How Do I Detect Mold?

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Spotted mold in your basement? Call SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified in mold damage remediation services. Contact us to learn more.

Mold Detection in Your Newburgh Home is a Job for a Professional Mold Remediation Company

Homeowners can spot mold in their Newburgh homes either by sight or because they perceive an odd smell. As valuable as this alert is, a professional team can make a reliable assessment of how widespread mold is in your home. Calling a reputable team and taking quick action is essential in protecting your health.

Mold damage in Newburgh is not uncommon, and SERPVRO is at your service to detect and remediate it. For further protection, you should reach out to us as soon as standing water becomes an issue, as mold spores proliferate in a high humidity environment. Even if you are unsure of the presence of mold, give yourself some peace of mind by having our professional crew take a look.

I have mold, now what?

Detection is an important step, but removal is not enough. Our SERVPRO technicians know that a complete job entails removing and killing fungi and disinfecting to prevent a recurrence. As we approach the mold removal part of the process, you may see our technicians perform some of the following-

• Establish containment barriers by using plastic sheeting
• Seal your air vents to avoid further dissemination of mold
• Remove mold from nonporous surfaces with a HEPA vacuum

SERVPRO of North Orange County protects you in your time of need. Call us at (845) 342-3333 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."

Where Do I Start the Cleanup After a Kitchen Fire in Newburgh?

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with a kitchen fire will certainly cause some frustration. Handle the situation with a call to SERVPRO. We are standing by 24/7 for you.

Calling Experts for Fire Restoration in Your Home Puts a Solid Plan into Action for Quality Results

With any kitchen fire, the stovetop is the usual culprit. Whether you had a grease fire or another fire loss, the soot and smoke can be tough to deal with on your own. Instead of going the DIY route, the trained professionals at SERVPRO get to work fast using all of the latest techniques and technology to restore your interior to pre-damage condition.

How Do You Address a Fire Restoration Call?

Once you call us for emergency service, our skilled technicians arrive on the scene to begin the assessment and restoration. After removing all of the fire-damaged materials and debris in your Newburgh kitchen, such as cabinets, lighting, drywall, and appliances, we then begin cleaning soot and smoke particles. 

•   Wet smoke is generated with lower heat, often coming from burning rubber or plastics. Such smoke residue is often stubborn because it webs and becomes sticky or smears to the touch.
•   Dry smoke develops at a higher temperature and is fast-burning, often coming from burned materials like wood and paper. This type of smoke is often easier to clean.

We know that air-quality and foul odors are an issue with any kitchen fire, so we have a range of deodorization techniques that allow us to make your interior, “Like it never even happened.”

•   Thermal foggers, also known as dry fogging, helps to vaporize deodorizers that react on a chemical level with odor-causing residues.
•   Air scrubbers are excellent for removing airborne particles and odorous elements from the air.

SERVPRO of North Orange County understands how important it is for you to get your home back to normal quickly after suffering from fire damage in your kitchen. Call us 24/7 at (845) 342-3333 to deploy a team that gets to work fast with specialized restoration services.

How Can Owners and Managers Get Rid of a Water Spill in Their Businesses?

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

When the SERVPRO vehicle arrives, commercial clients in Middletown breathe a sigh of relief--soon, no more water damage!

Middleton Business Owners Should Call SERVPRO for Thorough Restoration After a Water Spill

It’s Clean Water, Do Owners of a Delicatessen Still Need Professional Help?

Absolutely! Commercial facilities, especially food-service operations in Middletown, need SERVPRO to ensure their businesses can reopen safely for customers. If left standing for too long, even clean water becomes a home for bacteria and mold, not to mention small bits of food particles that go unnoticed.

Can Removal Happen Quickly?

Commercial water removal in Middletown depends on the size of the building and how much water is spilled before someone shuts off the source. These are our primary tools:

• Water Pumps – These large machines are excellent for water about ankle-deep or higher. Technicians have the option of truck-mounted pumps for big facilities and eventually move to small, backpack-wearable pumps designed for finishing off small offices and storage rooms.
• Extraction Wands – These smaller devices are preferred for lower levels of water spread out over a large floor area. The design is very effective for any surface.

Is There Anything Else That Needs to be Accomplished?

Yes, if there are any carpets or rugs in the customer areas. Water is unique in how much dirt and food particles it can lift out of what looks like a clean, commercial carpet. With the owner’s approval, our technicians shampoo them with a cleaning agent that leaves a pleasant odor for customers and employees. To avoid affecting the glue that holds carpets in place, team members follow up with a water extraction wand designed for commercial use.

To schedule a service visit or if you have more questions about what SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County can do for your business here or in Newburgh, call us today at (845) 342-3333. We are here for you.

Deodorizing Newburgh Shops After Small Fire Damage Disasters

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO to help with fire restoration to your property.

Air Quality is a Factor in Fire Damage Cleanup

Small fires and flare-ups in your boutique or store could leave behind more than some singe marks and smoke. Air quality plays a considerable part in the safety of those in your business and how easily cleanup and restoration actions to come can be successful. We prioritize improving air quality after a fire gets extinguished. 

Counteracting Harsh Malodors

One of the first steps toward overcoming fire damage to Newburgh shops is working to influence the environment and reduce harsh odors that can develop during combustion. Counteractant materials and actions lessen the severity of offensive malodors while helping often helping the fire-damaged property in other ways:

• Removing Soils – Surface cleaning is an essential early step in managing airborne contaminants and odors. The less soot and smoke solids present on surfaces, the less influence these deposits have on the environment. 

• Safe Debris Disposal – SERVPRO professionals must also prioritize removing heaped bulk materials, charred remnants, and ash from the floors where combustion has occurred. 

• Counteracting Agents – We have several products designed to lessen the strength of malodors, such as absorbent beads and granules that can hold odor molecules and allow them to be conveniently removed. 

Removing Smoke Smells

Counteractant measures are only partially effective, however. We must remove harsh smells using deodorization equipment like foggers, oxidation units, and hydroxyl machines.

Treating Imaginary Odors

The greatest obstacle to air quality is the odor that does not exist. Whether it is your staff or your customers, the sight of fire damage can often create an imaginary burning smell even if deodorization was a success. We have masking agents to help those in your shop breathe easier. 

After a fire, count on SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County teams to help your business keep running. Call us today at (845) 342-3333.

Is Flood Damage Permanent?

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Spring and spring floods are on the horizon. SERVPRO is available to handle any water and storm damage your home incurs.

SERVPRO Offers Detailed Flood Damage Restoration After a Newburgh Storm to Return Your Home to Pre-Damaged Condition

There are many exciting details about Newburgh, NY, including being one of the state's largest historic districts. Whether visiting the region or looking to relocate, you will have incredible Newburg Waterfront nightlife, stunning outdoor parks, and amazing Hudson River views. There is always something to explore, including plenty of restaurants, bars, and local events.

Restoration and Cleaning

After a Storm, Newburgh Residents Count on SERVPRO for Effective Flood Damage. Flash-flooding that happens during a storm can ravage your interior. Whether you have significant flooding in your basement or the first floor of your home, SERVPRO features water restoration technicians to quickly restore your Newburgh property. Even if it does not seem as though your contents, furnishings, and building materials are salvageable, we have methods to save as much as possible.

When addressing your flood damage in Newburgh, we enlist one or more of these options for restoration:

• Submersible pumps that help to pull out high-level water
• Industrial-strength extractors mounted on our Green Fleet trucks can handle hundreds of gallons of water riddled with debris.
• Professional-grade dehumidification and drying equipment
• Moisture detection equipment

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County at (845) 342-3333. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Is Professional Water Cleanup Best for Commercial Emergencies?

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Should water damage 'check into' your hotel, call SERVPRO. Our Green Fleet is standing by to handle your water restoration emergencies.

Save Time and Overhead in Middletown by Calling SERVPRO to Handle Your Commercial Water Cleanup

A water emergency often causes downtime and unexpected costs when you manage a production facility or hotel. The best way to mitigate the damage and ensure you get the most cost-efficient results, calling in skilled technicians is the way to go. SERVPRO is available to handle the cleanup at your Middletown commercial location should you have any water emergency type.

There are several reasons to look to skilled water restoration technicians to address your water cleanup needs in Middletown, including:

• Certifications –All of our technicians have been through training following guidelines set forth by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This knowledge allows our team to select the right equipment, the appropriate number of units, and methods to get the project done right the first time.
• Insurance Liaison –We understand the insurance claims process concerning water damage events. We are happy to ensure all of the proper paperwork is in place, photos get taken, and details are covered to satisfy your insurance provider.
• Streamlined Processes –We arrive with a fleet of trucks equipped with tools to remove water fast. Not only that, but we have proven methods to speed up the cleaning and drying of your commercial property.

By calling (845) 342-3333, you will have all the water cleanup help that you need in your commercial space. SERVPRO of North Orange County is available 24/7!

Fast Mold Damage Remediation in Newburgh Offices

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Mold Damage Solutions Help Newburgh Buildings

Offices are often high-traffic and bustling areas of your building, making it noticeable and challenging when threats like mold growth occur. We move fast to help with the impact of these microbes and spores on the rest of the office. 

Removing Ruined Drywall

Drywall is a standard component of a wall system, so when mold damage in Newburgh offices takes root, these are typical victims of this spreading colony. Porous wall surface materials can easily support colonization, often needing to remove and replace this impacted structure. 

Assessing Mold-Damaged Carpeting

In an office, low pile carpeting is standard. When mold begins to spread in moist environments, it is also typical that this flooring material supports microbial and mildew threats. Glued down carpeting, once infested, requires removal.

Overcoming Active Colonies

Wherever organisms overwhelm hosting materials and contents, SERVPRO professionals must respond with quick action. We have several remediation steps that can be instrumental in removing the microbial threat and protecting the underlying substrate acting as a host for the mold colony. Depending on the condition of these hosting elements and the location of the infestation, various remediation approaches are needed:

• Surface Cleaning – This approach uses antimicrobial products to eliminate spores on contact. It can also be used as an inhibitor for colonies. 

• Controlled Demolition – This more aggressive approach ensures that impacted materials are thoroughly removed and discarded before build-back. 

• Abrasive Cleaning – Using pressurized media or sanding approaches, we can reach beyond the surface of hosting materials for deeper cleaning.

Mold is a threatening presence in office buildings, primarily because spores can spread through the open floor plan to impact considerable areas of the structure. Our SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County remediation professionals are ready to mobilize 24/7 to help. Call us anytime at (845) 342-3333.

Fire Damage Incidents In Your Middletown Property

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

The first step to resolving fire damage is calling your local trained professionals at SERVPRO.

Various Reasons Fire Damage Incidents In Middletown Can Leave Property Uninhabitable

Fires can start anywhere in a property, causing widespread damage. In many cases, such incidents displace the occupants. Although most fires start in the kitchen, fires can start in other parts of the property. Faulty appliances or unattended candles are other likely sources of sparks that lead to fire damage.

Although the extent of a fire damage incident in Middletown is the primary determinant of whether the continued occupation of a house is possible, other factors play a role too. Common reasons why house occupants may need to vacate the house for restoration include:

•   Massive residue deposits on surfaces and contents
•   Severe structural damage, including holes in the walls or roof
•   Noxious fumes or bad odor
•   Damaged utilities such as plumbing or electrical lines

A single factor or a combination of several factors can make a house uninhabitable immediately after a fire. Our SERVPRO technicians scope the loss site thoroughly to establish all issues that may affect you or your family if you continue occupying the house. In the case of noxious fumes and aerosols, ventilating the property with axial fans, which move large volumes of air across a wide area, helps remove the contaminated air inside the house faster.

Structural or utility damages can lead to life-threatening situations. Our SERVPRO technicians can handle some of these damages, including boarding up openings on walls and installing tarps on the roof in case the fire leaves a gaping hole. Such stopgap measures help keep a property habitable until complete repairs can be done. In case of severe damage, such as when frames and other structural supports are damaged, we involve construction specialists. The damage to utility lines like power cables and water pipes also varies. Our crews use circuit testers to identify electrical faults. In case of severe damage, we strip off the wires so they can be replaced.

Regaining access to your property after a fire incident is a top priority, although it is not always easy. Call SERVPRO of North Orange County at (845) 342-3333 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Can the Debris Be Removed from My Middletown Basement After a Flood?

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

SERVPRO Professionals in Middletown are Experts in Dealing with Storm Aftermath

Summer stormy seasons can sweep through Middletown, leaving havoc in their path. Flooding disrupts your life and can do permanent damage to your home. It would help if you had emergency mitigation when water intrudes from storms to keep the situation from becoming worse.

Dealing with Debris and Black Water

When there is flood damage in Middletown homes, it brings debris, and silt. Not only are there items floating around from your home, but any number of things can be swept in by rising water. This includes dirt and plant matter. There are several things our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians do to clean up the muck and mire in your basement. This includes:

•   Mucking out and removing debris with shovels and rakes.
•   Use truck-mounted water extractors that can handle water filled with debris (trash pumps.)
•   Use other water extractors, such as submersible pumps.
•   Spray EPA-approved disinfectants on affected areas.

We Restore Your Basement to Pre-Loss Condition

Once the dirt, debris, and water get removed from your basement, we begin further clean up and restoration. In the case of flood damage, some things cannot be restored and need replacing. Carpeting, padding, upholstered furniture, and mattresses are all items that need to get discarded if they have been in contaminated water. We restore as much as we possibly can. We always strive to leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

If you need help with flood damage, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 for expert flood damage service seven days away, twenty-four hours a day.

What Happens When a Pipe Bursts and Floods My Carpeted Hallway?

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Always Uses Advanced Equipment and Technology for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Middletown Properties

The Water Removal Experts from SERVPRO Can Restore Your Home in Middletown.

A leaky pipe in the bathroom of your Middletown home might seem like a minor problem at first as you catch the drip in a bucket. Then one morning, you walk out of your bedroom and find your feet sinking into a very wet carpet. The pipe has burst in the night, and now water has soaked into the carpet. At this point, many residents in the Middletown area know to call SERVPRO.

What Can the Water Damage Experts from SERVPRO Do to Help?

Our team of trained specialists understands the cleanup and restoration process with water damage to carpeted areas in Middletown homes. There are several steps for this process which are listed below

• Inspect and develop a plan
• Water Removal using advanced equipment
• Drying and Dehumidification
• Monitoring the process throughout the service

How Do You Determine the Tools and the Protocol?

• We utilize moisture meters, sensors, infrared camera imagery, and even boroscopes for peering into voids to determine the wet or damp areas and then develop an action plan. Some of the devices we use are:
• Light Wands connected to portable wet vacs – Used for initial water removal
• Deep Extraction Tools like Riding Rovers or weighted wands – Used to remove water that has soaked into the padding beneath the carpet
• "Float" the carpet to dry without removing it from the room

What About Water That Has Soaked into the Walls and Baseboards?

 If the water has reached into the area behind the walls, then we can use the Structural Cavity Drying Equipment like injecti-dry systems utilizing positive or negative air pressure and heat. We can drill small holes to insert the tubes.

The water removal and damage experts at SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County are available 24/7. So, whenever you need an immediate response, call (845) 342-3333.

Types of Deodorizing Products for Newburgh Fire Damage

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO hydroxyl generators safely remove malodors from fire damaged Newburgh homes and businesses

Removing Malodors Is a Large Portion of Newburgh Fire Damage Restoration

Odors are one of the troublesome byproducts of combustion and fire damage. When your home or business deals with these offensive malodors, direct action is necessary to overcome the smell and return the property to preloss conditions. Several products and tools are used in this process.

Counteractant Products

The first step that can be taken about odors from fire damage in Newburgh homes is applying and using counteractant products and chemicals in our supply. Often, products in this vein are used to absorb smoke odors as they pass through airflow pathways or the HVAC system. Beads and granules placed in small containers can considerably reduce odor severity at these junctions.

Cleaning Products

It is possible to reduce the severity of malodors after fire damage through the cleaning process. Removing soot and smoke residues can directly impact the powerful smells generated throughout the structure. This process weakens the concentration of odors throughout the house while also protecting the surfaces of building materials from irreparable harm.

Deodorizing Tools

One of the final steps in deodorizing and neutralizing harsh odors after combustion is applying and using specific equipment designed for this purpose. We have several tools in our inventory capable of reacting directly with odor molecules. Based on the severity of the situation and the affected materials involved, the choice in equipment can include:

• Thermal Fogging – a vapor deodorizing product in portable dispensing equipment.
• Hydroxyl Machines – HEPA filtration and UV deodorization. 
• Ozone Generators – Creates unstable molecules that neutralize odor compounds on contact. 

Deodorization is a considerable part of the restoration process after a fire. Harsh malodors can quickly take over the property, preventing comfortable living conditions. We prioritize neutralizing harsh smells after combustion using products and equipment on our Green Fleet of service vehicles. Trust SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County restoration professionals to help when you need it. Call now at (845) 342-3333.

Newburgh Carpet Cleaning After Water Damage

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

When your Newburgh carpets are damaged due to water, don't worry SERVPRO has you covered.

SERVPRO Helps Newburgh Homeowners After Water Extraction

Anyone living in Newburgh who suffers a flood or leak knows how worrying it is when water enters a home. You might be asking yourself where to start with cleanup, or how much of your property can be saved.

Waterlogged carpets are one of the most unpleasant after-effects of water entering your home. Whether the rug is submerged in standing water, or soaked from a leaking appliance, you want to deal with it as soon as possible. SERVPRO is on hand to help Newburgh homeowners dry out their carpets after water extraction.

Why should I worry about my carpets after water extraction?

Carpets are generally quite expensive items, so naturally, you do not want to throw out your carpet unless you have to. Some homeowners think the best thing is to leave the carpet to dry naturally, but this is not a good idea. Leaving your wet floor coverings untreated can lead to several problems:

• Stains can set into the fabric and become very hard to remove
• Water damage can harm the structural integrity of the fabric and backing
• Wet material is a breeding ground for mold which smells unpleasant 
• Untreated wet patches can cause your home to smell damp and nasty
• Moisture can seep through to the floorboards and warp them

However, do not despair – many carpets can be restored with the right cleaning method, and SERVPRO is here to offer advice and practical help.

How does SERVPRO know what the best cleaning method is?

We train our technicians to carry out a thorough assessment of your carpets and rugs to decide on the best cleaning method.

The first step is to determine the type of carpet fibers and the level of colorfastness. Our teams use a range of professional tests to assess the composition of your carpet. Knowing which materials are present is vital because the material type is key to deciding on the best cleaning method. We also look at the style of carpet, such as loop, plush cut, pile, shag, or Berber. Different fibers and piles have different levels of robustness. It is essential to keep this in mind to safeguard your carpet during the cleaning process. Finally, we test for colorfastness to reduce the risk of fading or bleeding during restoration.

Next, we look at the kind of soiling and the amount of dirt. This is important because oil-soluble dirt particles require different treatment than water-soluble ones, and a lightly soiled carpet will need less vigorous cleaning than a heavily soiled one.

Finally, we look at the pre-existing condition of the carpet. If the carpet already has marks, burn stains, footprints, fading, worn areas, or fraying, this can affect cleaning. Examining the existing condition lets us give you an honest assessment of the results you can expect after treatment.

We will also ask you some questions to determine how best to wash the carpet, and if you happen to have a copy of the manufacturer’s care instructions, we will look.

What cleaning methods are available?

SERVPRO teams have several cleaning methods to choose from. The three most common ones if a carpet is heavily soiled, such as following water extraction, are:

• Deluxe precondition and rinse – this uses a method similar to hot water extraction to saturate the carpet with a cleaning solution and then carefully rinse it clean.
• Rotary jet extraction is similar to precondition and rinse, except that a rotary extractor is used instead of a wand for more significant agitation of the fibers to dislodge more firmly embedded dirt.
• Showcase – this is the most vigorous cleaning method, utilizing the rotary jet machine and a careful program of cleaning and rinsing to cleanse the most heavily soiled carpets.

Depending on the situation, we might also use dry shampoo, carbonated foam shampoo, or spot cleaning. We train our technicians to choose the best cleaning method for the fiber type and level of soiling. The depth of the carpet’s pile, the material, and any pre-existing wear and tear can affect which cleaning method is the safest.

What happens after my carpet is cleaned?

Once your carpet is clean, our team moves on to the drying process. We use a combination of air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry over, under, and around your carpets to ensure they are thoroughly dry, and there is no risk of mold growth.

We deodorize your home when we have finished, leaving it smelling fresh and "Like it never even happened."

If you are worried about your carpets after water extraction, SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County is here to help. Call us today at (845) 241-8707.

Recovering from Flood Damaged Newburgh Property

4/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO extracts standing floodwaters, dries and monitors for moisture content, to ensure your Newburgh home is "Like it never even happened."

Newburgh and SERVPRO Storm Damage Mitigation

Torrential rainfall and high winds can spell disaster for homeowners in Downstate New York’s Hudson Valley. Exterior damage from wind-tossed trees, branches, and other debris can break windows, crushing roofs, and punch holes in siding. Water pouring in through exterior damage joins any overland flash flooding entering your Newburgh home at the foundation level.

What Makes Flood Waters Dangerous?

Large quantities of water exert pressure as they flow through your Newburgh home, causing flood damage immediately by destabilizing structures. Muck-filled fluids rise in lower levels, carrying contaminants including industrial waste, roadway and landscaping chemicals, and sewage from overflowing municipal sanitary systems. Rainwater invading from roof leaks, broken windows, and damaged siding seeps through building materials that can contain lead and asbestos, or other toxic substances.

What Is Your Timeframe for Flood Response?

Even if the rain soaking your home’s contents and structural components starts relatively clean, the corrosive effects of water are incredibly destructive. Drywall, insulation; ceiling tiles, floors, and subflooring; wood framing and trim; and furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions all take a severe beating from water. The damage is immediate and intensifies with time. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth proliferates, complicating flood recovery.

How Do Professional Flood Restoration Companies Help?

When SERVPRO accepts a flood damage project, we follow the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines to mitigate and remediate the harm. The job moves through several phases to get your property back to “Like it never even happened.”

- Safety assessment

- Securing and stabilization of the structure

- Mucking out mud, silt, and debris

- Moisture detection and metering

- Pumping and extracting of water

- Disposal of contained contaminated water per local hazardous waste rules

- Cleaning and disinfection of affected surfaces

- Structural drying using high-efficiency air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County for flooding help at (845) 241-8707. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Is Your Home Prepared for that Other Kind of Water Damage? FLOODING

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let flooding in your home prevent you from living in it. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to assess and remediate the flood damage scenario in your home.

Extreme Water Level Preparation in Newburgh Needs to Include a Reliable Restoration Company

Flooding in Newburgh can happen when you least expect it, from advancing groundwater to a broken water main or ruptured pipe. Despite your best efforts, a rise in water levels in your home can pose a danger to you and your family. Once it is safe to re-enter your home, you should invite a professional cleanup crew to help you assess the damage. Expert advice can save you months of complications and delays in getting life back to normal.

For Newburgh residents, water damage cleanup is a job for our SERVPRO team. Our technical expertise reflects the efficiency with which we survey your home and prioritize cleanup activities. A deficient cleanup job can set the stage for more problems, so we do our best to avoid further complications.

What does a water cleanup company do?

At SERVPRO, we take a multi-pronged approach to the cleanup of your home. Besides removing badly damaged items such as upholstered sofas and carpets, we also inspect your structure. If water is soaking and weakening your drywall or is collecting behind your walls, our team can detect and remove it. Some of the equipment we employ for the extraction includes-

• Drying mats
• Truck-mounted pumps
• Submersible pumps
• Mops and squeegees
• Rags and Buckets

Let SERVPRO of North Orange County help you in your time of need. Call us at (845) 342-3333 and let us leave your Middletown or New Windsor home "Like it never even happened."

Will the Smell Ever Leave My Middletown House After Fire Damage?

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, odors may remain for a long time if the situation is not dealt with correctly. Contact our certified SERVPRO professionals 24/7.

Trained and Experienced Technicians from SERVPRO Succeed in Removing Fire Damage and Malodors from Middletown Residences Employing a Wide Range of Strategies.

Fire damage restoration tasks frequently require multiple steps, perhaps none so much as eliminating the unpleasant odors that follow the heating and burning of structural components, food, grease, and other contents of your Middletown home. If the fire loss team you hire does focus with skill and commitment on professional deodorization, it is unlikely that your home can return to preloss condition. No matter how completely charring and fire residues are removed, any lingering smell of smoke and damaged materials can permanently alter your sense of comfort and security in what should be your happy home.

Are Air Fresheners an Option to Eliminate Odors?

A plethora of sprays, blocks, wicking liquids, gels, and other consumer options are on the market, promising to take care of the malodors that go hand in hand with the fire damage inside a Middletown residence. You might get fleeting success with these approaches, but the smell can recur, especially as humidity and temperatures fluctuate. Masking agents distract the occupants of a fire-damaged property by covering up the unwanted odors. Still, they usually have intense and perhaps unpalatable aromas of their own that can become ineffective or irritating in their own right.

How Do Professionals Work Toward the Goal of Eradicating Smoke Odors?

The SERVPRO deodorization experts who take on the task of eliminating odor realize everyone's perception of odors is different. Because of this, we must check in with our customers periodically during the odor mitigation and remediation process to monitor how well our efforts are working. We make adaptations on a project by project basis after checking the boxes on the following four procedure protocol:

Can we remove the source of the odor?

Since our technicians are already on the lookout for charred and soot-coated debris, this step is already in full swing during other phases of fire damage recovery. This strategy can become a bit of a detection exercise as we seek hidden or bits of debris. Before structural damage is repaired, it is wise to scan between walls and in other accessible building cavities for foul-smelling waste, including pieces of insulation or soot-covered chunks of broken drywall or plaster, and the like.

Can we clean surfaces that have had contact with the source of the odor?

Comprehensive cleaning of soot-covered surfaces constitutes a significant phase of most fire damage remediation. We carefully consider the structure's permeable surfaces, including woodwork and otherwise undamaged wall or ceiling materials, to determine if the minute odor-bearing particles of soot made their way into the pores of the structures and fixtures. Odors trapped within these components might "disappear" on the surface only to vaporize persistently later when temperature and humidity levels are conducive.

Can we recreate the conditions that created the odors?

Because the smoke odors reside within tiny soot particles, deodorization science suggests that attempts to step back to the conditions that created the particles or other chemical change interventions might help. Options along these lines include:

• Thermal fogging, where deodorizing chemicals combust in a heated chamber, then disperse and pair with the odor-bearing particles and neutralize them
• Hydroxyl generation, where hydroxyls created by UV light change the soot particles at a molecular level, rendering them odorless
• Oxidation, using an ozone machine

Can we seal the odors inside permeable materials?

If application of the above options does not resolve the malodors, using paint or other surface preparations might seal the odoriferous substances inside the affected materials. In the case of penetration of odor-bearing particles into inaccessible structures such as building cavities or the rafters of your home, the targeted or broadcast spraying of a sealing agent could help eliminate the vaporization of the smell.  

What If the Smell Is in the HVAC System?

We have crews that can deep-clean the ductwork of your heating and cooling system, limiting the continuing circulation of the odors throughout your home. Changing filters is another option. Persistent smells within the HVAC ducts can be managed by a sealing procedure as well, particularly if areas within the duct configuration are difficult to clean thoroughly.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and South Orange County uses research-based protocols to eliminate the stench of household fire from your residence as part of a complete damage recovery project. Call us at (845) 342-3333 as soon as officials allow entry so we can assess and plan to make it "Like it never even happened," down to the elusive presence of malodors.

Newburgh Homes Require Fast Extraction After Flooding

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home, the situation needs to be handled with haste to avoid additional damages. Team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7.

Flood Damage to Newburgh Homes Leaves the Need for Several Types of Water Removal

Water removal is among the most immediate needs a house has after flood damage. Leading mitigation specialists of our SERVPRO team arrive fast to begin emergency services like these to mitigate loss and prevent greater harm to the structure.

Clearing Standing Surface Water

When people consider flood damage in Newburgh homes and businesses, it is typical to visualize several inches or more of standing water. When these threats are consistent throughout the property, several extractors and water removal devices are necessary to help. Some of the equipment we use includes:

• Truck-mount extractors
• Trash pumps
• Submersibles
• Wet vacuums

Draining Trapped Water

Floodwater can find its way into structural cavities and assemblies the same as moisture migrates through open areas. When pooling results within these systems, weep holes and controlled demolition are used to regulate the draining of trapped water and better promote the circulation of dry air into the exposed cavity.

Capillary Suction

The capillary suction process results from deploying devices like drying mats on hardwood and engineered wood flooring. When water has penetrated the surface of these flooring types but not yet chemically bonded with the cellulose of the wood, water can still be pulled to the surface for removal with drying tools.

Deep Moisture Extraction

Another possible method of removing water from affected materials after a flood is the need to pull moisture from carpeting and padding. Carpets are a standard installation for modern homes, and they rapidly absorb standing water and humidity in a room. Using tools like carpet wands or weighted extractors, we can remove trapped moisture in layers of carpet floors.

Cleaning up after water damage incidents and flooding requires a team of professionals able to understand the urgent needs of a property and the best water removal services to manage the threats. Our SERVPRO of North Orange County professionals have 24/7 availability for storm damage restoration and repairs. Call today at (845) 342-3333.

Middletown Restoration and Water Removal When You Need It

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Our IICRC-certified SERVPRO techs can mitigate water damage with advanced equipment and superior skill sets in Middletown and the surrounding area.

SERVPRO’s 24/7 Response for Water Removal Gets It Done Fast in Middletown

Why is it essential to call in skilled technicians when you have standing water anywhere in your Middletown property? The longer you wait to remove water, the more damage has a chance to take hold. Within a short period, moisture creates the ultimate breeding ground for black mold and mildew development. Nobody wants to see water pooling from an overflowing tub or burst pipes, but SERVPRO is there to ensure your water remediation and restoration goes off without a hitch!

Why is SERVPRO Best to Handle Water Removal in Middletown?

We are the leaders in the area and nationwide for water removal services, drying, and complete restoration. Everyone on our team is fully IICRC-certified, taking part in ongoing training to provide our customers with the best possible experience. Some of the reasons we do it best include:

• Rapid response times and proven methods to restore your property to pre-water damage condition.
• Our crew documents everything that has been damaged from the water.
• We act quickly to extract water and set up drying equipment to work in tandem to help us achieve our goals.

There is No Job Too Big or Small!

Here at SERVPRO, we have seen it all. Because of this, we have developed proven methods to help us get your water removal, drying, and restoration finished in a fraction of the time of DIY. Some of the reasons area customers call us for water remediation:

• Water heater leaks
• Sewage backup
• Burst pipes
• Toilet overflows
• Appliance malfunction
• Storm flooding

When a water emergency develops, you want a team ready to get to work. SERVPRO’s 24/7 response puts our Green Fleet at your door within hours, whether during the day, evening, weekend, or holiday. We offer the best when it comes to water extractions and drying to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County is ready for you whenever you need rapid water removal. Contact us by calling (845) 342-3333, and we can send a crew as soon as possible.

Why Is Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup in Newburgh Homes Necessary?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Green Fleet arrives as the fire trucks depart--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster in Newburgh

For Efficient House Fire Cleanup in Newburgh Homes - Call SERVPRO

A fire can ignite from the most unlikely sources. For example, a lighted candle is a potential fire hazard if not monitored, and you should not burn it near flammable items such as drapes, furniture, or flammable decorations. Kids and pets can also knock it over, so you should not place a candle within their reach. Identifying such risks can help keep your Newburgh property safe.

Even so, a fire could still happen and the need for fire and smoke cleanup at your Newburgh home is recommended. The smoke dissipates quickly, finding its way around the house, especially the cooler areas, coating surfaces and items in soot and odor. Smoke can negatively impact porous materials such as furniture, carpets, or clothing. In addition, you might find yourself grappling with lingering smoke. SERVPRO technicians can determine the best products and techniques to restore your property to its preloss condition.

Factors that determine the removal of smoke residue

• The type of material burned
• Type of surface
• The amount of heat
• Duration of the blaze

How to Deal with Smoke Residue Effect on Different Materials

Depending on how the fire started, the type of material and surface affected, the smoke and soot produced tends to behave differently, and you could experience distinct damage. Natural materials have dry smoke that our team can remove using a low alkaline detergent and a sponge. On the other hand, Wet smoke results from synthetic materials like foam, rubbers, and plastics, which can be stubborn to remove and require stronger detergents or specialized cleaning equipment. It might be necessary to strip off surfaces to remove such residues in some cases.

Different types of smoke residues

• Dry smoke residue
• Wet smoke residue
• Protein smoke

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County provides the best fire and smoke damage cleanup services in your home. Call us at (845) 342-3333. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Prepare for Newburg Area Storms to Prevent Flood Damage

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Plan emergency measures for flooding of your Newburgh home--Call SERVPRO to prevent secondary water damage like covering exposed roofs from rain.

If Storm Flood Damage Occurs, Call SERVPRO in Newburg for Restoration!

Major storms and natural disasters are often sudden and unpredictable. Because of this, Newburgh residents should always be prepared in an emergency flood situation. Should you find yourself dealing with a leaking roof from storms or floodwater coming into your home, SERVPRO is here to assist. We know what it takes to navigate home floods carefully, and We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

If you have been unable to think about how various disasters and storm flood damage in Newburgh could impact you, SERVPRO challenges you to take the following steps to ready a plan:

Making a Plan

• Map out evacuation routes – mark all hallways, stairwells, and emergency exits.
• Keep important numbers handy – this includes your insurance agent should your home encounter damage.
• Know your property’s systems – always know how to turn off your power as well as the main water line should there be a damage issue.
• Have a trusted team for restoration – SERVPRO is available 24/7, and we arrive within hours of your call to start board up, tarping, water removal services, and anything else necessary.

By having our certified water restoration technicians (WRT) on your flood damage project, you will have all bases covered for debris removal, water extraction, drying, and odor control. We can cover exposed storm-damaged roofs with tarps to keep out the elements. The goal is to return your property to a state of normalcy while ensuring no moisture or bacteria from the floodwater gets left behind.

Controlled Demolition

Soggy drywall, damaged subfloor, soaked carpeting, and many porous contents will require disposal after contacting contaminated floodwater after a storm. We handle removing and replacing all unsalvageable building materials to return your interior to pre-flood condition whenever possible. This may include new flooring, flood cuts to replace discarded drywall, and more.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County are there whenever you have flood damage after a sudden storm. Call us at (845) 342-3333, and we can dispatch a crew to your property as soon as possible.

Why Call SERVPRO for Possible Mold Damage in Newburgh?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the color of the mold infestation in your home, quick action is necessary. Call SERVPRO to assess and remediate the mold damage.

We Have Mold Damage Restoration Experience to Help Newburgh Residents

Whenever moisture intrudes, black mold can colonize quickly through your Newburgh property. Within as little as 48 hours, mold can develop into a significant problem given the right circumstances. Not only does mold and mildew spark concern due to the potential health effects on people and pets, but you also run the risk of damage to your contents and building materials. Because mold remediation is fickle by nature, this is the type of project best left to the trained team at SERVPRO.

Why is SERVPRO Best for Mold Issues?

When it comes to mold damage in Newburgh, there are several things that both residential and commercial customers should know:

• Mold spores are everywhere
• There are hundreds of thousands of types of mold
• Mold is not always visible to the naked eye
• Spores can be present under carpeting, drywall, and other hidden areas
• You may notice the onset of strong, musty odors when mold is present
• Mold can quickly spread in as little as 48-72 hours

Should you suspect mold growth within your home, a phone call to SERVPRO will mobilize our Green Fleet. We bring air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and various cleaning agents to make your property Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

Until we arrive for mold damage cleanup:

• Keep all family and pets out of the area of suspected mold growth
• Shut off all fans and your HVAC system
• Never try to disturb or touch the mold
• Do not spray any products on affected surfaces

Why run the risk of handling mold damage on your own? SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County is available to address your bathroom mold and any other areas where you suspect an issue. Give us a call at (845) 342-3333, and we can send a crew out to your property to get started.

Handling Your Hidden Water Damage with Precision in Newburgh

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

When a burst pipe brings water into your home, team SERVPRO can help. Contact our certified technicians right away to tackle the water damage.

SERVPRO is There for Newburgh Homeowners for All Water Damage Calls

You may have experienced a minor water spill in your Newburgh home and just grabbed the mop and bucket to clean it up. If the water did not make its way to your baseboards or under carpeting, you might be in the clear. However, moisture migrates to dry spaces while following the path of least resistance. Any spills where water travels warrant a call to SERVPRO so that we can take the appropriate measures to keep secondary damage and black mold from developing. With our training and experience, we make water-related incidents in your home “Like it never even happened.”

What About Stains on the Ceiling?

In addition to burst pipes and flooding, we also receive calls for water damage in Newburgh that involve leak detection and signs of hidden moisture. SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) know how to spot potential issues where water or moisture seeped into your ceiling or drywall and left brown stains.

There may be several possible causes of water stains, including:

• A leaking roof from storms – If you have faulty flashing, missing shingles, or other roof damage, it can cause leaking with each rainstorm.
• Slow-leaking pipes – Water stains may develop as a tell-tale sign whenever plumbing leaks from an overhead bathroom. 
• Attic or HVAC condensation – Homes with attics or properties with a possible HVAC issue may end up having signs of water damage. There could be a lack of ventilation or another issue that needs to get addressed before the damage worsens.

With our moisture detection tools and dehumidification equipment, our team gets to the heart of the problem in no time at all. We initiate controlled demolition to replace building materials to restore your property to pre-water damage condition for any areas showing signs of damage.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County are there no matter the type of water damage or restoration emergency you have. Call for 24-hour service at (845) 342-3333.

Middletown Homeowners – Avoid Fire Damage in Advance

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Checking the battery or making sure your smoke detector is working yearly is essential. Should your home have had a fire, contact team SERVPRO.

Always Protect Your Middletown Property, But SERVPRO is Here for Fire Damage

Many fire damaged homes could have been saved sooner if they had working fire alarms installed. Efficient, reliable smoke detectors installed throughout your Middletown home can protect it, your family, and pets from severe fire damage. SERVPRO would like you to know that we are always available around the clock should a disaster strike, but we also want area residents to be safe.

When it comes to fire damage in Middletown, SERVPRO has our Green Fleet ready to deploy within hours of your call. We get to work as soon as possible, restoring versus replacing your materials wherever possible. In the meantime, you should always be proactive to keep your home and family protected. While a smoke detector cannot keep a fire from igniting, it will help you minimize dangers and damage.

Preparedness is Vital

As a homeowner, these are steps you can take in the future to help prevent a fire from overtaking your home. For example, these are some helpful smoke alarm safety tips:

• Have smoke detectors installed throughout each level of your home
• Do not install alarms too close to the kitchen as it can lead to false activation
• Always test smoke alarms monthly with the test button
• Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year – if you hear any of them chirping, this means the battery is low, and it should get replaced as soon as possible
• If your smoke alarms are ten years or older, it is time to replace them

Should you experience a fire, get in touch with your insurance provider and our team at SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County as soon as possible. We can deploy our fire damage crew to begin assessments and restoration to make your home “Like it never even happened.” We can be reached 24-7 for emergency response at (845) 342-3333.

Quickly Mitigating Standing Water in Middletown Restaurants

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Whether it’s the holiday season or any time of the year, facing water damage in your busy restaurant can be tough. Contact SERVPRO 24/7.

The Fast Response of SERVPRO Professionals Protects Middletown Businesses From Preventable Water Damage

Because there are multiple types of water damage possible in area restaurants, the impact of these emergencies can change dramatically. As leading water damage restoration professionals, we understand the urgency of mitigation and recovery services to protect a restaurant and prevent prolonged closures while extensive cleanup continues.

Containing the Damaged Areas 

Water removal for Middletown restaurants is the most effective when the threat of migrating water has been stopped. In many restoration approaches for area businesses, containment of the damaged zones prevents the situation from worsening and maximizes restoration production. Physical barriers are a good method to isolate damaged areas.

Repairing the Water Damage Source 

With a general contractor license, we can quickly evaluate the cause of water damage and provide necessary build-back services to help. Some of these include:

• Plumbing repair
• Bulk material discarding
• Controlled demolition
• Flooring removal and replacement

Clearing Standing Water and Surface Moisture

Standing water poses a significant risk for restaurants and patrons, especially when this pooling reaches the dining area. SERVPRO has multiple powerful extraction tools to help regulate this threat and begin critical phases like drying as soon as possible.

Cleaning Exposed Surfaces 

Whether it is stainless steel shelves and cabinets, or tile floors common to the kitchen areas of restaurants, surface cleaning is an intricate part of post-water damage recovery. Not only can surface cleaning remove any residual film, relocated dirt, and other possible deposits, but is also discourages mold growth.

There is no mistaking the impact of water damage on area businesses like restaurants. With rapidly spreading standing water and the threat of absorption into flooring and wall assemblies, it makes sense that many depend on the fast response and experience of our SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County is waiting for your call anytime at (845) 342-3333.

Dealing with Frozen Pipes and Ice Damage in Newburgh Homes

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Ice dams in the winter can certainly cause some storm damage to your home. Contact SERVPRO for prevention methods or to mitigate current damage.

Prevention Strategies in Newburgh can Help with Storm Damage

It is the time of year when frozen pipes and ice dams cause problems for homeowners in Newburgh. Winter storms not only bring lots of ice and snow, but the outdoor temperatures also drop. If your home is vulnerable to freezing temperatures, you could experience thousands of dollars in damage from burst water pipes. There can be subsequent damage to the insulation inside walls, the flooring, and the contents.

SERVPRO provides repair and drying services for Newburgh frozen pipes and ice dams. We can help thaw frozen pipes, arrange for plumbing repairs and provide water removal and drying after a water leak caused by thawing water pipes.

When water freezes inside copper or plastic pipes, the ice expands, cracking the water lines. You may notice a joint that has opened or a long thin crack along one of the pipes. Once the ice inside the water pipe melts, water will stream out of the cracked line at full pressure until someone turns off the main water supply.

SERVPRO recommends that homeowners consider winter preparedness steps to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Install pipe insulation on all water pipes, especially those inside walls or near exterior walls
• Open cabinets in bathrooms and kitchens with water pipes on cold days to allow warm air circulation
• Allow water to drip from a faucet to prevent freezing
• Increase the indoor temperature on chilly days
• Maintain the same temperature during the day and night
• Leave the temperature set to no lower than 55 degrees if you are going to be away
• Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and basements
• Seal cracks around windows and doors to reduce cold drafts

Our team at SERVPRO can help with water removal services, water damage restoration, and water damage remediation after a water leak caused by cold weather and frozen pipes.

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County in Newburgh and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 342-3333.

Is Your Newburgh Home At-Risk for Winter Water Damage?

1/2/2022 (Permalink)

Has the extreme weather caused ice dams and thus damaged your home? Team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7 to help. Call our technicians today for services.

Homeowners Should Stay Alert to Possible Water Damages Newburgh Homes Could See This Year

When you consider how rapidly the weather can change to extreme and hazardous conditions during the winter, it is no surprise that exposed plumbing and vulnerable structural points become catalysts for rapidly-spreading water damage in the house.

How Do Pipes Freeze?

Frozen pipes and ice dams in or on Newburgh homes create costly and threatening conditions to overcome. Common threats like freezing water lines occur when stationary water in the pipe becomes influenced by cold air surrounding it.

Can Frozen Plumbing Be Prevented?

It is crucial to note that frozen pipes are avoidable when taking specific preventive measures. Some of the direct actions capable of reducing the chance of freezing in the lines include:

• Letting Water Drip 
• Insulating the Pipes
• Circulating Warmer Air 

Potential Threats to the Roof 

Yet another potential threat that your home could experience during the winter is a buildup of ice along the roof eaves. Damming can force water back into the attic space and create costly restoration needs. Heated cables and ice belt barriers can help prevent this buildup.

What Can SERVPRO Do to Help? 

Homeowners must act fast when flooding or burst pipes threaten the residence. Standing water and migrating moisture is substantially destructive, so our professionals combat this with fast mitigation solutions like extraction, drying, content management, and surface cleaning. 

 Because the winter season can lead to several types of water damage for your home or business, it is important to have a plan in place to restore and recover after these compromising events. Our SERVPRO of North Orange County and also SERVPRO of South Orange County teams work fast to provide needed mitigation after water damage emergencies occur. Call today at (845) 342-3333. 

Which Water Removal Step Is Most Crucial in Middletown Homes?

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO removes water, non-salvageable carpets and dries plywood subfloor in Middletown homes with LGR dehumidifiers and air movers

Professionals Like SERVPRO Take Comprehensive Water Removal Approaches

You probably know that addressing water intrusion in your Middletown property would take several processes. What may not be clear is what actions are essential and thus require faster completion or extra attention to ensure positive results.

All the steps taken during water removal at your Middletown home play a crucial role. What matters is whether they are done exhaustively, thus delivering the necessary outcome, which is why involving professionals like SERVPRO helps.

Exhaustive water removal takes:

• A thorough extraction, especially from porous surfaces
• Sufficient circulation of air over the wet areas
• Balanced dehumidification and evaporation rates

The order in which the water removal processes are done matters in determining the efficiency. Finishing extraction processes before starting drying processes improves efficiency since extraction is 1200 times faster than evaporation. Our SERVPRO crews can maximize the amount of water removed through extraction by using equipment with superior vacuum lift or weighted extractors that squeeze materials first to support extraction efforts.

Correctly finishing the water removal process is essential since it prevents additional problems that might develop later, whether it is strong odors or microbial growth. Carefully planning and closely monitoring the drying process is essential. Our SERVPRO crew chiefs calculate the number of air movers and dehumidifiers necessary to complete drying within 72 hours, thus ensuring mold does not develop in the wet areas. We also keep monitoring the progress by taking readings with moisture meters.

Other simple steps such as correct equipment positioning also help. For instance, when using axial fans, our technicians position them at a 15°angle and 45° when using centrifugal fans, creating a vortex of circular airflow for sustained drying.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County manage water removal from any property professionally. Call us at (845) 342-3333. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Does Odor Removal Require Unique Approaches After Fire Damage Affects Your Middletown Business?

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Firefighters and station houses in the Middletown area rely on SERVPRO for odor removal and fire damage cleanup and restoration, so should you!

SERVPRO Starts Managing Odors Before Executing Removal Ensuring Comfort at All Stages

Fire damage has many inconveniences, including the accumulation of bad odors within your Middletown business premises. Such odors can be a significant issue if you have not vacated the property for restoration since many people, including your staff and customers, have to spend some time in the facility. Finding a way to control the odor levels would be a great solution.

Dealing with fire damage odors in Middletown premises requires a comprehensive approach. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to maintain a comfortable environment during or after the restoration. SERVPRO has IICRC certified odor control technicians who have the necessary expertise to handle different odor management needs.

Odors in a fire-damaged property can originate from:

• Charred materials
• Soot and other fine residues
• Decomposing or moldy materials
• Cleaning chemicals

Apart from odors being unpleasant, the prevailing conditions at the loss site can aggravate the issue. High humidity, for instance, can make an odor problem seem worse than it is because it heightens the awareness of any present odors. Therefore, before starting odor removal processes, our SERVPRO technicians look for ways to make the affected area more comfortable.

Useful tricks to make odor manageable include:

• Regulating humidity levels using dehumidifiers
• Masking odors with nice smelling products such as time-release beads
• Separating affected areas and the rest of the house by setting up airtight barriers

Controlling the intensity of the odor is only a temporary measure until definite deodorization action can be taken. Such actions should be taken in good time since leaving odors unaddressed only worsens the situation. Our SERVPRO technicians start by removing odorous materials such as the charred remains and cleaning all residues. We also spray or mist humectant or counteractants in the affected areas. Thoroughly drying the property also helps.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County consider each case of fire damage unique and thus make an effort to understand the dynamics at play when delivering solutions. Call us at (845) 342-3333.

Water Cleanup Issues that Affect Fabrics in Newburgh Homes Ruining the Outcome

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call the Pros from SERVPRO to rescue your fabrics and drapes from water damage at your lovely Newburgh home

SERVPRO Technicians Evaluate the Outcome of Cleaning Exercise and Find Solutions for Unexpected Problems

A water cleanup exercise may seem straightforward, especially if the water involved is not contaminated. Extracting pools of water, cleaning surfaces and contents before drying the entire property takes care of the problem. However, you might notice some unpleasant things once the process is over.

Trying different solutions that do not work can be one of the toughest challenges when fixing problems stemming from water cleanup in your Newburgh home. However, if a professional like SERVPRO handles the restoration for you, it is easier to deal with the issues since our experienced crews have probably encountered similar problems in the past.

Some of the confusing problems might include:

• Colors bleeding from fabrics
• Black marks on arms and back of upholstery items
• Fabrics seeming dull after cleaning
• Yellowing or streaking of fabrics

Fabrics usually bleed if they are non-colorfast or because of the cleaning procedures used. Our SERVPRO crews pretest upholstery, draperies, and carpets to establish the colorfast and non-colorfast ones. Such testing must address all fabrics and colors in an item for ultimate effectiveness. Another reason why fabrics might bleed is using extreme temperatures and water pressure during cleaning, so our technicians use moderate settings.

Dark spots appear because of marks made on filling materials by the item's manufacturer to indicate points for cutting padding. Wet cleaning the item causes the color from the marks to bleed through. If the item is not wet initially, our technicians prefer dry cleaning methods such as vacuuming or applying limited moisture to prevent spotting. Small spray bottles containing the correct detergent can produce the desired results.

Streaks and yellowing are very disappointing. Yellowing is mostly caused by BHT, a preservative used in plastics, acrylic polymer coatings, and adhesives. Streaks, on the other hand, can result from overwetting.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County manage all aspects of water cleanup, including controlling the finishing to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us at (845) 342-3333.

Key Considerations When Planning Storm Water Removal From Middletown Business Premises

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial flooding can affect your whole business flow. Contact our SERVPRO team to quickly come out and evaluate the situation in your home.

SERVPRO Provides Resources to Handle Significant or Solid-Filled Water

After your Middletown property floods, you have to find a way to remove the water allowing you to continue serving customers or running other operations conveniently. Removing stormwater also helps safeguard the property from the additional deterioration that comes from extended moisture exposure.

Planning is necessary for successful storm water removal from your Middletown property. Otherwise, you might trivialize the process, thus creating more problems. SERVPRO is a great partner to involve when you want to remove water from your premises. Apart from facilitating the removal, we also help analyze and break down the issues that you face.

The main considerations when planning for water removal include: 

• Amount of water involved
• Presence of solid wastes
• Location of the stagnant water within your premises 
• Level of contamination in the intruding water 

Flooding happens when significant amounts of stormwater breach your property. Various things can happen after the initial breach, including the water receding. So the amount of water to be removed varies on a case-by-case basis. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians check the depth of standing water and the total square feet covered to determine the amount involved and thus choose the right pump size.

The stormwater in your premises may have different characteristics. Apart from the depth of the pools left within the property, other factors such as the contamination levels and the presence of solids such as silt and mud also vary. Our SERVPRO technicians establish whether your property is primarily flooded by rainwater or surface runoff. In the case of rainwater, contamination levels and solid wastes are minimal. 

When flooding is from groundwater removal requires:

• Special pumps to handle solid-filled water
• The use of full PPE including bodysuits when entering the flooded area
• Decontamination of the entire property during and after water removal

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County has all the resources, including self-priming trash pumps for handling solid-filled stormwater and EPA registered disinfectants for safe decontamination. Call us at (845) 342-3333. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Is the Appropriate Approach to Combat Fire Damage in Newburgh Properties?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage residues will remain long after a fire. Call our certified SERVPRO team to assess and formulate a fire damage remediation plan for you.

SERVPRO Develops a Response Plan that Addresses All Effects of a Fire Simultaneously

Fire is both destructive and disruptive. After an incident at your Newburgh property, you need to address all damages to restore normalcy and do it cost-effectively. You need an appropriate restoration approach to achieve both goals.

Before you start resolving the problems caused by fire damage at your Newburgh property, you need to understand the loss clearly. That way, you can develop a proper response plan. SERVPRO helps by inspecting the destroyed sections of your property to establish issues like residue types left by smoke and the extent of heat and flame damage.

An appropriate response to fire damage should:

• Remove all residues
• Restore any salvageable materials
• Refinish contents and structural materials

Fire residues cause many problems, including ruining the visual appeal of surfaces and leaving pungent smells. Thorough removal of such residues is essential to restore preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO crews can facilitate that since we use several cleaning methods, including vacuuming, pressure washing, and wiping surfaces with chemical sponges.

Damage from the fire can destroy materials partially or completely. Partially damaged materials can be salvaged through skillful and timely intervention. Some typical salvageable materials include solid wooden furniture and structural materials charred by heat or flames. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians check the charring depth before deciding whether items are salvageable. Then we can use a method such as sanding or blast cleaning to remove the residues. 

Refinishing materials also help eliminate traces of fire damage and involves:

• Special cleaning to remove yellowing
• Repainting materials
• Reupholstering 

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County crafts unique responses to fire loss, eliminating all traces of damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (845) 342-3333.

How Crucial Is Having a Safety Plan When Addressing Flood Damage Incidents in Newburgh?

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

Whether flooding is from a storm or an appliance malfunction, team SERVPRO can help. Call right away after an event to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Identifies Safety Issues at Your Flooded Property and Finds Ways to Address Them during Restoration

The intensity of flooding incidents varies, thus resulting in different levels of damage to properties. The safety issues caused by such incidents in Newburgh properties may not be very clear until restoration is underway, thus exposing people to unnecessary risks.

Safety issues vary, just like the destruction of Newburgh properties by flood damage. So you must come up with a unique safety plan before embarking on any restoration task. Hiring a professional like SERVPRO is a simple way to cover all bases since every member of our restoration team is trained about safety, thus equipping them with the skills to protect themselves, the structure, and anyone around the property.

Common safety issues after a flooding incident include:

• Damaged utilities such as severed gas or power lines
• Loss of structural strength in crucial structural areas 
• Presence of sharp objects like broken glass, exposed nails, and wood splinters
• Exposure to Asbestos-containing materials

The different safety hazards require distinct responses. Damaged utility lines require immediate action. For instance, turning off valves to stop gas supply and switching of electricity mains are crucial actions. Our SERVPRO technicians can readily locate the necessary valves or switches and also test the lines afterward to ensure there is no gas or power transmission.

Other safety hazards are better off left untouched until the correct solution is found. For ACM, Asbestos-containing materials, disturbance worsens the problem since it releases harmful fine residues. Our SERVPRO technicians help identify ACMs and also facilitate removal after establishing containment and using the right PPE.

Other steps necessary to establish safety during flood restoration include:

• Spraying EPA-registered disinfectants into any standing water left in the house
• Doing controlled demolition to release the water trapped within structural elements
• Organizing the loss site by zip-tying hoses and cables and collecting debris in trash large cans

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County take simple and advanced steps to guarantee safety during flood damage restoration. Call us at (845) 342-3333. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Can I Do About the Mold Damage in My Middletown Basement?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

Guess what company does the mold remediation for Middletown and Newburg squad cars? Yes, you are correct---SERVPRO

SERVPRO Can Quickly Send Mold Damage Experts to Your Middletown Home!

Microbial growth can occur in your home when omnipresent mold spores are exposed to excess moisture. Unfortunately, it is that easy. Excess humidity, water damage, or flooding could activate dormant spores, and a colony could begin to form within 72 hours. However, finding mold is no reason to panic. Help is never far!

Should you discover microbial growth in your home, calling for Middletown mold damage remediation experts is easy when you call SERVPRO. Our expert technicians are always ready to go, no matter when you discover mold in your home. Our techs are always equipped with advanced technology, specifically designed to combat the mildew in your home. Some devices we can use to remediate active spores include:

• Air scrubbers with HEPA filters
• Antifungal cleaning products
• Vacuums with HEPA filters

As an example, let us say the mold damage in your basement happened due to a water leak. Insulation between walls has become impacted, and mold has begun to grow. You might think our process starts with removing the drywall, but that is the second step. Before disturbing the active spores, we must set up a containment barrier made of plastic sheeting. Doing so prevents the spread of active spores to other areas of your home.

After removing the affected drywall and insulation, which we can bag and dispose of, our next task is to remove as much of the colony as possible. Afterward, we can apply antifungal cleaning agents and protective sprays to help lessen the chances of regrowth in the future. Finally, should we need to use drying equipment, we can do so to return the moisture levels in your home to an appropriate level.

If you find mold damage on your property, don't wait. Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County by phoning (845) 342-3333. We are always ready to help!

Can I DIY Fire Damage Clean-Up in My Newburgh Home?

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

What? Firemen are not DIY'selfers fire damage cleanup and demolition? They call SERVPRO.

Let Experts Like SERVPRO Handle the Fire Damage in Your Newburgh Home!

When your home suffers a small fire, you may become tempted to try and remediate the damage by yourself to save costs. However, many do not realize what they are getting themselves into when they consider such a task. You may discover it was not cheaper to try and do it yourself and end up rather stressed over the entire process.

However, here at SERVPRO, we already have the expertise and equipment to provide Newburgh fire damage remediation services to your home. Even small jobs require specialized cleaning products designed to break down soot. Furthermore, you may find you need a license to access some products you may need for remediation.

Instead of stressing, allow our expert technicians to use our advanced technology to remediate the small fire in your home. Visualize a cooking fire in your kitchen. Your fire extinguisher has left residues, and the smoke has left soot caked onto your counters and backsplash. To take care of the residue, the soot, and the malodor, our technicians could use:

• Thermal foggers
• Specialize cleaning products
• Cleaning techniques learned from specialized training

We tackle every aspect of fire damage, including the smell. Thermal foggers neutralize airborne particles, which are responsible for the malodor. We could also set up air scrubbers with carbon filters, to pull particles out of the air and trap them.

Instead of stressing, and doing the hard work yourself, let our technicians come in and do the job swiftly. You can focus on your everyday life, and we can use advanced technology to try and return your kitchen to its normal state. Our goal is always to take the pressure off your shoulders, so you can go about your everyday life while we do the hard work.

Should fire damage impact your property, never hesitate! Speak with SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County by calling (845) 342-3333. We can help you feel "Like it never even happened."

Professional Water Cleanup Services for a Newburgh Gym or Agency?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Even State Farm Insurance Agencies in Newburgh call SERVPRO for water damage cleanup and restoration

SERVPRO Can Swiftly Provide Commercial Properties with Water Cleanup Services

As Floods continue to storm New York state, many residents and business owners are worried that they could suffer next. Unfortunately, there are many ways that flooding can occur inside your property, and it is not all from storms. For example, a broken pipe can spew hundreds of gallons of water into your property at a rapid pace. Should you have trouble accessing your water shut-off, the volume of water could become alarming. Fortunately, here at SERVPRO, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

As an example, let's say that a burst pipe has left your gym in sudden need of professional Newburgh water extraction services. While burst pipes are not typical in the fall months, that does not mean they cannot happen due to irregular pressure build-ups or other issues. No matter how the problem occurs, promptly calling can positively affect costs, damage, and repair time.

Furthermore, here at SERVPRO, we're available 24/7, and we always have highly trained technicians ready to help you no matter what time you call. Some ways we can speed up our arrival time include:

• Our signature green vans are prepacked with advanced equipment and products, ready to go as soon as you need our help.
• We use GPS to ensure we take the fastest route to your home, and we do our best to avoid traffic jams.
• We always have highly trained technicians ready to leave immediately to help.

Upon arriving at your fitness center, our first focus is to use our advanced technology to get the standing water removed from your property as soon as we can. Due to the volume of water in this scenario, our technicians could use truck-mounted wet/dry vacuums. These devices are designed to remove water as swiftly as possible and fill a tank attached to one of our trucks to dump it elsewhere. After the water is gone, we can test the moisture levels of your property and set up drying equipment as needed. Our goal is to secure your equipment from water damage and mitigate any harm to structural assemblies in the building.

If your property urgently needs water cleanup solutions, call us now. Contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County. (845) 342-3333. We can help you!

What Can I Do When a Storm Causes Flood Damage in My Newburgh Home?

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage is no easy task. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate storm damage remediation services for your home.

SERVPRO Can Produce Flood Damage Solutions to Your Newburgh Property! 

Living adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean can bring heavy rainfall and windy storms to your back door. It is something you grow used to when living in a coastal area. However, it does not change the fact that a storm could bring damage to your home at any time, especially if you live in an aging building. 

When in need of Newburgh flood damage restoration services, it is best to reach out for help immediately, even if you fear the roads may be blocked. Here at SERVPRO, we make a commitment to arriving where you are as soon as we can. The sooner we get your call, even if many roads are flooded, we can still plan to get to you when the way is clear. Planning helps us move faster. To speed up the process, we can: 

• Stay on top of weather reports and know which areas are closed 
• Use the quickest route to your home 
• Travel to your home with the equipment already packed

For the sake of an example, let's say a heavy storm broke your basement window and allowed flash floodwaters to enter your home. The water is dirty and murky, making it even more important to get professionals on the job. Blackwater is not safe, as it could have chemicals, biohazards, and other dangerous debris in its currents. 

SERVPRO can clean up the water swiftly using advanced technological devices, such as industry-grade wet/dry vacuums and extractors. Should the volume of water be severe, we can use truck-mounted equipment, which allows us to transport the black water away from your home and dump it elsewhere. For a finishing touch, our team can use drying equipment designed to help combat mold growth. 

If you need flood water restoration, call us today! Dial (845) 342-3333 to call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County. We're ready to help you out!

The Best Commercial Water Cleanup Services in Middletown?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration services for commercials buildings are second to none. We have the manpower and equipment for any size disaster.

SERVPRO Can Provide Your Commercial Property With Middletown Water Cleanup Services!

Should your commercial property suddenly suffer damage, it is obvious that you would need quick and expert help. For example, imagine owning a hair salon that only opened a year ago. Despite the state of the world, business is recovering and beginning to boom again. However, a pipe in the old building burst suddenly one evening and left your boutique in urgent need of help. 

Accidents can happen, and they can also leave many businesses needing local Middletown water cleanup services. Here at SERVPRO, we're committed to serving you when you need help, no matter what time of day or night. We know that damages wait for no one, so we make your schedule our schedule. 

In response to the above example of a water-logged hair salon, SERVPRO could quickly respond to the call for help just after a single call. We pre-fill our vehicles with all the advanced technology we could need for any job. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster partly because of our forethought and preparation. 

To remove the standing water from your property, SERVPRO can use extractors and wet/dry vacuums. We understand how stressful it would be to have water around your expensive equipment, and it is our goal to get it out as quickly as we can. Once finished, we can employ drying equipment, such as dehumidifiers and heaters, to help quicken the drying process and prevent microbial growth. We want to help you get your doors open quickly! Do not let your business fail due to inaction. 

If your property needs water cleanup services, call now! Communicate with SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County by dialing (845) 342-3333. We can help you at any time!

What you can Do When Fire Damage Impacts your Newburgh Bathroom

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can handle any size fire damage restoration service you need for your home or property. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Call SERVPRO For Fast and Expert Newburgh Fire Damage Services!

Small or large fires can break out anywhere inside of your home, and sometimes with minimal warning. Most people visualize chaos and utter destruction when they think of a home fire. They think of firefighting forces running out of a building about to collapse with a beloved pet in their arms. However, the truth is that there are far more fires that are much smaller in nature every year. 

If you need Newburgh fire damage remediation services, waiting is not an intelligent choice. Quick decisions can save belongings, cut down costs, and make remediation easier. In the cases of large fires, quick actions can help salvage parts of your home. 

Visualize a small bathroom fire inside of your home. A wax heater for home beauty care malfunctioned and started a small electrical fire. The heater overheads and the plastic pieces melt on your vanity. Other cosmetic products have melted as well, making a molten and smelly mess. 

SERVPRO can handle any fire damage you throw our way. It doesn't matter how the accident happened; we can fix it. Our highly trained technicians use advanced equipment for fire and smoke remediation. Some examples include: 

• Specialty cleaning solutions
• Industry-grade air scrubbers with carbon filters 
• Odor-locking priming paint 

After removing debris and ruined cosmetics, our SERVPRO technicians can focus on remediating the soot in your bathroom with our specialty equipment. Our goal is to leave your home free of the evidence, so you can feel "Like it never even happened." 

If your home requires fire remediation solutions, do not wait. Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County by dialing (845) 342-3333. We're available for you 24/7!

What is the Mold Remediation Process for Newburgh Companies?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation in your commercial building is no easy task. SERVPRO has the manpower and experience for every diasater. Call now!

SERVPRO Provides Mold Damage Services for Newburg Businesses That Is Detailed and Thorough

Mold can develop in commercial facilities from leaky pipes, high humidity, or water spills. When it does take hold, mold can shut your business down until it gets removed in some instances. You need professional mold removal services to thoroughly clean and sanitize the building and content.

A Precise Mold Remediation Process

When mold damage is present in Newburgh, you can count on SERVPRO to provide relief. While other steps may be required, there are significant steps required in just about every situation where mold and mildew are present. These steps include:

•    Establishing Containment – It is important to contain the mold contamination to prevent it from spreading. Airflow must be monitored to prevent spores from traveling. Plastic sheeting gets used as a barrier. Negative air pressure is established in the area using air movers or air scrubbers.

•    Removing Contamination – We base the process for this on the material. Nonporous material can usually get cleaned. We generally have to discard porous material with visible mold growth. Semiporous material such as wood or concrete can often be cleaned with abrasive methods.

•    Cleaning Dust & Settled Spores – HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping get used, even when the material is porous. 

• Drying the Material – Thoroughly drying the building and contents is vital to prevent further mold growth. 

• Proper Disposal – Damaged materials must be disposed of properly. We take care of the disposal.

Contact the mold specialists at SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County. You can reach us at (845) 342-3333. SERVPRO can get your business up and running in no time.

Can the Content of a Middletown Business Be Restored After a Fire?

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage is a job for SERVPRO. We will be onsite within 4 hours of the initial call.

SERVPRO Uses Different Cleaning Methods to Battle Fire and Smoke Damage in Middletown

When a fire strikes a commercial building, the building itself may not be the business owner’s concern. Many companies rent building space. But you are responsible for the content, and you want to salvage all you can.

What Type of Cleaning Methods are Used for Content?

Fire and smoke damage impacts Middletown business even when it is a small fire that gets quickly contained. Smoke residue travels rapidly, causing soot to settle in the nooks and crannies of the facility. SERVPRO mitigates that, and other fire damage, with various cleaning methods:

•   Dry Cleaning – Removes light to medium non-greasy soils. Pre-cleans excess residue before wet cleaning. Dry sponges, feather dusters, dusting cloths get used.
•   Wet Cleaning – Effective cleaning method for moderate to heavy residues. Water gets used, typically with a cleaning agent. 
•   Spray and Wipe – The cleaning product gets applied with a spray bottle. The surface is then wiped clean. 
•   Foam Cleaning – This method is used for things like upholstery fabrics that might shrink when wet or when the colors may bleed. For light residue and delicate materials.
•   Abrasive Cleaning – A liquid crème cleaner is often used with a sponge. Other cleaning products can be used with abrasive tools such as steel wool.
•   Immersion Cleaning – For items that can be completely saturated. The item gets dipped into the cleaning agent. Excellent for things like Venetian blinds.

SERVPRO strives to restore rather than replace whenever possible. For professional fire damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and South Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

Using Moisture Meters to Find Hidden Water Within Walls

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size water damage restoration service needed for your property.

SERVPRO's Moisture Sensors Assist with Water Damage Recovery in Newburgh

The source of in-home flooding can come from many places. The dishwasher may overflow, the ice machine hose can disconnect, and the water heater can spring a leak. Whenever there is any water intrusion in your home, you can count on SERVPRO to have the right tools for the job.

What Does a Moisture Sensor Do?

When we arrive at a home with water damage in Newburgh, the first thing we do is perform a scope. We use equipment that allows us to track moisture within a structure. One of the pieces of equipment we use is a moisture meter. A moisture meter:

• Detects water in carpet and padding
• Has sharp probes that penetrate through carpeting
• Tracks water that has migrated to the subflooring
• Blinks and beeps to let the tech know there is moisture present
• It doesn't measure the amount of moisture
• is used to detect water in items other than carpeting

Call in the Water Damage Remediation Pros

If your home has experienced a water intrusion, call in the team with the experience and equipment to get the job done. Our services include:

• Water clean up
• Ceiling repairs from water damage
• Water removal services
• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding cleanup

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County can meet all of your fire, water, and flood damage needs. Just give us a call at (845) 342-3333. We have emergency services for water damage around the clock. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Priorities of Cleaning Up a Flooded Middletown Garage

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause damage even in your garage. Contact SERVPRO right away to arrive on the scene and remediate the flood damage.

Several Mitigation Actions can Make the Restoration of Middletown Property More Efficient and Thorough

When flooding occurs to your home’s garage or main property, you need fast and reliable help. SERVPRO professionals are experts in flood restoration and water damage mitigation, which aids you in getting back to normal life after these emergencies.

Extraction Solutions for Concrete Garage Flooring

Flood damage in Middletown garages might not overwhelm concrete flooring, but the lack of absorbency can cause issues in other ways. Pooling can happen much faster with concrete floors, impacting sensitive materials like drywall and wood. Quick extraction solutions are critical, which can vary based on the presence of solids in the floodwater.

Surface Cleaning and Mold Prevention

Flooding into the garage space might require surface cleaning options to overcome any possible contaminants and biological hazards. Viral pathogens and fungi can often travel with natural floodwater, and affected surfaces that do not require removal and replacement must be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectants and mold-inhibiting biocides to protect the structure from further damage.

Drying a Damp Garage Space

Flooding into the garage often requires several days of drying and evaporation. Continual monitoring of the progress of drying tools and instruments ensures that we have the appropriate number of devices and the best placement of these tools to maximize output and production. For broad, open spaces like a garage, some of the best drying tools include:

• Axial Air Movers
• Desiccant and LGR Dehumidifiers
• Portable Electric Heaters

Give our SERVPRO of North Orange County a call today at (845) 342-3333.

How Can Professional Mold Remediation Benefit Newburgh Homes?

6/26/2021 (Permalink)

Facing some mold damage issues in your home? Never fear, team SERVPRO has certified technicians who are ready to tackle the job.

SERVPRO Provides Efficient Mold Removal and Cleaning to Help Damaged Newburgh Residences

Newburgh properties can contend with higher moisture and dampness concerns at several points of the year. Without adequate drying and airflow to the affected portion of the house, microbial threats can develop and spread. We have fast and reliable solutions to remove mold damage and to restore the damage the organism caused.

Fast Mold Remediation Professionals for Damage

When mold damage in Newburgh homes becomes apparent, there is a finite timeline to resolve these concerns before greater damage and irreparable harm result. We understand the urgency of these emergencies and know that all restoration and remediation projects do not happen during business hours. We are ready 24/7 to help with effective mold mitigation options.

Advanced Surface Cleaning and Mold Removal

Surface cleaning strategies minimize the invasiveness of remediation and often present the more efficient pathways to returning the property to its original condition. These solutions are not always possible with heavily impacted building materials or overwhelmed contents. Careful consideration must be made when surface treatments can have a positive impact. Some of these include:

• Biocides
• Antimicrobial cleaners
• Surface sanding

As overwhelming as mold damage can be to area homes after water damages or mismanaged moisture concerns, our SERVPRO of North Orange County team are reputable remediators to help. We can help to manage mold scenarios with containment and removal strategies. Give us a call today at (845) 342-3333.

SERVPRO in Newburgh Removes Damaged Hardwood Floors if Needed

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did your home suffer from flooding? Team SERVPRO can help with BOTH water removal and remediation services.

Extraction is a Crucial Process to Protect Damaged Hardwoods in Newburgh Homes

Removing flood water from the property must be a priority for technicians to protect hardwood flooring and engineered floors common to apartment structures and townhouses around Newburgh. Between our experienced team of water restoration technicians (WRT) and our industry-leading water removal tools, we are ready to help when you need it.

Surface Extraction Solutions for Hardwood Flooring

Before any other flood damage in Newburgh homes can be addressed by our professionals, the team must remove any standing water or pooling on the surface of flooring elements. This process is often not challenging with hardwood floors, as a stable base exists for using much of our extraction tools and methods, including:

• Mopping
• Toweling
• Squeegee Wands
• Truck-Mount Extractors

Efficient Drying Options for Trapped Moisture

Water can become trapped in porous flooring materials, making the removal of this moisture challenge for responding technicians. Drying mats can often be a critical instrument in removing this trapped moisture before damage to the hardwood results. When planks begin to warp or distort, there is no reversing this process.

Flooding can be a devastating situation for the entire house, and the flooring can take a beating when standing water threatens these elements over prolonged periods. Our SERVPRO of North Orange County team can help with extraction and cleaning solutions. We are ready 24/7 to help at (845) 342-3333.

What Happens When a Bathtub Overflows in a Middletown Home?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Accidents happen rather quickly. Be prepared by calling SERVPRO for water removal and effective remediation services.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Mitigation When In-Home Flooding Occurs in Middletown

An overflowing bathtub can cause significant damage to your home. The water goes under the flooring, behind cabinets, and can migrate to lower levels if the bathroom is on a higher level. SERVPRO provides water damage remediation that can prevent further problems when contacted right away.

Professional Water Removal Services

Whether it is an overflowing bathtub, burst pipes, or ceiling leaks, you need to quickly get the situation under control. SERVPRO arrives ASAP and provides water damage mitigation in Middletown homes, hit with in-home flooding. Services we offer include:

• Basement flooding cleanup
• Water damage repairs
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water cleanup
• Emergency services for water damage

Water Damage Restoration You Can Trust

When we arrive, we use specialized equipment to trace the water’s migration path, ensuring all moisture gets located and removed. Often we can save flooring and carpeting if called in immediately. We use the correct ratio of dehumidifiers to air movers for optimum drying. We determine the correct drying times to avoid problems that can occur when certain materials are dried too fast.

Call in the Professional Water Restoration Team

When you need quality water damage mitigation, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County. You can reach us at (845) 342-3333.

What Leads to Water Damage in Newburgh Homes?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing issues can cause water damage in your home. Contact our SERVPRO team for certified technicians and efficient water removal tools.

SERVPRO Can Help Identify Water Problems and Provide Water Cleanup in Newburgh

Knowing what causes water damage in your home can help prevent the problem from occurring. Moisture can seep under flooring and migrate to areas you cannot see until the damage is done.

Common Causes of Water Damage 

SERVPRO gets called in to provide water cleanup in Newburgh for many reasons. Some of the common situations that prompt those calls include:

• Leaking Plumbing – Getting the pipes repaired is crucial if you want to stop the leaks. 
• Plant Growth Close to the House – Overgrowth of shrubs and bushes too close to the building allows the root system to penetrate the foundation. 
• Leaky Roof or Toilet – When this happens, water works its way down, damaging drywall. 

Professional Water Removal Services

SERVPRO can help with all of those scenarios. We typically arrive within an hour or two of your call, ready to find the source of your moisture problem and mitigate the damage. Services we offer include:

• Water Damage Remediation
• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damage
• Emergency Services for Water Damage

Taking care of water problems immediately is crucial to prevent lasting damage. Mold grows when there is a good moisture and food source too. For professional water cleanup, call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 today.

Should Homeowners Handle Fire Cleanup Themselves?

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless whether the fire was major or minor, cleanup is an issue. Call our SERVPRO team for a fast response. We are standing by 24/7 for you.

SERVPRO Pros Can Mitigate Fire Damage to Newburgh Homes

A home can experience significant damage from a fire. Tackling the cleanup on your own, or delaying restoration, can cause secondary damage that may be irreversible. It is critical to call in a professional restoration such as SERVPRO immediately.

Fire Damage Cleanup is Not a DIY Project

When fire damage impacts a Newburgh home, especially if it gets contained quickly, many people think they can handle cleaning and restoration on their own. But there are many reasons this is not a good idea, including:

• You could inhale smoke residue
• If the structure is weak, it could collapse
• Attempting to clean could cause the soot residue to spread
• Using DIY products can cause more damage
• Insurance may not cover homeowners doing the cleaning

Even after intensive cleaning, smoke odors can linger. Our Green Team has the expertise and equipment to seek out and eliminate the foul odors.  We use things like air scrubbers to pull airborne particles and odors from the air.  We use a specialized cleaning process that involves agitative cleaning to restore fire damaged services. Everything we do is designed to get you back in your home as quickly as possible. For fire damage cleanup, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

Newburgh Residents Look to SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded home? Team SERVPRO has the tools and expertise to remediate the damage. Contact our technicians today!

Why do Local Newburgh Residents Trust SERVPRO for Water Damage Remediation After a Storm?

Finding your home flooded with water can be a harrowing experience for any homeowner. You might feel helpless and devastated. But a quick call to SERVPRO experts can save your Newburgh property from any permanent damage and put your mind to ease. Our technicians have years of experience to handle any size disaster. SERVPRO experts can handle all sorts of water damages, including

• Leaking roofs due to a storm
• Ceiling leaks
• Basement flooding
• Burst pipes
• Sewage cleanup

A successful restoration of storm flood damage depends on how quickly SERVPRO restorers can spring into action at your Newburgh home. Water loss restoration after a flooding incident due to a storm is complicated and takes time. Our restorers have years of experience, training, and proper equipment to carry out the flood restoration process with ease.

How do SERVPRO Experts Execute Water Cleanup and Flood Damage Restoration Process at Your Newburgh Property?

Our professional cleanup team can begin the process, starting with a thorough inspection of the flood-affected area. SERVPRO experts identify any potential hazards on the site and take appropriate measures to ensure safety. The process of water damage repairs begins after the floodwater is removed from your Newburgh home. After this, we use our state-of-the-art air moving equipment to remove any residual moisture.

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 for a 24/7 service.

Why Trust SERVPRO For Water Damage Restoration in Middletown?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Is water literally dripping on your head? Contact SERVPRO for effective water damage remediation services in your home. We are standing by 24/7.

How Does SERVPRO Help Middletown Homeowners in Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage in your Middletown residence can occur due to multiple reasons, including burst pipes, ceiling leaks, and basement flooding. Such events can cause irreparable loss to your property. The only way to minimize it is to seek professional help. SERVPRO water damage restoration (WRT) experts have years of experience, training, and modern equipment to handle any size disaster in Middleton.

The SERVPRO technicians must evaluate the water damage to your Middletown property before they can put up a plan in place. We determine areas of concern that might pose a threat to people as well as property. Some of the common safety concerns include:

• Electric shock hazards
• Structures weakened by the water damage and rendered unsafe
• Other biologic hazards

What Tools do SERVPRO Technicians Use to Track Moisture During Water Damage Repairs?

Keeping track of the moisture content is an important part of water cleanup and water removal services. SERVPRO technicians constantly monitor the drying process with sophisticated tools to ensure that the water damage mitigation is as efficient as possible. SERVPRO uses the following monitoring equipment at your Middletown home during the water damage remediation process.

• Moisture meters
• Infra-red cameras
• Hygrometers

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 for help with any water damage issues.

Why is SERVPRO The Top Choice of Newburgh Residents for Fire Damage Cleanup?

4/25/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by recent fire or smoke damage? Contact our SERVPRO team for effective remediation services. Our technicians are ready to help!

SERVPRO Brings Years of Experience and Expertise to Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Newburgh

The crown jewel of the Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown metropolitan area, Newburgh is one of the most iconic cities of New York state. It is often lovingly referred to as 'the birthplace of the republic' because of what went down here during the Revolutionary War. 

The city served as the headquarters of the Continental Army from March 1782 until late 1783. It is here that the infamous 'Newburgh Conspiracy' took shape. General George Washington successfully persuaded his officers to stay loyal to him, and the conspiracy was squashed.

In Newburgh, Washington received the famous Newburgh letter from Lewis Nicola proposing that he become the king. However, George Washington rebuked the proposal strongly and refused to become the king, and thus laid the republic's foundation.

A Historical City with Lots to See and Do

The picturesque city of Newburgh has a lot to offer to the tourists. From some of the most well-preserved historical sites to fancy eateries, the city has it all. Some of the places that you can't miss if you are in the town include:

• George Washington’s Headquarters: George Washington used Hasbrouck House as his military headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The house is now a museum offering a glimpse into the past. A short (25 minute) tour covers some of the fascinating details about the General's time here.
• Historical City Tour: Rows of ornate and eclectic houses along Montgomery street and Grand street are a sight to behold.
• Choppers Headquarters and Motorcyclepedia: The city of Newburgh is home to the Orange County Choppers headquarters and the Motorcyclepedia Museum. A must-visit destination for any motorcycle enthusiast. 
• The Newburgh Waterfront: The view is just amazing. A paved walking path connects some of the best restaurants the city has to offer. Grab a bite to eat while basking in the gorgeous view of the Hudson. Cruises are also on offer from May to October.

Newburgh, NY, is located just 60 miles North of New York City and near the Stewart International Airport.

How SERVPRO handles Fire and Smoke Remediation Process in Newburgh homes? 

Fire damage restoration is a complex process requiring several steps. SERVPRO experts draft a plan of action depending on the type of fire at your Newburgh property. One of the most common types of fires is Protein fires. These are fast-moving fires that produce high heat and heavy soot. The soot and smoke can cause extensive destruction of the property.

Here are some of the steps SERVPRO technicians take during the initial phase of the fire restoration process:

• Conducting thorough inspections
• Boarding up the structure for safety
• Dry the structure
• Establish emergency electricity for house fire cleanup
• Deodorize using thermal foggers or air scrubbers

Every fire is different, and the strategy to mitigate the fire damage is also different. SERVPRO technicians have years of experience and expertise dealing with fire-damaged homes.

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 today for reliable and efficient service.

Is Furniture Ruined After Flooding in Your Newburgh House?

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how to dry and restore flood damaged possessions? SERVPRO does. We can restore what is salvageable and remove the rest.

SERVPRO Can Help Newburgh Residents by Assessing and Salvaging Contents in a Flooded Property

Upholstery and other furniture can often be high-value items in the home. These are unfortunately adversely affected by floodwaters. When there is a high level of water contamination, such as in a road overflow event, it may be necessary to replace contents altogether.

Restorable contents in flood damage at your Newburgh home are often those exposed to clean or greywater. These can still cause damage via swelling, water spotting, color bleeding, or mildew growth. Color bleeding can also result in rust on upholstery buttons or other metal parts, which must be treated with an effective pesticide.

• Water spots can often be remedied by wetting the entire furniture to reduce the potential of line-marks.
• Mildew growth is preventable by rapidly drying the affected upholstery using a box fan or air-mover.
• Blocking furniture to remove it from direct liquid exposure is essential to mitigating losses in the property.

Recovering wet furniture is complex. Contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County for flood damage at (845) 342-3333.

How is an Accurate Estimate Produced for Fire Restoration in Newburgh?

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very damaging to your belongings and hard to DIY clean. We have the cleaners and tools to restore your home!

SERVPRO Works with Newburgh Adjusters to Provide an Accurate Estimate for your Home

Housefires are traumatic events, with most homeowners eager to find out the costs and time frame associated with restoration. SERVPRO understands that fire losses are stressful and work to produce timely verbal estimates and work effectively with insurance adjusters.

An estimator's test kit for fire damage in your Newburgh home is an essential tool used by the restoration industry. A test-kit typically contains dry sponges, light cleaning solutions, magnifying glasses, pH paper, and tags. By pre-testing materials and marking or recording them, we can begin to work toward a verbal estimate for restoration. Professional equipment may include materials like:

• Stain scrub, pesticide, or industrial cleaner to assess the impact of smoke residues or soots on non-porous materials like metals.
• Furniture stain removers, fabric rinse, and upholstery cleaners are primarily used to test content's cleanability.
• Formic Acid, Wood Creme Paste, and Stainzap are usually used on high-value items like wooden furniture or appliances to assess whether they are cleanable.

Get an informed estimate for your home. Contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County for fire damage at (845) 342-3333.

Can Professional Services Deal with Contaminated Water Cleanup in Middletown?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that water loss events can contain contaminants? SERVPRO has the necessary protective equipment to safely dry your home.

SERVPRO is Licensed to Deal with Biohazardous Substances. We Can Help Middletown Residents Overcome Water Damage from Sewer Blockage Intrusion

Middletown is an officially incorporated city in the Hudson Valley, a district of New York metropolitan area. The city is part of Orange County, while it has significant surrounding natural beauty in the Shawangunk Mountains and the Wallkill River, which connects to the Hudson. As reported in the most recent census in 2010, 28,086 residents are occupying Middletown. However, these numbers are likely higher due to the year-on-year growth of the area. The modern economy surrounding Middletown includes large employers like Walmart, Mediacom Communications Corp, and Colleges. There is also a rural community in and around the city, with many independent dairy farms.

The early settlers to Middletown first arrived in the mid-eighteenth century. Middletown's name was recorded as early as 1744, and the name probably due to its geographical location between two larger townships. The construction of railroads was responsible for the most prolonged period of sustained growth in Middletown. The Erie railroad connected Middletown to New York, which, combining with the industrial revolution, grew the region as a prominent manufacturer. Furniture, shoes, and lawnmower blades were among the famous exports from Middletown during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Middletown's modern-day downtown district has a strong reputation for its nightlife and restaurants, while shopping districts such as the "miracle mile" attract visitors from all over the state.

• The Highland Lakes State Park encompasses 3,115 acres which are just north of Middletown. The locale is famous for its fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. As an undeveloped state park, the area is also an excellent spot for camping or going 'off-trail' on hikes. 
• Built nearly 150 years ago in 1872, The First Congregational Church of Middletown remains one of the city's tallest structures. The congregation was initially established as far back as 1785 and is widely considered a foundational part of Middletown's existence.
• Take in the history of Middletown with a visit to their local museum on East Avenue. The Middletown Historical Society is a local organization specializing in this part of the Hudson Valley's unique history and settlements.

SERVPRO Can Remove Contaminated Water Intrusion from your Middletown Home

The source of water intrusion is influential in deciding the extent of damage that a home suffers, and the equipment needed to restore it to a preloss condition. Water contamination could include raw sewage, microbial bacteria, or human pathogens from a toilet blockage. In some cases, animal carcasses or pesticides can make a home unsanitary or dangerous with floodwater intrusion following a storm. SERVPRO technicians are trained explicitly in biohazardous substance disposal and can return your home to a pre-incident condition.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could include chemical-resistant goggles, gloves, and, in some situations, full bodysuits in extreme cases.
• We can install decontamination chambers on-site to prevent biohazardous substances from spreading into unaffected areas. 
• Disposing of biohazardous substances is governed by federal and local laws. SERVPRO can correctly dispose of these substances.

Return your home to a safe condition. Contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County for water cleanup at (845) 342-3333.

Why is Mold Damage Harmful?

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

In ideal conditions, mold can quickly grow. SERVPRO's professional mold remediation can safely remove the mold.

SERVPRO Understands the Potential Harm of Mold Damage, which is why We Have Detailed Methods for Cleaning your Newburgh Home

Quite often, homeowners will have hidden water damage that eventually turns into mold and mildew growth. If you suspect excessive moisture or a hidden water leak, you must have your Newburgh home inspected as soon as possible. SERVPRO handles mold remediation so that you can live your life without worry about the potential impact of such an infestation.

Why should a homeowner call SERVPRO for help with mold damage in Newburgh? There are many ways that mildew and mold can cause issues within your home, including:

• Mold is known for having potential health effects.
• Once mold begins to colonize, it can impact the structure of your building.
• In addition to the above, excessive mold can damage and deteriorate your carpeting, furnishings, and other belongings.

Some of the more common origins of mold damage in the home include:

• Flooding in basements and crawlspaces
• Pipe leaks
• Roof damage/leaks
• Poor ventilation/increased moisture levels
• Faulty appliances/water spills

No matter the cause of your mold damage, SERVPRO of North Orange County has the techniques to handle the cleanup and restoration. If necessary, we offer detailed controlled demolition services. Call us at (845) 342-3333, and we can send a crew out as soon as possible.

Who Helps with Fire Damage to Middletown Household Goods?

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage? SERVPRO has you covered. We are your one stop shop to handle all of your fire damage restoration needs.

SERVPRO’s Contents Technicians Support After Middletown Fires 

More than just structural components suffer when fire attacks a Middletown residence. The furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions filling a house make it a home. A fire restoration company stops short of what is required if provisions are not made to undo the damage inflicted on the contents by the smoke, soot, heat, and flames.

How Can Fire Recovery Professionals Protect the Heart of a Home?

Special care is essential during fire restoration in Middletown to bring residue covered, malodorous, and charred possessions back to pre-blaze condition. Fast action to remove articles from the wet, sooty, and smoky environment is critical. Packing out items to SERVPRO’s production facility allows:

• Evaluation and documentation of damage for insurance purposes
• Matching of residue-affected things with appropriate, research-based cleaning techniques like dry cleaning, wet cleaning, immersion cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning
• Drying and Disinfecting, especially for articles soaked by firefighting water
• Deodorization of items

Contact the team of experts at SERVPRO of North Orange County for help after fire damages your home’s contents. We respond 24/7 when contacted at (845) 342-3333.

Why Does Mold Damage in Newburgh Seem Worse After Cleaning?

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause mold issues. SERVPRO is always on call for water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Mold Growth Needs Moisture, SERVPRO Knows how to Keep Things Dry

Newburgh homeowners proud of beautiful, well-maintained homes feel dismayed when mold growth persistently reemerges. Many believe mold means poor housekeeping. Surprisingly, grabbing a bottle of diluted bleach solution to eliminate mold colonies can feed rather than defeat the fungi.

How Do Mold Outbreaks Start in Newburgh homes?

No closely held secret describes the way Newburgh mold damage occurs. It is a simple equation:

• Mold spores everywhere in your home
• Plus a moisture source
• Plus 24 to 48 hours 
• Equals proliferation of mold colonies

Where Is the Growth-Accelerating Water Found?

SERVPRO mold remediation crews watch for signs of moisture during mold damage evaluation. Spaces like bathrooms and kitchens are humid enough to start mold growth, especially without exhaust fans' consistent use. Repeated application of water-based mold inhibiting solutions can also backfire, leaving porous materials like drywall and unsealed grout damp. 

• Bleach does not penetrate deeply enough to kill the mold's hyphae (roots)
• High water content then reactivates the mold or new spores. 

Reach out to SERVPRO of North Orange County for moisture control tips and mold remediation services. Call (845) 342-3333 to schedule an assessment.

Frustrated Managing Recurring Mold Damage in Your Newburgh B&B?

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe while the homeowner was away caused this mold event. SERVPRO made it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Mitigates Mold, Advising Pro-action to Newburgh Businesses

Hasbrouck House stands in Newburgh, New York, commanding a view of the Hudson River. The building and its grounds are fascinating to visit. Its location within Newburgh's 445-acre East End Historic District ensures visitors are also near other noteworthy homes and other buildings in the city, making for a busy and exciting trip.

What Is the Earliest History of the Hasbrouck House?

The home was the first built in what is now Newburgh. An original fieldstone farmhouse was erected in 1725. Subsequently, Elsie Hasbrouck purchased the property. After she deeded it to her son, Jonathan, and his wife, they built the current home in 1750 on the foundation still existing from the earlier building. The house centered on a large farm. 

Did the Hasbrouck House Have a Role During the War for Independence?

General George Washington, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, used the home as his headquarters. Although Washington established other command centers during the long conflict, spanning April 1775 through September 1783, he called Hasbrouck House his base for the most prolonged period, near the end of the war. The General made many critical decisions and agreements vital to the future of the country here:

• Washington and his family resided in Newburgh from April 1782 to August 1783.
• He rejected the establishment of an American monarchy.
• He defused the Newburgh Conspiracy with a heartfelt plea to his officers to remain loyal to the Continental Congress and avoid a military coup.
• He set up the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart predecessor.
• He authored a treatise listing key principles for the new Republic.
• He announced the Cessation of Hostilities.

What Other Factors Set Hasbrouck House Apart as a Newburgh Destination?

The State of New York purchased the home in 1850. Proclaimed Washington's Headquarters, State Historic Site, the property was the first National Historical site, owned and operated publicly as a National Landmark. New York designated it as a state historic site in 1961. Known for architectural details such as the original "Dutch Jambless" fireplace, Newburgh's Hasbrouck house features furnishings reflecting Washington's tenure. The public can tour the home and the grounds, featuring:

• Seven acres 
• Three buildings -- the house, a 1910 museum, a 1942 Colonial Revival style maintenance shed
• Tower of Victory -- commemorating the centennial of Washington's residence

Is There a Permanent Solution to Mold Growth and Structural Harm?

As the owner of a historic B&B in Newburgh, mold damage is a constant concern. You worry about the integrity of antiquated building materials and adhering to local lodging codes, as well as desiring a comfortable, clean, and fresh space for your guests. SERVPRO mold remediation follow EPA protocols:

• Locate the mold -- arranging testing if indicated.
• Contain the mold -- physical barriers and negative pressure air scrubbing systems.
• Remove the mold -- brushing and careful scrapping, adding gentle soda or dry ice blasting techniques for delicate or porous surfaces.
• Bag and dispose of mold materials per local regulations.
• Apply EPA-registered antimicrobials, including special fungal inhibiting primers.  
• Find and eliminate the moisture source -- mold does not grow without water.

SERVPRO of North Orange County has the skilled crews and specialized tools and products to manage current mold problems. Call (845) 342-3333 for an assessment, including tips on keeping mold at bay by drying vulnerable areas.

Enjoy a Virtual Craft Night in Newburgh

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community making their herb garden from the pre-made kits!

Newburg Homeowners Get Active with the Local Library

Create a clothespin herb planter with the Adult Curbside Craft Kit at the Newburgh Free Library. Enjoying an herb garden in a kitchen window during the winter months is decorative and useful for preparing meals. Pre-made kits are available for curbside pick-up for registrants since the Library is currently closed. The supplies include various household items like tuna cans, clothespins, twine, soil, and a variety of herb seeds. Check your email after you register to find out instructions for picking up your personal kit.

Details about the Adult Craft Night: 

• This is a virtual adult program on 1/12/2021.
• The class is a pre-recorded video available on Tuesday, January 12th, from 6:00 until 7:30 pm. 
• Kits go to the first 12 people to sign up for the virtual event through email registration. 
• If the registration is full or you have supplies, you do not need to sign-up for the class to view the video. 

If you need help with storm damage in Newburgh, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County anytime, at (845) 342-3333.

Enjoy Orange County Fair's Holiday Light Spectacular in Middletown

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing everyone at the Orange County Fairgrounds for the holiday festivities!

Middletown Homeowners Find Things to Do during the Holiday Season

From now until January 3rd, the Orange County Fairgrounds will host a socially distanced, drive-through holiday event where families can view beautiful holiday lights and enjoy festive treats. The Holiday drive through includes larger-than-life light displays to enjoy from your vehicle. Additionally, there is a multimedia projection show and smaller lighted displays. In the spirit of the holidays, families can grab gingerbread take-home kits. Keep warm with hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and other sweet treats, all while enjoying the spectacular lights.

Here is what you need to know for the event:

• The event goes from 4:30 pm until 10:00 pm.
• Tickets are $30 at the door for a car pass and $25 online in advance. 
• Car passes are for vehicles holding up to eight people; if your vehicle holds more than eight passengers, contact us directly for pricing. 

If you need prompt and efficient water cleanup in Middletown or surrounding communities, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County anytime 24/7 at (845) 342-3333.

SERVPRO Assists Newburgh Residents with Home Restoration After a Fire

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Regardless of the room that it affects, fire damage can overwhelm your home. Contact our certified team immediately for fire damage remediation servi

Newburgh is a Historically Significant City with Ties to The American Revolution

Along the Hudson River, Newburgh, NY, offers both historical and architectural landmarks and industrial contributions. Being only 60 miles from New York City, Newburgh is a hub in the Downstate area, with the Stewart International Airport at its center, making for easy travel in and out of the area. While Newburgh is close enough to commute to the Metropolitan New York area, it is also just 90 miles south of Albany, nestled in the Hudson Valley, making it a central location between New York City and the capital.

Newburgh developed on the Hudson and is an industrial center beginning in the 19th century. The proximity to New York City gave many opportunities for industrial ventures. Mills sprung up along the Quassaick, Gidneytown, and Tent Stoney Meadow Creeks. Wool, black powder for gunpowder, and grist for minting coins all came from Newburgh mills. Even today, large power generating stations function along the Hudson to provide electricity to the entire Downstate area.

Newburgh and the American Revolution

Newburgh is one of the oldest cities in New York, officially established in 1763 by a law passed by the General Assembly of New York State. The town legally-established itself even before New York State joined the union as the eleventh state in 1776. Newburgh holds historical significance for the country for more than one reason. It is often praised as the birthplace of historic preservation in the United States, but it also has historical relevance to the American Revolution. Events occurring in Newburgh may have changed our nation's direction if not for General George Washington's influence.

Newburgh Conspiracy 1783

During the American Revolution, the Continental Army had its headquarters in Newburgh. At the end of the American Revolution, some members of the Continental Army were dissatisfied with their working conditions. More importantly, they were not happy with their lack of consistent and reliable pay. Congress previously committed to giving half-pay to soldiers after retirement with funds from taxation. However, the states were not paying owed taxes consistently, meaning there were no funds for the promised pensions.

The Congress of the Confederation and Continental Army Were at Odds with Each Other 

• Anonymous members of the Continental Army wrote an ultimatum demanding pay or they would revolt. 
• Soldiers were dissatisfied due to this lack of pay, especially since it was promised to them. 
• Pensions were not coming to fruition, and some soldiers were not paid, leaving them primed to revolt, especially after fighting for years. 

General Washington Stopped the Revolt 

• Washington used his superior public speaking skills and personal conviction to defuse the situation by asking his officers to stay loyal to Congress. 
• He gave a personal, persuasive plea, at one point indicating that fighting for his country had aged him beyond his years, making it, so he had trouble seeing. 
• Washington instilled great loyalty with his officers through genuine conviction and personal connections, convincing them to continue. 
• By convincing officers to remain on course, General Washington may have even saved the American Revolution's outcome.

Newburgh Has a History of Significant Fires

Historic preservation and industry at the heart of Newburgh increase the probability of fire in both businesses and homes. Historically speaking, Newburgh suffered more than one devastating fire. In the late 1800s, fires destroyed a tannery and an ironworks factory, causing extensive damage to the city. Several other industry-caused fires occurred in both shipyards and train and boxcars.

Present-day Newburgh residents should be aware of fire risks, especially during winter months when wood stoves are more prominent, particularly in older homes. Many Newburgh homes, especially in the East End Historic District, date back to the early 1800s.

Homes in the East End Historic District Range in Style 

• Federal Style inspired by Ancient Rome 
• Greek Revival Style row houses  
• Gothic Revival Style 
• Early 20th Century Colonial and Tudor Revivals

The wide range of architectural design in homes makes the East End unique. Historical preservation is highly valued in Newburgh, with the philosophy of repairing with like materials rather than replacing in the interest of historic integrity.

In addition to preserving homes with historical significance in the East End only for preservation's sake, New York State offers a substantial tax credit for historically appropriate projects to rehabilitate some residential properties. There are requirements set out by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the local Architectural Review Commission (The ARC). There may also be Federal Tax incentives for restoration projects, depending on your particular situation.

SERVPRO Understands the Importance of Restoring Homes After a Fire

Newburgh is a city full of history and diverse architectural designs. Our SERVPRO team is local to the Newburgh area and understands the town's historical significance and the potential structural implications of even the smallest fire.

Our trained fire restoration team meets with the property owner to discuss restoration goals, together creating a plan of action to ensure comprehensive repairs to the home. It is essential to understand that fire restoration often requires a multi-faceted approach depending on the severity of damage and type of fire.

Fire damage May Include:

• Structural damage to the home, which may also include building materials. 
• Extensive smoke damage with odor and residue throughout the home. 
• Damaged or destroyed personal belongings and contents.

Our professionals may choose to remove items from the home for cleaning and repair. If this is necessary, technicians inventory your valued belongings throughout the entire process keeping them safe. While one team works to clean your items in an offsite location, another team may work on the structure of your home.

Our locally owned and operated franchise is very familiar with Orange County and the surrounding area and knows how important it is to repair with historical integrity in mind. We make it, "Like it never even happened." 

If you need help restoring your home and its contents after a fire, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County anytime at (845) 342-3333.

Enjoy Breakfast With Santa Near Newburgh This Festive Season

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the Breakfast with Santa event!

A Festive Event For Newburgh Kids and Adults Alike

If you are looking for a fun festive-themed treat for the family, why not drop into Breakfast With Santa? The kids will love the chance to hang out with Mr. Claus, while you will appreciate taking the weight off your feet while savoring a hearty meal. Enjoy a sit-down pancake breakfast where you can choose from a selection of:

• Fresh pancakes.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Sausage and bacon.
• Coffee, hot chocolate, and orange juice.

There will be kids crafts available, plus a raffle and the opportunity for pictures with Santa!

Join the fun at Knights of Columbus in Wappingers Falls. This event takes place on Saturday, December 12, at 8:30 AM. Tickets must be pre-booked and cost $12.50. This is sure to be a popular event and as there are only three sittings available we recommend booking early.

As the winter weather draws in, it is more important than ever to storm-proof your home. If you need storm damage cleanup in Newburgh, call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

Get A Bird’s Eye View Of Middletown With A Balloon Ride

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community having fun at Above The Clouds!

Rise Above It All and Enjoy An Adventure Like No Other

If you are looking for something different to do or an unusual gift to give this winter season, why not take to the skies in a hot air balloon?

Above The Clouds offers breathtaking hot air balloon rides. You can choose from a traditional four-person basket or a larger basket that holds up to eight people in their own partitions, so each member of the party gets a front-row seat.

• Balloon rides take you over the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley with its rolling hills, quiet streams, and quaint towns.
• Early fliers frequently see red-tailed hawks and wild deer.
• Every flight ends with a champagne toast.
• Each guest receives a commemorative picture.

Flights run every day, and costs start at $345 per person.

Thankfully Above The Clouds puts safety first – and when it comes to your home, we hope you will too. Adequate fire safety and working smoke alarms can help keep your home safe from fire. If you need fire and smoke restoration, call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

SERVPRO Helps Protect Historic Newburgh Buildings From Water Damage

11/22/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage affects your property, it’s time to contact SERVPRO for water cleanup efforts. Call right away for best results.

Newburgh Is The Home Of Historic Preservation and There Are Many Beautiful Buildings To Explore

Newburgh occupies an ideal location in Orange County, being close enough to New York to enjoy all the excitement of the Big Apple while still being big enough to have plenty of amenities of its own. Newburgh is on the Hudson River and is conveniently located next to Stewart National Airport.

Henry Hudson, for whom the river is named, first came to the Newburgh area in 1609. However, it would be almost 80 years before settlers purchased the land, and it was 1709 before they created the first settlement.

Newburgh received its official city charter in 1865 and entered a booming age that saw it gain a railroad, become a passenger ferry hub, and swiftly grow prosperous. Today Newburgh stands firmly on its enterprising past while offering all the modern amenities you would expect from a city of this time.

The Home Of Historic Preservation

Historic preservation means preserving and protecting buildings for future generations to enjoy and learn about. Historic preservation got started right here in Newburgh! In 1961, Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site became the first building to be preserved by a state for historical reasons.

The house, also known as Hasbrouck House, is the oldest building in Newburgh:

• The first house on the site was a fieldstone farmhouse, constructed around 1725.
• Jonathan Hasbrouck and his wife completed work on the house in 1770.
• When the army arrived in 1782, they made several changes, including a fireplace and a temporary kitchen, and enlarging and improving some of the outbuildings.
• The State of New York took ownership of Hasbrouck House in 1850 when it became the first site in the United States to be publicly operated as a historic home.

Visitors today can take a step back in time, as the house is now a museum that has been carefully reconstructed to reflect what it was like during the Revolutionary War.

Hasbrouck is not the only well-preserved historical treasure in Newburgh! People passionate about conservation come from far and wide to admire the historical architecture and preserved buildings and sites that Newburgh is famous for. History lovers will want to check out:

• David Crawford House is the current home of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands. When the house was put up for auction in the 1950s, residents were afraid it would be torn down. Thankfully the Society purchased it, and as well as providing a headquarters, it also serves as a museum.
• Old Town Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the city and features gravestones from as early as 1759 (it was established in 1713, but many markers are no longer legible.)
• Downing Park is Newburgh's oldest and biggest public park. Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead designed the park in the late nineteenth century as a gift to the city in return for naming it after a friend of theirs who died in a steamboat accident. The park features a pond, a fountain, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and a popular daylily garden where visitors can observe herons and other birds.

As well as stopping off at designated sites, we highly recommend simply taking a walk! Newburgh's historic districts are packed with examples of many architectural styles, including Gothic, Baronial, Revival, and Neoclassical.

Newburgh Is Also The Home Of Television and Shopping

As well as starting the trend of preserving beautiful buildings, Newburgh also had a hand in television's genesis. The RCA Corporation chose Newburgh as a test site for television sets in 1939. Newburgh was within range of their W2XBS station (now known as WNBC), so they sold 600 deeply discounted television sets to residents. The experiment was so successful that RCA was encouraged to continue its work and broadcast it into more homes.

The successful early broadcasts also mean that Newburgh residents were set up to receive television broadcasts during the Second World War when most homes across the nation could not.

Newburgh also has a history as a major shopping center for the area. Older residents still recall the array of shops that used to line Colden Street, Water Street, and Broadway with glee. Newburgh was home to one of the first malls in the country to feature a wide range of significantly different shops.

Visitors and residents today will not be disappointed in the array of shops in the city. From modern malls to farm shops to tiny independent boutiques, Newburgh has it all. Visitors who want something a bit out of the ordinary will love:

• Newburgh Vintage Emporium, where you will find everything from mid-century furniture to Victorian jewels.
• Hudson Beach Glass, in nearby Beacon, offers a staggering selection of beautiful hand-blown glass pieces, and you can even watch the glass-blowing process in action.
• Overlook Farm Market, where you can enjoy the best local produce, including seasonal vegetables, poultry, plants, and fresh-cooked donuts.
• The Elizabeth Collection, where you will find unique hand-tooled leather goods, along with essential oils and other gift items.
• Morphicism, also in Beacon, features one-of-a-kind art pieces for the home. Stop in to admire the art and chat with the artist, who is always happy to explain his process.

Newburgh Residents Are Familiar With Snow and Storms

Newburgh's climate falls in the transition zone between humid continental and humid subtropical. Winters tend to be long and chilly, with an average of 36.8 inches of snowfall.

The climate means that Newburgh is no stranger to storms, wet weather, heavy snow, and sudden rainfall. All of these leave Newburgh homes in danger of water damage, and with so many historic buildings around, the city needs a water cleanup team it can trust.

SERVPRO Understands The  Water Cleanup Needs Of The Local Community

Because SERVPRO is a franchise company, the North and South Orange County branches are locally owned and operated. That means our staff live, work, and enjoy leisure time in and around Newburgh, and we understand the local community.

We know that Newburgh is a unique city full of landmarks. That is why we do our best to preserve any building, old or new, that has fallen foul of water damage. We know that fast action is key to cleaning up water damage before it gets out of hand – We Are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Residents can rely on us to take care of every aspect of water cleanup, from initial assessment to drying and disinfecting. We can also liaise with insurers on the home owner's behalf and provide pictures and professional estimates to help you make an insurance claim.

We monitor every stage of water cleanup and drying to ensure every home is completely dry and that all damage is repaired. We also take care of deodorization to leave the house smelling fresh.

If you need a water cleanup company you can trust, call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

Newburg Office Workers can Improve Health with Wellness Activities

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Your worries will sail away when you contact SERVPRO for mold removal services.

Laughter Yoga Sessions on Zoom Teach Participants how to Fight the Effects of Stress

Daily stress, sitting for extended periods, and take-out meals can leave you feeling sluggish, tired, or even depressed. Dr. Shah combines Yoga and laughter to achieve fantastic results for students. Contact Carol Greiner at (914)366-1661 or cgreiner2@northwell.edu for your Zoom invite to one or all of the upcoming Zoom sessions on November 5 and 19, and December 10, 2020.

How Does This Work Better than Regular Yoga?

Research shows that patients’ cortisol (stress hormone) levels decreased after one simple thing – laughing for a short period.

• Laughter also increases endorphins (feel-good chemicals).
• Yoga increases strength, flexibility, stamina, and circulation.
• Combined, Laughter Yoga brings everything together, decreasing stress, and increasing overall wellbeing.

You can rely on SERVPRO of North Orange County for any mold removal services your Newburg office might need. Call (845) 241-8707, 24/7, for fast service.

When Is The Right Time To Take Action After A Flooding Incident?

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your business property. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Evaluates the Processes Needed to Restore Flood Damage in Newburgh Restaurants Determining What to Prioritize.

Responding to a flooding incident in a business establishment requires a wide range of actions. A faster response is necessary because it helps resolve a water incident quickly or reduces the level of damages. Since the measures are taken to resolve separate issues, the right timing of each action is essential for maximum efficiency. SERVPRO helps Newburgh restaurant owners schedule flood mitigation exercises correctly by prioritizing crucial processes.

What are the main actions taken in response to flood damage loss in Newburgh properties?

• Moving items 
• Securing the structure to limit damages
• Cleaning soiled areas and items
• Disinfection or deodorization

Once your restaurant fills up with filthy floodwaters, it is hard to imagine that other issues can develop, causing more damages. However, it happens and can worsen the situation you already face. Securing the structure is one way to prevent unnecessary secondary water damages. You can secure the structure to seal openings, thus preventing intrusion by small animals or vandals. Securing the structure also helps prevent weather elements such as rain from wreaking havoc inside your premises. 

Securing the structure is one of the actions you should take as soon as possible after realizing your restaurant is flooded. Our SERVPRO staff is well versed with the steps necessary in securing flood-damaged properties, including:

• Installing roof tarps
• Boarding up openings
• Erecting isolation barriers inside the property

How difficult is it to move contents? 

You might need to move contents for various reasons, including the need to stop contact with floodwaters or create room for other restoration processes. Such movement can be to another location or within the same premises. Completing a move out before starting cleaning processes adds more convenience. The difficulty involved in a move out differs, depending on the kind of contents being moved and the conditions the flooding incident creates. 

Our SERVPRO crews address any moving challenges that might complicate the process when you do it independently. For instance, we pre-clean items before moving them to ensure they do not contaminate or soil the new area once relocated. We avail accessories such as air sleds or hand trucks to move heavy appliances, conveniently, eliminating chances of accidental damage. In case it is not possible to store the contents within the premises, we also make arrangements for relocation to an off-site warehouse eliminating your worries about the safety of your items while awaiting the restoration of your facility to its preloss state.

What does cleanup involve after a restaurant flooding incident?

Cleaning is a multi-step process which varies on a case by case basis. Some of the things you might need to accomplish during a cleaning process include:

• Removing solid wastes such as mud or silt
• Extraction of soiled water
• Removal of deteriorated materials on the walls and floors
• Washing of soiled surfaces to restore sanitary conditions

The ability to complete such processes speedily depends on the resources you can access. For instance, removing water filled with solids such as silt is not possible using the regular water extractors. You might therefore opt to downgrade to a bucket or other manual process to scoop out the solid-filled water. 

Our SERVPRO technicians overcome such bottlenecks easily using specialized equipment such as self-priming trash pumps that extract water containing solid wastes. The capability of such pumps varies, with some only handling slurry while others handlings solids as big as 3 inches. For silt and muddy water, the slurry pump is sufficient, but we evaluate the situation to determine whether other more capable pumps are necessary. We also have rotating brushes and other powered tools that quicken agitation of soiled surfaces, thus expediting the cleaning processes.

At what stage should disinfection and deodorization happen in a flooded restaurant?

Processes such as disinfection and deodorization help finish the cleaning process by taking care of invisible substances introduced by the floodwaters into the premises. For a business handling food, decontamination is crucial to guarantee sanitary conditions. However, waiting until the last stages of the restoration process might not be the ideal approach. Our technicians incorporate both deodorization and disinfection in every aspect of the restoration. For instance, we spray EPA registered disinfectants directly into the flooded sections before starting water extraction and cleaning. We also use cleaning products with deodorizing properties or mix deodorizers with the cleaning solutions to control odors while cleaning various sections of your restaurant. 

When properly planned and taken promptly, mitigation processes can help limit the damages associated with such incidents. Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Where Can Property Owners Seek Help After a Fire Ruins a House and Some Belongings?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the know-how to restore your fire damaged home and belongings.

SERVPRO Professionals in Newburg Can Handle the Fire Damage in Affected Properties

Fire can cause significant destruction to your Newburg property, and if you delay the restoration process, the secondary damage can be irreversible. It is essential to contact a reliable fire restoration firm like SERVPRO within 24 hours after the unfortunate incident. We respond within the shortest time feasible since we understand how fast the secondary damage can spread in your property.

How fast is the restoration process?

Every damage situation is unique. The time our restorers can take to handle the fire damage in your Newburg home depends on:

• The number of rooms damaged by the fire
• The intensity of the damage
• Materials burned during the incident

Our technicians can clean your property quickly and efficiently. It can take a few days to complete the restoration process.

Can I inspect my property after the incident?

At SERVPRO, we advise our customers not to enter the property after a fire. Post-fire hazards include:

• Inhaling smoke and soot residues
• Spreading the smoke and soot residues on various surfaces
• Risking collapse since the structure could be weak after the fire

Can I clean the affected area myself?

Cleaning various surfaces in the affected property using home remedies and cleaning products can cause more damage. Besides, the restoration process requires trained and experienced persons to avoid incurring huge losses and expensive repairs. Our restorers have innovative equipment and products that help us to minimize damage. We also have protective gear that protects us from inhaling smoke residues.

Surfaces with heavy soot and smoke residues can be challenging for inexperienced homeowners to clean. Our restorers can use abrasive powders or roto pads and brushes to agitate the surface for easy cleaning. We can then vacuum the massive deposits from the surface to keep the loose particles from spreading.

Can technicians eliminate the smoke odor?

Smoke odors can linger even after heavy cleaning. The smells can hide in hard to reach areas or confined spots. We can use injection devices such as syringe and needle to inject small amounts of deodorant into the confined area. Since the odor may continue to persist, we can use air scrubbers to extract the airborne particles, gases, and odors from the air. The equipment drives indoor air through several filters to capture the odor particles and gases. It then exhausts fresh air back into the structure.

Even a small fire can jeopardize the safety and comfort of your family. Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 for effective restoration services that can make the fire loss seem, “Like it never even happened.” 

The Office Lunchroom in Newburgh Has Mold Around the Water Cooler – What Can Be Done?

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage can occur so many ways in a lunchroom. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for commercial mold remediation and mitigation services at your location.

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Mold Damage in Your Newburgh Business

Newburgh is a wonderfully historic town with landmarks such as Washington’s Headquarters, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the New York Armory. It sits along the Hudson River and today is home to numerous thriving businesses. Unfortunately, many of those businesses have mold problems.

Can Mold be Removed from the Lunchroom?

A water cooler can slowly leak, allowing moisture to seep into the flooring. Spills can occur and, if not cleaned up correctly, can cause damp floors and walls. Either one of these scenarios creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. This company needed to deal with the problem before the mold spread. SERVPRO technicians are Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT), who know what is needed in dealing with mold remediation in Newburgh. They can provide the necessary mitigation to restore your Newburgh lunchroom to preloss condition.

What Happens Next?

Mold can cause health effects and ruin the content of the employee’s lunch area. To keep the mold from spreading and mitigate the existing infestation, our technicians use proprietary techniques. Cleanup typically involves:

• Containment – this is the first step in the mold remediation process. To prevent the spreading of spores, the crews use:

• Physical barriers such as plastic sheeting
• Air scrubbers
• HEPA filters

• Mold Removal – There are two options for materials with mold. Either the mold is removed, or the material is removed for disposal. Porous material such as carpeting often needs removing if the hyphae are embedded deep enough. Soda blasting and agitated action can remove surface mold.
• Dust Removal – A byproduct of mold removal is the dust and mold spores that settle. SERVPRO uses vacuums with HEPA filters to remove these. Surfaces can get wiped down as well.
• Drying – When the mold is removed, and the lunchroom is clean; the facility gets dried. Air movers and dehumidifiers enhance the process.
• Sanitizing – Our techs use EPA-registered antifungals and antimicrobials on all affected surfaces.
• Sealants – Specific surfaces may need sealants applied to prevent moisture from returning and allowing the mold colonies to reform.

The lunchroom suffered minimal damage. The area around the water cooler was cleaned and restored by our technicians. The leaking water cooler was replaced. 

If you need mold remediation in Newburgh, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

Click here for more information about Newburgh.

How Long Does Water Removal take?

9/20/2020 (Permalink)

When you endure a water loss to your Middletown property call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Utilizes Industrial-Grade Water Removal Tools to Restore Your Middletown Interior in a Timely Manner

Handling water damage on your own may not be in your wheelhouse, nor is this something you have time for. As a homeowner, you must know that you can get prompt water removal so that secondary damage does not have time to set in. When you need a professional team of restoration technicians on the job, SERVPRO is available to ensure your Middletown property gets prompt attention. The faster we get in to help extract water, the easier it is to eliminate excess moisture and the onset of potential microbial dangers.

What Are Professional Water Cleanup Services?

When you call us for water removal in Middletown, SERVPRO’s Green Fleet arrives within a few hours of your call. Our courteous crew is always ready to get to work, starting with an initial full assessment of the water incident. The detailed planning process helps us design a plan based on your needs to restore your interior to the preloss condition. Just a few of the things you can count on our crew to provide includes:

• Convenience – SERVPRO is available 24/7 for emergency service, meaning that we are ready to work when you need us. This is water removal on your schedule so that you can lessen the loss and get back to your routine quicker. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster!
• Certification – We have skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) at work, all of which have been trained following the strict standards set forth by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC). Our extensive water damage expertise helps us to ensure no moisture gets left behind. 
• Equipment – Our trucks are filled with the latest equipment and technology to assist with our water removal and restoration efforts. We carefully select the best tools for the job to finish your project within a decent time frame to limit the amount of disruption your family encounters.

What Makes Your Water Removal Equipment Different from What I Own?

While you may have a mop, bucket, or a wet-dry vacuum, it often takes a lot more than removing visible fluids. The small cracks, crevices, and cavities throughout your home become prime locations for water migration. When this happens, it is vital to use moisture sensor equipment to find and eliminate these moisture pockets. Along with our moisture location technology, we also bring along equipment like:

• Submersible pumps and truck-mount extractors can remove hundreds to thousands of gallons of standing water from your home.
• Light-wand extractors help us pull up any water or residual moisture left within your carpets and the padding below.
• EPA-registered antimicrobial disinfectants and cleaning agents help inhibit bacterial and microorganism growth that may bring about foul odors and mildew growth.

How Will You Know All Moisture is Gone?

As mentioned, we have a broad range of moisture detection tools that help us find any hidden pockets left behind. Some of the restoration equipment that we use for the location of moisture includes:

• Penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters help us measure moisture content that various materials still contain.
• Moisture sensors allow us to determine levels left in porous materials like upholstery, carpeting, carpet padding, and more.
• Inspection cameras and borescopes will enable us to gather readings within wall cavities to avoid full removal potential. 
• Thermo-hygrometers measure both the relative humidity and temperature levels in the air, which helps us to determine areas that still require further drying.

What Happens if Moisture Gets Left Behind with DIY Methods?

The chances are high that DIY methods will leave moisture pockets throughout your interior. Tile floors may have had water seep between cracks where it gets under the tiles and causes lifting. Whenever moisture lingers in carpets and the padding below, it can cause significant damage to your subfloor. Hidden moist areas such as this also create potentially harmful microbial growth and the onset of fast-growing mildew and mold. 

What About Embedded Moisture?

Our skilled technicians are trained to look for hidden moisture and follow it up with controlled demolition as needed. In some instances, we can remove the baseboards and damaged flooring so that we can dry under the subfloor and around the floor joists. Should water made its way up into your drywall, we can perform what is known as flood cuts with our controlled demolition efforts. Flood cuts are made several inches above the waterline, which allows us to dry behind the wall and then replace it with all new materials to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We Also Work to Dry Your Contents

SERVPRO works with the promise to restore rather than replace, so we take the time to dry out your furnishings and belongings. With saturated cushions and pillows, our crew may use tenting with industrial fans so that air can circulate around them to facilitate drying. We also use soft-bristle brushes to restore fabric piles on your upholstery while addressing any topical soiling or mold spores.

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333 when you need prompt, reliable water removal!

What Plants Can Reduce Ground Flooding Risk on My Property?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO recommends a variety of native plants to aid in reduce possible flooding around your Middletown property.

SERVPRO Technicians Help You Restore Your Middletown Home After Flood Damage.

Middletown residents have a variety of options available to them for flood prevention to keep damage to a minimum. Simple tweaks to landscaping, garden planning, and drainage systems on your property can all go a long way toward preventing thousands of dollars in damages.

When your Middletown property requires flood damage removal, SERVPRO is ready to return your home and its contents to a preloss state. These highly-trained technicians undergo continuous training and education, even after receiving The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) accreditation, to ensure that their knowledge of industry benchmarks remains current.

What Plants Work Best for a Rain Garden in New York State?

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a variety of native plants are well-suited to rain gardens in the Empire State. Consider the following for your garden planning:

• Add herbaceous plants such as great blue lobelia, red milkweed, wild bergamot, and cinnamon fern.
• Plant hardy shrubs like witch hazel, arrowwood, sweet pepperbush, and winterberry.
• Rain gardens typically cost approximately $10 to $12 per square foot of surface area covered.

How Can SERVPRO Mitigate Flood Damage Odors?

SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) utilize a broad array of commercial-grade, EPA-registered biocides, deodorizers, and ventilation box fans after a flood to remove microbes from the air while improving indoor air quality. Surfaces in a basement with standing water still inside may be sprayed down with a strong disinfectant before proceeding with debris removal and water extraction.

Sanitation is performed before structural drying when dealing with flooding to prevent microbes and mold from traveling through the air during the operation of air movement equipment.

SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County offers residential cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (845) 342-3333 at any time of the day or night to have a team at your home within hours.

More information about Middletown.

What is the Best Way to Handle Fire, Water, Flood, Mold or Storm Losses to Your North Orange County Home?

8/16/2020 (Permalink)

Chances are you home will experience an emergency restoration need. SERVPRO is eqipped and on call to handle all emergency restoration events.

SERVPRO is the Only Number You Need to Handle Your Home’s Emergency Restoration Needs 

As a team that has been in business for more than 30 years, we have seen the worst that nature and disasters can do to Newburgh homes and businesses. Because we have recognized the needs of our community over these past decades, we have grown and developed a roster of restoration technicians and contractors capable of addressing nearly every need that your property has after a fire, water, flood, mold, or storm losses. We even have dedicated professionals to address more complicated cleaning projects as well, such as biohazard recovery. As a full-service provider, we are a preferred vendor for insurance companies due to being single contractors completing nearly all of the necessary work to recover your home after a disaster. 

Storm Damage Restoration 

Between the harsh winter months and severe storm events that can occur during the spring and summer, homes and businesses are nearly always at risk for structural damage and flooding throughout Newburgh and its surrounding areas. With in-house contractors available to dispatch along with our restoration professionals, we can offer pre-mitigation emergency service to help, including: 

• Controlled demolition
• Debris removal
• Extraction 

What Kinds of Flooding Can Damage Your Home? 

Not all flooding situations are the same, so knowing how floodwater entered your Newburgh home can be vital to determining the best approach for restoring the damage. Often there are a few primary varieties of flooding common to the area, including flash flooding, natural rising floodwaters, and water penetration from structural breaches like roof vulnerabilities. Each of these situations involves a pressing need for repair and restoration practices like extraction and cleaning. 

What Steps Can Our Team Take to Get Control?  

Extraction and water removal are the heart of flood recovery, and this can involve multiple tools and technologies. Standing water in your Newburgh home or business can lead to unfavorable conditions like structural deterioration, microbial growth, or the spread of contaminants. Through equipment like submersible pumps and wet vacuums, we can remove standing surface water and prepare the home for effective drying with air movers, dehumidifiers, and other specialty drying tools. 

Water Damage Restoration 

Because water restoration throughout Newburgh and other areas of the county that we serve is such a common occurrence, having the majority of our technicians accredited with water restoration certifications ensures that no customer waits for confident and experienced professionals in their time of need. This experience and training go up through our administration and management so that overseeing leaders like our crew chiefs and project managers also have the same education to make informed decisions that best suits your property. 

What is Mitigation for Water Losses? 

Acting quickly in a water loss is vital to protecting most of your structural integrity and contents. Regardless of how a water loss incident occurred in your Newburgh home, the appropriate response to these emergencies ensures the mitigation steps can begin as soon as possible. These initial efforts reduce total loss in the property and ultimately save our customers time and money on the restoration work to come. Some of these mitigation steps include: 

• Extraction
• Content Management
• Controlled Demolition 

How Can We Dry Out Water Damage?  

Drying in your Newburgh home is one of the critical elements of restoration after a water emergency. Several tools and technologies get employed during this vital stage of recovery, including air movers, dehumidifiers, portable electric heaters, and our floor mat drying system. 

Fire Damage Restoration 

With fire losses in Newburgh homes being one of the standard callouts that our professionals must regularly address, we stay prepared to help through this troubling experience. Often this begins with a thorough assessment of the property conducted by our project manager, though several emergency services might need to occur before this. Structural breaches must get covered to prevent water or animal intrusion, debris can get shoveled and vacuumed from the flooring, and air quality can begin to get regulated with tools like air scrubbers. 

What Initial Steps Can Protect a Fire-Damaged Property?  

The initial actions that are professionals take when we arrive at a fire damaged Newburgh property are critical to reducing losses and costs for our customers. Mitigation is a universal approach for every emergency that our technicians help to restore. With residential structure fires and even more massive commercial blazes, some of these mitigation actions can improve efficiency: 

• Debris Removal
• Soot Cleaning
• Surface Wiping
• Temporary Construction Solutions 

Are Reconstruction and Repair Included?  

After a structure fire, many Newburgh homes and businesses require some degree of repair or reconstruction. With a team of in-house contractors able to respond to the restoration technicians, we can get a better understanding of the structural repairs necessary to make fire losses “Like it never even happened.” 

Commercial Services 

After any loss incident impacts your Newburgh business, you can have many obstacles in opening your doors again. For this reason, we have encouraged many Newburgh businesses to work with us to develop their profile in a program called the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Plan. This information, shared conveniently, helps responding technicians know about entry points, utility shutoffs, and other vital information to restore the property efficiently. 

The Benefits of Large Loss Recovery Teams 

One of the advantages of choosing SERVPRO to help restore the damage to your Newburgh commercial property is our involvement as a significant loss recovery team. Our connection to a vast network of franchises and sister organizations ensures that we have a nearly endless pool of: 

• Personnel
• Equipment
• Products
• Experience
• Resources 

How Can Your Business Stay Clean and Safe?  

Safe and sanitary workspaces are vital for both your employees and the customers you serve, regardless of your business nature. Because of the pressing need for thorough and intricate cleaning solutions in commercial spaces, we have developed a defensive cleaning program we call Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. This program features the most comprehensive cleaning solutions for Newburgh businesses, featuring EPA approved disinfectants, antibacterial solutions, and deodorizing compounds. 

Disasters do not have to keep you down. Give our SERVPRO of North Orange County team a call today at (845) 342-3333.

My Home is Flooded After a Storm. Where Can I Get Help to Restore it to Normal?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Did recent storms damage yoru home? Call SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.

Reach out to SERVPRO Technicians for Professional Storm Flood Damage Restoration in your Middletown Home

During a storm, heavy rains may lead to flooding, and powerful winds can ruin your Middletown home's roof or other parts. Some post-storm damage can also create health and safety hazards. Once you notice flooding in your home, act immediately by contacting professionals to prevent further damage.

Why should I contact professionals?

Water is pervasive, progressive, and can cause irreversible damage to costly building materials and possessions. You can prevent this by handling the storm flood damage in your Middletown residence within the first 48 hours. Our SERVPRO team can take several steps to prevent long-term damage. We have state-of-the-art equipment and products that help us handle flood damage of any magnitude. We have decades of experience and skills that help us provide effective and prompt restoration services.

Is your inspection process thorough?

We inspect the affected property to determine the proper steps need taking to restore it to its preloss condition. We use advanced equipment and tools to conduct the assessment. Our technicians can use borescopes to look into cavities and other hard to reach areas. The devices help us examine the construction method and determine visible contamination. We also have motorized inspection cameras that allow us to inspect the ductwork.

How do you remove moisture in hard to reach areas?

The drying process is a significant step in restoration. Our technicians can remove the water using portable pumps. We can then use structural cavity drying equipment that helps us to direct airflow into wall cavities, replacing the moist air with warmer, dry air. The machine increases the surface temperature and lowers the vapor pressure, leading to a high evaporation rate. We can direct air into wall cavities, below cabinets, and other structural cavities by drilling small holes in ceilings, walls, or under the cabinets.

Do I have to worry about odors?

If you begin the restoration process quickly, you can minimize the chances of odors persisting in your property. However, if there is an existing odor, we can use various products to combat the smells, including:

• Odor counteractant beads
• Thermal foggers
• Hydroxyl machines 

After a storm strikes, dealing with the aftermath can seem overwhelming. SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County can take the right steps to stabilize and restore your home to normal. Call us today at (845) 342-3333.

More about Middletown.

Why Should I Hire Skilled Technicians for Flood Cleanup in Newburgh?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage is no match for SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County.

SERVPRO Lessens Flood Damage Loss When You Call Us to Your Newburgh Home for Restoration Services

Dealing with flooding while using DIY methods opens up the possibility of leaving behind hidden moisture and harmful bacteria. Water saturates carpets and gets into the subfloor below while also wicking into the walls and behind baseboards. Only the professionals have the right tools to not only find and eliminate moisture but also ensure that microbes are not left to fester within your Newburgh living space.

Why Call SERVPRO for Flood Restoration?

Our team is IICRC-certified, meaning that we have the comprehensive skills and training necessary to mitigate your flood damage in Newburgh. We bring along specialized equipment to handle the cleanup, including:

•    Submersible pumps
•    Truck-mounted extractors capable of handling water riddled with debris
•    Moisture sensor technology
•    Industrial-strength air movers
•    Professional-grade dehumidifiers
•    EPA-registered cleaning agents

What Happens if Water is Missed During DIY Cleanup?

When water is left to seep into nooks and crannies, foul odors develop while mold has the chance to colonize. Secondary damage multiples, turning into a costly endeavor to fix. SERVPRO has tried-and-true methods for planning out your floodwater cleanup followed by proven drying techniques. We ensure no water gets left behind baseboards, within your wall cavities, or under flooring. Our crew follows a plan that tells us how many air movers and dehumidification tools to set up within the loss zone to amplify drying times.

After your interior is dry, we take the time to thoroughly clean, sanitize, and deodorize all surfaces. This inhibits mold growth, but it also ensures no foul odors linger throughout the home. Everything gets done to restore your interior to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Flood damage is no match for SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County. We are available 24/7 for emergency cleanup and restoration – just give our team a call at (845) 342-3333 when you need us!

My Newburg Home Has Flood Damage After a Storm. What Should I Do?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Call SERVPRO to Handle the Storm Flood Damage in Your Newburg Residence

Precipitation is essential since it either directly or indirectly provides the water we consume. However, at times, storms occur, and the heavy rain that accompanies them often leads to flooding. If your Newburg residence is flooded, it is critical to hire professionals from SERVPRO because we can restore it to its preloss condition.

What kind of damage can flooding inflict on my property?

The flood damage in your Newburg residence could include roof damage and knocked down doors and windows. Floodwater can also cause secondary damage, which may range from the development of mold on the walls to the weakening of the foundation. Floodwaters can carry debris of every type, silt, sand, sewage, and chemicals. The good news is that we can mitigate and reverse the primary damage, while the secondary damage could be avoided altogether.

Why choose SERVPRO restoration services?

Restoring your property after floods have deluged your household requires a certain level of professionalism. Professionalism can only be attained through numerous years of experience in the restoration field. Our goal is to ensure that you get high-quality restoration services. With our round the clock services, we can make sure that you get the help you deserve from our highly trained experts.

As the restoration company in the highest rungs of service provision, we pride ourselves in the expertise and experience we have. Our technicians endeavor to make sure that the property you treasure is back to its tip-top condition. We use state of the art technology to ascertain that a building is fully dry and everything is okay before the homeowner moves back in.

What does storm flood damage restoration involve?

To restore your home after flood damage, we can do the following:

    •    Property inspection
    •    Debris removal
    •    Water extraction
    •    Drying
    •    Disinfection
    •    Deodorization

For effective restoration, we remove and replace contaminated carpets and other porous materials. Our team uses powerful pumps to remove as much water as possible and drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to eliminate the moisture.

We regularly take both moisture and humidity readings throughout the restoration process to get the drying effectiveness. We can use inspection cameras and borescopes to look into cavities and check if there is any contamination. SERVPRO technicians use this equipment in telecommunication chases and any other cavities that can be costly to repair if demolished.

As soon as you notice the flooding, call SERVPRO of North Orange County and SERVPRO of South Orange County at (845) 342-3333. Irrespective of the time, we can assist you. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Do I Need Experience to Restore my Newburgh Home After a Fire?

5/24/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Restoration has a Steep Learning Curve, and Nothing Beats Practical Experience Working On-site in Newburgh

How do I start fire restoration at my property?

The first step in fire damage restoration for Newburgh residents is to notify your insurance provider. Your insurance company can then dispatch an adjuster to catalog losses for claims review. After contacting your insurance company, you should contact a certified restoration firm to restore damages to your home and contents. Smoke residues can settle into surfaces or fabrics as time passes. Equally, water or foam used in the firefighting procedure can cause problems or lead to further losses. SERVPRO offers twenty-four-hour support to residents because we understand that fire losses are a time-sensitive situation and need a quick response to ensure a full recovery.

What fire hazards exist in residential property?

    •    Solid combustibles include textiles, papers, woods, and plastics. These can be found throughout a home environment and can be ignited by exposure to naked flames like candles or cigarettes
    •    Flammable liquids which can include grease in your kitchen, fuels like ethylene or gasoline and alcohols
    •    Electrical fires. Home environments are full of appliances, wiring and electronic devices that can present a fire risk if they malfunction or become insecure
    •    Flammable Metallic substances like sodium, lithium or potassium can be rare in a home environment but are highly-flammable requiring special extinguishers

What different types of fire extinguishers are there, and when should I use them?

Fire extinguishers come in different shapes and sizes. The most recognizable extinguisher uses pressurized water to douse flames. These are useful when solid combustible materials like curtains catch fire. The remaining classes of fire extinguisher use dry chemical foam or carbon dioxide, which are crucial in bringing electrical fires under control as well as flammable liquids. Never use water on fires electrical or chemical fires. Other extinguishers use wet chemicals that are effective against grease fires and cooking fires- the most common cause of house fire in Newburgh.

Does the type of fire affect restoration?

Different fuels and types of fire are an influential factor in the restoration approach. Technicians with experience can accurately assess different types of fire damage after the fact. Being able to identify smoke residues is essential to using the correct methods to restore a property. Cooking fires that involve animal fats, for example, can result in stubborn residues which respond poorly to water and can spread around easily during cleaning. We use oil-based solvents to dissolve greasy soot deposits before rinsing both solvent and soiling to remove them effectively.

What can I do to prevent fires in my home?

    •    Never leave a stove unattended while cooking
    •    Perform regular maintenance checks of appliances in the home. Also, be vigilant against 'daisy-chaining' equipment using extension cords
    •    Perform yearly maintenance checks on the wiring in your home and especially before the winter months when you are using more electricity
    •    Keep naked flames away from solid combustible materials like curtains, paper, artwork or woods
    •    Regularly check your furnace to avoid future puff-backs

How do I get rid of odors after a house-fire?

Odor control is essential to returning a home to its preloss condition. The ruling principle of odor control is to disperse deodorants using a similar method to those that caused the odor. In a fire, odors from combusting materials travel upward into cooler air pockets. As they travel, they deposit onto surfaces or enter small crevices in the home like light-fittings. Misters vaporize deodorants, releasing the vapor into the home. Usually, we use water-based solvents that take less time to clear from the home environment but still travel into tough to reach areas of the home. SERVPRO technicians can place venting box fans in the property to ensure that deodorants are thoroughly ventilated out of the property. We exchange indoor air up to fifty times before clearing the area for safe usage.

How can I get help filling in my insurance claim?

Most of your claim is fulfilled by informing your adjuster of losses and their relative values. These items are then given a subtotal and sent for review by your insurance provider. SERVPRO understands that it can be tiresome to relay thousands of items to an adjuster, which is why we offer to help customers with their claims. During service, our crew chiefs document work carried out in a digital ledger. When the restoration journey is complete, we can pass this document onto your insurance provider as part of our stress-free claim initiative. We always finish the restoration by conducting a walk-through where we explain all aspects of restoration and outcomes with you.

For experienced restoration assistance, contact SERVPRO of North Orange County at (845) 342-3333.

Why Should I Call a Professional Team to Remediate Water Damage In my Business?

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professional water technicians can mitigate your water leak situation in your Newburgh Business district.

Professional Water Restoration Technicians Can Perform a Comprehensive Cleanup Job in Your Newburgh Business

Whether your Newburgh business is big or small, trusting a professional water restoration company gives you the peace of mind you need. Business owners worry about outsourcing cleanup tasks versus a do-it-yourself solution, but they fail to factor in the financial consequences of a poorly done job. When water stands and soaks your floors, walls, fixtures, and inventory, you stand to waste time and money later in time.

The business community  can rely on SERVPRO for commercial water damage restoration in Newburgh commercial district. Our comprehensive assessment of the damage and ability to address your needs is like no other. When you enlist our help by calling our 24/7 hotline, you add a competent partner focused on returning business operations to normal as soon as possible.

Do I need to empty my business after water damage?

Even though we can perform complete move-outs, our SERVPRO crew first determines whether we can isolate affected areas and undertake cleanup tasks safely. When appropriate, we approach the drying process with efficiency, focusing on achieving fast and successful results. Among the equipment available to remove excess water we include-

• Wand extractors
• Submersible pumps
• Dehumidifiers

SERVPRO of North Orange County is your business partner during a crisis. Call us at (845) 342-3333 and trust us to leave your business "Like it never even happened."

How Can I Fully Dry my Wall to Wall Carpeting?

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

We know the steps to get your Newburgh home back from water damage.

The Best Way to Save Your Carpets After Water Damage is to Call a Professional Water Restoration Service

Most of our homes will have a water leak at some point in time. A water heater may break, or the kitchen sink may spring a leak. Regardless of its source, water seeping into your carpet and walls is of concern. The longer that water rests on your belongings, the larger its impact is. Calling a professional service to remove the excess humidity is key to mitigating your loss.

Residents in Newburgh needing water cleanup services can call SERVPRO for help. We are part of your community and understand the importance of keeping a safe environment for you and your loved ones. Our goal is to arrive at your home as soon as possible and get to work. Prompt attention to your emergency is why we operate around the clock to serve you.

How can I dry carpets and rugs?

At SERVPRO, we know that not all surfaces are equal. In rugs and carpets, we take into account the weave, color, finish, installation technique, and many other factors that may influence the water extraction process. If we also need to clean them, we test cleaning products in an inconspicuous spot before making a widespread application. Some of the equipment and techniques below can aid in salvaging your carpet.

Air movers and dehumidifiers encourage the drying of the carpet pad.

Wand extractors can meticulously help extraction in edges and corners.

A wet-dry vacuum can soak up the bulk of the water volume.

In this process, some exclusions are significant to note. If your carpeting is wet for more than 72 hours, we may recommend removing it. Extended exposure becomes a breeding environment for mold and bacteria, which could translate into significant issues later on. You can trust in us as we guide you through the cleanup process.

SERVPRO of North Orange County is your ally in times of emergency. Call us at (845) 342-3333 whenever you need us and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened." 

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How Can I Mitigate the Effects of Standing Water on My Newburgh Business?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs, team SERVPRO is there to mitigate the situation and dry out your property. We are standing by 24/7 to take your call.

In Order to Protect Your Business from the Damaging Effects of Water, It is Essential that You Quickly Enlist the Services of Commercial Water Cleanup Professionals.  

There are numerous ways in which your commercial establishment may experience standing water and related problems in Newburgh.  Oftentimes, these issues result from roof leaks and storm damage, but they can also arise from faulty plumbing, operational accidents, and problems from neighboring businesses.  These troublesome occurrences usually happen without prior warning and when you least expect them. They threaten your livelihood, damage your commercial site, and often affect neighboring establishments.  Whenever such a water event befalls your business, it is crucial that you act fast and contact the right commercial water cleanup professionals.

When Faced with Water-Related Troubles, Who Should I Call?       

Finding a commercial water cleanup service in Newburgh is fairly easy, but some companies are better than others.  One of the better area service providers is SERVPRO, a company with advanced expertise, experience, and equipment to handle your job effectively.  Our technicians understand the particular needs of impacted businesses and diligently work to meet them. They follow the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines to ensure that all work conforms to professional and governmental standards.  Moreover, they effectively and efficiently complete all of their work using the most advanced equipment currently available in the industry.       

How Do We Clean Up Your Water Issue?

SERVPRO employs several methods and uses a wide range of high-tech equipment to solve your water problem in Newburgh.  The process we generally follow is:

• Our technicians usually arrive on-site within four hours of receiving your call
• Once on-site, workers secure the area
• We evaluate your particular situation and work to prevent further damage
• Standing water is removed
• A drying goal is established
• The moisture content of affected structural elements and contents is determined
• We dry the structure and contents until the drying goal is reached
• Our experts professionally sanitize and deodorize your business property

Each step of the process methodically works toward eliminating your water issue as quickly as possible.  SERVPRO technicians, following expert drying theory and using the industry’s most advanced tools, endeavor to do the best job, save you time and money, and help you avoid potential losses resulting from water damage.   

How Do We Secure Your Area and First Work to Prevent Further Damage? 

SERVPRO immediately gets to work on noting hazards and preventing further damage to your property.  We initially take the following measures:

• When our workers first arrive at your Newburgh location, depending on existing water levels, they note any hazards like dangerous electrical issues, falling ceilings, and collapsing floors, and post warning signs
• Next, they shut-off or block water sources contributing to the problem and place tarps where they are needed to prevent further roof leaks, etc.
• Then, depending on the situation, standing water is removed with submersible pumps, heavy-duty extractors, or wet vacs

How Does SERVPRO Thoroughly Dry My Structure and Contents? 

Your structure and contents are professionally dried in the following way:

• First, we establish a drying goal based on local conditions in Newburgh and the moisture contents of unaffected structural elements and items
• Using moisture sensors and meters, our professionals next determine the current moisture content of things in affected areas  
• Technicians then calculate the right ratio of air movers to dehumidifiers and place these around your business to dry out the air and its interiors
• Wet areas behind ceilings and walls are dried with an injectidry system, which is connected to a dehumidifier-air mover network
• Moisture sensors/meters and thermohygrometers are used to periodically measure moisture levels and determine when the drying goal has been reached

After SERVPRO Dries My Newburgh Business, How Does It Attempt to Prevent Harmful Microorganism Growth and Unpleasant Odors?

Our workers are experts at eliminating fungi responsible for dry rot, as well as mold and mildew, and are often able to neutralize unpleasant odors.  They do this by: 

• Employing thermal foggers in confined areas to deploy cleaners and deodorizers in the form of a dense fog
• Using ultra-low volume foggers to inject fungicides and deodorants into difficult-to-access areas
• Cleaning and painting over affected structural elements to seal in odors

Operating a business can be tough, but an unforeseen water crisis adds an additional layer of difficulty to your operation.  When such trouble arises, you need to act fast to protect your facilities, inventory, and the surrounding businesses. As a responsible owner, you must also think about your customers, employees, and the adjacent business owners.  If ever faced with such a problem, call SERVPRO of North Orange County at (845) 342-3333 for help.      

We Act Fast In Newburgh After A Flood

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Part of the roof tore off from high winds during a rainstorm and water came down into the area, which caused damage. We arrived right away and began.

Why Bigger Is Not Always Best for Newburgh Flood Extraction

You might be in the camp of people that would assume when standing water exists in your Newburgh home that the best solution is the most powerful piece of equipment in the extractor inventory. While it would stand to reason that larger water removal units could relocate this flood damage more efficiently, there are multiple reasons why smaller submersible units are a better fit for the extraction needs of your residence.

Challenging Damage Areas 

One of the first considerations that our responding technicians must make about flood damage in Newburgh homes is the location of these effects. Accessibility is one of the most significant disadvantages to engine-driven pump systems attached to trucks in our SERVPRO Green Fleet. With a larger intake and discharge hoses and attachments, confined spaces limit the functionality of powerful truck-mounted pumps.

Longer Discharge Lines 

A unit is only as good as where it can move standing water to, and while truck-mount systems can pull water at 300 psi, it requires a much shorter discharge hose length for the diameter. While higher volumes can get moved, you have to ensure that you have the right positioning of the intake unit, or it might be ineffective. Submersibles often only have a 2” discharge line, allowing it to span greater distances once water gets collected.

Multiple Units 

While we might have more than one extractor truck in our Green Fleet of service vehicles, several do not typically roll out to the same job site. Our technicians can place multiple electric submersible pumps in clean water residential flooding emergencies to simultaneously move thousands of gallons of water during their runtimes. Our electric sump pumps utilize little power, so we can run multiple units off of a generator at the same time when flood damage severs electricity to the structure.

With extraction being such a vital element to flood recovery after an emergency, choosing the right tool is vital to saving customers time and money. Bigger is not always better, but our SERVPRO of North Orange County team can ensure that you get the most efficient tool for the job. Give us a call anytime at (845) 342-3333.

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Removing Water after Prolonged Damage in Newburgh Homes

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Your Newburgh water damage can put you through many obstacles, let us help.

Some of the damages that could occur if you prolong your Newburgh water damage.

Returning to your Newburgh home after a week away on vacation can be refreshing unless you happen to return to water loss damages that have persisted unnoticed for days on end. Situations like a water heater rupturing could expose your flooring and walls to standing water, and the longer the problem goes unchallenged, the farther this water can migrate from the initial damage point and the more structural damage that can result.

Our SERVPRO professionals have several strategies to begin water removal in Newburgh homes, despite the weakened structural elements. With a broad inventory of recovery tools and equipment, we can choose the best machine for the circumstances to remove standing water from wherever it exists. After several days, water removal techniques must go beyond addressing surface water and removing moisture from installed materials as well.

Surface Water Extraction 

One of the first obstacles for our responding technicians is removing the standing water on the surface of materials like the flooring. While it is likely absorption has already begun, our SERVPRO team cannot get accurate readings on moisture content without removing excess water first. We can utilize multiple tools for this undertaking, but it is often most efficiently accomplished with a combination of electric submersible pumps and wet vacuums.

Drying Mats 

Focused drying efforts for materials like concrete and hardwood flooring involve a controlled draw of trapped moisture. Over-drying or removing water too quickly can damage the material when it can get preserved, so we continually monitor the moisture removal process to ensure it does not exceed the established moisture goal baseline.

Controlled Demolition 

After a water loss incident goes unnoticed for several days, structural elements can become too weak to protect and preserve. Mold growth could also exist. Our in-house contractors can remove damaged portions of flooring and wall systems too damaged to leave installed.

There are many effective strategies to address saturated materials in your home after prolonged exposure to standing water. Give our SERVPRO of North Orange County team a call anytime we can help at (845) 342-3333.

To find out more about Newburgh, click here.

Avoid Delays When Dealing With Newburgh Fire Damage 

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Take precautions against having a fire in your home. But if your home does suffer from a fire, contact SERVPRO for effective remediation services.

Addressing Garage Fire Damage in Newburgh

Property loss in home fires all over the United States incur staggering costs: in 2018 alone, $8 billion worth of residential property was lost in home fires. No matter the source, homeowners must be vigilant to minimize risk to their homes. However, when a disaster does strike, there is a team that is always ready to assist you. 

If your Newburgh residence needs professional-grade fire damage cleanup, SERVPRO technicians are only a phone call away from rendering mitigation services that return your home to a preloss condition. Fire damage can quickly corrode surfaces, particularly metals and plastics, over time, and require specialized care to remove damage and odors. While consumer-grade products are not made to address these disasters, SERVPRO tools and cleaning solutions can tackle them for you quickly and easily. 

Minimizing Garage Fire Risks

Fires can quickly render a garage a total loss and spread to the rest of your home. Use these tips to keep your property safe and minimize loss: 

• Never use an extension cord as a permanent power source for an appliance and avoid overloading outlets.
• The wall and door separating an attached garage from the rest of the home should be fire rated.
• Store a fire extinguisher near the garage's exit so you can safely douse a small fire before it can spread. 
• Contain flammable liquids like gasoline and motor oil in a space far away from potential ignition hazards.
• Never block exits in your garage and always have a quick escape plan in the event of a fire. 

SERVPRO Removes Residues

Fire damage requires special care to remove from a variety of surfaces. If your tools are covered in soot and soils from a fire, SERVPRO techs have a variety of methods available for restoring them. Dry-cleaning measures can eliminate loose, dry deposits from surfaces, while wet-cleaning techniques, including immersion and scrubbing, are effective for light to medium damages. Heavy soiling can usually be addressed with immersion in oil-based solvents. 

SERVPRO of North Orange County leaves disaster-affected homes looking, "Like it never even happened." When you need a cleanup service that you can count on, call (845) 342-3333.

Click here for more information about Newburgh.

Middletown Homes, Water Extraction, and Mitigation--The SERVPRO Way!

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO HQ and a Service Vehicle--Professional Grade Cleanup and Restoration Services for Middletown--24/7

Why Sump Pumps Start Water Loss Recovery in Middletown Homes

Mitigation is one of the essential elements of the recovery of your Middletown home after a water loss incident. Despite how widespread and destructive migrating water can become, the appropriate response by our SERVPRO technicians can ensure that less property damage ultimately occurs. The primary purpose of mitigation is to reduce the costs and losses to homes and businesses right after a disaster strikes.

When our professionals first begin to assess and address the water damage to Middletown homes, extraction can often be the necessary starting point. Standing water can threaten the structural integrity of exposed materials, and it can also become an added challenge to restore when it has absorbed into installed elements like wallboard, wood framing, and flooring.

With more than thirty years of experience and training, our water restoration technicians (WRT) accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) can begin mitigation with direct, confident actions. Extraction can reduce surface water throughout the damaged area, and when this threat is more than two inches in depth, submersible pumps are the ideal solution to choose. There are many reasons why electric sump pumps can be among the first machines deployed at a water loss incident.

•    Electric pumps are versatile choices because of their lighter weight
•    These tools provide continuous, quiet extraction
•    Electric submersible pumps can have long discharge lines, allowing them to be more effective in larger homes
•    These pumps can run off of portable generators when electricity service has gotten severed to the property
•    Can reduce surface water concerns down to two inches in depth or less
•    Submersible pumps empty to drainage points instead of filing a tank that needs to get emptied

Extraction is among the first steps that our SERVPRO of North Orange County professionals must take when we respond to water loss incidents. With pooling water concerns, we have an array of powerful water removal and drying tools to make losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (845) 342-3333.

Keeping the doors open after a disaster

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Do not let your business fail after a disaster, call SERVPRO immediately.

When a disaster strikes at a commercial building, the main goal of the owner is to keep the doors open. We have been called into locations such as Urgent Care, dollar store, banks, and so on. Each of these locations cannot lose any working hours without losing a substantial amount of money. When a fire or water damage happens, it is our goal to get the business back open as soon as possible. 

For example, we were recently called into a medical facility that had a fire in the bathroom of their urgent care. This happened in the building on a Sunday when only urgent care is open. We arrived on-site within one hour of the initial call. We had a full crew on site to start extracting the water from the sprinklers that went off and placed equipment to help with the odor. Throughout the day, we cleaned, extracted, and made sure the areas that were the most important were taken care of first. The most critical area was getting the urgent care cleaned up to open on Monday. Due to the additional damage, we were able to get the urgent care open by Tuesday. The urgent care only lost one day of business because they called SERVPRO. We concentrated on their needs and was able to succeed in minimizing in loss of business. 

SERVPRO is always here to help no matter what time of day. We will put your needs first to ensure your business is put back together as soon as possible. 

Vandalism to a Commercial Property

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Broken glass doors from a jewelry store.

There are other services that some people are not aware that we perform. We were called into a storefront that sells jewelry. This location is known as a high-end area. The business owner has never in their 20 years in this location had a concern about some robbing their store. Unfortunately, two teens broke the front windows of the place and stole several pieces of jewelry and were able to run away before the cops arrived. Not only was the front doors broken but also several jewelry cases. There was glass throughout the store. The police department mentioned to the building owner that SERVPRO is a company that can handle the cleanup for them. The business owner called us, and we quickly responded. We arrived and boarded up the front door, cleaned up the majority of the glass, and secured the building as you can imagine, the jewelry needed to be taken out of all the cases and placed into a safe off-site. The business owner realized that it was a substantial amount of work that needed to be done before he could open back up. Luckily he had business interruption insurance to cover his losses until the store was put back together. 

SERVPRO was able to secure the area and make the store a safe place so that the owner and his employees were able to pack up the jewelry without having the risk of getting cut by glass. Vandalism is a tricky thing that many business owners are not prepared for, but if it does happen, feel free to call SERVPRO. We will be there to help and secure the area. 

File Storage Center

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Is this how your office basement look? Are you prepared if a fire or water damage happens?

Do you know that stack of folders or boxes in your basement? What about a file storage facility that holds important documents for Lawyers or Medical Facilities? These places are the same as other locations that could have a loss. Don't worry, SERVPRO also helps out with these damaged boxes and files. 

SERVPRO has an extraordinary department called Document Drying Department. They can dry out the files and bring them back to save the documents. They can also digitize all the documents and properly dispose of the papers to ensure the security of the papers. If they are returning all the papers, they pack them in new boxes. Every box and document is inventoried from the main location to SERVPRO Document Drying Facility and back. 

Most times, these files have confidential information involved, and we are fully prepared to make sure all records are kept that way. 

Call the professionals at SERVPRO to make sure the documents are taken care of properly. 

Strip Mall Fire in Goshen NY

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

This is only a sample photo of a possible fire that could happen to any strip mall in the area.

Strip malls are full of multiple businesses and possibly numerous owners and even a property manager. When the unfortunate event of a fire happens in one of the businesses, most of the time, all of the stores are affected by either water or smoke damage. This becomes a very confusing process for everyone involved. SERVPRO is well versed in dealing with these situations. We can get all the customers in one area to discuss the next steps. We also speak to each of their insurance companies to confirm what they will be paying for. Each person needs to be on the same page, and SERVPRO is the company to help you through the process. 

Each business may have different coverages as well as various aspects of their business they are most worried about. SERVPRO takes all the information in and makes the best course of action to move forward with the claims. 

SERVPRO may be locally owned and operated, but they have a large group of professionals able to help quickly, including other surrounding SERVPROs. No job is too large for us to handle. 

Outlet Fire in Warwick NY

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

The fire occurred within the wall and was not found until the burned area showed. This homeowner is extremely lucky.

We were called out last week to a homeowner who luckily found this happening next to one of her outlets. She called the fire department immediately, and fortunately, there was no fire active behind the wall. The electrician arrived on site at the same time as SERVPRO. This scenario was one of the first times that the electrician has seen this happen. 

What happened was that there was a mouse behind the wall eating the wire to that outlet. As you can see, it caused a fire to go down the main electrical line in the wall. 

Unfortunately, the only way to keep an eye out for this is to walk around your house and check the outlets for any possible melted spots or black soot coming out of them. It is essential to be aware that this is a possibility. 

SERVPRO is here to help, even if it is not a substantial loss to your home. We can help with any size damage from large to small. 

Winter Time in Orange County NY

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Do not do what this man is doing; hairdryers are not the option. Call a plumber who is a professional to take care of the frozen pipe.

Most winters in New York are pretty cold. This winter is looking like it is going to be substantial. This includes both snow and deep freezes. Most times, when there are deep freezes, and then a high spike in temperature causes those frozen pipes to break. 

Here are some precautions you can take to try to prevent pipe breaks:

1. Keep Water Faucets Running at a Drip
2. Direct Warm Air To Cold Areas Of Your Home
3. Leave Your Cabinet Doors Open
4. Disconnect Your Hose From The Outside Faucet
5. Seal Leaks That Allow Cold Air Into Your Home
6. Keep the Temperatures at 65 Degrees or Above
7. If you are Going to Be Away from the Home for a Long Time - Winterize your Home
8. If a Pipe is Frozen - Call a Professional Plumber

SERVPRO is here to help with any water damage from a pipe burst throughout the winter months. Call us any time (845) 342-3333.

Floor Rot in Monticello, NY

10/5/2019 (Permalink)

This home in Monticello had a toilet leak and was not detected for an extended period. This is what the flooring looked like underneath the toilet.

Water damage can be happening in your home or office for periods of time without you noticing. This could cause a significant amount of secondary damage that you cannot see. 

Unfortunately, the weeks can go by without the damage creeping out where you can actually see it. Once it does is when you should call SERVPRO immediately. At this point is when we can decide how far the damage goes and what the next steps are. 

The secondary damage could include mold or rot. Both scenarios are not ideal, but SERVPRO is always here to help. If there is mold, we can take the necessary steps per the New York State Law. If there is rot, we will take the actions to mitigate it back to preloss condition. 

If you or a family member feels like there is an issue, please call us. We are here to help!

Making the right choice for Water Mitigation

10/5/2019 (Permalink)

This home had a significant water issue, and as you can see, the line on the ceiling was cut evenly and is ready for an easy rebuild.

We agree water damage is not a great time in many of our customers' lives. At the moment you walk into your home and see water damage, you have many thoughts going through your head. 

• Who is going to clean this up? 
• How am I going to pay for this?
• Why is this happening to me? 
• How did this happen? 
• Where is the water coming from? 

At this point, all of those questions need answers. We want to be that company that is top of mind to help you through the entire scenario. We can be that one person who can help answer all the questions above. 

You are also worried about the work being done correctly. SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties has highly trained staff to ensure each step of the process is done by the book. Each piece of equipment is placed where it needs to be so that the materials in your home dry properly. Each material that needs to come out is cut precisely or taken out with care. We come into your home and treat it like we are the guests there. We make sure contents are out of the area and ensure that no contents are damaged during the process. 

Am I Covered?

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Insurance is extremely important when owning a home and/or building.

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties get a lot of questions about insurance and if a loss is covered. Our staff is fully trained to know how to answer these questions. We are not insurance agents, but we have a lot of experience with several different types of claims over our 30 years in business. Each claim is treated individually. We take our time getting all the information about the loss and determining what the best course of action would be. We walk people through each step of the way. 

Now for important tips for your insurance policy:

1. Confirm you have an endorsement for sewer backup coverage. Sewer backups cause more damage than a regular water damage. As a restoration company, we also have to protect our employees with personal protective equipment, which includes additionals charges as well. 
2. Confirm you have extra coverage for mold. Especially in New York State, there are stringent laws about mold remediation and have to be followed closely.
3. If you own an older home or building, make sure you have code upgrade insurance god forbid something happens that you need to upgrade your entire electrical system or plumbing system. Both systems can become extremely costly, so for a little bit extra a month in insurance, it is worth it. 
4. Additional Living Expense (ALE) is what is used if you have to move out of your house for a while to get the home rebuilt after any type of damage. ALE is used for hotels, food, or even a long term rental home. As you can imagine, this can become very pricy as well. 
5. If you are renting, have renters insurance, especially if you are in a multi-unit facility. You may never believe you will have a loss, but what if your neighbor falls asleep with a pan on the stove and it catches fire. Your entire apartment's contents may be non-salvageable. Your renter's insurance is what pays you back for your contents.
6. When going to get renters insurance, be realistic on the price range of all of your personal belongings. Remember all the small items, as well. One bottle of spice is $3, but if you have 100 of them, that is $300. The money accumulates quickly, so do not skimp on the insurance. 
7. There are things in life you can get for cheap, insurance should not be one of them. Take your time, find the best agent, and get the right coverage. 

SERVPRO is here to help with any questions that may arise. 

Tornado in Newburgh, NY

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

This photo is just one of the many houses that had damage after the tornado. This home is only one of the windows that had the glass blown out.

When you live in New York, you do not think of Tornadoes. Well, we were all surprised this year when a tornado touched down in Newburgh. Our houses are not made to withstand a tornado that touches down and barrels through a town. The whole city was in shock as were the homeowners in surrounding areas, which had damage to their homes. 

Types of damages we mostly saw were trees on houses or broken windows due to trees or wind. These damages are luckily covered by insurance, but due to the number of houses affected and the little amount of tree removal companies, the homes developed secondary damage. This additional damage included mold growth throughout the home due to moisture and humidity. There were damages smaller that were a small amount of shingle damage but still caused interior water damage. 

During this time, Newburgh all joined together to help the locals who were affected by the tornado. SERVPRO was able to donate their generator to help a florist without power to keep their refrigerators running that had the flowers for the local college graduation that upcoming weekend. 

Sewer Backup in Middletown, NY

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

This is the bathroom where the sewer city line clogged and backed up into the bathroom.

Sewer Backups - We can help!

When people think water damage, they automatically think about flooding but there are several other types of damages that can occur. One of the worst types of water damages are sewer backups. You will see in the picture actual sewer that shows that it no only came up through the toilet but also the shower. This type of sewer backup was caused by a clog in the main city line. Unfortunately these homeowners were not aware this is something that could have happened in their home. 

This homeowner called SERVPRO after seeing the commercials on TV hoping we could help. We were able to go to the home, start the cleanup, help with the odor and give the homeowners their bathroom back. 

If it is clean water or sewer water, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties can help you with any type of water damage. 

Prevent Fire Damage in Newburgh NY

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

This picture shows how a small kitchen fire can escalate quickly causing additional damage.

Each day there is a worry that a fire might occur in your home. There is not always a way to prevent a house fire. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind to do what you can to prevent a house fire:

1. Test your smoke alarms regularly. Each time change, change the batteries

2. Inspect all heating sources in the home. This includes pilot lights and candles. Make sure all candles are only burning when you are in the room.

3. Maintain and clean your dryer vents. Lint mustn't fill up the dryer vent.

4. If you are cooking, do not leave your kitchen. The most important one is boiling water or frying chicken. It is vital to make sure you keep an eye on whatever you are cooking. 

These are a few short steps you can keep in mind when being fire safe in your home. 

Check out our website for more details!

Small Storm Damage leads to Large Interior Damage

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

One shingle falling off from your home could cause extensive damage on the inside. Whether your home is in Newburgh NY or Ellenville NY, we can help!

Even though you may have been lucky not to have a tree fall into your house, have your windows broken into or have an electrical fire due to a shortage: you could have a shingle missing you may not see. 

One shingle off of a roof could cause a substantial amount of damage inside a home. This shingle piece could have flown off during the storm and maybe in a location on your roof you cannot see. At this point, that void in the roof will allow water to come into the home. This may be an easy place to see, like in the middle of the bedroom ceiling or it could be trickling down a wall where you do not see it for an extended period of time. This damage could become substantial and could cause secondary damage like mold in a home. It is essential after any storm damage to thoroughly check around your home to ensure no damage is hiding. 

If damage does become apparent at any time, please call the cleanup team at SERVPRO to help in any way we can. Check out our website for more information on how we can help you with storm damage. 

Pet's Alive - Middletown, NY

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Donations we were able to provide after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas.

SERVPRO is a massive supporter of Pet's Alive in Middletown New York. They are a non-profit animal shelter. SERVPRO can provide them with supplies to keep the animals safe and happy in their time of need. We donate personal protective suits for when kittens come in with fleas, and the employees need to be protected. We also give food, gloves, and flea/tick collars for the animals. 

Pet's Alive also takes in dogs when hurricanes hit other shelters throughout the country. Pet's Alive took in 12 dogs from Houston area in Texas and was able to give them homes here. SERVPRO of Orange County put on a fundraiser to help raise money and supplies for those dogs from the hurricane relief. 

SERVPRO loves to give back and support local charities across Orange County and beyond. It is a massive aspect of our local service we feel is extremely important as a local business to be a part of. Each day, as long as one animal is getting taken care of, we are happy to help. Pet's Alive is a fantastic organization to be a part of! Check out their website here. 

Fire Damage in Chester New York

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Photo shows the cause of loss area where most of the severe fire damage was contained to in Chester NY.

This fire damage occurred around 6 PM at night. There was a homeowner of a neighboring unit who saw the smoke starting to exit the garage. He called the fire department immediately. The fire department arrived onsite but was a little to late. The fire engulfed the middle unit of a five unit building. Most of immediate damage was contained to the main unit in the middle which is shown in the photo. Unfortunately the homeowners lost everything in their home. 

SERVPRO was called in to help the neighboring units as well as board up the windows of the standing units. This was all completed on a Saturday. SERVPRO was able to help each homeowner individually with their different needs. We were able to pack out the salvageable contents, clean contents they were looking to save and threw out materials that were burnt. 

The property manage also hired SERVPRO of Orange County to clean up the debris from the fire department and burnt building material that was in the driveways. We helped in all aspects. 

SERVPRO is always here to help. 

Storm Damage in Marlboro, NY

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Lots of debris and contents all around causing an expansive scope of work for the SERVPRO crew in Marlboro.

Here at SERVPRO of Orange County, we understand how badly some storms can affect our customers. Not only do they do damage to the homes and businesses to so many individuals but they also cause a tremendous amount of stress. We are here to alleviate that stress and restore your home back to the way it once was prior to the damage. This job classifies as storm damage as you can see the amount of debris on the floor when looking at the picture. Our crew went in with the proper tools to get rid of all the garbage and debris and make this home look like a home again. Our customer was very happy with the level of professionalism we provided. It’s easy to get worked up when something like this happens to you but don’t worry SERVPRO is #heretohelp.

Professional business with trained staff

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

We take care of your home like our own. We hold it in our hands and walk our customers through the whole process.

When you have a disaster in your home the last thing you want to think about is worrying about who is coming into the house. SERVPRO in Middletown, NY is trained professionals who handle homes like their own. We understand and are compassionate about the difficult scenario our clients are going through. We want to ensure that a homeowner feels comfortable about the situation. We are invading their comfort zone. We are touching all the objects that they own if we need to clean in detail after a fire or puffback. When we walk into a water damage, we assess what can be saved versus what needs to be disposed of. We take our time to go through the items with our customers and make sure we keep as much as possible. 

Surge Event

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows one of the many pipe breaks in the home under the stairs as you can see the ceiling has already started to fall.

Every year there is a surge event. This event is very similar to a hurricane event. Surge means a high influx of calls over our standard daily phone calls with losses. During these events, we do our very best to get to everyone as quickly as possible but not hurting our excellent service. Customers turn very frustrated quickly because they do not know when someone is coming to help and they are amid a disaster in their home or office. 

Surge events can last as long as three months and as little as two weeks. Most of the time they start occurring during the winter months when there is a deep drop in temperature for a few days (below 32 degrees) then jump to temps over 40 degrees for a few days. These changes in temperature, in turn, turns into several pipe break losses for our office. Being in the northeast, most people are aware that this is an issue that may come up in their home or place of business. There are instances that people have never had a pipe break in their house or several pipe breaks in their home. This frustration that these losses have on people are exponential but we are here to help. 

As these days continue to get warmer now that we are officially in spring, we are back to regular hours and officially out of the surge event. 

We want to thank all of our customers who were grateful and understanding through these last few months! 

Winter Season Puffbacks/Smoke Damage

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

In the photo, you can see where we tested the ceiling for soot.

Damages in a home may not cause physical damage to the structure but could create smoke or soot to go all over the house in every nook and cranny possible. These losses are better known as Puff Backs. This type of damage caused by a malfunction in a furnace that produced smoke and soot to go throughout the home through all the vents or baseboard heat. There are times that this type of loss could be worse than small fire damage. Since most houses have vents and/or baseboard heat in every room, the soot gets to every area. 

In certain cases, puff backs can happen over some time and are not even noticed for months. Most of the time this is still covered through your insurance company due to you not being aware of what was happening. We also fully check everywhere in the home. Checking insures that every where they have soot is cleaned properly with proper products and put back to preloss condition. 

These are severe cases where the need for painting or full pack out of houses from a puff back is necessary. Puff backs at this severity are visibly extremely dark soot. 

SERVPRO is always ready to help with these types of losses as well. 

Orange County Business goes Solar

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

This photo is from the progress of the expansion showing the solar panels on the roof.

SERVPRO of North Orange County in New York installed solar panels on our existing roof to cover both current and future expansion needs. It is essential for SERVPRO to have a green footprint for our area. Solar was one of the many ways we could do so. With our recent expansion, it was needed to be able to prepare for the future. The solar panels have helped us be for effecting and aware of our usage of power. All lights also were changed to LED to make sure we are even more economically friendly moving forward. We were excited to move forward into the future with these advancements. It only makes sense for SERVPRO to go "Green," isn't it the best color after all?

Freezing Pipes causes Water Damage during winter storm

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

Basement floods after pipe break during Winter Storm

When pipes freeze in extreme winter weather and then thaw out as temperatures rise, these pipes tend to crack and burst, causing leaking and flooding. 

A home in New York without a working furnace, even for a couple of hours can cause serious risks.  Recently SERVPRO was called out to a home that was for sale in the  area to mitigate a water damage.  Upon entering the home, the technicians discovered several feet of standing water in the basement. Moisture from the basement caused extensive damage to the upper floors.  Most of the materials including walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinets removed due to the water damage.

Prevent frozen pipes from damaging your home by keeping your home’s thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  If you will be out of the home for a lengthy period, consider shutting off and draining your water system. 

SERVPRO Professionals have the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

If you have damage due to bad weather, Call SERVPRO.

Mold Removal or Remediation?

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today!

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO  Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

• Step 1: Call SERVPRO
• Step 2: Have one of our highly trained estimators come out for and inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Call your local NYS licensed Mold Assessor and get a protocol for remediation.
• Step 4: Mold Containment
• Step 5: Air Filtration
• Step 6: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 7: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 8: Restoration

Frozen Pipes. What do they mean for your Orange County Home.

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Call us today at 845-342-3333

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  This can occur a lot during the winters here in the Hudson Valley. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO Professionals can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

What to do when your commercial business has a fire?

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO For Fast, Friendly Fire Remediation Service

The word “fire” strikes fear in the hearts of most people and for good reason. Whether it’s your home or business it can bring life, as you know it, to a screeching halt. 

If your business or commercial property caught on fire, don't panic. Instead, call the professionals of SERVPRO and let us start cleaning up immediately. Acting right now is the key to limiting damages and expediting the restoration process, and choosing our team of industry specialists is the secret to attaining the sophisticated services you deserve. All of our IICRC-certified technicians will work with diligence and determination to get your commercial property back in pristine condition.

Knowing which steps to take in the face of a commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle fire damage successfully and speedily, implement the following four tips:

1. Call The Insurance Company Immediately.

Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.

2. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your business may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts.

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your business to pre-fire condition. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.

3. Assemble Your Records.

In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business's essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have your entire files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.

4.  Get Permission To Reenter The Building.

Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can reenter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that reentry is safe for you and your employees.

Prevent Water Damage from Dishwasher Leaks.

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

A leak is inconvenient and even costly if you have to close down during cleanup

Many restaurants in rely on dishwashers to keep things ticking over and ensure a regular supply of clean crockery for their customers. A dishwasher is a handy appliance for any eatery looking to save some time and make things run more smoothly. However, just like any appliance, a dishwasher might break down and cause water damage to your premises. A leak is inconvenient and even costly if you have to close down during cleanup.

SERVPRO recommends all restaurant owners take the following steps to take care of their automatic dishwashers and reduce the risk of water damage from leaks.

Tell Staff Not to over fill 
it is tempting to put lots of crockery and cutlery in the tray to get cleaner in each load. However, instruct your staff not to crowd the rack, as an over-filled dishwasher is much more likely to leak. It is better to do a couple of smaller loads than trying to fit everything into one big load.

Do Regular Maintenance On Doors 
Loose hinges, misaligned door latches, or broken seals, can all cause leaks. Sometimes the problem can be fixed by simply adjusting and tightening a few screws. You could use an epoxy patch kit to remedy minor seal breaks. However, if it is not possible to right the door or seal, it is better to replace it.

Check The Tub And Hose 
The tub and hose can both develop faults over time. Constant use might corrode the tub and make a hole, and aging hoses can become unstable or cease to fit properly. Check all the components of the unit regularly and replace it at the first sign of wear and tear.

Use The Correct Detergent 
Make sure every staff member knows which detergent is best. Always use a dishwashing detergent, and always follow the manufacturer instructions. The incorrect dishwashing detergent or too much of the correct cleaning agent might cause suds or even a blockage.

In the event of a leak, SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians are on hand to help with cleanup. We extract water from your premises and use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the surrounding area so you can resume business as soon as possible.

For help with water damage remediation in SERVPRO

Do You Know How to Prevent Mold in Your Home?

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Does your home have mold?

Unless you are attempting to make blue cheese or penicillin mold is not something that you want to be messing with or run across in your home or business. Mold can grow anywhere with a lot of moisture present, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes as well as paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can be a difficult and costly problem to fix, but it also can produce harmful allergens and irritants that can compromise your health.

According to the Mother Nature Network here are nine ways to prevent moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them.
2. Dry wet areas immediately.
3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.
4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products.
5. Monitor humidity indoors.
6. Direct water away from your home.
7. Clean or repair roof gutters.
8. Improve air flow in your home.
9. Keep mold off household plants.

How to Prevent Mold in the Attic

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have mold in your attic?

We’ve had a pretty rainy and hot summer here in Henry & Spalding counties. Those are some ideal conditions where mold thrives, since it requires moisture and high temperatures to spread throughout our homes. If you can see something resembling mold…it is probably mold.

Prevention and maintenance is key to keep your attic mold free. Call a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and check for leaks. A small leak over a long period of time can cause extensive damage in your home.  

Inspect your attic regularly and make sure vents are not blocked by boxes, crates, critters, or insulation. If your HVAC system is in your attic, check to see if there are any leaks or excessive moisture around the unit (pay close attention to the condensate pan and drain line.) Make sure ducts from the kitchen or bathrooms run to the exterior of your home and not just the attic.

Sprinklers Emptying Completely In A Strip Mall

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Sprinklers can sometime empty out, flooding whole businesses.

Sometimes a normal day working at a retail store could go terribly wrong. The weekend before Christmas, a Dollar Store had this nightmare. In the back of the store a customer decided to start lighting cards on fire. This caused the sprinklers to go off. This sprinkler system emptied out completely flooding the dollar store, bridal store, office supply store and a large back corridor where shipments are received. There was over 100,000 square feet affected with anywhere from 1 inch to 3 inches of standing water left in the area. After the fire department cleared, this was when SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties were called in.

SERVPRO arrived quickly onsite to start scoping out the damages and what needed to be done first. The main priority was getting the water out of the areas and start drying as quickly as possible. SERVPRO called in all crews, a total of 15 people to work that Saturday. After 14 hours the first day, SERVPRO finally got all the water out of the areas ready to start the drying process. Demolition and disposal of some contents were completed both Saturday and Sunday of that weekend. Drying occurred throughout the week. SERVPRO not only set up equipment to get the stores open quickly on Sunday but continued to come back to the stores to setup equipment at night and return early in the morning to move equipment so the stores could stay open.

SERVPRO was there to help the commercial strip mall get back up and running as quickly as possible. We are truly ready for any size disaster. Call us 24/7 at 845-342-3333.

How You Can Prevent Mold In Your School Buildings

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Does your school have a mold problem?

Although not visible to the naked eye, mold spores exist almost everywhere indoors and outdoors.  Spores float in the air, grow on the ground and can even be present on indoor surfaces.  All mold needs to grow is moisture, warmth, oxygen and organic matter for food.   

Microscopic amounts of mold generally aren’t harmful.  However, larger populations can potentially cause serious health problems in those with allergies or weakened immune systems.

With back to school season rapidly approaching, school administrators around are preparing school buildings to be ready for the year.  Occasionally over the summer, mold can cause a potential problem.  

Below are three tips to prevent mold growth in your school district.   

Tip #1: Keep on the HVAC system.

Over the summer, some school administrators make the mistake of turning off HVAC systems in order to save money.  HVAC systems keep humidity in check and by turning them off you can potentially create the perfect environment for mold.  While it may cost more to keep the HVAC system running, it can ultimately save you money in the long run.  

Tip #2: Purchase a humidity sensor.

If keeping your HVAC system on in your school building is not an option, consider buying a humidity sensor.  Rather than running the HVAC system day and night, a humidity sensor can allow you to track the levels of humidity in the air and turn on the HVAC system when necessary. According to Sensors Online, a humidity sensor works by detecting changes that alter electrical currents or temperature in the air.

Tip #3: Keep a watchful eye on problem areas.

Remember, the perfect environment for mold is anywhere that has moisture.  Some problem areas might include storage areas, bathrooms or kitchens in a school.  The earlier you are aware of a mold problem, the less likely you are to suffer costly damages. 

The professionals here at SERVPRO are trained to help you with all of your mold remediation needs.  In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.  We are available 24/7 and can be reached at (845)-342-3333.  

Building and Reconstruction Services

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties.

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• HVAC Services
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Marble Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

Are your Commercial Ducts in a Row?

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties.

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity. If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system.

You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days. Check any connections for damage. If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning.

You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system. If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork.

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well. If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup.

SERVPRO of Orange County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and duct system. We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties.

Having fire damage in your commercial property can be upsetting and shocking. When you experience such losses, you get reassurance from getting clear support and guidance in rescuing as much as possible from the fire damage. We are here to help you get your property back to its prior state before the damage. Our crew of technicians is experienced and trained to help you get back your home or commercial property as fast possible. We can fix any imaginable kind of fire damage. Fire damage comes in different forms and causes which include;

• Kitchen grease and stove burners fire
• Electrical fires probably due to overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wiring
• Accidental fire ignitions such as from flammables like propane and gasoline

These are just a few of the many probable causes of fire at your home or business property. If you experience such tragedies in the Hudson Valley, we are here to help you by;

Identifying the source of the fire

This helps us to come up with the best solution possible for restoration. We evaluate the degree of the loss so that we can determine the best approach to start the restoration.

Assessing the damage

In this process, we evaluate to see if there are further damages like water damages that might have resulted from the firefighting process. We then deal with the water damage if there is any.

Removal of items from the building

We will need to vacate the building to ensure that all parts are touched during the restoration process.

Structural restoration

This involves the cleanup of charred contents, evaluation of floor coverings and carpets that may need removal, inspecting the house for safety, disinfection and treatment of the areas and smoke odor removal.

Returning the items

We help you get the items back to their location assisting you to restore your normal life.

Fire damage is at times an inevitable tragedy, and we are here to see things get easier for you. Contact us for help. We are available 24/7 to offer you help whenever you need us.

Steps to Take After a House Fire

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties.

nervous, worried, scared, upset, wondering what to do next, and just how to do it.  First things first…take a deep breath, try to relax, and know that everything will be more than fine. Ultimately you need to make sure that your family is safe and sound. Once you can confirm that, then you can tackle the recovery process of your home and belongings.

We’ve compiled a list of five things that you should do and be aware of after a fire.  This way, you can approach the rebuilding of your home in a cool, calm, and collected manner!

(1) Review with the authorities and the professionals as to when it is safe to enter the home after the fire.  The fire department will make sure that the fire is completely extinguished and then will go through their precautionary measures in order to deem the area ‘safe’.

(2) Know who to contact. First, contact any family members to let them know of the occurrence and the fact that you are safe. Review, and then contact your insurance company. A clean-up team, such as SERVPRO of Orange County should also be one of the first calls made.  We can efficiently and professionally get you back into your home – it will be as if nothing happened!

(3) Get the fire report. Typically coming to you from the fire department, this correspondence will review the facts of the fire – the home structure, the area of the fire, as well as the time and date. In some cities and towns, you may need to call the fire department directly in order to get a copy of this report.

(4) Make sure to secure your property.  If you are not securing the property, you could potentially be making a bad situation into a terrible one – your home could be robbed of its remaining property, or, in some cases, another individual could be injured on the property (becoming your responsibility). You can ask the authorities and emergency services on the best methods in securing what is yours.

(5) Begin the clean-up process. Interior and exterior clean-up will most certainly be required, and more often than not there is damage that you cannot locate with the naked eye.  That said, you should definitely hire a professional service like SERVPRO of Orange County to do a thorough cleaning of all areas and of all soot, smoke, and odor.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties.

What does mold need to grow?  In order for mold to grow, it needs oxygen, moisture, warmth and food.  The ideal spot for mold to grow would be a warm place (somewhere between 77 and 86 degrees), with a high amount of humidity or moisture, and organic matter, like cotton, paper or wood for the mold to feed upon.  This makes our bathrooms an ideal spot for mold growth.  Our bathrooms tend to be warm, they contain things like towels, toilet paper, and woodwork for the mold to feed upon, and they often have high levels of relative humidity from running water and steam from hot showers.  So what can you do to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom?  

First make sure that your bathroom is properly ventilated. Poor ventilation is one of the most common causes of bathroom mold.  Without proper ventilation, steam/moisture in the air from hot showers and running water, settles on bathroom surfaces and makes a perfect environment for mold growth.  Every bathroom should have a clean and properly functioning ventilation fan permanently mounted in the ceiling and it should be turned on every time someone showers.  They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.  A properly installed and functioning, ventilation fan in your bathroom's ceiling will help move the air out of your bathroom and clear the humidity caused by hot showers and other running water.  It is important however to ensure that your ventilation fan has been properly installed and is venting the moist bathroom air outside of your home versus into your attic or some other room.  If it improperly vents into another area of your home, you are simply transferring your problem from one location to another. If your bathroom does not have a ventilation fan, instead of showering with the bathroom door closed, as most of us do, an alternative until a ventilation fan can be installed, would be to leave the bathroom door open while showering.  This will allow the steam/humidity to dissipate over a larger area reducing its impact.  Another alternative during warm weather months, or in warm climates, would be to open a bathroom window while showering or even putting a box fan in the window with the air blowing out of the bathroom versus in.  And of course, abstaining from very long, hot showers is always recommended when trying to prevent mold.   

Regularly cleaning your bathroom by wiping down all surfaces at least once a week will also help keep mold in check.  And when it comes to cleaning/preventing mold, wiping is always the best approach.  Molds are fungi that reproduce by releasing spores into the air.  Spraying bleach on mold may look like an easy fix.  When you spray bleach on mold it looks like it almost instantly disappears.  Unfortunately, when you spray bleach on mold, you are releasing the mold spores into the air.  Think of it like a mature dandelion that you have just gently blown upon and released the seeds floating into the air on their white dried flowers.  The mold spores that you have just released by spraying bleach upon them, float through the air and settle onto new surfaces, where they can begin to grow again if the conditions are right.  Wiping with soap and water, or another cleaner, and then throwing away any rags that may contain beginning mold spores is your best bet.

Also when it comes to mold in bathrooms, consider that caulk and grout are there to block or keep out water and moisture.  If you have missing or broken caulk or grout, water and moisture can get behind the tiles and mold can form behind the tiles where it's impossible for you to see or clean. It's important to regularly replace and/or maintain your bathroom caulk and grout.

Lastly, painting your bathroom with a mold resistant paint and/or primer will help you battle mold in your bathroom.  As indicated earlier, mold needs a food source of organic matter.  Drywall paper can be a source of food for mold.  Using a mold-resistant paint on bathroom walls can help stop mold before it starts by sealing off access to a food source.   

When Storms or Floods hit Orange County, SERVPRO is ready!

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange County provides 24 hour emergency service.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Orange County has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Orange County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Safety Precautions Following Residential Water Loss

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Orange County!

When disaster strikes in your home, it is essential to be safe when dealing with damaged items in your household. 

The effects of water damage in a residential home can both be controlled OR worsened depending on the actions taken. Here are a few tips on how to safely control the situation before help arrives:

DO

• Remove any undamaged items away from the contaminated area
• Prop up any upholstery items to avoid further damage
• Place aluminum foil or blocks of wood under wood furniture to prevent damage to personal items
• Stay out of rooms that have sagging and wet walls

DON'T

• Attempt to remove water using personal vacuum or hepa-vac
• Leave any paper items on wet surfaces such as books or magazines
• use any electrical outlets or appliances In the affected water area
• Leave standing water alone for an extended period of time as it could cause mold to grow

Water Damage is NOT a DIY Job

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties 24/7 365 days a year.

Despite the magazines, television shows, and Internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals. SERVPRO  technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold.

Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

1. Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.
2. Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.
3. Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you the peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

Safety Precautions Following Residential Water Loss

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Orange County!

When disaster strikes in your home, it is essential to be safe when dealing with damaged items in your household. 

The effects of water damage in a residential home can both be controlled OR worsened depending on the actions taken. Here are a few tips on how to safely control the situation before help arrives:

DO

• Remove any undamaged items away from the contaminated area
• Prop up any upholstery items to avoid further damage
• Place aluminum foil or blocks of wood under wood furniture to prevent damage to personal items
• Stay out of rooms that have sagging and wet walls

DON'T

• Attempt to remove water using personal vacuum or hepa-vac
• Leave any paper items on wet surfaces such as books or magazines
• use any electrical outlets or appliances In the affected water area
• Leave standing water alone for an extended period of time as it could cause mold to grow

Eliminating Heating Hazards This Winter

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives.

Eliminating Heating Hazards This Winter

The winter season is in full swing! The days are shorter and temperatures are lower. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is responsible for an estimated $893 million in property damage annually. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths, making it important to review ways to help reduce the risk of a heating-related fire. 

-Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater. Have a three foot "Kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters. 

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 

-Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. 

-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 

-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be install in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detectors requirements are met. 

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or client to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation. 

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. 

-Install smoke alarms on every level of the home including the basement. 

- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance. 

-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button. 

-Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps" the battery is low and should be replaced right away. 

-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Fire Damage Mitigation in Orange County

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke can travel into many areas of your home or business leaving behind an unpleasant odor.

SERVPRO Uses Deodorization Methods to Rid Your Home or Business of Foul Odors

Sometimes after a fire ignites inside your Orange County home or business, there are more problems that get created than just burnt materials and contents. Smoke created by a blaze often travels to many areas inside. Smoke leaves behind soot residues and pungent, burnt odors.

After any severely burnt materials and contents get replaced, all of the soot residues inside the building get cleaned. SERVPRO’S fire damage techniciansuse specialized chemicals when cleaning that help eliminate foul odors. If unpleasant aromas still exist, then a final deodorization stage takes place.

When deodorizing an area, specific chemicals get used for different situations. Various odors exist based on what materials get burned during the blaze. Some deodorization techniques use chemicals that bond and react with the foul odor particles and neutralize them. Other deodorants mask unpleasant smells with more appealing odors.

To start, we apply deodorants to the air and affected surfaces. Many times deodorization gets accomplished by using hand pumps or electric powered sprayers. In more extreme cases, advanced equipment gets used during the deodorization process.

If our SERVPRO restoration experts believe that spraying chemicals does not complete the job efficiently, then other equipment gets used to create the original environment that caused the burnt odors to exist in the first place. During a fire, combustion causes smoke particles to become microscopic and penetrate many different materials. We use specialized equipment to break down chemicals so that they penetrate materials in the same way that foul odor particles did.

One way to mimic smoke behavior is with a Vaportek system. A Vaportek deodorization system consists of a compound of natural oils sealed by a membrane. The compounds then volatilize into the air and pass through the plastic membrane. Then, air currents distribute the chemicals into the air which react with and neutralize odor molecules upon contact.

Other ways to dispense deodorants into the building in the same way smoke entered, is to use fogging methods. When using a fogging system, deodorizing products get dispensed as finely divided particles in a mist. Depending on the situation we use either a wet fogging or dry fogging system to disperse deodorants into the air.

After an advanced deodorization system gets used inside your home or business, we often use powerful box fans to ventilate the area, so that dense chemicals do not exist in the air. For professional assistance with smoke deodorization call SERVPRO of Orange County any time of the day or night.

Flood Damage Affecting Orange County

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Basement flooding is often difficult to work with, having massive damage within a small confined space, SERVPRO Professionals can help.

Orange County Flood Damage

Throughout history, the area in which we live has battled with a reputation of slow moving thunderstorms that cause torrential rains and difficulty with hail storms that cause constant flooding. Heavy downpours leave our drivers stranded on roadways, while several inches of golf ball sized hail cause clogged drains and become major catastrophes that interrupt our daily routines. It's a constant battle that we all face, and it spurs to mind the questions of, "Why aren't we prepared?" and "Who do we call for help?" 

We have many services available to assist with restoring your  property in Orange County when flood damage strikes. You can start by contacting our locally owned and operated office to assess the flood damage on your property as soon as possible. Don't let this typically serious and costly disaster that affects your lives go unattended. Whether you have a single room or an entire building affected by flooding, we can help. We have the personnel and years of experience dealing with floods of all sizes. 

Any area of your home that is in direct contact with flood waters needs a damage assessment and professional inspection performed immediately. Quick and efficient services assist with preventing subsequent damage from developing. SERVPRO technicians understand that different areas of your home are more likely to be affected by flooding than others and should be prepared to defend against future damages. 

Basements commonly take on several inches or even feet of water at a time and water ends up resting in this low-lying area with nowhere else to go. Basement flooding is often difficult to work with, having massive damage within a small confined space, SERVPRO Professionals can help. To prevent costly damage to your belongings stored in your basement, you should consider storing everything a few inches off the ground for protection against flooding. 

SERVPRO uses extreme caution when working in a flooded basement. We have access to both portable and truck mounted water extractors that assist us in removing any remaining water, with water detection devices and air moving equipment that help dry the surrounding area as quickly as possible. Broken glass and other dangerous contaminants get caught up in the flood waters and may cause hazards that you should avoid.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Our professionally trained staff at SERVPRO of Orange County have the experience to handle any size flood damage situation you face, make the call to our offices today.

Fact About Flood Damage

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding is important to take care of quickly.

Rivers, streams, and lakes are almost always overflowing their banks, given a couple of rainy days. 

With only a few inches of water, you can have many hundreds to thousands of dollars’ worth of flood damage in your home or commercial building. A flash flood can often bring a wall of water that is 10 to 15 feet high. New construction in your neighborhood can change runoff patterns in the area and can increase our flood risks. Most insurance plans do not include flood damage, and this must be purchased separately, in most cases. 

Some Other Interesting Facts About Flood Damage 

Prevention Tips:

 The average cost of flood damage is around $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the type of damage and where the water came from, so any tips that can help prevent this has to be worth the time to try them.

• An inspection and flushing your water heater once a year, by a plumber, can contribute to preventing it bursting on you and flooding the area.
• Replacing the rubber hoses on all appliances that use water with metal braided ones can help to avoid the failing of the rubber ones as they can get hard and burst. Check all hoses; even the metal braided ones every year. 
• Leaks from toilets are often indicated by a little leakage from the base. Ask everyone in the family to stand in the bathroom, after flushing and watching for any tell-tale leaks. 
• Do you know where to locate the main water shut-off? If a pipe burst, inside, you need to be able to get it turned off quickly. 
• If you have a sump pump, now is a good time to get it checked and think about a backup unit. 
• Always be looking for signs of plumbing leaks, such as on ceilings and walls; you are looking for stains and moisture on those walls and floors. 
• Leaking or even broken pipes are often gushing water, and it is not noticed because it might be hidden. Check out your water usage when no faucets are turned on; locate the water meter and take a reading, then use no water for an hour or so and read it again. Has it moved? If so, you have a leak someplace, so get a plumber to check it out. 
• Always monitor your monthly water bill. If it goes up a lot one billing cycle, you might have the need for a plumber to come in and check all connections. 
• Since a lot of water comes from inside your home and can damage many walls, floors, furniture and provide the moisture needed for molds to grow, doing whatever can be done to prevent leaks is a good exercise to undertake. 

Protecting yourself from a thunderstorm when you are outside

3/18/2018 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can strike unexpectedly. Be Prepared for anything.

Finding yourself outside during a thunderstorm can be extremely scary.  While the safest thing you could do to protect yourself from being struck by lightening is to find shelter, sometimes shelter is too far away.  

Before going on any outdoor adventure, know the daily forecast and the weather patterns of the place you are going to visit.  If there is a high chance of thunderstorms for the day, opt to stay inside and plan your trip for another time.

According to the National Weather Service, there are still several ways you can protect yourself if you are outside during a thunderstorm and cannot find shelter.

1. Plan ahead.

2. Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.

3. Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects.  If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.  

4. If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.  

5. If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area.  Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lightning.  

6. Stay away from water and wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles.  Water and metal do not attract electricity but they are excellent conductors of electricity.  The current from a lightning flash will easily travel long distances.   

Snow could cause flooding

2/23/2018 (Permalink)

Excessive amount of snow fall

This winter we have not had a crazy amount of snow but there was many days of a couple inch snow falls that add up. Outside it may look clear and the grass looks dry. Underneath the ground may lie the issue of high water tables pushing water into your home or business. 

Even though snow may be beautiful, it can be harmful to your home in many ways. Most times in the New York, flooding (water intrusion from the outside) is not covered under your insurance policy unless you buy flood insurance. At this point, the homeowner or business owner would be responsible for the clean up. 

Now the clean up could be as simple as extracting the water from concrete and placing drying equipment. The clean up could be complex when it is a finished basement with sheetrock walls and carpeted flooring. 

During the winter months when there is extensive water in the ground and the flood tables are high, check your basements regularly and be prepared for anything. 

SERVPRO is always here to help with any questions you may have during the process of flood water cleanup.

Water Damage Restoration in Orange County

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

What Is Under The Carpet?

It is critical to deal with water damage as soon as it occurs, to prevent long-term issues. Waiting to deal with water damage could mean that the damage is irreversible. When objects become waterlogged and are left to sit, they can develop foul smells, and even become infested with mold. Working with our professional team, residents and business owners will be assured that your property is cleaned and restored quickly.

Types of Water Damage SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties Treats

There are several types of watering and water damage that we can remove and restore; these include:

• Water damage from storms or weather
• Water damage from water pipes bursting
• Sewer line backup and water getting into homes or commercial properties
• Appliance leaks and malfunctions
• Water damage from firefighting efforts
• Toilet leaks, bathtubs, and more.

We specialize in cleaning up homes and commercial spaces that have experienced water damage. Regardless of the kind of water damage your home or business space has undergone, contact SERVPRO to discuss how we can help you restore your property quickly and safely.

Our Clean-up Process

Call our water damage and restoration team today, and we’ll send a highly trained restoration technician to your home or commercial property to assess the damage and provide a plan for the clean up and restoration. Our technicians and professional team will:

• Remove the water from the property or damaged areas of your property.
• Begin the drying and dehumidification process. We use state-of-the-art industrial drying machines that enable us to quickly and easily clear your home or office of unwanted and potentially dangerous water.
• Work to save as much of the original materials and surfaces as possible. Sometimes, though, it is essential to remove severely damaged surfaces, such as drywall, and flooring to reduce the risk of mold and odor developing.
• Clean and sanitize your property and begin restoring your home or office space so that you can't even tell there was water.

Our Water Damage Restoration Technicians are Highly Trained

We are the best water damage and restoration experts in the Orange County area. We'll send a highly skilled and professional trained water damage restoration expert to your home or commercial property within hours of your call. Upon inspection and assessment, our experts will be able to provide you with real solutions to restore your property to its pre-flood state. We know dealing with water damage can be difficult, and our technicians will make the process easier and get you back to functioning order as soon as possible.

Contact Us Today

If you have experienced flooding or water damage in your home or commercial property in Orange County, contact us immediately to begin the cleaning and restoration process.  Leaving water to sit for even a short period can increase the risk of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants developing

Mold

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding Mold

When it comes to mold, all homes and businesses are susceptible. Typically, it colonizes when an unsuspecting water source forms, often in the way of a leaky roof, burst plumbing, or other. Since it can take as little as 48 hours to spread and create allergens and other harmful agents that can cause health problems, you want the problem handled fast and efficiently. 

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and may be accompanied by a variety of poor health symptoms. If you are noticing signs that your home or business has a mold issue, call in the professionals to inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Understanding Mold

The microscopic spores that mold is made up of can be found almost everywhere indoors and outdoors. Despite what some companies advertise, it is impossible to remove all mold completely from a home or business. To understand this better, take into consideration the following facts about mold: 

• Mold is made up of microscopic spores that float in the air. This allows them to enter your home via windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

What is Black Mold?

Stachybotrys chart arum is the type of mold most often referred to as black, or toxic, mold. There has been a lot in the news recently warning about the dangers of black mold that have been alarming and confusing.

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure.

Why Choose the SERVPRO Professionals of Orange County? 

Our professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact them. A fast response lessens the damage and consequently reduces the overall costs of mold removal.

We specialize in water and mold damage restoration. It is the cornerstone of our business. Our team has the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation, using advanced Mold Remediation Techniques and equipment for successful mold removal.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Orange County, NY

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Restaurant kitchen fire

If you have a commercial building in that has been damaged by fire, it can be hard to know what to do once the fire has been put out. Not only will the premises be damaged by the fire, but the property may also have suffered water damage from the firefighting team and or sprinkler systems efforts to stop the fire. Other damage to your property may include:

• Discoloration of surfaces
• Corrosion (particularly of porous material)
• Soot damage
• Smoke damage
• Structural weakness or damage

Can I clean the property myself?

Firstly if you must enter the premises ensure that you know it is safe to enter but do not be tempted to try and start cleaning the property yourself. Not only could this be hazardous to you, without specialist equipment and materials you could end up causing more damage which can add to the restoration costs further down the line. If at all possible try to limit the amount of movement within the premises to ensure the minimum amount of soot and ash being entrenched in soft furnishings and carpets which may render them unsalvageable.

The best thing to do is to call our specially trained team who will ask you a few questions to ascertain the extent of your damage and find the best solution to restore your fire-damaged premises. We will then send our expert team of fire damage restorers out to inspect the fire damage and carry out an in-depth assessment. From this, we will decide the best plan of action to restore your premises.

What do Commercial Fire Damage Restoration companies do?

Whether your business is in Orange, Sullivan or So. Ulster Counties, fire damage is devastating and can cause extensive damage to windows, walls, and roofs. This means that it is imperative that your property is properly protected from the elements while the work is taking place.  SERVPRO will make sure that all openings to the outside are boarded and covered up as well as covering any holes in the roof of your premises.

If your premises is also water damaged, the SERVPRO of Orange County will use their specialized equipment to remove all water and moisture from your property using a combination of pumps and dehumidifying units to rid the premises of water before secondary water damage causes further issues.

Once we are sure that there is an acceptable moisture level in the property.  SERVPRO of Orange County  will get to work removing the damage to the surfaces of the property removing all soot and smoke damage. Once this is completed, we can then clean and sanitize all recoverable items to pre-fire damaged conditions where possible using both wet and dry-cleaning methods and give advice where an item is beyond repair. During this process SERVPRO of Orange County will use industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to remove any lingering odors caused by the fire. If we can save and restore an item, we will, which will save you paying for costly replacements.

Finally, we will start the full restoration process of your commercial premises involving minor repair, which can include replacing damaged drywall, painting and replacing carpet or flooring and also major repair works such as repairing damaged walls and roofs.

Five things you need to know about water damage

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

Secondary home where the homeowners did not know a pipe broke upstairs causing more pipes to break throughout the home.

You've seen the signs - a soft spot in the wall here, a strange splotch of color there. Signs of water damage can pop up at any time in your home and they're not something you want to ignore. Water damage can lead to foundation damage and subsidence, but can also pose a health concern to the people in your home, too. This type of damage can be serious business, oftentimes. With that in mind, let's take a look at five things you need to know when dealing with water damage in your house.

You're not always going to see it - You've made it through the worst of it and several inches of water have drained out of your home. After a few days of airing and drying out, you feel as if your house is almost back to normal. Chances are, however, it's not. Signs of such damage are not always apparent- mold, rot, decay, and structural damage can be happening below the surface, without you even being aware of it. Even visual signs of mold may not be present.

It's not just about property damage - To put it plainly, water damage can be a health risk. Once mold is airborne it can damage the respiratory system of anyone in a house, but especially children and the elderly. Taking care of damage from water in your home is not just about keeping up your property- it's about preserving the health of your family and loved ones, too.

You want to catch it early - Water damage spreads, and what was once a small spot of damage can quickly escalate into a much larger issue. If you suspect that there has been damage from water to your home, even on a small scale, it might be best to get a damage survey done by a professional who can quickly assess your problem and take steps to reverse damage as early in its progress as possible.

The source won't always be obvious - Short of having an all-out flood in your home, there are still several "smaller" events that can cause water damage to your home, including faulty pipes, cracks in the foundation, and even the lightest rain.

It takes professionals to fix it - Fixing water damage in your home is not a DIY project. Due to some of the severe after-effects of water damage, including health risks, it's always best to have the professionals take on your water damage repair. A restoration expert can survey the damage and give you an estimate of the work and cost you're looking at, allowing you to get a thorough picture of what you need to do to get your home safe and sound once again.

Pipe Burst? How to avoid it

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

Multiple pipe bursts in a home that was not found for over a week.

You’ve just parked your car in sub-freezing temperatures and you can’t wait to warm up. You get home and get ready to hop into a warm shower. You turn the knob, and nothing comes out. Your pipes are frozen. When you have problems with your pipes, it can be heart stopping. Your mind will immediately turn towards the potential bills, possible flooding, and the amount of time repairs will take. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage and you should know how to protect your home.

Protect your pipes from the cold

When temperatures fall below freezing, your pipes could be in trouble. Water expands as it freezes, and your pipes contract when they get cold. This combination of events can be detrimental to your home. Once your pipes burst, all you can do is deal with the damage. The only way to mitigate the effects is to take preventative action. Check out these tips!

1. In extreme temperatures, keep at least one of your faucets on. You definitely don’t need to turn it on full force, but a nice steady drip will keep water flowing through your pipes and prevent freezing.

2. Pipes located along outside walls and windows are at a much greater risk of freezing. Make sure that you direct heat to these areas when possible. Open your basement door and any closets that might house pipes so that heat can reach them. Open the cabinets in your kitchen to allow warm air to reach these important pipes.

3. Seal any leaks that allow cold air to seep into your home. Use weather stripping or plastic on windows and doors to add insulation.

4. You may need to raise the temperature in your home. Turn your ceiling fans on reverse to help push warm air back down to the coldest parts of your house.

5. Consider purchasing heat tape from your local home improvement store. You can place it on your pipes without professional help and it will aid you in preventing cracks in your pipes.

6. Before winter weather sets in, make a habit of disconnecting all outdoor hoses. This will allow pipes to completely drain so that there isn’t excess water hanging around when freezing temperatures hit.

7. Don’t let your heat drop below 55 degrees. If you’re going out of town, make sure you plan ahead so you don’t return to a flooded basement.

Don't let your electrical system cause a fire

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fire in a diner caused by a faulty electrical wire

Most of us have grown up using electricity just about every day of our lives. Whether it is plugging in a toaster, watching TV, or even charging a laptop or phone, we’re surrounded by it. Electricity is essential, but can be a huge hazard to us if not used and maintained properly. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International (Esfi.org), home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries and $1.3 billion in property damage. 65% of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke detectors. ESFI gave a list of some electrical fire safety tips to keep you and your family informed on the proper electrical safety precautions.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

• Make sure that there are smoke detectors installed on every floor of the building, inside each room and right outside of every sleeping area to ensure that the alarms can be heard even when sleeping.
• Test smoke detectors monthly to make sure that they’re working properly and have working batteries.
• Have your electrical system inspected by a certified professional to make sure that all of the electrical work meets the National Electric Code safety standards.
• Look and listen for signs of electrical problems such as, flickering or dim lights, buzzing or sizzling sounds from electrical outlets, or insulation and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. If any of these or any other electrical problems are found, contact a professional as soon as possible for the issue to be inspected.
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many electronics. Consider having more outlets or circuits installed by a professional.
• In homes with children, install tamper resistant devices to keep children from getting electrical shocks or burns.
• Create an evacuation plan that can be used in the event of a fire.

Colorful Mold

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

No, that is not a floral design on the lamp shade. That is different types of mold growth.

Did you know that the famous Black Mold may not be the dangerous type of mold? 

Mold can be several different colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Mold is defined as a fungus that grows on organic materials. These materials can be Sheetrock paper, dirt, cardboard, etc. The mold can appear on other items but there is probably something organic on top of the item that it is growing on. 

Many news outlets have made "Black Mold" the worst kind of mold but in fact it does not have to be. Pink colored mold that you see in the photo may be worse than black mold. One kind of mold can be presented in 4 different colors in one home. 

If you believe you may have mold in your home you should call a licensed Certified Industrial Hygienist to test the area. 

SERVPRO is an approved Mold Remediation contractor in New York State. We are always here to help.

High Humidity?

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

Water droplets on the attic door in the ceiling after a hot water pipe burst.

In this area in New York there are several secondary homes that may not being checked up on or watched while the owners are at their primary home. This is dangerous to leave your home not monitored for long periods of time. 

If a pipe breaks, especially a hot water pipe, it will cause a very high level of humidity in a home. This will cause condensation to develop on many surfaces in the home. Condensation is defined as water that collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it. As you can see in the photo, there was a very high level of humidity in the home causing the water droplets to form on the attic door in the ceiling. This probably formed within a very short period of time. The house was not found like this for over a week. 

Be prepared, if you are planning on leaving your home for an extended period of time, have someone check on your home. It will avoid serious damages like this that may not be covered by insurance. 

SERVPRO is always here to help!

Your home or business just had a fire - now what?

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fire does not discriminate - it can happen to anyone.

The first 24 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO can help prevent fire damage from creating long term problems.  

Under normal circumstances, within one hour from notice of a loss, a SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange a service.  Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO professional will be on site to begin mitigation services.  Finally, within eight business hours, a verbal job briefing will be communicated to the appropriate person.  

Until a trained professional arrives, there are several things you can do to lessen long term damage.

• Limit movement in the home or business to prevent further damage.

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.

• If electricity is off, empty refrigerator and prop doors open.

• Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.

• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.

• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water.  

SERVPRO of Orange County professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property and belongings are restored to preloss condition when possible.

The carpet looks dry - we do not need you

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

This business owner thought the water did not make it to this office.

There are times that you may not need our services if it is a small amount of water damage. SERVPRO will never charge a home owner or business owner for a service that we do not believe they need. 

On the flip side, a lot of times a homeowner or business owner may not realize how much they really need SERVPRO's services. 

A lot of times before walking on a carpet or touching a wall - it may look dry. In a lot of situations this is not the case. SERVPRO's normal drying time with our commercial size drying equipment is 3 to 5 days. Unfortunately a small fan or dehumidifier may not be enough. 

As you can see in the photo there was quite a bit of water trapped in the bad underneath this carpet. The business owner thought the water did not reach this room. 

If you ever have a situation that you are not sure if you need us, we always are just a call away. We can walk you through it or come and provide you a free estimate. We are always here to help!

Icicles? Aren't they beautiful?

2/17/2018 (Permalink)

Even though they are beautiful - there was quite a bit of ice damming damage inside this home.

WINTER

Winter is a beautiful time of year and most people in the northeast experience it. Winter can be a love/hate relationship for many people. Snow fall can be so majestic. 

After some serious snow fall normally comes some melting that turn into those amazing icicles hanging from your roof or the back of your car. What if I told you that icicles can be very dangerous to see on your home. 

Icicles that form are from the ice on your roof melting down and then refreezing when it hits the edge. The ice can continue to build up causing shingles to push back which is called ice damming. Once the shingles are pushed up and the ice starts melting you are more likely to start seeing some of that water come into your home.

Sometimes this is an easy fix once all the ice has melted. In some cases it is not that easy. Ice damming can cause some serious issues to your home and the water can enter the home in multiple areas. 

During the winter you should be prepared to have a company on speed dial that is able to SAFELY remove the snow off of your roof after a large snow storm to lessen the chance of the ice damming happening. 

If it is too late - do not hesitate to call SERVPRO. We can help in many ice damming situations and are very experienced in it. 

Building Cleanup

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Condition of the building before our team went in.

At SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties we understand the frustration that comes with damage to your home or property. This is why we work hard to ensure our customer’s satisfaction above all else. When looking at the picture you can see that this property faced a number of different issues that caused them to call us. The floor suffered water damage that led to a number of other issues. Our crew went in and used their SERVPRO tools to help get rid of the water and other damage the property suffered. We used air movers, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers to remove all of the water on the property. Then we went back in and cleaned what we needed to in order to restore the property back to the desired state. 

Biohazard Bathroom Cleanup

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

Bathroom tiles after our services were provided.

Here at SERVPRO we take pride in our long list of services we provide to our clients. On this list is bio hazardous damage removal and restoration. These types of jobs are a sensitive topic but we at SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties are always up for any type of job where it’s possible to give the customer a sense of relief and satisfaction. Not pictured here is where the blood on the floor of the bathroom was. The removal of this should only be done by trained professionals. Our crew went in with the proper equipment and tools they needed to remain safe while simultaneously fixing the damage. Pictured here is the tiles after our job was done. You can see the tiles have been restored to working conditions and no longer look like damage had ever taken place there to begin with.

Mold Remediation in Bathroom

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & So. Ulster Counties we take pride in the long list of services that we provide. We are willing to help anyone that needs our help as a means of alleviating the stress they are going through.  As we have said time and time again mold is among the list of problems you do not know you have until it is brought up to your attention. Mold reproduces in dark areas usually exposed to some kind of water or dampness. No one wants mold in their life so it’s our job to make it so you’d never know the mold was there to begin with. You can see in the picture on the left that the ceiling has spots of darker coloring. This is primarily where the mold was reproducing. Our crew went in with the proper SERVPRO tools needed for mold remediation and made it “Like it never even happened.”

Your home or business had a fire... Now What?

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

We are always here to help no matter what.

The first 24 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO of Orange County can help prevent fire damage from creating long term problems.  

Under normal circumstances, within one hour from notice of a loss, a SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange a service.  Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO professional will be on site to begin mitigation services.  Finally, within eight business hours, a verbal job briefing will be communicated to the appropriate person.  

Until a trained professional arrives, there are several things you can do to lessen long term damage.

• Limit movement in the home or business to prevent further damage.

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.

• If electricity is off, empty refrigerator and prop doors open.

• Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.

• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.

• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water.  

SERVPRO of Orange County's professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property and belongings are restored to preloss condition when possible.

Why Call SERVPRO?

With over 25 years of experience, our highly trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you make the fire in your home or business “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at 845-342-3333.

Shed Fire

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

Shed fire that caused damage to another shed on the property.

Outdoor fire damage can sometimes happen very unexpected. When we arrived onsite and met with this insured, he was very upset about his shed burning to the ground because of all the memories he kept safe in the shed. SERVPRO is the company to call when you want someone to help walk you through the process. It is not always an easy situation to go through belongings that have burned and will not be able to be saved. 

SERVPRO not only cleans up debris and homes but we can also clean up outside debris from a fire. The steps that will be taken at this home are to inventory what we can, dispose of the items that are non-salvageable and try to clean the items that we can save. Unfortunately this is not always how it works. Sometimes there is nothing to save. 

We are a team that is there to help during any size disaster. Call SERVPRO, we are always here to help. 

Commercial Mold is Serious

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

This is the mold found on a wall of a commercial building in its utility room after water heater broke.

In certain large buildings undiscovered water damage could be unfound for a long period of time. There are certain areas that could even dry before being discovered. The photo with this blog shows an area showing after they had a small leak in one of the many boiler rooms. It is important to have checks daily on the areas where water damage could happen. Regular maintenance should be done on all machinery and equipment in the commercial building. You should also always have a plumber on speed dial just in case water damage arises. If this happens, the quicker you fix the damage; call SERVPRO to begin drying, the less secondary damage you may have. This building in the photo did not do their checks and balances. Once they had a large water damage that started coming down the hallway is when we discovered the mold growth behind the walls in the utility room.

Be Prepared, Have an Exit Plan

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Important arrows marking the exit plan.

If you are a building owner with tenants or a property manager, you should always have an exit plan in case of a serious fire or water damage in the building. Part of the plan should be multiple exits for all occupants of the building and a meeting spot for each group of people. There should never be a question when an emergency arises where people should go and what to do. It is very important to have your occupants, staff or visiting persons apprised of this information and is prepared. The details of these plans should be both a visual drawing and written directions. If you are able to, the building should have arrows marked on all areas where the exit plan is activated. For example, take a look at the photo. Never forget, SERVPRO is always here to help in case of an emergency in your commercial building.

Unknown Water Damage Turned Mold

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold found behind furniture after water heater burst.

Sometimes you may have water damage in a basement that you do not go into very often. Make it a point, set an alarm, to check your basement once a week. In the photo, this is a basement that does not get checked very often. The only way the homeowner found out something was wrong was when there water stopped getting hot during the day. When he entered his basement he noticed that the water heater had a slow leak that finally broke causing a large amount of water throughout the finished basement. After they called SERVPRO, we inspected the basement thoroughly to make sure we had a full understanding of what needed to be done. SERVPRO is fully licensed in New York State to handle all Mold Remediation Projects from start to finish.

Second Homes Not Visited Often Turns to Mold

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold across the entire ceiling of this mountain home after visitors where not there for four weeks.

Many people in New York State have secondary homes in the mountains that only have visitors during the summer or parts of the winter for winter sports. Secondary homes should always have someone checking on the house at least once a week for the entire time that there are no visitors to the home. This will help avoid a situation like in the photo of this blog. This is a ceiling inside a beautiful mountain home that had sudden roof leaks after a large wind storm. When the homeowner arrived back at the home after four weeks away, there was a substantial amount of mold throughout the entire home. Since this was found in the summer, the humidity in New York caused the mold growth process to speed up and caused the whole home to be affected. We were able to start the project quickly and get the homeowners back into their gorgeous mountain home for the summer.

Dandelions and Mold

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is like Dandelions

Did you really think Dandelions and Mold had a lot in common? Believe it now, they really do. SERVPRO tries to educate their customers about mold and how it spreads easily. Think back when you were a child, you were walking home from the school bus, picked up the one Dandelion in the lawn and blew all the little seeds flew all over the grass. The next day, you start walking back from the bus; there is magically thousands of Dandelions now throughout the grass. Mold is like Dandelions; once you put air onto mold it will start to spread. This is why at SERVPRO we do not ever spray mold or Hepa Vacuum quickly. This will push the mold spores throughout the home or office and cause mold to spread to unaffected areas. If you find mold in your home or office, consider calling the professionals at SERVPRO first and they will help you through the process.

What to do when your commercial business has a fire?

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County to deal with all of your fire damage needs on any commercial property.

Call SERVPRO for Commercial Fire Damage Restoration and Repair Service

Commercial fire damage repair may not be something you think you will ever need for your business, but the unfortunate reality is some businesses will experience a fire damaging event. Fires can be caused by an electrical shortage from overloading an extension cord to a lightning strike. Especially common are cooking accidents in restaurants. As soon as the flames are extinguished by firefighters, you may begin to worry what steps are required to resume business as usual. The best advice is to be prepared for this possible event and have a plan.

The Damage Caused by a Fire

When you experience commercial fire damage to your Chester business, you may reflect on the mess left behind in the charred ruins of the property. However, the damage you need to contend with will go far beyond the ashes. To repair the property entirely after experiencing a damaging fire, you will need to seek the help of a professional team like SERVPRO. Water may have to be extracted after the firefighters' efforts. The smoke damage may cause more of a problem that the burnt materials from the fire. While a fire may be contained in one area of the building, smoke can fill most or all of the areas, and it can cause significant damage and odors. Our trained Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can resolve these issues. When smoke and water damage are dealt with appropriately, the structure will not show any aftereffects. "Like it never even happened."

A fire loss within your enterprise, whether a retail store, rental apartment building, professional office, or a warehouse, costs you customer goodwill and loss of profitability when business cannot be conducted. We can generate a corporate program called the Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS.) This report will categorize all affected materials, furniture and equipment, stock, electronics, and documents. We suggest what is salvageable, non-salvageable, or questionable. The final decision rests with you and your insurance company as to how we proceed. SERVPRO is a preferred commercial fire damage restoration company to more than 300 insurance companies, federal and municipal entities, and property management companies. We willingly coordinate efforts with your insurance adjuster to efficiently and economically restore your business in the best manner possible.

When to Make the Call

After you have dealt with commercial fire damage, you may ask yourself when do you need to make the call to a professional for assistance. The time to contact SERVPRO of North Orange County is as soon as the fire is out. Our business is to get you back in business. Rely on us, 24/7 for an immediate response, by calling (845) 342-3333.

Orange County Businesses - Does your business have water damage?

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

You can trust the professionals of SERVPRO of North Orange County will get your business back up and running after a water damage

Water intrusion in one room can mean water damage in other rooms. This can only be the start of other damages. 

Water intrusions invade floors, ceilings and walls to find the lowest point in your business’ structure. Water from an overflowing bathroom stall or other water incidents will search for pinhole crevices and cracks in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel down in the building.

Some common signs of water damage in your business include:

• Water rings on the ceilings or walls
• Warped or cracked flooring
• Rust on the hot water heater
• A smell could develop

If your business has recently fallen victim to water damage, you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages.  There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible. SERVPRO focuses on keeping the business operational or getting the business back up and running quickly.

You can depend on SERVPRO of North Orange County to provide reasonable prices for water damage and other services in the Middletown area.  Our restoration services include cleanup after water damage, fire damage and storm damage.  Our trained and certified IICRC technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to begin your business’s restoration.  Whether the water damage is big or small, call us at 845-342-3333.  

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Orange County and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of North Orange County is a part of a large franchise system. There are over 1,700 franchises in the country and Canada. SERVPRO of North Orange County is a part of the Large Loss Team. This means that we are prepared with equipment and man power to mitigate large commercial losses. These could include fire damage, water damage or mold remediation. SERVPRO is always on call ready to help. Any size disaster we can handle. We are ready 24/7 to help business owners mitigate their loss and open quickly after the disaster or figure out a plan to keep the business open. Any questions about how we prepare, feel free to call our office at 845-342-3333. You may ask for our office manager, Brittany. She is ready at any time to answer your questions

Emergency Ready Profile FAQ

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready for whatever happens.

ERP FAQ

The marketing team at SERVPRO® of North Orange County has been busy helping local businesses prepare for their next challenge by creating an Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP). Here are the most frequent questions we encounter when introducing the ERP to property managers and business owners.

What Is an ERP?

An Emergency Ready Profile® compiled by a SERVPRO® franchise professional is a document that organizes critical emergency information so that a property owner or manager can respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster. While many emergency plans focus on getting people out of a building safely, our plan aims to get everyone back in the building again as soon as possible.

What Will an ERP Cost?

There is no charge for an ERP. Homeowners are encouraged to download the SERVPRO® Ready Plan App to create their own personal Emergency Ready Profile® for their home. Commercial property owners and business managers can contact their local SERVPRO® franchise to have a professional come out and create the profile for them.

What Is in It for You?

With an ERP, you will be able to reduce business interruption and quickly mitigate a loss following an adverse event, saving both time and money. Important information like where to find your water, gas, electric and sprinkler shutoffs and key contacts for beginning restoration will be right at your fingertips in the SERVPRO® Ready Plan App, and you will be able to share this information quickly and easily with anyone who needs it.

What Is in It for SERVPRO®?

You may be wondering what’s in it for us if there is no charge for an ERP. That is a fair question. First, we hope that helping you prepare before you need our services makes it more likely you will think of us when disaster strikes. Second, we know that having this information organized ahead of time will allow us to better serve you should you choose to call us following an adverse event. However, even if you never use our services, we will still have the satisfaction of helping our community be better equipped to survive a disaster.

Who Has Access to Your Information?

Once we compile a commercial ERP, we deliver the following to the business owner or any approved personal at your company:

• A printed document ERP.
• A username and password for each user the mobile Ready Plan app version of your ERP, so you can immediately share it with all necessary parties at your discretion.

Here at SERVPRO® of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster the document is stored locally on our server, and the mobile version is stored in the SERVPRO® corporate Ready Plan app, in case you need us to respond to an emergency at your site.

Schedule Your Commercial ERP Today

Call us today to schedule your commercial ERP, so we can help your business be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends your way. Contact brittany.johnson@ocSERVPRO.com or 845-342-3333.

For Immediate Cleaning Service in Orange County, Call SERVPRO

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Orange County area. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Residential Services

Whether your Orange County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Orange County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Water Damage in Medical Facility

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange County arrived promptly the night of the water damage to ensure this medical facility could re-open the next day.

Commercial buildings require a special attention to detail when it comes to water damage.  Many things must be taken into consideration when making a plan for remediation and restoration.  In a recent scenario, SERVPRO of Orange County was called in to address a water damage that was discovered after-hours in a mid-sized medical facility.  Construction in an adjacent unit caused a water supply line to break, causing water to flood into exam rooms, waiting rooms, offices and hallways.  Over a dozen rooms were affected in total.

SERVPRO of Orange County's water damage restoration team coordinated a plan with the facilities team and the medical staff beginning with the immediate extraction of all standing water.  Drying equipment was set up in each room to mitigate further damage that may have been caused by rising humidity levels.

We were able to prioritize essential rooms to make sure patients could still be seen for treatment the very next day.  Throughout the restoration process we kept clear communications with the medical team and coordinated their schedule with our restoration efforts so that they could continue to operate according to schedule.

Notice the careful removal of drywall shown in this photo.  Many medical facilities utilize a special kind of flooring that curves as it meets the wall.  Our technicians were able to detect moisture was being held inside the walls by wet insulation.  In order to dry the walls properly we had to remove a section of the sheetrock and cut out any wet insulation.  To do so, we cut one foot above where the flooring meets the wall so that the new sheetrock could be put in place without having to cause unnecessary damage to the flooring.

Fix Up Your Firebox

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Unsightly cracked and crumbling mortar inside a fireplace can be fixed in minutes with a few simple tools.

The mortar in most brick joints consists of sand, lime, and Portland cement. But in a fireplace, that mix just crumbles away when subjected to roaring wood fires. For this application, masons rely on a refractory mortar made of magnesium silicate, which can withstand beat up to 2,000 degrees F. Yet even refractory mortar can fail as the brickwork expands and contracts with repeated fires. Fortunately, fixing those damaged joints is a snap, thanks to high-temp fireplace mortars packaged in caulk tubes.

Tools Needed:

• Nitrile gloves
• 5-gallon bucket
• Sponge with abrasive pad
• Grout-removal tool with triangular carbide blade
• Stiff-bristle brush
• Wet/dry vac
• Nylon-bristle brush
• Refractory mortar
• Caulk gun
• Tuck-point trowel

STEPS 

1. Wash the brick: Put on nitrile gloves, then thoroughly scrub soot off the sides of the firebox with an abrasive pad on a wet sponge. Soot dissolves fairly easily when wet. The washing also dampens the brick and mortar, a necessary step before repointing.
2. Dig out the loose mortar: Using a grout-removal tool fitted with a triangular carbide blade, scrape out cracked, loose, and crumbling mortar. Stop when the sides of the blade touch the edges of the brick. The blade’s triangular shape prevents it from going too deep (more than half the width of the joint). Clean the joints with a narrow, stiff-bristle brush and sweep up the mortar crumbs with a wet/dry vac.
3. Wet the joints: Go over all the scraped joints with a nylon paintbrush, dipping repeatedly into a bucket of clean water. Refractory mortar bonds best to a damp surface, and the brush bristles ensure that all of the old brick and mortar are moistened.
4. Caulk the joints: After slipping a tube of refractory mortar into a caulk gun, drag the tube’s nozzle over all the scraped mortar joints, leaving behind a fat bead of caulk. Make sure to fill any gaps between the hearth and the firebox floor.
5. Pack the mortar: Use a 3/8-inch-wide tuck-pointing trowel to smooth and press the soft mortar firmly into each of the joints, then scrape off the excess with the trowel’s edge. In corners, use a gloved finger to pack and smooth.
6. Wipe away the residue: Multiple swipes with a damp sponge with remove most of the mortar residue. Wipe the brick again in 24 hours, after the remaining residue dries to a haze. This mortar’s heat-resistant qualities kick in when it reaches 500 degrees. Either a heat gun or a small, brief fire will serve the purpose.

Keeping your firebox in tip-top shape is just one step in keeping your fireplace in good working order, and preventing home fires.

Do you know how to shut off the water at your work?

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Now that's a huge water damage!

Many workplaces always call's on the boss or the maintenance man when something goes wrong. What if they were home sick, or in a meeting and you need to locate the water shut off, where do you start? 

SERVPRO of Orange County can help commercial property in planning for a water, fire, storm damage. How, with a free Emergency Response Profile created by the SERVPRO Marketing Department. 

By having a plan of action and including it into your regular training at your office you can minimize the cost if an unplanned event happens like a frozen pipe, fire, or anything. 

Some property manager use this as a tool to keep everything organized in one central location. 

Is your business ready for a disaster. Even a simple pipe burst can cause a lot of damage and headache. With a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile it can have the critical information to minimize damages, provide the resources for the employees of the company, and provide property details and information. This is a FREE services that we provide to commercial properties. 

Make an appointment today to get started!

If the unthinkable happens, call your local SERVPRO of Orange County Professionals at (845)-342-3333 seven days a week 24/7 to help you avoid the cost and hassle of secondary damages.  We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO'S Reconstruction and Remodeling Services

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

A finished kitchen remodel that was done by our reconstruction team!

Did you know that in addition to water mitigation, fire cleanup, and mold remediation, SERVPRO also offers reconstruction services? After our pros are done with drying out a home or removing smoke-damaged materials, we can put homes back together just like they were before the damage occurred. The convenience and savings of working with one company to assist with mitigation and repairs can be significant. In addition to reconstruction after damage, we also do general home remodeling. Have you been considering remodeling your kitchen? We can help. Does your bathroom need an update? We do that too. From drywall to painting to framing and much more, we can assist with your reconstruction project!

Here are just some of the reconstruction services SERVPRO offers:

• Drywall repair and installation
• Floor repair and replacement
• Kitchen and bath installation and remodeling
• Cabinet and trim replacement
• Insulation installation
• Ceiling repair
• Fixture replacement
• Painting

Preventing Puffbacks

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

During the Cleaning process after a puff back

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout the interior of a home. It can happen all at once, covering the interior in grimy soot, or it can leak soot more gradually.

Initially, many people mistake soot for dust and simply wipe it away. However, once cleaned, this “dust” often reappears and can sometimes be accompanied by a strong, oily odor. There are several steps your clients can take to prevent damage to their home. Remind them to:

• Have the oil-burning furnace professionally checked and cleaned annually.
• Keep an eye out for traces of soot around their home.
• Install a carbon monoxide monitor. Puffbacks (and the soot they create) will increase the carbon monoxide levels in their home. A carbon monoxide monitor can help to detect the puffback in its early stages.

If soot begins accumulating on objects or walls within their home, they should turn off the heating system immediately. Contact a heating professional to service the heater and restore it to proper working order.

Fortunately, if your client does experience a puffback, SERVPRO has the knowledge and experience to complete a thorough cleaning and removal of any soot and odors. Our Fire Restoration Team will respond immediately and make it look Like it never even happened®.

SERVPRO Named to Entrepreneur's Top 10 Franchise List for 7th Consecutive Year

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the top ranking in the Restoration Services industry.

SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the top ranking in the Restoration Services industry for the 13th consecutive year and moves up to the number four spot overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine. This is the seventh consecutive year SERVPRO has been included in the magazine's Top 10 list, standing out in a group of more than 951 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list.

Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 selection process uses "objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation" to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are "financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system."

"This recognition affirms that SERVPRO is a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension its customers," said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc., chief executive officer. "The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confirmation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer."

According to Steen, a number of differentiators set SERVPRO apart from the competition and fuel the attractiveness of the company to both existing franchisees and would-be entrepreneurs looking for a strong business opportunity. Key among these are:

• SERVPRO's strength as a brand with a national footprint, wide-spread market penetration, laser-focused brand messaging, and the ability to create national partnerships with organizations such as the PGA TOUR and the American Red Cross.
• SERVPRO's commitment to being a learning organization, which keeps training and support at the forefront of the company's culture and philosophy of success and helps franchisees plan, track, and deliver best-in-class services to consumers.
• SERVPRO's focus on continued development and support for proprietary software and system’s to allow the company's operational capacity to keep pace with an aggressive growth strategy.

Steen adds, "One of the potential pitfalls of growing too quickly is outpacing your capacity to train and support the franchisees. SERVPRO is a conservative company, and early on we took the time to build a strong system and put the building blocks in place to support growth without sacrificing support to our franchisees." "Today," Steen continues, "as a mature franchise organization with more than 1,700 locations under a single brand, recognition like this makes it clear we are reaping the rewards of having laid a solid foundation and a framework to handle quick growth. As our brand continues to grow, we will continue our winning strategy of supporting and improving upon our infrastructure and investing resources in training and support."

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies "Like it never even happened." For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com/.

Ways You Can Prevent Fires in Orange County Caused by Clogged Dryer Vents

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent fires, in this case, is to clean out the lint hose often.

Ways You Can Prevent Fires Caused by Clogged Dryer Vents

It is no surprise to most people that having a Orange County fire within the home is incredibly damaging to anything in its path. What you probably may not realize is that, most times, fires can easily be prevented from starting in the first place. Your household dryer is a great example of this since many homeowners deal with dryer related fires all the time and the usual culprit would be a completely clogged dryer vent. In this particular case, the fire can be prevented if you maintain your dryer well throughout the year and ensure that its vent is kept clean and clear of buildup.

There are over 15,000 calls to local fire departments every single year for home-related New York fires and smoke issues. The unfortunate part is that a lot of these fires are caused by clogged dryer vents within the home. Some of these fires are very minimal, but others have been incredibly damaging when not caught in time.

To understand how these types of New York fires start within the home, you may want to know more about how dryers work. Some homeowners who are new to appliances and home maintenance may not even know that their dryer needs to be maintained. The way that dryers work is by creating hot air in the drum itself, and this is the hot air that is going to dry up your clothing. You probably know of the small lint trap on the front of your dryer when you open its door, but excess lint passes through this filter and goes through the dryer vent. The dryer vent is often located on the outside of your home so that the hot air can be released outside. Because dryers get so hot, this hot air that is being pushed out of the dryer vent to the outside world can heat up any lint that has built up in that area and start a fire. Fires related to clogged dryer vents can cause tons of damage to a person's home.

The best way to prevent fires, in this case, is to clean out the lint hose often. This is recommended to anyone who happens to own a dryer. There are special tools and services that can help to get this particular vent cleaned for you.

According to the experts at SERVPRO, they offer some of the best tips for watching out for some of the obvious warning signs that your dryer is clogged and may result in fire at some point in the near future: 1. If it takes longer than about 45 minutes to dry your clothing, it could be a sign that the dryer vent is clogged. 2. Your clothes are roasting hot to the touch after they have gone through a dry cycle. 3. The flapper on the dryer's vent may not open entirely when the appliance is actually on.

Preventing a Fire with Your Dryer 1. You should clean the vent of your dryer at least twice each year. 2. Make sure to clean out the lint trap inside of the dryer thoroughly before each cycle. 3. For those individuals who are noticing any of the above-mentioned warning signs, make sure to contact a professional company to have the appliance repaired and cleaned.

For those homeowners who were not so lucky as to catch the warning signs in time, fire damage can be a daunting thing to clean up on your own. This is where the professionals of SERVPRO come in handy, and they can work diligently on your home's fire restoration when it is most convenient for you. Make sure to contact SERVPRO at the first sign of fire damage so that the issue can be addressed immediately.

For Orange County, A Fire Damage Restoration Guide

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Guide for an Orange County Home

As many homeowners know, fire damage to an Orange County home can produce extensive trauma on the part of the property owner. However, knowing what steps to take following this type of disaster, caused by nature or human error, can help you minimize emotional distress. You will also be better prepared to mitigate structural damage to your home by being clear-headed. Learn more about what steps you should take after your home has been affected by a fire, refer to this quick reference guide:

There are several steps you need to implement once fire damage has become a reality. 

1. Determine Where You Will Stay. 

Once a fire has occurred, it's important that you first determine whether it is safe to reenter your home. This decision to possibly reenter your Orange County house is reserved for minor fires, not flaming infernos. In the event that there are still signs of smoke, fire, or structural damage, you should never attempt to enter the premises. In this case, it may be necessary for you to stay with a family member or in a hotel. Determining where you'll stay is not the first step to take during the process of returning your life to a state of normalcy, but it can provide an anchor. In addition to determining where you'll stay if you cannot reenter your property, it's important for you to call your loved ones and friends. Provide them with a basic overview of the situation and they may be able to help you with shelter and advice.

2. Call The Professionals. 

After you've determined where you'll stay, be sure to contact your insurance company and then a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO. These experts will begin assessing the situation, determining a course of action, and then begin the cleanup, repair and if need be, the restoration of your property's structure. The clean-up process will involve the elimination of smoke and fire damage in addition to water removal. The water extraction procedure is of the utmost importance for lessening damage to furnishings, walls, and floors, and for stifling the growth of mold. A SERVPRO representative will also offer to communicate and coordinate the entire process with your insurance adjuster.

Dealing with your fire-damaged home in Orange County can be taxing and tiring, however, it doesn't need to be overwhelming. As a team of professionals with extensive experience in the smoke and fire damage restoration field, SERVPRO's skilled technicians can provide you with the detailed, results-driven services you need to restore your property to like the fire never happened.

Can my carpet be saved after flood damage?

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding from Clean Water can save you money. Call SERVPRO immediately to remediate!

The Three Types of Water that Can Flood Your Home

One of the major casualties of a flooded home is flooring, particularly carpets. Once it's soaked, both it and the underlying padding will potentially need replacing, which is an added expense that most homeowners would like to avoid. In the case of heavy flooding, whether it's from a natural disaster, broken appliance, burst pipe, or other water emergency, many people think that there's no chance their carpet can ever be saved. 
 
Homeowners who have experienced flood damage in Orange County are often unaware that it's not just the amount of water in a home that affects whether they'll have to get new flooring, but the type of water as well. Here's some information about the three types of water damage that can occur due to flooding and how each affects carpet and rugs. 
 
Clean Water 
 
If the flood damage in your home is caused by a burst pipe, malfunctioning appliance, or tub or sink that has overflowed, odds are it's a result of what's called clean water. Basically, this type of water is treated and contains no contaminants or waste and is the least risky to clean up. When you contact SERVPRO and you have flood damage resulting from clean water, we're typically able to save your area rugs, carpeting, and floor pads so you don't have to incur the extra expense of replacing it. 
 
Gray Water 
 
This type of water doesn't contain any solid animal or human waste, but it has been used. An example of this would be a toilet that's overflown or a broken washing machine that leaks a large amount of water mid-cycle. Flood damage from gray water comes with more risks than clean water, as it has significantly more potential to cause illness if it's touched. However, the threat of disease usually isn't present since there's no solid waste. Though the carpet pad that's been soaked with gray water has to be thrown out for safety reasons, the carpet itself can often be saved. SERVPRO will carefully clean and dry it so that you can save money by only having a new pad installed. 
 
Black Water 
 
This is the most dangerous type of water involved in flood damage and it's unsanitary because it either has organisms in it that can potentially carry disease or solid waste. If your home was flooded due to a natural disaster, storm, or sewage backup, it likely involves black water. While some area rugs can be disinfected by our team, cleaned, and thoroughly dried, carpet and padding need to be replaced for the sake of keeping your family safe. 
 

  

Improving your Air Quality in Orange County, NY

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

Dirty Air Ducts- Improving your Air Quality in Orange County, NY

People easily assume that low quality of air in their premises arise as a result of external factors, and that they have no control over it. However, this is not true at all. Actually, people contribute a very high percentage to the air quality in their businesses and homes. Therefore, if air quality is to be improved, it must start from within. In order to start the process of purifying the internal air, we must first understand what pollutes the air in our premises.

For the homes and businesses in Orange County, there are a few factors that could be polluting air in their premises. Pollen, paint, mold and any other allergen. After understanding the various factors that lower the quality of air, people of Tennessee can now take the relevant action to address the issue.

The easiest way to improve the quality of air in premises is cleaning. First, people of Tennessee need to understand that taking a little time off every day, washing and mopping their premises can mean a great difference in the quality of air they breathe. The process can start with the regular sweeping and dusting. This aims at removing pollutants that may be in the premises. However, this is not exactly enough. Mopping and scrubbing on a regular basis needs to be done. This will ensure that tough pollutants, which cannot be removed by mere sweeping and dusting, are gotten rid of.

The next vital step, after brushing and mopping, is to ensure that there is efficient ventilation in premises. Here, people got to understand that the duct is one of the most integral parts of the ventilation system. The duct should be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.

Air duct cleaning starts with covering openings that get air into rooms. Covering these openings ensures that allergens will not spread into other rooms during the duct cleaning process. The second step that needs to be taken when conducting the duct cleaning exercise is ensuring that the fan is turned off. This ensures that dust, pollen and debris, coming from the duct, doesn’t spread throughout the premises. Next, be sure to check that the filters are in good shape. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that none of the pollutants falling off from the duct will be blown into the motor.

After checking these vital parts of the ventilation system, it is now time to start the air duct cleaning process. This will normally start with checking the air registers. Both the return and supply air register need to be thoroughly brushed of any dirt. Next, the power source of your ventilation system should be turned off. This ensures safety while cleaning up the dirt in the blower compartment. Lastly, the filter should be changed. This will definitely enhance the integrity of your ventilation. All these can be done individually. Alternatively a qualified company can be hired to conduct the duct cleaning. Of course, hiring a qualified company guarantees better results.

SERVPRO of Orange County, can help anytime with Duct Cleaning or making sure your Air Quality is at the optimum level. 

Are You Prepared for a Power Outage

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Ready Kit

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Depending on the nature of the disaster road conditions may prevent help from arriving in a timely manner. 

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.  If the power goes out keep your pipes from freezing by shutting off the valve that allows water to come into your home. Then, open any drain valves and all faucets and let them run until the pipes are empty (it's helpful to identify these valves in advance). Next, flush all toilets and pour denatured alcohol into toilets and sinks to prevent water in the traps from freezing. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze in case there's trouble with your water system; you don't want the antifreeze to contaminate your drinking water. You may, however, use nontoxic antifreeze that's made for winterizing motor homes.

Be prepared for a power outage by keeping necessary items centrally located in your home. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly. The following is a list of items that are suggested to keep on hand:

1. Flashlights for each family member
2. Battery-operated radio and clock
3. Extra batteries
4. Containers of bottled water
5. Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants
6. Non-electric can opener
7. List of important phone numbers
8. First-aid kit

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. 
• Choose foods your family will eat.
• Remember any special dietary needs.
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
• Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

These and many other helpful tips are available at ready.gov Here is the link to inter tips for before during and after a winter storm http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather 

Call SERVPRO of Orange County 24/7 t (845)-342-3333.

Water Damage in Orange County, NY

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

Muddy remnants from a water main break in Orange County, NY.

A water main break caused the lower level of this house Middletown, NY to flood.  SERVPRO of Howell/Wall received the call from the listing agent on this property who put is in touch with the owners. 

This one was a back breaker!  Two layers of vinyl flooring had to be removed as well as wet drywall.  After a long days work, we commenced strucutral drying.  Within 3 days the house was dry and clean. 

The customer was happy with the level of service he received and would definitely refer us to a friend.

Another job made to look "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning Myths and The Facts From Your Local SERVPRO of Orange County, NY

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

Ten myths about cleaning!

Myth: Newspaper does windows well

Fact: Wet newspaper tears easily and the ink can transfer to window trim, leaving more to clean. Use microfiber cloths to clean glass. They’re the best at cleaning without streaking.

Myth: Coca-Cola belongs in the toilet

Fact: Coke isn’t “it” when it comes to cleaning your toilet bowl. Coke is acidic, so it could be effective at removing hard water stains BUT soda could actually darken stains and the sugar could encourage bacteria.

Myth: Handwashing dishes is better than using a dishwasher

Fact: If your dishwasher is a decade old, this may be true, but today’s models beat handwashing by a mile. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star website, using a dishwasher that bears the Energy Star label can save some 5,000 gallons of water, more than $40 dollars in energy costs, and 230 hours in personal time over the course of a year, versus handwashing. And, because dishwashers heat the water to 140°F, they’ll sanitize the dishes, too.

Myth: Coffee freshens garbage disposers

Fact: Coffee grounds may act as a mild abrasive, removing gunk from disposer blades, but baking soda is a better choice: It’s also mildly abrasive, and because it’s a base it will counteract all the smelly acids that we put down the drain.

Myth: Vinegar cleans everything

Fact: Vinegar is an acid, so it can cut through dirt and can kill bacteria, but only if you use it at full or nearly full strength. Most people put a capful in a bucket of water, and that doesn’t do much. The acids in vinegar can damage natural stone and wood surfaces.

Myth: Hairspray removes ballpoint ink

Fact: This may have been true years ago, when hairsprays were formulated with more alcohol (which does remove ink) than they are today, but not anymore. Today’s hairsprays are full of stiffeners and hardeners that will just make the stain worse. Just use rubbing alcohol. It’s far less expensive than hairspray, and doesn’t include any extra ingredients.

Myth: Bleach cleans everything

Fact: Bleach actually doesn’t ‘clean’ anything—because it doesn’t remove soil. It can lighten stains, making things look cleaner, and it kills bacteria, so it’s better as a sanitizer than as a cleaner.

Myth: Feathers make great dusters

Fact: Genuine ostrich-feather dusters do attract dust, but they’re expensive and are generally not as effective as lambswool or microfiber options. Most feather dusters just spread the dust around. Also, they tend to drop feathers which is just leaving you more to pick up.

Myth: Cleaning solutions work instantly

Fact: Nope. We recommend allowing any cleaning solution to sit on the surface for two to three minutes. Always follow the directions on the product’s label. Some solutions, like disinfectants, need a full ten minutes to truly kill bacteria.

Myth: String makes the best mops

Fact: Industrial-style string mops may look impressive, but studies have shown that microfiber mops are about 20 percent more effective at removing dirt and bacteria. String mops are very absorbent, so they’re great at cleaning up big spills, but if you want to make sure you’re not leaving anything behind on the floor, use a microfiber mop.

Safety Tips for Winter Activities

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Winter recreational activities may help fight off cabin fever, but they also can be dangerous.

Before heading outside, brush up on these safety tips for the slopes, rink, and more.

Dressing the Part

Staying warm is important for all winter activities. Protect yourself from hypothermia by wearing polypropylene undergarments — which absorb sweat but also retain heat — and layers of water- and wind-resistant clothing. And don't forget the essentials: hats, gloves or mittens, wool socks, and waterproof boots.

Hitting the Slopes

These safety tips can help reduce your chances of injury when you're downhill skiing or snowboarding:

• Take lessons on how to stop, slow down and turn.
• Never ski or snowboard alone.
• Always wear a certified helmet with wraparound goggles.
• Secure loose straps or clothing.
• Identify the appropriate trails for your skill level.
• Check your equipment before and after each run.

Skating Outdoors

Keep these safety guidelines in mind when ice-skating or playing hockey outside:

• Stick to ice at least 6 inches thick and free of ice fishingholes and other debris.
• Avoid ice that has formed over running water, such as a river.
• Always wear a helmet: Hockey helmets offer the best protection.
• Wear proper hockey equipment, including pads and gloves.
• Learn how to properly fall on ice.

Snowmobile Cruising

Inexperience and poor judgment are both leading causes of snowmobile crashes. Learn how to ride safely:

• If you are a novice, consider taking a snowmobile or snow machine safety training course before your first outing.
• Wear a helmet that meets the current Department of Transportation certification standards.
• Wear appropriate cold weather gear, such as a snowmobile suit, snow bib, jackets, and gloves, to cut the wind, repel water and allow ventilation.
• Always go snowmobiling in groups and notify someone at home where the group is headed and the expected return time.
• Always check the weather conditions before departing.
• If traveling in mountainous terrain, check for "Avalanche Conditions."
• Know the area where you're riding, if possible. There may be hazards, such as washouts (melted snow, flowing water or erosion impacting the trail, road or field), fences and drop-offs in unfamiliar areas.
• Before departing, check your machine's fuel and fluid levels to make sure they are sufficient for the trip. You should also check the machine's overall condition and operation.
• Never drive too fast for your comfort level, and keep speeds below 40 miles per hour at night.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Avoid driving on ice, but if it's the only option, wear a lifejacket.
• Always ride sober, which includes avoiding prescription medications that may affect how you ride.
• Be cautious when crossing roadways.
• Never approach wildlife.
• Carry a first-aid kit, water and non-perishable food in case of a mishap on the trail.

Source: https://learningcenter.statefarm.com/safety-2/family-1/safety-tips-for-winter-activities/index.html?cmpid=enews-dec15#sthash.e6T1EjVt.dpuf

Asbestos: Dangers and Removal

3/10/2017 (Permalink)

Dangers of Asbestos!

Asbestos has been heavily used in the recent past as a soundproof, insulator and fireproof material in all types of buildings. It was later determined to be the cause of serious and fatal lung disorders. It is generally not considered to be a hazard unless it is disturbed from the location it rests. Removal is important, but you want to make sure it is done by experts like American Restoration that are EPA/AHERA certified.

Dangers of Asbestos

The tiny fibers that comprise asbestos material are the real culprit when it comes to health risks. Once they are set free in the air they become a danger to any living person or animal that breathes them in. It can cause a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma, or simply attack the lung function in other ways. Exposure over time can prove fatal in some cases.

Asbestos Cleanup and Asbestos Removal

The fibers from asbestos are considered so toxic that you should not attempt removal on your own. This is a project that should be well-planned and carried out by a professional licensed team like one at American Restoration. Anything less could mean putting the lives of you and your family at risk for serious health problems on down the line. It is not worth taking the chance. Asbestos cleanup is a sound investment for the sake of safety.

Asbestos Abatement

Our experts at American Restoration will come to your location and make a determination as to whether it is actually asbestos material. You can trust experienced professionals that are EPA/AHERA certified to make the right call. They will formulate a plan for the safe removal from your home or business. You will be involved in every level of planning so that you know the time frame and cost.

Forensics and Crime Scene Cleanup

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Forensics and Crime Scene Cleanup

Forensic scientists and crime scene technicians both play an essential role in investigating as well as solving crimes. Another crucial aspect not to be overlooked is crime scene cleanup, which is a critical element following the advent of a crime, particularly violent crimes. In many cases, crime scene cleanup in both commercial and residential settings involves dealing with potentially hazardous materials, such as blood, excrement, semen, and other bodily fluids. Forensics and crime scene cleanup are separate but related areas that must work hand in hand to get the job done. It is not just a matter of solving a crime or determining the cause of an accident, there are also safety concerns to be addressed.

While crime scene techs analyze the accident or crime scene and collect evidence, it is the forensic scientists who analyze the evidence in order to gather clues pointing to a possible suspect, the cause of death, or other key pieces of information. While their roles are quite different, they work in league together and law enforcement counts on the contributions of these professionals to help them solve crimes. Meanwhile, those charged with crime scene cleanup must adhere to strict guidelines and protocols in place for public safety reasons.

The technicians that are tasked with handling such cleanup areas have special training and knowledge to thoroughly evaluate, sanitize, clean, and disinfect a crime scene area, minimize emotional distress related to the incident, and restore a property to its former status. Moreover, these techs must also make certain any hazardous materials involved are disposed of in a proper fashion and that public safety is a priority.

Technicians who are trained in this field are experienced with a wide variety of crime scene cleanup situations. Whether the crime scene involves an accidental death, homicide, suicide, or some other type of injury, these specialists are extensively trained in accessing the scene and handling the cleanup in a thorough as well as professional manner.

Forensics and crime scene cleanup are separate but related areas that must work together to get the job done. It is important to understand the differences involved in both fields. While crime scene technicians, who are often based at police departments or other law enforcement agencies, spend much of their time in the field, forensic scientists usually work in forensic labs, which are controlled, monitored, and contained. Crime scene techs visit a variety of crime scenes to collect evidence and spend much of their workday out in the field, as well as on their feet. They never know until they arrive at the scene what conditions might be involved or how long it will take to clear the scene. They must sometimes work very long hours to ensure all evidence is collected. Conversely, forensic scientists usually work in a laboratory setting, which are kept comfortable, safe, and not exposed to the elements. Unlike crime scene techs, scientists who specialize in forensics are well aware of the environment they will be exposed to on a daily basis and usually work a standard 40-hour week. 

Once forensics is in order and the techs have completed their collection, crime scene cleanup must be handled before law enforcement can release the scene and allow citizens access to the affected area(s). No matter what quantities of bodily fluids or other contaminants might be present at a crime scene, crime scene cleanup techs are trained to handle the cleanup process with a detail-oriented approach, as well as special attention to safety and security protocols. Much like forensics itself, the devil is in the details.

Forensics

Since forensics is such a specialized area, scientists who are trained in forensics require more formal education than crime scene technicians do. In fact, many crime scene techs start out as law enforcement officers. Crime scene technicians might have a two-year degree and some criminal justice training, especially at rural or smaller law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, metropolitan or larger departments might require their crime scene technicians to have a bachelor’s degree in science or forensic investigation. On the other hand, scientists who specialize in forensics must have at least an undergraduate degree in a natural science, such as physics, biology, or chemistry. While crime scene technicians need specialized training in criminal investigation, forensic scientists often need only a science degree because they do not investigate crimes directly and are usually not in the field. Instead, they conduct scientific experiments and analysis related to forensics. However, some scientists who pursue this occupation opt to supplement their science training with graduate degrees in forensic investigation.

Other factors to consider in relation to crime scene cleanup include making sure the technicians involved are in fact experts in their field and properly trained, that no crime scene is too big or small to handle, and they are ready to assist those affected through their ordeal, no matter what is involved. Additional important features of a crime scene cleanup team include fast response, around-the-clock availability (24/7/365 days a year), current sanitation and decontamination techniques and/or equipment, as well as full service accommodations at all crime scene locations.

While forensic scientists and crime scene technicians both play an essential role in investigating as well as solving crimes, another crucial aspect not to be overlooked is crime scene cleanup, which is a critical element following the advent of a crime, particularly violent crimes. In many cases, crime scene cleanup in both commercial and residential settings involves dealing with potentially hazardous materials, such as blood, excrement, semen, and other bodily fluids. Forensics and crime scene cleanup are separate but related areas that must work hand in hand to get the job done. It is not just a matter of solving a crime or determining the cause of an accident, there are also many safety concerns to be considered. These safety concerns involve not only the affected crime scene areas, but public safety as well. Any hazardous materials involved in a crime scene must be disposed of in a proper fashion and public safety protocols must be adhered to in order for law enforcement to release the scene, as well as the public to be allowed access.

Why does my carpet smell?

3/2/2017 (Permalink)

Does your home have a mysterious bad smell?

If you've already checked the fridge and your trash bins and can't find the source, it could be that you're in need of a carpet cleaning or carpet deodorizer.

Just like stains, carpet fibers can trap odors, making them linger in your home indefinitely. If you think your carpet could be the problem, consider the possible sources of the odor.

Moisture or dampness

Sometimes, moisture can get underneath the carpet and carpet pad, leading to musty odors.

This moisture can come from humidity, spills or potted plants that drip onto the carpeting.

A flood can also cause carpet odor, such as when a finished basement floods during a rainstorm.

If not addressed properly, continued moisture exposure can cause mold and mildew to grow under the carpet padding. Not only will it increase the smell, it also creates a health risk.

Pet odor

When pets use the carpet as a bathroom, the smell can really linger.

Even after a carpet cleaning, the smell of pet urine may return. This is due to the gases released by the bacteria that are digesting the urine. If any of the urine remains in the rug fibers, it will continue to smell.

The same is true for vomit, another common problem associated with pets and carpeting.

These bacteria are activated by water, which is why the smell may intensify after a thorough cleaning.

Dry carpet cleaning treatments or treatments that use enzymatic odor removal products are the best solution for eliminating pet smells. Enzymes are particularly effective because they attack the bacteria, thus eliminating the source of the smell.

Cigarette smoke

If a smoker lives in the home, the carpet can collect the cigarette smoke odor.

While the homeowners may not notice the stench because they live with it, visitors or someone who purchases the home will definitely notice the smoke smell.

A professional carpet cleaner may be able to remove the smell, but if the smoking was excessive, a carpet deodorizer may not be enough, and the carpeting may need to be replaced.

Old age

Carpeting is made from fibers. Over time, those fibers break down. When the carpet begins to smell old, there is little that can be done.

Carpet cleaning cannot take the old, musty smell from carpet. This is when it simply needs to be replaced.

In addition to the smell, old carpet starts to release dust, which can contribute to indoor allergies.

Food and drink spills

Food and drinks that spill onto carpet can lead to odors.

Like pet smells, these organic products attract bacteria. As the bacteria break down, they release smelly gasses. Again, professional carpet cleaning is the best solution to remove the smell.

Once you find the source of your carpet odor, you can decide on the best treatment. For organic smells like pet odors or food spills, consider two professional cleanings to thoroughly remove the bacteria.

For other problems, like old age or mold, you may need to replace the carpet. Knowing where the odor is coming from will help you make the right decision for treatment.

/lifestyles/home-and-garden/why-does-my-carpet-smell/article_bfdfccde-9a9f-5f9c-8938-c1ff71734c5b.html

How much snow on your roof is too much?

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

Snow roof risks

Snow levels totaled over 19 inches in the Orange County area after the Superbowl blizzard this weekend. When snow/ice on your roof exceeds 20-25 lbs. per square foot, your roof may be in the 'Danger Zone.' A roof rake can help to safely remove snow and prevent damage to your home. As the ice and snow begin to melt, it's the best time to check for leaks. Check for soft spots on your roof, ceilings, and walls. Look for signs of water around windows, showers, and toilets.

If you happen to have roof damage or water leaks from the snow, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties is here to help 24/7! We provide emergency board-ups, water mitigation services, and reconstruction including roof repairs. 

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Storm Damage Issues in Orange County, NY

2/25/2017 (Permalink)

Storms can damage your home as they pass through. Call SERVPRO today to remediate!

SERVPRO Technicians are Ready to Assess and Tackle Storm Damage to Your Property

Although snow is only expected for two days over the next week, we all know that the forecast can change on a dime. With the threat of a new polar vortex coming our way, now is the time to consider what to do if your home suffers damage from the coming weather.

Storm damage to New York homes does not have to be a permanent problem. Roofs can be fixed or replaced, and outside walls can be repaired. SERVPRO has a full construction division, so we are one of the largest restoration companies in the State of New York when it comes to putting the interior & exterior of your home back together after the snowstorms have passed.

First, our response team will remove any standing water or puddles that are in your home. As a company with a nationwide network available, we can use the exact size pumps needed to get the job done.

Next, we will use specialized vacuums and extractors to draw out the water from your carpets and floors. Technicians will then use heaters that are designed to touch and dry carpets without scorching the fibers or discoloring them. If the carpets have been under water for too long, the pads underneath may need to be removed and replaced.

As the carpets are dried out, commercial heaters and dehumidifiers will be used to dry out floors and walls. Besides the need to prevent wood floors from warping, returning your home to a normal level of moisture also helps to prevent the growth of mold.

If the water removed from your home has a large amount of dirt or other soil in it, you will need us to clean and sanitize the carpets and floors as well. We have a large inventory of cleaners and sanitization agents to accomplish this. If the water has been standing for too long, we may also need to apply deodorizing cleaners to furniture and walls to remove lingering odors.

Dealing with the aftermath of a severe storm is never simple. At this time of year, it can be a disaster. SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties is here to help you restore your home to its original state and hopefully get you back in the holiday spirit. Call us today at (845)-342-3333 to get started.

Sometimes, we feel like superheroes!

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange County responds to hundreds of jobs each year.

Whether it be a burst pipe, a kitchen fire or mold found in the basement, most of our customers are dealing with a stressful situation and trust us to be the experts who can help them out. For our customers, having their home and belongings destroyed is a traumatic experience. The opportunity to come into a home in need with the knowledge, equipment and skilled workers required to repair the damage is greatly rewarding to us. 

We received the following testimonial from Linda C. on "Angie's List" that exemplifies why we love the work we do.  Thank you, Linda.  You made us feel like superheroes!

"We never realized before how important it is to clean air ducts. This fall, a family member with asthma experienced difficulties whenever the hot air furnace turned on. We kept the furnace off and contacted several NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) contractors and left messages; however no one returned our calls. After several days of waiting in the cold, a local (unnamed) service provider recommended SERVPRO. We were grateful to the local company for recommending a competitor, SERVPRO.  SERVPRO's response was fast and professional. We are completely satisfied with their work 

Professional workers from SERVPRO responded after urgent call from homeowner. Arrived the very next morning and worked for several long hours in a cold house until the work was finished.  We are completely satisfied with their work. Problem resolved. No more dust or contaminants in the air ducts, and family member with asthma experienced no further breathing difficulties after work was completed. We were able to use our furnace once again.  There is a noticeable difference in the air quality throughout the house. Three individuals who provided service were excellent workers, left each room in perfect condition and communicated with us the steps involved, and gave us reports on the work progress and what to expect from the results. Excellent service professionals. We highly recommend this company."

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim for Water Damage

2/19/2017 (Permalink)

Having a water damage is never something expected. Coming home to a house filled with water can be a traumatic experience.

Something to Know:

Every insurance policy is different. Therefore, what will be covered may only be determined by reading your policy or calling your insurance agent/insurance company to have them determine coverage. 

Knowledge is Power:

Be sure you know who your insurance company is and how to contact them. You may want to list the phone number for your insurance company on your refrigerator for easy access. You could also add your insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number to your cell phone to have ready at all times. You never know when this information is going to be important. 

Stay Calm:

This experience can be upsetting. It's important to stay calm when you are talking to your insurance company so they can ask all the essential questions to set up your claim and get the ball rolling. 

Take Pictures:

Document the situation every step of the way to help your insurance company understand the full extent of the damage. Take pictures of every room that sustained damage, structural materials affected and personal items. These pictures will help your adjuster understand the full picture of what happened and what will be involved in restoring your house and the contents affected.

Ask Questions:

Resolving the water damage issue can be very confusing. Feel free to ask as many questions as you can think of to your insurance company so that you understand what will happen next every step of the way. It's important to know what your roles are and what your insurance company will be doing for you.

Use a company with IICRC Certified Technicians:

While there are many companies that may be willing to help you clean up from your water damage, it is important to utilize a company that has technicians who have been trained to properly perform mitigation. SERVPRO prides itself on the fact that our technicians are IICRC certified. Our technicians go through on-the-job training and complete IICRC training so that we can keep up with the latest techniques and technologies to dry your home out quickly to eliminate further damage. Education and training is very important to satisfying our customers. http://www.IICRC.org/education-certification/ 

Timing is important with water damage

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage, SERVPRO of Orange County can help.

Summer time in Orange County humidity and summer storms. When water stands and causes damage it can continue to cause damage and cost even more money to repair the secondary damage. So, the old adage is never truer than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property is wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage.  That's why emergency response matters.  

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air.  Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation.  The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry.  The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc.  Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow.  This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.

Storms, floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday.  So why should your restoration provider?  SERVPRO of Orange County Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods and training to get the job done right as quickly as possible.

If the unthinkable happens, call your local SERVPRO of Orange County Professionals at (845)342-3333 seven days a week 24/7 to help you avoid the cost and hassle of secondary damages.  We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

Timing is important with water damage

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage, SERVPRO of Orange County can help.

Summer time in Orange County humidity and summer storms. When water stands and causes damage it can continue to cause damage and cost even more money to repair the secondary damage. So, the old adage is never truer than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property is wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage.  That's why emergency response matters.  

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air.  Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation.  The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry.  The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc.  Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow.  This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.

Storms, floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday.  So why should your restoration provider?  SERVPRO of Orange County Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods and training to get the job done right as quickly as possible.

If the unthinkable happens, call your local SERVPRO of Orange County Professionals at (845)342-3333 seven days a week 24/7 to help you avoid the cost and hassle of secondary damages.  We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

What the Puff?!

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

The soot from a puff back is sticky, greasy, and grimy!

As the weather changes from summer to fall, shorts turn into pants, lemonade turns to hot cocoa, and the cool hum of an AC turns to the warm surroundings of heat. However, your furnace has just sat dormant for the past 6 months and this duration of time and non-usage can result in a puff back. The term "Puff back" refers to the sudden discharge of soot into the dwelling area caused by a malfunction in the heating system. The soot from a puff back is a sticky, greasy, grimy mess like you have never seen and it can create the risk of severe health hazards in your home. All those minuscule, oil based particles that just shot out of your furnace are now embed in your curtains, carpets, and clothing while contaminating the air with known carcinogens. Running a vacuum over it will only grind the soot deeper and create stains that will never come out. Wiping the soot from walls and ceilings creates a place where paint will no longer stick. Unless the soot is quickly and professionally removed, it can cause corrosion of metals on doorknobs, faucets, and even electronic equipment throughout the home. Due to the fact that every inch of the home is affected, a puff back is an overwhelming job to clean properly and should not be performed as a DIY.

This is where the SERVPRO team can help! You can trust SERVPRO to clean EVERYTHING. We are your one stop shop for puff back and smoke damage cleanup in the Orange County area. If your home has been affected by a furnace puff back - call us at 845-342-3333  we can help you get your home and possessions back to preloss condition - Like it never even happened.^® 

Does Your Home Have a Fire Escape Plan?

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

Every household or commercial business should develop a plan in case of an emergency fire.

Planning a Fire Escape Basics

• There should be two ways to get out of every room, and all members of your household should be aware of them.
• Add escape ladders to areas or homes above the second floor, especially sleeping areas. Train household members in how to use them and store them near windows.
• Practice home fire drills periodically (at least twice a year) so that everyone knows how to do one in less than two minutes. The objective of a fire drill is to practice, not to frighten, so a planned drill can be just as effective.
• Teach younger family members the stop, drop, and roll method for dealing with clothes that have caught fire.
• Make special arrangements in your plan for infants or anyone with a disability. Assign someone to assist disabled family members in case of an emergency.
• Install smoke alarms inside and outside of every sleeping area of your home.
• Find an outside meeting place that’s a safe distance away from your home that everyone can reach after an escape. Make sure everyone is aware of its location.
• Always choose the safest escape route, meaning the one with least amount of smoke and heat. Practice getting low and traveling beneath smoke when you perform a fire drill.
• Close doors on the way out during a fire to slow it down and give you more time to safely escape. In situations where fire prevents you from leaving the home, you should practice “sealing yourself in for safety” as part of your fire escape plan. Put as many doors between you and the fire as possible, and cover air vents to prevent smoke from reaching you. Open windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in.
• Under no circumstances should you ever go back inside a burning building. Do not try to retrieve belongings. If someone is still inside, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Only a trained firefighter has the skills and equipment needed to perform a rescue.

After The Storm Is Over-Mold Remediation In Orange County, NY

2/10/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold? SERVPRO of Orange County can help!

Information on Mold Remediation in Orange County

Mold growth can begin anywhere from 2-3 days after a storm causes water damage.  The mold is a harmful issue, and it can negatively affect your health, house, and the contents within your home.  As the length of exposure to storm water damage increases, the chance for air spores that spread mold also escalates. Mold remediation becomes more challenging as the signs of mold growth that include musty odors, and discolored surfaces, become more apparent.

Act Fast

Our highly trained mold removal technicians use the latest technology and tools to quickly address your mold problem in a manner that effectively removes mold colonies. Unlike DIY techniques, our SERVPRO professional service does not carry the risk of improperly removing mold, in this way, expediting a more rapid return to a healthy home environment.  We are also trained and licensed to handle lead, asbestos and other dangerous materials that may show up during the mold removal process.

We are available 24 per day. Before your appointment, be sure to:

• Inventory damaged and missing goods for your insurance claim.
• Throw away all sealed and unsealed food and beverage contacted by storm flood waters. 
• Open windows and doors.
• Refrain from using electrical devices until it is safe.
• Remove standing water when possible.
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to ventilate your home; SERVPRO can perform this task upon arrival.

Our mold remediation technician will also determine if any contents in your home are salvageable.  Porous items that are wet for over 48 hours and cannot be completely dried and cleaned must be disposed of.

This list includes carpet, carpet padding, ceiling tiles, clothing, drywall, floor tiles, insulation, leather goods, paper, upholstery, wallpaper and wood items.

When our mold remediation expert arrives, he will:

• Apply biocides.
• Decide whether or not you can stay in your house during the mold remediation process.
• Determine if additional ventilation and containment is needed.
• Look for mold in the HVAC system and biological hazards in the home.
• Test for any additional mold after the mold remediation process.
• Use quick structural drying techniques.

Here are some more helpful links on mold:

EPA Mold Guide

IICRC 5 Principles to Mold Remediation

Replace or Restore how can you save costs?

1/31/2017 (Permalink)

A Orange County property during the drying process.

Water is a vital part of life, when controlled properly it can be helpful and sustain us in our everyday lives. When out of control it can make our lives miserable, and can even do us harm.

If you have dealt with water damage before you know that water restoration services are not cheap. You also know how traumatic they can be, disrupting our lives and causing havoc in our home or business. However, if we look closely, the amount of money that you’ll be spending on water repair damage is significantly lower as compared to the cost of repairing structural damage and replacing personal belongings. Having SERVPRO of Orange County guide you through the trauma efficiently by restoration rather than replacement, can give you piece of mind and save costs.

When water enters our home, it can come with germs and bacteria, it can even promote fungal growth if given enough time and conditions. Oftentimes, mold spores inhabit our home long after the water has disappeared from view.  If you act quickly you can impact the amount of damage to your property and your personal belongings.

While there is no standard cost for water repair damage, the cost is based on several factors. This includes the type of water, the extent of damage and the size of the affected area.

Category 1 (Clean water): Water comes from a faucet, malfunctioning appliance connected to a water line or a supply pipe. This is the least expensive. However if left unmitigated fungal growth can occur in 48 -72 hours from the initial incident.  When fungal growth begins this can change the category and add to costs as procedures to protect workers are also increased.

Category 2 (Grey water): Grey water contains biological and chemical pollutants that can cause illness. Common sources are water that is discharged from washing machine, dishwasher or toilet.

Category 3 (Black water): This is the most detrimental of the group and is also the most expensive. Water contains harmful bacteria that may cause severe discomfort or sickness. Common sources are overflowing rivers and streams, sewage and standing water. Category two water that is left stagnant for more than 48 hours falls under this category.

Restoring your home after water damage could be a frustrating experience. Water or excess moisture could harm your home and its content. The faster you take action, the less damage you’ll have in your home. Here are some tips you can use until we get to your home: http://www.SERVPROOSU.com/water-damage-tips  

The Benefits of a Professional Carpet Cleaning

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning in process

A professional carpet cleaning can improve the appearance of your home or business, your health, and even extend the life of your carpet. Although a carpet cleaning machine may be cheaper, you miss out on a number of unique advantages that a carpet cleaning service can provide. Namely, with a professional carpet cleaning you will save time and ensure that your carpet is thorough and effectively cleaned.

Don’t Stress

One of the nicest bonuses of having a professional cleaner is that you won’t have to stress over moving furniture out of the room. Once the carpets are dry, your cleaner will move all the furniture back to where it belongs. You also won’t have to worry about removing stains, applying pre-treatment solutions, or carrying heavy cleaning equipment from room to room. Nope, with a professional cleaning service you save time on all of these things.

Restore Your Carpet’s Original Beauty

A professional carpet cleaner’s objective is to restore your carpet to its original quality. Not only will this leave your carpet with a fresh and clean look, but it’ll help extend the life your carpet. Furthermore, carpets are safe havens for mold and mildew. Often times mold will occur after someone attempts to clean their carpet themselves, and leaves it excessively wet. A professional carpet cleaner will make sure your carpets avoid becoming oversaturated with water.

Certified Equipment and Cleaning Solutions

With a professional carpet cleaner, you’ll get the promise of professional grade equipment operated by experienced cleaners. When it comes to removing tough stains, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the strongest machinery. Experienced carpet cleaners also have knowledge of different types of carpets and brands, so they can suggest the best methods and products for the job, rather than risking a rental or store-bought cleaning solution.

Professional Carpet Cleaning Services from SERVPRO

If you need professional carpet cleaning services then SERVPRO are the people to call SERVPRO of Orange County offers a range of cleaning services for jobs of any shape or size. We follow EPA codes and can help keep your air ducts clean and mold free in order to keep it a healthy and happy place to live. For more information on our services, call 845-342-3333 visit us online and follow us on Facebook.

Protect Your Home or Business

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Cold weather can wreak havoc and cause costly damage to your home or business if you are not properly prepared.

To help prevent weather-related damages, consider taking the following precautions before winter weather hits.

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches.  Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building.  Clear out the gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall.  Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, causing roof damage and interior water problems.
• Clean chimneys and exhaust systems to ensure they are free of debris.
• Test gas lines if they have been dormant to ensure they are in good working order with no leaks.
• Inspect your property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.    
• Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. Make sure all exterior pipes are properly insulated.
• If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement of crawl space.  Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.       
• Make sure all exterior doors, garages, roll-ups, and windows have sufficient weather stripping.
• Ask your local SERVPRO of Orange County about completing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business.  The ERP is a no cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster. Call us 27/7 at (845)342-3333.

The Different Types of Smoke

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke. A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine th

Your local SERVPRO of Orange County knows smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.  Our knowledge of building systems helps us investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. 

Here are some facts you may not know about smoke:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

The Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke- wet and dry.  As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.  Before restoration begins, a SERVPRO of Orange County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. 

Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.  Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue

Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Orange County can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue

Special loss situations require special care.  SERVPRO of Orange County are trained to handle even the toughest losses.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.

Restoring commercial properties presents unique challenges. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Orange County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call us anytime, 24/7 at (845)-342-3333.

After The Storm Is Over-Mold Remediation In Orange County, NY

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold? SERVPRO of Orange County can help!

Information on Mold Remediation in Orange County

Mold growth can begin anywhere from 2-3 days after a storm causes water damage.  The mold is a harmful issue, and it can negatively affect your health, house, and the contents within your home.  As the length of exposure to storm water damage increases, the chance for air spores that spread mold also escalates. Mold remediation becomes more challenging as the signs of mold growth that include musty odors, and discolored surfaces, become more apparent.

Act Fast

Our highly trained mold removal technicians use the latest technology and tools to quickly address your mold problem in a manner that effectively removes mold colonies. Unlike DIY techniques, our SERVPRO professional service does not carry the risk of improperly removing mold, in this way, expediting a more rapid return to a healthy home environment.  We are also trained and licensed to handle lead, asbestos and other dangerous materials that may show up during the mold removal process.

We are available 24 per day. Before your appointment, be sure to:

• Inventory damaged and missing goods for your insurance claim.
• Throw away all sealed and unsealed food and beverage contacted by storm flood waters. 
• Open windows and doors.
• Refrain from using electrical devices until it is safe.
• Remove standing water when possible.
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to ventilate your home; SERVPRO can perform this task upon arrival.

Our mold remediation technician will also determine if any contents in your home are salvageable.  Porous items that are wet for over 48 hours and cannot be completely dried and cleaned must be disposed of.

This list includes carpet, carpet padding, ceiling tiles, clothing, drywall, floor tiles, insulation, leather goods, paper, upholstery, wallpaper and wood items.

When our mold remediation expert arrives, he will:

• Apply biocides.
• Decide whether or not you can stay in your house during the mold remediation process.
• Determine if additional ventilation and containment is needed.
• Look for mold in the HVAC system and biological hazards in the home.
• Test for any additional mold after the mold remediation process.
• Use quick structural drying techniques.

Here are some more helpful links on mold:

EPA Mold Guide

IICRC 5 Principles to Mold Remediation

Storm Damage Issues in Orange County, NY

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Storms can damage your home as they pass through. Call SERVPRO today to remediate!

Although snow is only expected for two days over the next week, we all know that the forecast can change on a dime. With the threat of a new polar vortex coming our way, now is the time to consider what to do if your home suffers damage from the coming weather.

Storm damage to New York homes does not have to be a permanent problem. Roofs can be fixed or replaced, and outside walls can be repaired. SERVPRO has a full construction division, so we are one of the largest restoration companies in the State of New York when it comes to putting the interior & exterior of your home back together after the snowstorms have passed.

First, our response team will remove any standing water or puddles that are in your home. As a company with a nationwide network available, we can use the exact size pumps needed to get the job done.

Next, we will use specialized vacuums and extractors to draw out the water from your carpets and floors. Technicians will then use heaters that are designed to touch and dry carpets without scorching the fibers or discoloring them. If the carpets have been under water for too long, the pads underneath may need to be removed and replaced.

As the carpets are dried out, commercial heaters and dehumidifiers will be used to dry out floors and walls. Besides the need to prevent wood floors from warping, returning your home to a normal level of moisture also helps to prevent the growth of mold.

If the water removed from your home has a large amount of dirt or other soil in it, you will need us to clean and sanitize the carpets and floors as well. We have a large inventory of cleaners and sanitization agents to accomplish this. If the water has been standing for too long, we may also need to apply deodorizing cleaners to furniture and walls to remove lingering odors.

Dealing with the aftermath of a severe storm is never simple. At this time of year, it can be a disaster. SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties is here to help you restore your home to its original state and hopefully get you back in the holiday spirit. Call us today at (845)-342-3333 to get started.

The Various Scenarios of Mold Remediation

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Got mold? Call SERVPRO of Orange County?

Protecting your home from the ravages of mold can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for or don't know you have it. However, it's a process that every homeowner should consider in order to protect the structural integrity of their home as well as the health and wellness of their family.

The Four W's of Mold...

The process of determining if you have mold, and if so, what type begins with 5 questions that cover a number of considerations. It's a given that mold only grows in damp conditions. As a result, you must ask yourself if you or a neighbor has a water leak? Mold only takes a few days to form in moist situations. Even if you don't have a leak, your neighbor's leak could become a true bone of contention for you if you live in an apartment or duplex.

What Where and When...

Obviously, if you can visibly see mold you know you have a problem that needs resolving. Determining what type of mold you have becomes the obvious next step. Additionally, if you have water that pools against the exterior of your house when it rains, the moisture will affect not only exterior walls but the interior walls as well. It's just a question of "when."

Other Indicators...

In addition to visibly seeing mold, a musty moldy smell is a good indication that your dwelling has a mold issue. If the atmosphere in your home is humid, and your windows sweat revealing condensation, these are conditions that are ripe for developing a problem with mold if you don't already have one. Flair ups with allergies and illness in your pets are also strong indicators of a mold problem. Mold is a serious issue that can impact not only the infrastructure of your house but the health of your family members. Even if you plan on moving it's a good idea to have your new home tested for the presence of mold as a safety measure.

Having your home tested for mold is a good investment to protect the health and the integrity of both your family and your homes structure. After all, an ounce of prevention is always worth a ton of cure.

The Various Scenarios of Mold Remediation

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

Got Mold? Call SERVPRO of Orange County!

Protecting your home from the ravages of mold can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for or don't know you have it. However, it's a process that every homeowner should consider in order to protect the structural integrity of their home as well as the health and wellness of their family.

The Four W's of Mold...

The process of determining if you have mold, and if so, what type begins with 5 questions that cover a number of considerations. It's a given that mold only grows in damp conditions. As a result, you must ask yourself if you or a neighbor has a water leak? Mold only takes a few days to form in moist situations. Even if you don't have a leak, your neighbor's leak could become a true bone of contention for you if you live in an apartment or duplex.

What Where and When...

Obviously, if you can visibly see mold you know you have a problem that needs resolving. Determining what type of mold you have becomes the obvious next step. Additionally, if you have water that pools against the exterior of your house when it rains, the moisture will affect not only exterior walls but the interior walls as well. It's just a question of "when."

Other Indicators...

In addition to visibly seeing mold, a musty moldy smell is a good indication that your dwelling has a mold issue. If the atmosphere in your home is humid, and your windows sweat revealing condensation, these are conditions that are ripe for developing a problem with mold if you don't already have one. Flair ups with allergies and illness in your pets are also strong indicators of a mold problem. Mold is a serious issue that can impact not only the infrastructure of your house but the health of your family members. Even if you plan on moving it's a good idea to have your new home tested for the presence of mold as a safety measure.

Having your home tested for mold is a good investment to protect the health and the integrity of both your family and your homes structure. After all, an ounce of prevention is always worth a ton of cure.

Flood Damage Restoration

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties will wash away all of your worries!

Flood Damage Restoration in Orange County

Flood damage in Orange County is often unexpected but always has the potential to inflict severe damage to residential properties. Particularly vulnerable are homes located at the bottom of a hill or valley, which will receive incoming water from their uphill counterparts. However, even homes on high ground may be susceptible to unpredictable flash flooding, and should always be prepared for the damages that may result from even a small flood.

Soaked and Ruined Flooring

Perhaps the most common casualty in a home is its flooring.Floods will typically cover the entire first and lower floors of a building, soaking in between cracks and holes and causing large and obtrusive damage. In many cases, full replacement of the flooring in each room is necessary, as grout, paste, and all manner of other adherents are dissolved or washed away by water. Additionally, floodwater can contain staining materials and mud, which can visually ruin a floor.

Destroyed Electronics and Electrical Hazards

Depending on the intensity of the floods, floor-based electronics such as speakers, lighting fixtures or even some televisions may be destroyed by floodwaters. These can, however, be exceedingly dangerous as they may have open circuits leading into the water. If the floodwaters are high enough, they may pour directly into an outlet. Electrocution is a major hazard, so be extremely cautious if you enter a home while water is still there.

Mold and Fungus Growth

Mold and fungi like dark, damp places to grow. During a flood, the conditions are perfect for their growth. Call SERVPRO immediately so we can identify and clean up the mold, as it may cause adverse health effects.

Your Finances

If you don't have flood coverage, you may end up being forced to pay out-of-pocket for any damages. Regular homeowners' insurance doesn't typically cover flooding, and a separate policy may be necessary. If you don't have flood insurance, be sure to consult with your insurance provider.

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is a well-respected local business specializing in many different kinds of restoration services.. We can help to repair and restore flood damage of all kinds, and will help you to get through the process. Call us anytime at (845) 342-3333 for a consultation or advice.

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

There are thousands of types of molds!

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

·         Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

·         Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

·         Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

·         Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

·         Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

·         Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties  can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment to have your mold problem seem “Like it never even happened.”

Six Classes of Fire Damage

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is known for their professionalism, expertise and timely responses to all fire damage needs.

The Six Classes of Fire Damage: Your Quick Reference Guide

Although no one wants to experience a fire in their office or home, you never know when this unwanted disaster could transpire. Whether the disaster transpires because of a brush fire or bad electrical wiring, your property could suffer a wide range of adverse, inconveniencing outcomes. There are six classes of Orange County fire damage that your property can be subjected to. Learn more about these classes by reviewing the quick reference guide that appears below:

Six Classes of Fire Damage

1. Class A

This type of fire damage results from combustible items in your household such as rubber, plastics, paper, and wood.

2. Class B

Class B damages pertain to damage that results from liquids. It can also include solid items that became liquefied. Examples include paints, waxes, petrol, and gasoline. This class of Orange County fire damage does not include deterioration resulting from cooking liquids such as corn oil.

3. Class C

This type of fire damage results from flammable gasses. Some flammable gasses include hydrogen, methane, acetylene, and propane.

4. Class D

This kind of fire damage in Orange County  results from combustible metals. Some of them include magnesium, potassium, and titanium. This class is not common given that metals typically direct heat away from the fire.

5. Class E

Class E is a fire damage category that includes electrical equipment while also incorporating the materials from categories A and B. In addition to generating distinct types of damage, this class of fire damage makes it much more challenging to fight the fire.

6. Class F

Class F fire damage results from unsaturated cooking materials such as fats and oils.

Finding The Right Fire Damage Restoration Company

Irrespective of the category of fire damage that surfaces on your property, it is important for you to attain high-quality restoration services as soon as possible. To ensure that you attain the cutting edge, customized fire damage restoration services that you need and deserve, make sure the company you select possesses all of the following attributes:

• A good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating

• IICRC-certified technicians

• Excellent customer service

• Good online reviews

When you find that your company has been impacted by fire damage, don't wait. Instead, accelerate and optimize the recovery process by obtaining the best restoration services on the block. As a company with more than 30 years of industry experience, the professionals of SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties have built a strong reputation for consistently offering clients the excellent, expedient fire damage restoration services they deserve.

Six Signs Water Damage Is Ruining Your Foundation

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties with all of your water damage needs.

Water Damage in Pine Bush Can Be Restored by SERVPRO

Pine Bush water damage may be fairly simple to spot, especially if you are a hands-on homeowner, who fixes and repairs things as they crop up. The problem is that water damage to foundations is not an easy water damaging problem to identify.

Nevertheless, the key to minimizing the extent of the damage is always to spot it quickly and address it as soon as possible. How are you supposed to achieve this if you don’t know that there is water damage in the first place? This guide, provided by SERVPRO, to some of the most common symptoms of water damage within foundations will help you spot any problem areas.

Symptom One: Water Below Ground

If you are routinely dealing with standing water in the basement, you are probably getting a little stressed out. As a consolation, however, it does mean that you can be reasonably sure of a foundation problem. Standing water only accumulates and sits in a basement if drainage systems are not functioning properly.

Symptom Two: Overly Damp Soil

If you speculate that there could be an issue with moisture, take a look at the soil around the foundations of the property. If it is unusually wet (even after days without rain), there is a good chance that groundwater is seeping into the foundation.

Symptom Three: Water in the Crawlspace

Standing water or condensation and moisture building up within a crawlspace is a pretty good sign that something is wrong with the foundation, circulation of air, lack of adequate insulation, or burst pipe. If it is too damp in this area, the quality of the air in your house can decline, and it may give off a musty odor.

Symptom Four: Sagging and Bowing Floors

A lot of homeowners walk up and down uneven floors for years before they spot a problem. You can test the level of your own with nothing more than a small rubber ball. Unless you know of a reason the foundation is or could be unlevel and not caused by water damage, imbalances should be checked out immediately. They can indicate soil erosion due to water.

Symptom Five: Slimy Patches Outside

When the water from rains and storms is draining away from the property in a secure and efficient manner, it never spends enough time close to the building to have a lasting impact. On the other hand, if groundwater is pooling, you may be able to spot slimy and moldy patches on the outer walls of your home.

Symptom Six: Mal-functioning Doorframes or windows

This might sound like a surprising sign, but if your doorframes used to open and close correctly, but have recently started to stick, the problem could be moisture related. It may be a sign that the doorframes have begun to warp, from excessive water absorption.

Call SERVPRO of Idaho Falls for any unwanted water damaging situations that may occur on your property. We are experts in water removal, cleanup, and water damage restoration. We will recondition your home "Like it never even happened."

We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

As leaders in the water damage industry, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties has advanced expertise and training, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We proudly serve the communities of Pine Bush, Newburgh, Port Jervis and more.. Call us 24/7 for help at (845) 342-3333.

The Fire Is Put Out...Now What?

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties will make the damage to your house seem “Like it never even happened.

You’ve called 911 and the firefighters have come put out the fire in your home.  While the immediate danger has passed, the fire will continue to damage the home if professionals are not called in.  

Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors.  

According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, just minutes after a fire, soot residue settles onto the property.  Discoloration of porous materials is permanent but other surfaces can be cleaned to remove the damage.  If not treated quickly, acidic soot begins staining other surfaces.  

Within hours all surfaces begin to suffer from fire and smoke damage.  Wooden furniture may require refinishing, metal begins to rust, pit and corrode and painted walls begin to yellow.  In addition, some clothing can be permanently stained and your flooring could end up requiring you to refinish or replace it.  

If left untreated, within weeks the restoration process will take longer and cost you more.  The prolonged soot exposure can ruin some of your belongings and is also not good for you and your family’s health.

If a professional isn’t hired to clean smoke and fire damage, the costs for restoration will skyrocket after a few weeks. Smoke and soot removal is not a job you should do by yourself.

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and S.Ulster Counties is here to help you with all of your fire damage needs.  Our trained professionals are available 24/7 and have the cleaning and restoration experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.  

For more information on our fire restoration services, click here or call us at 845-342-3333

Orange County Commercial Businesses - Protect Yourself From A Fire

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Do not let your business go up in flames!

The owner of a commercial business has many things to keep track of.  From the amount of profit the business is drawing in, keeping track of the competition and struggling to stay on top, it is easy for owners to forget about something as important as fire safety.  

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, in 2014 alone there were 1,298,000 fires reported in the United States.  These fires caused 3,275 civilian deaths, 15,775 civilian injuries and $11.6 billion in property damage.  

It is imperative that business owners and employees in a commercial business understand the most common causes for commercial fires so they can avoid them.  According to safety.blr.com there are 8 common causes of workplace fires and how you can avoid them.    

1. Heating equipment

Heating equipment can easily cause commercial fires if they are improperly installed, operated or not maintained correctly.  Make sure to keep any materials or building components away from the minimum clearance distances on all sides and above.  Do not use any temporary heating units like portable heaters in public buildings and never store combustible materials in furnace rooms.    

2. Electrical

Misused, overloaded, damaged or improperly maintained electrical equipment are a common cause of a workplace fire.  Do not leave any cords coiled up when plugged in and only use extension cords for temporary power for equipment in use at the moment.  Use multiple outlet strips for computer equipment, not for appliances of other electric equipment.  Avoid overloading circuits.  

3. Cooking equipment

Make sure all of the cooking equipment in your breakroom never go unwatched when they are being used.  Ensure any room with cooking materials is equipped with a smoke detector.  In addition, be sure to follow cooking instructions for anything that is made in the microwave.  

4. Mechanical friction

Keep mechanical bearings properly lubricated and aligned. Keep conveyors and mobile equipment cleaned and free of accumulations of combustible materials. Any improperly maintained or cleaned mechanical equipment can lead to a fire.   

5. Housekeeping

Not only can poor housekeeping conditions cause a fire, it can also make it that much easier for an existing fire to spread.  Avoid excessive storage of boxes and other combustible material.  In order to ensure your employees can get out in case of a fire or other emergency, make sure stored material never blocks exits, walkways, electrical panels or emergency equipment.     

6. Proximity hazards

Nearby fuel tanks or dumpsters could cause a fire hazard.  Avoid putting them extremely close to your building.  In addition, keep landscaping neat to avoid excess grass, weeds or brush near your business.

7. Smoking

Consider banning smoking from your facility.  Poor setup of smoking areas and people who are careless with their cigarette butts can put everyone at risk for a fire.  

8. Special Hazards

Keep track of any special hazards your business might have.  Examples of this would be any cutting/welding and other hot work that could produce flames, flammable liquid, storage and handling, chemicals, hay or leaves.

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is Here For All Your Commercial Needs

With over 30 years of experience, SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is the business to trust with your commercial fire, water, storm damages and more.  Our  trained professionals are available 24/7 with all of your commercial business restoration needs.  Call us at (845) 342-3333 to find out more information.  

The Differences in Water Damages

8/4/2016 (Permalink)

Do not let your worries overflow, call the professionals of SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties!

According to the Water Damage Defense website, approximately 14,000 people in the United States experience a water damage emergency at work or at home each day.  That is enough people to fill two-thirds of Madison Square Garden!  However, not all water damages are the same.

Each water damage in a house or business falls into one of three categories, according to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. (IICRC)    Category 1 is clean water, Category 2 is gray water and Category 3 is black water.  Each require different techniques to remove.  Keep in mind each category may not be permanent.  For example, clean water can spill out of a pipe and turn into grey or black standing water.  

Category 1 water damage is liquid from a clean or sanitary source, such as faucets, toilet tanks, water fountains, etc.  

Category 2 is water that is typically described as having a level of contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested.  Some examples of Category 2 water damage sources would include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains and  toilet overflow with some urine but no feces.

The worst of all three categories is Category 3.  If ingested, water from Category 3 could cause severe illness of death.  It is grossly unsanitary and its sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers, lakes or streams, toilet overflow with feces and stagnant water that has begun to support bacterial growth.  

In addition to categories of water damage, there are also classes of destruction that each water damage falls into.  The IICRC classifies each water damage into four classes.

Class 1 destruction is the easiest water damage to deal with and has a slow evaporation rate.  Only part of a room or area have been affected by a water damage in this class, there is little to no wet carpet and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate such as plywood or concrete.

Class 2 destruction has a fast evaporation rate and typically affects an entire room, carpeting or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12 inches and there is moisture remaining in the structural materials.  

Class 3 has the fastest evaporation rate and the liquid source may have come overhead.  In this class, the ceiling, walls, insulation, carpets and sub-floors are all saturated.  

Speciality drying situations are classified under Class 4.  This means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick or stone.  

It is imperative that you do not try to handle a water damage on your own.  Someone with trained background is needed to distinguish the category of water damage and the class of destruction.

Need A Water Damage Expert?  

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties is here for all of your water damage needs.  Our technicians are IICRC certified and available for you 24/7.  To learn more about our water, fire and storm damage services and more, visit our website at www.SERVPROnorthorangecounty.com or call us at (845) 342-3333.  

Residents of Walden - We Are Here For Your Mold Remediation Needs

7/28/2016 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is tricky - you should always call a trained professional rather than trying to fix the problem yourself.

Microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.  Because of this, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible.  Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is wrong.

So what is mold remediation compared to mold removal?

As stated previously, complete mold removal is impossible.  Mold remediation is the act of stopping the moisture source causing the mold to grow, containing the current colony growing and using antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and prevent new colonies from forming.  

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth.  SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home and business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.  The following are SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties steps we take to make the mold damage seem “Like it never even happened.”

Step 1: Emergency Contact (845) 342-3333  

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us.  Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel.

Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold.  We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.  Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.  

Step 3: Mold Containment

There are a various amount of techniques our professionals use to contain and prevent the spread of mold.  We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the process.  All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air.  We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.  

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears.  In order to remediate heavy mold growth, it may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials.  Some examples of porous materials that might be infested are drywall and carpeting.   

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Items such as your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing and other restorable items affected by mold will be cleaned.  We’re trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment and we will have your belongings back to normal in no time.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting and installing no carpets.  Depending on the damage, however, restoration may require major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.  This step will get your home or business back to normal.

Is Mold Wreaking Havoc On Your Life?  

Our trained professionals here at SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties are here to help with all of your mold remediation needs 24/7.  We can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.  For more details, please call us at 845-342-3333 or visit us at www.SERVPROnorthorangecounty.com.

Auto Body Shop Fire

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties was called into a fire loss at an Auto Body Shop. The fire was caused by a lift mechanics burning up. Multiple cars were burnt and many other mechanics were severely damaged. SERVPRO was able to get a crew of 20 people there for a short period of time to get everything cleaned up at the Auto Body Shop. Also, SERVPRO was able to call in an Electronics Restoration Company to check all the machines to see if they are restorable. Restoring is inexpensive compared to replacing. SERVPRO focuses on restoring as much as possible to keep costs down and minimize replacement. Even though the Auto Body Shop was closed for a longer period of time, they were happy with SERVPROs services and glad they got there quickly to clean and restore a great amount of their machinery and equipment. 

Sprinklers Emptying Completely in a Strip Mall

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

Sometimes a normal day working at a retail store could go terribly wrong. The weekend before Christmas, a Dollar Store had this nightmare. In the back of the store a customer decided to start lighting cards on fire. This caused the sprinklers to go off. This sprinkler system emptied out completely flooding the dollar store, bridal store, office supply store and a large back corridor where shipments are received. There was over 100,000 square feet affected with anywhere from 1 inch to 3 inches of standing water left in the area. After the fire department cleared, this was when SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties were called in.

SERVPRO arrived quickly onsite to start scoping out the damages and what needed to be done first. The main priority was getting the water out of the areas and start drying as quickly as possible. SERVPRO called in all crews, a total of 15 people to work that Saturday. After 14 hours the first day, SERVPRO finally got all the water out of the areas ready to start the drying process. Demolition and disposal of some contents were completed both Saturday and Sunday of that weekend. Drying occurred throughout the week. SERVPRO not only set up equipment to get the stores open quickly on Sunday but continued to come back to the stores to setup equipment at night and return early in the morning to move equipment so the stores could stay open.

SERVPRO was there to help the commercial strip mall get back up and running as quickly as possible. We are truly ready for any size disaster. Call us 24/7 at 845-342-3333.

Solving Mold Mysteries: Fact and Fiction

6/23/2016 (Permalink)

Looking to get rid of mold in your home? Call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S.Ulster Counties today!

When mold begins to spread in your property you may have tons of questions.  How did it get there? Will it affect my health?  How should I go about removing it?

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and South Ulster Counties is here to share some facts and fiction about mold.

Fiction: There are only a few types of mold.

Fact:  There are more than 100,000 types and species in mold in total.  Common types of home and office mold species are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Alternaria.

Fiction: Mold will grow on surfaces directly affected by water.

Fact:  Mold spores often occur with the HVAC systems of buildings and homes.  Molds have an ideal environment: moisture and humidity. When you see mold you have to stop the source of the water that is causing the moist and humid environment the mold is growing on.  Common moisture briefs include plumbing leaks, water loss and flooding into crawlspaces and basements.   

Fiction: Black mold is considered extremely dangerous compared to other molds.

Fact: Black mold is not considered any more dangerous than any other molds.  In fact, black mold is often not even black at all.  Typically molds classified as black mold are dark green.

Fiction:  Exposure to mold can cause skin rashes.

Fact:  The CDC reported that exposure to molds do not contribute to rashes.

Fiction: Cleaning mold off the surface is enough.

Fact:  Mold can become latent and reactive at any given point.  Tiny mold spores typically replicate every 24 hours, thus often growing back.  For porous materials such as ceilings, tiles, carpeting, wood, paper and drywall, surface cleaning is often not enough.  

Fiction: Mold is always visible.

Fact: Mold can hide beneath surfaces.  The best way to detect mold is to rely on smell.  A musty odor indicates mold is present.

The best fact of them all is that SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and South Ulster counties is available 24/7 for all of your mold remediation needs.  From locating the source of the moisture leak, to cleaning above and below the surface, SERVPRO will make it “Like it never even happened.”  Visit us at www.SERVPROnorthorangecounty.com or call 845-342-3333.

Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley Donation

4/1/2014 (Permalink)

Laura Johnson, General Manager, Tom Conklin, President & CEO, Brittany Johnson, Marketing Manager

SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties (Middletown, NY) which specializes in Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration recently donated a vehicle to Wheels for Wishes valued at $4,000. Proceeds from the sale of their vehicle benefited Make-A-Wish^® Hudson Valley, whose mission is to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Tom Conklin, President & CEO, and Tara Thorne, Development Manager, from Make-A-Wish^® Hudson Valley (Tarrytown, NY) welcomed SERVPRO employees Brittany Johnson, Marketing Manager, and Laura Johnson, General Manager to the Wish House for a guided tour and check presentation. SERVPRO is honored to donate to Wheels for Wishes. "We were so impressed and humbled by the great work that Make-A-Wish does for the families of our community during such difficult times" said Brittany Johnson, SERVPRO Marketing Manager following their visit. SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & S. Ulster Counties has been locally owned and operated for 28 years and handles a variety of cleaning & restoration projects 845-342-3333.

www.servproosu.com

www.wheelsforwishes.org

www.hudson.wish.org