Prevention Tips

Gas lines to your home are one of the wonders of the modern era. At the turn of the switch, plentiful gas flows into your home in a steady, controlled manner, allowing you to cook your meals, heat your home and clean your clothes. Occasionally, a gas leak occurs, leaving your home vulnerable to a gas fire. A few precautions and a little bit of knowledge can better prepare you and your family for such a scenario.

How To Identify a Gas Leak

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. To help with detection, a chemical called mercaptan is added to give gas a recognizable smell. The odor is commonly described as that of rotten eggs or hydrogen sulfide. Look for these signs to detect a gas leak:

• The sudden smell of rotten eggs
• A hissing sound coming from gas pipes
• A stove burner turned on but no flame
  
  

To prevent a gas fire make sure everyone in your home knows these signs of a gas leak. It may be helpful to children to let them smell natural gas with mercaptan so they can identify it.

How To Respond to a Gas Leak

If you suspect a leak, make a quick check of the stove to make sure all burners are off. Don't turn on any lights, as this could cause a spark and result in a gas explosion. Increase ventilation in the home by opening doors and windows. Have someone call 911 when that person is safely outside the home. If you know where your gas meter is located (normally outside of the home), try to locate a turn-off valve. A wrench may be needed to turn it to the off position.

If you do experience a gas fire, call in a fire cleanup team once the flames are extinguished. Look for a company that is Faster to Any Size Disaster and that can help with all aspects of fire recovery.

What Steps Are Necessary for Commercial Smoke Cleanup After a Fire?

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Egg Harbor and Township offers fire restoration and cleanup services.

Steps for Fire Restoration

When a fire affects your Scullville, NJ, commercial property, the cleanup process may feel overwhelming. Not only must you contend with flooding from fire hoses and scorched building materials, but multiple floors may also have serious smoke damage. This may all seem difficult to handle, but learning the steps a fire restoration company may take to repair the damage can have you feeling more confident about returning to business operations faster.

Assessment
Once a contractor or the fire department deems the building safe to enter, fire restoration technicians will assess your commercial property and note which services you will need. Depending on the severity of the fire, you may require multiple needs, including:

• Smoke cleaning
  
• Removal of damaged building materials
  
• Gathering and removal of fire debris
  
  

The technicians will likely keep you up to date about which services your building needs so you can calculate costs and report them to your insurance company

Appraising Smoke Damage Needs

Smoke can cause a great deal of damage to a variety of items inside your business, such as furniture, inventory and electronic equipment. Porous objects will absorb the smoke and its odor, which can discolor and tarnish metals, fabrics and glass. Smoke can also cause some items to yellow, which can make them appear dirty.

Specialized Cleaning

When your building suffers smoke and soot damage, a fire cleanup and restoration service can bring in specialized cleaning materials, such as ozone machines, to clean soot and odors from each room. After a serious fire, smoke odor cannot be cleaned away with room deodorizers, as they are usually not powerful enough to eliminate these smells completely.
Cleaning up after a fire at your Scullville, NJ, business can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to smoke damage and ridding your building of the odors a fire can cause. The more you understand the cleanup process, the more confident you can feel about the outcome.

What To Do After a Basement Flood

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded basement in Cardiff, NJ.

After a Basement Flood, What Should I Do?

Flooding in your Cardiff, NJ, basement can cause serious problems. Fortunately, further damage can often be prevented with quick and careful action.

Potential Issues
A basement flood can lead to a variety of other problems. Some of the most common are the following:

• Electrical hazards
  
• Mold growth
  
• Structural damage
  
  

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so it is extremely important to be mindful of all sources of electricity in a flooded room. Before you begin cleaning, turn off the power to the basement. Do not use any electronic devices or appliances until an electrician has told you that it is safe to do so.
Mold growth and structural damage are less immediate threats but should still be prevented if possible. Fungus can begin to grow on wet items within 24 hours. Additionally, the longer your items are wet, the more likely they are to suffer structural degradation. Therefore, it is important to dry out the area as soon as possible.

Cleanup Process
The first step to take in cleaning a water-damaged basement is finding and stopping the source of the flooding. Pipe repair and other necessary actions should be completed before you begin drying. It won’t do any good to dry out the basement if a pipe is still leaking. Once the source of the water has been addressed, it is time to begin drying and cleaning the area. Use wet/dry vacuums or pumps to remove standing water and fans or dehumidifiers to pull out any remaining moisture. Then sanitize all affected areas, and throw away anything that cannot be completely sanitized and dried. When everything is clean and dry, begin making repairs or procuring replacements for damaged items.
Basement flooding is a fairly common problem that can happen to anyone. Fortunately, taking adequate safety precautions and acting quickly decreases the likelihood of many of the associated risks occurring.

4 Essential Things To Do When Filing a Fire Damage Claim

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Residential fire damage in Pleasantville, NJ.

When Filing a Fire Damage Claim, There Are Four Things You Must Do

If a fire occurs in your Pleasantville, NJ, home, you may be at a loss for what to do next. One of the most important tasks to complete is filing a fire damage claim. Doing this can allow you to cover the fire restoration process. If you're unfamiliar with this task, here are four essential things to do when filing a fire damage claim.

1. Study Your Coverage

To make the most out of your insurance policy, you must study your coverage. These are particularly important factors to investigate:

• What damages are covered
  
• How soon your claim should be filed
  
• What your next steps are
  
  

If you need more thorough information, you can call your insurance company for help. Just be sure beforehand that you're planning on filing a claim.

2. Ask About Assistance

If your home is uninhabitable after the fire, you may be able to receive assistance from your insurance company. Part of your fire insurance could include housing, at least until your home has been restored. You may also be able to get essential products replaced. Keep in mind that these expenses may be taken out of your claim.

3. Document the Damage

Your fire restoration costs won't be covered unless the damage can be located and proven. If it's safe, walk through your home and look for damaged areas or items. Be sure to document what you see, preferably with visual proof. This will also be useful when an adjuster comes to inspect your home. When this happens, you can be sure every bit of damage is noted.

4. Keep Your Claim Open

While it may be easy to close your claim after getting the initial fire restoration payment, this could become problematic after a while. You may find that further damage has occurred since the accident. In case this happens, consider keeping your claim open for a while afterward.
Covering smoke cleaning and other aspects of the restoration process is essential. Therefore, it's important to file a claim as soon as possible.

4 Ways to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Create an emergency kit.

Steps to Flood-Proofing Your Business

If you’re expecting flooding in Somers Point, NJ, it’s a good idea to prepare your business to reduce or prevent any serious damage. There are several steps that you can take to minimize the impact of this natural disaster.

1. Relocate Important Items

Water can cause damage to most items in your building, from paper documents to electronics. To keep these safe from the flood, move anything you can to a higher floor. Waterproof containers can be an additional level of safety for smaller objects. Using tarps or other protective covering can reduce flood damage to items that cannot be moved.

2. Prepare Your Employees

Not only can flooding cause damage to your property, but it can also make it unsafe to travel. Creating a plan for severe weather will help everyone stay prepared for emergency situations that occur while you are at work. You may also want to plan for everyone to work from home until the storm has passed.

3. Create an Emergency Kit

If you are at the office, you should have emergency supplies prepared. This should include flashlights and extra batteries in case the power goes out. A battery-powered radio can also be helpful, allowing you to stay updated on the situation. Make sure to have plenty of bottled water and ready-to-eat food as well, in case you are stuck in the building.

4. Inspect the Building for Damage

While your building should be regularly maintained, you may want to do a quick check for any issues before a big storm. If the building is already damaged, then it is more vulnerable to additional storm damage as well. An emergency restoration service can help perform an inspection and make necessary repairs.

You cannot control mother nature, but you can make an effort to prepare for an emergency. Taking the right precautions can help reduce the effect that flooding has on your commercial building, your business and your employees.

5 Mold Hazards in Dry Climate Buildings

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial bathroom facilities are another common location for mold cleanup.

5 Mold Hazards in Dry Climate Buildings

Mold requires moisture for growth. A dry outdoor climate does not necessarily mean that mold is not likely to flourish indoors under certain conditions. Any of these five sources of moisture can sustain black mold growth within a structure in Margate, NJ.

1. Air Conditioning

When it is hot outside, a building air conditioner may run constantly. The cooling coil, condensate drain pan and insulation in an AC cabinet or ductwork may develop mold without regular maintenance.

2. Bathroom Mold

Commercial bathroom facilities are another common location for mold cleanup. Supply lines that can leak or burst or drain lines that back up raise mold risks in these areas. Buildings with showers in addition to toilets may be more prone to mold.

3. Blocked Drainage

Blocked drain lines can cause mold to form in and around bathrooms as well as on the lowest level of a building. Backed-up toilets, bathroom drains and basement floor drains are the main culprits inside, while poor rain and runoff drainage outdoors can also raise mold risks.

4. Plumbing Leaks

Black mold may be prone to grow anywhere moisture is readily available. A slow leak can keep materials wet long enough that this potentially toxigenic species or other types of mold form. Shut off the water supply as soon as you notice a leak and contact a plumber.

5. Constant Condensation

Condensation may build up in a structure due to the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Droplets may also form around pipes, water-based appliances or structural features and necessitate extensive mold remediation.
Any of these factors can support the growth of mold in a building in Margate, NJ, such as black mold. It is important to have air conditioning and plumbing systems inspected on a regular basis and keep bathrooms and other areas clean and dry to prevent or control a mold problem.

4 Types of Generators To Protect Your Business

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Most portable generations can power between 3000-10,000 watts.

Four Different Types of Generators to Keep Your Business Safe

If you are a business owner in Somers Point, NJ, and have not yet purchased a generator, it's helpful to know your options. A generator is a necessary investment to keep your company up and running during a power outage, but determining what type to buy depends on a few factors:

What your power requirements are
What size space it needs to cover
Whether your business can handle any interruption in service

Portable Generator

Portable generators are great to have for natural disasters like storms and floods when there are widespread power outages, or if a car accident or fallen tree takes down local lines. They are best suited for private homes and small businesses that don't require extensive power to keep everything functional: a few computers, a refrigerator, lights, or small power tools. Most portable generations can power between 3000-10,000 watts.

Standby Generator

Standby generators run on natural gas or liquid propane and kick on as soon as they detect a power outage and are very useful for hotels, restaurants, hospitals, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings. They are even available for residential homes, which is great for those living in areas prone to storms and wind damage.

Inverter Generator

Inverter generators first convert AC power into DC power and then invert it to AC again, to provide an extremely steady current to appliances such as refrigerators, air-conditioners, automobiles, boats and other recreational vehicles that require a particular voltage and frequency. They are lightweight and portable, and therefore well-suited for businesses that have special electricity requirements.

Industrial Generator

Industrial generators, as their name suggests, are heavy-duty commercial generators that can perform seamlessly, even under harsh conditions. Different types utilize different fuel sources: natural gas, diesel, regular gasoline, propane and kerosene. Some industrial generators are even portable, which makes them very useful for situations where larger generators cannot be installed.

A little research and assessment will help you choose which type of generator is right for your company. If you've already sustained damage from a power outage due to a recent storm, it's best to reach out to a storm damage remediation service. They can help you get back on your feet and advise you on how to protect your business in the future.

The Categories of Water Damage

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Wooden floor damaged by water.

Categories of Water Damage

If your business in Pleasantville, NJ, has an issue with the plumbing such as a supply line problem or burst pipe, you may have many questions about how to keep your building and your employees safe, such as if this is clean water or black water. In these events, it's important to know what type of water damage you have in order to know how to properly begin your building's restoration.

The category of water damage depends on the severity of the water damage, including the level contamination of the water. Understanding what category of water damage you have is imperative to understanding how to get your building back to its original state as soon as possible.

Category 1

As the water damage categories range in severity, it starts with category one. This is the least severe of the three types. Category one is water that does not contain any contaminants. There are many ways to tell if you have category one water damage, including water damage from any of the following:

• Malfunctioning appliances
  
• An overflowing sink
  
• A broken toilet
  
• Melted ice or snow
  
  

Even with clean water damage, the clean-up process is still important to do promptly. Preventing any lasting water damage is imperative to preserving your building.

Category 2

Category two, or gray water, is water damage from water that is contaminated with chemicals or other material. There are many sources of category two water damage, such as water from a broken dishwasher or washing machine, a sprinkler malfunction or a toilet that is overflowing with urine. Gray water can also be a result of category one water from a broken pipe or other water issue, that has been left out too long.

Category 3

Category three, or black water, is the most severe form of water damage. Blackwater can contain bacteria and viruses and can come from sewage, rising seawater or floodwaters.
Knowing the three categories of water damage is important to the restoration process. It's important to know the difference between clean water, black water and gray water to prevent lasting damage.

How Pretesting After a Home Disaster Can Reduce Insurance Claims

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

To keep claims down, professional restoration teams can conduct extensive pretesting.

A disaster such as a flood at your Ventnor, NJ, home can be devastating. Not only could it displace you and your family, but it can also severely damage or even completely ruin belongings, keepsakes, and even structural components of your house. You’re grateful to have insurance to help cover your losses. However, heavy claims can raise your premiums. To keep claims down, professional restoration teams can conduct extensive pretesting to determine what you can salvage and restore and what you must replace.

What is Pretesting?

This process works in tandem with the initial inspection, and it’s critical before you make an insurance claim. Your insurance provider expects you to make contact quickly after an incident so it knows what it can and will cover. Pretesting helps to accurately make claims by identifying the scope of the issues.

• Crews will determine what materials and portions of your home were affected.
  
• Crews will determine if any parts of your house were untouched by damage.
  
• Crews will determine what they can restore and what they must replace.
  
  

The Danger of not Pretesting

What would happen if you were to hire the wrong cleanup company—one that didn’t pretest and examine the scene following a flood or other disaster? In this case, you might report unnecessary losses to your insurance agent, which would result in higher claims and more long-term financial burden. A knowledgeable disaster restoration company carefully evaluates this entire scenario and helps limit the number of claims you have to make.

Sometimes Replacement Is Inevitable

There are cases when the company will discover during pretesting that the damage was too great to salvage a portion of your home or a belonging inside. It may be more cost-effective in some instances to replace rather than restore. The team will also determine how long both the restoration and replacement process will take.

Working with an insurance company can be a smooth experience. If you want to minimize claims, it’s best to work with a disaster response company that believes in pretesting.

How To Help Prevent a Fire During a Gas Leak

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure that your gas stove or oven is turned off.

While the building materials of a home provide plenty of kindling when a blaze breaks out, a gas fire can be another matter altogether. In both scenarios, hungry flames devour all in their path, but in a fire caused by an ignition of natural gas, explosive forces can blow out the structure of a home and cause greater demolition and even spread to neighbors more quickly. You can help prevent a disaster from occurring in your home in Linwood, NJ, during a gas leak by learning and remembering this checklist.

What To Do if You Smell Natural Gas

• Ventilate the area as quickly as possible to reduce the gas concentration by opening windows and doors.
• Make sure that your gas stove or oven is turned off.
• Do not plug in, unplug or turn on anything electrical including light switches.
• Learn where the gas line is located and how to shut it off. Turn it to the off position using a wrench.
• Get everyone out of the house and safely away from a potential gas fire explosion, then call 911 immediately.

How To Implement These Safety Steps

Using electricity during a leak can send out invisible sparks that can ignite gas fumes and start a fire, as can static electricity, and even your cell phone. Your best bet is to get everyone out and then investigate the odor’s cause or get help. You should learn where your gas meter is and how the shut-off operates. Keep a wrench to use for that purpose in a set location near the meter in case you need to use it. Get your family out with as little fuss and movement as possible to avoid building up static.

Should you experience a gas fire, or gas explosion, call on fire damage assessment technicians in Linwood, NJ, for help with salvage and restoration. The experience is traumatic enough without trying to deal with those things on your own. Learning what to do proactively if you do smell gas can save your home and even your life.

Four Steps to Protect Your Building from Flooding

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

Buildup sandbags barricades to divert water from the entries of your building.

Four Steps to Flood-Proofing Your Building

If you are in a flood zone, then it is likely in your best interest to prepare your business for the potential of flood damage. There are specific steps you can take to reduce the risk of property loss. However, no amount of preparation can guarantee no damage. Follow the four steps below to minimize your potential property loss.

1. Elevate Critical Equipment

While surge protectors can help save electrical equipment from electrical storm damage, it does little when it comes to floods. To protect computers and other sensitive equipment, you should unplug and elevate the items.

2. Sandbag Doors and Windows

Most flood damage occurs because of unprotected entry points. Therefore, it is necessary to protect all doors and windows. You can accomplish this by building up several barricades of stacked sandbags. These barricades should divert the water away from all points of entry.

3. Secure Furniture

Flooding turns tables, chairs and other nonsecure items into dangerous missiles. Floating furniture can damage windows, doors and even people. It is important to secure all furniture, inside and outside, by weighing it down or moving it to higher ground.

4. Establish an Emergency Response Plan

A disaster restoration specialist in the Northfield, NJ, area will likely offer free assessments of your business. During these assessments, they may discuss how and when you would like their company to respond. A final plan will mean that when a disaster occurs, your chosen restoration team will take action immediately, taking the stress away from you during that time.

Protecting your business from flooding is not necessarily about eliminating all risks of water damage, it is about reducing those risk so that recovery is quicker and easier. A flood is devastating and can interrupt business processes for weeks or months, depending on the level of loss. Be sure to follow the above steps to reduce potential flood damage losses.

3 Factors That Can Influence a Fire Damage Restoration Estimate

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you when a disaster occurs. Call us when you need it, we are always ready to respond!

3 Things To Consider When Getting A Fire Damage Restoration Estimate

When a fire hits your business or Egg Harbor Twp, NJ, commercial property one of the first things you may consider is getting an estimate for the restoration costs. There are many professional restoration teams that can take care of the many repairs that come with fire damage, but the type of repairs they need to conduct and the costs can be affected by a number of factors. Here are three that could play a part in the quote.

1. Additional Damage Types

When receiving your quote, fire damage may not be the only type of cleanup required. In many cases a fire can also lead to water damaged caused by fire suppression systems or broken pipes. Smoke remediation may also be required. Your damage assessment professional will look at all these factors when factoring your quote.

2. Cleansing Services

The estimate given by your restoration team may also be influenced by the necessary cleaning services required to get everything back to pre-fire condition. These may include smoke odor removal, cleaning of furniture and upholstery, electronics cleaning for affected technology, and in some cases document restoration.

3. Extra Services

Many restoration companies offer additional services you may need to get your property functional again. These can include board up services to protect the building from additional damage during the restoration, debris removal, security services for lengthy repair work, and even help with the insurance claim. The use of these services may have extra costs attached, and should be indicated in your quote.

When receiving a commercial fire estimate it’s important to understand that a number of factors may play into the final price. In addition to standard fire damage clean up, your restoration team may look to see if there are any additional damage types such as smoke odor removal or water damage. You may also have options for cleaning services for damaged items, including documentation and furniture. Additional costs could come from other services you choose to take advantage of as well.

How To Know When Water Damage Requires You To Replace Your Carpet

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a team of licensed water damage restoration professionals who are ready to restore your home at any time.

When Is It Time To Replace Your Carpet Due To Water Damage?

When water infiltrates your home, many areas can suffer. Your floor most commonly bears the brunt of a pipe break or other flooding problems. In many cases, a professional flood cleanup company will have to replace the flooring. However, if you’re fortunate, you may be able to salvage this part of your house. It’s helpful to know when your flooring needs to go and when you can save it.

When To Say Goodbye

You may hate to part with your carpet, but even moderate water issues can damage it beyond repair. Here are some cases in which you’ll need to tear it out and put down something new:

• You detect mold on or under the carpets.
• The carpet was wet for three days or more.
  
• The flooding included black water.

Can’t Deal With Mold

The amount of water and time it sits on your floor has a big effect on whether mold will develop. You can’t keep the flooring if mold is present. Have a specialist look for mold growth.

Time Is Not on Your Side

In the event of a pipe break, severe weather, toilet backup or any other incident that brings water into your house, you hope to detect it early. However, if you’re out of town at the time, or if the leak is in a place you can’t easily find, water can sit on the carpets for several days or longer. In these cases, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to sufficiently clean the area.

If the flooding in your Northfield, NJ, home came from sewage, you’ve got a water problem, and restoration of the affected area is essential.  

If these issues are present following a pipe break or other cause of flooding, you shouldn’t try to keep your carpet. Instead, call an expert to help you clean up and make your space safe again.

Black Mold Is Like the Annoying Visitor Who Never Leaves

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the expertise and trained technicians and equipment to knock out the mold in your home. Call us!

Black Mold Is Like An Inconvenient Friend Who Never Goes Away

The term black mold strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere. Few know anything about it. Here are some facts that you should know about this fungus:

• Stachybotrys is its technical name
  
• Stachybotrys is not always black
  
• Not all black-colored molds are Stachybotrys
  
• You don’t want it in your home
  

Perhaps you already have mold. You didn’t intentionally invite it to visit. You didn’t ask it to stay. It won’t leave anytime soon. It’s a nuisance. It’s unattractive. It’s destructive. It’s a threat. It won’t die. It needs to go. It’s not leaving voluntarily.

Mold Is Relentless

If you go on vacation and your houseplants don’t get watered, they are dead when you return home. No amount of water is going to revive them.
If you remove the source of moisture from black mold, it becomes dormant. When the moisture returns, it comes back to life as if nothing happened.

Start by Finding All the Mold

You found the mold in your home and called in experts to help with the remediation. However, it is important to locate all the mold colonies before the cleanup begins. A conventional technique for finding them involves taking air samples throughout the home. Samples with the highest concentration of mold identify locations close to active colonies.

Mold Cleanup Requires More Than Eliminating the Moisture Problem

The secret to getting rid of mold is to destroy it without releasing any into the air. There are many techniques for doing this. They all require the cleaner to wear a mask and other protective equipment. Some of these techniques are:

• Abrasive blasting with baking soda or dry ice
  
• Treating with chemicals that kill the mold
  
• Vacuuming with HEPA filters

Don’t allow the situation to get worse. Call on a team of mold remediation specialists in the Linwood, NJ, area to solve your black mold problem. They are only a phone call away.

How To Respond to Water in Light Fixtures

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you see water in the ceiling fixtures, don't try to release the water.

How to Handle Water in Lighting Fixtures

Water that drips from the fixtures can be a pretty frightening experience, especially when you realize the extent of damage that water in light fixtures could represent. If you see water in the ceiling fixtures, don't try to release the water. Take the following steps to prevent further damage.

• Shut off the electricity to the home at the breaker box.
  
• Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that power is off.
  
• Shut down water to the house at the main shutoff valve.
  
• Contact a Ventnor, NJ, professional.
  
  

Once these steps have been completed, remove any water-logged furnishings to a dry location.

Keep Your Family and Home Safe

It may seem convenient or even funny to poke at the water in light fixtures, but there's more to worry about than ceiling damage. The combination of water and electricity could put everyone in the home at risk of shock or electrician.

Why Not DIY This Damage?

There are several other reasons to step back and let professionals deal with water in the ceiling. For example, identifying the source of the leak is difficult. The water could have covered a lot of distance before pooling in your fixtures. The water may have caused structural damage or mold, and professionals are often better prepared for dealing with those large-scale problems.

Address the Underlying Problem

Once the leak and the ceiling damage have been addressed, you may want to tackle some other home repairs. If the leak originated with your roof, you might need to repair holes in the roof and replace shingles or other roofing. You may need to replace insulation or clean out the gutters running along the roofing. Once again, significant damage in these areas should be tackled by Ventnor, NJ, professionals.

The best way to maintain safety and prevent further damage to your home is to shut off both the water and electricity and then contact a water damage repair professional. These experts will address water in light fixtures, remove the damaged components, repair the leak and the ceiling damage, and install any new fixtures as necessary.

What You Should Know About Category 1 Water Damage

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage at an office building in Linwood, NJ.

If your business in Linwood, NJ, is affected by water damage, starting the restoration process quickly can save you time and money. However, category 1 water damage, known as clean water, is often handled differently than other categories of water damage. Knowing what category of water damage your business has sustained can help you prepare for the cleanup process.

What Are the Causes of Category 1 Water Damage

Category 1 water damage is generally considered to be the least severe category of water damage. Common causes of category 1 water damage can include, but are not limited to:

• A damaged supply line
  
• A broken pipe
  
• Overflowing water from an appliance
  
  
  

What Do Categories of Water Damage Mean?

Water damage categories are referred to numerically, with the least severe category being 1 and the most severe category being 3. Specifically, categories are classified by the following:

• Category 1: known as clean water, the water is not contaminated and isn’t hazardous to be around
• Category 2: known as gray water, the water is somewhat contaminated and should be removed with caution
• Category 3: known as black water, this type of water damage is highly contaminated and can be hazardous to a person’s health

Can Water Damage Change Categories?

Although category 1 water damage is generally simpler to clean up, it is possible for water damage to change from one category to another. Though water damage is unlikely to become less severe, category 1 water damage can easily turn into category 2 water damage, just as category 2 water damage can turn into category 3 water damage. Even if the original source of the water was clean, sitting water can become contaminated over time, making mold growth likely.
Even though category 1 water damage is considered less severe than other categories of water damage, clean water can still be costly to a business. If your business has sustained water damage, consider contacting professionals who are experienced in water damage restoration.