Recent Storm Damage Posts
SERVPRO Can Clean Up Flood Damage & Mitigate Your Queens Home
11/28/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience water damage after a storm in your Queens home, call SERVPRO. We're Faster to any size disaster™.
Flood Damage Requires Specific Safety Protocols
Flood damage is a nightmare for anyone. The sudden inundation of water can wreak havoc on your Queens property and cause extensive damage. Flooded homes develop serious problems that can pose dangers to cleanup workers.
SERVPRO® understands that storms can all too easily cause flood damage in Queens. Strict adherence to safety protocols throughout the restoration process ensures the well-being of our technicians. Our expertise and unwavering commitment to safety protocols protect us as we clean up the mess and restore your home so it's "Like it never even happened."
Here's how SERVPRO follows strict safety protocols to protect both cleanup specialists and homeowners as we clean and restore your property:
- Wearable gear,
- Controlling contamination, and
- Improving air quality.
Everyone on our team has their own fitted Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). SERVPRO technicians understand the importance of wearing PPE and how it helps create a safe working environment. Our PPE includes gloves, masks, goggles, and Tyvek suits. Each piece helps minimize harm from potential hazards and contaminants present in the floodwater.
When flooding happens, it is easy for contamination to spread from one area to another location. To control cross-contamination, we use physical barriers and specialized equipment. Wherever possible, our machinery includes a HEPA filtration system. Together, these isolate contaminated areas.
Adequate ventilation is crucial during flood damage restoration. It facilitates the removal of excess moisture. SERVPRO uses powerful but efficient devices like industrial-grade air movers, desiccant machines, and dehumidifiers. These create stable streams of airflow within your home. They also significantly speed up the drying process. Dry, moving air also prevents the growth of destructive microbes.
These and other methods help SERVPRO technicians work more safely while increasing their efficiency. Storms are chaotic. A primary characteristic is their ability to flood a neighborhood. SERVPRO's specialists work in an orderly, calm fashion, which helps our customers make sense of the current situation.
When flooding threatens your home, call SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood at (718) 878-4365.
SERVPRO has the Utilities Necessary for Storm Water Damage Repair in Queens
2/22/2023 (Permalink)
Don't let storm damage take control of your Queens property. Call SERVPRO today!
Fixing Storm Water Damage in Queens Requires Expertise
Nature can make unexpected turns unannounced, part of which are storms. The damage that storms cause may include destroying a home's roof, siding, and foundation. Often, the damage is larger than a homeowner may have prepared for and so significant for an untrained hand to handle it successfully and efficiently.
Stormwater damage can leave homeowners devastated by turning their lives upside-down. You can escape the devastation and uncertainty of handling stormwater damage in your Queens property by relying on SERVPRO. We have a local station available to you 24/7, full of trained restoration personnel, and a wide variety of state-of-the-art technology to help us navigate and handle any situation without a hitch. We recommend the following sequence of steps if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:
- Ensuring you stay safe.
- Contacting water damage restoration professionals.
- Photographing visible damage while noting everything down.
- Contact your insurance provider to determine the extent of repairs we can do according to your budget and policy.
Stormwater certainly falls under the black water category. SERVPRO is determined to eliminate microorganisms by investing in industrial-grade cleaning products. We can use antimicrobial products to clean and disinfect the affected areas to guarantee your home's safety.
After completing the restoration process, our SERVPRO team confirms that our work is satisfactory and acceptable. To confirm this, we have moisture monitoring and detection devices like moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermo-hygrometers. Using thermo-hygrometers, our technicians confirm that the structures and materials we have worked on have regained their room temperatures and humidity. Our SERVPRO technicians perform a walkthrough and have the customers sign a Certificate of Satisfaction.
To get premier restoration services following storm damage, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood at (718) 381-3702. We have the equipment and expertise required to make the stormwater damage seem "Like it never even happened."
My Forest Hills Home is Flooded After a Storm. Where Can I Get Assistance to Restore it to Normal?
8/24/2022 (Permalink)
Call us today at (718) 381-3702 to restore your property to its pre-damaged state.
Call SERVPRO Technicians to Conduct Storm Flood Damage Restoration in Your Forest Hills Residence
Storm flood damage can be deep-rooted and devastating to property owners. It can cause structural damage and undermine the foundation and structural integrity of your Forest Hills property. Therefore, you should hire professionals from SERVPRO to prevent costly repairs.
Are There Any Mistakes I Should Avoid?
One mistake you can make is handling the flood damage in your Forest Hills property yourself. Without proper skills and equipment, you can cause further damage, leading to costly repairs. A common mistake is beginning repairs before eradicating moisture properly. A cosmetic fix only looks acceptable for a brief time. After a few months, the moisture trapped by the fresh finishing materials can cause problems.
What Are the Secondary Damages Linked to Flooding?
The secondary damages of flooding are adverse, and only certified professionals can minimize them. Pooling floodwater, debris, and chemicals can cause issues such as:
- Mold growth: The trapped floodwater and water ingress create a conducive mold growth environment.
- Wood shrinkage and swelling: If you have wood flooring, it is essential to note that it absorbs water naturally. It releases the absorbed water depending on the fluctuating atmospheric conditions.
- Surface staining: As floodwater flows into your property, it may tag along with minerals in solution form. The water can deposit minerals on surfaces such as wall and floor finishes.
- Persistent odors: A damp smell may linger in all corners of your property for an extended period. Materials such as wood may decay, leading to odors on your property.
How Can Your Restorers Dry Wood Materials and Flooring?
The drying process is vital during flood damage restoration. We can use advanced equipment to speed up the process. After removing the water using pumps, our SERVPRO technicians can use a portable electric heater to direct heat towards the wooden floor. The machine uses heat exchangers to transfer heat from hot coils to the air streams that air movers produce. This process speeds up the rate of evaporation of the wood materials.
SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood has decades of experience and advanced equipment that we can use to manage the storm flood damage on your property. Call us today at (718) 381-3702 to restore your property to its pre-damaged state.
Flood Damage In Your Forest Hills Home
7/27/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood is here to help if you need flood damage restoration.
Flood Damage in Your Forest Hills Home is No Match for SERVPRO
Weather changes from snow to heavy rains when you move from winter to spring, so your home could suffer storm damage. If flooding is present, then you need to act quickly to cut down on both the costs of restoration and potential health hazards for all humans and pets living within the home. We have a highly-skilled team of technicians at SERVPRO who have the experience to handle the fallout of spring storms and floodwaters.
Once a storm leaves your home with wind and flood damage in Forest Hills, professional assistance helps you get it back to normal quickly. We are the local leaders in the restoration field, and we know the best way to address all challenges with black water left behind from a flood situation.
On-Site Assessment
Immediately after arriving on your property, SERVPRO tarps and boards up any holes left behind by falling branches or wind. Our project managers take a look at all flood damage inside the home, making a note of any potential safety concerns. Any slip and fall issues, electrical hazards, and contaminated water all become a priority to keep everyone on the project safe.
Contamination Control
It is not uncommon to be out of power after a storm or flood. SERVPRO vehicles arrive with onboard generators and industrial extraction equipment to start the cleanup process. We utilize truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps that run on gasoline to remove copious amounts of black water from your home into holding tanks. Our skilled technicians understand all of the local regulations on the disposal of hazardous waste, which is what we follow for all floodwater removal.
Cleanup and Disinfection
Once most of the floodwater is extracted from your interior, SERVPRO technicians clean all surfaces with specialized products to eliminate bacteria and inhibit mold and mildew growth. We also take the time to ensure all hidden moisture is removed, using thermal imaging technology to check all surfaces and tight spaces. If moisture is located, dehumidifiers and air movers work to finish up the drying process. EPA-registered antimicrobial products are then applied to prevent biohazards from lingering throughout your home.
SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood is here to help if you need flood damage restoration. Give us a call at (718) 381-3702, and we can deploy a team promptly to address your cleanup needs.
Avoid The Top Storm Damage Remediation Mistakes In Rego Park
6/29/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding and subsequent flood damage can seem insurmountable. Contact SERVPRO when your home has suffered from an event.
How to Remediate Minor Flood Damage in Your Rego Park Apartment
Imagine a scenario where you leave for work one morning and come home to find your Rego Park studio apartment suffering from minor flood damage. Before work, you left the large window in your living room cracked open to combat stale air. However, while you were at work, a storm rolled over your city, and the window allowed rainwater into your home. What should you do in this scenario?
Because the flood damage in your Rego Park apartment is not significant, you may be tempted to remediate it yourself. No matter the situation, here at SERVPRO, we understand that accessing professional services is not always a practical option. For the betterment of your home and your finances, we have some advice for successfully remediating the flood damage in your home.
The first principle is to remember that any leftover excess water could cause further damage inside of your home, such as mold damage. The key to successfully remediating the damage is to imagine where all the water could be, even the water you cannot see. Here at SERVPRO, we use thermal imaging cameras for this reason.
As water sits on hardwood floors, the wood can begin to absorb the excess moisture. Some vital signs that your hardwood floor has become water damaged are bubbling, cracking, and swelling. If you notice any of these signs in this scenario, you should immediately reach out for professional help.
You can use towels, or a mop, to soak up the excess water on the top of your floor. However, removing the water is insufficient to ensure that water or mold damage cannot form. SERVPRO recommends using devices like space heaters and dehumidifiers to help draw any leftover moisture away from your floor.
After you finish, you should keep a close eye on the area for a couple of weeks. If you notice signs that the hardwood floor panels are beginning to warp or you catch a musty scent, reach out for help immediately. SERVPRO can rush to your home and make it "Like it never even happened."
If your home needs flood damage remediation, get that help you need right away. Speak with SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood by calling (718) 381-3702. We're always here to help you.
The Multi-Step Cleaning Process Necessary after Flood Damage in Your Forest Hills Home
4/15/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO knows the necessary steps to take with flood damage in Forest Hills.
Let us Walk You Through Your Flood Damaged Forest Hills Residence.
Flooding incidents can lead to severe damages in your Forest Hills home. However, the most obvious concern is the soiling left in the wake of the incident. It is usually widespread and requires several cleaning steps before the home can regain its normal sanitary state. Seeking professional help can ensure the cleaning process runs smoothly because of the expertise and resources the service provider has.
Removing the murk left after flood damage in your Forest Hills home is an integral part of the restoration process. The floodwaters drive different soils, including mud and silt, into the house, especially when groundwater is involved. Unlike plain water, which you can scoop with buckets and wipe with mops, removing silt and mud is more complicated. There is also the issue of disposal since such materials are considered hazardous. Our SERVPRO technicians bring shovels and disposal bins, among other tools, to the loss site allowing easier scooping and transportation to the disposal site.
Floodwaters leave debris at the loss site. While some of the debris might be from outside the structure, the rest forms from materials and contents ruined within the structure. Cleaning up, therefore, involves the demolition of parts of the structure to remove materials such as wet drywall, insulation, carpets, and pad. Demolition can cause additional damage if not done correctly. In most cases, lack of proper tools leads to those other problems. Our SERVPRO crews have access to a variety of tools that ease the task, including:
- Molding Lifters
- Rubber Hammers
- Pry bars or crowbars
- Air Sleds
Some aspects of flooding can continue causing problems in the future if not appropriately addressed during the cleaning phase. Failure to disinfect all affected areas can pose serious health risks. Our SERVPRO team sprays EPA registered disinfectants directly into all flooded areas before starting the restoration process. We also use professional cleaning products which act as sanitizers, disinfectants, or anti-microbial agents. We also remove excess moisture from contents, building materials, and the air using dehumidifiers and air movers.
For thorough cleaning during the restoration of flood damage, call SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood to assist. You can reach us at (718) 381-3702 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Storm Damage Remediation Shouldn’t Be A Daunting Task in Your Forest Hills Home
3/1/2022 (Permalink)
Flood damage can accumulate quickly. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.
Harsh Winds Can Lead to Flooding in Forest Hills Homes
With the level of severe weather systems that can strike Forest Hills homes and businesses throughout our area, it is no surprise how many residents depend on the fast response and expertise of our disaster relief team. Many systems offer more dangerous conditions than torrential rainfall, bringing gale-force winds that can pull off siding, remove shingles from a roof, and break windows. Within moments of structural compromises, your home can become at risk for widespread flooding and other damaging conditions.
Once flood damage has started in your Forest Hills home, it can often be challenging to slow down, let alone stop entirely. Property owners depend on the fast response of our SERVPRO professionals, and we can work quickly to mobilize our certified technicians and contracting specialists to address both the structural weaknesses of your house and the spreading water effects as well. The faster our team can arrive, the less flooding from runoff and direct precipitation exposure occurs.
Part of our mitigation efforts when we first arrive at a flood-damaged home starts with the structural damage that has already occurred. With breaches in the defense of your residence, water flow can continually penetrate the structure until the appropriate measures get taken to address these concerns with temporary construction solutions. We have an experienced crew of SERVPRO general contractors that can provide board-up, tarping, and temporary power restoration solutions for your damaged property.
Knowing what you are up against is critical to successfully navigating the often complex restoration path. We begin a thorough inspection of your property as soon as we arrive to determine where water damage exists and the best approaches, equipment, and personnel to handle these concerns.
We have spent years building our reputation and credibility throughout the region as a team you can trust when every second counts. Whenever flooding occurs, you can expect our SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood professionals to arrive quickly with the equipment to help. You can contact us anytime at (718) 381-3702.
What Tasks Are Commonly Left Unfinished After Restoring Flood Damage in Queens?
12/18/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO techs are here to help 24/7 365 days a year, no matter the size of storm damage restoration needed for your home.
SERVPRO Handles Simple as Well as Advanced Restoration Tasks for Total Peace of Mind
Flooding is known to cause significant damages to properties in Queens. Therefore, most focus is on major tasks such as tearing down structural materials or cleaning heavily soiled areas. However, those tasks only address part of the damages.
Many seemingly minor issues are overlooked during the restoration of flood damage in Queens properties. Apart from being minor, the other reason is the tedious processes involved in resolving them. However, these issues might impact the structure and the general comfort at the residence later on. SERVPRO can help guarantee conclusive restoration after a flooding incident by addressing such issues.
Among the tasks that should not be ignored include:
- Repairing subfloors
- Inspecting, cleaning, and replacing electrical components
- Cleaning or repairing HVAC systems
Since floods leave inches of water covering floors, moisture can find a way into the subfloor causing significant damages. Even on hard floors such as tiles, water can seep through the grout lines, so it is essential to confirm water intrusion in the subfloor. After extracting standing water, our SERVPRO technicians can use thermal cameras to find water below the surface. When confirmed, we can choose to dry the subfloor using drying mats, thus avoiding costly demolition.
Flood water can affect various electrical components, including switches, sockets, and light fixtures, depending on the entry point or height of standing water. Leaving such components unaddressed increases the chances of electrical shorts and even fires. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect them to determine what requires cleaning or replacement.
Ducts and other HVAC components might also need attention after flooding to address:
SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood takes full initiative to manage all aspects of flood damage, leaving properties comfortable and safe. Call us at (718) 381-3702 for assistance in making any flooding situation, “Like it never even happened.”
What Are the Main Concerns Overcoming Flood Damage in Forest Hills?
10/19/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO flood damage restoration team has the knowledge and experience in all phases of storm damage mitigation.
Flooding can damage Forest Hills homes and require direct action to restore completely.
There are multiple immediate efforts that our professionals must undertake to manage harmful flood loss scenarios. These mitigative solutions serve as a direct path to more efficient restoration and recovery options. Some of the mitigative actions our team can take when we first help flood-damaged homes are:
- Water removal services
- Debris removal
- Muck-out cleaning
- Bulk material discarding
Complete Surface and Content Cleaning
After initial mitigation and even restoration, flood damage in Forest Hills homes is still not fully resolved without lasting cleaning and recovery solutions like surface cleaning. Contaminants and bacterial pathogens are a common element of natural flooding, so general disinfection and biocide cleaning can be beneficial when materials and contents are not discarded.
Structural Damages and Vulnerabilities
With a general contractor license, our experienced team can help with permanent repairs necessary to seal structural vulnerabilities that allowed flood penetration. From broken foundation blocks to missing portions of the roof, we have experienced personnel to meet the demands of your building's envelope and prevent further flood damage moving forward.
Mold Prevention Strategies
Preventing mold can be as important for area homes as eliminating the floodwater. Persistent moisture penetrating areas like a basement or attic could lead to rapidly developing mold. We provide effective drying solutions and apply inhibitors to make host materials inhospitable to spores looking to colonize.
With how threatening flooding can be to local homes and businesses, professionals need to work fast to restore and repair the damage these disasters can cause completely. Flooding is more than just standing water, so specific health and safety guidelines must get met to make these emergencies "Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood team is standing by now at (718) 381-3702.
Minimizing Flood Damage Before Storms Arise in Forest Hills
9/10/2021 (Permalink)
Our storm damage technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your home to pre-damage condition.
After Storms Roll Through, SERVPRO Helps Forest Hills Homeowners to Handle All Flood Damage Needs
Severe storms in Forest Hills can come about any time of year. While the thought of a thunderstorm wreaking havoc on your neighborhood may not seem major, the right set of circumstances can lead to immense property damage. If you want to avoid water damage and basement flooding in your home, you can be proactive with various preventive measures. However, despite all of your preparations, you may still need assistance with the clean up. This is where the team at SERVPRO can help with all of your basement flooding cleanup and flood restoration needs.
Minimizing Flood Damage from Forest Hill Storms
Rainfall is a significant concern with storm damage in Forest Hill, as the excess stormwater can overwhelm your system and bring property damage. Take the time to ensure these areas of your home are in order:
- Gutter System – Gutters shuttle excess rainwater away from your home, so if they get clogged, you could see extensive water damage or ceiling leaks on your upper floors.
- Ventilation – Water damage from storms can also come about if you do not have proper ventilation in your home, especially your attic. Ensure that you do not have clogged or inadequate ventilation that may allow water or excess moisture under the roofing.
- Seals – Always inspect the seals on windows, skylights, siding, and chimneys to ensure everything is sound. This step can prevent storm damage from entering your home.
Of course, basement flooding and first-floor water intrusion often happen when flash floods come during a storm. SERVPRO is here to ensure all contaminated water gets carefully treated and extracted so that drying can begin. When we get done with drying and any necessary water damage repairs, your relative humidity and indoor air quality get restored so that your interior is back to normal.
Call (781) 381-3702 when you need our storm crew from SERVPRO of Forest Hills/Ridgewood to come to your home for flood damage assistance.
Tides and Storms Cause Flood Damage in Queens, NY Properties
7/27/2021 (Permalink)
Stormy weather and heavy rains may cause damage. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.
Queens Residents Routinely Suffer All Kinds of Flood-Related Damage.
Stormy weather, heavy rains, and the flood damage that often results are nothing new to residents of Queens. Several times a year, stormwaters overwhelm area storm sewers and low-lying parts of the city. When this happens, local homes experience various types of flood-related damage.
Flood damage in Queens comes in all forms, and SERVPRO has successfully dealt with them all. Floodwaters are particularly dangerous and damaging because they pick up and carry various wastes, like feces from overflowing sewers. Also, they are always a concern because it does not take much excess stormwater to produce serious results. In fact, floodwaters can permeate the foundation of your home and cause basement flooding long before rising to the level of your first floor.
Some types of flood damage our biohazard remediation teams have most often encountered in Queens are:
- Sewage-contaminated rooms and contents
- Severe basement flooding, involving several feet of standing water
- Inches or feet of deposited silt and waste inside impacted homes
- Moldy, degraded, or otherwise compromised structural elements
- Persistent, foul, flood-related odors that permeate all parts of affected residences
In order to address all of these common issues, SERVPRO offers expert sewage cleanup, residential disinfection, water removal services, and water damage repairs.
So, if you ever need flood damage remediation services, know that your friends at SERVPRO of Forest Hills/Ridgewood can help. Contact us anytime at (718) 381-3702 for assistance.
If Your Forest Hills Home Is Damaged After A Flood, Our Crew Is Here To Help!
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Storm floods can cause a wide variety of damages in your home. Call in the professionals at SERVPRO for help.
Rescuing Hardwood Floors And Sheetrock After Flood Damage In Forest Hills
One of the emergency services we run is for residents suffering from flooding. Unlike other water-related issues, flooding can be particularly hard on flooring, sheetrock, and, if the damage results from an internal plumbing issue, ceilings. Due to the excessive quantities of moisture we usually find in a flooded property, some items must be replaced; others require a concerted effort to restore correctly.
Our services for flood damage in Forest Hills range from full-scale property damages that require temporary relocation to a minor flood contained to a single room. Either type takes a heavy toll on flooring, particularly for residents with hardwood floors. Without a tested drying strategy, these materials can warp, cup, or buckle from prolonged exposure making time a critical factor in the remediation process.
Water Damage Repairs
SERVPRO has technicians on-call throughout the night for emergencies. We do this because of the risk that prolonged exposure to moisture can cause to your home's structural contents and components. Standing water, in particular, can wear varnish on wooden flooring and become absorbed into it. When the moisture content reaches above 20%, mold growth can occur.
We can help to restore the moisture content of your flooring to an equilibrium of 12%. We achieve this by placing drying mats on the floor and using suction to draw water from the flooring. Sometimes, careful placing of dehumidifiers can dry the surrounding air causing water absorbed into woods to be drawn out. Once equilibrium is established, your SERVPRO technician can begin sanding out cupping and warping if the damage is not too severe.
Ceiling Leaks in Forest Hills
Sheetrock is also very susceptible to water since it is a highly porous material. The drying period for large amounts of sheetrock is around 5 to 7 days for a single layer. The time it takes to dry correctly may make sheetrock not worth salvaging, especially if it is double layered. A SERVPRO technician may choose to demolish and replace the sheetrock to be more time-efficient.
Exposure to moisture can result in natural materials sustaining permanent damage; contact SERVPRO of Forest Hills at (718) 381-3702.
Flood Damage to your Queens home? Call SERVPRO
4/27/2021 (Permalink)
Storm damage is really creative. SERVPRO has just the trick to end the misery and get your home back to preloss condition.
How can SERVPRO Help Queens Residents After Flood Damage Due to a Storm?
Queens is the largest borough of New York City, with a population exceeding 2.2 million. Established in 1683, it was one of the original 12 counties of the Province of New York. It is also touted to have one of the most diversified economies of all the boroughs of New York. Queens is home to both the airports (JFK International airport and LaGuardia airport) serving New York City. You can see high-rise buildings coexisting with some traditional low-rise houses in the borough.
Diversity and a unique amalgamation of various cultures from around the world is the hallmark of Queens. From world-class sporting venues to some of the most entertaining museums, Queens has something for every visitor. Some of the must-visit places in Queens are-
- The Queens Night Market- The Queens Night Market in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is the epitome of the cultural diversity of the Queens borough. Paying an homage to Asia's night markets, this open-air food extravaganza is organized every Saturday night from April to October. An average of 10,000 visitors gathers at the event every Saturday to partake in this weekly food celebration.
There are hundreds of independent vendors selling delicious food, art, and other merchandise in the market. The event features food from as many as 80 countries around the globe. There is also a $6 price cap on all food available for sale in the market.
- Museum of the Moving Image- It is a one-of-a-kind multimedia museum dedicated to the craft of cinema, television, and digital art. The museum has the nation's largest collection of props and artifacts from movies and TV. The 'Behind the Screen' exhibit of the museum allows the visitor to immerse into the art of movie-making through a combination of interactive experiences and demonstrations.
- Queens Botanical Garden- Created for the 1939 New York World's Fair, it is a majestic 39-acre site. Many small gardens within the area feature plants of particular significance to various cultures around the world. The Fragrance walk and the Busy Bee Garden are two of the best areas of the garden.
SERVPRO Offers Quick and Efficient Water Cleanup Service After a Storm to Queens Residents
Unexpected flooding after a storm in your Queens home can leave any homeowner devastated and clueless. The SERVPRO team of expert restorers can help you get things under control and protect the property and its content from any significant damage.
SERVPRO restorers are experienced and equipped to tackle any flooding situation occurring after a storm due to-
- Burst pipes
- Ceiling leaks
- Leaking roofs from a storm
- Basement flooding
Removing the standing water is the technicians' priority as soon as they arrive at your flooded Queens home and requires multiple tools and equipment. Some of this equipment includes:
We offer efficient water removal and cleanup strategies to Queens's residents no matter the size of the damage. Call SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood at (718) 381-3702 today.
Can Water Intrusion Make a Building Unsafe?
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has the latest technology in equipment and techniques to get your home back to preloss condition from any size storm damage.
Flood Damage Can Cause Catastrophic Harm to a Structure. SERVPRO Helps Queens Residents Protect their Homes
Materials in the building assembly may suffer adversely from exposure to water. Porous materials and hybrid woods like drywall can break apart after consistent water exposure. More solid materials may deteriorate steadily and eventually threaten the structural integrity of a property.
A leading cause of structural flood damage for Queens residents is long-term water exposure to the framework, floors, and wall cavities. Floodwaters migrate quickly through a building assembly and can affect the inner recesses within a few hours. SERVPRO advanced structural drying technicians can investigate and restore these cavities to protect your home against long-term damage.
- Moisture sensors and thermal imaging cameras can detect moisture without needing to deconstruct parts of the home.
- Moisture meters use a penetrating probe to assess the extent of water absorption in solid materials commonly used in building structures.
- Cavity drying equipment such as injectidry systems can access and restore wet cavities reducing secondary damages.
Water migration can result in permanent harm to your home. Contact SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood for flood damage cavity restoration at (718) 571-8072.
Women’s Club of Forest Hills Contributes to the Community
12/6/2020 (Permalink)
Attend one of the general meetings at Forest Hills Women’s Club and leave your homes water removal and clean up to the experts at SERVPRO.
One-Hundred-Year-Old Forest Hills Tradition
The Women’s Club of Forest Hills began in 1923 and has formed an integral part of the community ever since. Over 300 women participate from the area and focus on:
Social activities
Artistic
Intellectual and
Philanthropic endeavors.
General club meetings are scheduled on the first Monday of every month from October through to May, while chapter meetings are held weekly or monthly as business requires in each chapter. New members are welcome and can attend chapter meetings or general meetings to learn about our activities and enjoy luncheons, lectures, and trips. Many chapters appeal to a wide variety of interests. Some of the areas many find interesting are:
Community affairs
Gardening
Musical performances
Bridge
Creative writing
Parenting, and many more.
Attend one of the general meetings to learn more about the Forest Hills Women’s Club.
SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood provides water removal services from flooding to Forest Hills residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (718) 381-3702. We are available 24/7to help with all your water removal needs.
Can Restoration Services Dry a Home Faster After Flooding?
10/30/2020 (Permalink)
Flood damage mitigation means discovering moisture points in a Kew Gardens hardwood floor. SERVPRO has the newest technology like this moisture meter
SERVPRO Technicians Utilize Comprehensive Drying Strategies to Rescue your Kew Gardens Home from Flood Damage.
Is restoring a water intrusion complex?
The process of drying a structure is science. When floods intrude in your Kew Gardens home, there is likely to be visible and invisible damages occurring at the property. Standing water is an obvious example of visible signs of harm. However, less apparent injuries could include material saturation, water migration, humidity levels, and microbial infestation. Managing a loss site requires a solid knowledge of how water spreads as well as how it evaporates. While most flood loss site recoveries begin by pumping or extracting massive amounts of liquid water, the later stages are essential to avoid further damage. We find that many properties with odor or mold issues are the result of incomplete drying. Our technicians work hard to measure and monitor your home throughout restoration to secure it against further harm.
How do professional water restoration technicians measure water intrusion levels?
There are numerous technologies at our disposal when dealing with flood damage in your Kew Gardens home. A good restoration technician combines knowledge of psychrometry using in-depth measuring equipment before deciding on the best course of action to recover your home. Sometimes using knowledge means searching the property for signs of migration, including temporarily removing parts of the building's assembly. At other times, measuring equipment is utilized to test the saturation of these materials. It is not uncommon for a home and its contents to be exposed to moisture for several hours or days when dealing with a flood loss site. We actively pursue effective measures to mitigate losses and confirm our drying strategy using data.
- Fittings such as cabinets, baseboards, floor finishes, carpets, and upholstery can often suffer from prolonged exposure to moisture.
- Parts of the homes building assemblies, such as the subfloor or drywall, may become soft or disintegrate if over-saturated.
- Semi-porous building materials like lumber can expand, warp, crown, cup, or buckle once moisture content levels go over 5% of the regular equilibrium moisture content.
What detection and monitoring devices are used for fixing flooded properties?
Homes are built from many different types of materials. Additionally, contents can use complex or sensitive fabrics in material construction. Technicians must understand how to measure metals, woods, hard surfaces, and textiles accurately to understand the extent of a water emergency. To do that, we use a variety of detection devices. Some of these devices measure temperatures, which allows a crew chief to assess whether moisture exists beneath or behind materials. Other devices use penetrating probes. These probes enable a restoration technician to monitor the extent of moisture saturation accurately. A wood construct, for example, could have many layers. Using a penetrating moisture meter, our technicians can keep tabs on how far the water has penetrated these materials and how effective dehumidification or other drying strategies are in the home.
What are the categories of moisture detection equipment?
- Sensors are non-invasive measuring tools that could include thermal imaging cameras and allow technicians to assess whether water migrates into structural cavities.
- Probes are used to take moisture content readings from inside materials. Sometimes, boroscopes may be used to check behind walls or flooring for evidence of moisture.
- Thermal hygrometers detect the level of humidity in a property, which often raises after water intrusion. Humidity control is vital to limiting microbial growth.
How do moisture readings influence drying strategies?
No two homes are the same, so technicians need to assess the quality of restoration regularly. Different materials, as well as different severities of water intrusion, strongly influence the drying procedure. Using a penetrating moisture meter, a technician may find that hard surface material's moisture content is above the average equilibrium level. Those readings could influence the drying strategy by enacting a switch from refrigerant dehumidifiers to desiccant dehumidifiers. Desiccant equipment can reduce indoor humidity to a level where indoor air begins to draw moisture from a semi-porous surface. This humidity managing is a vital strategy for tackling concrete, hardwoods, and other hard-surface floorings that may become adversely affected by exposure to moisture.
How do technicians maximize monitoring equipment to increase drying times?
- A technician may use multiple devices on the same surface to assess humidity, water penetration, and interior cavities.
- Restoration technicians are assigned specific areas of the home to monitor and measure, providing reliable numbers.
- When measuring humidity, we use both relative humidity and temperature to calculate the actual grains per pound of moisture within the indoor environment (preferably keeping it below 60GPP to prevent mold growth)
Tailoring a drying strategy to your home's unique build and contents can significantly reduce the restoration time-frame. Contact SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood at (718) 568-6530 now.
Can Storm-Related Flood Damage in Forest Hills Cause Structural Problems in Spaces Other Than the Lowest Levels?
9/10/2020 (Permalink)
The observant experts at SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood know where to look for all aspects of storm-based flooding in your home.
Flood Damage in Forest Hills Is Not Confined to the Basement -- Consult with the Professionals at SERVPRO to Make Sure You Account for All Structural Hazards
Flooding conjures up cellars, garden level apartments, and basements knee-high in contaminated water in Forest Hills. These circumstances certainly can challenge after torrential rains and overland flooding. If your home escapes a sodden lower level after heavy rains and winds, do not assume the chance for harm passed over you. Checking other spaces in your home is critical, and if you notice anything amiss, get a professional consultation.
What Signs of Upper-Level Flood Damage Should I Look For?
If your house or apartment sustained any exterior damage, you are probably already alert for flood damage in Forest Hills. Homes may suffer:
• Broken windows and doors
• Damaged brickwork or siding
• Ripped off shingles, flashing, and other roof materials
Can I Be Certain There Is No Flood Damage if I Do Not Observe Any Water Inside?
Just because you see little or no water on surfaces is no assurance that the rain did not intrude. Water can flood into your home and collect unseen in building cavities. Indications of trapped storm flood water include:
• New staining on walls or ceilings
• Bulging on walls or sagging on ceilings
• A sheen on surfaces that looks like ‘sweating”
• Unpleasant musty odors or “wet wood” smells
• Warping of floors near walls
What Can Be Done if I Have “Flooding” Inside My Building Structures?
Our SERVPRO project manager does a visual inspection and assigns a trained technician to complete moisture detection and metering using infrared imaging and sensitive probes and devices. If we locate trapped water, we consider controlled demolition strategies to release water for removal. Tactics include punching “weep holes,” particularly in ceilings. We also cut or drill holes near the base off walls, and sometimes make “flood cuts” several inches above floor level from stud to stud. These openings also make drying technology more efficient.
The observant experts at SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood know where to look for all aspects of storm-based flooding in your home. Call us at (718) 381-3702 for an assessment and peace of mind, even if you hope you weathered the storm.
What Flooding Conditions Can Result from Structural Breaches in Forest Hills Homes?
7/27/2020 (Permalink)
Storms Damage Roofs in Forest Hills Resulting in Extensive Damage--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration
Storm damages can leave your property vulnerable to threatening conditions like flooding and microbial growth.
It can be traumatic to see your Forest Hills home contending with widespread floodwater, especially when you are among several properties in the community facing these same circumstances. The faster that you can address the present concerns, the less of a lasting impact they ultimately have on the house. Long exposures of materials to floodwater, even clean water conditions, can deteriorate and degrade the building material the point of requiring replacement and repairs. The effects of substantial weather events can impact how susceptible your property remains to continued damages from flooding or other concerns.
Storm damage in Forest Hills homes and businesses can vary from one structure to the next, meaning that the same preparation for recovery is not recommended. We investigate each of the restoration and repair tasks that we undertake beforehand, making sure that we understand the specific actions that must get taken and the desired results. With storm losses, we can contend with both substantial structural concerns for the property as well as the connected damages with situations like subsequent flooding in the house. In most instances, some of the primary structural concerns can get temporarily addressed when technicians arrive following the first notice of flood damage.
What are Emergency Services?
The purpose of emergency services is to prevent conditions present after a flood from getting out of control before mitigation begins. While there are ultimately many stages of set up that must occur to allocate resources, personnel, and equipment to where it is necessary, emergency services are efforts to tide a property over until more direct mitigation and recovery steps can follow. Some of these actions by our in-house contractors and our qualified water restoration technicians include:
- Debris Removal – There are direct concerns with solids, debris, and mud that could impact the entire structure. Muck-out cleaning is a service provided to reduce the present contaminant levels and reveal structural concerns.
- Extraction – Water removal can be a vital element to the overall recovery of flood loss incidents, especially in situations where standing water remains isolated to a specific place in the house like the attic or basement.
- Repairs – Structural damages are not uncommon, especially in situations where severe weather events test the limitations of shingles, siding, underlayment materials, and other exterior defenses.
- Temporary Construction Solutions – When repairs are not possible immediately, sealing the breaches in the house can have the same initial effect. Our contractors can seal up roof damages with tarps or provide board-up services for openings or missing windows.
How Can Your Roof Become Damaged?
Severe weather events can often target the roof of your home above the other structural exterior elements. The roof is one of the first lines of defense to protect your home, divert water away from the structure, and absorb the impact of brutal weather conditions. High winds, hail, torrential rainfall, and other conditions can all have immediate and destructive impacts on the entire roof system. Because many homes in the area are comprised of roof systems that feature plywood, wooden joists, a thin weatherproofing membrane, and shingles, a failure in any of these individual elements can allow water penetration to reach the inside of your property. Between torrential rains and heavy snowfalls at different points of the year, general damages to your roof include:
- Missing Shingles
- Saturated Underlayment
- Partial/Total Collapse
What Threats Exist with Openings in the Exterior of Your Home?
Damage to the sides of your home can also have an immediate and severe impact on the property overall. It is not a considerable challenge for conditions to exist that both break out windows and force rain into the structure. Wind-driven rain and other precipitation events can quickly damage the immediately affected areas, allowing for situations like pooling that threatens flooring systems, wall systems, and other porous construction materials. Often the entry points for this type of flooding include:
How Likely is Flooding from the Foundation?
With enough pressure built on the outside of blockwork used in constructing a foundation for the home, it is not challenging for water to penetrate vulnerabilities. Once breaches exist, they continually worsen and grow until resolved by our responding contractors. We have multiple repair tactics for these conditions, including sealing up cracks and penetration points from inside with fast-setting patch material.
Flooding is often one of the most destructive disasters to impact residences throughout our area, so it is a situation that we stay prepared to respond to fast. Storms can strike with little warning, so you can count on our SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood to get there quickly with the equipment and personnel to help. Give us a call at (718) 381-3702.
Flood Cleanup In Your Forest Hills Home
2/12/2020 (Permalink)
Our restoration specialists can provide you with timely flood cleanup services.
Get Help With Flood Cleanup in Your Forest Hills Home
Flash flooding can occur quickly after a torrential downpour in Forest Hills, and the water can end up in your home. After such an incident, you need to call experts in flood damage cleanup to prevent additional destruction and like mold infestation, which is not visible immediately.
At SERVPRO, we consider flooding as a critical emergency and respond quickly with our 24 hours, 7-day emergency relief services. Our competent technicians can help you perform flood cleanup in your Forest Hills home quickly. We are experts at cleaning up and drying flood-damaged properties. We have certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and we follow its standards in all restoration jobs.
Our team can manage all aspects of flood damage clean up, including rebuilding the affected areas. Our crew can examine your home to determine the severity of the damage. We can then carefully map out the water extraction, drying, cleaning, and restoration processes that your home needs. We can also provide your insurance firm with restoration outlines to support your claim. Through our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), we can provide a precise list of your ruined belongings.
The presence of floodwater in a home usually promotes and sustains microbial growth. The main steps our team takes in remediation include:
• Drying the environment to remove moisture and reduce humidity levels
• Removing contaminated materials
Our team can remove as much of the floodwater as possible quickly using advanced extractors. Removing the water reduces secondary damage and the drying time required to bring a building and its contents to an equilibrium moisture content. Drying your home thoroughly after a flooding incident is also vital. We can use advanced drying systems to dry beams, walls, joists, and other structures that require industrial-strength drying.
Floodwater often contains microbial contaminants that can affect your health. Our SERVPRO team can use environmentally-friendly antimicrobial treatments to kill microbes or stop their growth. The floodwater can also leave unpleasant odors in your residence. Our team can use odor counteracting beads to eliminate the smells. These products are made of a specially treated porous material that is permeated with solvent-based counteractants. After restorers open the package of beads, the volatile odor counteractants are released and migrate on air currents. They give off pleasant scents that freshen up the areas we are treating.
After floodwaters enter your property, call SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood at (718) 381-3702 for help. Our restoration specialists can provide you with timely flood cleanup services. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
For more about Forest Hills click here.
Flood Damage Rego Park – Building Structure Compromised
12/30/2019 (Permalink)
Flood damage can damage your Rego Park building. Let us help make sure your Building structure is not compromised.
If you have water damage to your Rego Park building, we can be there to assist on every level.
Often flood waters quickly overflow the banks of a river or stream, flood adjacent buildings, and then recede just as quickly. But sometimes it may take a few days for the floodwaters to recede. Buildings saturated in water for even a few days can experience structural damage requiring removal of ceilings, wallboard and flooring before restoration can begin.
Once SERVPRO can gain access to homes with flood damage in Rego Park, we can pump the water out of the building with high capacity truck-mounted pumps and begin the restoration process. We need to carefully assess the structure to make sure that it is safe to enter from a structure perspective as well as potential fuel leaks and contamination from various biohazards.
Check for Fuel Leaks
Fuel oil lines may have been severed, allowing fuel oil to leak into or around the home. Propane tanks can be toppled off their mounts, potentially causing fuel leaks. Many homes are heated with natural gas, and supply lines may have ruptured. SERVPRO checks for all of these sources of fuel, along with electrical circuits that may have short-circuited. Fuel leaks represent a significant safety risk. SERVPRO can contact the appropriate experts to resolve the situation.
Compromised Ceilings and Floors
There can be water in a variety of ceiling cavities which can come crashing down as the supporting drywall structure weakens. SERVPRO can drill one or two weep holes to drain water and reduce the risk of the ceiling collapsing before removing the ceiling.
Construction of subfloors is often from particleboard. When dry, the subfloor is strong and can support the weight of people and machines. Once immersed in water, the glue holding the particles together may weaken, and the wood can also swell. Subfloors can become unstable and not support the weight it is designed for.
SERVPRO examines a flooded building for all of these potential structural hazards before beginning restoration. Until this examination is complete, homeowners should remain outside of the home and avoid risking harm to themselves or their families.
Call SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood at (718) 381-3702 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Fresh Pond, Kew Gardens, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
To learn more about Rego Park, click here.
Our Experts Are Available 24/7 In Forrest Hills To Handle Your Flood Damage Restoration
11/19/2019 (Permalink)
Our crew can handle any size water disaster in your home. We have the training and equipment necessary 24/7 to restore your home.
Flood Damage can Involve Ocean Water and Damage Wood Floors in Your Forest Hills Residence
After a heavy storm that sweeps ocean water into the Forest Hills area, the type of water might seem unimportant at first. However, SERVPRO wants homeowners to understand that wood can suffer damage in its interior. Such wood includes flooring that might seem to dry out beautifully. However, the salt content can cause a process called delignification to occur.
Delignification of wooden structures happens in homes in Forest Hills when flood damage comes from saline-rich sources. Lignin helps hold the basic structures in wood together and without it, the wood deteriorates and falls apart. SERVPRO responds to this by flushing wood floors with fresh water. At first, this only dilutes the salt content. However, just like it worked to remove the salt from our subway system after Hurricane Sandy, flushing with fresh water can protect a wooden floor, and other wooden items, from unnecessary damage. We check with diagnostic materials to ensure that as soon as the saline content reaches normal amounts, we begin the drying process.
We can use the same technique to save the framework of your house, as well. While flood damage saturates softer materials like plaster and drywall, destroying it beyond repair, the wood within those walls can often be saved. We need to begin this as soon as possible. Delignification is irreversible. Once it takes place, there is no means to restore the wood's composition to normal again.
We can remove and box up wooden items like furniture legs and other objects, packing them up as we inventory them. Once taken to our facility, they can soak in a water bath where the salt washes away. We carefully monitor this to avoid warping and discoloration, although re-staining is always an option. Our building department is skilled in furniture restoration, as well as other aspects involved in reconstruction.
These items, and everything else in your flooded home in Rego Park, Kew Gardens, or Glendale, require disinfecting and removal of debris, as well. We can help with all stages of flood damage recovery. Call us, SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood, at our 24-hour services line, (718) 381-3702, year-round. We're Always Faster To Any Size Disaster.
See more about Forest Hills.
Commercial Property Insurance 101: What Is Covered After a Storm and What Isn't?
2/11/2019 (Permalink)
Asked your insurance agent if you are covered
As a business owner in Kew Gardens, NY, it is essential you understand your commercial property insurance and what emergencies it covers. While there are a lot of situations you are often covered for, there are specific types of disasters and circumstances that will probably not be included. It is important you consider your specific location, needs, and current insurance coverage when considering adding on new policies to your existing plan. While your storm insurance will vary slightly depending on your policy, here is an overview on what most commercial property insurance policies cover after a storm.
Is Storm Damage Covered?
In short, the answer is yes that insurance is typically included in your commercial property insurance policy. Since storm damage can cover a wide variety of emergency types, here are specific situations you can expect to be covered for:
- Blizzards
- Tornadoes
- Hurricanes
- Lightening
In the situations your business qualifies for coverage, your storm insurance often covers damage that occurs to your building, including the cost of storm damage restoration. Your policy may also cover the contents of the building, including equipment, furniture, and inventory, up to the predetermined dollar limit listed on your policy.
What Damage Isn’t Covered?
Under a standard policy, there are several situations where you will often not be covered. For instance, flood damage isn’t covered, and you will need to check if your policy covers windstorm and hail damage. While some policies automatically include this type of coverage, others require an additional plan. It is also important to note you will not be compensated from insurance for the time you are out of business unless you purchase business interruption coverage. Additionally, your plan will generally only cover damage caused by the storm and will not cover anything thought to be a cause of wear and tear.
An important step in preparing your business for an emergency is to find out what your specific commercial property insurance policy covers. While your storm insurance coverage includes many types of emergencies, not everything is automatically included.
Is the Exterior of Your Commercial Property Ready for a Storm?
12/31/2018 (Permalink)
Storms can cause extensive damage to the exterior of a commercial property. Depending on the level of commercial insurance coverage held by the building owner, there may be limits on the external portions of the property that are protected. Review your coverage, schedule a building inspection, and perform exterior maintenance on a regular basis. These five steps will help owners prepare the exterior of a commercial property for a storm.
1. Choose exterior doors rated for high wind speeds. Exterior damage quickly becomes interior damage if a door fails. Exterior doors should be tested to stand up to wind loads and the frames should be anchored. Check to make sure these doors have appropriate drainage, flashing, sealant, and tracks. Door failure rapidly raises internal pressure and can cause structural damage.
2. Clear drainage systems. Functional drainage systems prevent water from pooling on the roof or around the foundation of a structure. Clear roof drains, downspouts, and gutters several times a year as part of an exterior maintenance routine.
3. Trim trees. Removing dead or loose branches from nearby trees can limit the extent of storm damage.
4. Secure loose items that may blow away or cause damage. Don't forget about antennas on the roof or potted plants and trash cans on the ground.
5. Anchor outside HVAC equipment. These components should be securely installed on a concrete pad. Depending on the severity of a storm, you may want to use hurricane straps or shut off these systems and cover equipment with a secured tarp.
These five exterior maintenance and storm preparation steps can help owners limit the extent of damage to the exterior of a commercial structure. Keeping your building maintained can pay off during adverse weather events. If the exterior or interior of a commercial property becomes damaged during a storm, contact a restoration company located in Ridgewood,NY.
24/7 Emergency Service