When to Worry if Your North Syracuse Home Has Water Damage

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with equipment and experienced technicians to restore your North Syracuse home or business after water damage.

SERVPRO Handles All North Syracuse Water Restorations

Even though you use water for everyday purposes around the house, it can become a problem if materials are unnecessarily exposed. With timely mopping or other water extraction techniques, people can easily handle many water intrusions in North Syracuse homes. However, the severity of water damage can be high, necessitating assistance from a professional.

Regardless of how the intrusion happens in your North Syracuse home, water damage is gradual. Extracting water immediately or shortly after discovering the leak minimizes the severity of damages. The only issues that may require addressing are bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper. However, if extraction and drying are delayed, the problems worsen, and the walls or ceiling may feel spongy to the touch as moisture precipitates the disintegration of drywall. When such signs start manifesting, you should be concerned, and involving a professional like SERVPRO is advisable.

Most people worry when they notice the advanced signs of water damage. However, there are other reasons to worry, including unnoticed moisture migration. Water can penetrate beneath floorboards or hard surfaces like tiles where it might go unnoticed for a longer time leading to severe rotting or warping. Fixing such damages would require demolition and costly reconstruction of the floor area. SERVPRO crews can help deal with the moisture using advanced equipment such as drying mats eliminating the need for reconstruction.

Other time-related damages: 

• Ceiling collapse 
• Damage to utilities like electric cables
• Mold development
• Disintegration or delamination of materials

A professional has a higher chance of identifying hidden water damage by relying on technology rather than physical observations alone. Our SERVPRO technicians easily identify moisture pockets hidden behind walls, cabinets, or floor materials using a thermal camera. The tool relies on infrared rays, which identify temperature differences in materials, thus revealing colder areas that appear bluish.

Thinking Beyond Restoration Costs

In most cases, the main inconvenience triggered by severe moisture inside a building is cost-related. Costs can be direct such as when you buy cleaning products and replacement materials. It might also be indirect, such as when the incident forces you to leave your home for some days. However, the cost is not the only problem leaks can create. 

Hazardous conditions are another critical problem to pay attention to after water leaks. In areas of the home, such as the ceiling, water accumulation is not factored in during construction. Therefore the ceiling panels can collapse from the weight if a leak originates in the ceiling cavity. In a multistoried house, particleboard floors can lose their structural integrity from extended water exposure, thus limiting their ability to hold the weight of people or machines. These changes increase the chances of injury when a person or piece of equipment falls through or if heavy materials hit people below. Our SERVPRO technicians use personal protective equipment (PPE) to limit the chances of injury.

Useful PPE: 

• Hard hats to protect against falling objects
• Heavy-duty gloves and boots to protect against sharp objects
• Safety signs to keep people from worksites

Work crews can explore any property section with the appropriate protective gear and safely identify problems at the earliest stages. They can also work faster, thus improving the chances of restoring your home to its preloss state.

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County takes enough precautions when handling water damage to safeguard your interests. Call us at (315) 457-3432 for assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Water Mitigation in Your North Syracuse Home Is Necessary

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation services for homeowners in North Syracuse needs the help of SERVPRO. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Mitigating Water Damage Helps Save North Syracuse Homes

When your North Syracuse home has been affected by water damage, immediate and effective measures should be taken. The damage can be due to a burst or leaking pipes, a malfunctioning household appliance, or weather-related events like heavy rains. Whatever the cause, taking proper steps to mitigate a loss is necessary.

Contacting a water mitigation expert in north Syracuse assist in preventing additional damage after a water event. SERVPRO sends a team to assess the extent of the water's intrusion into your home, especially on the walls, ceiling, and flooring. We also make quick emergency repairs for active leaks and board-up openings. Rapid response from our crew minimizes secondary water damages such as;

• Buckled floors
• Crumbled drywall
• Widespread mold growth
• Wood rot and delamination of materials

Water can be elusive since moisture spreads quickly to places you might not imagine. The longer it remains in your home, the more damage it could cause. Water can saturate drywall, causing it to swell. Your walls and ceilings would warp and paint blister and crack.

What Mitigation Entails Effective Mitigation Includes

• Extracting water
• Cleaning and disinfecting the area and home furnishings
• Salvaging of contents
• Drying the affected area

The extent of the mitigation process typically depends on the size of damage to the property. With equipment like high-quality extractors, dehumidifiers, air dryers, and sanitizers, SERVPRO professionals are prepared to completely resolve the problem sometimes without having to remove the furniture and contents. Our crews may leave equipment at your property for a few days to complete the mitigation process then the crew chief confirms the areas have properly been dried and are safe.

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County provides quick water mitigation services across the region. Call us at (315) 457-3432 to get our rapid-response teams deployed to your home. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Damage Restoration in Liverpool Needs Professional Care

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists use state of the art equipment for every job. Call now!

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration in Liverpool

Water damage is a disastrous event that destroys the contents and structures in a home, making it structurally weak. It also creates suitable conditions for microbial growth.

SERVPRO can perform water damage restoration in your Liverpool home. We are a trained team of experts armed with state-of-the-art equipment to help you complete the water cleanup process seamlessly and efficiently. Our process is as follows:

• Inspection and assessment
• Water extraction
• Drying and dehumidifying
• Cleaning, disinfection, and deodorization
• Restoration and repair

Inspection and damage assessment

When we arrive, we can go through your house to assess the damage it has sustained, which will help us determine the restoration steps to take. When considering the damage, our team also documents everything that is affected and estimates the restoration cost.

Water Extraction

Our SERVPRO team can use electric submersible pumps to get the water out of the house to prevent the destruction from spreading to the unaffected areas.

Drying and dehumidifying

Our SERVPRO team can use non-penetrating moisture meters to detect areas in the building with high moisture content in materials like plaster and drywall to be more directive in our drying process. We can then use axial air movers to pump dry air into the target areas and materials to raise the temperatures. We can use dehumidifiers to remove the excess moisture. Our team can also use thermo-hygrometers to determine whether the humidity ratio in the air has returned to normal.

Cleaning, disinfection, and deodorization

We can use shampoo super concentrates to clean the affected surfaces and chlorine solutions to disinfect them against microbes. Our SERVPRO technicians can also use thermal foggers to spray solvent-based thermal fog deodorizers to the affected areas to remove the bad smell.

Reconstruction

We can repair or reinstall floors or floor coverings and drywall and perform final tests to ensure everything is in perfect order.

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is available 24/7 and ready to help you get your home back in shape after water damage. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Contact us at (315) 509-9591. 

Cleaning North Syracuse Carpets During Water Restoration

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Restoring Carpets in North Syracuse Homes After Water Damage Involves Several Steps 

Flooring can often be one of the most widely damaged groups of materials after residential water damages occur, as the pooling collects at this lowest portion of the room and directly impacts the materials. Carpeting is one of the most challenging to restore after water damage. 

Water Extraction

To begin water restoration of North Syracuse carpeted floors, our professionals must first remove any trapped water-saturated into this material. As one of the most absorbent installed construction elements, carpeted floors can hold a high volume of water before allowing pooling on their surface. Carpet wands and high-efficiency extraction devices pull water trapped in the carpet and the padding together. 

Floating 

Drying is one of the unique processes when carpets and padding can be preserved. If the inspection determines that it is viable to dry this flooring, the carpet's borders are removed from installed tack strips along the edge of the room where installed. A centrifugal air mover is placed in the small opening between the unattached top layer of carpet and the underlying padding beneath to begin infusing warm, dry air into this seam. The result is drying both materials simultaneously. 

Deep Cleaning Strategies

Even with efficient drying and restoration that prevented the need for tear-out and reconstruction, extensive and intricate cleaning practices are still necessary to help. Carpet Cleaning Technicians (CCT) of our roster can utilize our powerful deep-cleaning tools from our inventory to restore the appearance of a carpet in several ways. Strategies to improve the appearance and color while removing set-in soils include:

• Hot Water Extraction
• Bonnet Cleaning
• Deluxe Conditioning

Because carpeting is such a standard installation for homes and businesses in the area, it is vital for responding technicians to have appropriate restoration techniques uniquely designed for these materials. Our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team can help with extracting, drying, and cleaning this popular flooring. Call us anytime disasters strike at (315) 457-3432.

Need Water Damage Restoration in Liverpool – Call SERVPRO

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Broken pipes behind walls can quietly cause water damage in your home. Contact SERVPRO should the water damage become evident. Our team is here 24/7.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Mitigation in Liverpool

Water leaks can occur anytime in homes in Liverpool from broken pipes, overflowing sinks and tubs, and blocked drains. When a water line in a ceiling springs a leak, the subsequent damage to ceiling tiles or drywall can be extensive. The ceiling may even collapse, spreading water across the room below and damaging flooring materials and the contents in the room.

SERVPRO provides water damage restoration and mitigation services to homeowners in Liverpool. We respond within four hours of your call to assess the situation and mitigate additional damage from the water leak. Once a leak is detected, homeowners should immediately turn off the main water valve to limit further water spread. Keep away from sagging ceiling tiles and drywall. The weight of the water in the ceiling could cause the entire ceiling to collapse.

Our team carefully removes water from the ceiling by puncturing the ceiling tiles or drywall to release any water. Waterlogged ceiling tiles and drywall are removed to expose leaking plumbing and damp ceiling structures.

We employ water extractors to remove water from flooring materials. Weighted water extractors are used on carpets and underpads to prevent delamination of the carpet and damage to the subfloor.

Drying mats are used on hardwood floors to prevent water absorption, causing swelling of the wood leading to buckling and cupping of the hardwood floor planks. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to reduce the humidity in the affected spaces and dry the contents and structure in the room.

Our services provided by SERVPRO include:

• Water damage remediation
• Water removal and cleanup
• Water damage restoration

Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County in Liverpool and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.

Can SERVPRO Water Mitigation Activities Reduce Secondary Water Damage in North Syracuse?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

With rapid water removal SERVPRO mitigates damage to hardwood flooring in North Syracuse

Fast Water Mitigation in Homes by SERVPRO Reduces Secondary Damage to Homes in North Syracuse

Most North Syracuse residents focus on removing water after a water leak in their North Syracuse homes. They also make arrangements to repair the leak to avoid additional water leaking from the plumbing or overflowing from a bathroom or kitchen sink. However, after the water is mopped up, there can still be many gallons of water soaking carpets and under padding, inside cavities in walls or under cupboards, and hidden inside ceilings causing secondary damage.

SERVPRO provides water mitigation services in North Syracuse to remove water in these areas, reduce the humidity levels, and reduce the amount of secondary water damage. High humidity and water in these spaces, along with wet carpets, can lead to pressed wood products found in subfloors and cupboards absorbing moisture, expanding, and losing structural integrity. Hardwood floors can cup or buckle, requiring replacement or extensive repairs. Mold is also a potential issue. Mold colonies can become established in as little as 24 to 72 hours, and mold can cause health effects.

SERVPRO utilizes sophisticated tools to detect water and high moisture content in difficult-to-reach areas and remove water and reduce humidity to dry your home’s structure and contents. Our services include:

• Deployment of weighted water extractors on carpeted floors
• Hardwood floor drying mats to remove water from between the hardwood planks
• Moisture detection devices to verify thorough drying inside walls and cavities under cupboards
• Air movers and dehumidifiers positioned and monitored to dry your home

Our fast response in less than four hours from your call and deployment of highly trained technicians who utilize state-of-the-art equipment can help avoid secondary damage to structural components in your home.

Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for water mitigation in North Syracuse and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.

Liverpool Residential Water Damage Mitigation is Critical

10/2/2021 (Permalink)

When a burst pipe causes water damage in your home, SERVPRO is the team to call. Our IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.

Contacting SERVPRO for Water Damage Mitigation Lessens Damage and Costs in Liverpool

While you may not think about it happening, water damage remains to be one of the more common and often destructive issues that homeowners face. It would be best if you addressed the fallout fast whenever you have leaking faucets or burst pipes in your home. Failing to act immediately might lead to excess water bringing on expensive damage, electrical hazards, and potentially harmful mold and mildew growth. Proper mitigation with the help of water restoration technicians (WRT) from SERVPRO gets you the results you deserve!

What is water damage mitigation in Liverpool, and why do you need it? Essentially speaking, water mitigation is the best approach to help prevent the onset of secondary damage. Mitigation prevents water saturation from impacting various building materials. Mitigation includes drying multiple areas to avoid degradation and mold growth, including:

• Framework
• Beams
• Flooring
• Drywall
• Ceiling tiles

When you have standing water, our extraction crew gets to work with powerful pumps to pull up as much water as possible. Damaged contents may also be packed out for further drying or restoration. We also take the time to select our processes and equipment to better achieve our goals. This includes adjusting as we work to get the best possible result. 

The type of water damage your Liverpool property has will also be considered as we select the proper water removal services and drying method. The three main categories of water include:

• Category 1 – This is clean water from a source like a faucet or incoming water pipe.
• Category 2 – This water may have started as category one but came into contact with contaminants. This category is often called gray water. 
• Category 3 – This is contaminated water from flooding, toilets overflowing, and other questionable sources. This category is known as black water. 

When you need prompt water damage mitigation, contact the crew at SERVPRO of North Onondaga County. We can be reached 24/7 at (315) 457-3432.

Can Water Mitigation in a Liverpool Home Reduce Damages and Prevent Losses?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage from a burst pipe is no easy task. SERVPRO water damage restoration techs will have your home back to preloss condition.

SERVPRO Technicians in Liverpool are Experts at Water Mitigation for Residential Properties

Water mitigation is the process of reducing potential losses in a home that has suffered a recent water intrusion event. Water intrusion can occur from internal plumbing problems, structural deficiencies, condensation or humidity damages, and natural disasters. There is a real risk of permanent damage arising in a property that is wet, which is why we consider it essential that you seek out professional assistance for:

• Water damage remediation
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks

The most important part of water mitigation for your Liverpool home is extraction and stripping. Extraction uses motorized suction equipment to transport high volumes of water out of the property and is essential for reducing the standing water level. Stripping a property refers to removing wet materials, including draperies, furniture, fittings, and upholstery. Wet contents generally require specific drying actions. Leaving them inside a damp structure can complicate the drying process as moisture raises humidity and potentially causes condensation damage or vapor damages. There are three main methods for drying a system. These include:

• Natural drying, otherwise known as an open-drying system. This method relies on natural ventilation by opening windows or doors but is relatively inefficient and weather-dependent.
• Convection drying relies on the use of temperature to speed up drying times and high-velocity air movement. Convection drying requires the service or hire of professional drying equipment. 
• Dehumidification relies on a closed-drying system and can be combined with convection drying for the best results. 

If your home suffers water intrusion, contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for water mitigation at (315) 457-3432.

SERVPRO is Among the Most Trusted Water Restoration Companies in North Syracuse

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

When appliances go crazy in your home. Call SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians for the job. We will be onsite within 4 hours of the initial call.

Fast and Reliable Service Makes SERVPRO One of the Highest Rated Water Restoration Companies in North Syracuse

The intrusion of water into your home can initiate a sequence of events that can quickly get out of hand, extensively damaging the structure and contents. Hiring SERVPRO, one of the most reputed water restoration companies in North Syracuse, can help you get the situation under control and prevent long-term damage.   

SERVPRO is one of the few water restoration companies in North Syracuse whose IICRC certified technicians have the proper training, expertise, and equipment for the job. Water damage restoration is a complex operation that requires meticulous planning and precise execution. Once the SERVPRO techs finish inspecting the property identifying the scope and extent of the damage, the next step is to establish a drying goal. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Establish a Drying Goal During Water Cleanup in North Syracuse Properties? 

A drying goal during water damage repairs is a set of conditions that materials and contents should display once SERVPRO techs have restored them to a preloss condition. The purpose of a restorer is to eliminate the excess moisture from the material by speeding up the drying process using dehumidifiers and air movers. 

The drying goal is set by establishing a dry standard, which is the moisture level of dry material in an undamaged area of your North Syracuse home. The SERVPRO IICRC technicians aim to attain the moisture level in the water-damaged area close to the dry standard during the water damage remediation process. The restoration is deemed complete once the moisture readings of the water-damaged site match the dry standard. 

Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for any assistance regarding water damage repairs. 

North Syracuse Residents Prefer SERVPRO for Water Mitigation of Their Homes

6/20/2021 (Permalink)

Excess water and moisture? Team SERVPRO arrives on the scene with the equipment to detect and remediate the water damage in your home.

SERVPRO Provides Fast and Reliable Water Cleanup at North Syracuse Homes

Water mitigation by SERVPRO at your North Syracuse home involves activities that help to minimize the damage to the structure and contents after a water incidence. SERVPRO provides one of the fastest water removal services in the area, followed by the necessary water damage repairs. 

Once the SERVPRO technicians begin the water mitigation of your North Syracuse home, their first goal is to scope the structure to identify areas where water has intruded. SERVPRO techs use equipment such as moisture sensors, thermal cameras, and thermo-hygrometers for this purpose. However, due to its many advantages, a thermal camera is one of the first pieces of equipment that technicians use.  

How SERVPRO Techs use Thermal Image Camera During Water Damage Repairs in North Syracuse?

A Thermal image camera is one of the best pieces of equipment for a fast evaluation of the extent of moisture in your water damaged North Syracuse home. The camera can show how water traveled through the structure and indicate moisture that otherwise might never have been discovered. As water evaporates from a surface, it tends to cool the surface down. A thermal image camera can detect such colder areas and hence help the technicians find moisture. 

A thermal image camera offers several advantages to a water damage restoration technician, including-

• Causes no damage to the structure- Unlike penetrating moisture meters that can cause minimal damage, thermal cameras don't cause any damage. 
• Allows inspection of difficult areas- Using penetrating moisture meters can be difficult to detect moisture in areas such as an extremely high ceiling. A thermal camera can be easily pointed up to the ceiling for moisture measurement. 
• Saves time- Pointing thermal cameras to large areas is faster than probing them with moisture meters.

Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for round-the-clock consultation. 

Water Removal is the Great Preventative for Your Liverpool Property.

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Is your home affected by recent water damage? Call SERVPRO for water removal tools and certified technicians.

Excessive Dampness can Create Problems in Your Liverpool Residence.

Home should always provide your family with not only protection but a high level of comfort. This includes warmth and healthy air quality. When either of these becomes less than optimal, your family can feel the difference.

Several situations can develop that can increase the amount of humidity inside your home.  Before we start any water removal project in Liverpool, we look for the source of the moisture. While water vapor can hide in the air, this is never its source. From inside the house, we use infrared technology to detect sweating pipes or other dampened  places. Water vapor can also come from the outside, for instance

• A sagging roof or loosened shingles, common with ice dams,
• Flooding that leaked into the basement, or
• Saturated crawl spaces that seep moisture in through the ventilation system.

These are only a few examples of how water vapor can enter your home’s living space. Excessive moisture makes things feel cooler on your skin. Our infrared cameras use this difference, even from a distance.

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County makes such projects fast and easy for our Liverpool customers, helping restore a comfortable home. Call (315) 457-3432 for professional water removal service.

Ensure Best Results When Seeking Water Damage Repair

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment and experience necessary restore water damage in your home.

Your North Syracuse Home Needs Skilled Technicians for Water Damage Repair

With a population of 6,800 people when the United States Census got taken, North Syracuse, NY, remains a lovely place to live and visit. Located within Onondaga county, the village includes the towns Clay, Cicero, and Salina to the north of Syracuse, the city.

North Syracuse was originally named Centerville but changed to the current name back in 1880. In 1925, it became an incorporated village. The Fergerson family was part of the first group of settlers to put down roots in the town in 1826. This family line still resides on the same land, which is now considered the village center, and many streets in the area got named after them.

Enjoying Attractions and Local Dining Throughout North Syracuse, New York

There is something unique for everyone to enjoy within a short walk or drive in North Syracuse. Whether you want a quiet natural park to take a walk through or you want dinner out with friends, there are plenty of offerings, such as:

Surf City Family Fun Center – This is an excellent place to go for a fun date night or bring the entire family. You will find go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf, and more onsite. There is also an option for pre-booking your group for a birthday party, school event, or another occasion.

Erie Canal Bike Tours – If you are looking to get out for some exercise and fresh air, these local bike tours are just the thing. Whether you book a tour or take advantage of their shuttle service, this is one gem that locals and visitors alike both rave.

Full Boar Craft Brewery and Tap Room – With plenty of craft beers on tap and a great pub menu, this is an excellent place to go with friends or for a quick lunch. The staff is amicable, and the atmosphere is always laid back and inviting.

You Deserve the Best in Water Damage Repair – Call SERVPRO to Your North Syracuse Home

You must have confidence in the team you hire to provide water damage repair to your North Syracuse home. SERVPRO employs highly-trained technicians to ensure that every detail is considered from the start of your project until the time that everything is restored “Like it never even happened.”

The steps that we take when you call us to your property include:

• Complete assessment of all water damage
• Determination of the source of water so that we can ensure it gets under control
• Formulation of a plan for removal of all standing water
• Moisture and relative humidity get taken into account to facilitate speedy drying
• If necessary, we perform controlled demolition to remove and replace materials such as carpeting, drywall, flooring, baseboards, etc.
• Finalization of the job, including deodorization and sanitization so that your home is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Call (315) 457-3432 to have our Green Fleet dispatched to your door. SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is available 24/7 when you require skilled water damage repair.

Monthly Breakfast for Bridgeport Business Professionals

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Syracuse Business Professionals Monthly Breakfast is a good event to attend if you enjoy meeting and supporting your fellow businesses.

Catch Up With Other Business Owners in Bridgeport over a Cup of Tea

Collaboration is necessary to lighten the load of handling challenging tasks. For businesses, associating with other people in your industry or even competitors helps foster growth. However, you may have a hard time connecting with people, especially if you are just establishing your venture. The Syracuse Business Professionals Monthly Breakfast is an event meant to help Bridgeport business operators connect and support each other. 

Some of the top benefits the event presents include:

• Regular meetups, every second Tuesday of the month
• Equal opportunity to get noticed since a member or guest makes a presentation each month
• A chance to get better insights on how your peers or competitors are doing

The event is held at the Gem Dine and starts at 9 AM. It is organized by Stephanie Harvey of Wise Financial Solutions LLC.

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County handles water damage restoration processes in Bridgeport with utmost professionalism helping reinstate properties to their preloss state. Call us at (315) 457-3432 for a prompt response.

What Type of Equipment Will Be Used During the Clean-up and Restoration Process?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the answers you're looking for when it comes to your North Syracuse water damage.

North Syracuse Homeowners Benefit from the Use of State-of-the-Art Water Damage Restoration Equipment

So, your North Syracuse home has suffered the after-effects of water loss. You have heard that SERVPRO does a good job when it comes to reversing some of the damage that has been done to your home and actual possessions. How do they do it? Well, first, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, but we also use proven techniques and some powerful equipment, which aids in getting you the best results possible.

The water damage to your North Syracuse home may look irreversible, but the job done by our machines and other equipment will surprise you. Here is a look at some of the items used by our techs to bring live back into your belongings. The equipment below is some that is typically used during the restoration process:

• Air Movers - Air movers speed up the evaporation process of surface water, which makes the actual drying process much faster

• Dehumidifiers - These are used to get the moisture from evaporation out of the air

• Extractors - These portable units are used for shampooing and rinsing, as well as water extraction; you will also see tanks and pumps and vacuum machines

• Ozone Generator - The ozone generator aids in eliminating odors from pets, smoke, and other offensive smells

• Rotary Floor Machines - These are used as buffer machines on a variety of hard floor surfaces, and they are used in the shampooing/carpet cleaning process

When paired with the powerful, safe chemicals our professionals use, you will discover an amazing reversal in damage accomplished by these machines.

The Goal is Restoration

Our professional technicians are trained well and, with the use of all their resources, will turn your water damage needs around, “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for your cleanup and restoration needs. We will get you and your home back on track.

What Should Be Expected During Water Damage Cleanup?

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home? SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO techs approach each Liverpool restoration service with professionalism and are happy to go over the water damage cleanup steps with homeowners.

When water damage affects your Liverpool home, getting the water removed and the structure dried is your biggest priority. SERVPRO technicians rely on a myriad of extraction equipment types, and their use depends on the amount of water that needs removal. The most frequently seen are the portable pumps, but in cases of standing water, they have access to pumps that can submerge in water greater than two inches or more and continue to get the job done. The overall process goes like this:  

• Extraction of the water  
• Move out of items to a safe location if necessary
• Removal of ruined and deteriorated building materials
• Drying and hand cleaning   
• Prepping the structure for repairs  

Can a Water Damage Restoration Service Get Rid of Musty Odors?

After the cleanup efforts for the water damage restoration complete in your Liverpool home, there may be some odor control applications needed. The scent level depends on the type of water in the house and how long the moisture remained in the home before the mitigation began. Clean water spills are by far the most straightforward type of scent removal. When the water in the house is from flooding or contains sewage or chemicals, the odor in the home may be far more pungent. SERVPRO techs have numerous pieces of equipment and advanced methods that can eradicate foul odors at the molecular level. In many cases, a multi-layered approach gets used to ensure that the home is left smelling clean and refreshed without a hint of the previous water damage.

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 is ready to handle your water damage restoration when you need it. The certified technicians are available 24/7 and arrive on-site within hours after your initial call in their green service vans stocked with advanced equipment. 

What Signs Should I Look for to Find Hidden Water Damage in My North Syracuse House?

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.

SERVPRO's Diligent Managers and Technicians Do Not Rest Until We Reveal, Release, and Dry Out Trapped Water Damage in North Syracuse. 

Water emergencies with burst pipes and free-flowing over-filled tubs or sinks are not good news for North Syracuse homeowners. The abrupt onset of the issue, however, does make detection of the water source obvious, and a fast engagement of the shut-off valve halts the primary damage. Rapid recovery from the sudden disaster is possible because we can easily access and extract the water, and the structural materials are minimally saturated, drying quickly.

What Are the Challenges When the Leak or Breakdown and the Subsequent Damage Is Hidden?

A slow leak in a supply or waste pipe or a poorly caulked tub or shower can cause water damage in your North Syracuse home to build up over time. Water that drips persistently inside walls or sprays on a tiled shower enclosure with cracked grout or missing silicone eventually causes damage that you see, feel, or smell. What are examples of hidden water damage clues?

• Staining on walls or ceilings
• Peeling or blistering paint and loosening wallpaper
• Bulging areas on surfaces
• Shiny, "sweaty-looking" walls
• Loosening of crown molding, paneling, beadboard, or wainscoting 
• Musty smells
• Visible mold or mildew
• Heightened humidity in a space
• Increase in your water bill unrelated to higher use

How Do Professionals Manage Hidden Water Damage?

SERVPRO technicians use water and moisture detection devices to outline the incursion. We devise a plan to carefully access and release the water, avoiding a collapse of the building materials surrounding the pooled moisture. Our technicians use controlled demolition strategies to slowly drain the water and provide access for the air movement during the structural drying that must follow. The demo techniques include:

• Weep holes for ceilings -- a few punched through near a wall and allowed to drain completely before the pattern repeats several times, closer each time to the center of the ceiling. This deliberate method minimizes the ceiling's chance of crashing down with the flow of too much water at a time. 
• Drainage holes near or under the baseboard to release water from between walls
• Flood cuts to remove damaged wallboards and open the space between studs several inches above the waterline

SERVPRO of North Onondaga County has the experience and training to solve the hidden water mystery in your home. Call us at (315) 457-3432 to get the project rolling before the circumstance becomes too severe.

Find more information about Syracuse.

What is Water Intrusion

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Intrusion

Have you ever had water leak into your home through your roof? If so, you understand the ways a roof leak can cause damage in your home. If you haven’t experienced a roof leak- you’re lucky!

It is important to understand the condition of your roof. Knowing that roof maintenance will be needed and what types of maintenance will be required can be helpful! Roof repairs and replacements can be very costly, it helps to know in advance so that you can prepare.

If water starts leaking into your home it can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.

Damaged shingles is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. Having damaged or missing shingles, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Missing or damaged shingles will allow a lower layer of the roof to be exposed to nature’s elements and can allow water to seep through the uncovered spaces.

Nails that have backed out due to extreme weather should be hammered back in securely. When the nails are raised or fall out, allows water to seep in.

Flashing that is improperly installed or have been damaged allows water to enter through gaps. Have them inspected to ensure they are properly installed and are well maintained.

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow onto your roof. This would cause water to possibly intruder into your home through the underside of the roof. If you notice water stains around the perimeters of your home, water maybe backing up into your home from your gutters. Also, gutters that are not pitched properlydon’t allow the water to flow the correct direction to the downspouts causing the same damage as a clogged gutter.

Skylights often have leaks if they are not installed properly or have seals that are worn and cracked. Water can seep into the home from the skylight causing damage.

Sometimes water damage from a roof leak goes undiscovered for a long time because of the insulation in the attic or crawl space. It takes a lot of water to seep into the home, soaking the insulation before it reaches the ceiling and walls. In some cases, mold forms before water intrusion from the roof is noticed.

If you think your roof needs attention, call a roofer to have them inspect your roof. They can tell you what kind of shape your roof is in, inform you of any repairs that are necessary and give you a quote for the repairs.

Protect Your Belongings

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Many people use their basement as storage for their contents. The basement is also the most common area for water damage. Even if the water damage doesn't start in the basement, it usually drains down to that level. We recommend keeping your contents off of the floor. Put shelving in your storage area, use pallets, or place your items in rubber totes to protect your contents. This way, everything will be more likely to be safe from damage. This will prevent your items to be the first things that the water touches and soaks into. The items still may need to be moved out so that mitigation can happen, but they won't be damaged.

Water Shut Off Valve

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know where the water shut off valve is in your home?

It's important to know where the shut-off valve is in case a pipe were to crack or break and you needed to stop the water from getting to that pipe. You could shut the water to the house off to eliminate damage from getting worse until help arrives to fix the pipe. Sometimes plumbing companies can get backed up with work and you don't want water shooting everywhere until they arrive.

After the plumbing company has fixed the problem, then you can call SERVPRO and we'll get any water damaged all cleaned up for you!

Damaged Contents

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

When we think of storm and water damage, we often think of structure damage. Did you know that SERVPRO offers content restoration for your affected contents as well? Your contents can be your most valuable and meaningful belongings. We wouldn't want you to have to throw away damaged contents because the water damage they may have endured leads to mold damage and staining. 

Our technicians are specially trained to restore contents damaged by mold, water and smoke. Our technicians start by spot cleaning items to determine what cleaning techniques will work best based on the materials the item is made of and the type of damaged the item sustained. 

The types of cleaning we offer are: 

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

If your home or office requires extensive restoration, a pack out may be required. In this case, the SERVPRO team would inventory and pack out all contents and move them to our office. There, the team would clean all contents and store them in our climate controlled containers until you are ready to have your contents brought back. 

We work with you for 100% of this process letting you make decisions and offering solutions to possible problems along the way. Pack outs, storage, and pack backs are often covered by insurance. We work with your adjuster to ensure they understand any type of necessary cleaning and pack out.

Specialized Equipment

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that part of the reason SERVPRO can provide excellent service to clean up after water damage is because of our specialized equipment? We have equipment specifically for cleaning and drying water damage in homes and businesses.

Our franchise is stocked with different types of air movers and dehumidifiers to fit the needs of your damage. Air movers are made to be more/less powerful and to sit at different angles depending on where you need them pointed. Dehumidifiers are built to work at different temperatures and in different sized spaces. We calculate the size of the area we're trying to dry to decide how many air movers we need to use and what type/how many dehumidifiers to use in a space.

Beyond these pieces of equipment, we have extraction machines to pull up standing water or water that is soaked into carpets. This helps move the drying phase along substantially. 

Understanding the Types of Water Damage

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage is split up into three different types of categories and four different types of classes according to the Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which sets the industry standards for the water damage restoration and repair industry.

The following categories describe the type of water involved:

Category 1: This is water from a clean source such as faucets, toilets, tanks, drinking fountains, etc.

Category 2: Liquid in this category is sometimes called grey water. The level of contaminants in grey water may cause illness if ingested and comes from sources such as dishwasher or washing machines, sink drains and toilet overflows with some urine but no fecal matter.

Category 3: This is the most unsanitary classification as it could cause severe illness or even death if ingested. Liquid in this category is also known as black water and comes from sewer backup, flooding from rivers, streams, toilet overflow with fecal matter and stagnant liquid that has begun to grow bacteria.

The classes below describe the level of destruction.

Class 1: Only one area of the room was affected, little or no wet carpet, and water has only touched materials with a low permeance rate such as plywood or concrete. Evaporation rate is slow in this class and damage is the easiest to deal with.

Class 2: In this class, the evaporation rate is fast and water has affected the entire room, going up the wall at least a foot leaving a lot of moisture in materials.

Class 3: Liquid may have come from above and the ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated and have the fastest evaporation rate.

Class 4: Specialty drying situations are placed in this class when there is enough water to completely saturate materials with very low permeance such as hardwood, brick or stone.

These categories and classes are used by the restoration industry to determine what type of plan and process should be used in each water damage situation.  Ask your restoration company beforehand if their technicians are IICRC certified to ensure the highest quality and standards in the cleanup process of your home or business. 

Wet Spring

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Has your house been a victim of water damage this spring? The rain just keeps on coming, and this gives many chances for water to come in through the basement, foundation or have a leak in the roof. It's important to pay close attention to all areas of your home so that water damage doesn't go unnoticed. 

Foundation leaks in the springtime are very common. The ground is constantly moist and has had a hard time in many areas absorbing all the rain that keeps coming.  This leads to water coming in through the foundation. Unfortunately, before we could start mitigation, we would want the foundation leak to be fixed prior to starting our work. We don't want to have to keep coming and performing mitigation on the same area of your home due to the problem not being fixed. In this case, it's important to call a company who specializes in sealing foundations. Once they have finished, we can proceed with water mitigation. 

Do's and Don'ts After Flooding

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

We understand that flooding can be a very emotional and stressful time. Your home has water in rooms where there shouldn't be water, your contents have been damaged, sometimes even ruined by the water. And now, you have to take time out of your busy life to try to make things right again in your home.

We will come out to you as soon as possible. We are usually able to get out to you the same day you call, but in case it is a busy time, below are some do's and don'ts for things you can do to help.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

How to Save Your Furniture After a Water Damage

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Having water damage can be very frustrating and exhausting. We often hear from customers that they have tried to move all of their contents from an affected area, mop up the standing water, and fix the source of the water damage themselves during all hours! We spend our hard earned money on things that make our houses a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The last thing we want is to lose expensive or sentimental pieces of furniture.

There are a few things you can do in order to save your furniture from being ruined in a water damage situation:

-Assess what items have been affected by the water.

-Take pictures to document the water damage and specific pictures of items that have been damaged due to the water.

-Move any furniture out of the affected area that can be moved. The less time the furniture can be sitting in the water, the better. If you cannot move the furniture, try to put something underneath it that gets it up out of the water. For example, you could use wood blocks or aluminum foil.

-If you have wood furniture that has been affected by the water, make sure you put it somewhere it can air dry. Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight as direct sun exposure could cause the wood to crack or warp.

-Apply mayonnaise to any furniture that is lightly water damaged. Apply a thin layer of the mayonnaise and let it sit on the water damaged area for 1-2 hours. Use a damp cloth to remove the mayo from the area. This should remove the water damaged areas.

Tips for Making an Insurance Claim for Water Damage

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Having a water damage is never something expected. Coming home to a house filled with water can be a traumatic experience. It can be hard to think about the appropriate steps to take to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to limit secondary damage and keep the out of pocket cost to a minimum. Below are some tips to help make filing an insurance claim easier.

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/ 

Preventing Leaky Pipes

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Stress on pipes can result in leaks which can be expensive to fix, replace and, not to mention, could cause extensive water damage to your home, business and personal items if they burst. Here are some ways to decrease the amount of stress and pressure on your pipes.

High water pressure can feel nice in the shower and it may seem like the dishes are getting done faster but, this can put an unnecessary amount of strain on your plumbing. You can get a hose bib gauge at your local hardware store to test the pressure. Attach it to an outside spigot and open the valve. Normal pressure is between 40-85 PSI so if you pressure measures above this, you may want to consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure reducer. You can also install a low flow shower head in your bathroom to help reduce pressure there.

Hard water is another obstacle as far as pipes are concerned. Hard water is water with a higher than normal amount of mineral content such as calcium or magnesium present. These minerals can build up inside your pipes which restricts flow and in turn, increases the pressure. Deposits can also corrode joints and fittings over time. If you see a white substance on our faucet heads, you more than likely have hard water. If you are unsure or want more proof, ask your local municipality to view the water quality report they are required to have through the Environmental Protection Agency.  The only way to effectively soften the water in your home or business is by having a plumber install a water softener.

Wrap your pipes. If you have exterior piping and plan on going out of town in the winter months, take precautions to prevent coming home to a disaster. Wrap your pipes in electrical heat tape or a pipe sleeve which you can purchase at your local hardware store to prevent them from freezing. Remember, if the water is not constantly moving and the cold water pipes touch the exterior of the building when the temperature gets below freezing, your pipes will most likely freeze!

Set the spigot valve. If you have a pipe running through cement to your outside spigot valve, it’s always a good idea to install a frost-free hose bib which allows you to shut off water to the inside of the home preventing freezing.

These are all relatively simple and in expensive ways to protect your pipes that in the end could save you thousands of dollars! 

IICRC

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

The IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They are a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the cleaning, installation, inspection and restoration industry for more than 25 countries. They offer classes, training and certification. 

The IICRC was formed in 1972 by Ed York and was originally intended to be the standard for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Quickly, the organization grew to include water, fire and smoke damage, cleanup and repair, as well as wood, stone and tile cleaning and repair.

How Are the Certifications and Classes Determined?

IICRC’s Shareholders vote to nominate candidates to sit on a Board of Directors which is comprised of 15 industry professionals. The Board only meets four times of year so within the Board, there is an Executive Committee. The Committee is selected once a year at the fall meeting. The Board, along with the Committee, determines the direction of the organization while still following the ethics and guidelines set in place by IICRC. The Board determines what classes and certifications are necessary throughout the industry. The IICRC does not own schools or hire instructors but rather approves them to teach classes according to the organizations standards.

For more information on the IICRC, you can visit the website here: http://www.IICRC.org/ 

Downspout Extensions

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

When heavy rain occurs, water can likely end up getting inside your home causing expensive damage. When water pools around the foundation from the roof or gutters it can leak through the basement walls. One thing that you can do in order to avoid water damage from heavy rain is to install downspout extensions. These extensions will force water away from the foundation from the home. They are simple to install and there are a variety of different types to choose from. 

You can look at your local hardware store to see what your options are. Some extensions look the same as the downspout, but add length making it so the water flows further from your home. There are also cement extensions which stay in place a little better than the plastic or aluminum extensions. 

Additionally, it is important to check your downspouts to ensure that they aren’t blocked by leaves, or debris. If the downspouts become blocked, water may intrude under your roof causing water damage to your ceiling.

Laminate Flooring Water Damage

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Laminate flooring comes in many different looks and can be a great choice when replacing flooring. However, water damage to laminate flooring can cause have many potential problems. If possible, avoid putting laminate flooring down in rooms that are could potentially have water damage. Use caution when installing laminate flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. 

Water can cause laminate flooring to detach and break down. Water can cause laminate flooring to permanently buckle, in which case replacing would be necessary. Many times when we see water damage to laminate flooring, we would recommend removing it in order to avoid mold growth and to allow the subflooring to completely dry in a timely manner.

When laminate flooring is placed in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, some of the appliances in those rooms can slowly leak water which seeps underneath the laminate. This leakage can go unnoticed until buckling or mold develop. Basements can accumulate water during heavy rain storms, leaky pipes or when sump pumps fail damaging your beautiful flooring. 

Placing a vapor barrier down can eliminate some of the damage. Being conscious of any leaks or damaged ocurring to your flooring is important. It is easier to clean up from water damage immediately when it occurs rather than letting it set, therefore, deteriorating the structure of your home. 

Why you Need a Sump Pump

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever had water in your basement or crawl space? Some basements and crawl spaces may get water inside of them after a heavy rain, quick thaw, or a long rainy season. Installing a sump pump in these areas can help keep these spaces dry and stop your property and contents from sustaining water damage. You can choose to install a sump pump yourself of have a plumber come and put it in for you. Sump pumps can be purchased from your local hardware store and usually require approximately a 2 foot by 18 inch hole to set in. Water flows into the hole and immediately gets pumped out through a pipe that leads away from your home.

When you have the sump pump installed, somethings you should consider is:

• How will the sump pump run if the power goes out? Generally the sump pump is plugged in, and therefore would not work if there was no power going to the home. Storms often trigger the power to turn off, so an alternate power source is important. You could keep a generator handy to hook up if the power were to go out. Another option would be to have a back up battery that would automatically turn on if the power went out. The battery would need to be able to withstand long periods of inactivity.
• What if my sump pump stops working? We often recommend to homeowners to have a back up sump pump handy and ready for use should yours stop working. It can take a lot of time to get a plumber out to the house to have them fix the sump pump, in this case, you would want to be able to hook up an alternate sump pump in the mean time to stop the sump pump pit to overflow causing water damage to your home.

Water Damage Inspection Checklist

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

When a water damage occurs, the water may travel to places in your home you didn’t even think of. It’s important to consider all of the possible places the water may have traveled to thoroughly understand where the affected areas may be. Make notes during your inspection so that you can relay your concerns to the remediation company and your insurance company.

• Exterior damage- damage to the exterior of your home from water can cause structural damage which may affect the integrity of the home. Make sure to check the foundation, windows, doors, porches, decks, sidewalks, landscaping, fence and slope of your property. 
• Interior damage- when water damage occurs inside your home, it can cause damage to your contents and the components that make up the building of your home. It’s important to check the flooring, walls, attic, basement, stairs, inside of cabinets, windows and doors.
• Roof damage- when water intrudes through the roof of your home it can also cause damage to your attic/crawl space and any insulation that may have been in the way of the water coming in. Additionally, the soffits, fascia, gutters, downspouts and shingles should be inspected. This will help you determine if they need to be fixed or replaced. It will also help you determine if further water damage may occur if left alone.
• Electrical system- if water affects your electrical system, you could be at risk of having a fire start, a short, or parts of your wiring system no longer working. Additionally, check your water heater, air conditioner, furnace, appliances, light fixtures and wall outlets. If necessary, bring in an electrician for their professional opinion.
• Plumbing system- excess water can cause damage to your plumbing. This can cause backups causing further water damage. It’s important to check your pipes, faucets, sewer lines and septic systems.

Do You Head South for the Winter?

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Before heading south for the winter, you should definitely check out these important preventative measures to protect your home!

• Make sure your furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees. There are new thermostats that are considered “smart thermostats” so that you can control the temperature of your home from your phone from anywhere. The Nest https://nest.com/thermostats/ the thermostat that we use in our home and is so easy to use and manage. 

At SERVPRO we have talked to many homeowners who live in the south for winter and have had their heating system fail while they’re away. This leads to frozen pipes that can be undiscovered for long periods of time. Not knowing that your heating system has failed and pipes breaking while your away can lead to water and mold damage that affects large areas of the home.

• Winterize your pipes. Shut off the main water supply and drain the system by opening all faucets and flushing the toilets. You may also consider replacing the water traps and drains with a nontoxic antifreeze. Don’t think this is something you want to do yourself? Plumbers will come winterize your home for you.

Damaged Contents

9/30/2017 (Permalink)

When we think of storm and water damage, we often think of structure damage. Did you know that SERVPRO offers content restoration for your affected contents as well? Your contents can be your most valuable and meaningful belongings. We wouldn't want you to have to throw away damaged contents because the water damage they may have endured leads to mold damage and staining. 

Our technicians are specially trained to restore contents damaged by mold, water and smoke. Our technicians start by spot cleaning items to determine what cleaning techniques will work best based on the materials the item is made of and the type of damaged the item sustained. 

The types of cleaning we offer are: 

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

If your home or office requires extensive restoration, a pack out may be required. In this case, the SERVPRO team would inventory and pack out all contents and move them to our office. There, the team would clean all contents and store them in our climate controlled containers until you are ready to have your contents brought back. 

We work with you for 100% of this process letting you make decisions and offering solutions to possible problems along the way. Pack outs, storage, and pack backs are often covered by insurance. We work with your adjuster to ensure they understand any type of necessary cleaning and pack out.

Water Intrusion

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water Intrusion

Have you ever had water leak into your home through your roof? If so, you understand the ways a roof leak can cause damage in your home. If you haven’t experienced a roof leak- you’re lucky!

It is important to understand the condition of your roof. Knowing that roof maintenance will be needed and what types of maintenance will be required can be helpful! Roof repairs and replacements can be very costly, it helps to know in advance so that you can prepare.

If water starts leaking into your home it can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.

Damaged shingles is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. Having damaged or missing shingles, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Missing or damaged shingles will allow a lower layer of the roof to be exposed to nature’s elements and can allow water to seep through the uncovered spaces.

Nails that have backed out due to extreme weather should be hammered back in securely. When the nails are raised or fall out, allows water to seep in.

Flashing that is improperly installed or have been damaged allows water to enter through gaps. Have them inspected to ensure they are properly installed and are well maintained.

Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow onto your roof. This would cause water to possibly intruder into your home through the underside of the roof. If you notice water stains around the perimeters of your home, water maybe backing up into your home from your gutters. Also, gutters that are not pitched properly don’t allow the water to flow the correct direction to the downspouts causing the same damage as a clogged gutter.

Skylights often have leaks if they are not installed properly or have seals that are worn and cracked. Water can seep into the home from the skylight causing damage.

Sometimes water damage from a roof leak goes undiscovered for a long time because of the insulation in the attic or crawl space. It takes a lot of water to seep into the home, soaking the insulation before it reaches the ceiling and walls. In some cases mold forms before water intrusion from the roof is noticed.

If you think your roof needs attention, call a roofer to have them inspect your roof. They can tell you what kind of shape your roof is in, inform you of any repairs that are necessary and give you a quote for the repairs.

Plumbing Checklist

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems cause a lot of the water damages that we hear about. It is important to ensure that the plumbing in your home is working properly and have any problem areas fixed.

You should check for:

• Signs of leakage. Ex. Water/puddle marks
• Corrosion
• Signs of bad pipe connections
• Water pressure. Low water pressure may be caused by a water line problem or sediment build up.
• Any exposed pipes, ceilings and walls that may have pipes in them. If you see water stains or smell a musty odor.

Know where your water supply line valves are. It is important to be able to turn the water off to certain areas or turn off the water completely to your home. In an emergency situation you could completely shut off the water to your home until a skilled plumber can come fix the leak.

Syracuse Breaks 100 Year Old Rainfall Record

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Have you noticed the Syracuse area experiencing a large amount of rainfall this year? We have had a record setting amount of rain to date! 0.69 inches fell on May 5^th as of 3PM alone.

To the west of us, Buffalo received more than 6 inches of rain in April. As of May 5^th, Buffalo had already received 3 inches of rain this month! 3 inches of rain is the typical amount of rain Buffalo normally receives in an entire month.

Many of the local lakes, streams, rivers and canal ways are flooding. Over the weekend, events surrounding the Syracuse Creekwalk were canceled and the Creekwalk has been closed for some time due to high water levels. Parts of the Creekwalk are flooded making it unsafe for people to use that area. Lake Ontario water levels are nearing 2 feet above average and are expected to continue rising.

In Oswego County, a beaver dam burst causing water to pour all over State Route 183. Also in Oswego County, a swamp along Lakeshore Road flooded causing the town to close the road completely.

Onondaga Lake Park, had massive flooding throughout the park. High waters in the park caused some of the park benches to be taken into the lake as water levels began to shrink.

Remember, it is important to watch for flood warnings in your area. There are safety precautions that should be taken for health and safety reasons. Do not walk, drive or ride through flooded waters, because you do not know what is underneath the water that could harm you. If you must travel, find detours that lead around the flooded waters.

Have you had flooding in your area?

Roof Tarping

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that your local SERVPRO offers roof tarping? That’s right, our SERVPRO offers emergency service tarping. When you call our office, day or night seven days a week someone will be there to answer your call and we will come out to start work as soon as possible. Because you never know when you’re going to need this type of service and you never plan for it!

 As we approach the heavy rain season, some homeowners may discover that their roof needs repair. You may also find that your skylight is not air tight and is allowing rain to come into your home causing further damage.

For scheduling, financial or weather related reasoning, you may not be able to have the roof or skylight immediately repaired to stop the water from trickling in. However, it is important to prevent water from getting into your home. As a result, tarping is necessary. Our skilled technicians will identify the damaged section of the roof, checking for damaged tiles and check the interior of the home for leaks. We can then tarp the damaged area of the roof to stop water from entering the home. Any water damage that has occurred inside the home can be mitigated by our technicians to stop further damage in your home.

This way, when you are ready and the weather allows, you can have a roofing contractor come and either fix or replace your roof.

Preventing Basement Flooding

4/4/2017 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers! The spring time can be a very moist season in CNY. This week for example, has a large amount of rain predicted in the forecast. Forecasters have even issued a flash flooding storm watch lasting several days.

All of this rain may have you thinking about ways you can prevent basement flooding this spring. Whether you have a finished or unfinished basement area, a flooded basement can be very stressful.

Take the following steps to prevent a flooded basement:

• Keep gutters and downspouts free from any debris. Clear out any leaves, gravel or anything else that may have formed a blockade in your gutters and downspouts.
• Make sure downspouts face away from your home. If the ground around your downspout has a slant, make sure that when the downspout empties the water is not going to flow back towards your home.
• Fill cracks in the foundation with an epoxy.
• Check your sump pump. Make sure the area is cleared from debris and that your pump is in good working order. You may want to have a back up sump pump or an alternative electrical source for the sump pump incase the power goes out.
• Examine sewer systems and septic tanks.
• Install window wells on any windows that lead to a lower level. Check the window to make sure it is water tight.
• Check over your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you have the correct coverage. We often find that homeowners do not have a sump pump rider on their policy; therefore there is no coverage when a sump pump fails.

It is important to take the right precautions. Completing these steps will not be full proof to preventing water damage. However, it will minimize the risks.

Water Damage Alarm

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

What if we told you there was something you could hook up in your home that would alert you when water penetrated an area of your home you didn’t want it to?

Worried about your dishwasher leaking? Concerned about your water heater being old and water seeping out of it? Nervous about having your sump pump fail? Having an alarm that would sound if water infiltrated an area that it was not suppose to be could be helpful in many different spaces in a home or business. If there is an area of your home that has had previous water damages that you may be worried about happening again this water damage alarm could make you feel more comfortable.

If there is a space in your home that you don’t go often, this alarm would notify you of any water damage that occurs. Often, people have areas of their homes they don’t go into on a daily basis. For example, many people don’t or can’t go into their basement every day. Water damages occur in these areas and sit for long periods of time without being noticed. In the mean time, secondary damage occurs. Mold grows, contents get ruined and the already expensive damage becomes a lot more expensive than if it was discovered at the time of loss.

While browsing Amazon.com I found that many of the water damage alarms cost anywhere from $12-$50. When you think about the cost it may save you in the long run, it’s well worth the money! Consider purchasing one (or a few) of these alarms in your home to alert you of a water damage.

How to Save your Furniture after a Water Damage

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

Having water damage can be very frustrating and exhausting. We often hear from customers that they have tried to move all of their contents from an affected area, mop up the standing water, and fix the source of the water damage themselves during all hours! We spend our hard earned money on things that make our houses a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The last thing we want is to lose expensive or sentimental pieces of furniture.

There are a few things you can do in order to save your furniture from being ruined in a water damage situation:

-Assess what items have been affected by the water.

-Take pictures to document the water damage and specific pictures of items that have been damaged due to the water.

-Move any furniture out of the affected area that can be moved. The less time the furniture can be sitting in the water, the better. If you cannot move the furniture, try to put something underneath it that gets it up out of the water. For example, you could use wood blocks or aluminum foil.

-If you have wood furniture that has been affected by the water, make sure you put it somewhere it can air dry. Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight as direct sun exposure could cause the wood to crack or warp.

-Apply mayonnaise to any furniture that is lightly water damaged. Apply a thin layer of the mayonnaise and let it sit on the water damaged area for 1-2 hours. Use a damp cloth to remove the mayo from the area. This should remove the water damaged areas.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim for Water Damage

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

Having a water damage is never something expected. Coming home to a house filled with water can be a traumatic experience. It can be hard to think about the appropriate steps to take to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to limit secondary damage and keep the out of pocket cost to a minimum. Below are some tips to help make filing an insurance claim easier.

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/ 

Songs About the Great Flood of 1927

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Flood of 1927.

The Great Flood of 1927 of the Mississippi River not only changed the landscape of the region, the people and government regulations but their culture as well. Many musicians were inspired to express their feelings at the time of the disaster and others continue to do so through conveying those emotions which they so closely associate with those in peril at the time of the flood. Below are some of the most well-known songs about the flooding in 1927.  I have collected primarily songs from the blues genre although you will find some other styles mixed in. Some of these songs and artists have stories and information to share outside of the songs themselves and others simply leave the music to do all of the talking. I encourage you to listen to the songs by clicking on the title, the emotions behind them and add any other songs about the flooding of 1927 that are not mentioned in the comment section below.

Memphis “Minnie” McCoy and Kansas Joe McCoy – When the Levee Breaks

This is probably the most famous song that came about from the Great Flood of 1927. Many African Americans were forced to work, often at gunpoint, on the levees as the river waters rose during the flood for the Mississippi in 1927. At this point in time, many blacks worked on plantations in the Deep South and rented homes from the plantation owners. When the flood came, they had nowhere to go and were forced to move North to find better jobs. This song rose to fame when rock band Led Zeppelin covered it and released it in 1970.

Bessie Smith - Back Water Blues

                This particular song is written about the very early stages of the flood of 1927 which actually started all the way in Tennessee on Christmas Day of 1926. This blues and jazz standard is about the Cumberland River which flows through Nashville and contributed to the overall flooding in 1927.

Barbecue Bob – Mississippi Heavy Water Blues

Charley Lincoln - Mississippi Low-Levee Blues

                Barbecue Bob wrote “Mississippi Heavy Water Blues” about the flood of 1927 and years later his brother, Charley Lincoln (also known as Laughing Charlie) wrote the sequel “Mississippi Low-Levee Blues.”

Charley Patton- High Water Everywhere Pt 1 and 2 – Bob Dylan Covered

                It is believed that Patton was referring to Greenville, Mississippi in this song where African Americans were held after the flood and not allowed to leave by the landowners for fear that they wouldn’t not return to the Deep South and work the plantations. “High Water Everywhere” is debatably one of Patton’s best works and often hailed as his magnum opus.

Terence Blanchard- Ghost of 1927

                While this song is obviously inspired by the flood of 1927 it was actually written circa 2006-2007 for film director Spike Lee’s four hour award winning HBO documentary “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. What resulted was Blanchard’s album A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) compromised of songs about the flooding of the Mississippi region throughout the years. This album won a Grammy in 2008 for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album” and the song “Levees” was nominated for “Best Jazz Instrument Solo.”

Randy Newman – Louisiana 1927

Aaron Neville - Louisiana 1927

                Newman wrote this lamenting song in the perspective of an anonymous resident of the Saint Bernard and Plaquemines parishes recounting the aftermath of the flood. He describes the callous response from the government, the sheer volume of water and the scope of disaster. After Katrina hit, Aaron Neville of The Neville Brothers performed his own version of the song and revived “Louisiana 1927” in way that it not only became the theme song after Katrina but is now considered a Louisiana folk song, staple and standard.

Zachary Richard – Big River

                This song is off Richard’s 20^th album Le Fou which was strongly influenced by his roots in Louisiana as is all of his music but more specifically, the BP Oil Spill. This album is hailed as his best and Richard splits his time between Scott, Louisiana and Canada where he is most well-known.

Other songs about the Flood of 1927:

Blind Lemon Jefferson – “Rising High Water Blues”

Lonnie Johnson – “Broken Levee Blues”

Eric Bibb – “Flood Water”

Jed Hopkins and Sarah A Westcott – “The Mississippi Flood Song “

Joe Hoover – “Mississippi Flood Song”

Big Bill Broonzy – “Big Bill Blues,”  “Southern Flood Blues,” and his cover of “Back Water Blues”

The New Lost City Ramblers – “Mighty Mississippi” (originally written by Kelly Harrell)

Al Craver  (Vernon Dalhart) - “The Mississippi Flood”

Arthur Fields - “Terrible Mississippi Flood”

Norfolk Jubilee Quartet - “The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago”

Bartmon Montet and Joswell Dupuis - “L’Eau Haute” (High Water Waltz)

The Most Destructive Flood in American History

4/25/2016 (Permalink)

Mississippi Flood of 1927.

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

The flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927 was the worst flood in American history. At the height of its power, the flood affected an area approximately 27,000 square miles affecting the states of Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas with Arkansas being hit the hardest. At one point the flooded area was 50 miles wide, a 100 miles long and 30 feet deep. 500 people were killed, 600,000 were left homeless and there were 350 million dollars in damages – approximately 5 billion dollars today.

How did it happen?

Heavy rains came down in late 1926 and kept falling from the sky well into 1927. The tributaries of the Mississippi started to become burdened and the levees overflowed. The single greatest weak point in the levee system was at Mounds, Mississippi but authorities assured residents that the levee would hold. Slaves were made to pile sandbags on top of the levee but once one leak started, the water flow continued to increase. The levee started to shake and eventually collapsed with water flowing more than double the volume of Niagara Falls. The Mounds Landing levee break was significant in that after its collapse, the entire levee system along the river broke. Mounds Landing is known as the most severe levee break in the history on the United States to this day.

Changes

The Mississippi Flood of 1927 brought about many changes to the region and the entire country. Racial tensions soared high and many African Americans migrated north resulting in what is now known as the Great Migration. Under the Flood Control Act of 1928 the world’s longest system of levees were built. In 1941 Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Yazoo Backwater Project which utilizes levees, connecting channels, drainage structures and pumps to prevent flooding in the Mississippi Delta. The Great Flood of 1927 will always be remembered and continues to affect our country, its geography, its people, culture and our landscape to this very day. 

What is a Levee?

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

Levee on Misissippi River.

Levees are natural or artificial embankments made to regulate water flow, prevent flooding, overflowing or to keep certain areas of land dry. People have been attempting to control rivers, oceans and seas for thousands of years through the use of levees.

Natural levees are made of sediment pushed to the side of river banks causing the sides to be significantly higher than the river bed. Manmade embankments are often made of soil, sand and rocks but can also be made of wood, plastic and in some severe cases, concrete. On top, a flat surface is typically left on which sandbags may be piled even higher if needed.

Levees usually run parallel to the course of a river or flood plain to divert the water flow in as natural a manner as possible. If there are any spaces between levees on the same riverbank, the levee becomes useless. This may seem like common sense but it was an issue when the first levees were built by individuals who owned property along riverbanks and not government organizations.  

How to Prevent Leaky Pipes

2/1/2016 (Permalink)

Leaky pipe.

Stress on pipes can result in leaks which can be expensive to fix, replace and, not to mention, could cause extensive water damage to your home, business and personal items if they burst. Here are some ways to decrease the amount of stress and pressure on your pipes.

High water pressure can feel nice in the shower and it may seem like the dishes are getting done faster but, this can put an unnecessary amount of strain on your plumbing. You can get a hose bib gauge at your local hardware store to test the pressure. Attach it to an outside spigot and open the valve. Normal pressure is between 40-85 PSI so if you pressure measures above this, you may want to consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure reducer. You can also install a low flow shower head in your bathroom to help reduce pressure there.

Hard water is another obstacle as far as pipes are concerned. Hard water is water with a higher than normal amount of mineral content such as calcium or magnesium present. These minerals can build up inside your pipes which restricts flow and in turn, increases the pressure. Deposits can also corrode joints and fittings over time. If you see a white substance on our faucet heads, you more than likely have hard water. If you are unsure or want more proof, ask your local municipality to view the water quality report they are required to have through the Environmental Protection Agency.  The only way to effectively soften the water in your home or business is by having a plumber install a water softener.

Wrap your pipes. If you have exterior piping and plan on going out of town in the winter months, take precautions to prevent coming home to a disaster. Wrap your pipes in electrical heat tape or a pipe sleeve which you can purchase at your local hardware store to prevent them from freezing. Remember, if the water is not constantly moving and the cold water pipes touch the exterior of the building when the temperature gets below freezing, your pipes will most likely freeze!

Set the spigot valve. If you have a pipe running through cement to your outside spigot valve, it’s always a good idea to install a frost-free hose bib which allows you to shut off water to the inside of the home preventing freezing.

These are all relatively simple and in expensive ways to protect your pipes that in the end could save you thousands of dollars! 

What is the IICRC

1/18/2016 (Permalink)

IICRC logo.

What is the IICRC?

The IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They are a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the cleaning, installation, inspection and restoration industry for more than 25 countries. They offer classes, training and certification. 

The IICRC was formed in 1972 by Ed York and was originally intended to be the standard for carpet and upholstery cleaning. Quickly, the organization grew to include water, fire and smoke damage, cleanup and repair, as well as wood, stone and tile cleaning and repair.

How Are the Certifications and Classes Determined?

IICRC’s Shareholders vote to nominate candidates to sit on a Board of Directors which is comprised of 15 industry professionals. The Board only meets four times of year so within the Board, there is an Executive Committee. The Committee is selected once a year at the fall meeting. The Board, along with the Committee, determines the direction of the organization while still following the ethics and guidelines set in place by IICRC. The Board determines what classes and certifications are necessary throughout the industry. The IICRC does not own schools or hire instructors but rather approves them to teach classes according to the organizations standards.

For more information on the IICRC, you can visit the website here: http://www.IICRC.org/ 

Different Types of Water Damage

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

Flood.

Water Damage is split up into three different types of categories and four different types of classes according to the Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which sets the industry standards for the water damage restoration and repair industry.

The following categories describe the type of water involved:

Category 1: This is water from a clean source such as faucets, toilets, tanks, drinking fountains, etc.

Category 2: Liquid in this category is sometimes called grey water. The level of contaminants in grey water may cause illness if ingested and comes from sources such as dishwasher or washing machines, sink drains and toilet overflows with some urine but no fecal matter.

Category 3: This is the most unsanitary classification as it could cause severe illness or even death if ingested. Liquid in this category is also known as black water and comes from sewer backup, flooding from rivers, streams, toilet overflow with fecal matter and stagnant liquid that has begun to grow bacteria.

The classes below describe the level of destruction.

Class 1: Only one area of the room was affected, little or no wet carpet, and water has only touched materials with a low permeance rate such as plywood or concrete. Evaporation rate is slow in this class and damage is the easiest to deal with.

Class 2: In this class, the evaporation rate is fast and water has affected the entire room, going up the wall at least a foot leaving a lot of moisture in materials.

Class 3: Liquid may have come from above and the ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated and have the fastest evaporation rate.

Class 4: Specialty drying situations are placed in this class when there is enough water to completely saturate materials with very low permeance such as hardwood, brick or stone.

These categories and classes are used by the restoration industry to determine what type of plan and process should be used in each water damage situation.  Ask your restoration company beforehand if their technicians are IICRC certified to ensure the highest quality and standards in the cleanup process of your home or business.