How To Prevent Storm Damage To Your Home

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Long Island City when severe storms cause damage to your home

Storm weather can cause serious damage to homes and other properties. If a homeowner is not prepared high winds, heavy rainfall, or snow/sleet can cause significant damage that is sometimes irreversible. That is why it is important to always follow the local weather and be prepared when a storm is headed your way. For example, we recommend making sure that you know an emergency storm response team that can help with flooding or other storm damage. The earlier contractors can get to your property the more they can mitigate and reverse damage caused by storm conditions. But beyond knowing who to call after there is a severe storm, it is important to know how to prevent excessive damage caused by storms. 

Check Your Roofing & Siding For Damage

Any weaknesses around your roofing or siding can be huge issues when there is a severe storm in your area. If you notice that your roof is missing shingles or that there is warping/buckling you should call a contractor to help with roof replacement and repair services. Additionally, if you notice any leaks from your roof or water that pools in your home when it rains, you should look to get that addressed before there is a major storm. 

Keep Your Gutters Clear

Beyond looking out for your roofing and siding, it is also important to make sure that your gutters do not have blockages. A blocked gutter prevents water from flowing away from your home and can cause excess pressure on your roof. It is important to ensure that water flows away from your home during a storm. 

Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working

Before any major storms it is important to make sure that your sump pump is working properly so that if you need it, it can help remove excess water from your home. Some homeowners have a backup sump pump for this reason especially if they live in areas where heavy rainfall and severe storms are common. 

Know Who To Call After Severe Storms 

For people who live in the Long Island City area, SERVPRO is the team you need when there is a severe storm. Our teams of contractors can quickly mobilize and get out to your property to help mitigate damage, dry up flooded areas, and help address damaged sections of your home. For more information, give us a call. 

Common Places To Find Mold In Your House

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

If you see signs of mold growth in your home, call SERVPRO of Long Island City

Mold can be found almost anywhere, and can grow on anything as long as there's moisture. Even if your home appears clean and free of mold, you may be surprised to find that is not the case. Mold can lead to health issues so it is important to be aware of common places it can grow. 

Common Places Where Mold Grows

Mold grows in damp, dark, and warm places. Here are some of the most common areas where mold can be hiding in your home:

• Bathrooms: Excessive moisture and limited ventilation make bathrooms a major spot for mold growth. If a fan isn’t used after showers, mold may be found on walls, floors, or ceilings, especially near the shower or tub.
• Kitchens: Mold can grow in places in kitchens where there's plumbing, such as under the sink if it leaks, as well as around refrigerators and dishwashers when they leak or create condensation.
• Basements: Sometimes basements can be dark and poorly ventilated with little to no windows. If a flood occurs at your home it is most commonly in the basement, making this a major spot for mold growth. 
• Attics: Roof leaks and poor ventilation can cause moisture to build up, and cause mold growth.
• Windows: Condensation on window panes caused by high indoor humidity promotes mold growth around window sills and frames.
• Air conditioning units: Moisture buildup in your air conditioning units can create the perfect environment for mold growth.

Identifying Mold Growth

Here are some signs that mold could be growing in your home. If you notice any of these signs, make sure you address the issue as soon as possible to prevent the mold from spreading.

• Visual Indicators: Look out for unusual discoloration on surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Mold can appear in a variety of colors, including black, green, white, or orange.
• Odors: A persistent musty or damp smell in a space may indicate mold, as it thrives in moisture-rich environments.
• Moisture Issues: Homes with a history of water damage, such as flooding, leaks, condensation, or high humidity, are more prone to mold growth.
• Professional Inspection: If mold is suspected but not easily visible, it may be worth hiring a specialist who can use tools like moisture meters to detect hidden growth.

Mold Remediation & Prevention Tips

Relatively small areas of mold should be taken care of quickly but you can do this without professional help. You can use bleach and a brush to remove small mold spots. However, in cases where there is a large amount of mold growth, you will need a professional to help with the appropriate training and tools to deal with stubborn or large-scale infestations. 

Call SERVPRO of Long Island City For Mold Remediation 

When you see signs of mold in your home it is important you have a trusted partner to turn to, that’s why SERVPRO of Long Island City is here to help with mold remediation. We are available 24/7 meaning we are available when you need it! For mold remediation services, give us a call at (347) 345-2807 or contact us here! 

What Are The Steps To Restore Fire Damage?

10/21/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City professionals know how to restore your home or business after fire and smoke damage.

Fire damage can happen at any time, and each type requires a different restoration method to restore your property. If your property experiences fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Long Island City, NY, and we will send our team to inspect it and restore your property to pre-fire condition. Regardless of the fire's size or the damage's extent, we're ready to assist.

#1 Call SERVPRO

A fire on your property can be devastating. The first step to fire damage restoration is to call your local SERVPRO location. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because we understand emergencies can happen anytime. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, day or night to your Long Island City property. A faster response helps to prevent further damage and reduce the costs of damage. 

#2 Professional Fire Damage Assessment

Our professionally trained team will carefully inspect your property to determine the effect of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

#3 Immediate Board-Up

Fire damage can often damage windows, walls, and roofs. To protect against further damage, our team will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. It is critical to secure and protect your home or business from further damage. This service will protect your property from weather, animals, and illegal entry. 

#4 Water Removal & Drying

If water damage is present, it is important to begin the water removal process immediately. Our team at SERVPRO of Long Island City will use advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and perform water extraction of any standing water.

#5 Removal of Smoke & Soot

SERVPRO professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

#6 Cleaning & Salvaging 

We remove all affected materials and items while minimizing the salvageable and restoreable surfaces. We offer restoration of specialty items such as art, electronics, and documents. SERVPRO of Long Island City offers Document Restoration Services for when damage strikes if your photographs, certificate, financial documents, or other vital documents become compromised we can help salvage your valued items. 

#7 Repairs & Construction 

Now it is time to rebuild and bring your property back to what it was before. The repairs can be minor or rebuilding entire areas of your property. SERVPRO of Long Island City can handle construction projects whether your home needs minor repairs or a full remodel. 

Fire Damage Restoration with SERVPRO of Long Island City

SERVPRO of Long Island City is available 24/7 to assist with fire restoration. An emergency can happen at any time, and we are ready to take your call, day or night. Contact us today to restore your property from fire damage!

How To Protect Your Apartment From Flooding

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

Apartments in NYC can easily flood due to rainfall or burst pipes

Flooding has many causes. For people who rent apartments throughout New York City there are a couple different types of flooding to consider. For people living on the ground floor heavy rainfall and poor drainage in the area can lead to your unit or basement flooding. Additionally, water damage can occur due to issues with plumbing systems. We have all heard the stories of a sudden leak from the ceiling because there is a flood in a unit above you. In this article, we will discuss ways to protect apartment buildings from flooding. If you need help with water damage cleanup, mold remediation/removal, or similar services in Queens, please do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Long Island City.

Handle Leaks And Update Your Plumbing Systems

While weather is a cause of flooding and water damage, one of the more common issues is leaking pipes. Properties in NYC should be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired. A leak in a plumbing system can lead to significant water damage and mold growth. This is why it is very important that tenants have a way to easily report issues to their supervisor or landlord. Quick reporting and quick service can help mitigate potential problems. The earlier an issue is found and resolved the better. Moreover, preventative maintenance can go a long way. Having routine inspections and maintenance can help ensure that issues are found and addressed before things get worse.

Choose The Right Materials For Lower Floors Of Your Property

If you are renting a unit on the first floor of a building in New York City, it can be helpful to understand methods that can protect your property from potential flood damage. Over the last few years here in NYC there have been some serious floods to the point where subway stations are filled with water and there is even standing water outside on the streets. There are certain materials that are easier to clean in the event of water damage. For example, you will probably want to avoid using carpets or rugs on a ground-floor apartment. A water-logged carpet can be extremely difficult to clean and can become a place for mold growth. Additionally, you should consider ensuring that any upholstered furniture is lifted off the floor. Similarly, it is smart to not put electronic appliances like gaming consoles or computer towers directly on the floor. Taking steps to protect your property in advance can prevent irreversible damage in the event of a flood.

Water Damage Solutions in Long Island City Queens

SERVPRO of Long Island City provides water damage solutions for properties throughout Queens. Visit our website to learn more about our services, and call us for more information.

A Trusted Restoration Leader for Both Homes and Businesses | SERVPRO of Long Island City

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

When unexpected damage is done to your home or business, SERVPRO of Long Island City is here. Contact us today!

We are known for our quick response when it comes to home disasters and situations, but did you know that we also offer our full array of services to the amazing businesses and commercial properties in the area?

We know that business owners in the Long Island City community are busy enough, which is why we are dedicated to helping you however we can. 

SERVPRO of Long Island City can do everything from helping you recover after a disaster to simply keeping your business clean. 

The Experts in Large-Loss Recovery 

Depending on what type of work you do, your property or building might be really large! What might have been a smaller disaster at a local family-owned shop might occur on a much larger scale at your space. 

However, that is no issue for us. Our team is trained to handle large losses, and we have a special large-loss recovery team just for that specific purpose. 

If a storm rips off the roof of your warehouse or a chemical fire starts at one of your work stations, we will get to work creating a recovery plan and implementing it right away. We will respond quickly and efficiently to ensure your business is closed for the least amount of time possible. 

Think you have a building that is too niche or difficult to navigate? Think again! We have worked with all sorts of businesses including hospitals, universities, office spaces and restaurants, and we can work with you, too.

Our Top-Notch Cleaning Services 

We all know that cleaning duties and other maintenance tasks may not be the most glamorous part of your duty as a manager or business owner, but it must be done. That doesn’t mean you always have to do it yourself, though! 

Our commercial cleaning team can come out to your place and handle any sort of cleaning needs that you have. We are trained to clean your air ducts, deep-clean your carpets and even tackle stubborn odors.

Our team is also trained in biohazard substance cleanup. Life can bring about unexpected situations quickly, and you could be dealing with the aftermath of an accident, crime scene or surprise situation that leaves you with a large—and potentially dangerous—mess. 

That’s where our biohazard cleaning crew comes into play. We have the proper PPE and training to clean and sanitize your space without impacting our safety or the safety of your staff. We can address bloodborne pathogens, crime scene residue and even large-scale sewage leaks. 

Our commercial services team is ready to get to work for you! All you have to do is give us a call.

The unexpected can happen at any time at your business. Contact SERVPRO of Long Island City right away. 

How Partnering with SERVPRO of Long Island City Helps You Restore and Rebuild After a Disaster

2/9/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City specializes on Construction Services

When disaster strikes, the path to recovery can seem daunting. That's where SERVPRO® of Long Island City comes in, guiding you through the restoration and rebuilding process with expertise and compassion. Our all-encompassing approach ensures that from the moment disaster is assessed to the final touches of reconstruction, every step is handled with precision and care. This introduction sets the stage for understanding how SERVPRO's seamless integration of services not only restores your property but rebuilds your peace of mind.

Restoration and Clean-Up

At SERVPRO of Long Island City, we understand the importance of a thorough and efficient cleanup process following any disaster. Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of cleaning needs, from water and fire damage to mold remediation and even biohazard situations. We utilize state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to ensure your property is cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized to meet the highest standards. This foundational step is crucial in mitigating further damage and setting the stage for the rebuilding phase, ensuring a smooth transition from restoration to reconstruction. 

The Reconstruction Process

After cleanup, the reconstruction process is integral to our commitment to fully restoring your property post-disaster. This service encompasses everything from minor repairs to comprehensive rebuilding efforts, ensuring your premises are restored, making the damage "Like It Never Even Happened." The professionals at SERVPRO of Long Island City are equipped to handle the reconstruction phase in full, helping alleviate the stress that comes with rebuilding after a disaster.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

When it comes to restoration after a disaster, SERVPRO of Long Island City is your single point of contact when it comes to cleaning and reconstruction. By allowing SERVCPRO to be your advocate for reconstruction, you don't need to worry about managing multiple repair teams. SERVPRO of Long Island City has you covered. On top of a single point of contact, SERVPRO also helps you in navigating the insurance claims process and assists in coordinating the necessary paperwork, giving you a quicker and easier experience.

Conclusion

SERVPRO of Long Island City exemplifies resilience and expertise in the face of disaster, offering a comprehensive range of services from initial cleanup to complete reconstruction. With our approach and focus on quality, efficiency, and customer care, SERVPRO of Long Island City not only restores properties but also peace of mind, making disasters "Like It Never Even Happened." This dedication to excellence and comprehensive support underscores why SERVPRO of Long Island City is the preferred choice for disaster recovery and reconstruction. Contact us today!

What the Polar Vortex Means for Your Pipes

1/15/2024 (Permalink)

Polar Vortexes bring exceedingly cold temperatures

As the winter weather continues, "Polar Vortexes" become far more likely, signaling plummeting temperatures and severe weather conditions. This meteorological term, often associated with bone-chilling cold, can have a profound impact on daily life, particularly for homeowners and business owners. In addition to several drops in temperature to worry about, polar vortexes also heavily affect plumbing systems. As temperatures dive, the risk of pipes freezing and subsequently bursting increases, potentially leading to severely damaging water floods. Understanding the polar vortex, how it affects plumbing piping, and the necessary preventive measures are essential for bracing for the winter months. SERVPRO of Long Island City has crafted some preventive measures you can utilize to ensure your plumbing stays safe during the ongoing polar vortex.

Understanding the Polar Vortex and Its Impact

A polar vortex is essentially a vast expanse of swirling cold air that typically envelopes the polar regions. However, during the winter, the vortex at the North Pole often expands, pushing frigid air toward the equator and affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere. This shift can result in a sudden and steep drop in temperatures, often catching businesses and residences off-guard.

The critical issue with these plummeting temperatures is their effect on water pipes. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can exert extraordinary pressure on pipes, regardless of whether they are made of metal or plastic. When the pressure becomes too great, pipes can burst, leading to water damage, the potential for mold growth, and the need for repairs on top of restoration and cleaning services.

Prevention and Protection

To mitigate the risks of a polar vortex freezing your pipes, consider the following preventive steps:

1. Insulate Pipes: Wrapping exposed pipes in foam insulation, particularly those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages, can significantly reduce the risk of freezing.
2. Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature: Keeping your home heated consistently, even when you're away, helps keep the internal temperature of pipes above freezing.
3. Allow Faucets to Drip: Allowing a slight drip in faucets can prevent pressure buildup within pipes, reducing the risk of freezing and bursting.
4. Drain Water from Pools and Sprinklers: Drain water from the swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Close Inside Valves Supplying Outdoor Hose Bibs: After removing and draining outdoor hoses, close the inside valves that supply these bibs but leave the outside valve open.
6. Insulate Vulnerable Spaces: Increase insulation in areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures.
7. Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.

The polar vortex, while a natural weather phenomenon, poses a significant challenge to plumbing, particularly regarding the risk of frozen and bursting pipes. By understanding this meteorological event and taking proactive, preventative measures, you can safeguard your home against the potentially devastating and costly consequences. Prevention actions are far more effective and less costly than repair. Stay warm, stay informed, and prepare your home for whatever the winter brings. 

Should you incur any water or storm damage during the Polar Vortex, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Long Island City, and we'll make it "Like It Never Even Happened!"

What to Do If Your Trusted Appliance Starts to Leak | SERVPRO of Long Island City

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

Appliance leaks can be incredibly damaging and frustrating. That's why SERVPRO of Long Island City is Here to Help®. Contact us today!

We all have those appliances in our homes that are reliable, even if they are a bit finicky from time to time. Maybe you have to crank the dial on your washing machine really hard to get it to run, but it hasn’t given you issues in years! Or maybe you have had to push the start button twice on your dishwasher for most of its life, but it always gives you clean dishes. 

Whatever the idiosyncrasies are in your home, you rely on your appliances to help you get through your day. Unfortunately, any appliance that relies on water to function has the potential to leak all over your house. Knowing what to do and how to react can help you reduce the risk of extensive damage. 

Noticing the Problem

Most water leaks don’t happen in a sudden and obvious fashion, although we wish they would! Many times, a small leak or drip will go unnoticed for a long time. 

This is especially true if the leak starts underneath or behind an appliance. If you ever notice a new water spot or smell the beginning stages of a mold infestation, it is time to pull your appliance away from the wall and investigate. 

If you come home to a new puddle or your kitchen has an inch of standing water on the floor, don’t panic! Avoid walking through the water however you can and shut off the appropriate water valves that lead to your kitchen. 

This can stop the flow of water to your entire room until you have pinpointed the source of the leak. Once the water has been contained, give us a call. 

How We Can Dry Your Home

No matter what leaked or malfunctioned, our team is able to come out to your home quickly and start drying out your space. We will get to work locating the source of the leak, extracting the excess water and addressing repairs. 

Our team focuses first on your fragile possessions and keepsakes, and we work hard to save what we are able to. Once we are through, your space will be dry and any soggy floors or ruined drywall will be replaced and your home will look just how it did before the disaster occurred.

Every situation like this is a learning experience, so knowing what to do next time can help you avoid extensive damage. Maintaining your appliances can help you avoid the most significant damage, and it can help identify issues as they appear. You can easily recaulk old caulk lines, tighten up water line connections and address any other simple fixes on your own. 

You should also consider replacing appliances as they get older. The older they get, the higher the chance that they become more unreliable. 

When a water disaster strikes, give SERVPRO of Long Island City a call! We will be there for you right away.

Finish Your Remodel With Confidence With SERVPRO® | SERVPRO of Long Island City

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Need help finishing your home remodel? Call SERVPRO of Long Island City to get your space back in order.

As a homeowner, you are constantly faced with minor fixes and DIYs that you can tackle on your own. After all, that’s one of the fun parts of homeownership! However, some projects may seem easy at the time but then quickly become overwhelming and you find yourself in over your head. 

Instead of living with a half-finished kitchen or exposed walls in your bathroom, call SERVPRO® to help you finish your construction project with confidence.  We will tackle whatever projects still need to be done and leave you with a professionally finished job that you can be confident in. 

Our Construction Process
We are a full-service restoration and repair company, and we truly mean it when we say full service. We can handle anything from water damage to mold infestations, and we can even handle any construction needs that your home requires. 

That includes taking over when you find yourself overwhelmed with the project at hand or handling your remodel from start to finish, including creating the initial project plans. We will start with an initial inspection of the space and project, and we will do everything from mitigation to reconstruction needs like rebuilding walls, hanging new drywall and installing new cabinets or windows. We can do it all!

Our team is trained on the proper safety measures, and we will ensure we control dust and any safety hazards we discover along the way, like mold infestations or loose wiring. 

We Offer the Confidence You Can Trust
We are constantly training and taking courses that increase our knowledge of the latest and most advanced restoration techniques, which will ensure that your project is done safely and thoroughly. We also are locally owned and operated, which means that we fully understand the codes and regulations required to handle a building project in the Long Island City area. 

Our goal for any construction project is to help build the house of your dreams, whether it is a simple remodel or a recovery after a disaster. We have your back in any situation. 

We are here for all of your construction needs. Contact us today at SERVPRO of Long Island City.

Water Damage Restoration: Long Island NY SERVPRO's Commitment to Fast Recovery

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides swift and efficient water damage restoration services in Long Island, NY

When disaster strikes, count on SERVPRO of Long Island, NY, your trusted water damage restoration experts. Water damage can strike anytime—whether from a burst pipe, storm, or flooding, the impact can be devastating. Quick action is crucial. We're available 24/7, providing immediate, professional remediation services to protect your property from further harm. Our highly trained technicians use cutting-edge equipment and proven techniques to efficiently remove excess water, dry out the area, and restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition. Moreover, we carefully monitor and document the entire process to ensure your property is thoroughly cleaned and safe. Trust SERVPRO of Long Island, NY, for fast, reliable, and comprehensive water damage solutions. Your peace of mind is our highest priority.