Professional Help for Storm and Flood Damage in Brooklyn

6/8/2024 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO to extract flood waters and dry out your Brooklyn basement--"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO® Leads Local Flood Damage Efforts

Brooklyn residents and businesses only have to think back to September 2023 to recall memories of significant and damaging flooding due to torrential rains. Roadways were clogged with swamped cars, whole neighborhoods were overwhelmed with dirty fluids, and Brooklyn’s P.S. 312 was temporarily shut down with a smoking boiler. At the same time, another 149 school buildings coped with various levels of water incursion. Chances are good flooding will occur again because of continued storm risks linked to climate change. What will your response be if your property suffers damage? 

SERVPRO Is Here To Help®

Due to previous extreme weather events, flood damage in Brooklyn is more likely than ever during this storm season. Be ready for disaster by lining up an expert in the water damage restoration industry and adding us to your phone contacts. Because the floodwaters contain contaminants and are often salty from storm surges, having professionals with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) lend a skilled hand is crucial to overcome the damage. Our crews:

• Assess the level of contamination from the flooding at your property.
• Contain the work area and wear personal protective equipment (PPE.) This minimizes our customers’ exposure to toxic and potentially harmful fluids.
• Collect the fluids for safe and lawful disposal according to local regulations, extracting as much liquid as possible before transitioning to applied structural drying techniques and equipment.
• Clean soiling from affected surfaces with EPA-registered products.
• Apply EPA-registered antimicrobials to disinfect and inhibit secondary mold growth.

Be Proactive to Minimize Flood Damage Impact

Take simple steps to prevent damage to your home, furnishings, and possessions from storm flooding. Store important documents, heirlooms, and other treasures in waterproof containers. Invest in supports for your furnishings if you need to raise them above the flood time--foil-wrapped bricks are sturdy and will not stain floors. Keep floors free of clutter, and consider rolling up and storing rugs if dire weather predictions come.

When storm-related flood damage affects your property, SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn is ready with crews of IICRC-trained technicians and scalable inventories of industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment. Call (718) 522-4400 for a prompt assessment and immediate services--we are Faster to any size disaster™.

Quick and Effective Response Is Crucial to Flood Damage in Brooklyn

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Mitigating flood damage in a Brooklyn basement calls for expertise and equipment--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO® Offers Prompt Brooklyn Flood Cleanup

Floods can strike suddenly, leaving Brooklyn homeowners with the challenge of dealing with the aftermath. Floodwater can intrude into a home through various pathways, including basement and crawlspace flooding. Water can infiltrate through cracks in the foundation walls, floor drains, and through the porous concrete or masonry of the foundation itself. Leaky roofs and windows can also create water damage during a storm. Immediate action is essential to minimize the harm. This may include contacting professionals for water removal, such as SERVPRO.

The water extraction process plays a pivotal role in eliminating moisture during flood damage restoration from Brooklyn buildings. The more surplus water restoration professionals extract using specialized equipment, the less time is needed to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture using drying tools. SERVPRO is equipped with various kinds of extraction tools for water removal from different surfaces.

Moisture removal targets areas such as;

• Floors and walls
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Home contents

Useful Water Removal Resources 

SERVPRO's choice of extraction equipment for effective water removal depends on factors such as the distance within the building, the depth of the water that needs to be extracted, and the availability of a power source.

Different Water extraction equipment

• Extraction units
• Pumps
• Deep extraction tools
• Submersible pumps

In flood situations, we may need to pump water for an extended period. Self-priming trash pumps are typically robust and capable of continuous operation since they are powered by gas or diesel. This makes them suitable for prolonged flood control efforts. Also, floodwaters often contain various types of debris. Self-priming trash pumps are designed to handle these solid particles without clogging or developing other damages.

In flood situations, we may need to pump water for an extended period. Self-priming trash pumps are typically robust and capable of continuous operation since they are powered by gas or diesel. This makes them suitable for prolonged flood control efforts. Also, floodwaters often contain various types of debris. Self-priming trash pumps are designed to handle these solid particles without clogging or developing other damages.

Trash pumps can handle solid particles of up to 1¼ inches in size. In contrast, full-trash pumps can handle solid particles larger than 3 inches. Slurry pumps are specifically engineered to transport liquids containing sand or mud.

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn manages flood damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (718) 522-4400.

Brooklyn Water Damage Repair Specialists Know What Storms Can Do

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

After Bad Weather, SERVPRO Does Water Damage Repair Work

Storms can clear the air of smelly pollution and leave a fresh scent behind throughout Brooklyn. It can also leave property damage behind. When rainwater saturates construction materials inside a residence, the most effective response is to arrange for skilled water damage repair experts to begin working on your property.

After shingles sail off your roof, a tree limb punches a hole through a window, or gutters pour water up against your siding instead of away from your Brooklyn home, water damage repair professionals can make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO has trained specialists in different areas who can repair and restore your dwelling. The following helps keep secondary water damage from developing while mitigating existing damage:

• Roofing and attic space
• Window glass replacement
• Minor flooding and its causes

Our Residential Contractor License, #2015353DCA, allows us to work on rebuilding homes, including roofing. We match your current shingles to replacement ones as closely as possible and get them nailed into place. Working inside your attic, we dry everything out and check for damage in this and any crawlspaces, paying close attention to insulation.

Replacing a broken window is a minor task that provides substantial protection from the outdoor elements. We can handle single or multiple panes of glass. We can discuss which kind is most appropriate for your family. If the screen is also damaged, we can replace this, also.

Debris thrust through the air or a falling tree can cause damage to your gutters. Once bent or dented, these channels can allow rain from your roof to pour onto the side of your home. Being too close to your foundation can allow it to seep into your home. We can extract the water and dry everything out for you. Once dried, we can check to see how bad the permanent damage is and what steps to take.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Provides Flood Damage Repair and Restoration in Williamsburg

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians clean and disinfect Black Water following flooding in a Williamsburg home.

Need Flood Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Williamsburg? - Call SERVPRO

While storms can cause extensive flooding in Williamsburg, they can also bring trees down on your home, damage the roof, break windows and even puncture holes in the walls. These are all potential entry points for rainwater and flood waters to enter your home, causing added damage to your home's structure and contents.

SERVPRO provides Williamsburg properties flood damage repair and restoration services, including the surrounding areas. Emergency response teams can place tarps over holes in the roof, board up broken windows and doors and remove floodwater from your home utilizing high-capacity pumps. We also supply portable generators to run portable pumps, and there are high-capacity truck-mounted pumps available to our teams.

Many personal items and contents are exposed to flood waters and rainwater seeping into your home. Flood waters bring bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and debris into the house. Even rainwater seeping through the ceiling onto carpets and fabrics can make removing stains and carrying bacteria into your home difficult.

SERVPRO cleans, disinfects, and dries every item whenever possible. Our clients appreciate the restore vs. replace approach followed by our restoration experts, saving time and expense. As your contents are cleaned and dried, they are placed in a secure area until they can be returned.

Quick action by SERVPRO can also reduce secondary damage to flooring, walls, and contents. Water and high humidity levels allowed to linger can damage some items beyond repair. Floors and furniture absorb moisture and swell, causing warping and loss of structural integrity. SERVPRO can be on-site in less than four hours from your call.

We provide the following services to our clients in Williamsburg:

• Floodwater clean up
• Flood restoration
• Ceiling and roof repairs from storms

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn for flood damage restoration services. We provide service to Williamsburg and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call 718) 522-4400.

Our Crew Is Ready to Help After a Flood in Brooklyn

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO rescues your furnishings and home after flooding in Brooklyn.

Why Flood Damage Has to Look Worse Before It Gets Better in Brooklyn

When groundwater enters a home, due to the high probability of contaminants in the water, causing flood damage, homeowners often experience more property loss compared to other types of water damage.

One of the first actions SERVPRO technicians take upon arrival to begin restoration services for flood damage in Brooklyn homes is to test the water. Knowing if they are dealing with bacteria, toxic chemicals, sewage, or all of the above allows them to choose the appropriate level of disinfection necessary for a safe work environment.

Removal of Saturated Flooring

In many types of water damage situations, technicians save carpet and padding through careful extraction and drying methods. However, due to the categorization of groundwater as a class three biohazard, there is no restoration potential if the carpeting absorbs it. Technicians extract the water to make it easier to handle and cut it into strips for disposal. On a case-by-case basis, delaminated tiles, hardwood flooring, and baseboards are inspected to see if they are candidates for restoration and disinfection for reuse, depending on their construction materials.

Removal of Damaged Sheetrock

This type of controlled demolition often looks the worst but speeds the drying of the property. When water enters a structure, sheetrock readily wicks the moisture, and as it travels upward through the core, the sheetrock warps. Technicians perform flood cuts by measuring above the highest area wicked into and cleanly cut it away. The open area allows for much more significant airflow and dries the property quickly

Proactive Treatments Against Mold

Because mold infestations have the potential to begin as fast as 24 hours after a flood loss event in the home, SERVPRO technicians work quickly to lower the ambient humidity to make the environment inhospitable to mold growth. They hold a state certification for Mold Remediation and perform treatments on any early signs of establishment of colonies, so it is not an issue. Residential Contractor License #: 2015353DCA and Mold Remediation Contractor License #: 00055

Eliminating the Stress of Reconstruction

After a water loss in the home, coordinating reconstruction is stressful. SERVPRO strives to make it easier for homeowners by offering a one-stop service for restoration, repair, and rebuilding as needed. They hold a residential general contractor license, and since they did the cleanup, the technicians already know the areas in the home that require addressing, taking the anxiety of finding and qualifying a contractor off of the homeowner.

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn has trained, certified technicians available 24/7 at (718) 522-4400 to clean up the flood damage to your property and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO Is a Brooklyn Flood Damage Restoration Leader

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO prevents your Brooklyn residence from floating away after a storm--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Is Uniquely Qualified to Restore Your Brooklyn Home's Flood Damage 

The timing of flood events in Brooklyn might be unpredictable, but our response is reliable, and our managers and technicians are confident under all circumstances. Why are we ready to answer the call of residents struggling with floodwater without panic and with a rapidly developed plan of action? Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training and on-the-job experience is surpassed only by our inventory of specialized commercial-grade equipment, supporting our ability as top-notch restoration specialists.

Rising Sea Levels and Seasonal Storms Increase Flooding Risks

Flood damage in Brooklyn seems more common after every heavy rain. Inadequate sanitary sewer systems clogged with construction and other debris often get the blame, but when your residence floods, the cause is less important than the solution. Our crews are dependable, and We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Training and Experience Translate into Results

Why SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to respond to your flood damage challenges is clarified as highly-qualified crews arrive fast, ready to implement the plan developed by their crew chief. We carefully consider your circumstances and then utilize the pumps and extractors stocked on our service vehicles to evacuate the contaminated water. 

Anticipation of Complications

Onboard generators provide power in case the electricity is temporarily cut, and our submersible pumps operate with gas motors. We contain and dispose of the floodwaters lawfully, checking for hidden water with thermal imaging devices. If found, we use controlled demolition like flood cuts to release it. We also measure the moisture in structural components to provide baseline drying data. 

Cleaning and Disinfection Precede Drying

Before switching out the water removal for the drying equipment, we use EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants to scrub away soiling and inhibit the growth of pathogens contained in the floodwater. Once the residues clear away, drying is accomplished by air movers and dehumidifiers. Our team's precision in the drying phase is why SERVPRO delivers success, leaving your home clean, sanitized, and dried.

Reliability and highly-qualified crews are two reasons SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn is well-regarded and recommended for flood damage restoration. Call (718) 522-4400 for emergency help if the floodwaters rise.

Eliminating the Harmful Microbes and Odor from Flood Damage in Brooklyn Homes

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how to get you back to normal in no time when you have a flood in your Brooklyn home.

Don't Let a Flood in Your Brooklyn Home Get You Down; We Will Be There

There are many issues left behind water after flood damage in a home. Once the water enters, the loss begins almost immediately and compounds. Flood water is never clean and often has toxins, sludge, and sewage resident in the mess that landed in someone's living room. 

SERVPRO technicians understand the importance of testing the water, causing flood damage in a Brooklyn home. They have numerous types of chemical treatments to neutralize different types of bacteria and microbes correctly, and testing points them in the direction of the proper application.

Moisture Supports Microbial Growth

Removing moisture is crucial in stopping the spread and growth of harmful bacteria and microbes. Mold spores germinate quickly, and colonies spread unless dealt with swiftly. Because the technicians hold a license for Mold Remediation: #00055, they know the early warning signs. Technicians use a combination of both extraction and the use of dehumidifying equipment to remove moist air and replace it with warm, dry air. Using air movers pulls moisture up and out of walls and flooring and works in tandem with dehumidifiers. 

Safety First 

When a home receives a flood loss incident, it is typical for the temporary relocation of the residents during mitigation because floodwater has the potential to be harmful to both pets and humans it comes into contact with. SERVPRO technicians wear full-body protection gear, including respirators with HEPA filtration during the cleanup and disinfection process.

Stout Application of Antimicrobial Treatments

Bacteria is a significant contributor to odors at a property. The actions of drying and disinfection the surfaces go a long way toward the goal of odor elimination. When testing shows different types of bacteria and microbes present, the SERVPRO technicians often choose a broad-spectrum disinfectant, so a single application kills nearly all the microscopic intruders and radically reduces odors. 

When flood damage is the problem in your home, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400. The technicians arrive quickly, clean up the mess, and offer their reconstruction services as licensed contractors #2015353DCA so that this loss incident will be "Like it never even happened."

Our Experts Discuss Common Problems After A Flood In Brooklyn

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage is never a DIY project.

Common Problems After DIY Flood Damage Cleanup in Brooklyn Homes

When heavy rains bring flood damage, most people will initially attempt to clean up the water themselves, using everything from rags and mops to wet/dry vacs to pick up the water. However, this sometimes sets up a home for more significant issues.

Not infrequently, SERVPRO technicians face flood damage in Brooklyn homes that often need additional action. One of the biggest problems with floodwater is the migration factor. When the water enters the house, it does not puddle up in a single area. It runs to the walls, behind baseboards, wicked into sheetrock, and breeches the subfloor — all of these scenarios set up a home for damaged building materials, foul odors, and mold.

Locating Floodwater in a Home

SERVPRO technicians use different types of moisture detection equipment to determine all areas floodwater migrated to. This attention to detail enables them to completely extract any remaining water and set up drying configurations to lower the ambient humidity levels rapidly.

Avoiding Mold Damage

Mold counts on elevated humidity to continue its lifecycle, and a post-flood home is a great place to set up a colony as far as the spores are concerned. SERVPRO technicians have a mold remediation certification #00055 and know the warning signs of a mold infestation and how to eradicate existing colonies through their drying and cleaning methods. They have professional-grade antimicrobial cleaning agents and sealants to ensure any mold found and abated will not return.

Beating the Stress of Reconstruction

Restoration of flood damage often requires a varying amount of controlled demolition. This action can include cutting away from sheetrock damaged by water, removal of laminate flooring or carpet, and other measures. SERVPRO has a residential contractor license #2015353DCA and can offer rebuilding services to homeowners after the cleanup efforts are complete, saving them the hassle of finding and hiring a general contractor for repairs to the home.

Flood damage is never a DIY project. To ensure the best outcome, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400 and let the certified technicians make the difference with their experience and equipment, "Like it never even happened."

Brooklyn-Area Storms Call for Special Attention to Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Severe winter weather can lead to Ice damming, frozen pipes and other weather related catastrophes in your home. Call the experts for help.

Freezing Weather in Brooklyn Means a Potential Threat – Pay Attention to Ice Damming Development and Frozen Pipes!

Whether you are a homeowner or property manager in the Brooklyn area, you must know that rapidly falling temperatures in winter are a possible threat to all structures. Winter weather patterns can be unpredictable, so you never want to be left with debilitating issues like frozen pipes or ice dams developing outside. SERVPRO prepares for the inevitable each season, and we want our customers in the area to know how to prevent or address these issues!

Frozen pipes and ice damming in Brooklyn, while both vastly different issues, can be preventable. When it comes to frozen pipes, drafty areas in an aging home may lead to freezing conditions. If the plumbing gets exposed for several hours, a blockage could develop, allowing for pressure to build up, resulting in burst pipes. The resulting standing water is something that warrants a call to SERVPRO to get everything cleaned and dry for you as soon as possible. We work to extract water by using:

• Truck-mounted extractors
• Submersible pumps
• Wet vacuums
• Light wants/carpet extractors

You can take precautions to help avoid frozen pipe emergencies by:

• Install pipe insulation around pipes located in crawl spaces, basements, and attics
• Caulk or seal any cracks that could let in cold air, especially in areas where pipes run outside the building
• Winterize the property before the season, disconnect the garden hose, etc.
• Should you notice significant drops in temperatures, open the faucets with a slow drip to keep the lines open

Don’t Forget Ice Dam Prevention

Ice dams are potentially harmful ice ridges that form along the edge of a roof. They can keep snow from melting, so the water is unable to drain correctly. Any moisture that gets into your house from ice dam issues can lead to hidden damage and possible mold and mildew growth.

• Remove the snow from the roof carefully with a roof rake

• Keep icicles from forming
• If ice dams are present, you can make channels through them to allow water from behind to drain from the roof

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn is ready to help should you have issues stemming from frozen pipes or ice dams. Call us at (718) 522-4400!

Quickly Removing Stormwater in Williamsburg Basements

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Basements are often impacted by flood damage. SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop for storm damage restoration.

After a Flood, Williamsburg Homes Need Fast and Reliable Emergency Services

Local home and business owners are more convinced than ever about the vulnerabilities of their property compared to harsh storms and violent weather systems that could lead to flooding. When stormwater becomes a concern for these properties, experienced SERVPRO technicians on our team are ready to respond quickly to begin the necessary mitigative actions to protect your home and its contents.

Damage Assessment and Containment

Before much of the stormwater removal in Williamsburg homes can begin, we must thoroughly assess the damage that exists and what must be done to protect the structure and your personal belongings. To prevent the situation from worsening, we also implement containment strategies at this stage where possible to keep migrating moisture from impacting new areas of the property while the restoration process begins.

Removing Standing Water in the Basement

The first mitigation step that must be taken when approaching a flooded home or business is to remove the standing water. Depending on the severity of this situation, multiple extraction systems might be required. Wet vacuums are among the most versatile tools in our inventory, though truck-mount extractors and trash pumps offer the fastest removal rates.

Dry Exposed Building Materials 

Many elements become quickly impacted and overwhelmed by stormwater. Any standing water event can allow flooring, wood trim, drywall, carpeting, and furniture to stay exposed for long periods and absorb moisture. While air movers and dehumidifiers are the backbones of the drying process, we also rely on:

• Positive pressure systems
• Drying mats
• Portable electric heaters

Flooding and water damage are inevitable for some homes, but our SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn team is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (718) 522-4400.

Cleaning Up After Flooding in Brooklyn Basement Apartments

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Storms and flooding are no match for your SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn team. Call us today!

Getting Mitigation Started Quickly Helps to Protect Your Brooklyn Apartment From Further Flood Destruction

Flooding is a devastating force, as many will not forget the disastrous and destructive remnants of Hurricane Ida. Because these situations happen rapidly, basement-level apartments can be struck the worst by storm damage. We have fast mitigation solutions to help in these situations.

Assessing Safety Concerns and Hazards

Among the first steps our professionals take before other flood damage in Brooklyn apartments can be addressed, we must determine the extent of the damage and what safety hazards exist. Several inches or feet of standing water can create dangerous conditions for residents or our team responding to help. Some of these include:

• Shock hazards
• Weakened structural elements
• Contaminants
• Sewage
• Infestations

Water Removal Services for Flooded Apartments

Another mitigation action that we can take as soon as we arrive is removing standing water from this basement apartment. Pooling can be substantial in lower levels at the street grade, so we rely on our most powerful extraction systems like truck-mount water removal tools and stationary trash pumps.

Controlled Demolition Where Necessary

In many situations, heavy flood damage can require controlled demolition to return the property to its original state. With a general contractor license, other companies and services are not needed to accomplish these requirements for your home. We can provide a wealth of build-back resources and controlled demolition steps when necessary.

Homeowners cannot ignore flooding threats. When properties are impacted heavily by these emergencies, you need professional assistance to mitigate loss and return the property to its original condition. Our SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn team is ready to help 24/7 at (718) 522-4400.

How Does Storm Damage Cause Flooding to Brooklyn Apartments?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to tackle all of your storm and water damage restoration needs!

After Envelope Breaches, Water Intrusion for Brooklyn Apartments Can be Destructive

Brooklyn is no stranger to storm systems and heavy snowfall throughout specific seasons of the year. With the weather's damage to aging apartment complexes, our SERVPRO professionals are standing by to help with extraction, drying, and cleaning. 

Water Penetration After Roof Vulnerabilities 

Severe storm events are not uncommon and can result in flood damage to Brooklyn apartments and houses. Torrential rain and brutal winds can damage roof assemblies to allow for moisture and runoff penetration to the structure. Addressing these situations as quickly as possible is vital. 

Water Removal Options  

Removing standing water and spreading surface water damage can be vital to protect the property and its contents. Apartment buildings common to the borough can leave multiple units exposed to water damage after the flooding. We have vacuuming and pumping approaches to resolve standing water concerns and promote faster drying afterward quickly. 

Drying Techniques for Confined Spaces 

Smaller spaces can often be a challenging position for drying and moisture removal. Many of the attic spaces or crawl spaces for these properties experience heavy moisture damages. Reaching all exposed surfaces can be difficult with the size and scope of most available restoration equipment. Wall and ceiling assemblies, for example, can hold standing water and damp pockets until secondary effects like mold growth occur. To counteract these outcomes, we have drying tools to help like:

• Positive/Negative Pressure Systems
• Low-Profile Centrifugal Air Movers
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers
• Portable Heaters

Flood damage to any part of a Brooklyn home or apartment can be devastating. With how fast effects can spread through a residence, our SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn team is available 24/7 to help. We have experienced technicians and leading equipment available when you call (718) 522-4400.

Our Certified Technicians Are Prepared To Restore Your Brooklyn Home After A Flood Damage Disaster

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Contact our team of experts at SERVPRO for assistance with storm damage remediation services in your home.

Professional Help for Brooklyn Flood Damage

Extreme weather patterns are more common every year, exposing your Brooklyn property to the risk of harm from flooding. When heavy rains and winds cause excess water to flow into your brownstone or condo, you need to take fast action. Our well-qualified team of water damage specialists is ready to respond quickly with the skills and equipment required to remediate the damage done by flooding.

Brooklyn is no stranger to flood damage. The Atlantic Ocean, more precisely Upper Bay, is just blocks to the west with the potential to deliver storm surge if a strong weather system arrives. Flash flooding following torrential rains can make its way into your home, requiring fast action with professional equipment to prevent progressive or permanent damage.

Trained Water Damage Restoration Technicians

Our SERVPRO crews count many Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) among the ranks, trained in the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) coursework. When we arrive at your flood damaged home, an experienced manager assesses the damage and creates a mitigation plan. Our service vehicles pack water removal and structural drying equipment, avoiding any delay as crew members implement the plan.

Flood Damage Restoration Equipment

Pumps take care of water deeper than two inches, and wanded extractors pull moisture out of cracks and crevices. SERVPRO technicians are skilled at measuring moisture levels in porous building materials and employing thermal imaging equipment to locate water that migrated into building cavities. We use strategies like flood cuts or holes drilled in mortar joints to release the water and open access to the damp areas, so drying techniques work more efficiently.

Floodwater is contaminated, mixing with the sea, road chemicals, decaying organic materials, and even sewage. SERVPRO can contain the fouled water, disposing of it as required by local regulation. We use cleansing products and tools to clear away the soiling brought into your home by the Category 3 water and treat affected areas with EPA-registered disinfectants. Once the flooded space is clean and sanitized, we set up drying perimeters to reduce the moisture content of your home’s structural components to normal levels. A balance of air movement, temperature, and dehumidification brings back the preloss conditions in a controlled way, ensuring we avoid secondary issues like mold growth.

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn knows how overwhelming flood damage can be, so we prepare our crews with the training and equipment to remediate the scenario fast. Call us at (718) 522-4400 round the clock, 365 days a year.

How Our Experts Handle Structural Issues After Flood Damage in Your Brooklyn Home

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water affects structural elements. SERVPRO can help! We have the equipment to dry your property.

Addressing Structural Issues After Flood Damage in Brooklyn

Flooding incidents in Brooklyn damage structures in many ways depending on how they unfold. Incidents from severe weather events such as storms leave widespread damages because the wind may blow out roofs or other parts of the structure, creating more ways for water to breach. Flooding from rising water can dump significant amounts of contaminated water in the structure necessitating advanced cleanup and controlled demolition of some sections.

Boarding up and installing tarps after flood damage in Brooklyn helps prevent unnecessary damages. To do this properly requires an initial inspection of the entire property to identify all breaches. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their skills in building services to do such inspections and board up affected areas. We also use plastic sheets to cover contents or parts in the interior of the structure where necessary.

Flooding affects building materials such as insulation and drywall. Some types of insulation, such as Cellulose and Rockwool mat when wet losing R-value and fire resistance. Cellulose insulation loses its antimicrobial properties while Rockwool rusts because of its metallic properties. Our SERVPRO technicians make flood cuts to remove the wet insulation and other structural materials easily. Leaving them in place would compromise the structure's energy efficiency or cause other problems such as microbial growth.

Porous materials such as carpets, wooden floors, and even frames absorb water during the flooding incident and can cause problems if left unchecked. Our SERVPRO technicians remove highly porous materials such as carpet and pad since it is not possible to clean all traces of contamination from the floodwaters. We clean up other materials such as frames and floors using professional cleaning agents and equipment such as pressure washers to get rid of all soiling. ASD, Applied Structural Drying, training helps ensure that we remove all excess moisture from affected materials to prevent problems such as rot and mold.

To restore your flood damaged structure to a preloss state, call SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn. You can reach us at (718) 522-4400 any time. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Arrives Quickly to Handle Flood Damage in Brooklyn

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration should be left to the professionals. Call SERVPRO for the flood restoration service for your property.

Local Brooklyn Property Owners Rely on SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration

Flooding in Brooklyn is not just a concern in the spring and summer; it is also a threat in the winter from snowmelt. Property owners that know how the steps they can take to prevent this can minimize the potential for damage from this type of water damage in their homes. 

It is not unusual for snow to pile up by the foot in this area of New York during heavy storms. The problem comes when the snowfall melts and the runoff does not flow away from homes. Homeowners must prepare their homes and make certain structural elements that can get damaged by snow or ice are in good repair. 

How Does Snowmelt Cause Flooding in Brooklyn Homes?

When small amounts of snow or ice melt, it is not a big deal because it runs into the rivers' drainage system. Because the ground is still frozen solid, the water cannot drain into the soil effectively. Because water follows the path of least resistance, it flows into streets, across sidewalks, and into basements. When the runoff reaches rivers, it can crest and flood local neighborhoods. 

Tips for Preventing Flooding Caused By Snow melting

 In and around your home is to ensure meltwater has someplace to go other than into a basement or under roof shingles. Way to prevent flooding from snowmelt include:

• Making corrections to the grading around the property before freezing weather
• A good grade slopes away at approximately one inch per foot
• Remove snow from around the perimeter of the home

Ice Dams: Another Brooklyn Winter Hazard

When ice forms, it can block the way for snowmelt to run off. If an ice dam formation in the making gets spotted, break it up so it does not prevent the snowmelt from flowing away from the property. During the winter months, another problem is ice dams forming on the roof of a home and pushing the gutters away from the house. Move ice and snow off of the roof if it is safe to do so; many people rely on long-handled rakes for the job. If not, bring in professional help to clear the ice and snow before it can damage the structure.

What Problems Accompany Flood Damage in Brooklyn Homes?

When SERVPRO technicians handle flood damage cleanup in Brooklyn properties, floodwater can bring numerous problems into a home, such as:

• Destroyed building materials
• Mold growth
• Foul odors
• Harmful bacteria, sewage, pathogenic elements

This SERVPRO location has a general contractor license #2015353DCA and mold remediation certification #00055, which means it can handle both the removal of any mold growth that occurs and rebuild any home areas that needed controlled demotion due to wicking or seepage in the building materials. 

Water spots and staining can happen to some items constructed from fabric, such as slipcovers, window treatments, and upholstered items. Porous items that cannot withstand sanitizing cleaning often have no potential for restoration. For standalone articles that can be washed, the Esporta Washing System can remove the staining in a single application. Other cleaning methods involve drycleaning chemicals and careful testing on the fibers to ensure that dyes do not bleed and shrinkage does not occur.

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400 stands ready to support Brooklyn properties with any size or type of flood damage cleanup needed. 

Get a Special Photo Session in Williamsburg Local Williamsburg Photographer Offering Photoshoots Going into 2021, a photoshoot with family, friends

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water extraction is no easy task. Call the professionals in SERVPRO for the service you need done correctly the first time.

Local Williamsburg Photographer Offering Photoshoots

Going into 2021, a photoshoot with family, friends, or your favorite furry roommates can be a fun activity.  Your Shoott photography session includes the following: 

• 30-minute personal photoshoot
• Date: Sun, Dec 27, 2020, at 9:00 AM
• Place: Old Dock Street at the Dumbo Waterfront 

Many backdrops exist in this area, such as Jane's Carousel, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, classic cobblestone streets, and vintage architecture. 

Participants get around 40 high-resolution photos to view in a week or less and pick only the ones they wish to purchase at the cost of $15 for each photograph. There is no obligation to buy any of the photos.

When local Williamsburg properties need flood water extraction, they call SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400. The technicians have the skill and experience to handle any size of water damage to the structure and contents. 

Brooklyn Residents Can Count on SERVPRO for Flooding Damage Cleanup

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage happens in Brooklyn. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the flood mitigation services needed.

SERVPRO Removes The Water Damage From Brooklyn Homes Quickly

Most people know Brooklyn has been a borough of New York City for over one hundred years; however, it was an established city long before that. The founding of what is now known as Brooklyn occurred in 1636 when Dutch farmers set up homes along Gowanus Bay's shores. The original name of the area was "Breuckelen" and in the late 1700s became the name we know the city as today. The motto is "Eendraght Maeckt Maght" and means “in unity; there is strength.” This saying got taken from early modern Dutch and aptly describes Brooklynites' attitude towards their borough. It is the most densely populated county in America and has more square miles of land than Manhattan. If it were still a city rather than a borough, it would be the fourth largest city in the United States. 

Importance To American Patriots In 1776 and 1812

An important battle during the Revolutionary War took place in Brooklyn, The Battle of Long Island. General Nathanael Green created Fort Putnam to protect General Washington and his men after the battle. During the War of 1812, the locals built an earthen fort to defend themselves. 

Notable Names From Brooklyn

A large number of famous people call Brooklyn home. Walt Whitman was the editor of the newspaper Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1846 before becoming one of America's most well-known poets. Other celebs from this area are:

• Mae West, actress and comedienne
• Leonard Bernstein, conductor and composer
• Barbra Streisand, singer
• Michael Jordan, athlete 
• Jerry Seinfeld, comedian, and actor

A large number of iconic products and brands terminated from Brooklyn. Notables include deep-fried Twinkies, the sweetener Sweet’N Low; the stuffed toy children have loved since 1903, teddy bears. Also, this borough saw the invention of 

• The first roller coaster
• Bank-backed credit cards
• The Mr. PotatoHead Toy

Best Places to Visit in Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a gorgeous collection of plant life in an urban setting. The garden spans over 52 acres right in the heart of the borough. You might hear the term "DUMBO" frequently from Brooklynites, and it means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. This has two sections: Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridges, and the other is across the East River. The DUMBO has views of the bridges and a vast number of food choices from vendors. The Brooklyn Museum is another must-see for both tourists and locals. This institution is one of the largest art museums in America and is considered one of the world's premier museums. One of the best ways to view the Brooklyn Bridge is from the East River Ferry. Locals use the ferry system to get from Point A to Point B, and tourists enjoy the skyline's view.

The Site of Some of New York's Worst Disasters

Brooklyn still is the location of the worst transit disaster in the state of New York. The Malbone Street Wreck occurred in 1918, and the street has since gotten renamed Empire Boulevard. The wreck happened because the driver of the five-car train took a hairpin turn traveling at around 30 to 40 MPH instead of the regulation six miles per hour. The train cars packed with rush-hour travelers slammed into a concrete partition, and the incident left 250 passengers injured with 100 fatalities. The third worst fire in United States history took place at Brooklyn's Our Thesbian Temple Theater. In December 1876, a packed theater with an estimated 1000 patrons caught on fire. Firefighters mistakenly thought the audience members escaped after the roof collapsed, only to find hundreds of people in the rubble the following day. 

Year-Round Weather in Brooklyn

Brooklyn has four distinct seasons. It gets a significant amount of rain yearly, with an average of 46 inches compared to the rest of the United States that averages around 38 inches of rain. Brooklynites experience the same amount of snow as the rest of the US, getting about 25-inches per year. Both the heavy rains and snowmelt can sometimes be responsible for flash floods that affect the property. Intense storms containing gusty winds are not an uncommon weather event. Also, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tropical storms affect the area occasionally. As far as sunshine goes, even with the larger than average rainfall amount, the borough gets 226 sunny days per year compared to 205 days elsewhere in the US. 

What Are Common Issues After Flooding Damage in Brooklyn Properties?

When flooding damage occurs in Brooklyn houses, there can be multiple problems affecting the structure and contents. SERVPRO technicians have comprehensive training to handle all water damage types, including the often massive destruction that floodwater can bring into a home. The faster the cleanup begins, the more potential for limiting the number of building materials and home contents lost to the water. The technicians frequently deal with: 

• Removal of deteriorated sheetrock
• Disposal of ruined carpet
• Collection of wet insulation from inside wall cavities
• Flood cuts to drywall interiors

When the floodwater in the home is groundwater, the losses to the property can be the greatest. SERVPRO techs need to disinfect the property because anything that absorbs this water takes on a host of potential contaminants, including pathogenic elements, bacteria, and chemicals. The techs have a host of proprietary cleaning agents, including antimicrobials, biocides, and other solutions to neutralize threats present in the water.

The high interior humidity conditions can create the perfect environment for mold spore germination and growth. The techs have the training to identify early warning signs of an infestation, and this SERVPRO location has a mold remediation license #00055 and a residential general contractor license #2015353DCA. Once the cleanup efforts complete, the technicians can move directly into the reconstruction and repair phase of the mitigation and rebuild walls, install carpet or restore the flooring to make it like new. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400 supports local residential and commercial properties with the cleanup of flooding damage saving residents the cost of replacement whenever possible. 

What Parts of a Structure are Salvageable After Flooding?

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

An unexpected flood can quickly lead to flood damage in your home. Call the experts at SERVPRO immediately to prevent additional water loss.

A Sudden Flood Can Affect the Building and Assembly of your Home. SERVPRO Technicians are On-hand to Help Brooklyn Residents Overcome Flood Damages.

What are building assemblies, and how do they affect drying?

The building assembly is everything in the structure of your Brooklyn home, excluding the exterior walls. During intense storms and heavy rainfall, some or all of the building may begin to take on water. These can come from flooding into the property or through a rough that may become damaged by strong winds. Once water enters the property, it begins to negatively affect some, or all, of the building assembly, including drywall, crawlspaces, foundations, and framework. Each property has unique characteristics and material build. Our technicians have a strong understanding of how materials affect drying, which allows us to tailor our drying strategy to each situation we encounter. 

How are drying procedures decided?

When confronted with flood damage in your Brooklyn home, a professional water restoration technician has to make hundreds of decisions in a small space of time. Knowing which items can be dried cost-effectively and inexpensive to replace can help speed up the timeframe of restoration. Fitted cabinets are commonly made from particle boards with a veneer finish. These can take on lots of moisture in a short period of time, and the cost of drying them often outweighs the cost of replacement with cabinets of similar quality. SERVPRO makes decisions based on the most time-efficient solution to restore your home to its preloss condition. 

What is the process of deciding to restore or replace wet building materials?

General information covering the type of material, porosity and responsiveness to drying

Inspection to determine the length of exposure as well as the area of wetness (some materials, like drywall, have multiple layers to test)

Restorability is a combination of the above two results, which is the deciding factor in whether to restore or replace

Are wet ceilings and walls expensive to replace?

Walls that become wet through flooding need to be carefully inspected to understand the extent of the damage. A wall or ceiling has several layers of assembly, some of which may be wet while other parts may remain dry. SERVPRO technicians need to inspect layers of drywall, plaster, wallpaper, and framing to see how far the moisture has migrated. To examine these multiple layers a commonly used tool is a penetrating moisture meter. Items like drywall are often restorable, providing that there is little water contamination present. In these situations, we can use dehumidification and air-movement equipment to dry these materials successfully. 

When does the wet drywall need replacing?

Check the seams of the drywall. If they are intact, restoration is still possible.

If areas of the drywall begin to swell, they may need replacement.

Inspect the drywall for signs of mold growth. If present, replace the drywall

How far can water migrate after flooding?

Floodwaters can reach the framing of your home, providing that there is no intervention. It takes time for capillary suction to take place in drywall and plaster. However, with massive amounts of water, the time may be reduced. Some properties that flood show signs of damage to the framing of the property. The frames are usually dimensional lumber with a light finish. If water restoration technicians suspect that the frames are wet, we may need to demo some parts of the wall to access drying equipment. Wet structures can lead to extensive mold growth throughout the home and should always have an inspection after flooding. 

What are some necessary procedures for drying walls and ceilings?

Ventilation through the wall using structural cavity drying equipment

Demolition of materials to speed-up the drying process through extra ventilation and access for larger equipment

Temperature and humidity control to speed up the drying process

When is demolition necessary to restore flood damage?

Sometimes demolishing a part of a building's assembly can help to accelerate drying. When there are excessive amounts of moisture found in a structure removing inexpensive materials, like drywall, to gain access to more valuable materials, like dimensional lumber, is a good option. Ultimately, the cost of replacing lumber is high, and it has among the highest rates of repairability. For these reasons, it may be necessary to sacrifice plaster, wallpaper, or drywall in order to allow maximum drying focus on the structural framework of your home. SERVPRO technicians have experience conducting controlled demolitions in residential properties and can ensure all materials are replaced "Like it never even happened."

Floodwaters can permeate every aspect of a building's assembly. For expert drying, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400.

How Do I Know Where the Floodwater Went in your Brooklyn home?

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to handle any size flood damage 24/7, and make the damage to your property, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO brings multiple types of detection equipment to locate and remove the water from your Brooklyn home thoroughly

Floodwater in your home can be a frustrating event for a homeowner. The water may be standing, or other cases appear to have receded when it has instead seeped under flooring or wicked into the sheetrock or wound up in the neighbor's house in the unit next door. All of these issues require more than a visual inspection to locate the areas that need extraction and drying. SERVPRO techs bring various types of detection equipment to ensure that all areas of collected moisture get found and addressed as rapidly as possible.

Can Wet Sheetrock Recover From Flood Damage?

When water comes into contact with sheetrock in your Brooklyn property, the flood damage can have different outcomes depending on:
    •    How long the exposure took place
    •    The length of time before the cleanup started
    •    If the sheetrock shows signs of deterioration
    •    The nature of the water, whether it is clean or groundwater
    •    Buckling walls or sagging ceilings can present a danger to people in the vicinity, and to the technicians that  perform controlled demo actions as needed

When scoping the property and tracking down all the areas of water migration, the technicians take special care to determine if the building materials can get dried in place. If the sheetrock has too much deterioration from water exposure, the techs try to limit the amount that gets removed by locating and measuring several inches over the waterline and only removing the damaged portion. While this action assists in drying the structure by opening up walls or ceilings as needed, it also makes repairs simple as a cut piece of sheetrock can get fitted in and then sealed in using joint compound and sanding for a smooth finish. Once the area gets primed and painted, there will be no sign of the previous problem.

Is It Easier to Tell if Floodwater is Contaminated by Sight or Odor?

Although floodwater carries a recognizable odor, there is no way to look at water and know what is in it. The techs use different types of testing to determine the presence of any harmful bacteria or pathogens and apply the appropriate water treatments to lessen the chance of injury during the handling of the water during extraction and disposal.

Carpet has two primary outcomes after storm damage when the carpet gets wet through a broken window from high winds and rain enters the home, it has restoration potential as long as the mitigation begins quickly. The water in the house has not been allowed to degrade.

Instead of testing for contaminants, SERVPRO technicians use their equipment to test the carpet materials to choose the best cleaning method. The techs look for:
    •    The composition of materials that make up the carpet fibers to determine if shrinkage is a potential issue  
    •    Testing of the colorfastness of the dyes used on the threads
    •    Examination of the backing to ensure it has not deteriorated due to exposure to water
    •    If water spots are an issue, the techs can address those as a final step

In situations where groundwater has gotten absorbed into the carpet, it requires disposal using the protocols as biohazard removal due to the contaminated nature of the water. Because wet carpet is so heavy and can cause injury to lift, the techs extract the water and cut it into strips for faster and more efficient removal.

How Can I Avoid Issues with Mold?

Microscopic airborne mold spores float harmlessly inside and out most of the time, and unless conditions are right for germination, they pose no threat. After floodwater in a home creates an elevated air moisture environment, the spores can find a hospitable place and begin to grow, particularly on sheetrock and wood. SERVPRO techs have extensive training and certification for mold remediation #00055 to neutralize the colonies before the problem becomes an infestation through the use of their drying equipment, professional-grade antimicrobial cleaning agents and follow up treatments such as sealants to inhibit any return.

How Do I Get Repairs Made After Floodwater Ruins Things in My Home?

When the cleanup of the home gets completed, the techs walk the property owner through and go over the components that needed removal and items that got restored. Areas where sheetrock needs replacing or other necessary repairs can also get done by SERVPRO. With their general contractor license, the techs have the knowledge and experience to do:
    •    Any size reconstruction
    •    Painting
    •    Installation of flooring
    •    Plumbing repairs
    •    Electrical repairs

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn at (718) 522-4400 is ready to handle any size flood damage 24/7, and make the damage to your property, “Like it never even happened.”

Whom Do I Call to Get Rid of Water and Sewage in My Brooklyn Basement Apartment?

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

We bring the necessary restoration equipment to each job. You can trust the SERVPRO brand to restore your home.

Brooklyn Residents Struggling with Flood Damage in Basement Level Apartments Can Rely on SERVPRO for Solutions 

Hurricane season can hit Brooklyn hard, with heavy rains upsetting the equilibrium in basement living quarters. Inches to feet of floodwater from torrential rains sweeping over-pavements and even sea surging is concerning. When local sanitary systems become overwhelmed, sewage can intermingle with the other floodwaters creating an untenable situation. 

What Is My First Step When Storm Damage Floods My Basement Apartment? 

Sewage mixed with flood damage in Brooklyn basement apartments feels beyond solving when it happens to you. Do not despair. Instead, call a disaster recovery company promptly. The quicker you get assistance, the more likely your personal property and your home's structural components can start returning to normal. 

What Can I Expect from Flood Damage Mitigation and Remediation Professionals? 

Count on SERVPRO to arrive promptly, listen to your concerns, assess the scene, and begin emergency services, with your permission. Our highly trained crews come equipped with commercial-grade equipment, including truck-mounted extractors capable of moving out 36,000 gallons of fluids a day. Sometimes safety requires disconnecting the power in your apartment, and our onboard generators permit us to avoid delays in removing the contaminated flooding. We contain the fluids and remove them according to local regulations. Next steps include: 

• Cleaning surfaces with EPA-registered products
• Disinfecting surfaces with EPA register antimicrobials
• Collecting moisture data to project drying goals 
• Drying out structures using the assistance of air movers and dehumidifiers 

Is There Any Hope for Saving My Wet Personal Property? 

We often recommend a partial or total pack-out of wet contents to our production facility. In confined spaces like a basement apartment, this can help crews on-site complete their work without impediments. Our contents processing specialists evaluate and work hard to restore your furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions to functionality and appearance. 

Trust SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn to help during the aftermath of a flooding disaster in your basement apartment. Call us at (718) 522-4400 day or night -- we know flooding happens round the clock. 

More about Brooklyn.

What Are Common Hazards If My House Floods During Spring Rainstorms?

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows storms can take over, let us help you.

SERVPRO Crews Know How to Protect Our Brooklyn Neighbors from Flood Damage Safety Risks

Spring brings the best chance for heavy rains in our borough, with April averaging nearly four inches of precipitation. If rains cause flooding, the range of potential safety issues presented is broad. Merely waiting for the excess water to drain and dry out is not an option. You need experts to identify and help minimize hazards before restoring the damage.

Why Is Identifying Safety Concerns Our First Step?

When flash floods damage your Brooklyn residence, we know you are hoping for an immediate response. Restoration industry best practices require a safety evaluation before emergency mitigation begins. The reasons to consider safety first include:

Personal Hazards

• Slip, trip, and fall
• Confined spaces
• Chemical safety issues

Environmental Hazards

• Submerged debris
• Structural damage and weakness
• Electrical shock

Biohazards

• Waterborne chemicals
• Infectious waste from sewage 
• Molds

Aren’t the Risks the Same for Every Flood?

Every job SERVPRO takes on is unique. The systems and building materials we find in your home are different than what we encountered during our last job. Chances are lack of knowledge of specific circumstances about your home can expose your family and our workers to injury or worse.

Do Our Crews Follow a Flood Safety Checklist?

The comprehensive training our crews master recommends we identify and remedy the following specifics as we evaluate the condition of your flooded home:

Are warning signs for slippery surfaces posted? 

Are carpet tack strips exposed?

We cover to avoid punctures.

Are ceilings sagging? 

We punch weep holes to release water.

Are electrical issues resolved?

• We avoid switching on wet equipment.
• We check for and do not use damaged cords. 
• We zip tie cords.
• We use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).

Are there mold, lead, or asbestos concerns?

We arrange for certified abatement.

Is the water Category 2 or 3?

We contain and discard per local regulations.

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn is ready to assess your flooded home, identifying hazards, and taking steps to prevent injury. Call us at (718) 522-4400 to begin the restoration process safely.

Contractor Licenses:

Residential: 2015353DCA

Mold Remediation: 00055

To find out more about Brooklyn, click here.

Brooklyn Properties, Winter Roof Damage from Snow Storms, and a SERVPRO Solution

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded Attic in Brooklyn from a Snow Storm Melt Can Be Damaging--SERVPRO Can Help!

Can Ice Dams Flood Your Brooklyn Home?

During the winter months, your Brooklyn home could contend with several threats after sharp temperature drops and snowfall that can compromise the integrity and defense of your roof. Understanding these risks can help you to identify potential problems as they happen, but might not always be noticeable concerns until the damage has occurred. Ice damming is a threatening circumstance of the winter months, though many homeowners remain unclear as to how it happens and the damage it can do.

Flood damage from ice dams on Brooklyn homes is more common than many might think and is a situation that our storm response and flood recovery team have worked to restore for many properties. Ice dams form when uneven insulation under the roof exists, and warm patches can affect snowfall on the roof by warming up and melting some of the snow. With temperatures still below freezing outside, melting snow can refreeze along the edges of the roof and eaves, forming a barrier that continually grows more prominent and more threatening to the roof.

As this ice formation continues to grow and move up the roof, it can break off shingles and leave portions of the roof exposed to water penetration. What begins as a saturation of the roof underlayment can quickly develop into a steady leak or complete structural breach depending on the severity of the saturation points. Once underlying plywood becomes more than twenty percent saturated, dry rotting can occur, which allows for structural failures and flooding.

Our SERVPRO team must address these concerns as both the structural repair and the drying and restoration needed. Our in-house contractors can work to tarp over damaged portions of the roof until the technicians of our team have dried and restored exposed interior materials and contents. Between the air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers ideal for high humidity, we can minimalize moisture concerns to prepare the property for the roof repair necessary to make this loss “Like it never even happened.”

Ice dams can become a pressing concern for homeowners and a situation that presents flooding scenarios that must get addressed immediately. Our SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn professionals are ready 24/7 to help with your storm and flood loss disasters. Give us a call today at (929) 242-8662.

Flood Damage In Your Brooklyn Residence

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn serves homeowners by being Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Restoring a Brooklyn Residence after Flood Damage

New York residents face unique challenges when it comes to flooding, especially those living in cities. The tightly-packed residences mean that there are fewer options for landscaping and other flood prevention methods that may require more space. However, there is a team that can save your living space after flooding occurs.

If your Brooklyn home has suffered flood damage, certified SERVPRO technicians are ready to assist you with cutting-edge technologies and science-based protocols to restore your dwelling to a preloss condition. SERVPRO franchises span all over the United States and Canada with over 1,700 locations, meaning there is always a team positioned to aid community members who need fast relief after unexpected disasters. This SERVPRO is also licensed for residential contracting purposes (#2015353DCA) and mold remediation (#00055).

Safety Tips for Home Floods
    •    Move ice and snow before it melts. Is there ice or snow near your home? As winter gets closer to spring, make sure to remove this. Melting ice and snow can seep into your home and exacerbate damage from flooding or storms.
    •    Test any drainage methods you have. If your basement has a sump pump, make sure it works in the event of a flood.
    •    Stock up on sandbags. Sandbags, waterproof paint, and weatherstripping can all aid in minimizing the effects of floodwaters in your residence.
    •    Consult a home inspector. If you are concerned about your home's flood risk but are not sure what warning signs to look for, consult a professional who does know and can educate you on flood prevention that would work for your unique home.

SERVPRO's Dedication to Sanitation
One of the essential aspects of flood damage prevention is disinfection. This is why SERVPRO technicians use EPA-registered, OSHA-approved antimicrobial cleaning solutions to combat stains and residues left behind by flooding and prevent the spread of microbes in your residence.

If your basement has been affected by flooding, tile flooring and cement floors can often be successfully cleaned and restored. Ceramic tiles are generally not damaged by floodwaters. Grout and adhesives affected by floodwaters, however, can lose their effectiveness after enough saturation.

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn serves homeowners by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. For prompt disaster cleanup services, you can call (718) 522-4400.

For more about Brooklyn click here.

We Are The Crew To Call If Your Brooklyn Home Experiences A Flood

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

We work to help our neighbors return their residences to a clean, dry condition so they can get on with their lives.

Removing Damage And Restoring Brooklyn Homes After A Flood

Brooklyn is the most populated borough in NYC, and why would anyone want to live anywhere else? With the Upper Bay as our western border, however, flooding is occasionally an issue for many of us.

To remediate the effects of flood damage in Brooklyn, SERVPRO technicians pay close attention to the walls and other places where water collects and remains after the flood retreats, and we remove standing water. Quick removal helps to eliminate further damage and reduces the effects where damage already started.

Response team members quickly remove furniture outside for cleaning, but efforts inside center around replacement or restoration. As an example, interior walls often absorb much water, but can still be restored to a clean, usable condition.

SERVPRO technicians start by removing floor trim and drilling holes into drywall to release standing water. If the drilling shows that an affected panel is already crumbling or it cracks upward, then it absorbed too much moisture and required replacement. Team members then carefully break up the damaged panels, bag them, and remove them for proper disposal.

If there is no cracking or crumbling, then we take steps to dry each panel and the space behind them. For the exterior, this means directing an air mover to generate warm, dry air over the surface that carefully forces out moisture, so it evaporates into the air.

For the interior, our technicians use another air mover with an attached hose to force air into the wall cavity. That helps to dry the panel and the wall frame where it is attached. One of our inspectors uses a moisture meter to check that everything is back to a normal level and then team members patch the holes and reattach the floor trim.

For SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn, it is not really about customers. We work to help our neighbors return their residences to a clean, dry condition so they can get on with their lives. If this situation includes your home, call us at (718) 522-4400 today to find out what we can do for you.

Click here for more about Brooklyn.

Does Your Business Need Commercial Flood Insurance?

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Ask your insurance agent if you are covered

Your businesses in Park Slope, NY, is not covered under a standard commercial insurance policy if it is affected by flooding. However, you can purchase special coverage for flooding in case your company ever does withstand any flood damage. Here’s some basic information on flood insurance and whether or not you will need to purchase it for your business.

Flood Insurance Coverage

If flooding in your area causes damage to your business, you will likely need to contact a water damage cleanup company to restore the damaged building and get you back in business. Without flood insurance, the cost to fix all the damages and replace any lost items will rest on your shoulders. By protecting your business with coverage in the case of a flood, the costs up to $500,000 will be taken care of in almost all situations including

• Heavy rain
  
• Overflowing rivers
  
• Snow melt
  
• Storm surge
  
• Broken dams
  
• Blocked storm drains

Your business will also be covered for any mold damage that occurs as a result of the flooding. Any property outside your company’s business will not be covered, and you will not be compensated for money loss due to time lost during the restoration process.

Insurance Requirements in High-Risk Areas

If you don’t live in a high-risk flood area, it will be up to you to determine the risk of flooding in your area. While areas close to flood zones would be smart to look into adding flooding to their insurance policy, businesses located in areas identified as high-risk flood areas with a mortgage from an insured or federally regulated lender are the only locations required by law to purchase an extra flood insurance policy.

Flood insurance is very useful for covering the costs of damage that occurs to your business as a result of a flood. Although it is only required for businesses in high-risk areas, you should evaluate whether your building could be at risk.

Know the Difference Between Storm Terminology

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage in Brooklyn, NY

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

• WINTER STORM OUTLOOK - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
• WINTER STORM WATCH – Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
• WINTER STORM WARNING – Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events. SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn encourages everyone to learn about the hazards they may face during a winter storm and prepare for all types of emergencies by writing an emergency plan, choosing a meeting place, gathering supplies for their home, and preparing a Go Bag in case they need to leave their home in a hurry. Make a disaster plan with your household members to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Make a plan that best suits your needs and the needs of your household.

Preparing your Home and Vehicle for Winter Storms

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

PREPARE YOUR HOME & VEHICLE

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Insulate you home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
• Keep a supply of Sand, Rock Salt, or Non-clumping Kitty Litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.

PUT TOGETHER A SUPPLY KIT

 A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items.

• Water – at least a 3-day supply; 1 gallon per person per day
• Food – at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
• Battery powered radio (extra batteries)
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight and Multi-purpose tool (pliers or wrench-to turn off utilities)
• Medications (7 day supply)
• Family and emergency contact information
• Baby Supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies
• Warm Clothing –Jacket/coat, long pants and long sleeved shirt
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

 When evacuation is deemed necessary:

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Extra Cash

SERVPRO of Northwest Brooklyn is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Whether you need emergency winter storm damage remediation or other restorative services, you can trust us to make your house feel like home again. We have the training, experience, and equipment to quickly get your home looking its best.

How To Stop Sewer Smells From Getting in Your Building

8/18/2018 (Permalink)

If a sewer smell permeates your commercial building in Brooklyn, NY, it can be bad for business morale. Not only will your workers hate coming in, but your customers might start to avoid the store too. Thankfully, you can turn to a commercial cleaning team to help you get rid of the bad smell.

However, you don't have to let it get that far. You can take some preventative steps to keep the bad smell of the sewer out of your building from the start.

1. Check on the toilet trap. You might not be that familiar with the function of your toilet trap. This u-shaped pipe connects your toilet's drain to the rest of the sewer line. The bend of the plumbing traps a small amount of waste water. The waste water actually works to block sewer gas from coming into your building. Have a plumber or another professional inspect the trap regularly to make sure it does not dry out.

2. Clean plumbing vents. Your building is probably equipped with plumbing vents designed to release sewer odors to the outside rather than back into your space. If these vents were to get blocked up by, you may start to notice a sewer smell inside. Regularly cleaning the vents helps reduce the chances of a blockage.

3. Inspect drain lines. The drain lines of your sinks and toilets are supposed to carry sewage away from your building. However, cracks and holes can form in this piping. When this happens, the sewage may release underneath your building or even inside of it. This backup can leave you with a smelly mess.

Proper maintenance and vigilance can help you keep your business from acquiring the feared sewer smell. If a sewage disaster does happen, you need to address the problem as quickly as possible to avoid a lingering smell on your property.

For more on Brooklyn click here. 

Best Ways to Prepare for Flood Damage

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing for flood damage in your home or business can give you piece of mind to ensure your safety

Depending on where you live in Brooklyn, NY, your home may stand in a flood zone. If flooding is a strong possibility in your area, it’s critical that you take the proper precautions so you can mitigate damage to your home and personal property. You may not be able to completely stop water from getting into your house, but you can minimize its harmful effects.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

If you wait to start preparing for a flood once the rain starts falling or once water begins creeping into your house, it’s too late. You need to get ready today with the proper materials to help ensure your safety and well-being from flood damage. Include these items:

• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Flashlight
• Toiletries and hygiene items

Clean Your Rain Gutters

If a major rainstorm hits your area, the storm damage can be severe, especially if your rain gutters aren’t diverting water from your home. Make sure you remove leaves, dirt and other debris from your rain gutters. If you fail to do this, water could pool up near your foundation which could then find its way into your home.

Clean Your Storm Drains

Other problem areas when it comes to flooding are the storm drains in front of your home. If these are cluttered with garbage and other materials, you could be in trouble if a large storm rolls through your area. It’s vital that you clean out these gutters, so they don’t overflow and put your home in danger. If you don’t have the equipment and expertise to handle this task on your own, you can contact an experienced company that specializes in this type of maintenance.

You can’t always predict when flooding will affect you and your home, but you can prepare yourself. Follow these tips, and you can have peace of mind that you’re doing all you can to ensure your safety.

For more on Brooklyn click here. 

3 Important Items To Keep in Your Business' Emergency Medical Kit

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Keep a fully stocked First Aid kit available in your Brooklyn business

Keeping your employees and customers safe can be an important part of being a responsible Brooklyn, NY, business owner. Posting warning signs in dangerous areas and following state and federal safety protocol can help keep your property safe. However, if an accident should occur, being prepared with a stocked first aid kit might mean the difference between being able to help an injured individual and having to wait until help arrives. If you are creating a kit for the first time, there are several items you may want to include.

1. A Variety Pack of Bandages

Cuts and scrapes may heal more quickly when they are covered with a sterile bandage, and covering a wound may also reduce the risk of infection by preventing dirt and bacteria from contaminating injured skin. However, since it can be difficult to predict the size of a wound, it is a good idea to keep a variety pack of bandages, all in different sizes and shapes, in your medical kit. Consider keeping flexible bandages on hand to cover scrapes on knees and elbows that might be incurred in a fall.

2. Large Gauze Pads

Gauze pads can be effective in covering wounds and stemming the flow of blood from a wound. Having large pads on hand means you can fold them for thickness if necessary. It is wise to keep several large sheets of gauze, up to eight inches long and ten inches wide, in your first aid kit.

3. A Complete Directory of Emergency Numbers

You may have a list of emergency numbers posted in your office or in the breakroom. However, keeping a backup directory in your emergency kit can help you contact a storm damage cleanup service and other emergency repair numbers if your business floods and you cannot access the posted list. Consider laminating your backup list to protect it from water and staining.

Keeping a fully-stocked first aid kit available at your Brooklyn, NY, business can help you act quickly in case of an injury. While emergencies are often unpredictable, being prepared may give you peace of mind that you can handle them if they should arise.

For more on Brooklyn click here. 

If You Want To Serve and Protect, Here’s What You Need To Know

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared to serve and protect for any type of restoration emergency

A career as a first responder can be exciting, fulfilling and rewarding, but it can also be very dangerous. As a responder, you will be asked to enter buildings and spaces from which others flee. To protect yourself, and to maximize your ability to help others, there are some precautions that you can take beforehand:

• Get your immunizations.
• Invest in the proper gear.
• Brush up on safety hazards.
• Know protocol.

Vaccinations Are Essential

Individuals who work in flood response are required to get two vaccinations: tetanus and hepatitis B. However, because flood waters are so dirty, and because you have no idea what type of germs you will come into contact with as a first responder, you should also talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A, cholera, rabies, typhoid and meningococcal vaccines. Though the rate of exposure is low, it doesn’t hurt to give your immune system a little boost.

Invest in the Right Gear

Though your department should provide you with the right gear, it’s helpful to know which gear is absolutely necessary. Chemical-resistant outer clothing, protective eye gear, and plastic or rubber gloves and boots are necessary for keeping contaminants out and your body safe.

Know the Risks

What type of gear you wear also depends on the type of risk you’re dealing with. For instance, if you’re working in a moldy home, chemical-resistant outer clothing may not be necessary, but a face mask would be. Know the risks so that you can show up prepared.

Know Protocol

You cannot help others if you yourself aren’t sure what to do. Brush up on standard protocol, and make it a point to further your education every chance you get. Also, do not assume that because you’re a disaster responder that you are immune from danger yourself. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, extreme fatigue or other strange symptoms post-disaster, reach out to a medical professional ASAP.

Being a first responder in Brooklyn NY, can be very rewarding. To make it even more so, get your immunizations, invest in the right gear and understand protocol.

For more about Brooklyn click here.

What causes flooding?

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

There are many causes of flood damage in your home or business.

Anything can happen to flood your home or cause water in your business; even small accidents like a supply line break or a pipe break can cause a flooded home. Some causes are preventable, others are not. The most common causes:

• Broken water heaters / Sump Pumps
• Leaking pipes
• Supply line break
• Frozen water lines / pipe break
• Storm water
• Blocked Sewer Lines
• Overflowing appliances (Bathtubs, dishwashers, washing machines)

Effects of Excessive Water?

Unless the water cleanup and drying is handled correctly and by a professional, the devastation can quickly spread. A Water Damage Restoration Professional is experienced in the mitigation process and can save you time, money and headaches. Without them, you are exposing yourself to all types of additional problems with water in your home or water in your business:

• Mold
• Contaminants in the water
• Structural problems
• Building materials
• Carpets and carpet padding
• Loss of personal property
• Electrical / mechanical problems

There is more involved than just fixing a pipe break or supply line break.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestbrooklyn.com for more information on water damage

Services of a Professional Flood Restoration Company

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

A Water Damage Restoration Company performs a myriad of services.

They provide invaluable help by mitigating the damage of flood water in your home. When contacted, they will immediately assess the situation for safety concerns. Whether it's electrical lines down, or unsteady piles of personal items, creating a safe environment is the first step in mitigating the flood damage. They can quickly and expertly assess the type of water in your home, and identify the extent of the problem. Flood water can contain any number of bio-hazardous chemicals, depending on the surrounding area.

The next step is to do a full assessment of the situation of the flooded home. This includes identifying the immediate location of the flood water, and surveying of any peripheral areas, including various levels of the structure.

After the assessment, water cleanup can begin from the area and the drying can begin. Using commercial-grade pumps, fans, vacuums, and other equipment, water and debris are removed quickly and completely. Specialized equipment for drying, such as industrial fans and dehumidifiers are brought in to remove as much moisture as possible. Moisture monitoring equipment is used to find even the most difficult hidden water. If not properly dry mold and mildew will begin to grow, causing additional problems.

As you can see, flood mitigation, water cleanup and flood damage assessment is something to be left to restoration company professionals.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestbrooklyn.com for more information on storm damage.

Why a Flood Cut Is Worth It After a Storm

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

When a storm hits in Brooklyn, NY, flooding is many homeowners’ biggest fear. However, while contamination from standing water is a serious danger, water damage and contaminates left after the flooding recedes can not only cause health concerns but issues with your home’s insulation. A flood cut, or removal of the drywall from the floor to 12 inches above the flood line in a room affected by flooding, can ensure that your walls dry completely and don’t harbor mold or other health hazards. Additionally, a tear out of the drywall can reveal further water damage that must be repaired.

Not all cases require a flood cut. When the flooding only involves clean water, as from a broken pipe, and if there is no insulation in the wall, a flood cut may not be necessary. Flood cuts are typically used in the following situations:

• If flooding is due to a storm or sewage backup and the flood water may be contaminated
• If wet insulation is detected
• If microbial growth of any kind is detected

Flood Cuts Keep You and Your Family Healthy

When flood water is contaminated, it can foster the growth of mold and other bacteria harmful to your health. Because flood waters can seep through drywall, health hazards can be hidden in the walls even if the room looks dry and clean on the surface. A flood cut ensures that walls are thoroughly dried and free from growth, keeping you and your family safe.

Flood Cuts Reveal Hidden Damage

While not all walls are insulated, flooded homes with insulation need flood cuts to reveal water damage behind the drywall. Drywall tear out can reveal whether insulation has been damaged by the flood. Because insulation cannot be properly dried after a flood and maintain its R-value, any wet insulation must be replaced.

When your home floods in Brooklyn, NY,  professional water restoration experts can ensure that you and your family stay healthy and your home stays insulated.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestbrooklyn.com for more storm related information. 

How to Prepare for Flood Damage

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for Flood Damage

If you’re like other business owners in Brooklyn, New York you want a clear plan in place to deal with flood damage. Although flooding can occur at any time of the year thanks to water main breaks and various kinds of natural disasters, you’re more likely to experience it from storm damage between June 1 and November 30 in most regions of the country. Implementing some smart tips now can minimize the destructive potential, contamination and possible financial losses from excess water inside your commercial buildings.

Your Business Could Be in Danger

Technically, every part of the United States has a flood risk. While nearly all the coastal states have a greater chance, water line ruptures or a river overflowing its banks due to heavy rainfall or excessive snow melting can result in a flood. No matter where you’re located, you need a flood damage plan for your business that includes:

Evacuation
Flood insurance
Stocking supplies for emergency preparedness

Gutters and Storm Drains Should Be Cleaned

Regular property maintenance should also be part of your flood planning, as it can significantly reduce the amount of damage you experience. Gutters are an essential structure that facilitates the channeling of water away from areas of your buildings most vulnerable to damage. Storm drains play a key role in your total drainage systems, allowing water to also flow out of your property. Clogged gutters and drains can lead to critical impacts such as erosion, basement flooding and destruction to your foundations.

Restoration Experts Can Help

Before you experience a flood emergency in Brooklyn, New York it’s essential to form a relationship with a trustworthy water damage restoration company. Its technicians will be ready to help when the worst happens, but they’ll tell you that preparedness and prevention are vital. Taking the right steps now could help you cut your possible losses from storm damage, water main problems and other common causes of commercial property flooding. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestbrooklyn.com for more information on flood damage.

Three Ways to Prevent Storm Damage

11/4/2017 (Permalink)

Three Ways to Prevent Storm Damage

Are you worried about river flooding, hail damage, or hurricane damage? Do you live in an area with lots of river flooding, hail damage, ground water, and ice damming? Are you worried that your home could experience storm damage, hail damage, hurricane damage, ice damage, or roof damage? Are you wondering how you can prevent storm damage to your home, including wind damage, roof damage, and hail damage?

Unfortunately, any home can experience ice damage, frozen pipes, an ice dam, flooding, and river flooding. No matter where you live, you may be susceptible to major ice damage, frozen pipes, ice damming, or hurricane damage that requires a flood pump, roof repair, or other storm restoration. Although no homeowner can predict river flooding, ice damage, hurricane damage, flood water, or ground water, there are several things any homeowner can do to minimize the need for storm remediation. When you're ready to start preventing storm damage, including wind damage and roof damage, there are three things you can do.

First off, make sure your house is in good shape prior to river flooding or other storms. If you already have wind damage, roof damage, or ice damming on your home, your house is more likely to experience wind damage, frozen pipes, and ice damming. It's important that you seek home restoration or water restoration options prior to a storm arriving. Any storm, regardless of its strength, can impact your house and cause flooding or even a roof leak that needs a roof repair. Understand that preparing your house is an important step in preventing the need for storm remediation. Make sure you have a roof repair and any needed storm restoration prior to a storm occurring.

Next, always make sure you remove standing items from your yard. During periods of high wind, some items could become airborne. While this won't cause frozen pipes, if a flying object causes a roof leak, you could need a roof repair. It's important to take as many steps as possible to reduce your risk of a roof leak. Make sure you remove any objects, such as toys or trash cans, from your yard when you suspect you may have flooding, flood water, or ground water. While removing items won't prevent flooding, keeping them safely indoors will prevent losing items due to flooding.

Finally, make sure you seek fast repairs after a storm has occurred. If you notice ground water, flood water, a roof leak, or another problem that might require a flood pump for water restoration, make sure you seek storm remediation. Although seeking home restoration or water restoration assistance might seem time-consuming, the truth is that it's important to seek home restoration and water restoration as soon as possible, especially if you have flood water or an ice dam. An ice dam is nothing to mess with, as an ice dam could cause severe roof damage. Similarly, you don't want to put off storm restoration if you have standing water that needs a flood pump to perform home restoration or storm remediation. Storm restoration should include utilizing a flood pump to remove excess water from your home. Maintaining your home and restoring it will ensure that future storm damage is minimized, but it will also ensure you don't develop secondary issues after a storm, such as a weakened structure or foundation.

Although dealing with storms and problems can be tricky, the truth is that it's important to prepare as much as possible before a storm arrives. This will minimize the damage to your home and ensure that clean-up is simple and as minimally invasive as possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestbrooklyn.com for more information on storm damage.

What to Do When You Suffer Storm Damage

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

What to Do When You Suffer Storm Damage

Water is the world's most powerful force, and while most people just focus on the wind when they think about a hurricane, flooding is almost always the bigger issue. In places around the world where storm damage has happened, river flooding, ground water problems and other subsequent issues have led to roof damage, roof leaks and other similar concerns. When you find yourself inundated with flood water and hurricane damage, what should you do? Whether it's hail damage, ice damage, wind damage or damage to your flood pump, it's important to have a plan. Here's where to start with storm remediation.

Put in a call to FEMA

Perhaps the first step when you've suffered storm damage is to put in a call to FEMA. Whether river flooding filled your house or you suffered a roof leak from wind damage, a call to FEMA is the first step in storm remediation. FEMA is a federal agency set up to help people deal with storm restoration, home restoration and other types of storm remediation. If you've taken a direct hit and are suffering from hurricane damage, FEMA can sometimes provide you with money to use in the storm remediation. You'll have to get a FEMA number to get the process started.

Gather and protect your personal information for insurance and other claims

If you've been the victim of flooding, wind damage, roof damage, roof leaks and other problems, you may be able to file an insurance claim that will provide you with the money to hire a professional to fix your home. Ground water and flood water can be dangerous, so it's critical to get the process started early. Even if you're the victim of a winter storm and you have frozen pipes from ice damage along with hail damage, you should still gather your information for insurance purposes. The home restoration process from a problem with ice damming or wind damage is largely the same. It should start with the successful protection of your most important documents so you'll have what you need when you go to file an insurance claim to cover that roof repair.

Get out of a damaged house as quickly as possible

Whether an ice dam has busted of you need storm restoration because of wind damage, it's critical not to spend time in a damaged home. Those homes suffering from ice damage or ice damming problems can have structural issues and be unsafe. If you don't have ice damage and you instead have river flooding, you may be living in a veritable cesspool. Your safety should be most important, so it pays to get out before you start the process of a complete home restoration or water restoration. After you've gotten out, you can find a professional company to provide storm damage help, including roof repair for a roof leak, water pump action for flooding, and full home restoration for ground water problems.

Call a company to provide professional help

You might think you know how to deal with flooding or roof damage on your own, but it's unlikely you do. Water restoration in your home is easiest with an expensive flood pump, and frozen pipes from an ice dam issue shouldn't be handled by an amateur. If you find yourself fixing frozen pipes because of ice damming, you are doing it wrong. The better option to rid yourself of flood water or handle that roof repair is to invest in professional help. If it's hurricane damage that's brought that river flooding into your home, then you'll likely have a long road ahead of you. The flood water and ground water problems can do significant damage to the bones of your home, and a professional water restoration company may have to fix your home over the long haul. Even if it's just hail damage or ice damage from ice damming problems, you should have an insurance payoff to help you get professional help into your home. Take advantage of that and save yourself the trouble.

If it's storm restoration you're after, get your affairs in order and call a professional storm restoration company with skilled people and a real flood pump. If it's something like roof damage or other structural storm damage, allow a professional to do that roof repair or fix problems from an ice dam. Frozen pipes and water restoration from hurricane damage are nothing to play around with. A professional who has dealt with ice dam issues or hail damage before can walk you through a stressful time. Their flood pump may just accelerate the process, too, if you have extensive water in your home.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthwestbrooklyn.com for more information on storm damage.