Fire Damage Cleanup and Rebuilding in New Haven

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage can leave smoke residues and odors that can be hard to get out without professional help. Call SERVPRO in New Haven for restoration.

SERVPRO Helps New Haven Residents After Encountering Fire Damage

The results can be disastrous whenever flames engulf a New Haven home or business. You will have the physical property that is charred and unsalvageable, all while leaving notable emotional scars. Because of the stress and worry of handling fire damaged homes, you always want a trusted liaison to help you get your property back to pre-fire condition. SERVPRO understands how imperative it is that you return to normalcy, which is why we are available 24/7 with skilled technicians, proven fire restoration methods, and industry knowledge!

Any widespread blaze leaves massive destruction and fire damage in New Haven. You will often have porous surfaces like insulation, ceilings, and walls that take on smoke particles and residue. There can also be powdery soot that settles on surfaces, leaving stains, pitting, and corrosion. While this soot will discolor and devastate unburnt wood, textiles, and carpeting, SERVPRO has the techniques to help restore versus replace whenever possible to save you money and hassle.

Understanding the Continued Damage Brought on by Soot and Smoke

We have smoke remediation professionals on our crew at SERVPRO who understand different types of smoke and soot residue. This allows us to select the perfect combination of cleaning and deodorization to bring your property back to pre-fire condition.

• Soot and smoke are common fire byproducts that can corrode building materials and structural elements.
• Prompt action helps prevent lingering odors and permanent smoke damage.

When dealing with charred debris and fire restoration projects, our SERVPRO team takes all the necessary precautions. We dress in personal protective equipment (PPE), including coveralls, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirators. Our team also puts containment measures in place and wears foot coverings to limit the tracking of soot and soiling throughout the building and into unaffected zones as we work.

Water Restoration is Often Part of the Process of Housefire Cleanup

Water removal services and fire restoration go hand-in-hand with many of our calls. As first responders are on the scene extinguishing the flames, water and sometimes chemicals will be left behind. Once SERVPRO is onsite and evaluating the fire damage, we put action into place for water restoration so that no moisture gets left behind. Failing to do so brings the potential for secondary damage to building materials and the onset of potentially harmful black mold growth. Our moisture detection tools like sensors and thermal imaging technology allow us to locate all areas where moisture might be hidden so we can address it.

How Long Will it Take to Restore My Property After a Fire?

The time for fire restoration depends on various factors beyond the area where flames reached throughout the building. We have to consider whether or not soot and smoke particles traveled through your HVAC system and whether or not structural damage occurred. We assess and address numerous layers of damage with:

• While fire restoration occurs, board-up and tarping services help protect your interior from external factors.
• Contents pack out and move out services help us relocate items for cleaning at our warehouse or safe-keeping during restoration.
• Charred debris gets picked up and safely disposed of according to local guidelines.
• Controlled demolition with trusted area contractors helps us repair and replace drywall, flooring, carpets, fixtures, and other areas of your home to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of New Haven is your go-to team when faced with the perils of fire damage. Call our customer care team day or night at (203) 234-1100 to mobilize our Green Fleet.

New Haven Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Removal

4/2/2023 (Permalink)

Regardless of the color of the mold found in your home, our certified technicians can help. Contact our team day or night for a quick response.

SERVPRO Offers Safe and Efficient Mold Removal in New Haven Homes

Finding out mold in your home can be quite a traumatic experience. You need professionals like SERVPRO who have the training, experience, and tools for mold removal in your New Haven home. Our IICRC-certified techs specialize in restoring mold damage to your property safely and effectively. 

Unlike other restorers, SERVPRO techs are clear and transparent about their mold removal process for your New Haven home. We adhere to the IICRC S520 mold removal guidelines to ensure the process is safe for the occupants and restorers.  

Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal Process

The first step in mold remediation is the identification of the extent of the damage. SERVPRO techs take utmost care while removing the contamination from your property, ensuring that the mold particles and spores don’t cross-contaminate unaffected areas. 

Depending on the material involved and the extent of the damage, SERVPRO techs have the options during mold removal-

• Visible mold growing on a porous material like fabric and drywall can be difficult to remove. Consequently, mold specialists dispose of the material rather than trying to remove the contamination from such surfaces. 
• When mold is present on semi-porous material like wood and concrete, SERVPRO techs remove it using appropriate cleaning agents or an abrasive method like media blasting. 
• If mold growth is observed on non-porous material like metal or glass, techs remove it using HEPA vacuuming or wet cleaning method using the appropriate cleaning agent. 

Once the mold and the mold-contaminated material are removed, techs carefully bag and dispose of them by local regulations. 

Role of Disinfection in Mold Remediation 

Once techs remove all mold-contaminated materials, the affected area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The process involves using specialized cleaning agents and techniques to remove all traces of mold from surfaces and prevent further growth. Techs also ensure that all surfaces are dry before disinfecting them to avoid secondary damage. 

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for a reliable mold remediation service.

Reliable Storm Water Cleanup Services for Residents of Haven

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let water take control of your Haven property. Call SERVPRO today!

SERVPRO Minimizes the Effects of Storm Water Damage in Haven

IICRC-recognized companies should offer stormwater cleanup services since many safety procedures and specialized equipment are required during the process. Furthermore, these technicians undergo training to acquire unique skills to handle the arising challenges as they get your life and property back to normal. To make the restoration process much easier, contact them as soon as possible.

SERVPRO defines the severity of stormwater damage in your Haven property depending on the type of water present and the level of contamination. You might struggle with "gray water" if the damage is caused by rainwater that primarily entered your home due to the roof being swept away by the wind during the storm. But, if the water entered the property after sweeping through the surface and picking up debris, sewage overflow, and other pollutants, chances are you are dealing with "black water."

You can follow some steps to minimize the possible impacts of flood water damage. They include:

• Regular inspection: Our SERVPRO technicians can regularly inspect your home for susceptibilities like poorly draining landscaping, cracked foundation, and suitability of low-lying areas.
• Sealing cracks: If cracks exist on basement windows and the foundation area, we can seal them to prevent water seeping into buildings during a flood.
• Sump pump installation: We can replace a faulty sump pump or install a new one in your basement. The pump helps in removing water whenever flooding happens.
• Ensure downspouts and gutter are clear: We remove debris from the gutters and ensure the downspouts direct water properly to lower the chances of it seeping into your basement.
• Have an emergency plan: We can help you develop an emergency plan to assist in case of a severe storm or flood. It helps you identify emergency contact numbers, evacuation routes, and other important procedures.

Some water damage events can be overwhelming, no matter how prepared you are. You need the help of restoration technicians who have faced and solved such challenges before.

SERVPRO of New Haven works around the clock to provide reliable water mitigation services. Call (203) 234-1100 to work with a highly trained team of technicians that are Faster to Any Size Disaster whenever you face water, mold, or fire damage incidents.

New Haven Commercial Water Damage – What to Expect

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Call SERVPRO in New Haven for Fast Water Damage Help

Hiring the right restoration team makes a significant difference when you have water damage at your New Haven commercial property. While there may be several services in the area, you want to know if they can handle large-scale water incidents and adjust accordingly to meet your needs. SERVPRO provides commercial restoration services, including total adaptability, to help you get results and avoid costly secondary damage or the onset of mildew or mold growth. We will always make it “Like it never even happened.”

A New Haven commercial water damage company like SERVPRO has the experience and knowledge to fully mitigate all risks and restore your property to preloss condition. We are happy to give you details on our services and what you can expect when you call us to your business for water removal and drying.

• Initial Contact – The first step is calling our customer care team, where we will gather information about your commercial water damage and deploy a crew. 
• Inspection/Assessment – We arrive within hours to begin assessing the source of water damage so we can determine the best fix and the following plan.
• Water Removal Services – Our team pulls up all standing water with powerful pumps, extractors, and associated tools/attachments.
• Drying – All affected areas get thoroughly dried using a mixture of industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers/fans.
• Cleaning/Odor Control – All surfaces, including contents or inventory deemed salvageable, get cleaned. We use odor control methods and products to eliminate any musty odors.
• Restoration/Reconstruction – Controlled demolition gets used to help remove and replace all unsalvageable materials. Everything gets finished off to return all impacted spaces to pre-water loss condition. - General Contractor License #: 0635648

SERVPRO of New Haven is available to address your commercial water damage needs. Whether you run a production facility, restaurant, healthcare facility, or warehouse, we have the scalability you need to get the job done right the first time. Call us at (203) 234-1100, and we can send a crew out for emergency service.

Water Damage in Your New Haven Home Doesn't Need to be Permanent

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of New Haven fix it, Don’t stress it.

Mitigation & Restoration after Water Damage 

Often, minor water damage doesn't seem 'that bad,' leaving many homeowners thinking that painting over the discoloration is sufficient. SERVPRO wants homeowners in New Haven to know that if any damage is more than superficial, any paint covering anything will most likely end up providing only temporary relief.

To protect your home in New Haven from water damage, we recommend assessing the area after any event involving the saturation of walls, floors, or other structural components. Because water gets into places you cannot see unaided, many customers are surprised when we show water or dampened areas underneath cabinetry.

Carpeting and its padding can retain tremendous amounts of moisture and slowly release it, damaging flooring and other nearby building materials. We can assist in undoing the damage by:

• Extracting hidden water from different cavities,
• Pre-treating surfaces against microbial infestation,
• Cleaning and rebuilding your property, and
• Providing standard deodorization techniques.

Getting the water out of enclosed or hidden spaces means we can dry everything faster. Less water means less damage and fewer locations. We have specialized equipment that helps us locate trapped water. We use the least destructive methods to open such areas when releasing trapped water.

Mold is one of the worst types of secondary water damage. Pre-treating susceptible surfaces with powerful antimicrobial agents keep such microbes from flourishing and causing problems. They do not require much to colonize an area inside your residence.

We clean everything up as we continue working, including as we begin rebuilding any structures that the water destroyed. Extensive damage from water can happen slowly over time, possibly due to a slow leak. Our General Contractor License number is 0635648.

Moisture can leave your home with a musty, off-smell. Some homeowners suspect water has caused damage in hidden areas of their homes because of this tell-tale scent. We use different ways to counteract these odors.

Contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for highly trained and certified water damage specialists. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

New Haven Fire Restoration Relies on Understanding Smoke Damage

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of New Haven to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

The Behavior of Smoke Impacts Fire Restoration

Our experience as FSRT-Certified technicians helps us understand the complex behaviors of fire loss effects like smoke. Knowing what to expect helps us build the best offense to restore post-disaster byproducts and make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Loss Effects Spreading 

Fire restoration for New Haven homes can be a widespread need, with loss effects moving quickly in available openings and pathways like the HVAC system. Since most homes have these connections open all the time to heat and cool the property, soot can be forced into many areas of the house. 

The Turbulence of Smoke 

A fire can create violent turbulence in your home's airflow, with convection currents created by the hot air replacing cooler air near the ceilings of rooms where fires occur. This smoke is under pressure, pushing debris and solids against vertical surfaces and ceiling assemblies that must get cleaned as part of the restoration process.

The Types of Smoke Damage

There are multiple types of smoke that SERVPRO professionals encounter when cleaning homes. Some of these include:

• Wet Smoke – Smoldering fires burn slowly and create a greater volume of thick and formidable smoke. Wet smoke deposits result, forming more challenging residues for restoration professionals to clean.

• Dry Smoke – Higher heat fires can cause thin, chalky residues on surfaces. These are among the easiest to manage and clean.

• Protein Residues – When fires occur in the kitchen, they are commonly caused by poorly managed cooking or bad practices around the stove. Protein residues can form a cakey and sticky deposit on cabinets and countertops.

• Oil Puffback – Connecticut homes use a variety of heating furnaces, including oil. When a small micro-explosion occurs in the ignition chamber from buildup, ionized soot can be rocketed through the ductwork and to the connected rooms.

When New Haven homes need fire restoration, there could be multiple causes. Understanding how smoke changes in different situations can help our SERVPRO of New Haven team provide the fastest and most reliable recovery service. Call us at (203) 234-1100.

Safeguarding Against New Haven Residential Mold

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

Contact our SERVPRO professionals at the first sign of mold damage in your home.

Understanding Mold Damage Prevention Strategies

Preventing mold can be an essential focus for homeowners, especially when you consider that your insurance does not often cover the destruction of your home. Protecting your home starts with understanding how to avoid microbial and fungal growth.

Mold Can Impact Many Areas of a House

Mold is a nuisance in and outside of your home and, as a living organism, continues to spread under favorable conditions in your house. Damp environments provide the needed requirements for facilitating mold growth.

The CDC suggests mold is everywhere, and in the outdoors, it rarely concerns property owners. These organisms are often found in the soil or moist, shaded spaces. However, mold damage can also infiltrate New Haven homes in areas like the basement, bathrooms, kitchens, and inside of wall systems where plumbing leaks or other water damage might encourage growth.

While many molds that can form and spread in your home are not toxic to the property owners, those with allergies could experience difficulties after exposure. The primary threat of mold growth is the impact on building materials, interior structural systems, and the contents of the property.

Does Your Insurance Cover Mold? 

Not surprisingly, your home insurance provider does not cover everything that happens in your home. An insurance provider protecting your home will consider these maintenance issues like rot or insect infestations. The exception for many homeowners is mold caused by conditions your policy typically covers, like burst pipes and leaks.

Some properties might be protected through flood insurance for secondary damages attributed to this natural disaster, such as mold or mildew development.

It is unlikely that your property gets protected against mold damage, and if it does, there is generally a small payout limit–typically up to $5000. Despite SERVPRO being a leader in the region's mold remediation and cleanup services, we want to encourage homeowners to pursue active preventative measures to keep their properties safe from destructive microbial colonization.

What Can You Do to Avoid Mold in Your Home?

Steps are possible to avoid the need for remediation by our SERVPRO team or mold damage reconstruction by our trusted partners with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS.) Here are some dos and don'ts for safeguarding your property:

• Do: Install exhaust fans for bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture and steam.
• Do: Utilize equipment like dehumidifiers or air conditioners to maintain humidity levels of 30-60%
• Do: Use mold inhibitors with the primer when painting walls and ceilings in your house.
• Do: Inspect your roof regularly for damage that could result in water seepage or penetration to the attic.
• Do: Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks that could cause widespread moisture damage to appliances in your home.
• Do: replace hoses and connectors as wear becomes apparent, and you should check all water-fed appliances like certain refrigerators, water heaters, sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines.
• Do: Clean bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms with sporicidal products like bleach.

• Don't: Allow water to accumulate and sit underneath houseplants.
• Don't: Install carpeting in known damp areas of your home.
• Don't: Allow gutters to collect leaves and debris, which could lead to water damage – clean them at regular intervals.

Steps to Address Mold After Flooding or Water Damage

Signs can indicate mold growth in your house, such as a musty smell or discoloration of wall systems, possibly hosting an active colony. Signs can appear in as little as 48 hours after water damages, and a fast call to SERVPRO ensures that your New Haven home receives prompt mitigation and remediation, such as:

• Extraction – Removing standing water reduces the wetness needed to facilitate mold growth, and the longer this pooling persists, the more microorganisms SERVPRO professionals must overcome.
• Removing Saturated Fabrics – Carpets, padding, clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics throughout a flooded or water-damaged home must be discarded and replaced if they cannot be dried before mold develops.
• Removing Early Mold – Chlorine-based cleaning products and sporicidal solutions disinfect non-porous surfaces, remove early mold development on surfaces, and act as an inhibitor for further microbial growth.
• Disposing Mold-Damaged Rubbish – Organic matter like rags, debris, and paper can amplify spore activity if not removed from the affected areas.
• Resolve the Moisture – Preventing further mold damage relies on SERVPRO and trusted partners to repair and restore water penetration points. 

If you are dealing with mold damage in your home, trust our fast remediation response. You can reach our SERVPRO of New Haven experts 24/7 at (203) 234-1100. 

Education and Hurricane Preparedness for Property Owners

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

When flood damage from a hurricane impacts your property, call SERVPRO. We have what is needed to have your property back to preloss condition.

Disasters and severe weather happen at any time, often without much notice or warning. Natural disasters like hurricanes bring intense flooding and damaging winds, making your property vulnerable. Learning about hurricane preparedness and safeguarding your home and family from possible storms is the best way to stay ahead of the game.

Do you Have an Annual Hurricane Checklist? 

There are several steps that all homeowners can take that will help prepare for storms and hurricane flooding. No matter where you live, be it high or low-risk, putting preventative measures in place will give added peace of mind and possibly save thousands in storm or water damage repair costs. 

Helpful Tip: Not sure where your property lies regarding hurricane flood risk? FEMA provides a flood map tool that outlines flood risk for your region. 

How Can I Ready my Home and Family for Hurricanes?

Getting a head start and preparing for storms, flooding, and possible damage will give you the solid foundation you need to weather the storm and quickly get back on your feet. Some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Formulate an emergency plan and begin practicing it. Putting together a plan for your family helps ensure you all know what to do in the event of hurricanes and flooding. Know an evacuation route and go over what to do should anyone become separated.
• Build your emergency kit. Inside a preparedness kit, you will want water, food, medicine, and other supplies for a few days. Other popular items for such emergency kit planning include first aid items, flashlights, a handheld radio, and batteries.
• Put together several ways to receive storm and evacuation alerts. Take time to download apps on your smartphone to receive alerts. You can also have a battery-operated portable radio to get important information if the power goes out.

Consider Investing in Flood Insurance

When you reside in a flood-prone area, you must remember that not all renter's or homeowner's policies will cover damages from floods. Water damage and contamination from floodwaters are expensive to rectify. Unfortunately, federal disaster aid rarely covers all homeowners' damages. 

Helpful Tip: If you do not know where to begin when looking for the property amount of flood damage coverage, FEMA has a flood damage tool to determine what flood damage could cost to restore your property. FloodSmart also has a website listing participating insurance providers.

Ready your Home to Resist Flooding

While some flood situations with hurricanes are unavoidable, you can work to prepare your property to minimize damage. Steps like cleaning your gutters and drains help ensure the water has a way to flow away from your property. 

Outside your home:

• Elevate any utilities and service equipment to prevent flood damage and electrocution. You can do this by elevating switches, sockets, and electrical outlets to a foot above flood elevation estimation for your zone.
• Install a rain barrel to collect water coming from your roof. 
• Anchor any outdoor fuel tanks so they do not float and lead to injury or damage.

Inside your home:

• Look into the installation of a sump pump or foundation vents.
• Apply coatings or sealants to your home's basement walls and foundation.
• Install drain plugs in the basement or look into sewer backwater valves for piping coming into your home. 

Cleanup and Restoration After Hurricane Flooding

Even in a low-risk area, hurricanes involving floodwater can generate extensive property damage. Flood-proofing your foundation can save an immense amount of money, but you may encounter flood waters, a leaking roof from storms, broken windows, and other damage. For all your water removal services and cleanup needs, SERVPRO is here to help. 

For constructions and extreme demolition projects, we look to our trusted partners at Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) to handle everything from drywall replacement and new flooring to other fine details. We make your home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of New Haven wants area residents to stay safe and prepared in the event of a hurricane. Should you require floodwater removal and drying, call us 24/7 at (203) 234-1100.

Four Steps to Protect Against Home Flooding No Matter Where You Live

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Nor'easter and hurricane season will soon be upon us in the Northeastern US

• Step 1: Measure your level of risk 
• Step 2: Insure your property
• Step 3: Prepare your home to resist flooding 
• Step 4: Stay safe during and after flooding

• Flood protection is important for all homeowners, regardless of the risk of flooding in their region. 
• Even a flood amounting to just 1 inch of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. 
• Simple steps to flood-proof your home can make a big difference. 
• Check out Insider's guide to the best homeowners insurance companies in 2022. 

Floods can happen anywhere. Communities that are at low to moderate risk of a flood receive one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Everyone should be prepared for a flood, no matter where you live. A flood of just one inch of water can cost a homeowner $25,000 in losses, according to FEMA. Flood insurance will cover most of the cost of damage caused by a flood. Additionally, flood-proofing your home can reduce the potential for damage to its foundation and your personal belongings. 

4 steps to protect your family and home against flooding

Whether you live in a high-risk or low-risk area, getting insurance coverage and bolstering your home's structure to prevent flood damage can save you thousands of dollars in damage repair costs. 

Here are four steps you can take to protect yourself and stay safe in the event of a flood. 

Step 1: Measure your level of risk 

Different regions have varying exposure levels to flooding. Densely populated areas, and communities near rivers, dams, and mountains are at particularly high risk. Knowing the risk level can help you assess the necessary steps you can take to keep you and your home safe. 

You can use FEMA's flood map tool to determine your region's risk of flooding. Some regions are marked with color codes indicating the likelihood of flooding there.

Blue zones and red with blue striped zones are areas at the highest risk of flooding. High-risk areas face more than a 1% probability of severe flooding (often referred to as a 100-year flood) in any given year, according to FEMA. People who live there are likely to see at least one significant flood in their lifetimes. Blue zones might experience floods of 1.5 feet to 3 feet. However, certain areas are subject to wavelengths of 3 feet or more.

Orange zone areas are at low to moderate risk of flooding. These areas face a 0.2% chance of significant flooding with depths less than 1-foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile. While orange zones are deemed low risk, experts still encourage you to take preventative measures to keep you and your home safe.

Zone Blue Risk

• High-risk or special flood hazard area
• 1% chance of significant flood
• Depth of more than 1.5 feet 

How to prepare

• Under the National Flood Insurance Act, homeowners in high-risk flood areas are required to purchase flood insurance. 
• Homeowners in blue zones should also flood-proof their homes and have evacuation plans in place.
• Homeowners in blue zones must obtain an elevation flood certificate to help determine their home's flood risk. 

Zone Orange Risk

• Low to moderate risk
• 0.2% chance of significant flooding
• Depth of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile

How to prepare

• Homeowners in low to moderate risk are encouraged to purchase flood insurance. 
• They should also ensure all gutters and drains are cleared to prevent running water from damaging the home. 

Zone Yellow Risk

• Area of undetermined flood hazard 
• No research conducted in this area to determine flood risk
• Potential high-risk area

How to prepare

• Homeowners in undetermined flood risk areas should purchase flood insurance.

Zone Blue with red stripes Risk

• Special flood hazard
• High-risk area
• Regulatory floodway 

How to prepare

• Under the National Flood Insurance Act, homeowners in high-risk flood areas are required to purchase flood insurance.
• Homeowners in blue zones should also flood-proof their homes and have a flood evacuation plan in place.

Source: Risk data from FEMA

Step 2: Insure your property

Flood insurance will cover the cost of damage directly caused by a flood, minus your deductible. Most homeowners and renters policies don't include flood insurance. You might need to buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by FEMA. 

The damage floods cause to your home can be expensive. Without flood insurance, a 4-foot flood in a 2,500 square foot, 2-story house, can exceed $100,000 in water damage. It's also important to note that FEMA disaster assistance usually only gives $5,000 in grants for each household. On the other hand, the average flood insurance payout is $40,000. Federal disaster aid is scarcely enough to recuperate the cost of water damages. That's why it is critical to ensure your home is covered before a disaster.

Quick tip: You can use FEMA's Flood damage tool to find out how much flood damage could cost for your house.

Under the National Flood Insurance Act, homeowners in high-risk flood areas are required to purchase flood insurance. For homeowners outside of high-risk flood areas, experts encourage that you protect your home with flood insurance. FEMA says that 40% of flood-related insurance claims are by communities outside of high-risk flood zones. If you live in an area of undetermined flood risk, you can get a document called an elevation certificate that details how susceptible your home may be to flooding.

The best time to buy flood insurance is well before a flood is most likely to occur, as it takes 30 days for a policy to go into effect. This is especially important during hurricane season. To sign up for a policy, call your insurance provider or an independent agent to purchase flood coverage. You can use FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program provider locator to find a provider in your area.

Flood insurance is available to homeowners in 24,000 NFIP participating communities. You can see if yours is one of them here. You can also check out FloodSmart to see if your area participates in discounted flood insurance rates.

Quick tip: You can find a participating insurance provider by visiting the FloodSmart website or calling the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

Step 3: Prepare your home to resist flooding 

"In preparation for a flood, homeowners should prepare their home to minimize the damage it will cause, even those in low-risk areas. Ensure that water can flow away from your home by properly cleaning gutters and drains. Homeowners are also encouraged to take pictures of their homes and valuables before flooding occurs. 

Here are some of FEMA's recommendations to protect your home from flooding: 

Outside the home

• Maintain proper water runoffs and drainage. Gutters, downspouts, and splash pads keep rainwater on your roof from flowing into your home. Be sure to keep runoff systems and drainages clean and properly operating.
• Install a rain barrel. A rain barrel collects rainwater from your roof. You can use the water in the barrel to water plants or wash your car. 
• Elevate utilities and service equipment. Elevating utilities and service equipment will prevent home damage and electrocution during a flood. Raise electrical outlets, switches, and sockets at least 1 foot above the estimated flood elevation in your area. You should also raise outdoor equipment like air-conditioning units, and pool equipment above flood level. 
• Anchor outdoor fuel tanks. Fuel tanks, if carried by floodwaters can leave people, property, and the environment susceptible to injury and damage. Attach your outdoor fuel tank to a heavy item like a concrete slab so the tank stays in place.

Inside the home

• Protect valuable items. Keep important documents and valuables in a watertight security deposit box above the anticipated flood elevation level. Take pictures of important household items and personal valuables, as well. 
• Install foundation vents or a sump pump. A sump pump transports water from your basement away from your home. Be sure to purchase a battery-operated backup sump pump in case of a power outage. 
• Apply sealants or coatings to your home's foundation and basement walls. Seal any cracks and gaps where water could seep into your home's foundation. Also, coat the walls in your basement with a waterproofing compound to keep water from seeping through. 
• Prevent sewer backups. Install drain plugs in your basement floor drain or install sewer backwater valves for all pipes entering your home. These devices prevent contaminated water from entering your home through toilets, sinks, and other drains. 

Quick tip: Visit FEMA's website for more information on how to keep your home safe during a flood.

Step 4: Stay safe during and after flooding

Preparation before a flood is key to minimizing damage to your home and preventing harm to you and your family. Here are some things to keep in mind during and after a flood: 

During a flood 

If you can, evacuate as soon as possible. Tune into your local radio or NOAA weather radio for emergency alerts. If a flash flood warning is issued in your area, move to higher ground immediately. If the water begins to rise above your feet or if moving rapidly, stop and turn around.

In high-risk areas have an evacuation plan in place. If you are leaving your home, turn off the electricity at the breaker panel to avoid water damage. Those in low-risk areas should also anticipate power outages and have several days of food and water supplies stocked up. 

While evacuating, if your car gets trapped, stay inside. Go to the roof of your car if needed. If you require medical attention, stay where you are, call 9-1-1 and listen for further instruction. 

After a flood 

Turn on the NOAA weather radio or your local radio station for updates and instructions. Don't attempt to drive in a flooded area. Even six inches of rushing water can result in loss of control of your car.

Beware of electrocution. If you are wet or are standing in water, don't touch electrical outlets and plugs. Also, avoid traveling in water. Floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage, oil, and other dangerous debris. Sanitize anything that might be contaminated and wear appropriate hazard attire (e.g. work gloves, protective clothing, boots and face masks) while you clean. 

Floods — even in low-risk areas —cause significant damage to homes. Not taking the necessary precautions could be costly and dangerous. Insuring your home with flood insurance and flood-proofing your foundation can save you thousands of dollars. Don't wait until there's a flood to take action, the best time to protect your home is now. 

What is the Safest Way to Restore my Home and Contents after Flood Damage?

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

New Haven's Storm damage needs SERVPRO’s tools and reliability.

SERVPRO Offers Nationally Certified Restoration Experts to New Haven Residents with Flood Damage.

What qualifications are needed to restore property flooding in New Haven?

Certifications can help you identify expert local restorers when you do not have time to do thorough research. Our technicians complete their training by receiving nationally recognized qualifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certifications (IICRC) body. Flooding can present considerable challenges to even the most experienced practitioners, which is why certifiable quality is essential to sourcing a good restorer.

Our roster of technicians for flood damage in your New Haven home includes water restorers (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD) experts, odor control (OCT), and applied microbial remediation (AMRT.) We can also provide specialist stone, masonry, and ceramic tile cleaning technicians (SMT) and carpet cleaning technicians (CCT.)

What are the immediate concerns with a flooded property?

• Standing water can exert significant pressure on a structure and need to reduce immediately.
• Stemming water migration can lessen potential damages. 
• Securing a property from unlawful entry and theft
• Waterproofing your home using tarpaulins to prevent further water intrusion
• Bringing down relative humidity to avoid microbial growth issues
• Removing possessions from the reach of floodwaters and placing them in a designated dry room for specific restoration detail
• Acting quickly to control water migration and protecting wall cavities or subfloor from water exposure

How does controlling humidity prevent mold growth?

Microorganisms like mold need three conditions to grow: food supply, temperature, and moisture. A home is full of potential food for microbes, especially wet fabrics, insulation, or drywall. The relative humidity typically rises in a property with large amounts of water in it due to evaporation. To dry a property, we need to encourage evaporation by increasing the temperature, allowing air to hold more moisture than in cooler conditions. The combination of drying efficiently and preventing microbial growth is a fine balance. SERVPRO technicians take regular measurements of indoor humidity using hygrometers to ensure that mold reproduces slowly during the restoration. Slowing mold growth allows us to focus on drying efficiently without risking an uncontrolled microbial outbreak. 

How can you rid a property of microbes after flood restoration?

Microbes are a natural part of all home environments, which makes removing them impossible. However, microbes are not bothersome unless they reproduce in an uncontrolled environment. Our AMRT technicians can focus solely on preventing mold growth using a combination of chemical agents and drying principles. The most effective precaution against mold growth is to dry the affected area quickly and control humidity levels overnight. By working together with ASD technicians, they can prevent an infestation from occurring and restore the property to its normal, sanitary condition.

What steps can you take to control mold growth during flood restoration?

• Dehumidification to maintain indoor humidity below 60 grains (of moisture) per pound (GPP) keeps microbial growth under control. 
• Using biocides or antimicrobial chemicals on high-risk areas to prevent mold from moving through growth stages during the cleanup
• Paying close attention to water migration, dripping, or leaking, which could cause damp spots and attract mold spores
• Thorough cavity inspection and drying to avoid mold buildup behind walls, floors, or ceilings

How can I speed up evaporation in a room without natural ventilation or light?

Water evaporates quicker when there is plenty of dry air in the room. A general rule of thumb for encouraging evaporation is that wet always moves to dry. However, the more water that evaporates, the more saturated the surrounding air becomes, reducing drying times. When dealing with a room with lots of residual moisture, evaporation can create a vapor barrier between dry air and the surface, which leads to slow drying. SERVPRO technicians use air-moving equipment to maintain constant air motion through a flooded property. Moving air allows wet surfaces to evaporate into dry air. Combining a heating element increases overall air temperature, which allows it to absorb more evaporated moisture speeding up the drying process. 

When can you start structural or contents restoration for a flooded property?

Once damage mitigation is complete with the property is clean and dry, we can begin to perform a restoration. Restoring a property can involve replacing any building materials that were non-salvageable and buffering carpets or repainting walls. Our technicians combine the restoration phase with preventive measures that can protect your home against secondary damage. These procedures include using antimicrobial or odor sealing primers on walls and carpets to ensure that you do not incur costs in the future. 

Taking a property through restoration from start to finish requires organization and qualified restoration professionals. Contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100.

Is Your New Haven Home in Need of Fire Damage Restoration? SERVPRO Handles the Entire Process!

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Not everything is a total loss after a fire. We are with you from start to finish - from debris removal to full restoration.

Preparing a Fire-Damaged New Haven Home for Full Reconstruction 

Fire losses can leave a New Haven home disheveled and destroyed in many ways. It is the job of our experienced restoration professionals not only to take the necessary steps to restore the property as best as we can but to prepare the structure for the build-back and reconstruction to come. Many structure fires require repair and rebuilding, but this can only happen once our SERVPRO professionals have addressed the other immediate concerns of the property. 

Airborne threats and debris are hindrances to the restoration of fire damage in New Haven residences. With advanced tools, equipment, and products, our technicians can record conditions during our initial walk-through to identify the specific practices and products necessary to return a home to its pre-damaged state. Fire effects can spread quickly between soot, odors, smoke, and debris. The proper steps taken early can help to reduce the severity and concentration of specific hazardous effects, primarily when structural compromise already exists. 

One of the critical practices that must occur quickly after a fire loss is debris removal. Removing rubbish and the remnants of burned construction materials and contents can help to reduce the source of soot and odor circulation in the house. Our SERVPRO technicians can deploy air cleaning equipment like our air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to trap particles and contaminants with the HEPA filtration system and noticeably reduce odors. 

We take the initiative to prepare your home for the build-back and reconstruction it might need by performing controlled demolition. This practice not only exposes other areas of your house that could use restoration attention but provides a seamless transition between our mitigation efforts and the build back of our industry partner Connecticut Reconstruction Services. 

Fires can be a devastating force for area homes that can leave structures needing immediate restoration and later reconstruction. Our SERVPRO of New Haven team can work to restore salvageable areas of the property while preparing destroyed areas for full-scale build back to come. Even with so many layers of fire loss effects, our technicians can make these disasters “Like it never even happened” by calling (203) 234-1100. 

Water Damage in Your New Haven Basement

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What It Takes for Timely Resolution of Water Damage Incidents in New Haven

Most water damage in the home is in the bathroom or the kitchen. Usually, leaks and spills require mopping up and potentially replacing the wall in front of the pipe that leaked. However, there are times that the leak went unnoticed or occurred in an area of the house, such as the basement, which you may not visit regularly. In these cases, you may need to use different methods to restore your home to pre-damaged condition. 

Dealing with this considerable spill water damage in New Haven requires specialized extraction techniques and equipment. In the winter months, a massive spill requires even more care due to freezing temperatures requiring the house to remain heated so that the water does not freeze within the home or in the pipes. 

Depending on the amount of water and the location of the spill, SERVPRO technicians may need various types of extraction equipment. 

Portable Extractors

Portable extractors like light wants are used for smaller amounts of water extraction or hard-to-reach places after technicians complete the heavy-duty extraction, using them in conjunction with truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps. 

Truck Mounted Extractors

Truck-mounted extractors use powerful vacuums to suck out the water, working off the work truck's fuel, requiring no on-site power. For standing water in a basement, this type of extractor is ideal as long as there is access through a basement door or window, as the hose length can be an issue. Truck mount waste tanks hold between 70 and 100 gallons. 

Pumps

Electric submersible pumps and high-pressure pumps are the two pumps most likely used when a basement has more than two inches of standing water. Electrical submersible pumps, commonly referred to as sub pumps are the most typical; however, if the basement requires a high amount of lift, the high-pressure pump may be a better option since it gives a stronger discharge. These pumps do not handle solids well but can move 1000 to 6000 gallons of water per minute. 

Regardless of the extraction equipment used, SERVPRO water restoration technicians safely dispose of wastewater according to local and state ordinances. 

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

My Hamden Business Has Mold – Who Do I Call?

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial mold remediation is no easy task. SERVPRO has trained techs with the know-how and experience for any size mold remediation job.

SERVPRO provides mold remediation and mold removal to keep Hamden businesses open

Finding mold in a business is never a good thing. Mold spores travel through the air and are carried around on everything from clothes to the wind. They are everywhere, and you cannot get rid of them. Mold can develop anywhere there is moisture and a food source. 

How Does Containment Work with Black Mold Damage Repairs?

Mold is made up of tube-like filaments known as hyphae. As the colony grows, the mold spreads. This allows for the development of more mold spores, which then look for moisture and food. If you see mold, it is time for mold removal in Hamden. One of the tools we use when dealing with mold removal is containment. Containment makes it difficult for mold spores to get away from the impacted area. Containment helps with other things involving mold removal and the impacted material, such as:

• Silica dust
• Particles left from sodablasting
• Dust from mold removal techniques
• Easier cleanup
• Preventing further damage
• Safer mold remediation

SERVPRO uses containment methods such as polyethylene sheeting, tape for sealing, decontamination areas if needed, and HEPA filters in our vacuums and air scrubbers.

Contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for commercial mold removal in New Haven. We are mold specialists who understand just what your business needs.

How Can Moisture Damage Get Identified in New Haven Businesses?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial building water remediation is no easy task. Call SERVPRO with all of their manpower and equipment to handle the job.

We have advanced tools for tracking damp pockets in New Haven structures.

Moisture monitoring can often be one of the most critical services that our SERVPRO water damage remediation team provides. Water restoration is only successful when evaporative drying techniques have addressed the trapped moisture and potential concerns after ceiling leaks or burst pipes.

What Tools and Instruments Track Moisture in New Haven Commercial Properties?

As leading professionals offering water restoration to New Haven businesses, we appreciate how you want to get things back to normal for your staff and customers as soon as possible. Continual monitoring of the drying process can indicate when drying tools must get relocated for more efficiency and identify hidden moisture caches that could become mold threats. Some of the monitoring equipment includes:

• Moisture meters
• Thermal imagery
• Hygrometers

Water restoration requires many steps and stages to complete, and our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help through many of these recovery phases. Give us a call today at (203) 234-1100.

Emergency Fire Restoration for New Haven

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO gives you access to expertly trained fire remediation specialists that put vast resources and years of experience to work for you.

SERVPRO Fire Cleanup Teams Can Help

Most residential fires occur in enclosed spaces with minor to moderate damages. It is quite rare for a fire to cause actual structural damage to your home. However, gas leaks and other fuel-based fires can lead to severe damage. SERVPRO has an adept team of technicians that can help prepare your property for restoration after a fierce fire. 

Before performing fire restoration in your New Haven home, our technicians enact emergency service procedures. Emergency procedures can help to prevent further losses in your home by stopping soot or smoke from traveling into unaffected areas. These procedures also prepare the job site by ensuring it is safe to enter and lay the foundations for a restoration procedure. Our goal is to reduce losses and claims expenses and to minimize inconvenience to the homeowner. Prepping a fire-damaged property helps to increase the overall efficiency of restoration and is the first part of our planning stage. It is normal for emergency procedures to take place during:

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire debris removal
• Smoke removal

The specific parts of prepping a job site can include conducting inspections of the property and neutralizing potential hazards from faulty structure, loose wiring, or debris that may be present. Boarding up parts of the structure and establishing emergency electricity can also help to ensure that technicians can bring in equipment and have sufficient lighting to perform cleaning or deodorizing tasks. Secondary duties that may emerge from the initial inspection of the structure could include drying the property, which may have become wet due to the firefighting procedure. Equally, initial cleaning of the structure can be beneficial. The initial cleaning is most useful on textiles and furniture, which provides a basis for more aggressive cleaning action later in the restoration. 

• Cleaning acidic residues from porcelain materials or metal work can help to reduce damage to the property. 
• Carpeting can often be pre-conditioned shortly after the inspection phase to help reduce potential damage from residual soots.
• Getting rid of fire debris helps to provide a clear working space for restoration of the structure and reduces potential slip and trip hazards. 

If your home surfaces from structural damage, contact SERVPRO of New Haven for fire damage restoration at (203) 234-1100.

Our Certified Experts Are Committed To Restoring Your New Haven Home After A Flood

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Our experts have the training, equipment, and experience to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a flood hits your home.

Repairing Hardwoods After New Haven Flooding

After flooding occurs in a New Haven home, you are quick to work towards assessing the damage and the steps you can take to return your property to pre-damaged condition. Flooding, even without contamination, can pool along the floors of the levels affected, allowing it to saturate into materials like carpet fibers or porous wood. Hardwoods are more water-resistant and can exist in flooring, cabinets, and other furniture.

Despite the lower porosity of hardwood furniture and construction materials, contamination or delays in drying flood damages require us to replace hardwoods in New Haven homes. Our SERVPRO professionals can assess the widespread effects of migrating flooding with moisture meters and probing detection devices. Surface meters can show when trapped water exists in wood materials, often without a need for probing. When visible swelling and warping begin, there is no reversing this condition, and controlled demolition must occur.

Flooring

Wood flooring can be one of the first areas of your home affected by natural flooding. While surface water can remain above the wood planks for a short period, absorption inevitably begins. Once contaminated water begins to bond with the cells in the wood, the flooring is not preserved. Our partners at Connecticut Reconstruction Services can replace wood flooring and subflooring materials once our SERVPRO technicians have removed damaged areas and decontaminated the remaining structural supports and joists.

Cabinets 

Base cabinets can come into direct contact with pooling floodwater. Still, hung cabinets can also get damaged when water enters through the roof after storm effects. While particleboards can show damage and deterioration quickly after a flood, hardwood cabinets can resist penetration for longer spans. Once saturation occurs, it is crucial to remove these flood-damaged elements to prevent mold development promptly. We can remove these units entirely to better dry structural cavities and drywall behind to prepare the kitchen or bathroom for new materials to get installed.

Hardwood can resist absorption of penetrating floodwater, but once it has saturated beyond the surface, our SERVPRO of New Haven professionals must work on controlled demolition solutions to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (203) 234-1100.

Levels of Cleaning for North Haven Warehouse Fire Restoration

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can occur quickly in commercial facilities, making it vital for our SERVPRO of New Haven team to act fast.

Fire Restoration Differs with Each Emergency

The varying degrees of damage that commercial properties experience after fires does not make the need for professional assistance any less. While varying practices might be needed to resolve specific issues your business could contend with after structure fires, many look to SERVPRO to complete insurance work and get your doors back open quickly. Some services include:

• Surface Cleaning Solutions
• Content Management and Inventory
• Rebuilding the Damaged Areas

Light Damage Recovery

Fire restoration for North Haven production facilities and warehouses must be handled promptly, even if the impact is light. Quickly extinguished fires can still leave residual damage on the equipment, contents, and wall surfaces. We utilize effective surface cleaning solutions with dry chemical sponges, solvents, and detergents to help. This phase also sees equipment and electronics covered to protect against circulating soot. 

Protecting the Contents and Wares 

More significant fire damage can see the contents, fixtures, and wares within the building to suffer losses. Relocation is an important early step to take, but this is not always feasible or taken soon enough to be impactful. We can set up large staging areas near the building for housing contents, evaluate their condition, and perform needed restoration and cleaning. 

Reconstruction and Build-Back Services 

The need for repairs and reconstruction becomes apparent when the structure becomes damaged by spreading fire loss effects. This is the most destructive type of fire damage in commercial facilities and can have your building operating in a limited capacity until restoration and subsequent build-back services are complete. Our contractor license allows us to finish demolition and repairs where necessary, even at the large scale of sprawling commercial properties. 

Fires can occur quickly in production facilities, making it vital for our SERVPRO of New Haven team to act fast. We mitigate loss by protecting equipment and contents with polypropylene sheeting and effective follow-up restoration work. Call us today at (203) 234-1100. 

Water Damage in New Haven Means SERVPRO to the Rescue

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

When you cannot stop water and it ends up all over your kitchen or bathroom, call SERVPRO to clean up.

When Water Damage Happens Under Cabinets in New Haven Homes

The two rooms in the house where most water damage happens are the bathroom and the kitchen. One thing both of these areas have in common is built-in furnishings such as kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. How does removal happen when this type of water disaster occurs in New Haven?

When water damage happens in New Haven homes that affect a room with cabinets, you need professional mitigation. That is when you call SERVPRO because our technicians come to the rescue. We scope the damaged areas in your home to track the migration path of the water using our moisture detection equipment. In most cases, the toe kick (the board around the bottom of the cabinet where it meets the floor) requires removal to allow for water extraction and adequate airflow for drying. 

Equipment and Techniques for Under-Cabinet Water Removal

The floors and walls under cabinetry can be a challenge. There are sometimes multiple layers of sheetrock. Some cabinets have a backing material, while others are directly next to the sheetrock. Either way, extractor wands assist in the fast removal of moisture and help prep the area for the setup of air movers.

When a wall receives saturation, such as in the case of a pipe break or supply line leak, SERVPRO technicians often drill weep holes into the walls to assist with drainage and drying. In cases where the sheetrock has non-restorable damage, it is cut away to halt any further moisture wicking. 

Specialized Drying Equipment Lessens Loss

The type of materials that make up the cabinetry determines how restorable the unit is. Composite or pressed wood tends to fare poorly upon extended exposure to water and can be a loss, while hardwood cabinets often have a better outcome to restoration methods. SERVPRO technicians use equipment such as the InjectiDry, a unique configuration of hoses that forces warm, dry air under the cabinets, wall cavities, and other compact spaces as needed to ensure they dry completely. 

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 has the equipment and experienced, certified technicians who can make the water damage in your home seem "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Remains the Choice Among Mold Removal Companies in New Haven

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation should be left to the professionals at SERVPRO. Their techs are IICRC certified for any size mold remediation service needed.

New Haven Residents Trust SERVPRO Mold Removal Companies

New Haven is one of the older settlements in the United States. The first notation happened in 1614 when a Dutch explorer stopped while sailing through the then-unnamed Quinnipiac River. Fast forward to 1637, and the early Puritan settlers from England arrived and set up homes alongside a creek, underestimating how brutal the winters would be for them. They named the township Quinnipiac after the local tribe that helped them during the first winter, and it got renamed New Haven in 1639.

The design of New Haven was groundbreaking. Based on how Romans planned cities, John Brockett's layout led to the township being dubbed the first "planned city in America." The plan split it into nine equal parts for organized development. 

One of the greatest villains from the American Revolutionary period resided in New Haven. Benedict Arnold was a successful merchant and druggist in the town long before becoming infamous. After his mother's death, Arnold's father fell deeply into alcoholism and had to sell the family homestead to stay afloat financially. Once Arnold attained financial success in his business endeavors, he purchased the old homestead and sold it for a healthy profit. The reason for Arnold switching sides from the American patriots to support the Crown boiled down to a few possible reasons:

• He was bitter at having been passed over for promotions within the military.
• He was upset about his injuries in a battle that left him with one leg two inches shorter and in constant pain.
• Arnold himself stated that he "married the wrong person." His wife Peggy was a supporter of the Monarchy.

Another notable New Haven resident, William Lanson, is sometimes mistakenly noted as a runaway slave. He was born a freeman around 1785 and, over just seven years, became the principal designer and wharf-builder. He created New Haven's Long Wharf, the longest pier in the United States at three-quarters of a mile in length. 

Along with being known as "Elm City," the township had another nickname in the late 1800s as "the corset capital of the world." After the Strouse Adler Company set up a manufacturing plant and employed 1,200 residents, most of the workers were women. Another essential creation from this firm was the design of some first pizza boxes. 

How Do Mold Restoration Companies Detect Mold in New Haven Properties?

By the time a homeowner in New Haven calls in mold restoration companies due to seeing signs of mold, there is a good chance a significant infestation has already set up home behind the scenes. Homeowners should always engage a professional service for the cleanup. Local and state laws may require specific inspection and documentation actions based on the structure's affected area's size.

SERVPRO's IICRC trained technicians utilize different testing methods to determine the presence of mold. The technicians can also engage a local industrial hygienist's services to perform air quality measures post-remediation to confirm successful efforts. Some lasting treatments to ensure the mold does not return post-remediation include:

• Antimicrobial cleaning agents
• Sealants
• Abatement procedures such as soda and ice blasting for dried colony removal

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 remains the trusted choice among mold restoration companies in New Haven.

Your New Haven Home Can Be Saved By Our Fire Damage Experts!

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Give our specialists a call anytime you need us at (203) 234-1100.

Preparing For Fire Restoration In Your New Haven Home

Many New Haven homeowners can attest to their lack of skill and technical knowledge in niches like fire loss recovery. If a disaster like this has taken place on your property, even on a smaller scale, it can be smart to seek the counsel and expertise of trained restorers like our SERVPRO team. There are ways that you can help this process to be more seamless and efficient, getting you and your family back into the property as promptly as possible.

You might not have a great idea of what to expect when professionals arrive to handle fire damage in your New Haven home. Still, we do our best to explain the entire process, answer questions, and address concerns as our team sets up for mitigation and ultimate cleaning and restoration of the property. With how quickly these symptoms can spread and worsen, especially conditions like soot and smoke odors, it is vital for our team to set up and get started immediately.

Preparing for the arrival of our professionals is much more than getting you and your family out of the house, as there are steps that you can take to ensure that there are no delays in getting work started. Here are several suggestions to help prepare your home for the complete restoration phases to come:

• If it is safe to be on your property after the fire gets extinguished, take a moment to collect any irreplaceable items and move them to secure areas of your home. If individual treasured belongings have become damaged by the fire, speak with our SERVPRO team about restoring them via our contents department.
• Take a few moments to close off vents and registers of your HVAC system to prevent the further spread of soot, smoke, and other effects.

There are many elements of fire loss recovery that homeowners look to our SERVPRO of New Haven team to address. No matter when a disaster strikes, you can count on our skilled team to arrive quickly with the equipment and products to help. Give our specialists a call anytime you need us at (203) 234-1100.

Our Certified Technicians Are Prepared For Your New Haven Flood Restoration Services

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to inspect your damper and flue at least once a year before the cold season arrives. We are here to help, call us 24/7.

Professional Flood Damage Management in New Haven

When heavy rainfall stresses storm sewers and residential gutter and downspout systems in New Haven, the result can be flooded lower levels, basements, foundations, or crawl spaces. Extreme weather patterns during the mid to late summer can result in many inches of rain falling in a short period. Repeated storms “training” rainwater over the same locale over hours or days expose areas to flooding. Our team can help you remove the influx and dry out your home to prevent secondary damage.

Flood Damage Takes Many Shapes

Flood damage in New Haven does not always stem from an overflowing waterway. “Flash floods” are a phenomenon experienced in many places when torrential rainfall collects on roadways or washes from elevations, acting like a creek or river breaching its banks. The effect is similar, with residences in the path vulnerable to inches to feet of water intruding, submerging crawl spaces, or filling the lowest story of a house with highly contaminated water.

Contamination Requires Professional Action

Relatively clean water is already incredibly damaging to conventional building materials. Porous structures crumble, wood warps, metals rust, and the stages are set for destructive microbial growth. When sewage, yard and road chemicals, organic debris, dirt, and a host of other solids and dissolved substances add to the mix, safety and other concerns increase. SERVPRO is poised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist members of our community in collecting, containing, and disposing of contaminated water fast, following local hazardous waste regulations.

Cleaning and Disinfection Using EPA-Registered Products

After containment and disposal of contaminated floodwaters, SERVPRO’s Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians clean the affected surfaces with products tested and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We also use EPA-registered disinfectants to kill and inhibit the growth of the wide range of pathogens that contamination can introduce into your home. 

Efficient Structural Drying

After water removal, cleaning, and sanitization, SERVPRO technicians utilize principles learned during the IICRC-approved Applied Structural Drying (ASD) course. We measure moisture levels, establishing baselines that help us determine and work toward the implementation of drying goals. Heat and the action of air movers encourage absorbed water to vaporize. Then our high-efficiency dehumidifiers capture the moisture for disposal.

SERVPRO of New Haven is your resource when residential flooding presents a challenge. Call us at (203) 234-1100 to set up an evaluation after heavy rains infiltrate your home.

Get Proven Hidden Water Damage Restoration in New Haven

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job too big or small for your local SERVPRO of New Haven.

Call SERVPRO in New Haven for All Water Damage Restorations – Available 24/7

Dealing with visible water damage is one thing, especially if you know it is contained in one area of your New Haven property. Pulling up standing water may get the results you are looking for, but what if you have hidden moisture wreaking havoc within your home or business? SERVPRO wants all area customers to know that the signs of hidden water damage may not be apparent until it has gone too far. Calling in professionals at the first signs of hidden moisture is best so that you can get to the heart of it before potentially harmful black mold develops. 

Once you call us to help with water damage restoration in New Haven, we can have our team at your door within four hours to begin. Not sure if you need professional water restoration technicians (WRT)? These are some of the signs we tell customers to look for that hidden water damage may be a problem:

• Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper
• Soft drywall or sagging ceiling tiles
• Stains on the walls, ceilings, and trim
• Bowing, lifting, or warping of flooring materials
• Musty, foul odors that could be telling of mildew or mold
• Visible mold patches that look like black spots, blotches, or discoloration

Our IICRC-certified technicians have extensive training to spot and address hidden moisture so that we can get you results fast. We bring various moisture detection tools like sensors and thermal imaging technology that help us find moisture to eradicate it.

With any water issue causing damage, whether a leaking pipe or condensation buildup from your HVAC system, we fix it so that the problem does not come right back. All unsalvageable building materials get replaced with the help of trusted area contractors to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Do you need help with restoration? Never hesitate to contact us at SERVPRO of New Haven by calling (203) 234-1100.

Why Does SERVPRO Use Containment During Mold Remediation?

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

It is difficult to detect hidden mold colonies. SERVPRO has the expertise to remediate the mold damage in your home.

New Haven Homeowners Can Rely on Us to Control the Spread of Spores

People living in New Haven know that the upkeep of a house is a significant undertaking. There are always items needing repairing or replacing, and there is a list of chores each week. Some jobs require professional help, and you need a company on which you can rely.

If you need mold remediation in New Haven, SERVPRO is your go-to remediation company. We put our technicians through a comprehensive training program, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification certified. Our services are available all day, including on holidays, so you know we have always got your back.

Proper containment procedures are an essential part of our technician training. But what is containment – and why does it matter to you?

How Does Mold Travel?

Understanding the necessity of containment helps to know how mold travels. Mold spores are microscopic. The mold growth you see as black patches is a network of tiny tube-like filaments called hyphae. A mold colony comprises many hyphae, and the mold grows and lives in areas that provide moisture and a food source.

Unfortunately, mold does not just stay in its colony. Tiny mold spores can break free and become airborne. Once the mold is in the air, it can attach to clothes, bags, shoes, and pets. It can also enter the home through doors and windows. If the breakaway mold spores find another location with moisture, oxygen, and a food source, they can form a new colony.

How Does Containment Help?

Containment makes it harder for mold spores in New Haven to leave the affected area. If it is harder for spores to move, they are less likely to travel and set up a new colony in another part of your home.

Containment does not only stop mold spores, however. It is also helping to prevent the spread of:

• Silica dust
• Asbestos
• Lead-based paint
• Leftover soda crystal particles from soda blasting 

Containment means we keep the contamination in one area, making it easier to handle and producing better long-term results.

What Exactly is Containment?

There are two main types of containment.

We use limited containment for smaller areas (usually less than 100 square feet). SERVPRO technicians wrap the affected area in a single layer of polyethylene sheeting. We use tape to seal up all windows, doors, ducts, and vents to close off potential exit points. The sheeting contains a slit for entry and exit covered by a flap when not in use.

We use full containment in larger areas or more severe cases of mold. Full containment includes two layers of polyethylene sheeting and the addition of a decontamination area. SERVPRO employees use this area to decontaminate themselves and their equipment before entering the rest of your home.

Are There Any Other Benefits of Containment?

Yes. As well as stopping the spread of mold or other harmful particles throughout your home, containment:

• Prevents further damage to your property by making it harder for spores to find a new home elsewhere
• Makes the cleanup process much easier
• Ensures our IICRC trained techs carry out mold remediation in the safest possible environment

What About Air Filtration?

Air filtration is an essential part of containment. We use powerful air scrubbers, equipped with HEPA filters, to pull microscopic spores from the air and trap them. The HEPA filters are small enough to capture tiny mold spores and other airborne contaminants.

In some cases, we also use negative air machines. While air scrubbers are self-contained units, negative air machines vent the contaminated air outside your home. They create a vacuum to prevent mold from becoming airborne and escaping.

Does Containment Stop Mold?

It is impossible to ensure that mold will never take hold in your home again. Because it can enter through doors, windows, on your clothes, or your pets, we cannot truthfully say it will not come back. However, containment means that the mold spores in the contaminated area cannot spread. And if they cannot move and grow, they cannot set up new colonies.

Containment is highly effective for treating the current mold infestation and discouraging spores from traveling elsewhere. We also use moisture meters, sensors, and thermal-hygrometers to monitor moisture levels in the affected area, so there is less moisture to feed mold.

We also use effective cleaning procedures such as baking soda blasting to clean away as many visible colonies as possible. The combination of containment with effective remediation makes your home much less friendly to mold spores and removes existing colonies. If you need help with mold remediation, give SERVPRO of New Haven a call at (203) 234-1100.

Should I Let My Housekeeping Staff Handle Water Removal Solo in My New Haven Inn?

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Water removal isn’t an easy process and can be done wrong if you don’t know what you're doing. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation services.

Water Removal in Your New Haven Business Should Not Depend on Your Cleaning Crew Developing a Plan on the Fly -- SERVPRO Is Ready 24/7 to Extract Liquids and Dry Moisture Out According to a Best Practices Professional Plan

Once you fully staff your New Haven inn, you feel in control of almost every contingency. Managing the multiple day-to-day activities and tasks needed in the hospitality business without consulting outside contractors is a good feeling but does have its limitations when certain emergencies occur. No matter how much confidence you have in your staff, a substantial water loss can overwhelm you because of the lack of specialized equipment and training.

What Types of Specialized Equipment Are Needed for Commercial Water Removal?

The backstory to your New Haven commercial water removal requirement might relate to a plumbing break, customer negligence (an overfilled tub or spray outside the shower curtain or door), or flooding associated with a typical area spa, hot tub, or pool. In most of these cases, the quantity of water is likely to be significant. The area affected is spacious and perhaps involves several rooms. Buckets and mops will not evacuate the possibly hundreds of gallons of water as quickly as our scalable inventory of:

• Gas-powered submersible pumps
• Truck-mounted extractors (capacity 36,000 gallons per unit per day)
• Multiple portable extractors that function well to remove water in confined recesses
• Moisture detection and metering tools to locate trapped water and absorbed moisture

How Is Applied Structural Drying Different from Opening Windows and Running Fans?

Once the bulk of the excess water is out of your inn, SERVPRO continues the water removal efforts with structural drying best practices. We use the data collected while searching for migrated water to set drying goals and place high-efficiency drying equipment in scientifically-based configurations to bring moisture levels to be expected in the previously saturated areas. Monitoring throughout the drying process ensures marks are hit and adaptations made.

SERVPRO of New Haven commits to developing a plan for water removal that best suits your commercial building after a water loss. Call on us at (203) 234-1100 to get the project rolling.

Can SERVPRO Restore My Antique Sofa After Flood Damage?

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Storm-Damaged Antique Heirlooms or Furnishings? We Respond Swiftly to Salvage Contents for Our New Haven Customers.

New Haven Residents Are Concerned About Flood Damage to Irreplaceable Antiques

Anyone who has enjoyed antique shopping in New Haven knows how much fun it is to find an excellent piece of furniture full of character. Sometimes you come into possession of an antique from a friend or relative. Antiques lend something unique to the atmosphere of a home and are often beloved by the homeowner.

In the event of flood damage in your New Haven home, it is natural to worry about your beloved antique sofa. After all, you cannot just go to the nearest furniture store and buy another. Do not despair – SERVPRO technicians can use various techniques to save your favorite seat from floodwaters.

How does Floodwater Affect Antique Furniture?

Floodwater can cause several problems:

• Wood frames can swell and even crack as they absorb water – sofas may be especially vulnerable to this because of the way their frames join together.
• Delicate upholstery can bleed color or become blotchy.
• Mold can grow on wooden surfaces or inside cushions and seats.

It is essential to deal with flood damage immediately. If you leave it, there is more opportunity for mold to grow in, and on your sofa, water stains can settle in more deeply, and cracking and swelling can worsen.

How Does SERVPRO Save the Sofa Frame?

Our technicians know that antique wood can warp under the strain of floodwater – and they also understand that rapid drying is dangerous. If we dry your couch too quickly, it could be at greater risk of damage.

We dry your sofa frame in three stages:

First, we mop up surface water from the legs and seat, being careful not to cause color bleeding

Second, we position air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers in the room and around the sofa to dry it

Third, we use moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers to monitor moisture and humidity as we proceed

We train our technicians to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification standards, which means they know how to carry out drying at the correct speed to get results without damaging the wood. We can also carry out light refinishing of the wood if necessary.

What About the Upholstery and Cushions?

SERVPRO understands how disheartening it is to see your favorite seat damp and bedraggled looking. Thankfully, we have ways to tackle water-logged furniture.

We have a range of cleaning materials we can use to cleanse cushions and upholstery and leave them free of mottling. Depending on the material, we might employ:

• Wet fogging
• Water extraction
• Spot cleaning

Our technicians know just how to tent cushions for maximum drying efficiency. Once the cushions are tented, we can place air movers and fans around them to blow air across the material, triggering evaporation and drying. We can also place dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the surrounding air.

Should I Worry About Mildew?

No – we understand the risks of mildew growth and take steps to mitigate those risks. We do not close out the project until we are satisfied that your sofa is thoroughly dry. We can also apply microbial agents to the frame and cushions to further discourage mold or mildew.

Will my Sofa Smell Damp Afterward?

We know that damp odors are a severe concern for our customers – they have told us that one of the most challenging things about water damage is the lingering smell. That is why deodorization is the final stage of any flood damage operation.

When it comes to odors, a good rule of thumb is to use dry or wet treatments, depending on the smell source. So if the source is fire, we would use hot, dry thermal fogging. For water, we use wet fogging. The wet fogger machine sprays a fine mist of deodorizing and cleaning compounds that can penetrate even hidden nooks and crannies.

Because the fogger wets the material evenly, it can also help fight water stains – it is easier to get good results when drying an entire cushion rather than the affected part only. We can also use air scrubbers, carbon filters, and odor-eating pellets to enhance deodorization.

If you are concerned about your antique furniture after a flood, call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100.

Full-Service Fire Damage Restoration for New Haven Properties

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let your home be a victim of fire damage, SERVPRO of New Haven is only a call away.

Do Fire-Damaged Materials in New Haven Homes Require Removal?

Our responding technicians' focus is to reduce the need for a tear-out and reconstruction as much as possible. Fires can already be destructive events, so maintaining as much of the original building materials in your home is a worthy goal for restorers. We evaluate affected surfaces one by one.

Condition of the Structure

It is important to determine the condition of surfaces and building materials when restoring fire damage in New Haven homes. Careful considerations are made to determine the ideal recovery and cleaning approach is to ensure the right steps promptly get taken to prevent greater harm to the property and reduce materials becoming unsalvageable. There are several ways materials can be impacted by smoke and fire damage, such as:

• Soot damage
• Staining
• Blistered surfaces
• Weakened integrity

Refinishing and Cleaning

Not all materials and contents affected by fire damage will require removal or replacement. Many of these can remain installed when refinished or appropriately cleaned. Wood créme paste and citrus oils can often revitalize the look of wood-like cabinets and shelves after soot and smoke damage exposure.

Controlled Demolition Saves Costs

Combining the restoration and reconstruction or repairs within the same roster of professionals allows us to do more to complete projects efficiently and within budgetary limitations. A large part of our full-service fire damage reconstruction and restoration solution is controlled demolition. This process allows us to remove damaged portions of building materials without total deconstruction.

Build-Back Services

In many cases, fire damage often results in repairs or reconstruction. The same contractor license that allows us to complete controlled demolition can also permit these experienced technicians to replace discarded materials and reconstruct where needed.

Fires can destroy many surfaces and leave others needing pressing cleanup and restoration. Whatever your home needs, our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help when you call (203) 234-1100.

Where is Mold Remediation Needed Most in New Haven Offices?

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial mold remediation services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Mold can develop in many areas of a structure, so we stay prepared with mold remediation solutions for New Haven office buildings.

Mold is destructive and challenging. When it forms in office buildings, these colonies can spread quickly without prompt action from our team. We can rapidly identify where organisms are and the damage they are causing.

Mold Development in the Bathroom

The need for mold remediation in New Haven office buildings can often occur in spaces like the bathroom. High traffic areas like these see a lot of water usage, spillage, and unreported damage. Persistent moisture concerns can lead to mold development:

• Around a toilet
• Under a sink with exposed plumbing
• On porous flooring around water sources
• In-ceiling tiles

Drywall Mold Development in Cavities

The drywall covering metal framework in your commercial building is also sensitive to mold development. While metal framing is not suitable for mold colonies, leaks and drips in structural cavities can affect these outer elements like the drywall.

HVAC Unit and Air Ducts

The HVAC system is one of the pathways connecting nearly every space in an office building to a central location. When mold spores spread heavily in one damaged area of the facility, a running HVAC unit can pull these active spores to new places to further extend the damage. Mold can also grow within the ductwork itself, which can be difficult to track without professional inspection measures.

How Can SERVPRO Mold Remediators Help?

We strive to provide the most efficient and direct mold remediation solutions when damage exists. We quickly assess the conditions of the property and the affected materials to learn the primary focus of cleanup. We have several recovery options beginning with surface cleaning strategies and progressing to more abrasive cleaning and remediation techniques like media blasting or sanding.

Understanding how mold is likely to impact your business makes a difference in how the remediation needs change for your property. Our SERVPRO of New Haven has experienced remediation professionals to provide multiple removal solutions to return your office to preloss conditions. Give our team a call today at (203) 234-1100.

How Can SERVPRO Protect Water-Damaged Contents in Hamden Homes?

3/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration techs have all the equipment and experience needed for the service your property needs.

Our mitigation solutions prevent greater harm to the personal belongings of Hamden homeowners.

Between the time that a disaster impacts your home and when restorers first arrive, a lot of damage can occur. We prioritize a fast response after the first notice of loss to have experienced professionals available to help as soon as possible.

The Importance of Mitigation

Water mitigation for Hamden homes is critical because, at this stage, we introduce all of the initial restoration actions that make later recovery efforts faster and more efficient. We also prioritize the pressing concerns of the property that might cause irreparable harm, like containing moving water and protecting the contents of the house.

Keeping a Content Inventory and Damage Catalog

Personal belongings management is important when our team first arrives at water-damaged properties. So many of your contents and furniture in the home can be in harm’s way, making it one of the focuses of our team to relocate at-risk objects to a safe place on the premises. We can also individually inspect items for damage and catalog these findings in a detailed account of the loss incident.

Off-Site Recovery Solutions

When contents become too heavily damaged to be protected by relocation, we must consider what is needed to clean them and restore them to their original condition. In some situations, our pack-out process can be the best option. We move items to our nearby SERVPRO facility for multiple advanced recovery solutions like:

• Drying
• Deodorization
• Surface Cleaning
• Disinfection

Because we are faster to disasters of all types and sizes, we are experienced with the necessary equipment and actions to help your property return to preloss condition. Water damage is one of the more common callouts for our professionals, so our SERVPRO of New Haven team stays ready to respond with pre-stocked production vehicles equipped with air movers, extractors, and other drying equipment. Call today at (203) 234-1100.

How Does SERVPRO Deal with Flood Contaminants in New Haven Homes?

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

When a flood impacts your property call SERVPRO flood damage restoration team. We have what is needed to have your property back to preloss condition

Several sources of contamination could impact New Haven homes after flood damage.

After flooding impacts your home or business, there is a finite timeline to restore and recover the damage caused. Emergency services focus on specific actions necessary to protect the property and its occupants, such as:

• Extraction
• Debris Cleanup
• Muck-Out
• Content Relocation

Organic Matter Brought in With Water

One of the ways flood damage in New Haven can threaten exposed building materials and contents is through the decaying organic matter carried in with flooding. Debris, organisms, and mud can all introduce pathogenic threats to your property, as well as harsh odors and other cleaning needs.

Sewage Backup Concerns

In some events, utilities like sanitary sewers and culvert systems become overrun, with entire neighborhoods becoming flooded. Any blockages in these systems can cause a backflow event into connected homes through floor drains or lower toilet hookups in the property.

Cleaning Surfaces and Contents 

Disinfection and surface cleaning are also vital processes to the flood recovery effort. Exposure to migrating bacterial and viral pathogens creates a pressing and urgent need for surface cleaning with sanitizing and disinfection products in our inventory.

Repairs When Needed

Because of our general contractor license, we can handle the many repairs, and reconstruction needs your home might have after flooding. Exposure to contaminants, for example, will require controlled demolition and replacement of porous materials impacted directly by these black water events. With flooding being among the highest categories of loss, few examples of flood damage do not require some degree of repair.

With many ways that your house can become flooded, having experienced professionals capable of providing varying restoration and recovery is valuable to a property and its contents. Our technicians are ready to help overcome each post-flood repair and cleanup phase. Give our SERVPRO of New Haven team a call today at (203) 234-1100.

What Happens to Household Items During a New Haven Fire Damage Cleanup?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Don't be a victim of fire damage, SERVPRO of New Haven is only a call away.

SERVPRO Techs Work to Restore New Haven Homes During Fire Mitigation

SERVPRO handles fire cleanup regularly for the local New Haven community. One of the significant parts of the restoration is determining items that have restoration potential and need to be moved off-site for cleaning and storage until the mitigation service completes. 

The technicians inspect New Haven properties with fire damage during the initial scoping and after removing articles outside the worksite for cleaning to remove soot and then get ozone to remove all traces of the exposure to the fire. The techs then determine what the structure needs to create a safer environment to work within, such as:

• Setting up generators for power
• Boarding up doors and windows 
• Making temporary repairs on roofing
• Inspecting for structural integrity

Challenges of Smoke and Soot Damage 

Soot can be acidic, and soot combined with water used to extinguish a fire can cause pitting on metal. SERVPRO techs remove the wet debris first and wear safety gear while they do it to protect them from both health and environmental hazards. When working in areas of the property where there are metal fixtures, the techs often cover them after cleaning to reduce the chance of pitting from exposure to airborne soot.

Once that task is completed, the techs remove the charred and ruined building materials that need careful cutting to extract safely. Smoke can penetrate drywall, and there can be smoke damage on the framework, although there is no visible heat damage on the wall or ceiling in a room. This is why a post-fire room often needs to get stripped down to the framework to remove the smoke damage and odors.

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 supports the local New Haven area for any size or type of fire damage restoration service. The trained and certified technicians are available 24/7.

Can Water Mitigation Assist New Haven Commercial Carpet?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for assistance from a professional company.

SERVPRO Technicians Have the Tools and Training to Handle New Haven Water Damage

Water damage to the carpet in a New Haven business does not automatically mean it has to be removed. SERVPRO technicians work hard to dry carpet in place when possible to save property owners the cost of replacement or cause the business to be closed for some time for installation of new floor covering. 

Professional water mitigation in a New Haven business can make the difference between saving commercial carpeting or needing to replace it. SERVPRO technicians look at certain aspects to determine if the carpet is a good fit for in-place dryings, such as:

• Construction materials in the carpet fibers
• If the backing is made of jute or other organic materials
• Evidence of mold growth 

Benefits of In-Place Drying

One of the biggest reasons for in-place carpet drying during a water restoration service is to limit the amount of time needed for the building to close. Unless there are hazardous conditions due to the water damage, SERVPRO technicians can rope off areas that define the worksite that allow the business to remain open for business. Additionally, the amount of damage to the carpet since seams do not need to get cut is lessened. The goal for the techs is always to limit the amount of disruption to the client during the water cleanup.

Instances Where In-Place Drying is Not Appropriate

If the water contains sewage, chemicals, or has degraded over 72 hours, drying in place is usually not an option. In cases where the commercial carpeting has been installed over laminate or tile floors but is in good shape, it may be removed for drying outside the building. 

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 supports local businesses owners with all types and sizes of commercial water mitigation in New Haven.

What Happens to Hamden Wood Flooring After Flood Damage?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Afraid your wood floors have been damaged by a storm? No need to stress it, Let SERVPRO fix it.

Hamden SERVPRO Technicians Have the Tools for Successful Water Damage Recovery

The flooring of all kinds bears the brunt of water damage in a Hamden property. While ceramic tile with an intact grout line seal tends to fare better than adhesive tile and carpet. However, hardwood floorboards can run the gamut from loss to restore depending on a few caveats:

• How quickly the restoration service began
• If the boards received drying applications properly
• The base construction materials for the boards

Wood flooring affected by flood damage in a Hamden property needs prompt attention from SERVPRO. Some homeowners panicked that their wood flooring got saturated and attempted to dry the boards quickly in various ways. This can be a mistake because the wood can crack if dried too rapidly. 

Detailed Drying Applications

SERVPRO technicians monitor the extraction and drying process of hardwood floorboards carefully. They have varying devices to determine the moisture content of the wood, so drying methods can be adjusted as needed to ensure the boards dry correctly and do not lose too much moisture too rapidly. 

One of the pieces of equipment the technicians rely on frequently is drying mats. These flat pieces of equipment lay squarely over a portion of the board and force warm, dry into the wood. This is especially beneficial when only a part of the flooring has water damage. The amount of moisture within the wood is at varying levels. Another technique used the force of the high-velocity airflow from the centrifugal air movers to cause embedded water vapor to rise. SERVPRO techs use dehumidification equipment during the drying phase to capture moisture as it rises to dry the worksite more rapidly.

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 stands ready to support the local Hamden community for any size and type of flood damage restoration service needed, and the trained techs are available 24/7.

Removing Soot from the Kitchen Structure in Hamden Homes

1/16/2022 (Permalink)

When a kitchen fire strikes home, SERVPRO techs will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call. Fire damage restoration is a job for us.

Fast action by experienced professionals can manage post-fire soot effects in Hamden properties.

Fires can be exceptionally damaging and ruinous for homes and businesses, and the kitchen of residences is a common ignition point for fire and smoke damages. As rapidly as these disasters can develop with flare-ups, surfaces and structural elements can become coated with soil deposits generated during combustion. Our fast response can help provide immediate mitigation where needed.

The Type of Soot Damage

Learning the type of soot causing the smoke and fire damage to Hamden homes is vital when our team begins restoration and recovery. Grease fires can create harsh, thick residues that adhere to vertical and horizontal surfaces, requiring a combination of mechanical action and powerful cleaning products to help.

Counters and Wall Surfaces

Protein and grease residues spread fast through a damaged kitchen and can directly affect wall systems nearby. Countertops also provide a stable horizontal surface that allows for a buildup of soot and smoke particles. With underlying countertop substrates, wet cleaning products can often be used to dislodge particles and residues to dissolve and emulsify carcinogenic particles.

Cabinets and Wood Structure

The effect of fires on fixtures and staples of the kitchen like the cabinetry must be resolved fast. Beyond the need for refinishing or replacing heavily impacted units, surface cleaning should begin as soon as possible to prevent the permanent marring of porous wood and particleboard. For legitimate wood cabinets, restoration can involve:

• Wood Crème Paste
• Steel Wool and Stiff Brushing
• Partial Replacement/Resurfacing

The kitchen area can become heavily damaged by fires that originate around appliances like the stove. The spread of harsh residues and challenging loss effects makes a fast response from experienced professionals vital in restoration and protecting exposed elements. Our SERVPRO of New Haven team is ready to help 24/7 at (203) 234-1100.

Are Wet Vacuums Ideal for Extraction in New Haven Homes?

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists use the latest technology and equipment for every disaster. Call now!

Vacuums are a versatile tool for water removal in New Haven properties.

Water damage incidents have our professionals busy throughout the year. As a common callout for the SERVPRO team, we have efficient and effective water mitigation tools to help manage threatening conditions as soon as we arrive. Some of these powerful machines include wet vacuums.

How Often Are Wet Vacuums Used?

Considering the frequent need for water removal in New Haven homes, SERVPRO professionals need to stay diligently prepared to help when compromising conditions exist. While submersible pumps and extractors have a place in flood and standing water scenarios, few units in our inventory have the versatility and potential range as wet vacuums do. They do not require considerable power, making them ideal when portable electricity is needed through trailered generators and spider boxes. 

Attachments and Extensions

Multiple attachments can help to improve the function of a wet vacuum in a restoration project. By extending the vacuum's reach or allowing it to reach moisture trapped below the surface of the flooring, we can improve the efficiency of post-water damage restoration and recovery. Some of the most common of these implements include:

• Light Wands 
• Weighted Extractors 
• Squeegee Wands 

Are Pumps Better for Extraction?

Pumps are among the workhorses for substantial extraction needs. Electric submersibles and trash pumps are both capable of managing hundreds of gallons per minute, making them the preferred choice when there are several inches or feet of standing water in the house. Wet vacuums still complete the process in many situations.

Water removal is one of the concentrated and immediate efforts our SERVPRO of New Haven team implements when we begin restoring area homes after disasters. We have multiple devices to assist with this effort, but few have the versatility and mobility of wet vacuums, a staple of our mitigation process. Call today at (203) 234-1100.

Take Steps to Prevent Water Damage Caused by Ice Dams in New Haven Before it's Too Late.

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

When frozen pipes cause havoc to your home, you need the help of SERVPRO. Storm damage restoration is a specialty of ours.

SERVPRO Is Available to Make Water Damage Repairs in New Haven During the Winter

Most homeowners know that it is never a good sign when they see water in the interior of their house where it is not supposed to be. Problems can arise if your building materials and contents get too wet or if they stay damp for too long. And, anytime the source of the leak is moisture coming in from the outdoors, there is a chance of contamination.

Issues caused by frozen pipes and ice damming in New Haven are classified as category two damage scenarios due to contamination. Extra measures must get taken to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi. For example, if an ice dam caused your attic to leak and your insulation got wet, the material must be removed. Other hard, non-porous materials, like your roof trusses, can be saved through decontamination efforts.

However, the best thing you can do is take winterization steps in the fall season so that your home avoids issues like ice dams or frozen pipes. And if you have had either of these issues before, it is wise to make some permanent fixes. You can ventilate your roof's eaves and ridges to allow cold air to circulate your entire roof and ensure that it thaws evenly. Adding insulation to spaces like your attic, basement, or crawl space can also help prevent issues in the winter.

But, sometimes, disasters can take place even when you take all of the necessary steps to prevent them. Luckily, our SERVPRO technicians can provide fast, 24/7 service. Our highly trained IICRC team has access to the industry's most advanced technology, and we can assist you in the following ways:

• Category Two Water Damage Restoration
• Black Mold Remediation
• Attic Mold Inspections
• Water Extraction Services
• Water Damage Debris Removal

If you ever come home after being gone over the weekend during the winter and notice a water leak, call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100. 

What Kinds of Fire Damage Have Been Most Common in New Haven?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

You can count on our professionals with state of the art equipment to quickly restore your property so you can return safely after a fire incident.

New Haven Residents Have Commonly Suffered All Types of Fire Damage.

House fires are easily among the biggest threats facing New Haven homeowners, surpassing even flooding risks and other common residential problems. When these fires strike, they fill interior air with harmful smoke particles and persistent, foul odors, cover surfaces in damaging acidic residues, and consume structural elements and household contents.

When SERVPRO remediates house fire damage in New Haven, our technicians often encounter all kinds of devastation. Many times, these serious physical injuries impact all parts of fire-damaged homes and range from aesthetic issues to those affecting their overall safety. As SERVPRO professionals have completed house fire clean up efforts, smoke remediation, and fire damage restoration work, they have seen the following fire-related effects:

• Choking, smoke particle-filled air that makes home unlivable
• Foul, difficult-to-neutralize odors that permeate all areas of a residence
• Surfaces throughout a house that have been covered in acidic or greasy residues that corrode metal discolor wooden or painted materials and damage other kinds of surfaces in different ways. 
• HVAC systems filled with soot that need expert cleaning with specialized equipment
• Charred or fully consumed structural elements, like wooden beams/studs, floors, walls, and ceilings that either need extensive cleaning or reconstruction
• Extensive water damage related to fire extinguishing efforts 

Fortunately, SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle every one of these issues. So, rest assured that, with our particular expertise and advanced equipment, we can often remediate even the worst fire damage.

With that said, keep SERVPRO of New Haven in mind if you ever need fire damage clean-up and restoration work done on your home. We are always ready for your call at (203) 234-1100.

What Causes Most Water Cleanup Situations in Hamden Residences?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let moisture take over your property. SERVPRO is Here to Help!

Roof Leaks, Burst Pipes, and Malfunctions Cause Most Water-Related Issues in Hamden.

In Hamden, most water leaks are caused by one of a relative handful of causes. These causes include, among other things, roof leaks, ruptured pipes, appliance malfunctions, and clogged drainage networks. Regardless of how water issues happen, it is paramount to have them cleaned up quickly and effectively by trained professionals.

SERVPRO, a water cleanup firm in Hamden, knows that swiftly locating and dealing with the sources of leaks can save homeowners both time and money. Therefore, our water damage remediation teams employ their extensive hands-on experience, as well as high-tech tools like infrared cameras, moisture sensors/meters, and thermo hygrometers, to discover where water is entering your home. 

The Most Common Sources of Residential Water Leaks Are:

• Roof/ceiling leaks that result from storm damage, roof deterioration due to age, and clogged gutters filled with leaves and other debris
• Failing and burst pipes in unheated/less heated parts of your home, like basements, that can rather rapidly fill your residence with gallons of water
• Old/defective appliances, including washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and hot water heater tanks that can lead to basement flooding or standing water on your home’s first floor
• Blocked, deteriorated, or faulty drainage networks that prevent water from draining out of your house 

SERVPRO’s water removal services and water damage repairs can usually address all of these water damage-fostering problems.

So, whenever you need water cleanup or restoration work done in the Hamden area, rest assured that your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of New Haven can likely help you. No matter what time of the day or night you need us, we are here to assist you at (203) 234-1100.

As a New Haven Restaurant Owner, What Water Removal Issues Should I Expect?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO teams are ready to assist with water damage situations day or night. Give us a call right away.

Kitchen Water Leaks Are What Most Often Impact New Haven Restaurants.

Kitchens are where the magic happens in New Haven restaurants, but they are also where most of these businesses’ water-related problems originate. Various commercial-grade kitchen appliances like dishwashers and water heater tanks, as well as large sinks and troublesome drains, are often the source of destructive, operation-interrupting water leaks. 

While performing water removal work for New Haven business owners, SERVPRO experts have routinely dealt with all of the most common causes of commercial water leaks. We have successfully addressed the effects of facility deterioration and repaired malfunctioning appliances. Specifically, our emergency water damage services technicians have:

• Effectively handled the various issues of large dishwashers like blocked filter systems, cracked or otherwise damaged door-sealing gaskets, drainage hose kinks and damage, and defective pumps or pump seals 
• Repaired or replaced water heater tanks suffering from severe, age-related rust, leaky drain valves, defective or deteriorated pressure and temperature relief valves, insecure water line connections, cracks caused by the accumulation of sediment, or corroded anode rods
• Performed repairs on kitchen sinks with faucet or drain leaks, loose water supply connections, corroded valve seats, damaged O-rings, worn out washers, or clogged P-traps 
• Unclogged/fixed waste-filled or damaged drainage networks that generally prompt the need for substantial water damage remediation services like water clean up efforts and water damage repairs

So, when considering a local water removal service to remediate your water-damaged home, remember your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of New Haven. Our highly-trained experts are ready to assist you any day of the week, day or night, with all of your water-related issues. Call us anytime at (203) 234-1100 for help.

Why is Skilled Fire Damage Cleanup Best for Hamden Residents?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residue is intrusive and corrosive. Don't DIY. Our SERVPRO team is trained and ready to tackle your damage.

All Fire Damage Calls for a Multi-Layered Approach – SERVPRO Has the Ability to Restore Your Hamden Property with Precision!

Anyone unaware of all that goes into house fire cleanup may think that material replacement and the use of odor-fighting products will suffice. However, there can be a lot of water and hidden moisture left behind from fighting the fire. Leaving that behind will not only cause secondary damage and foul odors, but you also run the risk of potentially harmful mold growth. SERVPRO takes a multi-faceted approach to all fire and smoke damage projects. We would love to let you know why you need us for your Hamden emergency cleanup!

Why not use household tools and cleaners for fire damage in Hamden? SERVPRO wants all property owners to know that smoke and soot residue is intrusive and corrosive. Leaving anything behind also leaves a lingering reminder of the event that took place. When you have a trained team like SERVPRO working on your house fire restoration, you can expect:

• Assessment of all fire and water damage, allowing the crew to implement the best procedures and select the right equipment for the job.
• Safe, careful removal and disposal of all unsalvageable contents and charred materials.
• Pack-out services to remove items for off-site cleaning or storage for safe-keeping during restoration.
• Professional smoke remediation, deodorizing, and cleaning to sanitize all surfaces.
• Assistance with insurance-related paperwork to help you facilitate your claim.

No matter the project's scope, we can show you why SERVPRO of New Haven is the team to call when dealing with fire damage. Should you need us to come out for an assessment, dial (203) 234-1100.

When Your New Haven Drainage System Fails, You Need Prompt Storm Flood Damage Restoration

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Excessive rains can bring damage to all areas of your home.

SERVPRO is On Call 24/7 to Handle Storm Flood Damage and Restoration Services in New Haven

Heavy rain might not seem like much of a concern until you realize that your drainage system at your New Haven property is not functioning as it should. Without the proper stormwater management system in place, your home could become immersed in contaminated floodwater beginning at the ground level up. SERVPRO is available to come out, night or day, to address your flooding so that you can get your household back to normal. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Storm flood damage in New Haven could present in several ways. Some of the common issues that we get calls for at SERVPRO include:

• River Flooding – This is when precipitation occurs for a prolonged time or local flood-control structures fail.
• Rainfall-Runoff – This happens during a precipitation event where your stormwater management system becomes overwhelmed.

If you end up with basement flooding or water intruding throughout your ground floor, SERVPRO will begin water remediation efforts. We put containment barriers in place, and extraction begins to pull up as much water and debris as possible.

• Our Green Fleet comes packed with extraction tools, protective gear, dehumidifiers, and EPA-registered cleaning agents.
• All water restoration technicians (WRT) are fully certified with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
• We work directly with your insurance company, helping streamline the process and take some of the stress off your shoulders.
• Because water-related emergencies bring the potential for foul, musty odors, our odor control technicians (OCT) get to work with specialized methods.
• When necessary, we perform controlled demolition with precision to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

The restoration team you need in your corner for any storm damage and flooding is SERVPRO of New Haven. Call us whenever you need assistance at (203) 234-1100.

What Can New Haven Residents Expect with Fire Damage Restoration?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Even small fires are traumatic. Call SERVPRO to the rescue! We can make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO’s Proven Methods for Handling Fire Damage and Restoration Get Results for New Haven Property Owners

House fires are events that happen more often than you may think due to a variety of reasons. There could be a stovetop fire in the kitchen, a lightning strike, or a gas leak – all of which can bring varying levels of destruction requiring prompt house fire cleanup. All New Haven residents must know that SERVPRO is locally owned and operated – ready to take on your restoration needs. We make everything “Like it never even happened.”

What Happens After a Fire?

Whether your home suffered from a small garage fire or a large-scale blaze, you need prompt action to commence fire damage restoration in New Haven. We can offer these tips that give a rough outline of how the day of the fire may unfold:

• Inform your home insurance company about the fire and tell them you will be working with SERVPRO to handle smoke and fire damage.
• Our team will arrive within hours of your call so that we can begin the planning process. We have a crew chief that handles the initial assessment, and all of the proper equipment and methods get selected to take care of the job accordingly. 
• Once first responders on the scene deem your property safe for entry, you might be able to go inside to gather any personal belongings or documentation you need. 

SERVPRO’s fire and smoke restoration technicians set up staging and containment barriers to limit debris tracking as we work. All unsalvageable materials get removed, and we work on drying and odor control. Controlled demolition allows our crew to replace damaged materials to finish off your property to erase any sign of the fire that took place.

SERVPRO of New Haven is here for you when you need fire damage restoration! Call us 24 hours a day at (203) 234-1100.

New Haven Residents Deserve Help Handling Water Mitigation

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service.

SERVPRO Comes to Your New Haven Property to Begin Water Mitigation as a Way to Limit Cost and Secondary Damage

Do you have drips within your home that you keep putting off until later? You may even have a slow leak somewhere, and the damage is multiplying behind the scenes. Even with visible ceiling leaks or burst pipes, prompt water mitigation is the best way to cut back on the costs and need for more involved restoration efforts. SERVPRO wants all New Haven residents to know that they can limit the damage by taking the initiative to call our team for water mitigation and extraction services. We’re available 24/7!

Broken piping, regional flooding, or a faulty appliance are all causes for alarm. You need water mitigation in New Haven, and you need it fast. Even though you may have only noticed a small amount of water or dripping here and there, the moisture migrates and weakens materials or brings on the potential for harmful mold growth. These are some areas that you can check to see if you have any potential water damage that we can take care of for you:

• Window frames that are warmed or missing seals
• Appliance water tubes that have jostled loose or deteriorated
• Water piping located in your basement
• Piping that handles wastewater removal
• AC unit condensation coils
• Areas around your sink fixtures, tubs, showers, and toilets

Even an innocent drip can turn into material degradation or corrosion. It is best to call in trained technicians, such as our IICRC-certified team at SERVPRO. We have moisture detection tools and drying equipment to help address the issue and get to the root cause of the problem. In areas where materials are unsalvageable, we are happy to perform controlled demolition to replace them with all new materials.

SERVPRO of New Haven is available for water mitigation and more! Call us when you need us at (203) 234-1100, and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of New Haven Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Team proudly supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer found in American women. Our Team supports the continued research and awareness of breast cancer treatment and diagnosis by making mammograms accessible to all.

Early detection is crucial as the research shows an estimated 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed, and cancer will cause 606,500 cancer deaths in the United States. Through ongoing support and scientific advances in prevention and treatment, the goal is to reduce those numbers greatly.

Our Team and SERVPRO want to create awareness and give assistance to women in need. Donations help with access to mammograms that can potentially save their lives through screening and early detection. Donate https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/.

Why Hamden Residents Should Consider Skilled Mold Remediation

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. Protect you and your loved ones with the help of SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Handles Mold Remediation Carefully While Using Proven Methods to Assist Hamden Residents

Did you know that many homeowners are unaware the mold spores are everywhere around them? Some Hamden households may have hidden mold colonies beginning to wreak havoc on building materials without the property owners being aware of them. If something like mold and mildew gets left to fester, the spores can create a musty odor and cause immense damage to your drywall, ceilings, and other contents. Not only that, but the potential for harmful health effects means you need to have your mold issue addressed as soon as possible. This is where SERVPRO is here to help!

Why Call SERVPRO for Mold Remediation Services in Hamden?

Hiring expert mold remediation in Hamden means having technicians with training and experience on the job and getting you the results you need to restore your home to pre-mold infestation conditions. We will:

• Perform a detailed assessment of all areas where mold colonization is suspected
• Bring moisture detection tools to help determine areas that must get dried
• Use deodorization tools and products to rid your interior of musty odors
• Execute controlled demolition, as needed, to replace any damaged materials deemed unsalvageable

Mold prevention is just as important as remediation, so our SERVPRO team will go over different ways that you can work on keeping your interior mold-free in the future. This may include installing proper ventilation, using a variety of deodorization techniques, or having regular assessments to nip any issues before they get worse.

No matter the scope of your mold issue, SERVPRO of New Haven has the skill, workforce, and equipment to handle your remediation needs. When we get done, your interior will be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! Contact us by calling (203) 234-1100, and we can deploy our Green Fleet to your property to get started on the initial assessment.

Storms and Natural Disasters in New Haven Call for Skilled Flood Damage Mitigation

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses EPA-registered products for all storm damage remediation services for your home.

SERVPRO is On-Call 24/7 to Help New Haven Residents in Need of Flood Damage Mitigation and Restoration

If your New Haven property gets hit with flooding after a storm or recent disaster, you need a team on the job that can help you to get it cleared up quickly. SERVPRO features certified technicians at the ready to fully clean and restore your home so that you can get back to your routine. Our efforts to execute flood mitigation help cut back on costs and wrap up the project as quickly as possible to make it even better. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Some homeowners might not understand the difference between flood restoration and flood damage mitigation in New Haven. Once you have a storm that results in flooding, the cleanup is considered mitigation. This phase has to start as soon as the damage happens to prevent secondary damage and loss from occurring. It is also important that our crew initiates efforts to prevent mold growth during this stage. Some steps that our team takes when hired for water removal services after a flood include:

• Tarping your roof and boarding up windows to keep vandals, wildlife, and the elements from getting inside.
• Taking out all damaged, wet materials and contents like flooring, carpets, furnishings, and other items.
• Water clean up using extractors and pumps to remove as much of the standing water as possible. 
• Setting up commercial-grade fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment to eliminate moisture and bring down your interior relative humidity (RH).
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces with the help of EPA-registered products.

With flood restoration, the focus is on repairing the damage that has already set in. Our goal at SERVPRO of New Haven is to arrive fast to get you the results that you need promptly. Call us 24/7 if you have an emergency and require flood damage mitigation.

Is Commercial Water Damage Restoration Necessary for New Haven Businesses?

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

We understand the dangers of water damages and the need for rapid response to your business property. We will have you back to business in no time.

SERVPRO Commercial Water Damage Restoration Teams Can Help Get your Business Running Again After Emergency

Businesses can be put out of action by a sudden water leak, pipe burst, or roofing issue. These events can have a real effect on revenues by forcing a closure or limiting the functionality of the business. We understand that these events have a real, monetary impact on owners and should be addressed as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Our technicians are trained and qualified to help provide a speedy solution to any water intrusion issue. Our specialist technicians can set up and operate an efficient drying plan for your business by working with a crew chief. Use SERVPRO for:

• Drying a premises
• Cleaning water damage
• Water mitigation

It is vital to have the requisite resources and equipment to perform commercial water damage restoration for New Haven businesses. Unlike residential properties, a company is generally larger, requiring equipment that can move huge air. Industrial drum fans are capable of carrying over 15,000 cubic feet of air per minute. This equipment is essential for providing consistent airflow over larger warehouse spaces and can help to speed up the drying process. Adapted air-movers can suck air into a ducting tube that helps to remove humid air from the property while maintaining a consistent airflow. 

• Ventilators suck moist air through ducts which aids the drying process and deposit humid air outside the premises. 
• Drum fans are designed to provide less pressure than air-movers over a wider space and generally dry surfaces, walls, and contents. 
• Monitoring and recording the effectiveness of these drying solutions help to ensure we can provide business owners with real-time estimates for drying time. 

Get your business back in order quickly. Contact SERVPRO of New Haven for water damage restoration at (203) 234-1100.

How Do New Haven Residents Replace Walls and Ceilings After Fire Damage?

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has helped many homeowners recover from the effects of fire damage and our highly experienced crews stand ready to respond 24/7.

Most Fire Damage Situations Can Be Restored Using Expert Cleaning Techniques and Equipment. Use SERVPRO of New Haven to Restore your Home

Housefires can release chemicals and odor particles into your home. After flames are extinguished, you may find your home unrecognizable due to smoke or soot stains. The common areas affected by smoke residues are likely to be upper walls and ceilings, attracting hot smoke particles onto these cooler surfaces. While it is inevitable that some charred materials be replaced, the main parts of a structure can often return to a good condition through cleaning. Professional technicians can help to assess quickly:

• The cleanability of structure after fire
• Non-salvageable materials and debris removal
• Smoke and odor composition

To repair fire damage in your New Haven, it is usually best to bring in experts. Vital equipment such as personal protective gear, centrifugal venting fans, and cleaning solvents can be expensive to procure for one-time usage. SERVPRO provides all necessary equipment and products to rescue a home with light, moderate or severe smoke impact. Dry sponges are excellent at removing residual layers of soot from a surface but may struggle to get rid of stubborn or wet smoke soiling. When cleaning walls, it is essential to:

• Start on a discrete area using a dry cleaning sponge and taking care not to spread existing damages along the wall. 
• Apply solvents to greasy or wet smoke deposits that can help to break the bond between soot particles and the surface. 
• When using water-based cleaning products, like detergent, ensure that dehumidifiers are placed afterward to dry the wall and avoid mold growth thoroughly. 

For assistance with home restoration, contact SERVPRO of New Haven for fire damage restoration at (203) 234-1100.

What Types of Mold Damage Affect Homes in New Haven?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help with any level of mold damage in your home. Call today for help from the mold remediation experts.

SERVPRO Mold Damage Technicians in New Haven Can Help Identify and Address Microbial Growth in Your Property

Mold is an umbrella term for fungi. Fungi are a type of microorganism that grows rapidly in the correct temperatures providing they have a supply of organic matter to digest and water. There are thousands of species within the mold family, which can affect almost any part of your home. Molds grow in floor dust on painted surfaces, infest fiberglass as well as gypsum board. One common mold species in a home is Cladosporium, which grows in carpets, walls, metal surfaces, and other building materials. Use professionals to help with:

• Mold remediation
• Mold identification
• Indoor air quality assessment. 

Finding mold damage in your New Haven home is not uncommon. However, finding mold infestation could cause long-lasting structural damage or health effects. SERVPRO technicians can help to control and reduce mold infestations. We start by removing infested materials safely and in a contained environment to reduce the chances of spreading. We can then replace materials or perform restoration services for metals or other dense materials to return them to a preloss condition. 

• Addressing potential sources of moisture such as malfunctioning HVAC systems, leaks, or insulation issues requires professional training and is essential to reducing microbial growth. 
• Creating a clean air system with air scrubbers can help contain an outbreak and ensure indoor air quality remains sanitary. 
• Dehumidification, like chemical biocides, can help slow the growth rate of molds but is usually less effective than removing infested materials and air scrubbers. 

Mold can be an expensive infestation in your home. Contact SERVPRO of New Haven for mold damage remediation at (203) 234-1100.

Water Mitigation Services 24/7 for New Haven Residents

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no easy task. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate water damage restoration services needed for your home.

When You Require Water Mitigation, SERVPRO Arrives Fast to Begin Working on Your New Haven Property

During an emergency water damage event, moisture can get trapped in the tightest spaces and areas unseen to the naked eye. Once surface water starts migrating into materials and gets trapped, it causes even more issues – including the onset of costly secondary damage and mold infestation. Water damage remediation means mitigating damage before it has time to turn into a much larger event. SERVPRO is there to handle everything from start to finish, so your New Haven home gets brought back to pre-water damage condition “Like it never even happened.”

During our process for water mitigation in New Haven, SERVPRO focuses on treatment strategies, water removal services, and moisture detection. Not only will the standing water be a concern, but we also take the time to address trapped moisture pockets within your walls or under your flooring.

Speaking of flooring, SERVPRO takes measures to restore rather than replace wherever possible. Should you have hardwood flooring, we may bring in drying mats to better facilitate water clean-up. It is important to remember that:

• Oversaturation and prolonged moisture can cause hardwood flooring to bloat or warp. Once this happens, floors become challenging to restore, and water damage repairs are the best option. 
• Proper placement of drying mats allows us to maximize output, thus enhancing our ability to save the flooring materials.
• Tenting is a helpful process that allows us to remove trapped moisture while monitoring drying progress continually.
• Should we find that restoration of your flooring or subfloor below is not possible, we can begin controlled demolition services to repair and replace it with new materials completely. 

SERVPRO of New Haven is the company you want on your side for water mitigation in an emergency. Call us for rapid response at (203) 234-1100.

Hamden Business Owners Should Seek Professional Fire Damage Assistance

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage to your business can't be good. SERVPRO has IICRC certified and trained techs for any size fire disaster.

SERVPRO Handles Fire Damage Quickly – Get Your Hamden Business Back on Track Fast!

Once your Hamden business gets hit with fire and smoke damage, you need to have it restored to pre-fire condition as quickly as possible. Because of the repercussions of your regular operations halting, this means contacting skilled technicians to get everything done right the first time. SERVPRO is not only available to address fire-damaged homes, but we are the number one team in the area for commercial applications. No matter the type of industry you are in, we can tailor our fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup to meet your needs. 

When it comes to all levels of commercial fire damage in Hamden, there are several things that you should look for in a company. Some of the essential qualities that the team you hire should possess includes:

• Fire Damage Restoration Experience – There are all kinds of fire damage, so it is vital to know how to adapt and adjust to each situation. SERVPRO features skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) to handle hazardous conditions, controlled demolition, contents cleaning, and inventory control at your place of business. 
• Certifications and Industry Expertise – Professionals best handle water & fire restorations. We have IICRC-certified technicians that go through regular training to stay on top of the latest methods and equipment to complete each phase of fire damage cleanup and restoration. 
• Advanced Technology and Equipment – From thermal fogging equipment to hydroxyl generators and everything in between, SERVPRO’s Green Fleet comes fully stocked with the tools, equipment, and cleaning agents to get the job done. 

Call (203) 234-1100 when you need a team on the scene to help with fire damage at your place of business. SERVPRO of New Haven is available around the clock, and we can have a crew at your door within hours.

Understanding Contamination in New Haven When Addressing Flood Damage Restoration

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration doesn't have to be a pain. SERVPRO has you covered from start to finish in all phases.

SERVPRO Assists New Haven Residents with Rapid Flood Damage Restoration After a Storm Comes Through

Any flooding situation can inflict tremendous amounts of water damage to your property. However, some flood situations after storms can be more dangerous than others. Floodwater gets classified in one of three main water categories, depending on the kinds of contaminants present. Whenever you need emergency services water damage assistance, the team at SERVPRO is fast to act to address basement flooding and other issues you may encounter. With one phone call, you will find out that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

When it comes to flood damage restoration in New Haven after a storm, our IICRC-certified team comes to your property to do a complete evaluation of all flood damage. It allows us to determine the best way to approach water cleanup and the types of contaminants involved. The categories of water include:

• Category 1 – This is a clean water flooding situation, which often stems from burst pipes, a refrigerator line leak, or spilled water from an overflowing sink or bathtub. However, these clean water situations can turn into something more dangerous depending on outside contaminants getting introduced during the event.
• Category 2 – This is a gray water flooding situation from a washing machine or dishwasher incident with partially contaminated water. These situations will usually have mild contamination but are not dangerous enough for the crew to consider it a biohazard event. 
• Category 3 – This is a black water flooding situation from outside floodwater infiltration, sewage backup, or toilet backflow. After a flood, SERVPRO is here for basement flooding cleanup, careful water treatment, and any controlled demolition necessary.

SERVPRO of New Haven is the team to call when you need prompt flood damage restoration after a recent storm. Reach us 24/7 at (203) 234-1100.

SERVPRO is a Trusted Name in New Haven for Fire Damage Restoration

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residue removal is a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO has you covered from start to finish in all fire damage restoration service

SERVPRO Brings Premier Fire Damage Restoration Service to New Haven Homes at a Fraction of the Cost

Cleaning different residues during fire damage restoration of your New Haven home is a job for expert restorers. The IICRC certified SERVPRO restoration experts use several techniques to eliminate the residues carefully without damaging the surface. 

SERVPRO techs use different approaches to clean the residue during fire damage restoration of your New Haven home, depending on the type and amount of the residue. Residues that are oily and wet are much more difficult to clean than the drier residues. SERVPRO techs clean some of the oily residues by using detergents and solvent-based cleaners. However, some residues that can chemically react with the surfaces can’t be cleaned by these methods alone. To eliminate such residues, we alter them chemically using advanced cleaning products. 

How SERVPRO Chemically Alters Residues During House Fire Cleanup in New Haven? 

SERVPRO experts use processes like enzyme digestion, bleaching, and oxidation to clean difficult-to-clean residues from your fire-damaged homes at New Haven.  

• Enzyme digestion- Enzymes are substances that can digest protein residues. Once the digestion is complete, the residue changes from insoluble to soluble, making it easy to clean with water and detergent. The use of these cleaning products requires a neutral pH and a temperature between 100-1200F.   
• Bleaching agents- Combine with a residue chemically to alter its composition. Bleaching agents used during fire damage restoration can be of two types-
• Oxidizing bleaches- Uses oxygen liberated during a chemical reaction to break down the residue. 
• Reducing bleaches- Strip the oxygen from the residue, altering the chemical structure breaking the residue down. 

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for house fire cleanup in New Haven; we are available 24/7. 

Why Is it Important to Get Professional Help for Water Restoration of Your New Haven Home?

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Professional help is right around the corner. SERVPRO water damage restoration team is top-notch. We are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO's Water Damage Restoration Service Saves New Haven Homes from Long-Term Issues

How water will affect the structure and contents of your home depends on two factors- the permeance of the material and the exposure time. While the permeance of the material can't be controlled, SERVPRO techs work hard to reduce the exposure time during water restoration of your New Haven home. 

SERVPRO experts use various scientific principles to speed up drying during water damage restoration of your New Haven home to limit the exposure time. The faster the structure and contents dry, the less permanent damage they will incur during water damage remediation. One of how SERVPRO techs speed up the drying is by using air moving equipment. As water evaporates from the surface, the air above it becomes saturated and cooler. Air movers replace this boundary layer of humid and cool air with warmer, drier air and speed up the drying during water damage remediation.  

Type of Air Movers SERVPRO Techs uses During Water Cleanup in New Haven.

SERVPRO Techs use the following two types of air movers during water damage repairs in New Haven-

• Centrifugal- Produce higher static pressure and are great if the airflow needs to be directed to a specific point. They are sometimes used to 'float' carpets blowing air under them and speeding up the drying process. 
• Axial- Can move a large air volume, but the pressure is significantly lower than centrifugal equipment. Axial air movers can cover a larger area compared to centrifugal air movers. 

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for fast and efficient service.  

Can Professional Mold Removal Save Your Hamden Home from Repeated Contamination?

6/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are trained and experienced in all phases of mold remediation. Call now!

SERVPRO Uses Strategies Based in Science for Mold Removal from Hamden Homes

Tackling a mold infestation by yourself is never a good idea. You can do more harm than good by taking matters into your own hands. It would be best if you had professionals who can handle current mold removal from your Hamden home and prevent any future infestations. 

Mold removal from your Hamden home by SERVPRO experts involves multiple steps specifically carried out to limit the spread of mold spores. All mold, including the black mold, thrives in high humidity conditions. SERVPRO mold specialists use advanced equipment such as thermal cameras and moisture meters to identify the potential spaces for mold growth. We also use an instrument called a borescope during mold inspection that enables the technicians to visualize mold in hard-to-reach places. 

What is the SERVPRO Mold Remediation Process?  

SERVPRO technicians follow the guidelines of the EPA and IICRC when it comes to mold remediation protocols. Some of the steps that our technicians take during mold removal include-

• Setting up a containment zone- It is crucial to establish a containment zone to limit the spread of mold spores. 
• Cleaning and Biocide treatment- The next step that SERVPRO techs take is to clean the structure and contents with a HEPA vacuum to eliminate any mold and their spores. The biocides are then applied to eliminate the remaining mold and prevent their regrowth.
• Fixing the root cause- In most cases, the root cause of the mold is water damage. SERVPRO experts help you to identify and fix the water issues arising from burst pipes or leaking roofs. 

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for professional mold removal in Hamden.  

Stopping Problems Early During Hamden Office Building Water Mitigation

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how important it is to get your business back in order after a water incident. Call us today at (203) 234-1100.

Heavy Extraction Pumps are Vital in our Water Mitigation Strategy for Office Buildings in Hamden

An emergency services water damage response may be crucial for keeping costs low with a water mishap. The faster you can place a call for help, the sooner we can finish the damage restorations.

SERVPRO responds quickly to every call about water mitigation in Hamden office buildings. When we arrive soon after an incident, we can often prevent additional costly effects such as mold damage from taking place. Many local offices contain ample amounts of carpeting, which can harbor microbial growth without rapid water extraction. Situations that commonly lead to this in commercial structures include:

• Leaking Roof from Storms
• Burst pipes and damaged water fixtures
• Ceiling sprinkler activation

The key to our ability to stop the spread of damage through carpet is our inventory of portable extractors. SERVPRO technicians use these powerful pumping devices to suction gallons of water at a time out of carpeting and upholstery. To protect sensitive carpeting, we use a variety of suctioning tips and wands during this process. Many technicians also choose to carefully remove the carpet from its padding and treat these materials separately in the interest of speed and preservation of materials. The result of all this care is protection against many of the most destructive types of damage.

SERVPRO of New Haven responds 24/7 to local disasters. Call us at (203) 234-1100.

Call Early for the Best Hamden Flood Damage Outcomes

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

You can count on our professionals with state of the art equipment to thoroughly dry your property so you can return safely after a water incident.

Avoid Expensive Repairs Through Rapid Response to Flood Damage in Hamden

Your call to SERVPRO for help with flood damage should come as soon as possible after the disaster to have the best effects. Delaying your call could lead to costly side effects later on.

Our approach towards flood damage in Hamden revolves around the speed of our response. Damage restoration is only half of our job – mitigation, or the prevention of further problems, is the other half. By arriving soon after the incident or even while it is still in progress, we can potentially avoid many of the worst problems associated with:

• Water Removal Services
• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Mold Growth
• Structural Damage

One of the most expensive ways to damage your house over time is through structural effects. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster because speed helps us remove water from the property before it has the chance to seep into the deepest reaches of the building. When water finds its way into the foundation and supporting elements of your home, it can begin to form cracks and fissures, especially when overnight temperatures cause it to freeze before thawing the next morning. A call to the 24/7 SERVPRO emergency phone line can avoid many of these consequences.

SERVPRO of New Haven can arrive within hours of your first phone call to stop the spread of damage on your property. Contact our emergency line at (203) 234-1100.

New Haven Fire Damage Spreads to the Attic

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Our fire damage experts can have your home back to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”

Many Attic Spaces Pose Problems for our Fire Damage Restorations in New Haven

Everyone knows that heat rises, but do you know what that can mean for smoke during a house fire? Smoke tends to find its way to the top of your house – including, in many cases, into the attic.

When we talk to people about fire damage in New Haven, they rarely even think about the possible effects on their attic. Most house fires are extinguished quickly, without visible damage to most parts of the home. SERVPRO technicians are experienced fire and smoke damage restoration professionals and do not overlook hidden problems. Some of the most common treatments we perform on an attic space include:

• Smoke remediation
• Cleaning and deodorization of stored upholstery and clothing
• Organized move-outs of stored objects
• Specialized treatments for insulation and rafters

Depending on the attic's size and the extent of the damages, SERVPRO technicians may need to implement all, none, or some of these interventions. Isolated fires in certain parts of the house may leave your attic pristine and in need of no further attention. Other fires can produce so much smoke that the time we spend in the attic may even exceed the time spent in the room of the incident. Whatever the case may be, the expertise of our inspectors and veteran technicians helps us tackle any problem.

SERVPRO of New Haven is a trusted local resource for homeowners experiencing fire and smoke damages. Give us a call at (203) 234-1100.

A Ruptured Water Heater Can Send Gallons of Water Into New Haven Basements

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified and trained. Any size water restoration service you need, we can do.

SERVPRO provides water removal services in New Haven

Most people do not think about the age of their water heater. They are only designed to last ten to fifteen years, and that is with good care. Water heater leaks and ruptures are something we deal with often at SERVPRO.

Basement Flooding Cleanup & Water Damage Repairs

When a water heater floods the home, it is typically in the basement if there is a basement. When this happens, you need water removal in your New Haven home. Water extraction is vital to restoring this area of your residence after a disaster like a ruptured water tank. Depending on the leak size, you could end up with the entire contents of the tank flooding your home. SERVPRO deals with the situation by:

• Using the right type of pump, such as a sump pump
• Implementing squeegee extractors to help with water removal
• Using weight extractors and light wands to force water from carpeting
• Using air movers and dehumidifiers in the correct ratio to aid drying

Our Green Team has the right extraction tools to remove surface water to prevent secondary damage. We return your home to you after water clean up, “Like it never even happened.” For professional water damage clean restoration, contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100.

Storms Can Cause Flash Flooding & Damage New Haven Homes

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage impacts homes. SERVPRO will be on-premise within 4 hours of the initial call.

 New Haven can count on SERVPRO to provide flood damage services to impacted homes. 

New Haven, CT, is an exciting city. It was begun in 1638 and was settled by English Puritans, so its roots go way back into the early days of America. One of the things that makes it interesting is its layout. Most early cities were not planned; they just developed as things went along. However, New Haven was a planned city, one of the first in the country. It was designed using a Nine Square Plan, and the eight streets were laid out in a grid pattern. The New Haven Green is a 16-acre square in the center of the town. The Green is a National Historic Landmark.

Notable People from New Haven

The list of famous people of New Haven is phenomenal. It is too extensive to list here. The town has produced famous people from academia, arts, military, sports, business, and clergy. Some of the most well-known include:

• Edward Bouchet – 1st African-American to earn a Ph.D. – physicist

• James Pierpont – Yale College founder

• Ernest Borgnine – actor

• Al Capp – cartoonist

• Albie Booth – football player

• Harold Devine – boxer

• Justin Duberman – hockey player

• Charles Goodyear – inventor & industrialist

• Eli Whitney – inventor

• Lyman Beecher – abolitionist, clergyman

• Henry Leavenworth – brigadier general

• Karen and Richard Carpenter – singers, musicians

• George W Bush – 43rd president

Notable Events in New Haven

Many cities have a list of famous people, either born or raised, in the city, but not many can boast a list of notable events. It is incredible the number of influential people and events that took place there. It is home to Yale College, which had an impact on some of these happenings. Here some things that happened in New Haven that changed the world:

• 1st American submarine invented by David Bushnell in 1776. Yale student.

• 1st steamboat built by John Fitch in 1787.

• Cotton Gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793.

• 1st automatic revolver built by Samuel Colt in 1836.

• 1st telephone exchange, directory, and public phone from the District Telephone Company of New Haven in 1878 – 1880.

• 1st hamburger at Louis’ Lunch in 1900.

• 1st Holocaust Memorial on public land in 1977.

Louis’s Lunch

You can still enjoy a meal at this eatery which began in 1895. Louis Lassen was the founder and got credited with the invention of the steak sandwich and the hamburger. Today, when visitors order either of those or a hotdog, their meat is broiled on the same cast iron stoves they used back in 1898. Today, New Haven residents flock to this restaurant just like they have done over the centuries. 

SERVPRO Provides Flood Restoration When Homes are Flood Damaged

In a town like New Haven, antiques abound. But what happens when floodwaters come storming through your home, impacting your furnishings. Understanding how floodwater affects your antique and other furniture can help you understand the restoration process. Floodwater can move furnishings in several ways:

• Delicate upholstery can become blotchy or bleed

• Wood frames absorb moisture and can swell and crack

• Sofa frames are joined in such a way they are particularly vulnerable

• Mold can grow on seats, inside cushions, and on wood

Our technicians are trained in specialty drying techniques that take into consideration the specific needs of antique furniture. It is not always about drying things fast but drying them correctly. 

For emergency services for water damage, contact SERVPRO of New Haven (203) 234-1100. We deal with basement flooding, leaking roofs from storms, water removal services, and more.

What Are the First Fire Damage Restoration Steps for New Haven Homes?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration for your home should be handled by a qualified company. SERVPRO is a trained and experienced company for any size disaster.

Our mitigation strategies can protect threatened New Haven properties after a fire.

Mitigation is a vital step in protecting and preserving properties impacted by fire and smoke damage in New Haven. As challenging and far-reaching as these effects can get in a home, the initial actions taken by our fire restoration team can have a direct correlation with the amount homeowners pay for recovery services and the time restoration ultimately takes. Fire mitigation includes:

• Extraction
• Controlled demolition
• Debris removal
• Content relocation

Can Air Filtration Improve Fire Damage Restoration for New Haven Homes? 

Among the most necessary mitigation actions, our technicians take in New Haven homes includes air filtration with HEPA products. Running air through these advanced filtering systems captures particulate as small as 0.3 microns. These filtering devices affect technicians' and safety by trapping soot particles and ash that can be a health hazard.

Fire damage restoration for area homes employs the skill and training of our SERVPRO of New Haven technicians. We are ready 24/7 to help at (203) 234-1100.

Can SERVPRO Protect Famous New Haven Eateries from Flood Damage?

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment when it comes to any kind of disaster restoration service.

Through water removal services and extensive cleaning, we can protect New Haven structures. 

Unexpected flooding can result from multiple sources ranging from burst pipes to a leaking roof from storms. How our SERVPRO team handles these conditions can directly impact the time restoration takes and the out-of-pocket expense for the customer.

When flood damage in New Haven homes occurs, we can respond fast with efficient extraction and cleaning options. We provide the same level of care and consideration for some of the famous businesses and eateries that call the city home.

What Famous Restaurants Call New Haven Home? 

There are hundreds of restaurants across the city, so there is a location to suit every taste. Because New Haven has been around for hundreds of years, surviving flood damage and fires, some of its longest-running restaurants and eateries have national or global acclaim. Some of these include:

• Louis' Lunch (1895) – One of the remarkable aspects of this restaurant that first opened in 1895 is that it is accredited with creating and serving the first hamburgers on a menu in the United States, according to the Library of Congress. As the birthplace of one of the nation's most favorite entrees, there are no signs of slowing down for this little restaurant on Crown Street. 
• Miya's – While Miya's has only been a staple of the gastronomical scene in New Haven since 1982, this restaurant's origins are remarkable. Miya's is the first sustainable sushi restaurant globally, offering a wide variety of fresh daily options to hungry patrons appreciating the bounties of New England fare.
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (1925) – New Haven is known for its unique take on pizza. Apizza, as it is called here in the city, can trace its roots to a quaint pizzeria and restaurant standing for nearly 100 years. Using coal or wood-fueled brick ovens, apizza is a thin crust delicacy that has made New Haven famous.

How Can SERVPRO Help Overcome Flood Damage in New Haven? 

Flooding is an unfortunate inevitability for many homes and businesses in the area. As challenging and overwhelming as these conditions can be, our SERVPRO professionals' prompt response can overcome the initial threats to protect the property and its contents better. Water removal services often play a critical role in this regard, as pooling and direct exposure of standing water can allow for a rapid spread of moisture through inaccessible areas of the house that requires controlled demolition to reach.

Eliminating standing water from the property involves multiple tools and instruments in our recovery inventory, many designated for discharging water with debris and solids present. Some of these include:

• Wet vacuums
• Truck-mount extractors
• Trash pumps

No matter how quickly flood damage develops, our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help with efficient water removal and cleaning strategies. Give us a call today at (203) 234-1100.

Fire Damage Restoration Happens Fast From SERVPRO in Hamden

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs you need the help of an experienced company. SERVPRO has the man power and experience for any size fire damage restoration service.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration Delivers the Best Outcome to Hamden Homes

There are numerous cleaning technicians for handling the removal of residues post-fire. The correct method and products get used to restore the article without incurring any additional damage. 

Agitation methods get used in a large number of Hamden fire damage restoration jobs. This cleaning method means more than merely scrubbing a surface. SERVPRO techs use it in tandem with cleaning solutions to: 

• Dislodge soils breaking the bond with the surface
• Water pressure is one type of agitation.
• Air pressure, rotary brushes, and soda or ice blasting all work for this type of residue removal

When smoke residues exist in carpet fibers, the techs use steam cleaners that use hot water extraction to deliver both water and air pressure to knock the soiling loose and remove it. In cases where the techs need to remove wet smoke, the heavy, greasy nature of this type of residue often needs a solvent-based cleaning agent to force it to release from the surface or the fibers it is clinging to.

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 supports the local community with all levels of fire damage restoration needed in Hamden properties.

Water Cleanup Needs to Happen Fast in New Haven Homes

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water restoration is no easy task. SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced with the job that is needed for your property.

New Haven Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Expert Water Cleanup

When it comes to water damage, the restoration process is often more than merely drying a structure. There may be problems with: 

• Water behind walls
• Seepage
• Warped wood flooring
• Delaminated tile
• Saturated carpet

SERVPRO handles New Haven water cleanup in an organized fashion, and it begins with testing the water. Treating water that has aged beyond 24-hours or has the potential to contain bacteria gets accomplished through professional biocides, and there are specific formulas developed for use on porous and nonporous surfaces.

Extraction is a phase of the restoration that typically gets extra attention as the more moisture that gets removed through the use of their equipment lessens the time needed to dry the structure. During this time, any ruined building materials such as sheetrock that wicked water gets removed through careful, controlled demolition only removes the damaged portion. The techs determine the location of moisture areas within the residence through the use of their scoping equipment that includes devices such as infrared cameras and probes.

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 brings their years of experience and professional equipment to handle any size water cleanup in New Haven properties.

Can Furniture be Preserved After a Fire in a New Haven Home?

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no DIY project. SERVPROs technicians are IICRC certified for any size fire disaster.

SERVPRO can help protect and restore surfaces in New Haven homes

Facing your home after a fire can be overwhelming. Between the smoke, soot, and odor residue, it may be hard to determine where restoration activities should begin. The most effective course of action is to call a reputable fire restoration company so its certified technicians can apply their expert knowledge to your situation. 

Every residue requires a specific cleaning protocol, and relying on traditional cleaning products may be ineffective and detrimental. In New Haven, fire-damaged properties, SERVPRO is ready around the clock to help you navigate the restoration process. As we look at the smoke residue, we consider how it fits into one of the following categories:

• Protein residue- typically coming from a kitchen fire
• Wet smoke- resulting from the burning of humanmade materials such as polymers and plastics
• Dry smoke- occurs when natural materials such as wood burns 

Each type of residue is treated with solutions tailored to its origin to avoid further damage due to the abrasive nature of cleaning products. Simultaneously, our team can help you discard any items beyond repair or safeguard those unaffected by the fire.

SERVPRO of New Haven is at your side when you need us. Call us at (203) 234-1100 and let us be your partner in bringing your home back to its original condition.

Do Hamden Homes Always Require Professional Restoration Services After a Water Incident?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water restoration should be left to the pros. Call SERVPRO for the experience and knowledge of a well rounded company.

Hamden homeowners can rely on SERVPRO to assess the extent of water damage in their homes.

Sometimes water incidents appear harmless, and homeowners rely on natural drying solutions to resolve them. However, whenever water seeps into flooring materials or affects dry-wall in a home, homeowners are vulnerable to substantial damage by-produce of prolonged water exposure. 

To determine your risk factors and take swift action, rely on a professional team for an assessment. In Hamden, water mitigation services are our expertise at SERVPRO. Our goal is to ensure that water damage does not escalate into more significant issues, and we achieve it by focusing on the following-

• Water extraction using state of the art equipment
• Monitoring the progress of our efforts with industry-specific tools
• Isolating damaged areas to avoid cross-contamination and collateral damage
• Ancillary services such as dry-wall repair and move-out services can help protect your belongings and speed up the restoration process

Our quick response is possible thanks to our 24/7 hotline and expertise. Call us today at (203) 234-1100 and let SERVPRO of New Haven leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

How can New Haven Businesses Protect Themselves Against Flood Damage?

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

24/7 365 SERVPRO is here for you. Flood damage is no easy task. Call the professionals for any size disaster.

A professional water restoration team can help mitigate the loss associated with flood damage in New Haven.

New Haven, the second-largest city in Connecticut, is located on the harbor of the same name and is considered part of the New York metropolitan area. Not surprisingly, it is the first planned city in the United States and started as a four-by-four grid with a central place where downtown New Haven existed. It was founded in 1638 by English Puritans and is recognizable as the home of Yale University. 

From 1701 to 1873, New Haven shared its role as the capital of Connecticut with Hartford. Although the sole governance was eventually entrusted to the latter, the city is still known as the "Cultural Capital" of the state in response to its vibrant artistic community. The Puritans developed New Haven, but they were not the first to inhabit the area. The Quinnipiac fished and farmed the land before the arrival of European settlers. Even though the Dutch visited and established minor trading posts in current-day New Haven, it wasn't until a group of Puritans left the Massachusetts Bay Colony with the desire to settle into a community where religion and government worked closely together. At the time, the Quinnipiac was in conflict with neighboring Pequots, and John Davenport, the group's leader, offered the tribe protection in exchange for permission to purchase their lands. 

The incorporation of New Haven in 1784 coincided with the city's pivotal industrial activity. 

Eli Whitney, a Yale graduate, developed the cotton gin and created a gun manufacturing plant. These two elements set the stage for New Haven to become a manufacturing town, which profoundly benefited the city during the American Civil War. As a result, the population grew, and the economy strengthened. Today, New Haven continues with its purposeful urban planning. Although manufacturing is no longer its most substantial sector, Yale University continues to be at the core of economic activity. Both the University and Yale-New Haven Hospital are large employers, and tech startups continue to flourish.

Visitors may be surprised that New Haven is a delight for the foodies among you. Many internationally acclaimed eateries grace its streets, representing the food and culture of many countries and cultures. Some of the most famous establishments include-

• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana- famous for its pizza
• Louis' Lunch- famous for its fast food since its founding in 1895
• Miya's- home to the first restaurant in the world to feature sustainable sushi

Protecting your New Haven business

Flood damage can happen throughout New Haven, and acting quickly is your first line of defense when it happens to your business. Whether you own a restaurant, a bookstore, or a beauty salon, your safety is of paramount importance to our team at SERVPRO, and we approach your needs with the greatest professionalism. While avoiding cross-contamination and mitigating your loss, we may see us employ some of the following-

• Truck-mounted and submersible pumps
• Anti-microbial solutions
• Thermal foggers and deodorizers

When you call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100, you access the area's top water restoration team. Reach us around the clock and let us do our best to leave your place "Like it never even happened."

An Awesome Comedy Show Comes to New Haven

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged properties should be left for the professionals to handle. Call SERVPRO for the technicians with the know how and experience.

Water Damage Mitigation in New Haven Is No Laughing Matter!

New Haven stand-up fans gather around for a show that is about to begin. On Saturday, February 13, at the Blue Horse Bar and Grill, comedy duo Ross Popick and John Murray will bring their talents to the evening's big performance. Having been around the block more than a few times at comedy clubs and other stages across Connecticut, these two assure us that they have a special show lined up for the 13th.

John and Ross are far from the only comedians slated to perform that night. Experienced showman Danny Kalwhite will take the stage as the night's main act, regaling the audience with jokes that have wowed crowds at comedy clubs around the country. Up-and-comer Andrew Genuario hopes to impress with a new show that has wowed only a few crowds before. And, as a special guest star, local favorite Mo Mussa will put on an act of his own.

The comedy show starts at 9 PM, and tickets cost $10. Be sure to book in advance if you want a seat!

Fast-Responding Water Removal Service in New Haven

SERVPRO of New Haven has your back for water removal services, even late at night when you need help the most. Call us at (203) 234-1100.

Amazing Rock Tunes Near Hamden

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage is no laughing matter. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services needed for the job.

At Cafe Nine, You Can Enjoy Some Good-Old Rock and Roll

After months of staying in, we think it is time for Hamden residents to have the chance to go out. On January 14, a rock band is coming to town to help you do exactly that. The Schizophrenics have traveled around the country for live performances ever since their founding over a decade ago. With stages reopening, they have decided to come to New England for their next tour. Their concerts, usually described as explosive and hard-hitting, carry influences from many big names in Rock and Roll, especially The MC5. They performed and got quite popular in Europe for a time, but these days the band feels the American love for Rock.

Tickets will be sold at the door at Café Nine in New Haven, so be sure to show up early to secure your spot at the performance. The admission price is just $12 but be sure to bring some extra cash to spend while you are there. Doors open at 8 PM.

Get the Professionals for Hamden Flood Damage Care

SERVPRO of New Haven is a licensed and certified team of professional flood damage mitigators. Call us as soon as you identify damage at (203) 234-1100.

The Foodie Capital of America: New Haven

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

High quality fire restoration is no easy task. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for their newest equipment and experience to handle the job.

New Haven Apizza Is the Gem of American Pie

Across the many friendly competitors within New Haven, one thing may be clear about our pizzerias: they are both different from and better than anything else in the country. New Haven-style pizza is only less well-spread than other regional styles due to the difficulty of its preparation. If it were as easy and quick to make as other pizza styles, many food critics agree that it would have overtaken the country much sooner. However, the New Haven-style continues to expand, and we can see why.

New Haven-style pies began at Pepe’s in 1925, one of the earliest pizzerias in the United States. Even before the restaurant, Pepe was known well in New Haven for his remarkable “tomato pies.” After a few years of selling his pies out of a wagon and at local markets, he took over the business that would become his restaurant. Over the years that followed, the formula changed very little, except when the clam pie was added to the menu a couple of decades later. The unique style offered at this restaurant inspired many others, and today, Pepe’s and others remain well-loved local eateries.

Slowly but surely, this pizza style began to expand beyond New Haven, especially in the past decade. After nearly a century of having just one famous location, Pepe’s has started to move into nearby towns and states rapidly. Other restaurateurs, inspired wholly or partly by the distinctive New Haven-style, have opened up similar locations nationwide. These places have observed financial success greater than many other specialty pizzerias in their communities, so the rapid expansion is only accelerating.

This expansion has not gone unnoticed by food critics. PMQ, Eater, Slice, and other prominent food and pizza industry critics have taken a liking to the New Haven-style. These publications recognize one truth that is sure to disappoint most of their readers: to get the best New Haven pizza; you need to visit the source. Thankfully, those in the area need not travel far to find an authentic and delicious pie.

Do You Know Which New Haven Restaurant Invented the Hamburger?

Believe it or not, New Haven was the start of it all. If you asked anyone in the world what the most important food is in American cuisine, they would probably tell you that it is doubtlessly the hamburger. Burgers, prepared with any number of toppings, specialty buns, and condiments, are ubiquitous across America. Surprisingly, they got their start at just one restaurant, a little place that remains open today in New Haven.

Louis’ Lunch resides in a small, unassuming building with distinctive red paint and an old-timey feel. Inside, the fourth-generation Lassen family owners operate the broilers in the same way that their great-great-grandparents did 120 years ago. Louis’ Lunch is a bit different from most other restaurants because here, the customer is not always right. The Lassens will proudly tell you that if you do not like what they are serving, you can walk straight through the door you came in. While this might seem surprising to many new customers, the establishment has good reason to hold it's head high. They are the oldest proprietors of the hamburger in the country, having served the meal before it ever had a name, and they have long perfected their formula.

Today, Louis’ Lunch is a treasured destination for tourists and Yale students seeking a savory meal. If you ever want to stop by, make sure not to do it in August – the Lasser family tradition is to take the entire month off for a vacation in the comfortable New Haven summer air.

The Closing of a New Haven Restaurant that was a First of Its Kind

In 1982, New Haven (and the rest of the state) had zero sushi restaurants. That year, Miya’s opened up in town and became an instant success. However, unlike every other sushi restaurant in the country, Miya’s took efforts at every step to ensure that they only used ingredients from sustainable farming industries. It would soon become clear that this sustainability pledge will be vital for sushi restaurants nationwide.

Around the world, overfishing threatens our oceans. Many people rely on fish as a source of protein and nutrients, lacking any alternatives. However, when fishing exceeds the capacity of the area, local populations have trouble replenishing their numbers. In time, this can lead to hunger crises for many coastal communities. To help solve this problem, Miya’s started the trend of sushi and seafood restaurants avoiding wild-caught fish and exclusively sourcing ingredients from sustainable fish farming operations.

Today, the United States experiences significantly fewer problems with overfishing, despite overall seafood consumption rising. Thanks to Miya’s, we have some room to breathe with our ocean ecology projects. However, after almost forty years of continuous operation, Miya’s is set to close, with its owners and head chef citing exhaustion after many decades of work. However, keep an eye on the place – they have not said much yet, but they hint at a revival shortly after the closure.

Steps to Take Before Fire Restoration Specialists Arrive at Your New Haven Home

Generally speaking, the best way for you to help your New Haven home fire restoration project is to call in professional help as soon as possible after a disaster. Getting technicians on the site before damages set in can have monumental effects on restorations’ speed and cost. However, there are a few other things that you may do to help us out before we arrive.

• Place towels on the floors - One of the ways that damage can spread to other parts of the house is underfoot. By placing clean towels and sheets around the damaged area, you can create walkways that stop ash from getting tracked around the house.
• Wash your plants - If you have any live houseplants, give them a quick wash. Even light fire residue can harm these living, breathing organisms. The sooner that ash and smoke can be washed off of them, the healthier they will be later on.
• Change your HVAC filters – Chances are, much of the smoke and ash got sucked into your HVAC system. While SERVPRO technicians are trained and certified to clean these systems out, you should still do all you can to avoid spreading residues around the house. A quick filter swap could stop ash from spreading to new parts of your home.
• Stay safe – Fires may affect the structural components of your home. If you notice burned supports, falling ceiling material, loose wiring, or any other potential hazards, stay away from the area. Our experienced personnel can identify and contain these threats without any risk to you.

SERVPRO of New Haven stays ready on a 24/7 basis to provide high-quality fire restoration services to New Haven homeowners. Call us on our emergency line at (203) 234-1100.

Hamden Locals: This is the Last Day to Donate

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Hamden proudly supports its children. SERVPRO says stay safe from water damage during this Holiday Season

Bring Holiday Cheer to Hamden’s Children by Donating to the 2020 Holiday Toy Drive

December 12 is the last day of the Drive Up and Go Holiday Toy Drive held by Hamden’s police, volunteer fire department, youth center, and Community Services. Donations go toward over 500 local families to spread holiday cheer all across Hamden to those who need it most. The drive runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and takes place at Hamden Middle School near Sanford Street and Dixwell Avenue.

Toys for children of all ages are much appreciated. Suggested gift donations include:

• Dolls, nail polish, and related girls’ toys
• Sports supplies and associated toys
• Board games and building toys such as LEGO
• Toy cars, trucks, and remote control vehicles
• Arts and crafts supplies, pocket books, and journals

Volunteers at the drive work hard to observe public health and safety precautions. Donations should be packed in your trunk for ease of safe collection.

SERVPRO of New Haven is prepared to restore Hamden homes that need water damage mitigation 24/7. Call (203) 234-1100 for rapid-response service.

Learn About Your Astrological Chart from a New Haven Astrologer

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians remediatie mold from New Haven residential and commercial properties--It is written in the stars!

Virtual Astrology Events Teach New Haven Residents About Their Star Signs

On Tuesday, December 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., academic and Hellenistic astrologer Matthew Kenney hosts a virtual lecture on the depth and ancient history of astrology. Kenney examines the subject in-depth and provides a fascinating event for ancient history and mythology enthusiasts, as well as New Haven locals who wish to know more than their daily horoscope can convey.

This fascinating virtual workshop aims to:

• Educate guests about the history and beliefs that created modern astrology
• Understand natal charts and astrological principles and what they can indicate about your life
• Learn about upcoming significant astrological events in 2021 and how they can affect your horoscopes and natal chart

Kenney promotes astrology as a tool for understanding the self and the world around us and hopes to encourage New Haven residents to explore these deeper facets of the topic by increasing accessibility to the concepts above.

SERVPRO of New Haven performs safe and effective mold remediation services for homeowners when they call (203) 234-1100.

People in New Haven can Marry, Exercise, and have Fun in a Safe Setting.

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

It Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven has to be so much fun. Go burn some energy with the family.

Spend Some Energy Moving Your Body at It Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven

The extended duration of the current health crisis prompts New Haven residents to look for activities that comply with safety recommendations while taking into account the weather outside. 

It Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven offers precisely what your family needs. A safe place to visit and try a new activity, whether you swing, climb, or zip, you are sure to have a fantastic time. If you are looking for a place to celebrate a birthday or other event, this site inside Jordan’s Furniture can help you. Some things to consider as you plan your day-

• Reservations are available seven days a week
• The facility is open at 25% capacity to comply with health recommendations

• Be on time.  Reservations are made for one or two hours depending on your ticket, and times are strictly enforced.

Just like individual behavior helps control the spread of germs, so does SERVPRO of New Haven help sanitize your home or business by providing flood water removal services. When we all work together to keep us healthy, our community becomes stronger. Call us at (203) 234-1100 and let us join you in making your home look “Like it never even happened.”

New Haven Businesses Benefit from Fast-Acting Disaster Cleanup

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

New Haven Commercial Properties Are Happy to See the SERVPRO Van Mitigating Their Water-Damaged Property

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for IICRC-Accredited Commercial Mitigation and Restoration Services

New Haven is one of the largest and most historic cities in Connecticut. The Elm City is also the second most populous in the state, with Bridgeport being the largest. While the municipality of New Haven is home to an estimated 130,000 people, there Greater New Haven metropolitan area is home to over 850,000.

New Haven’s history goes back to America’s earliest days. Before European settlers entered the area for fur trading and the eventual establishment of an American colony, the Quinnipiac tribe was long established along Connecticut’s southern coast. Their primary sustenance came from fishing and maize.

English Puritans settled in the area in 1638, two decades after Dutch traders passed through and traded pelts and other goods with the Quinnipiac and is the first planned city in the United States. New Haven shared the honor of being a state capital with Hartford from 1701 to 1873 and was then consolidated in 1895.

Today, New Haven is most well-known as a hub of New England culture and cuisine and housing Yale University. Yale is by far the largest employer in the city and has been a significant contributor to the local economy and job market, especially during its expansion over the past century.

New Haven is also the headquarters of such organizations and businesses as:

• Catholic fraternal organization The Knights of Columbus
• Electrical equipment manufacturers Amphenol and Hubbell Incorporated
• Publicly traded pharmaceutical corporations Achillon Pharmaceuticals (ACHN), Transpro, Inc. (TPR), and Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN)

New Haven History: Yale University, America’s Third Oldest College

Yale was founded on a movement that began shortly after the Puritans settled in New Haven. Connecticut clergymen, led by New Haven co-founder and Oxford University graduate Reverend John Davenport, lobbied to open a college that preserved European liberal education, much like the then-recently established Harvard University. After Davenport’s passing, this effort was spearheaded by Reverend James Pierpont in 1670.

In 1701, the state legislature approved a charter that would create a “Collegiate School,” a venue traditionally reserved for educated young men to go into such fields as politics and clerical study. The Collegiate School would be Yale’s official name until 1718 when it was moved to New Haven and named in honor of Welsh merchant and philanthropist Elihu Yale. Yale funded a significant portion of the construction of the New Haven facility and donated 417 books and a portrait of King George I.

The school expanded considerably during its first century, especially during the American Revolution, when enrollment spiked due to students being ruled exempt from military service. After the war, veterans attended Yale, further increasing the student body to over 200, a record for American universities at the time.

Yale’s proud legacy has produced a bevy of domestic and foreign dignitaries and leaders, including:

• 500 members of Congress
• Five Presidents of the United States
• 45 Presidential Cabinet members
• 49 Nobel Laureates associated with the University in various capacities

Apizza, a New Haven Invention

Apizza, pronounced “ah-beets”, is a culinary sensation unique to New Haven that is on par with the distinct pizza varieties found in New York and Chicago. The pizza is an offshoot of Neapolitan-style pizza, and even the name hearkens back to the Naples region.

The typical New Haven pizza is made from long-proofed dough that is turned into a coal-fired thin-crust delight traditionally served only with tomato sauce. Unlike most pizzerias across the country, “mootz,” or mozzarella, is considered a separate topping.

Another popular variety of apizza is the white clam pizza, which is served with garlic, cheese, clams, and bacon. The most legendary version of this pizza can be found at the restaurant that pioneered apizza: Pepe’s on Wooster Street.

Pepe’s was founded by Frank Pepe in the 1920s, with competing pizzerias opening not long after. While Pepe’s had humble roots peddling pizza from a pushcart, the facility today uses proprietary ingredients and vintage fixtures such as a well-seasoned oven that has been in the kitchen since 1936.

How Does SERVPRO Remove Water Damage from a Local Pizza Restaurant Kitchen?

SERVPRO technicians provide commercial water restoration for New Haven businesses 24/7, including all weekends and holidays, because disasters do not occur on a 9-to-5 schedule. Commercial properties, especially customer-facing establishments like pizzerias, benefit from SERVPRO’s adherence to local and federal sanitation regulations for eateries and the firm’s use of OSHA-approved biocides.

It is also crucial for technicians to observe a specific process for determining structural and contents drying goals for your facility in a water damage scenario. Depending on the location, factors that can affect drying include:

• Which materials are affected by moisture? Drywall, metal, floor tiles, carpet, and upholstery all respond differently to moisture exposure. Metals can tarnish within the first 48 hours of exposure, while wood swells, warps, and cracks. Sheetrock can crumble and grow mold from prolonged saturation.

Each material has an innate humidity content. With this in mind, SERVPRO technicians carefully measure both relative and specific humidity with calibrated moisture measurement tools when formulating a drying plan.

• Are microbes, stains, or odors present? Microbial growth, water damage odors, and stains from furniture finishes can add additional challenges to mitigation and restoration that SERVPRO must consider when sanitizing and extracting moisture. Extraction and sanitation are thorough so that drying and rebuilding services can be performed as efficiently as possible.
• What is the layout of the affected area? The size and openness of an affected area also impact SERVPRO techs’ approach when drying a structure. Mitigation techs can erect polyethylene drying chambers to accelerate drying in more open areas. More contained spaces may require holes in wall cavities to encourage ventilation.

SERVPRO of New Haven ensures that disaster-affected businesses look “Like it never even happened.” Call (203) 234-1100 for rapid-response commercial cleanup and restoration.

Follow British Art and Culture from the 15th Century to the Present in the Heart of New Haven

11/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the tour in New Haven for historiographers and enthusiasts!

A New Haven Tour Worthy of Historiographers and Enthusiasts

The Yale Center for British Art lays the claim for having the most extensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. Paul Melon presented the collection to the university back in 1929, giving anyone with general or academic interests a chance to take a closer look, right in the heart of New Haven. The November 20th event features the exhibition, Love, Life, Death, and Desire: An Installation of the Center’s Collections.

During the visit, you can sample various offerings that the museum has to offer, including:

• Over 250 sculptures, 2000 paintings, 35000 manuscripts, and rare books
• Masterpieces by renowned artists like George Stubbs, Joshua Reynolds, among others
• A close look at the last building designed by Louis I. Kahn, the internationally acclaimed American architect 

Visitors need timed-entry tickets to participate. It is also crucial to travel light since backpacks, large bags, shopping bags, drinks, and food are not allowed.

SERVPRO of New Haven is well versed in the restoration of valuable or sentimental items after fire damage incidents in New Haven. Call us at (203) 234-1100.

What Causes Paint Bubbles on a Wall or Ceiling?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO professionals at the first sign of water damage in your home.

SERVPRO techs can use their advanced equipment to locate and restore your New Haven home from the damage done by hidden leaks.

A hidden leak making itself known is a situation no New Haven property owner wants to get presented with. However, the appearance of one or more paint bubbles can point to a plumbing issue in particular if the bubble continues to grow in size or other bubbles appear in the vicinity. Moisture is collecting within the paint and causing it to lose adherence to the surface. Before opening the wall or ceiling, SERVPRO techs use their detection equipment to "see" behind the sheetrock and look for other signs of water damage such as:

• Musty odors
• Visible mold growth on walls
• Staining
• Peeling wallpaper
• Deteriorated sheetrock

Should Homeowners Pop a Paint Bubble or Bring in Professional Water Restoration?

When the signs of a leak appear on the walls or ceiling of a New Haven home, water restoration is the best course of action. There can be many issues behind a paint bubble, and popping it is not advised. Until SERVPRO techs scope the area and see how widespread the moisture is within the wall cavity, there is no way of knowing if the paint bubble is the worst of the issue or if a more extensive problem lurks behind the scene. In some cases, removing the paint bubble and allowing it to drain, followed up by diagnosing the reason for the water collection and suggestions for repairs and prevention in the future, are standard procedures. 

When a leak remains undetected for a time, it creates an excellent opportunity for mold growth. If evidence of an infestation gets found, the techs need to remove the damaged sheetrock and insulation to open up the wall cavity for complete drying. Afterward, cleaning with antimicrobial cleaning agents and sealants as needed ensures no return of the mold to the treated areas.

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 handles water restoration for local properties. The techs arrive quickly and make the damage, "Like it never even happened."

What Tools Work Best for Basement Extractions?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of New Haven is the team to call when you need reliable water mitigation services.

Water in the basement of New Haven homes can be a challenge, but our SERVPRO team can help with advanced tools. 

Water damages happening anywhere in your New Haven home can leave you with a dire need for immediate actions like extraction and drying. While many homeowners believe that water disasters can get resolved using conventional drying approaches like absorbing water with towels and mopping up the floors, this is rarely the case. Especially in more challenging areas of your home like the basement or attic, specific provisions are necessary to handle standing water and adequately dry the area to prevent secondary conditions like mold growth. 

When you require water extraction from New Haven basements, this is not as straightforward as it might sound. For instance, you must often first consider the source of the damage to ensure that it has gotten sufficiently resolved before cleanup can be effective. Without identifying the source of basement flooding, you could only temporarily resolve the issue and leave the property vulnerable to continued damage. For substantial water damage in lower levels of the home, common culprits causing these concerns include: 

• Flooding
• Water Heater Malfunctions 
• Appliances Breaking
• Plumbing Ruptures / Pipes Freezing

How Soon Should Extraction Begin? 

There are countless layers of mitigation and restoration required after substantial water disasters impact area homes. The sooner our technicians can become involved in this process, the less widespread and ruinous water exposure and saturation become. Standing water can often be one of the direst of these concerns, as penetration into materials like carpeting or hardwood in finished basements can damage more than the surface materials. With extraction begins such a vital element to the house after a water damage incident, it is often one of the first actions taken even before job scoping and thorough planning occurs. 

What Tools Are Best for Basement Extractions? 

Removing standing water from the basement often requires more care and consideration than property owners realize. Especially in situations where this lower level is finished and a livable space of the house, choosing the right extraction tool can reduce the destruction that many porous, sensitive structural elements face. Because we strive to have the industry-leading tools to manage every facet of water restoration, there are multiple extraction and water removal tools in our inventory to help with damaged basements, including: 

• High-Pressure Pumps – Because of the basements distance from many of our stationary submersible pump options and the rise of the discharge lines to remove trapped water, high-pressure pumps can be the preferred choice for the basement and attic extraction needs. 

• Electric Submersible Pumps – Electric submersible pumps are among the most heavily used water removal tools in our arsenal beyond wet vacuums. Because of their portability and continued operation through hours of use, these tools can quickly manage standing water concerns. 

• Self-Priming Trash Pumps – Sometimes, especially in situations like flooding, debris and solids become a concern for the extractor. Self-priming trash pumps can move solids in the water and continue to eliminate standing water simultaneously. 

• Wet Vacuums – Because of their portability and base for various attachments, wet vacuums are a common staple for extraction and water damage recovery in the basement of your home. 

What Other Areas Must Get Inspected and Repaired? 

Simply removing the water from the basement floors is not sufficient to eliminate the present threat after a water disaster. Other areas undoubtedly require attention, cleaning, and drying. Inspecting several areas of your home during the job scoping phase can reveal potential concerns with multiple building materials and structural elements, including: 

• Subflooring/Joists – With finished floors, especially, water penetration can happen quickly. Also, damage to plumbing or moist conditions can have a disastrous effect on exposed joists for the main floor of your home if ceiling materials were not installed.

• Drywall - Both as ceiling and wall materials, drywall is among the most porous building components used in a finished basement. It rarely takes longer than 24 hours of direct exposure for these elements to become unsalvageable. 

• Flooring – Whether it is vinyl plank flooring or carpeting, excess water can quickly overwhelm flooring material that isn't low-permeance like concrete. 

Water damages to your basement are not uncommon, though swift action is recommended to limit the severity of these situations. When you have a finished lower level, the timeline is even shorter to begin efforts like extraction and drying. Our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help to make basement water loss events "Like it never even happened." Give us a call anytime at (203) 234-1100.

A Donut Shop Caught Fire – What Does SERVPRO Do to Help?

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians will have you back to business as usual in no time at all. Call us today at (203) 234-1100.

Our Professional Technicians Provide Emergency Mitigation and Help You Re-open Your Business as Soon as Possible.

Everyone loves donuts. Your customers want to drive up, grab their coffee and donuts, and get back on the road. If a fire occurs, it can mean days of downtime and loss of revenue. FEMA states that in 2018 roughly 30.6% of all non-residential fires were cooking fires. Fast fire mitigation is needed in the New Haven donut shop to get the doors open and the donuts frying.

How Does a Fire Restoration Company Help Businesses?

When a fire occurs in a business, a fire damage restoration company in New Haven is encouraged, and may be required by your insurance, to mitigate the damage. Our technicians help you put your business back together. Cleaning, restoration, and repair are all part of the process. The basics of the restoration process include:

• Scope and assessing the damage
• Removing debris such as charred remains
• Soot, residual water, and odor mitigation

Our professional fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) work closely with the owner to decide what mitigation efforts are best for rebuilding his business. Each situation is unique and calls for different approaches to the problem. Our goal is to clean the entire donut shop and leave it, “Like it never even happened.”

Rapid Intervention is the Key

Our fast response minimizes damage and loss in many cases. Dealing with the smell quickly is one of the first things we tackle. The foul odors can permeate walls, fixtures, and furniture. Removal of the debris and soot is needed immediately to aid smell removal. Deodorization is done to a greater level later on. 

It is also critical to remove soot as quickly as possible because it can damage anything it comes in contact with. The faster it's cleaned up, the less replacement instead of restoration there is. Water from firefighters is a potential source for damage and mold. Water extraction and drying help prevent damage to the home and content. Our teams understand the need to work fast but also the need to do the job thoroughly. They provide the right balance for fire damage restoration.

Contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for professional fire damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Smoke Odors Get Reduced During Cleaning and Restoration In New Haven?

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are many restorative steps to returning the property to preloss condition.

After a fire, smoke odors in your New Haven home can be overwhelming without specific steps and actions to reduce its severity.

Fire restoration and cleaning can take weeks for New Haven homes after a substantial loss. Whether the occupants' relocation is necessary or not, there are specific effects that linger in the house, like noxious smoke odors, that make it a challenge for those still living in the home or even our SERVPRO team sent to begin restoration and recovery.

Fire damage in New Haven homes requires several approaches to remove entirely. Deodorization is a vital effort of our fire restorers, but the process often occurs as one of the final actions taken to recover a house. Foggers, ozone generators, and hydroxyl machines are all necessary tools in this process. However, there are other approaches that we can take before deodorization to reduce the severity and pungency of smoke and burning smells.

What Other Options Exist Beyond Deodorization?
Because deodorization is one of the final steps of the restoration process for fire-damaged homes, we often rely on other strategies to reduce the severity of burning odors in the house. Some of these approaches include:

    •    Odor Counteractant Beads – These products are made of a porous material infused with odor counteractant solvents. By placing these near the intake of air conditioning units, we can spread a pleasant fragrance throughout the property while work continues.
    •    Deodorant Granules – Unlike beads, these products absorb odors in the air. We place these granules in the path of air currents and the furnace and air conditioning intake.
    •    Debris Removal – Often, just removing the build-up of debris and ash in a property after a structure fire can reduce soot and smoke concerns.

After a fire, there are many restorative steps to returning the property to preloss condition. Our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help your home through each phase when you call (203) 234-1100.

How Can the Progression of Water Damage Threaten New Haven Homes?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Hard to Salvage Water Damaged Hardwood Flooring in New Haven with advanced equipment and methods

Depending on the exposure and saturation of structural elements, water can cause irreparable damage that requires tear-out and reconstruction.

Many New Haven homeowners might not think of water damages as devastating threats to a property, especially when the initial impact seems superficial. Without adequately addressing water damage or its effect on the exposed materials and contents, the situation could become more widespread and severe than it might initially appear. Addressing these concerns often requires sophisticated technologies designed to track the migration of water damage throughout a house, including in the structural cavities and beneath flooring surface layers.

When you consider the multiple layers and levels of water damage restoration for New Haven homes, you might not appreciate the extent of work involved in removing all the moisture threats present when water begins to move, saturate through porous materials, and increase the humidity. There comes the point where restoration for soaked materials like wood flooring is not possible, and that comes with recognizing the stage of water damage present.

• Surface Water – Surface water is when the damage in a house is still lying on the top of the flooring and accessible by squeegee wands, carpet wands, and other extraction/drying tools. 
• Trapped Water – When water begins to penetrate beyond the finished layers of wood plank flooring to saturate the individual planks, it is still possible to use floor drying mats, “tenting” with polypropylene sheets, and other equipment to preserve these flooring elements. 
• Bound Water – When water molecules chemically bond with the planks, distortion, and warping occur. 

Can Components like Wood Flooring Get Repaired After Damages?

Often when warping and swelling around the seams has begun, protecting the planks is not possible. Controlled demolition can remove only the compromised portions of flooring to make reconstruction more efficient and cost-effective. If we can sand and refinish crowns or cupped edges of floor planks, we can salvage these boards. We always strive to restore and not replace.

Water damages can be threatening to a property if not addressed quickly. Our SERVPRO of New Haven can show We're Faster To Any Size Disaster when you call (203) 234-1100.

What is the Best Way to Get Rainwater off My Click and Lock Flooring in New Haven?

8/9/2020 (Permalink)

Once water gets into your home it can hide until it is extracted or dried. Contact SERVPRO for stormwater extraction services in your home.

SERVPRO technicians have the training and equipment to turn around the water damage in your New Haven home

No matter how the water from heavy rains entered your home, you want it gone quickly. If your click and lock flooring did not have a vapor barrier installed when it laid, it might not buckle if water seeps into the subfloor, mainly if it got installed over a concrete substrate. When this happens, you need fast removal of the moisture through both extraction and drying. There are three common outcomes after water damage to this type of flooring: 

• Successful restoration through quick removal and drying
• Partial removal of boards to dry substrate and re-installation
• Replacement of boards due to deterioration of the installed floorboards

After Roof Damage, What Do I Do About Stormwater Extraction?

Bringing in professional restoration services to your New Haven home for stormwater extraction is a smart move. SERVPRO technicians not only work on the loss in your home but also do any needed temporary repairs such as tarping roofing or boarding up broken windows to ensure no further water enters the property until final repairs get made. In cases where fiberglass insulation has water damage, the techs have collection bags for taking the insulation out for drying outside of the loss area for reuse after the mitigation efforts complete.

It is not uncommon for the water to have receded, however, it continues to weaken building materials until it gets removed and the structure dried. Proactive treatments using professional cleaning agents inhibit issues with mold and odors by eradicating odorous bacteria and conditions favorable for mold growth.

SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 when you need fast, efficient stormwater extraction. The technicians bring their advanced equipment and years of experience to ensure the best outcome possible for your property and content.

Click here for more information about New Haven.

How Thorough Is Fire Restoration Cleaning in My New Haven Home?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can leave smoke residues and odors that can be hard to get out without professional help. Call SERVPRO.

Cleaning after a structure fire is a balance of specific sciences, and with careful consideration and planning, can be efficient and thorough for our customers.

Structure fires can have a devastating effect on New Haven homes or businesses. While many mitigation tasks must begin quickly to ensure that we can do the most to protect your home and its contents, cleaning up after these disasters can be a lengthy and intricate task. Fire restoration cleaning involves several scientific elements working together to reach an efficient and satisfactory result. In many cases, this blend of fundamental cleaning elements gets used to address widespread smoke residues of varying origins.

We have talented cleaning technicians who can begin their responsibilities and fire damage restoration for New Haven homes as soon as emergency services and mitigation efforts are completed. Regarding how we address the removal of soils and residues from affected surfaces and contents in your home, we can rely on four specific elements working together to achieve complete restoration and recovery to original conditions. Our professionals often refer to these factors collectively as TACT, though each branch is vital in the recovery of materials and content within your fire damaged property. These include:

• Temperature
• Agitation
• Chemical Action
• Time

How Does Temperature Impact Cleaning Practices?

Because many New Haven homeowners do not actively clean up after disasters like fire losses, you might not realize that many of the products that we use work best at different temperatures. Heat, in general, allows molecules to move faster, intensifying the reaction time of cleaning solutions and the soils they are interacting with on specific surfaces. We must carefully determine the best temperature in the damaged area to ensure that the cleaning solution chosen for present residues and soot is as effective as it should be. Warmer temperatures can also have other advantages regarding residue removal and eliminating soils on specific porous surfaces. Warming reduces surface tension and allows a higher penetration of these materials to dissolve soils more effectively.

What Does Agitation Mean?

Agitation is one of the fundamental elements of clearing thick residues before the final product is applied for emulsification or other chemical reactions. Agitative cleaning practices seek to reduce the thickness and severity of residue coatings by dislodging soils and removing them. Depending on the situation and the surface, agitative cleaning practices can vary. Choosing the right approach often involves identifying the type of smoke residue present and the best method to avoid marring or staining the underlying material. Some of the practices that we utilize for pre-chemical treatment agitation include:

• Pressurized water or air
• Sandblasting
• Steel wool scrubbing
• Brushing
• Vacuuming

Do Chemical Reactions Play an Active Role in Fire Restoration Cleaning?

You might not realize there are multiple types of cleaning products that can address varying smoke residues and soils present after a structure fire. Between wall systems and contents in the house, widespread cleaning is a necessary effort that begins during mitigation and continues through the restoration phases to come. Identifying what products are required for what specific residue your home is facing involves data collected during the job scoping phase and continued monitoring of the property during mitigation. We follow the premise that like dissolves like, meaning that water-based solvents can best address water-based soiling. Likewise, adding oxygen through bleaching removes oxygen from the composition of the soil. There are multiple products in our inventory that we can use to recover services, contents, and other items damaged by a fire. These include:

• Solvents
• Water-Based Detergents
• Alkaline Solutions

How Much Time Is Necessary for Effective Cleaning?

Many chemical processes do not happen instantaneously, meaning that patience is a virtue for fully restoring your home to its original condition. Understanding the specific times for chemical reactions to occur and become most effective can ensure that we take the necessary steps at the appropriate times to efficiently recover the damage. The time needed to dissolve soils through chemical actions is known as the dwell time. Various factors can help determine the time necessary to eliminate soils on the surface of specific materials. These include the type of content, the chosen method of agitation, the temperature used when applying a cleaning solution, and the type of smoke residue or soiling our professionals face.

Cleaning and restoring your home after a fire loss incident can feel overwhelming, especially when you are uncertain of whom to call and what to expect. Our SERVPRO of New Haven team understands cleaning sciences to make fire losses “Like it never even happened.” You can count on our fast response and experienced professionals available 24/7 at (203) 234-1100.

How Fast Will My New Haven Business Be Back to Normal?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of New Haven is available 24/7 with crews on standby.

SERVPRO Offers Rapid Response Times to Handle the Water Damage That Occurred Within Your New Haven Business

A water incident can strike at your New Haven commercial property without notice at any time. The impact of such water damage can be devastating for any business owner, but our trained technicians at SERVPRO can be there fast to get to work as soon as possible. We handle each step of the water removal process through to drying and then disinfecting all affected areas. With one call, we can be there to start in so that your commercial space is “Like it never even happened.”

What Do I Need to Do?

Once you call us at SERVPRO, we send out a team quickly to begin the assessment. If you or your maintenance team can shut off the area to a burst pipe or put towels or blankets down with a flooding incident to keep water from migrating, do so. You can then contact your insurance agent to inform them of the event. We take care of detailing every step of the project to turn everything in for your insurance claim.

Water damage may occur at your New Haven place of business at any time. Some of the leading causes include:

•    Frozen or broken pipes
•    Storm floods
•    Natural disasters
•    Leaking roofs
•    Sewage backups, and more

Why Do I Need to Worry About Mold Growth?

Whether commercial or residential, you always have to be concerned about mold and mildew growth anywhere within your structure. SERVPRO works to inhibit mold growth using the latest techniques and EPA-registered cleaning agents.

•    Mold may begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after the initial water loss event.
•    Immediately starting water extraction followed by drying is the best way to fight against the onset of mold.

Do you need help with water damage to your commercial property? SERVPRO of New Haven is available 24/7 with crews on standby. Call (203) 234-1100, and we will send a team out as soon as possible.

What Structural Damage Can Trapped Water Do?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water can quickly damage the structure in your home. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation efforts.

Water caught in structural cavities can damage many materials in your New Haven home, but our SERVPRO team can help with fast and reliable drying solutions. 

Migrating water can often be a highly damaging condition in your New Haven home. Perhaps more alarming then the damage that water can do to your property is the understanding that many homeowners might not be aware of how widespread and problematic the situation has become. Addressing surface water and damage is only part of the necessary restoration that your property needs for preloss condition restoration.

Along with the numerous restoration approaches required to recover the house, several areas need water damage repair in your New Haven home. This repair is a general term that indicates multiple tasks that must occur for your home to return to its original state before the disaster. Among the worst of these conditions that could arise is water trapped in structural cavities without the knowledge of the homeowner. For this reason, our SERVPRO team arrives with sophisticated technologies to identify moisture pockets beyond the surface to ensure the appropriate drying takes place.

What If My House Needs Reconstruction? 

It is always the objective of our SERVPRO team to prevent reconstruction and build back whenever necessary. However, it is not always feasible to eliminate repairs and to rebuild entirely. We have partnered with reputable contractors such as Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS), who can oversee both repairs as well as full-scale reconstruction whenever needed. Between both these contractors and our competent and confident restoration professionals, we can offer:

• Pre and Post-Construction Cleaning
• Controlled Demolition
• Thorough Drying

After a damaging water loss incident in your home, you may need extensive restoration work as well as some reconstruction and repair. No matter what your property needs, our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help. Give us a call anytime at (203) 234-1100.

Find more information about New Haven

Which Equipment Best Removes Standing Water After a Flood in New Haven?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and its damages can spread quickly throughout your residence.

Flood Damage in New Haven

Our SERVPRO team can help with useful extraction tools to make drying and cleaning efforts more efficient after flooding in your New Haven home.

Flooding can introduce many immediate threats to your New Haven home. Among the most severe and threatening of these, especially in natural flooding scenarios, is standing water. This pooling in areas of your residence can be challenging to remove without the right tools and approaches. However, our SERVPRO professionals can help with multiple options designed to manage this loss scenario quickly.

Despite how destructive flood damage in New Haven homes can be, many homeowners do not recognize the need for professional restorers as quickly as they should in many circumstances. The sooner that our experienced technicians can get to work on removing water and drying the house, the less damaging that migrating water and saturation can become. Mitigation and emergency services like extraction must begin as soon as our team arrives, and we have several approaches. Popular types of extraction tools include:

Pumps – With a submersible end that can generate a prime to pull standing water from a damaged area, these units are capable of moving thousands of gallons from damaged areas over brief periods.

Wet Vacuums – When water depths do not exceed two inches, wet vacuums and their various attachments can help to remove surface water and prepare the property for drying.

Weighted Extraction Tools – Carpeting can absorb high volumes of water before pooling begins on the surface. Weighted extraction units utilize the weight of our technicians to press the top layer and padding into the subflooring. The onboard vacuum removes moisture brought to the surface.

Are Submersible Pumps the Best Choice for Standing Water?

Submersibles are some of the more reliable and powerful tools in our water restoration inventory. The choice in which of these pumps suits the damage the best often falls to the present debris and solids in the standing water. Natural flooding can introduce substantial debris, silt, and other particulates that electric submersible pumps cannot easily pass, but that is more ideal for trash pumps and larger units like the extractor truck in our SERVPRO Green Fleet. Some of the most common choices for extracting substantial flooding in the house include:

Self-Priming Trash Pump - Trash pumps run on gasoline and diesel fuels, which can make them an ideal option where power is already limited, and other restorative devices can use it. These powerful extractors can pass smaller debris with a larger intake/discharge hose.

Electric Submersible Pump - These units are the standard for removing standing clean water in the house. When flooding occurs through breaches in the roof or openings in the house, we can extract thousands of gallons over a brief period with these capable units.

High-Pressure Pump - Similar in function to the electric pumps, high-pressure units can address a greater need for lift and head. These units cannot easily pass debris but can be excellent options for removing flooding in the basement, attic, or other areas that require an extended discharge.

When Do Professional Restorers Use Wet Vacuums?

With a manageable depth of two inches or less, the present water damage is still too considerable for time-efficient drying. Wet vacuums and their various attachments can help to finalize the removal of surface water. While these units can also be capable at greater depths and more substantial losses, when the standing water is enough to support the prime on submersible units, these have more power and a higher volume of output production.

What Are Weighted Extractors?

Water losses can often negatively impact many of the exposed materials in the house, and none can experience more of this damage than the flooring. Carpeting can get hit the worst, as it immediately absorbs migrating water and can become nearly fully saturated before showing pooling water on the surface. With clean water incidents where contamination is not a concern, it is often possible to dry and restore carpeted floors with the use of water removal tools and calculated drying approaches. Weighted extractors can have a role in this recovery, and these include:

    •    Stationary Units
    •    Ride-On Extractors
    •    Large Loss Recovery Tools

Flooding and its damages can spread quickly throughout your residence. Beginning extraction and drying efforts as soon as possible is an effective way to protect your home and its contents from irreparable damage. Give our SERVPRO of New Haven team a call today at (203) 234-1100.

How Do I Get Rid of Burnt Odors From Upholstery?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO any time. Our experts are trained in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning.

SERVPRO Specializes in Fire Damage Odor Removal for Home and Contents.

Why do odors come from upholstery after a fire?

Combusting materials increase air pressure and release chemicals into the atmosphere, which produces burnt odors. It is common for North Haven homeowners to discover that soft furnishings in their homes continue to release malodor after a fire. Upholstery has typical construction of fiber weaves. These weaves are porous, which causes odor particles to lodge inside the fabric. Removing the odor can be challenging because of the diverse range of materials that make up soft furnishings. Some tissues may respond negatively to cleaning methods or solutions and result in visible damage. 

How do you remove odor from upholstery without causing damage?

The advantage of using a professional fire damage restorer in North Haven is that there is less risk of causing visible harm to soft furnishings during cleaning. SERVPRO technicians always conduct pre-tests before applying cleaning solutions directly onto upholstery. Pre-testing involves administering a small amount of the cleaning solution or solvent to a discrete area of the upholstery. After rinsing the solution, technicians inspect the test-area for negative responses. We have a range of cleaning methods for materials that allow us to tailor our approach to any specific item of furniture without causing harm. 

What kind of permanent damage can occur to upholstery from cleaning solutions?

- Discoloration of the fabric or dye bleeding

- Watermarks may occur with non-colorfast fabrics

- Burn marks or wearing away of fibers 

Are chemical agents the only method for restoring fabrics?

We can use chemical agents or mechanical cleaning methods to restore upholstery. Some materials like leather have precise requirements to restore efficiently. Leather butter can help remove discoloration while the leather's resilience makes it well-suited to buffering with a machine. On the other hand, thick fiber upholstery may require a dry emulsifying powder to get rid of soils.

Upholstery can be a challenge to restore without precise method selection. Contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100.

More about North Haven.

Where Can I Find Water Damage Repair Services for My Gym?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage interfere with your gym. Call SERVPRO!

Contact SERVPRO of New Haven for Professional Water Damage Remediation Services Today! 

Owning a New Haven business that suddenly experiences water damage is nothing anyone wants to go through. Stress can often be overwhelming. However, here at SERVPRO, we aim to alleviate some of that stress from your shoulders.  

Should your New Haven gym suffer water damage, get help as soon as possible. No matter when the emergency occurs, getting quick help can ensure that a broken pipe doesn't become permanent damage. Here at SERVPRO, we base our schedule around yours and try to be available whenever you need us.  

A Pipe Burst in My Gym at One AM, What Should I Do?  

Should a pipe burst, it is essential to remain calm and act quickly. You can start by:  

• Turning off the water to your building, and preventing water from free-flowing
• Calling for help as soon as the water has been shut off, or even while doing it
• Telling the technicians critical information about entrances and exits, so they can get to work fast  

Here at SERVPRO, we always strive to arrive whenever you need us, day or night.  

What Can Your Technicians Do to Remove the Standing Water?  

Our highly trained SERVPRO technicians use advanced technological devices to remove standing water as quickly as possible. We can use tools such as:  

• Portable submersible pumps
• Wet/dry vacuums
• Extractors  

After removing water from your property, we can use infrared cameras to look for any hidden water pockets. Furthermore, we can also set down drying equipment, such as dehumidifiers and flood drying mats, to minimize excess moisture. Here at SERVPRO, we strive to remediate all aspects of water damage, so you can go back to living your life as usual.  

If your business needs water damage restoration services, act now. Call SERVPRO of New Haven by dialing (203) 234-1100. We're always open for you.  

More about New Haven.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in New Haven, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of New Haven today at (203) 234-1100 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Are There Many Benefits of Professional Disinfection Services in New Haven CT?

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

: Our SERVPRO trained technicians can apply disinfectants using ULV ultra-light volume devices in a New Haven home or commercial structure.

Contact SERVPRO for Information and Biohazardous Cleaning and Disinfectant Application

The benefits of using professional-grade disinfection services in New Haven CT businesses are many. First, the current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the virus can remain viable on some surfaces for up to nine days, and the influenza virus can remain viable for around three days. This tells us that frequent cleaning of common touchpoint areas is crucial to inhibit the spread of this strong and active contagion.

Thankfully, SERVPRO techs have extensive training regarding the sanitization of biohazards in New Haven and the actions needed for cleaning and disinfecting many different surfaces. We hear lots of information about cleaning hard surfaces such as doorknobs, we seldom hear about textile cleaning, such as carpeting or even clothing. SERVPRO of New Haven representatives can meet with you to discuss the many options and services that are available to help you protect your residence or business. Our resources include having commercial equipment and medical-grade cleaners and disinfectants.

SERVPRO of New Haven offers the local community reasonably priced professional disinfection services for any size property, call today at (203) 234-1100.

Disclaimer: Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

A Pipe Burst in My Kitchen, What Do I Do to Get Rid of the Water in New Haven?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Should you experience a burst pipe, call SERVPRO. We are always available to restore your home.

Leave the Water Removal to SERVPRO When You Have an Incident in Your New Haven Home! 

Even though you work hard to prevent water emergencies from happening, it is often hard to avoid them entirely. If you suffer from water loss due to a burst pipe, water cleanup must commence as quickly as possible. Contacting professionals to take care of the water removal and drying and cleanup helps you restore your home to new, making it feel “Like it never even happened.” 

How Can SERVPRO Get the Water Cleaned Up Quickly? 

Once you call us for water removal in New Haven, we deploy a crew with our Green Fleet loaded with advanced equipment. After the water loss gets assessed, we then formulate a plan, including several essential steps: 

• Water is extracted using industrial-strength vacuums
• After removing visible water, we strategically place centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers to take moisture from the air
• A standard industrial formula is put into motion that helps us determine the number of air movers, dehumidifiers, and heaters are needed to facilitate optimum airflow for efficient drying
• Moisture sensor equipment allows us to determine where water may have migrated to have it addressed promptly
• After the entire kitchen is deemed dry, we use broad-spectrum EPA-registered disinfectants to inhibit microbial growth that often brings about foul odors after a water loss incident 

We understand how important the hours are following a burst pipe sending water into your kitchen. Because of this, we make sure to deploy teams as quickly as possible. In most scenarios, a crew arrives on your property in as little as four hours to get to work. 

Contact us at SERVPRO of New Haven when you need fast and reliable water removal. You can contact our team 24/7 (203) 234-1100. 

More about New Haven.

How Do I Decide What to Keep and What to Discard After a Household Fire in New Haven?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Call us at (203) 234-1100 to set our multi-discipline mitigation and remediation response in motion for you.

SERVPRO’s Specialized Cleaning and Deodorizing Strategies Save Time, Expense, and Memories for Our New Haven Customers

The heart of every home is the family and friends finding comfort and security within the structure. Your priority when fire strikes are moving loved ones to a safe space. Then you must find qualified and compassionate professionals to transform the soot-coated surfaces, deep charring, filthy water, and other chaotic circumstances facing you back to “Like it never even happened.”

?Should I Just Cut My Losses and Throw Everything Away?
The devastation of fire damage in your New Haven home affects not only the structure and fixtures in your home but also the furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions you and your family use and treasure. We have highly skilled technicians with decades of successful restoration on their resumes working to save your contents at our production facility as our onsite crews manage the challenges at your home.

When and Why Are Move-Outs Recommended?
Our dedicated move-out division uses SERVPRO’s Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to provide a detailed inventory of all items we pack up and transport to our climate-controlled workspace. We move your possessions as quickly as possible after careful packing for two primary reasons:?
    •    Delivering the damaged contents to our team of experienced Contents Processing Technicians (CPT) for targeted assessment, cleaning, disinfection, drying, and deodorization

    •    Clearing the fire-damaged spaces in your home, permitting our Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and other certified experts to work unimpeded

What Resources Are Available for Packed-Out Items?
Unique and individualized approaches to cleaning, drying, and restoration include, among many others:

    •    Freeze-drying for wet papers and pictures
    •    Immersion and ultrasonic tanks to clean tenaciously adhered residues
    •    Small drying and deodorization compartments to increase efficiency
    •    Industrial washing and drying equipment?

Many years of experience in restoring contents in tried, true, and innovative ways make SERVPRO of New Haven a trusted resource after fire devastates a home. Call us at (203) 234-1100 to set our multi-discipline mitigation and remediation response in motion for you.

For more about New Haven click here.

What Can Water Damage Do to My New Haven Home?

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

We have experience in all types and scenarios of water damage and can restore your home.

Water Infiltration in Your New Haven Home Can Lead to Structural Damage or Mold Growth, So Call SERVPRO for Expert Water Cleanup! 

Once water unexpectedly seeps into your New Haven home, safety and prompt action are crucial. All of your interior belongings are important to you, but our team at SERVPRO ensures that your family is safe from structural damage and the potential for mold and mildew growth. Something as slight as a leaky pipe can bring about hidden dangers to your electrical system, so we leave no stone unturned during restoration efforts. 

Why Call for Professional New Haven Water Restoration?

Trained professionals handle many jobs, including water cleanup in New Haven. Even in a clean water situation where a leak or emergency burst came from a faulty pipe, the chances of water migrating to areas not visible are incredibly high. Trained water restoration technicians (WRT) have the right equipment to get everything cleaned up as well as moisture detection tools to locate areas where the water may have traveled. 

How Can I Tell the Extent of the Damage in New Haven? 

Our trained technicians follow detailed guidelines on how to classify water loss situations. The four main classifications we use to categorize jobs include: 

• Class 1:This is a situation where a small area is impacted and may require little or no water extraction.
• Class 2:This situation impacts at least an entire room and may have up to 24 inches of water saturation.
• Class 3:This is a water loss that impacts a much larger area, often reaching more than one floor, which calls for extensive restoration efforts.
• Class 4:This type of situation generally includes specialized drying techniques that will not usually fall within the other classifications. 

If your water loss falls within Class 1, you need to know that there can still be a significant amount of damage. For example, if you have a broken pipe located on the second floor of your home, and it goes unaddressed, it may lead to Class 3 damage, call for more involved cleaning, and replace walls, ceilings, and floors. 

What if I Have a Slow Leak in New Haven That I Just Noticed? 

Any slow leaking pipe in New Haven can start to cause significant damage after just a short period. Even though the water coming from the supply line is clean, this delay in mitigation creates a moist environment that turns into a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This bacteria turns the Category 1 water or Class 1 situation into contaminated water, which calls for specialized cleaning and disinfection using EPA-registered cleaning agents. 

How Does Your Team Address Water Cleanup in New Haven? 

Several factors determine how we proceed with the cleanup and drying of your interior when you call us for water restoration services including: 

• The type of water that has invaded your home
• The overall size of the area that has been affected
• The types of building materials involved 

Clean water is always easier to clean up than a black water situation. With a burst pipe, the job could be as simple as pipe repair and drying the impacted area. Prompt action within 24 to 48 hours helps to prevent bacteria and mold from growing. 

We also consider all the materials impacted inside the water loss zone: 

• If carpeting is the only material impacted, restoration could be completed quickly.
• If insulation, drywall or framing is water damaged, the restoration efforts may take up to 10 days or longer from start to finish. 

SERVPRO likes to remind all water restoration clients that each situation is different. We take the time to assess each job carefully and formulate a plan for prompt water extraction using tools that our Green Fleet comes equipped with, including: 

• Truck-mounted water extractors
• Submersible pumps
• Wet/dry vacuums, and a variety of other tools 

What Items in My New Haven Home Are Not Salvageable? 

It is our goal to preserve as many of your essential possessions as we can. Not all items can are salvageable after a water loss, including: 

• Wood that has been fully saturated
• Food items touched by water
• Supplements and medications
• Personal hygiene items touched by water
• Anything that presents with mold growth 

Once we eliminate standing water within your home's loss zone, our skilled technicians set up industrial fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air. Moisture sensor technology and thermal imaging cameras allow us to locate any areas that need more attention to ensure thorough drying. After everything is deemed dry, we then sanitize and clean anything that has been in contact with the water. 

SERVPRO thoroughly documents everything that goes into the water restoration at your home. Not every water damage incident is equal in the eyes of many insurance companies. If the damage seems to be due to a lack of intervention on your part, you may have issues with insurance not covering all items. Working with insurance is why it is always better to call in the help of IICRC-certified technicians to get the project wrapped quickly and efficiently to ensure all bases are covered. 

SERVPRO of New Haven is here to help with all of your water cleanup needs, 24/7. Give us a phone call at (203) 234-1100, and we make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold Removal In New Haven Salon

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

The discovery of mold in your New Haven salon can be destructive to your business and your reputation simultaneously.

How Do I Remove Mold in My New Haven Salon?

Our SERVPRO remediation technicians can offer fast and effective solutions to protect your New Haven business and get you back open quickly.

The discovery of mold in your New Haven salon can be destructive to your business and your reputation simultaneously. With the potential health effects that come from exposure to active colonization, addressing these microbial threats in your business benefits your staff, your customers, and the structure itself.

Addressing the mold damage in your New Haven salon begins with assessing the scope of the damage and where moisture and dampness exist to facilitate mold growth. Our responding SERVPRO team can identify affected materials and moisture pockets with surface moisture meters.

Remediation often involves surface cleaning with antimicrobial solutions or with harsher sanding or soda blasting techniques. Removing the entire organism from affected materials can reduce the possibility of recurrences while our SERVPRO team works to dry out the salon so that customers can return. In more extreme cases, we might look to our partners with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) to reinstall deteriorating materials that had to get discarded.

What Should I Look for to Prevent Mold Recurrences?

    •    Check regularly for signs of dampness
    •    Make sure that any spills and leaks get thoroughly dried and repaired
    •    Manage relative humidity in the salon

Have mold in your salon? Give our SERVPRO of New Haven remediators a call today at (203) 234-1100.

For more about New Haven click here.

Why Should I Call SERVPRO in New Haven When I Need Water Removal?

4/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO arrives swiftly and on time, with advanced equipment and training to mitigate the water damage to your New Haven Home.

We Provide Timely Water Removal to Reduce Damage in Your Home

Water damage is nothing to ignore, especially with the costs involved to restore your property to preloss condition. SERVPRO's slogan -- We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, means that you have a highly-trained team at your door to start in right away.

For water removal in New Haven, we arrive and begin assessing your interior to determine the right process and equipment to use. Our technicians start with water removal by vacuuming or pumping out all visible water shortly after arriving to get a clear picture of the rest of the damage if any.

How does SERVPRO streamline the water removal process?

• Once all visible water is extracted, air movers and dehumidifiers work to remove moisture from the air, and soft contents like upholstery and drapes
• We use a standard industrial formula to determine how many heaters, air movers, and dehumidifiers get set up to create the optimum airflow for drying.
• Porous materials call for aggressive drying methods
• SERVPRO technicians use light wand extractors to pull water from the glue-down carpet, just one example
• EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectants are applied to help inhibit the potential for microbial growth that can lead to foul odors in your home.

What do we do during the initial contact?

We emphasize all call-in inquiries by concerned neighbors that rapid removal of standing water significantly mitigates the damage and allows for salvaging more contents, belongings, and even structural elements. We can communicate with you, the concerned property owner, and your insurance adjuster to stay within the budget offered for any cleanup and restoration services. We are here to help.

SERVPRO of New Haven is available for all of your water removal needs. Call (203) 234-1100 to have a team deployed to your location when an emergency arises.

Help for Selecting a Professional Restoration Service After Flooding in New Haven

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Spring rains bring the potential of flooding. Should the rains invade your home, know that SERVPRO is always available to take your call.

Identifying Reputable Restoration Teams After New Haven Flooding 

Flooding in New Haven homes can be overwhelming and leave many homeowners so fixated on fixing the immediate issues that they do not approach the situation with a clear mind. Many predatory companies can pop up amid natural disasters that we have seen in the area. As much as we can be a positive responder to these emergencies, we hope to keep our neighbors from befalling the unfortunate scam artists that appear after a storm. 

Knowing how to identify reputable restoration teams from these fake companies is not always easy, especially when you are under the stress of flood damage in your New Haven home. There are a few key differences that should help these fraudulent restoration teams stand out against accredited professionals in the industry like our SERVPRO team. 

Paying Upfront for Services  

One of the most considerable red flags that should inform you that you are not speaking to a legitimate restoration company is the request to pay money upfront, even part of the final bill. Our company does not ask for money until the work gets finished, and this is discussed throughout the restoration process to keep everyone on the same page. 

Unknown to Your Insurance  

After flooding, many local insurance companies reach out to our team directly on behalf of their clients and properties because we are a recognized name in quality restoration. If your insurance company has not heard of the team you are considering, there is a chance they are not as renowned as they might pretend to be. 

Undocumented  

Accredited restoration teams like our SERVPRO team have a business license complete with insurance for the work that we do in homes throughout the area. After flooding, many things could happen to your home in even the earliest stages of restoration. Choosing an uninsured and unlicensed restoration team leaves you vulnerable to even greater financial disasters. 

Flooding is a scenario that is more common than many homeowners might believe. When you need reputable and reliable service during an emergency, you can always count on our SERVPRO of New Haven professionals to help. Give us a call at (203) 234-1100. 

More about New Haven.

What Equipment Does SERVPRO Use to Remove Smoke Odors in New Haven

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage, if not properly cleaned, can leave smoke odors. SERVPRO has the expertise to remove those odors.

How Does a Thermal Fogger Remove Smoke Odor in New Haven Homes? 

Odor removal is an essential staple of fire recovery for New Haven homes. Though there are many deodorization tools that our company uses in fire restoration, few have the mobility or versatility of thermal foggers. As you might think, there are advantages and drawbacks to choosing this device over some of the other options that exist for our SERVPRO restorers, so understanding how it works. Its typical applications can help to showcase areas where you can expect to see it getting used. 

Harsh odors can cause living with fire damage in New Haven homes unbearable, even when the other effects are not as challenging. The choice of using thermal foggers over other devices like hydroxyl machines or ozone generators is one that comes down to several factors. Choosing the deodorizing tool hinges on: 

• The space that must get restored
• The presence of porous materials likely to absorb foul scents
• The presence of people and pets in the restoration space
• The severity of the odor concentration in the damaged region 

Thermal foggers work by taking one of the SERVPRO-approved fire damage deodorization products and superheating it within the device to convert the solution into a fog. In a gas state, this neutralizing compound can easily penetrate damaged porous materials, contents, and open areas of the house. 

The advantage of using thermal foggers over some of the other options is the mobility of these units. Because foggers are lightweight, they can travel quickly between areas in a house that require deodorization, unlike weightier machines like ozone generators. Thermal fogging machines are also safer to use in most applications because they do not require humans and pets to avoid the affected area. Ozone generators, while highly effective, are hazardous to the health of those directly exposed while the unit is running. 

Deodorization is one of the mainstays of fire recovery, and an obstacle that our SERVPRO of New Haven team has overcome many times. We can utilize tools like our thermal fogging machines to neutralize harsh odors and make fire losses “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at (203) 234-1100. 

More about New Haven.

Restoration of Flood Damage Incidents in New Haven with Minimal Inconveniences

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

You need the professionals to get your home back from flood damage. Call SERVPRO any time.

Why You Can Trust SERVPRO to Restore Your Home After Flood Damage Occurs

There is never a convenient time for a flooding incident. Apart from the financial loss and other problems that develop, restoration of flood damage incidents can create unique challenges or inconveniences. Hiring a professional restorer such as SERVPRO helps deal with the problem with minimal inconveniences. 

Restoration of flood damage in New Haven requires the effort of many people to help with tasks such as moving items, water extraction, and cleaning, among others. If you are wary of letting strangers into your home, getting people off the street to help you might not be a viable option, but working with professionals can help ease your privacy concerns since the workers are trained to relate with customers professionally. Our SERVPRO crews also have a variety of sophisticated equipment that reduces the number of people involved when restoring your home.

The processes involved in the restoration of flooded properties, including the movement of contents, demolition, and disposal of waste, can lead to loss of valuables. Our SERVPRO technicians keep proper inventories, which indicate where every item is. Categorizing items as salvageable, unsalvageable, or questionable in the early stages of the restoration helps ensure nothing is disposed of by mistake.

Finding unaddressed issues long after the restoration of an incident is a great inconvenience. Issues such as lingering odor or mold development after an incident, are undesirable outcomes, which indicate that an inadequately addressed incident. Our SERVPRO technicians take precautions not to leave unaddressed issues. We use sophisticated equipment to trace water intrusion patterns in hidden places such as subfloors and other cavities. We also open up walls by making flood cuts and remove porous materials to eliminate odor, contamination, and other problems. Deodorization of the affected property removes any lingering smells.

Reducing the inconveniences that develop during the restoration of flooding incidents in Hamden, North Haven, and West Haven helps minimize the stress associated with such incidents. Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Want to see more about New Haven?

We Get You Back To Business In New Haven After A Flood

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our trucks mounted with water extraction units used for suctioning up water from the damaged areas of the structure after a flood.

Removing Commercial Flood Damage from a New Haven Barbershop

Connecticut business owners may be surprised to find that the average commercial flood insurance claim can be more than $97,000. While that may be pocket change for large businesses, small businesses often have difficulty recovering from these types of disasters due to lost revenue and having to replace inventory and materials. Worse still, without proper mitigation, flooding can leave behind mold and other contaminants that can affect the quality and safety of your business.

If you are a small business owner looking for commercial flood damage mitigation in New Haven, your local SERVPRO has you covered. This IICRC-certified team of technicians is highly experienced in flood damage mitigation and restoration and is always ready to help business owners open their doors once more. SERVPRO employs state-of-the-art technologies such as infrared cameras, submersible pumps, and industrial-grade deodorizers to return your business to a sanitary, preloss condition.

Supplemental Flood Insurance Protection Tips

If your business is in a high-risk flood area along the coast or the Quinnipiac River, you may be familiar with NFIP's flood insurance policies. However, you may need supplemental insurance to cover specific items such as:

• Business property or equipment used outside of the building, such as septic systems and cisterns.
• Business vehicles, which are not covered under NFIP commercial flood policies. Your vehicle insurance can cover them as an endorsement.
• Any damages to your building, inventory, or business property over $500,000. These require excess coverage.

Generally speaking, you absorb the financial damages from shutting down your business after a flood. However, some private flood insurance policies do cover financial damages from shuttering your business.

How SERVPRO Restores Your Business

When flooding occurs, it can be challenging for any business to bounce back, particularly small local establishments like barbershops. However, SERVPRO professionals get straight to work on extracting floodwaters and removing contaminated debris, such as rugs and other porous items, with the full knowledge of both you and your insurance adjuster. 

After removing the bulk of the water with a submersible or truck-mounted pump, restoration techs can use portable extractors to remove water from salvageable furnishings. These extractors feature three separate systems for heating, vacuuming, and pumping that work in tandem to thoroughly remove moisture and prepare your space for disinfection and drying. Drywall that is absorbed moisture can be prepared with weep holes and flood cuts to maximize ventilation in wall cavities and minimize the risk of mold proliferation.

SERVPRO of New Haven can provide you with service that makes your business look, "Like it never even happened." No matter when disaster strikes in your business, you can call (203) 234-1100.

See more about New Haven.

We Are The Right Choice In New Haven Water Damage Restoration

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our skilled technicians are ready 24/7 and have the state of the art equipment and advanced training to restore your home, call us right away.

Conditions Necessary to Freeze and Burst Pipes in New Haven Homes

Freezing pipes continues to be one of the most devastating and consistent loss incidents that New Haven homeowners can experience throughout the winter months. As preventable as these circumstances might often be, misinformation about how pipes can freeze, and which areas of the house are most susceptible to this loss incident. Freezing pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage over just a short period, especially if you do not notice the situation right away.

Understanding the conditions necessary to freeze the pipes in your property can help to reduce the likelihood of water damage to New Haven homes. Better preventative measures can help our customers to experience less of the destructive properties of cold snaps and steep temperature drops. Here are some facts that can help you assess risks before catastrophes have our SERVPRO team on-site to assist.

• While water freezes at 32 degrees, conditions must often drop below 25-28 degrees to solidify water inside of your interior plumbing.
• Freezing points often exist where the service line feeding the house enters the basement
• Insulating pipes reduces cold air exposure and frost formations and can often be sufficient for preventing freezing in most situations.

Despite the heating unit often being located in the basement levels, unless you use a wood or coal stove to heat the property, the basement remains one of the coldest areas of the entire house. In the most extreme temperature drops that the city can often experience through the winter months, this bitter cold can surround exposed pipes in this lower level and freeze the water inside.

Bursting pipes can deposit more than 100 gallons of water a minute onto the floor until the water supply gets severed. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with efficient extraction options, including our truck-mount pump for substantial standing water damage concerns. For the concrete flooring, we can utilize drying mats when the material has allowed moisture to penetrate beyond the surface. We also have a standing relationship with the Connecticut Reconstruction Services team, who can work to repair damaged plumbing and reconstruct any areas that need it.

However our SERVPRO of New Haven team can help after a water loss incident, give us a call at (203) 234-1100.

See more about New Haven.

Why Homeowners are Confident of Overcoming Property Damages here in New Haven.

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

New Haven we will be there at the starting gate to walk you through any of your remediation needs.

SERVPRO will always show you the why when it comes to your New Haven damages.

Home repairs can come at the most unpredictable of times. SERVPRO of New Haven is here for the community providing emergency restoration services to commercial and private property. Our roster of experienced technicians covers mitigation and repair of the property after mold, fire, water, or storm-related damages. We are a fully-licensed asbestos mitigation provider with qualifications and permits for biohazard as well as trauma cleanup. Whenever the community requires emergency property repair, we are available via our twenty-four hour emergency help center. Contact us today. 

Storm

Exceptionally violent weather events can cause severe storm damage to your New Haven home. The combination of high winds with an increased risk of flash flooding can often result in damage to both structural contents and the structure of the home itself. These issues may present themselves as broken windows, roofing, or doors. You may find the lower levels of your property, including crawlspaces, become flooded, resulting in a potential biohazard concern. SERVPRO is available on call to assist you after a violent weather event.  

In the immediate aftermath of a storm, the main concern for New Haven homeowners is safety and security. Temporary relocation may be a necessity during hurricane season. SERVPRO can visit your property during this time and perform emergency board-ups of broken windows and doors to prevent unlawful entry or looting. We can also seal the weakened roof structure using temporary tarps to prevent rainwater from entering the property and causing further damage. 

Our restoration services are focused on mitigation and security. If your home requires structural repairs that go beyond the scope of SERVPRO restoration services, we can arrange for trusted general contractors on your behalf. We find this procedure can significantly reduce the stress of home reconstruction because you only need to work with one point of contact throughout the service. Once the restoration is complete, our New Haven team can complete your paperwork for a stress-free claim. 

Mold

While mold spores exist in all home environments, they can become problematic if they can breed on cellular rich surfaces. These surfaces may include wall-paper, drywall, or natural woods. Over time, a mold infestation can result in the rotting away of the structure without professional restoration services. Dampness is the main factor in uncontrolled mold damage in your New Haven home, and remediation procedure may require thorough drying of wall cavities to be completed effectively. 

When mold infests porous materials, the only way to prevent repeat issues is to remove altogether and replace the offending items. In some New Haven homes, asbestos may be discovered during inspection or removal of mold. SERVPRO is a licensed asbestos abatement company and can seal the affected area to prevent cross-contamination. We can then bring in air-scrubbing equipment to clear any asbestos fibers before placing asbestos in double-sealed biohazardous waste bags for safe, responsible disposable. 

A property that is professionally cleaned, dried, and disinfected is unlikely to experience persistent mold issues. By combining both containment and decontamination procedures, SERVPRO mold remediation technicians can bring microbial growth back under control. We may recommend you install vapor barriers beneath your crawlspace or have your plumbing and insulation checked to reduce the likelihood of returning mold and address the underlying causes. 

Water

A backed-up sewer pipe or nearby road overflow can cause water damage in your New Haven home. These types of property incidents are considered by restoration services to be biohazardous. There is a strong likelihood that your home may become flooded with herbicides, pesticides, raw sewage, or animal carcasses. SERVPRO has a dedicated team of biohazardous waste technicians to both remove and dispose of dangerous substances in line with state law.

You should avoid all contact with biohazardous waste and black water in your New Haven home. Where possible, you should attempt to seal off the room by closing doors to prevent potentially harmful sewer gases or pathogens escaping into other areas of the home. SERVPRO can arrive with the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to both enter and decontaminate a biohazardous waste situation. 

We begin by removing as much water as possible, as quickly as possible. Contaminated water can spread or be absorbed by materials in the structure and contents of your home. The longer these materials are exposed to black water, the more likely it is they take on moisture and the pathogens within. Once the standing water is pumped out, we can begin the restoration service by shoveling or removing biohazardous waste into double-sealed disposal bags. SERVPRO can thoroughly disinfect the area as well as demolish and replace materials like drywall that may itself become contaminated. Thorough deodorization is included within the restoration service.

Fire

A property fire can leave behind large amounts of debris, soot, smokes, and odors. SERVPRO has an impressive reputation in restoring indoor air quality and removing soiling after fire damage in New Haven. Fire restoration cleaning combines different techniques, equipment, and expertise intending to return the structure of your home to a preloss condition. Restoration services consider structuring any permanently attached items in the home, such as doors, window frames, pillars, banisters, stairs, walls, and ceiling. 

Usually, when performing a fire restoration service, a SERVPRO technician aims to address structure and contents separately. Generally, contents are removed to a cleanroom or sometimes to an offsite facility for cleaning while the structural restoration is underway. Wet cleaning methods tend to be the most efficient and active, so, where possible, SERVPRO technicians aim to clean walls, ceilings, and flooring using solvent-based cleaning products.

Some materials in the home may become damaged further by introducing water or wet cleaning methods. We can use gentler dry cleaning techniques for a structure that may respond poorly to add moisture. You may also find that parts of your New Haven home are so severely damaged that they are beyond repair. SERVPRO can remove these items from the property and, as far as light construction is concerned, replace them with clean materials. 

While property emergencies are inconvenient, they need not be a permanent inconvenience. For restoration services relating to mold, storm, fire, or water, contact SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100.

To find out more about New Haven, click here.

A Few Commercial Water Damage Mistakes in New Haven That You Should Avoid

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Office bathroom water damage needs to be mitigated right away to prevent facility closure.  Contact our experienced team 24/7 for services.

Commercial Water Damage New Haven – Swelling Subfloor Damages Tile

One of the reasons many owners install ceramic tile in commercial offices is that the tile can withstand lots of foot traffic and lasts much longer than carpeting. Tile also maintains the original finish and can be easily cleaned. Few people realize that tile can be damaged when a water leak floods a tile floor.

SERVPRO has been responding to commercial water damage incidents in the New Haven area for many years. Our team's experience and certifications allow us to provide emergency services to New Haven for water, fire, and storm damage whenever it occurs on a 24/7 basis.

Why Tile Floors May Crack

Whenever a water leak occurs, the water can spread rapidly over a tile floor. With nothing to absorb the water, such as a carpet, water may cover the entire floor in minutes. If the leak is identified quickly and repaired, many customers assume all that is needed is to mop up the surface water, allow it to dry for a few hours, and normal business activities can be resumed.

Tile and the grout are always sealed at installation. However, over time, cracks may appear in the grout, or there may have been areas that remained porous. Water sitting on a tile floor can seep in between the cracks or around edges to the subfloor below. Once the subfloor becomes wet, the wood may swell, placing pressure on the tile, causing further lifting or even cracking of tiles in the area.

SERVPRO can help remove standing water from your commercial building as well as test subfloors to ensure the floor is dry and not cause damage sometime later. If the subfloor can be reached from the floor below, drying from the bottom may be considered. Small holes can be drilled into the grout to assess the moisture levels. We also use non-penetrating meters to assess moisture levels.

Let SERVPRO help to prevent tile breakage or loosening. We can clean up after a water leak and monitor the subfloor to avoid potential future problems.

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Mount Carmel, Spring Glen, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here to learn more about New Haven. 

When You Need Professional Cleanup Service In New Haven Call Our Experts

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

We are locally owned and operated and our experts have the training, equipment, and experience to restore your home 24/7.

SERVPRO Tackles Basement Flood Damage in New Haven

Many Connecticut homeowners may be considering remodeling their basement. On average, homeowners spend $62,834 according to 2014 figures. It is crucial to weigh this investment against the average losses from basement flood damage, which can be as much as $48,000.

If your New Haven residence requires rapid flood damage cleanup, an IICRC-certified SERVPRO crew is ready to take on the job. Both technicians and franchise owners alike receive extensive training in flood damage mitigation, as well as restoration of items whenever possible. Our emphasis is on your safety and comfort so you can enjoy your home restored to a preloss condition.

Preventive Measures for Basement Water Damage

• Mind your water bill. While floods can be disastrous, other types of water damage can be easily detected by finding sudden increases in water costs. 
• Do routine maintenance. If you install a sump pump in your basement, you can minimize damage from flooding and other types of water accumulation to a certain degree.
• Protect your basement. Measures like automatic dehumidifier systems, thermal insulation, and drainage systems are excellent ways to minimize the effect of moisture on your basement.
• Install sensors. Having water sensors in your basement allows you to be alerted as soon as moisture is detected. Some water sensors are even able to turn off power and close valves to minimize damage.
• Repair cracks. One of the most common ways water infiltrates basements is through cracks in the walls or foundation. If you see a crack, repair it, no matter how small it is.

How SERVPRO Can Help

When SERVPRO technicians come to your home, they can get right to work extracting floodwaters from your basement. One of the primary concerns after extraction and before drying is stopping the spread of microbes. There are several methods that technicians can use to mitigate damage and other risks from microbes, including EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectants, and controlling temperature, humidity, and pH levels. Vacuums with HEPA filters may be used to take care of airborne microbes that are as small as 0.3 microns in size. 

Extensively contaminated materials may require removal, and what is safely salvageable in a flood situation can be disinfected and dried accordingly. Technicians can discuss the disposal of items with homeowners and insurance adjusters to keep them informed throughout the cleaning process.

SERVPRO of New Haven is a team you can count on to make sure your home looks, "Like it never even happened." When you need professional cleanup service, you can call (203) 234-1100 any time of the day or night.

See more about New Haven.

Early Mitigation Steps for Fire-Damaged New Haven Homes

11/30/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to your New Haven home fire, get with SERVPRO.

SERVPRO will take on your New Haven fire damage.

One of the most severe disasters that can affect New Haven homes is a fire. While these emergencies ultimately require professional restoration and remediation service, this cannot begin until the appropriate extinguishment process has been completed. In many situations, our SERVPRO team gets notified of the disaster, along with first responders, to have our qualified technicians mobilized and ready to step in with emergency services when firefighters have given the all-clear.

Recovering after a loss involves more than scoping the fire damage and odor in New Haven residences and working to overcome them. Early mitigation work can both reduce the severity of current damages and prevents worsening conditions from developing in the hours and days following the fire. There are a few specific steps that our team can implement immediately to help reduce the cost of restoration and shorten the timeline of recovery.

Many of the emergency services provided by our SERVPRO professionals get chosen for their ability to reduce harsh odors in a residence after a fire. Odors can often be one of the most significant challenges to face for even experienced professionals on our team, so reducing catalysts to the problem can help to make this deodorization process more streamlined and successful.

In many cases, removing charred and partially combusted items that can supply the region with noxious scents is a good starting point. Between the controlled demolition practices available to our customers through our licensed general contractors we have in-house to our content management department that can remove overly damaged personal belongings and seek to restore items not completely ruined, we have effective strategies for contending with fire and smoke odor origin points.

All of the immediate services for a fire-damaged home are vital to prevent further spread and deterioration of the structure. When it comes to reducing and eventually eliminating harsh odors, controlled demolition and content management can be useful starting points. No matter what your home needs after a fire, you can count on the experience and equipment of our SERVPRO of New Haven team to help. Give us a call anytime at (203) 234-1100.

To find out more about New Haven, click here.

Heaters Are Essential To Water Recoveries In New Haven

11/17/2019 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of New Haven team a call anytime you need us at (203) 234-1100.

Why Heaters Are Vital to New Haven Water Recoveries in Winter

During the winter months, our SERVPRO team faces some of the most substantial volumes of water loss incidents throughout New Haven. Because of cold snaps that can damage plumbing to ice damming building along the eaves of rooftops, the frigid conditions can lead to multiple avenues that damage your home with moisture and direct water penetration. Finding the most effective strategies for drying up these damages is vital to protecting your home.

Many homes throughout the region are no strangers to the use of portable heaters in the winter, but a similar technology can get used by our professionals to address water damage in New Haven residences better. Direct heaters have multiple functions in a home after a water loss incident, and that is why it arrives with our technicians dispatched to these emergencies at any hour of the day.

Our technologies harnessing direct heat to more efficiently evaporate saturation and moisture are a vital element to our drying efforts at any time of the year. Our experts can make this process even more efficient through tenting procedures that utilize our thick 6mil plastic sheeting taped down and held in place with sandbags. The objective with tenting is creating a small work area where equipment like our dehumidifiers, drying mats, air movers, and even direct portable electric heaters can better serve their specific purposes.

While the manipulation of the temperature can help to increase the rate in which drying can occur, our portable heating units can also be vital for your home in situations where power gets lost. Under substantial water loss scenarios, homes must temporarily sever their electricity to prevent danger to the family or our SERVPRO professionals until extraction and recovery complete. Our field generators can produce the power to keep our customers warm while water loss restoration continues in the drying zone.

We're always doing what we can to help our customers through traumatic emergencies that can damage homes and their occupants. Our electric heaters can help speed up drying and make the restoration more comfortable for our customers, even amid a substantial loss incident. Give our SERVPRO of New Haven team a call anytime you need us at (203) 234-1100.

For more about New Haven click here.

SERVPRO Provides Real-World Solutions to Mold Remediation in Hamden Commercial and Industrial Sites

10/26/2019 (Permalink)

Don't Let Mold Spores Ruin the Indoor Air Quality of Your Hamden Office--Call SERVPRO for Remediation

Restoring Normal Indoor Air Quality after a Case of Commercial Mold in Your Hamden Office

Mold has a musty smell, which can make your Hamden office uncomfortable. Apart from the smell, mold also releases spores and other debris into the air, which can have adverse health effects on the occupants. Even if mold colonies are not in view, such as when they develop in wall cavities or above the ceiling, their effects on the IAQ is the same as when developing in the open.

Restoring indoor air quality after discovering commercial mold in your Hamden office requires an understanding of how the problem develops. When materials in a building are wet or damp over extended periods, bacteria and mold colonize these materials. The growth process releases microscopic airborne particles, while the Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds produced, release the musty odor associated with mold. Mold can also develop in the HVAC system, which further compromises the air quality in your office. Poor air quality is often the root cause of a "sick office."

Removing all mold colonies and debris from the structure is the first step towards improving air quality. Our SERVPRO technicians use different approaches, including:

    HEPA Vacuuming
    Damp Wiping
    Wire brushing or other forms of agitation
    Removal of porous materials

Vacuuming helps remove loose debris and spores from surfaces. The use of HEPA filtered vacuums helps because they capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3-micron, ensuring none of the spores and mold debris escapes into the air. Damp wiping helps remove debris adhering to the surfaces in the affected areas. It also helps kill spores and prevents further growth, especially when we use cleaning agents with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. In case of massive growth on porous surfaces, removing the material is necessary because cleaning procedures cannot remove the root hyphae that penetrate below the surface.

 When demolishing affected areas, it is possible to release mold debris, further compromising the indoor air quality in your office. Our SERVPRO technicians take various steps to prevent this, including creating isolation zones and running negative air pressure machines during demolition.

Quality indoor air quality is necessary for comfort and maximum productivity in the office. Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Regulating Humidity Levels After Hamden Flood Damage

10/20/2019 (Permalink)

Your Hamden home can go back to normal after a flood.

Let us help you through the flood in your Hamden community.

Hamden homes call for immediate attention to extract water in the event of a flood. Our team of trained technicians at SERVPRO can help you to protect your home and your family from potentially hazardous conditions. We offer a range of containment and cleanup strategies that help to keep microbial threats to a minimum.

Something that remains vital after a flood event is controlling the humidity by containing the area. We have proven methods we use for addressing flood damage in Hamden and the surrounding areas. Our team can quickly get inside to work on drying out construction materials and structural elements using the latest equipment and technology. Dehumidification is done to not only mitigate water and moisture damage from the flooding but also to help keep secondary damage from forming due to prolonged exposure.

While homeowners often turn to dehumidifiers within the drying zones, there is more to effective drying and moisture control. Such units are elemental for the drying process, but SERVPRO technicians know that proper leveling of the moisture content in the air can speed up restoration efforts. Once the area is disinfected and cleaned thoroughly, our team can then employ the use of air movers to dry the space efficiently.

Something that only flood damage and water restoration professionals know is the proper way to create negative pressure in the drying zone. SERVPRO technicians can use hydroxyl generators and negative air chamber units to help clean environmental contaminants by way of HEPA filtration. This technology works to trap and exhaust these contaminants outside the home. When using these specialized units strategically, we can manage relative humidity and dehumidify your home to limit the impact of secondary water damage. The impact includes the potential hazards involved in mold growth.

We know that flood damage is a situation that can be both hazardous and costly for any homeowner. SERVPRO of New Haven has teams at the ready for mobilization 24/7 to help if disaster strikes. All you have to do is give our staff a call at (203) 234-1100.

To learn more about Hamden, click here.

Our Professionals Can Save Your Fire Damaged Garage In Hamden

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of New Haven is Faster to Any Size Disaster, no matter when it occurs in your home.

Garage Fire Damage in Hamden Can Be Mitigated By Professionals

Garage fires are not something the average homeowner has to consider every day, but according to the US Fire Administration, approximately 6,600 garage fires occur in the United States every year. The most prevalent cause of these fires is electrical failure. A light with faulty wiring that catches fire near flammable materials like a wooden workbench can be all it takes for fire damage to affect your home.

When fire damage occurs in your Hamden residence, SERVPRO technicians and franchise owners have extensive training in cleanup and safety.  Commercial-grade materials and comprehensive education mean that homeowners get a safer, more thorough clean that protects their home and possessions.

Tips for Preventing Garage Fires
• Keep your garage clean. Not only does clutter make it easier to address a fire when it happens, but it also means fewer materials available to stoke the flames.

• Store flammable materials separately. Put aerosols, motor oil, propane, paint, and other flammable items in a shed or other area unconnected to the home.

• Avoid overloading outlets. Overloaded outlets are one of the most frequent causes of garage fires, so be mindful of electricity use to minimize risks. Using extension cords can create additional risk for wire failures that can start a fire.

• Install a heat alarm. Many garages do not have smoke alarms and may set them off accidentally due to hot temperatures or exposure to dust and fumes. Heat alarms can alert you to unusual changes in temperature that indicate a fire more reliably.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Possessions
After a team reaches your home, they can get started right away on addressing soot, fumes, and residues generated by a garage fire. SERVPRO uses a variety of advanced cleaning techniques to restore items, including wet and dry cleaning, immersion in eco-friendly cleaners, and much more. If your tools and home repair items are covered in soot, ash, or residues, a combination of immersion, abrasives, spray cleaning, and other techniques may be utilized for restoration.

Lingering odors are common after a fire and can be combated with a combination of industrial cleaners, adequate ventilation, odor counteractant beads, and commercial-grade deodorization. If air is particularly dirty, HEPA air scrubbers can catch odor-causing particulates as small as 0.3 microns in size.

SERVPRO of New Haven is Faster to Any Size Disaster, no matter when it occurs in your home. Call (203) 234-1100 today to get speedy and reliable emergency service.

For more about Hamden click here.

SERVPRO Can Provide Multiple Flood-Related Services to Our New Haven Customers

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, Storms, Flooding, and Much More Restoration for Damaged Homes in New Haven

Tree Removal and Extraction after New Haven Flooding

Powerful storms are enough to reach New Haven and down powerlines, uproot trees from the soil, and send circulating debris to cause even more damage to area homes. Properties here are also susceptible to flooding, especially in the lower-lying regions. Those that have structural concerns on account of roof damage or falling trees can also be in a vulnerable position to combat the often hazardous conditions of floods.

Fallen trees can cause significant damage to a house, but even more pressing is the flood damage in New Haven properties that can follow. Through roof destruction to broken windows and missing siding, a tree can destroy portions of your home’s exterior. These vulnerabilities become penetration points for the heavy rainfall. The priority of our SERVPRO team when they first arrive at the damaged address is to address structural vulnerabilities to reduce further water penetration that can amplify flood damage.
 
Our professionals work quickly to identify the structural concerns with the property as soon as we arrive. As much as we must get extraction and other mitigation services started, without addressing breaches in your home’s defense, you continue to leave the property vulnerable to further flooding. We have a comprehensive approach to restoration and recovery, offering both experienced and trained technicians as well as seasoned contractors in-house that can work to begin emergency construction projects as soon as our SERVPRO team first arrives. These tasks include board-ups, tarping, temporary fences, and the removal of the fallen tree if it still poses an immediate threat to your property.
 
Once the structural concerns have gotten addressed temporarily, our professionals can get to work on removing standing water and migrating moisture with a combination of our extraction equipment and drying tools. Our machines, like the trash pumps and portable sump pumps, provide fast and continual removal of water to the outside of your home or a designated drain point. If the floodwaters have receded, we can use vacuuming equipment to extract the residual water.
 
Fallen trees present multiple risks for homeowners, especially amid a storm. With the weight crashing against your house, many property owners can almost immediately need to contend with the flood effects that follow substantial breaches. Let our SERVPRO of New Haven restorers and contractors work together to make this disaster “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (203) 234-1100.

Steps SERVPRO Takes to Restore Commercial Water Damaged Carpet in New Haven

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

When offices experience a water loss event, SERVPRO to the rescue! We can quickly extract the water from your carpet.

Restoration of Wet Carpet from Commercial Water Damage in New Haven

Very little smells worse than wet carpeting from a commercial water damage event. This odor is even more significant when the water sat overnight and discovered the next morning. Because of the way water degrades quickly, fast clean up is vital to stop the investment in the property's carpeting from becoming a water loss casualty.  

Since SERVPRO technicians are available 24-hours daily to cleanup commercial water damage to New Haven properties, the fast action makes the difference between whether it is a clean, gray or black water mitigation for the property. 

Safety First in Water Cleanup Situations

SERVPRO technicians test the water to ensure there are no harmful bacteria or chemicals present and choose the appropriate extraction methods for fast removal of the water. If exposure to water included sewage or sat longer than 48 hours before cleanup, carpet requires removal per biohazard disposal methods. 

Carpet Cleanup Requires Specialized Applications

Due to the porous nature of commercial carpet and padding, a standard wet/dry vacuum cannot do the job sufficiently to avoid odors or the potential for mold growth. SERVPRO has powerful equipment with specific attachments to work on carpet and eliminate most of the water for faster drying.  

Mold is Always a Concern

After water damage, particularly in porous materials such as carpet fibers or behind baseboards, technicians apply proactive efforts to limit the possibility of mold growth. These efforts include thorough drying, antibacterial cleaning solutions, and the use of antimicrobial sealants.  

Deodorizing is Crucial

Water leaves its unique signature scent, and SERVPRO technicians often use a multi-layered approach to treating odor left behind, especially in the carpet fibers. Covering foul odors is not enough, and the technicians deploy equipment designed to neutralize airborne odors at the molecular level.  

Sealing After Cleaning Keeps Carpet Looking Great Longer

Once the carpet in the commercial property has soils and residues removed, the application of a professional-grade fiber sealer assists in keeping high traffic areas looking cleaner for longer and with regular maintenance can work to extend the life of your commercial carpet thereby protecting your investment. 

Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 when you need fast action against commercial water damage in your New Haven business property. They arrive fast and work to get your business reopened without a sign of the damage "Like it never even happened."

More about New Haven.

The Danger of Flood Damage in New Haven Can Be Seen in the Water

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help with all types of water damage that can occur in your home.

Types of Water that can damage your home

Safety is one of the most important considerations we make when working with flood damage in New Haven. Floods can be unpredictable and devastating and may cause severe health effects even with appropriate protective equipment and precautions. We use the clean/gray/black color scale to identify the risks associated with flood damage in local homes. 

Clean water flood damage in New Haven comes from water sources inside the home, such as an overflowing bathtub or from rain that enters the home through a window or open door. This water is generally safe and poses few health concerns, but with time, it can start to become contaminated. 

Gray water is more dangerous than clear water. Most of the time, gray water we encounter in local homes is the result of clean water that develops bacteria and mold growth. 

The most dangerous type of flood damage involves blackwater. Blackwater may not always be black, but is often murky and hard to see through. This type of water contains many contaminants and should be avoided by you at all costs. 

SERVPRO of New Haven has the expertise necessary to handle unsafe flood damages. Call us at (203) 234-1100. 

New Haven, CT

We Are Available 24/7 For Your New Haven Home After A Flood Disaster

8/11/2019 (Permalink)

We have the specialized equipment, expertise and experience to restore your home right away after you experience flood damage.

An Ocean Based Storm Can Cause Flood Damage to Your New Haven Home  

Flood damage is a nightmare for any homeowner. If floodwaters get inside of your home, they can ruin floors, equipment, electronics, furniture, clothing, and even the very structure of your house. For this reason, you need to contact professional help as soon as the problem begins, as water damage is much easier to remediate if dealt with swiftly. 

The flood damage inside your New Haven home happened while you were away at your day job. The storm hit swiftly and suddenly, bringing intense winds and heavy rainfall right to your door. Unfortunately, the winds were so bad that the currents forced a tree to fall right next to your home, which plunged a hole through a large window in your dining room. When you find the damage in your dining room, the best thing you can do is to reach out for help as soon as possible. 

Here at SERVPRO, we focus our services around being there when you need us. Day or night, weekend or weekday, our highly trained technicians are ready to help you. Our water damage restoration technicians are Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration-certified (IICRC,) and ready to face any situation that they may find in your home. Remember, at SERVPRO, our technicians always rush to get to your home, so we can make it "Like it never even happened." 

When our technicians get to your home, the first thing we can do is inspect the flood damage and figure out if the water is classified as black water. Black water often happens when flood waters overrun contaminants, such as bio-waste, chemicals, and hazardous materials. However, since the waters that got into your home were mostly rainwater, the water inside of your home doesn't meet the requirements to be considered black water. For this reason, our SERVPRO techs can choose to use rover-mounted extractors to remove the standing water. Extractors come with a heating element inside, making them excellent at removing water and drying objects like carpets at the same time. 

Once the standing water is gone, SERVPRO can check to see if any water damage remains behind in your dining room. If a moisture meter, or a thermal imagining camera, reveals that there is additional moisture in your home, our techs can bring in equipment designed to remove it. 

Should an intense storm cause flood damage in your home, never wait to get help. Communicate with SERVPRO of New Haven by dialing (203) 234-1100. We're ready to help you whenever you need us. 

See more about New Haven.

Commercial Hospitality Enterprises Benefit from Rapid SERVPRO Water Loss Mitigation

7/20/2019 (Permalink)

Don't Let Water Damage Dampened Your New Haven Hotel Guests Vacation--Call SERVPRO for Restoration

Water Damage in Your New Haven Hotel

Among the biggest threats to your New Haven hotel is the guests that you attract to the premises. Often people do not treat these rented rooms or the utilities piped to each unit with the same respect and regard as they do in their own home, and as such, negligent accidents can happen at any time. Overflows from sinks and tubs are the most common, often attributed to a malfunctioning or poorly installed failsafe drain system intended to prevent water levels from reaching the brim of the bathroom fixture. The result is substantial water loss in the bathroom areas of a guest’s room that can quickly spread into the main area and to adjoining units without the appropriate mitigation and water removal.

Water damage in New Haven hotels threatens more than just any immediate guests inconvenienced or required to locate. Your ability to handle these emergencies in real-time can often become a direct reflection of your reputation in the community, and can even later bolster more business and repeat business. Even with moderate-sized extraction and drying equipment likely purchased for your maintenance and custodial teams, the best solution is to reach out to skilled professionals like our SERVPRO responders.

The longer that emergencies like this wait for complete drying, the more units and guests that become affected. Not only does this displace more of your paying customers, but it also directly impacts your online rating in forums travelers use to determine the quality of your establishment. Our SERVPRO team can implement multiple extraction tools and drying units suited for the specific scope of the damage present. With the right thorough drying approach, materials like tile and even wood vanity fixtures can avoid getting removed and replaced.

The ability to double-check our efforts with infrared imagery and hygrometers can show management and the hotel owner our progress. This non-invasive approach prevented removal and controlled demolition, where it has not become necessary.

Every hour can mean more disaster and damage to your area hotel, so do not waste time in getting this situation resolved as quickly and confidently as possible. Trust our SERVPRO of New Haven specialists to arrive quickly with a deep inventory of tools and products to help. Give us a call anytime at (203) 234-1100.

Click here to visit New Haven

Don’t Try and Tackle Flood Damage in Your New Haven Residence Alone

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage to your New Haven home can be tiresome to deal with alone. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Responding to Several Aspects of Flood Damage in Your New Haven Home 

You may consider a storm as a single event, but it can damage your property in many ways. Lighting and falling debris such as tree branches can punch holes in the roof while the strong winds can blow up windows. All these problems create ways for water to reach the interior of your house and cause widespread damages. A fast response can help save your New Haven home when such an incident happens. 

Protecting the property from further deterioration is a crucial step when responding to flood damage in your New Haven home. Various steps can help you achieve your intended goal of protecting the property from further damages. Sealing any openings can help prevent keep out weather elements, while quick water extraction helps prevent problems associated with unfettered permeation of water. Our SERVPRO technicians help by boarding up the house and installing roof tarps securing it. We also bring high capacity water extractors to remove any standing water quickly. 

Storm waters affect building materials in many ways. The materials on the floor such as carpets, tiles, or floorboards bear the brunt because no matter where the water breaches the property, it is likely to end up on the floor. Contaminated water soaks into carpets ruining them completely through staining and contamination. Wood expands when it absorbs high amounts of water so floorboards can buckle at the joints or rot if not dried properly. Our SERVPRO technicians remove the existing carpet and pad for disposal. We also help install the new one when cleanup is over. We also use various moisture detection and drying equipment to remove moisture, including: 

LGR Dehumidifiers 

Centrifugal Air Movers 

FLIR Thermal Cameras 

Moisture meters 

Thermo-hygrometers 

Flooding incidents leave properties dirty with a combination of debris from damaged items within the structure and materials swept in by ranging water or strong winds from outside the structure. A thorough clean up is, therefore, necessary to restore the property to its preloss state.  Our SERVPRO technicians clean all affected contents, including furniture, draperies, and upholstery. We also clean floors, walls, and other parts of the structure to achieve sanitary levels. 

Consulting a professional restorer can help you deal with any aspect of flood damage. Call SERVPRO of New Haven at (203) 234-1100 to assist. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Click here to see more about New Haven. 

Don't Delay: Fix Storm Damage Right Away

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

The wet spring and early summer in the northeast tests even the strongest structures

When you have water damage, you will quickly decide “Who do I call to dry water damage” and “Who fixes water damage?"

Consider these common scenarios: A second floor supply line leaks and water pours through the downstairs ceiling and soaks hardwood floors; A pipe bursts on first floor and water soaks carpets and the tile on the kitchen floor; You come home to a house soaked with humidity with wet walls, a saturated ceiling and standing water in the basement.

Clearly in these cases, you call SERVPRO of New Haven for help.

But when it comes to rain, wind and storm damage, where the full impact of damage is not as obvious, you may be tempted to mop, towel and fan. Here are a few things to consider:

Wet Seeks Dry: This means that water is always trying to seep into dry building materials and contents.  Depending on how long the water has been there the moisture can cause warping, delamination and the staining.  

Just as it takes time for moisture to find its way into flooring and drywall, it takes time and a strategy to get the water back out. The Experience, Education and Equipment of a professional mitigation company are often required.

Secondary Damage from a Water Loss Can Exceed the Original Damage: The Insurance Industry has a thick book of suggested guidelines for contractors dealing with water damage.  Experience has shown that house floods ruin finishes, compromise the bones of a home and create a health hazard.  The insurance industry is event driven.  This means you should report water intrusion as soon as you see it.  Your home may have damage that allowed the water to intrude.  In order to be covered, you need to report that right away.  Our team of mitigation and repair professionals will help identify the source of intrusion and make the necessary repairs. 

Our SERVPRO Team Has Seen It Before: We address variations of the situations described above hundreds of times a year.  The only common factors are water and the worry that things are going to be fixed.  We understand water and we understand that no matter how familiar your issue is to us, it is scary, frustrating and upsetting to you. 

In the rare case we come across a situation we have not seen before, we can reach out to our SERVPRO network for guidance and advice. SERVPRO is the largest and most trusted company by consumers nationwide.

New Haven area HomeOwner Water Damage Tips

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

New Haven area water damage

If you experienced water damage in your home in the greater New Haven, West Haven or Hamden areas, here are some tips to help get your home back in shape. You can consider these actions until SERVPRO shows up:

• Shut off the water source if possible
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Do not use a household vacuum to remove water
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting

For more water damage tips, follow this link

If you have any questions, please call us at (203)-234-1100.

Fire Damage tips for New Haven area Homeowners

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning up after fire damage in a New Haven home

If you have experienced fire damage in your New Haven, West Haven or Hamden home, here are some important things to know before SERVPRO gets there:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage
• Place dry colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling
• If the electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open
• Wipe soot from the chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect them with a light coating of lubricant.
• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting with SERVPRO
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.

For more tips about Fire Damage, follow this link

These tips are important and will help you get back into your home as soon as possible. If you have any questions, call us at (203) 234-1100

Spring Cleaning Time!

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Spring returns! Time for Spring Cleaning with SERVPRO

Happy Spring!

For some the Winter is too short, and for many, it's about time that Spring has appeared.

As we begin to move our lives back outside and let some fresh air in; it's time to think of seasonal things like Spring Cleaning. Here are a few tips from our SERVPRO teams varsity cleaning squad:

Wipe down your walls and ceilings: vacuum from top to bottom and remove dust.  If your walls are dirty a mild detergent can bring new life.  SERVPRO Wall’n All is our House Favorite and if you call us, we’ll bring you some . We can even clean the walls for you.  A mild detergent will add a subtle spring fresh scent to the room.

Vacuum and Shampoo rugs: 80% of what is coming out of your rugs is coming out from vacuuming.  We can help with the steam cleaning.  If you want to do it yourself, make sure you know what type of carpet you have and that it won’t be damaged by the process.   Call us either way if you have any concerns.

Inspect your Ducts: If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a few years, or if you have pets, unscrew a duct, stick your phone in and take a picture or two.  If you don’t like what you see, call us.  We’ll schedule a duct cleaning.

We know you have plenty to do come Spring.   If you do these few things, your home feel as fresh as the Great Outdoors.  We’re here to help.

Cleaning Tips from the Varsity

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Changing batteries in your smoke alarms is too important of a thing to remember to put on a list with anything else. Daylight Savings is the perfect, proven day.  

So what about everything else? Here are a few tips from the SERVPRO varsity cleaning squad:

Wipe down your walls and ceilings: vacuum from top to bottom and remove dust.  If your walls are dirty (parents!) a mild detergent can bring new life.  SERVPRO Wall’n All is our House Favorite and if you call us, we’ll bring you some . We can even clean the walls for you.  A mild detergent will add a subtle spring fresh scent to the room.

Vacuum and Shampoo rugs: 80% of what is coming out of your rugs is coming out from vacuuming.  We can help with the steam cleaning.  If you want to do it yourself, make sure you know what type of carpet you have and that it won’t be damaged by the process.   Call us either way if you have any concerns.

Change your Power Strips.   If they are older than the equipment plugged into them or if you can’t remember when you bought them, get new ones.   This is a big deal in fire prevention.

Inspect your Ducts: If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a few years, or if you have pets, unscrew a duct, stick your phone in and take a picture or two.  If you don’t like what you see, Call Us.  We’ll schedule a duct cleaning.

We know you have plenty to do come Spring.   If you do these few things, your home feel as fresh as the Great Outdoors.  We’re here to help.

Mold Tips... Don't be Afraid to Ask

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

The wet winter and fluctuating temperatures create a favorable environment for mold issues this spring. Changes in weather create stress on structures.  Structures that are stressed are prone to moisture and water issues.   Mold is a secondary damage to water damage or excessive moisture.  Preventing mold is a matter of keeping a structure dry by quickly repairing or cutting off a source of moisture and when you have a leak or larger issue, having it properly repaired.

Here are some Mold basics from our team:

1. Mold exposure can cause health effects.
2. The best way to control indoor mold growth is to eliminate sources of moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Do this by fixing the source of leaks; reduce humidity in the atmosphere with proper ventilation and dehumidification if necessary; properly dry all building materials and furnishings if you have a floor or major leak.
4. Insulate around windows and piping to minimize condensation on cold surfaces.
5. Mold can only grow on organic materials (wood, paper, carpets and foods).
6. The EPA recommends that homeowners limit their mold cleaning to small effected areas, 3ft x 3ft. The reason is mold spores are very difficult to kill and it is very easy to cross contaminate an area with the invisible spores.

SERVPRO is certified to clean and remove mold and we are happy to answer any questions you have. Give us a call if you want to discuss a mold issue or are in need of help.

Flood or Water Damage: What Do You Do

2/5/2017 (Permalink)

When you have water damage, you will quickly decide “Do I need help?” and “Who do I call for a flood?”

Consider these common scenarios: A second floor supply line leaks and water pours through the downstairs ceiling and soaks hardwood floors; A pipe bursts on first floor and water soaks carpets and the tile on the kitchen floor; You come home to a house soaked with humidity with wet walls, saturated a saturated ceiling and standing water in the basement.

Clearly in these cases, you call SERVPRO for help.

But what if the damage is not as obvious and you are tempted to mop, towel and fan. Here are a few things to consider:

Wet Seeks Dry: This means that water is always trying to seep into dry building materials and contents.  Depending on how long the water has been there the moisture can cause warping, delamination and the staining.  Just as it takes time for moisture to find its way into flooring and drywall, it takes time and a strategy to get the water back out. The Experience, Education and Equipment of a professional mitigation company are often required.

Secondary Damage from a Water Loss Can Exceed the Original Damage: The Insurance Industry has a thick book of suggested guidelines for contractors dealing with water damage.  Experience has shown that house floods ruin finishes, compromise the bones of a home and create a health hazard. 

Our Team Has Seen It Before: We address variations of the situations described above hundreds of times a year.  The only common factors are water and the worry that things are going to be fixed.  We understand water and we understand that no matter how familiar your issue is to us, it is scary, frustrating and upsetting to you. 

In the rare case we come across a situation we have not seen before, we can reach out to our SERVPRO network for guidance and advice. SERVPRO is the largest and most trusted company by consumers nationwide.

For SERVPRO there are no impossible messes. The cleanup begins with a call.

Don't Forget Your Agent

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

When you face unimaginable damage at your home or business, SERVPRO and your insurance agent are ready to help.

If you suffer a property loss, your agent is your ally.

Your agent is the person who is trained and licensed to help you buy appropriate coverage for repair or replacement of your stuff if you suffer a disaster, like a fire, flood, burst pipe or mold.  

While you may not give your agent much thought over time, our team sees them in action every day.

Agents understand your policies. This alone provides valuable reassurance during a disaster and the mitigation process.  Consider:  your condominium (rugs, walls, ceilings, furniture) are soaked by flood in a neighboring unit.  In this case, there likely are three policies in effect: yours, neighbors and owners’ association.

The lines of coverage are not always clear. Your agent knows this and knows your policy.  You just want your stuff dried, cleaned and repaired; and to get on with your life. 

We live in the disaster world and we know what to do and who to speak with to minimize the disruption to you. That is why we are such fans of engaged agents. 

Property Manager Partnerships: A Win-Win

1/10/2017 (Permalink)

Property Managers as Partners

The winter months can create significant challenges for property managers. Snow and ice don’t have the predictability of grass and shrubs.   Further, grass and shrubs don’t cause ice damming and pipe freezes.  

How you react to the challenges of winter can set the tone of your relationship with HOAs and association boards come spring and summer. Your clients are likely to forgive you for that which you can’t control so long as they constant progress toward restoration of their lives, starting yesterday.

SERVPRO recognizes the urgency to react and to immediately build a recovery plan when we partner with property managers. Winter months aren’t the time for training in front of upset tenants.  Our crews receive technical and service training to identify a situation and do the right thing and to be sensitive to a situation.

Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels which simplifies settlement whether there is a claim or the job is a direct pay. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that tenants and owners understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry so your first decision to call on our team should be an easy one. No one gets fired for hiring the industry leader.

Keep Summer Safe

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

Soil Embers

Public Service Announcement – Keep Summer Safe

A: Three

Q:  How many fires has the team mitigated in the last year that started in potted plants?

Potting soil is comprised of peat, bark, perlite and coconut coir.  This highly flammable mix can turn a lazy afternoon on a deck to tragedy with the tamping of a single cigarette butt.  If you doubt it go to the Wizard of Oz (or Google) and type in “fire potting soil”.  The picture is not pretty.  

Dry potting soil requires only a tiny catalyst to begin smoldering and this is significantly underappreciated hazard. What’s worse the embers can expand unseen and burn out the bottom of a plastic hanging planter box. 

Avoid tragedy by using ashtrays, keep  your plants watered, use clay pots, keep  combustible material away from plants, and dispose of potting soil carefully.

Virus Cleaning

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Human Viruses

SERVPRO technicians are trained to clean virus infected  areas,  including those affected by  Norovirus, C. Diff, and Mersa.  The viruses can bring productivity in a workplace or school to a standstill.

 Norovirus alone affects between 19 and 21 million people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

“You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces,” according to the CDC. 

Clostritium Difficile, C. Diff is a bacterium that causes colitis.  People who take antibiotics for an extended period of time are particularly vulnerable.   The bacteria originates in feces and is spread by healthcare workers or by contact with any surface that are contaminated, such as toilets and other places in bathrooms.

MRSA is a staph infection resilient to many antibiotics.  MRSA is spread by skin to skin contact.  At risk populations include high-school wrestlers, child care workers or people who live in crowded conditions.    Symptoms include painful red bumps that can turn into abscesses, according to the Mayo Clinic.   If the bacteria burrows into the body it can cause potentially life-threatening infections.

MRSA can be spread by contaminated items so once detected it is important to sanitize any potentially affected areas.

If your workplace, home or school is affected with these or other viruses, call SERVPRO for New Haven/Waterbury/Naugatuck Valley or No. Westchester County.  We will work with you developing a cleaning strategy that causes the least interruption. 

Damage from a Storm: Go Big and Go Green

3/4/2016 (Permalink)

If you have ever had a weather related emergency, such as a flood, tree fall, pipe burst you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when you’re gotten to.  If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, good.  If you ever do, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1)     Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber, tree company or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.

2)     When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common.  In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to seven over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening all around you.

3)     Immediate response resources in an area are always limited.  Your plumber of 15 years can not hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.

So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.

At SERVPRO of New Haven, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? As the largest SERVPRO in Connecticut, we work with a huge network of trades people and labor and can often recommend someone to help out.  Once the source is fixed, our large trained staff supplemented by experienced labor and euqipment sources from all over the tri-state area will be rolling.  

Whether its factory fire, burst water heater or a tree on a house, We are Ready for Whatever Happens.

We're Ready, Are You?

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

If you are a commercial or residential property manager or condo association member, you should be dreading the swirly wind emoji on the accuweather app every bit as much as the single and negative termperatures we face this weekend.

Here are a few remiders from SERVPRO of New Haven and Connecticut Reconstruction Services:

Make random inspections of heat and air units, particularly those with external access.  Specifically, look for insulation that has settled and no longer covers pipes as intended.  

Reinspect any plumbing or external work to make sure proper installation is in place and that there are no vents where cold air can blow in.

Check doors, windows and heat in vacant units.

Remind tenants of protocol for reporting any water situation and not to ignore any signs of water intrusion or leaking.  Let them know you are prepared for anything that happens.

If you have vacancies, you should consider relocation options for renters in the event there is displacement. 

Make sure your on-call crews are ready to roll and that there is back up.  There should also be clear protocol for structural emergencies that includes calling SERVPRO at 203-234-1100 or 914-241-8100.

Food Disasters... We Aren't Talking Mom's Meatloaf

2/9/2016 (Permalink)

Whether it is a smoke condition caused by a fire in the prepared food section, an oven fire in a manufacturing facility, or fire suppressing chemicals spread over 40 tons of fresh fruit, the disasters that effect food companies present some pretty awesome challenges. 

Wrong decisions early on can open a Pandora's Box of liability issues even before the matter of cash flow and fulfillment come into play.

-- Companies with sophisticated business system back ups can be stymied when they realize two days after a small fire that their regular staff lacks the knowledge to clean soot and deodorize after a small fire.

-- Distribution companies turning 50 tons of fresh fruit every week trip when they fail to secure hauling capacity and a destination for destruction of a warehouse brimming with imported product during high import season.

-- A small chain store manager must decide in hours whether to do a partial open of a store or incur the cost of extended, nighttime cleaning time. nighttime cleaning mitigation.

These are a few of the many real-world challenges we have solved over the past year.  There are many more.

Our approach to commercial losses is to stabilize and then meet with affected parties to understand the goals of all affected constituencies. 

Our team is comprised of business and mitigation professionals that understand the financial, cultural and structural challenges of any disaster.

In a perfect world we meet, discuss and put a communication chain and decision tree in place.   Regardless, when the wheels come off, we've got your back.

Beware the Penetrating Power of Bitter Cold

2/8/2016 (Permalink)

We find trouble wherever it's lurking

Roof and insulation issues don't reveal themselves on warm, sunny days.  The next couple of weeks are going to be bitterly cold with swirling wind and snow.  With cold, wind and snow will come pipe bursts, ice damming and other unfortunate breakdowns.  

SERVPRO of New Haven  and our sister company Connecticut Reconstruction Services stand ready to put your home or business back in pre-loss condidition.

Our professionals follow IICRC protocols to make sure that your structure is fully restored and there are no secondary concerns, like mold.  Not only will the structure be like new but you will receive everything you need to file a claim with your insurance company if you choose.

Our process includes: identifying all the sources and types of water; monitoring of atmospheric and material considitions for drying analysis; a comprehensive diagnostic inspection for trapped or hiddent moisture; removal of wet materals; removal or containment of furniture; carpet and Pad service; application of disinfecting and deodorizing agents if necessary; utlization of specialized drying equipment; and disposal of refuse.

While the mitigation is taking place, CRS works with your insurance carrier so there is a seamless transition from cleaning to repair.   The same team sticks with you the whole way.

We don't wish ourselves on anyone but when issues come up, we are ready to help.                                           

While You Were Enjoying the Weather...

1/25/2016 (Permalink)

In the Northeast we know that the brief but fierce snow last weekend is but the first strike of real winter.  In a few weeks, the November rounds of golf and endless summer are likely to be distant memories.

At SERVPRO of New Haven we are more than ready.  We are fielding the strongest team in many years.  Our Crews spent the last four months doing intensive training in all aspects of the mitigation business.

We had 10 different people pass our internal water certification course which is built on the foundation of SERVPRO and IICRC best practices.  The course consists of reading, video and a mentoring program with our Managers.

We achieved five new IICRC certifications among our crew members and managers.

And we implemented general service training so every business and home owner will receive outstanding communication and conduct from everyone wearing the SERVPRO uniform.... and yes we got spiffy new uniforms.

Why?  SERVPRO of New Haven is committed to setting the standard of excellence in both residential and commercial large loss.

Our training programs assure that we man every job with experienced supervisors versed in industry expectations and best practices.  From our 33K square foot facility in the heart of the state, we are ready to respond for anything from a small issue at a condiminium to a major commercial event.

We don't wish ourselves on anyone but we are ready to help when the unexpected does happen.

Latex Foam reopens two weeks after fires

7/16/2014 (Permalink)

Firefighters are on scene in the aftermath of an early morning fire at the Latex International on Thursday, June 26, 2014.

SHELTON -- The prospect of Latex Foam reopening two weeks after two significant fires was doubtful.

But that's what happened Monday, as many of the company's 150 employees returned to work.

"It was a tremendous undertaking by everyone," said Allen Randolph, owner of SERVPRO of New Haven, Waterbury, the Naugatuck Valley and northern Westchester County which managed the cleanup. "Half of our staff lives in the Valley. We consider the Valley our home turf, so we're proud to have helped save these jobs."

Mayor Mark Lauretti said he drove by the company Monday morning and noticed the parking lot was full.

"This is good news for those who are employed there," the mayor said. "People need to work. They need the paycheck to pay their bills and feed their families."

Attempts to reach officials at Latex Foam by telephone were unsuccessful Monday. The general voicemail box was full and not accepting new calls.

Randolph credited David Fisher, Latex's chief executive officer, and the company's insurance team with providing the necessary resources to get the business back in operation.

Fisher "told us early on that it was his expectation to reopen July 14 and it was our job to do it," Randolph said. "There was never any discussion of failure to meet that goal."

There may not have been any discussion, but there were obstacles, like the second fire which struck just four days after the devastating first one that had required firefighters to pump more than 150,000 gallons of water on the blaze.

It seems black clouds have loomed over Latex Foam, which arose from the ashes of an arson that destroyed its predecessor -- Sponge Rubber Products -- on March 1, 1975. There was also the catastrophic 2001 weeklong fire that consumed the company's Ansonia headquarters, sending the company to its present River Road site. And two company executives are serving federal prison terms for embezzling $3.5 million. And there is the current bankruptcy petition to reorganize $29 million in debts.

The June 26 and 30 fires could have been the final straw.

"We were about 90 percent finished drying the basement when the second fire struck on June 30 at 11 a.m.," Randolph said. "That was a smaller fire and a lot less water was used."

But Randolph's crews, which worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week and at times numbered 170 people, attacked the clean-up in three stages. SERVPRO brought in extra employees from their Rhode Island, New York and Tennessee companies and members of ERS Services in Indiana to clean inside the machinery.

The first cleanup, which began June 26 and ended July 2, involved drying and cleaning the offices. The second, which ended Sunday, involved drying, cleaning and disinfecting rollers, conveyors, presses, machinery, pipes, rollers and conveyors through which the product moves.

The third stage, which is still progressing, involves cleaning non-critical working areas.

During the cleanup, Randolph said, SERVPRO brought in 200 air movers, 17 scissor lifts, a gigantic trailer-based desiccant dryer which removes condensation from compressed air and "a lot of guys with mops and wet-vacs."

mmayko@ctpost.com, 203-330-6286