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.

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.

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.

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.

Flood Damage Restoration Services in New York City

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City's flood response team is available when water damages your property. We can help 24/7.

Here in the north east we are accustom to large storms such as hurricanes and nor'easters. These types of storms bring copious amounts of rain in a short period of time and have the potential to cause widespread flooding and damage very quickly.

SERVPRO technicians are always watching the weather and when forecasts look grim we are prepared with our trucks loaded and ready to go, at a moments notice. Even before the storm arrives we will offer services such as sandbag placement and window board-up so that we can preemptively avoid damage before the storm hits.

If damage does occur it is typically water damage. Flash flooding from intense rain, overflow from storm and sewer drains, overflow from rivers lakes ponds or of course the ocean are also contributing factors when we consider water damage during a storm. When this type of damage occurs it is smart to call us quickly. The faster we are able to respond to your call the faster we can begin clean up and the more likely we are going to be able to restore much of the wet/saturated property.

If a future storm has you concerned about your home or commercial property don't hesitate to call us our innovated project managers can offer several solutions to help flood prone homes and building escape large scale damage in a storm.

It is important to have a plan in place for when your queen's home suffers water damage

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City is ready when water damage affects your property. Call us 24/7.

Bathroom backups are a frequent source of water damage. These are the most expensive in terms of damage because they are a category three biohazard. Items that are saturated often have no restoration possibilities.

A homeowner in Queens suffered water damage from water coming from a backup. To absorb as much moisture as possible, the homeowner laid several towels on the flooring before SERVPRO technicians arrived.

Ventilation and Scoring

To prevent aspiration of moisture during water loss, techs should wear protective clothing. Another standard measure is to confine the pungent smell to the work area. This will prevent cross-contamination. The strong odor of the backup caused the techs to set up air scrubbers in order to capture the airborne particles. The techs then use their advanced moisture detection equipment, which determines if the subfloor needs drying.

Water Extraction Techniques

The equipment showed that water didn't seep into the tile flooring. It is common for techs to make several passes when removing water. This ensures that the tile flooring does not absorb as much moisture as possible. To speed up drying times, the more moisture that is collected before drying helps to reduce drying time.

No Controlled Demo Required

It is common to have the toe kicks removed from cabinets and baseboards surrounding walls when there is a sewage backup. This homeowner contacted SERVPRO techs immediately after the water loss. It helped to keep the loss down.

Odor Control

To ensure that the bathroom is safe for family members to use, it must be cleaned with antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners. Techs can use a variety of odor control methods to eliminate any residual odors.

There is more risk of loss if water damage continues to build up in your home. SERVPRO Long Island City can be reached at (718) 440-6994. The certified technicians will arrive quickly to restore your home to preloss condition.

Find out more about Long Island City.

Appliance Water Damage Repair

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City is available to restore your home or commercial property after water damage, call us 24/7.

It is amazing how quickly things can change when an appliance such as a dishwasher or a refrigerator begins to leak. Many times the leak can go unnoticed for days and weeks until it is too late and there is permanent damage to floors, baseboards, cabinets and more. This is where SERVPRO of Long Island City can help. We are available to repair the damage caused by a leaking appliance and can work with you and in some cases your insurance company to repair the damage and restore our home. 

Our team is available 24/7 when this type of water damage occurs because if the flow of water cannot easily be stopped and is significant you may need immediate help. As water begins to permeate surfaces such as particle board, drywall, laminate flooring and carpets the materials quickly become unsalvageable and must be removed and replaced, this includes insulation behind sheetrock walls. Our team is trained to measure humidity levels in these materials to determine if the can be saved or if removing them will be better to prevent structural damage. 

If your home or commercial property are damaged by water from a leaking appliance, water supply or waste pipe, call us today. We are prepared to help 24/7!

Commercial Flood Damage Repair New York City

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City is Available To Help When Water Damage & Flooding Threaten Your Property

Flood cleanup is a complex task that requires lots of effort. To help you stay organized and move forward, there is a checklist that you can use. This checklist will serve as a guideline and help you to get the job done quickly.

Once the flooding has subsided, it is time to clean up the flood-damaged property. Standing water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Flood water can contain sewage from overflowing pipe. It is important to get rid of this sewage as soon as possible.

You should begin the restoration process immediately after the flooding and contact your insurance company to get coverage. Your insurance company should be contacted immediately to ensure that employees are safe. To help with cleanup, it is a good idea to contact an environmental mitigation company. They will be able to provide guidance on the most effective and safe cleaning methods. They will assist you in determining the best way to clean up water damage.

Flood cleanup requires heavy sterilization. Flood cleanup involves heavy sterilization. Ceilings, floors, and walls should be cleaned with hot detergent solutions. These areas are most susceptible to contaminating materials. After the water has dried, you need to ensure that there are no chemicals in the air. You can have the area professionally cleaned by an environmental mitigation team to prevent mold growth.

Water Damage Brooklyn NY, We Are Near You & Ready to Help

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City Provide Water Damage Repair Services to Properties Throughout New York City

New York City is facing an increasing number of severe storms which cause water damage/flood damage to residential and commercial properties. We are here to help these properties better prepare for these types of events. Our Long Island City team is constantly working with property owners in the area to identify vulnerabilities and help to plan accordingly in the event water enters the building. 

During the last severe storm event, Tropical Storm Ida, we responded to catastrophic flooding events in areas that had in recent memory never been affected by a tropical storm in such a way. While working to restore properties throughout the boroughs we found several instances where better preparation and equipment could have helped to minimize the damage to property.

By working with SERVPRO of Long Island City many property owners were able to create an Emergency Ready Profile with our project managers. Project Managers first review the building and assess the best way to mitigate future damage by preparing ahead of extreme weather events. Then if severe weather does impact the building the amount of damage is minimal and our team is prepared to mitigate further damage using pre-planned strategies based on the review of your property.

Contact our office today to talk about your property and developing an Emergency Ready Profile so you are prepared the next time extreme weather hits the NYC area.

How Do You Dry Electronics After A Water Leak?

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowners often use their phones and tablets in multiple rooms.

SERVPRO® professionals have the experience to help you save these resources in your home.

Leakages can cause havoc in a home. Water leaks can cause damage to electronics throughout a home. Homeowners often use their phones and tablets in multiple rooms. Experts who are familiar with how to protect your equipment and data can save you money.

What type of damage can a water leak usually cause?

A water leak can cause power problems with various electronics in your house. It is important to remove electronics from harm as soon as possible.

What are the first steps when electronics become damaged?

First, ensure there are no electrical hazards. All electronics must be unplugged and backup batteries disconnected. Fuse breakers and trip breakers also need to be removed.

What are the other steps?

All electronics should be removed from any exposed areas if possible. To prevent further water damage, electronics should be covered with plastic if possible.

What about the water leaking from the leak?

SERVPRO® professionals are skilled in removing any standing water. You should wipe away any water remaining from your electrical equipment after the water has been removed. Do not turn on the equipment until you have thoroughly evaluated it. Otherwise, further damage could be caused by running an electric charge through electronics.

What equipment can we use in addition?

SERVPRO® professionals may use dehumidification equipment to stabilize electronics. As this can lead to corrosion and condensation, electronics should not be allowed to cool to the room's dew point.

What happens if you need more specialized knowledge?

We may need to use an electronics restoration specialist in order to finish the job and ensure the integrity of the electronics.

SERVPRO® of Long Island City can help you save your electronics. For a free evaluation, call us at (718) 440-6994

Who Can I Call for Water Damage Help in Long Island City?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in Long Island City with SERVPRO's advanced equipment makes it "Like it never even happened."

Long Island City homeowners trust SERVPRO for Water Mitigation

SERVPRO is a qualified and certified company committed to responding as soon as possible to a water damaging event. We are ready to help Long Island City homeowners who need water damage restoration. If you are experiencing hard times due to water damages, pipe blockages and bursting, or any other problem associated with water spillag  in your home, trust our SERVPRO technicians. We have the tools, equipment, and know-how to operate during any season of the year.

Our crews are trained and follow the best practices of the IICRC The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, so you know you are receiving the best Long Island City water cleanup service possible. Upon arrival, we inspect and scope the job to ensure the most expedient and practical efforts are used for the water damage mitigation. Our goal is to make you feel " Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO can offer to resolve problems and complete the job:

• Water damage remediation
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Spillages
• Water Damage Restoration

How can I reach SERVPRO?

You can reach SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994. We offer 24/7 emergency water damage restoration.

What Water Damage Remediation Steps Restore Queens Apartments?

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO handles all sorts of water damage restoration needs for your home. No job is too big or small for us. Call now!

Our SERVPRO professionals have leading tools for extraction and drying Queens apartment buildings.

Water damage can occur from multiple sources, making it critical to have a team of restoration professionals capable of handling both the water removal services and emergency services water damage that your property requires. With apartment buildings and high-rises typical to the Queens borough, the methods and measures for flood restoration and extraction must change to suit a greater distance to drain points and the need for pumps to reach several stories from the ground floor.

Our ability to handle water damage in Queen's apartments can be critical for repairing leaking roofs from storms or basement flooding cleanup. Our team of Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) can help with:

• Basement flooding
• Emergency services water damage
• Water damage remediation
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Flood restoration

Water Damage Assessment for Compromised Apartments

A thorough water damage assessment must get conducted to fully understand the needs of a compromised home or apartment. Our crew chief or competent inspection professionals can walk the property with the customer to determine the priorities for cleaning and restoration and pressing concerns that must be among the first restoration focus. Job scoping identifies other critical information as well, such as any contents or personal belongings in harm's way that require relocation, on-site cleaning, or replacement after water damage.

Water Removal Services Available for Multi-Story Apartment Structures

The tools used in restoring and removing water damage from apartments in a building are not always the same as those used in area homes. Because high-rises are so prevalent in the borough, we have many high-pressure pumps to address the substantial head pressure required to either push water up from subterranean levels of the structure during basement flooding or discharge collected water from a unit several stories from the main level.

What Tools Provide Efficient Evaporation in Apartments? 

Air mover and dehumidifiers continue to be the foundational elements of evaporation and moisture removal in apartment buildings. We can continually monitor the drying process with moisture detection devices like hygrometers and thermal imagery. The progress evaluations dictate when equipment can get moved or when specialty drying equipment like positive pressure systems might be required.

Is Content Cleaning Necessary After Ceiling Leaks? 

The job scoping phase identified where water damage had taken hold of personal belongings in the apartment and where cleaning or relocation might be necessary. On-site cleaning and restoration are preferred, but there are instances where it is more convenient to move your items to our nearby SERVPRO facility for drying, deodorization, and surface cleaning. Ceiling leaks can introduce water damage to several areas of the property simultaneously, requiring water removal, evaporative drying, and content cleaning after the water damage migration.

Because water damage can have such a destructive impact on area apartments, our SERVPRO for Long Island City team has specialized equipment to maximize water removal and drying of units in a building quickly. Give us a call at (718) 440-6994.

What Can Happen if a Water Intrusion Isn’t Cleaned Properly?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Your home may experience water damage issues anytime. SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified in water restoration and ready 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO understands the water damage that can happen to Queens homes and knows how to provide professional mitigation

Problems occur every day that leads to water intrusion and potential damage to your home. It can be something as simple as an appliance failure or plumbing issue. Complete water extraction and drying are crucial to avoid secondary damage.

Common Issues from Inadequate Water Removal 

When moisture is not mitigated immediately, water damage in your Queens home can be serious. DIY clean up can lead to:

• Musty smells, which can indicate mold
• Buckling sheetrock
• Warped floorboards
• Compromised structural elements
• Sagging ceiling tiles
• Discolored walls

Professional IICRC certified water damage services ensure secondary damages are kept to a minimum, if not avoided altogether. Our technicians use a combination of commercial equipment and state-of-the-art technology to make sure your home is thoroughly dried and restored to preloss condition whenever possible. The crew will:

• Trace the migration path of the water
• Use controlled demolition if necessary
• Employ the right pump for the job
• Restore instead of replace when possible
• Make sure you are completely satisfied

If you have water damage, no matter how extensive, give SERVPRO of Long Island City a call at (718) 440-6994. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Queens Families Seeking a Holiday Mood Find Their Vibe at a Festive Poppenhusen Institute Songfest

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing the troubadour sing!

Take Delight in the Seasonal Tunes of Queens Own Holiday Troubadour, a Diverse Selection Certain to Make You Smile

Nothing creates a holiday ambiance quite as effectively as songs of the season. This time of year offers many traditions among which to choose, but Richard Stillman provides an inclusive range honoring the cultures that share this holiday time. Expect to hear the music of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and more. Treasure old favorites and open your heart and mind to new experiences.

The fun doesn’t end after the troubadour sings. Rumor has it the man in red is a music lover. Prepare the young ones for the thrill of a visit with Santa, adjusted a bit this year for appropriate social distancing.

• Date:         December 12, 2020
• Time:         1:00 pm
• Location:     Poppenhusen Institute

114-04 14th Rd

College Point, NY 11356

718-358-0067

• Price:         $5.00

Everyone is welcome, but obtain tickets in advance. Call the Poppenhusen Institute for details on reservations and tickets.

Water mitigation professionals from SERVPRO of Long Island City are always ready to respond. Call (718) 440-6994 to schedule a prompt assessment, music to the ears of homeowners who struggle with a water loss during the holidays.

Where Can You Get Fast and Effective Help with Water Damage in Queens?

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster--SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage in Queens Properties--Even Parquet Flooring

SERVPRO Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Technicians in Queens Respond Quickly to Help Mitigate Water Damage.

Queens property owners know that time is critical to significant water damage mitigation. SERVPRO professional technicians arrive within four hours to begin mitigation services, helping property owners prevent further water damage. Our highly trained technicians work quickly to begin drying and restoring your property.

How Do Most Unexpected Water Intrusions Occur?

SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) understand that a water loss in Queens can seem inexplicable. Before they begin working to dry and restore your property, they ensure the water source is corrected. These are some of the causes of water damage to Queens homes and commercial properties:

• Leaky or burst pipes
• Broken water heaters
• Faulty appliances
• Broken water fixtures
• Sewage leaks or overflow

How Does SERVPRO Restore Your Property to Pre-Loss Condition?

SERVPRO WRTs use pumps and extraction equipment designed to pull water from your Queens property. Then they use professional air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your property. The team monitors the drying process with temperature and humidity readings and makes any appropriate adjustments. This process helps prevent further water damage.

Most property owners are unaware that cleaning and restoring are scientific processes that require specialized products and extensive technical training. IICRC trained techs can chemically test soilings and use appropriate cleaners to restore your property. We even test the pH of cleaned items to make sure it is balanced. Professional restoration saves owners time and money when compared to replacement.

We understand that some types of water damage emergencies are more hazardous than others. Your safety is always our concern. If the water damage is dangerous to a resident's health, we notify all parties before we proceed, and take appropriate measures to ensure everyone's safety. All damaged areas are restored and sanitized before the team calls their work complete.

When your property is affected by water intrusion, act quickly to help stop the spread through your property. Call SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994.

Can a Queens Homeowner Protect Flooring Materials After a Water Heater Leak?

9/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City is here to help when emergencies happen.

Calling a Professional Water Restoration Technician Is the First Step in Protecting the Floors of Your Queens Home After a Water Heater Breaks

Appliances can break for many reasons, including their age, usage, or other malfunctions. While finding out why your home's water heater in Queens suddenly allowed water to seep through your floors is essential, so is taking steps to prevent further damage. Appealing to a professional water restoration team is your best option when disaster strikes.

Residents in Queens with water damage to their floors can rely on SERVPRO to help them sort the issue. Our technicians are experts in the field, as evidenced by the certification issued by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets the standards in our industry. When you reach our 24/7 hotline, you immediately access a team of experts knowledgeable in the latest techniques and equipment available to restore your home to its original condition.

Is water bad for all flooring?
Flooring materials react differently to water, but virtually all of them are subject to total loss if excess humidity lingers for too long. Our SERVPRO team arrives at your home and uses advanced technology, such as infrared moisture meters, to determine where and how much water is threatening your floors.

With this information at hand, we take action to dry them while preventing further damage. Buckling, delamination, and cupping are typical problems of wet flooring materials, and carpets present their own set of concerns as well. Some of the methods you may see us use depend on the flooring itself, as natural elements such as hardwood require a treatment different than material such as vinyl, but they can include:
    •    Dehumidifiers to encourage water evaporation
    •    Drying mats to suction water out of your floors
    •    Wet vacuums ideal for carpets

SERVPRO of Long Island City is here to help when emergencies happen. Our team is available by calling (718) 440-6994 and inviting us into your home. Like you, we want to leave it, “Like it never even happened.”

Can Water Removal in My Home Wait?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage. Don't wait for assistance. Call now.

If you have water damage in your Queens home, Do not wait for assistance, Our Technicians can arrive on scene within hours.

After water damage happens in your home, the longer you wait to clean it up, the more the water degrades, and potentially the damages to your property and contents increase. Also, after 48 hours, even clean water needs handling as a biohazard, so waiting for the cleanup can wind up costing unnecessary extra money. The best bet is to outsource the task to a professional restoration services company to ensure all the water gets extracted.

Where Can I Find Tips for Water Damage Cleanup Online?  

When SERVPRO handles water removal in Queens homes, it is not an unusual situation for the homeowner to have attempted a cleanup on their own before realizing, it takes more than rags, mops, and a wet/dry vacuum to clean up a water damage situation. Inadequate removal efforts can lead to:  

• Structural damage
• Loss of carpet or other floor coverings
• Deterioration of sheetrock such as buckled walls or sagging ceilings
• Multi-unit water damage possible to your neighbors

Poor tips given to homeowners online such as spraying loss areas with bleach to prevent mold can do far more damage than good, such as bleaching fibers in carpet, ruining the finish on wood furnishings, and causing breaches in the seal on the grout lines of tile because bleach is so caustic. Another tip that can cause more significant issues is putting rice on the floor around cabinet edges to absorb moisture when the water loss is in a kitchen. This action will do nothing literally but create a more significant loss situation because the water underneath a cabinet will not get attracted to the rice. It requires removing the toe kicks and using extraction wands to remove it entirely.

SERVPRO technicians arrive in their green service vans with every piece of equipment to find and extract the water within the home. The house gets dried rapidly through the use of their professional drying equipment, and the techs carefully monitor the property to ensure that the drying goals get attained. 

SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994 comes to local properties for any size water removal needed. The techs are available 24/7 to perform the required restoration services to bring your home back to its preloss condition, whenever possible. “Like it never even happened.”

Learn more about Queens.

How Do I Deal With Affected Upholstery Items During Water Cleanup In My Queens Home?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Saving items affected during water spills helps reduce the cost of restoration.

SERVPRO Can Help Perform the Necessary Cleaning and Drying to Restore Them to the Pre-loss State in Queens

After a water spill, you may expect cleanup only to involve mopping wet surfaces and drying wet contents. However, many incidents turn into full-blown cleaning exercise where you have to resolve several issues to restore your Queens home to its preloss state.  If a burst pipe sprays water on upholstery items, various cleaning challenges can arise.

How does water affect upholstery items necessitating cleaning?

For successful water cleanup in your Queens property, preparation is crucial. When you involve our SERVPRO crews, part of preparation goes towards predicting what sort of problems the exposure to water is likely to cause. Typical issues include:
    •    Browning
    •    Material Shrinkage
    •    Bleeding of dyes
    •    Water spots

The problems mostly develop due to the exposure of items to significant amounts of water, or if the items are soaked over extended periods. Alternatively, materials dissolved in the water can be deposited in the materials of the upholstered items, soiling them.

Why does browning happen?

Some upholstery items have sections made from cellulose fiber fabrics such as raw cotton. A combination of factors can lead to browning. When such material is over wet or dried slowly, browning can happen. Another common reason for browning is the use of alkaline cleaning products in the process of removing other forms of soiling since the alkali reacts with the material. Luckily, it is possible to prevent browning by thoroughly rinsing the material after cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians also expedite the drying process, especially by using air movers.

In case some browning still happens even with the preventive steps, we can use different approaches to rectify the problem, thus saving your item. We can rinse the material with an acidic rinsing solution to counter the effects of alkaline cleaning agents. Alternatively, we re-clean the item with specially formulated detergents.

Do upholstery items always bleed when exposed to water?

If your items bleed after exposure to water, there is a high chance cleaning cannot resolve the issue, so other forms of repair such as resurfacing may be necessary. The good news is that it takes more than just water exposure for dyes to bleed. The most likely reasons for such outcomes include:
    •    Colorfastness of the fabric
    •    Aggressive cleaning method such as pressure washing with over 200psi
    •    Exposing the material to strong alkaline or acidic products

Apart from ruining the item, bleeding also transfers problems to other items. For instance, if the furniture sits on a carpeted area, or is in contact with other fabrics such as draperies, the dyes can stain the other items. Our SERVPRO technicians help in many ways, including using hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleach, or other products to try to reverse the damage if minimal areas are affected. We also use manual corrective methods such as subjecting the area to high-pressure air, which can help force the dye into the fabric backing.

How do water spots develop?

It may seem ironic that water, which is used widely for cleaning, can also cause some problems. Water spots mainly develop because water contains some impurities such as minerals or other microscopic particles. The spots are more pronounced when the exposure only affects sections of an item. The spots could appear as a collection of circles if the exposure happens through sprinkling or large patches of discoloration when there is significant exposure.

In many cases, water spots develop when items are left to dry undisturbed. Therefore, the cleanup and other restoration steps that our SERVPRO technicians take help diminish the chances of water spots developing. We can also take specific cleanup steps to remove them once they develop. We can re-wet the item and clean it from scratch. Since residues dissolved in water are the main problem, we use alternatives such as distilled water when cleaning.

Can cleaning processes lead to physical changes?

Careful handling of upholstery items such as furniture is necessary to avoid damages. Actions such as moving items and actual cleaning steps such as agitation can result in physical damages. One likely form of physical damage is shrinkage of material, especially in furniture skirts or cushions. Our technicians handle items carefully to prevent such outcomes. We can also take steps to resolve shrinkage, in case it happens. Steaming the shrunken material while slightly tugging it helps resolve the problem.

Saving items affected during water spills helps reduce the cost of restoration. Call SERVPRO of Long Island City at (917) 793-0419 to help restore any damage to your items, “Like it never even happened.”

Is It Possible to Dry My Mattress in Queens?

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause you to lose many of your possessions, including your mattress. Call SERVPRO to remediate the damage and reduce your losses.

SERVPRO Technicians Have the Equipment For Extraction and Drying Contents in Your Queens Home

A wet mattress is a frustrating problem for any homeowner to deal with. If it does not get dried quickly, it will be a loss. If the source of the water is from an external flooding, whether groundwater or stormwater that migrated through building materials, it is contaminated. This requires disposal. The following factors are considerations in the restoration potential of a wet mattress: 

• The age of the mattress
• The construction material
• Whether it has springs
• How quickly the extraction and drying efforts began

What Kind of Mattresses Have the Best Outcome After Water Removal?

When SERVPRO techs handle water removal from wet mattresses in Queens homes, they inspect it to determine the construction materials because if it has a cotton, foam, or rubber core, it can be more challenging to dry.  If it got made before 2007, it does not meet the requirements for the current fire retardant standards and requires disposal.

Methods of Drying Mattresses

SERVPRO techs remove as much moisture as possible to lessen the drying time using their portable pumps with upholstery attachments. This includes doing several "dry" passes where no apparent water gets removed before moving on to the drying phase. When drying a mattress, the techs may use tenting with plastic over the mattress with both air movers and de-humidification equipment working in tandem too quickly. When necessary, the techs can remove the mattress for in-plant drying.

Not every mattress has the potential for restoration, and in some cases, it is better to replace the existing mattress with a new one. In situations where the mattress requires disposal, the technicians can ensure it gets disposed of per local regulations.

SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994 arrives quickly to local properties for water removal tasks of any size. The certified technicians get rid of the water and dry your property as fast as possible. 

Click here for more information on Queens.

Need Help With Water Damage in Queens? Read this Helpful Remediation Information

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

When your building or home is facing water damage, contacting SERVPRO is your best bet for effective water removal and remediation services.

Extracting Water From Drywall is Not an Easy Task

It is almost inevitable that your home suffers from water damage at some point in time. Homes in the northeast are susceptible to rain, to the routine wear and tear of plumbing and appliances, and even the added stress that a change in temperature can place on the structure of your home. Regardless of the culprit, water can make its way into your home fairly quickly, leaving you in need of water removal services to restore it. When this happens, many homeowners consider forgoing professional advice and applying themselves to the cleanup process. As admirable as this effort is, misinformation can misguide your tactics, compounding the problem and leaving you vulnerable to future complications.

Our  neighbors in Queens who need help with water damage can count on SERVPRO for expert advice. Our team holds certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), where they learn about the intricacies of water removal and the restoration of your home. A call to our 24/7 hotline gives you access to our knowledge and expertise, which we put to work as soon as we arrive at your residence.

An essential aspect of what we do at SERVPRO is understanding the materials present in your home. Their use and composition guide our steps in evaluating the restorability and drying plan for your house. For example, drywall is present in many households, but they are not all the same. The drywall in a bathroom is different from one in a living room, and may require additional drying time. By using specialized moisture meters, we can determine just how extensive the water damage is and plan accordingly. This process also informs us as we evaluate restoration versus replacement and the cost-efficiency involved in this decision. When you choose to handle water extraction without expert advice, you run the risk of leaving hidden damage unattended, which can eventually resurface as mold and further complications.

Water removal is one of the areas of expertise for SERVPRO of Long Island City. When you call us at (718) 440-6994, you access a vast amount of technical knowledge that works to protect your home. Our technicians, like you, commit to taking every step toward leaving your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more information about Queens.

Water Damage in Queens Home Needs Fast Action

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage.

You Should Always Have a Plan For When Your Queens Home Experiences Water Damage

Bathroom backups are a common source of water damage. They are also one of the most costly in terms of loss because this class of water is a category three biohazard. Frequently, objects that get saturated have no restoration potential. 

A Queens homeowner had water damage in a bathroom from a backup. The homeowner placed several towels on the floor to absorb as much moisture as possible before the arrival of the SERVPRO technicians. 

Scoping and Ventilation

During this type of water loss, the techs wear protective clothing, including respirators, to ensure they do not aspirate the moisture during cleanup. Containment is another standard action to keep the pungent smell limited to the work area and stop cross-contamination to other areas of the home. Because of the strong odor from the backup, the techs set up air scrubbers to assist in capturing airborne particles. After picking up and disposing of the towels, the techs use their advanced moisture detection equipment to see if the subfloor required drying. 

Water Extraction Techniques

The equipment showed that the water did not seep into the tile flooring. When removing water, it is a commonplace for the techs to do several passes to ensure the most moisture possible gets removed. The more moisture that gets picked up before drying works to expedite the time needed to hit pre-set drying goals. 

No Controlled Demo Needed

When there is a sewage-based backup, the removal of the toe kicks under cabinets and baseboards around the walls is frequent. Fortunately, this homeowner brought in SERVPRO techs very soon after the initial water loss event happened, and it assisted in keeping the loss minimal.  

Sanitizing and Odor Control

A water loss of this nature requires both the use of antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning agents to ensure the bathroom gets returned to sanitary levels for reuse by the family. If any residual odors remain, the techs have a diverse array of odor control applications to neutralize any remaining smells. 

The longer water damage remains in your home, the more potential for loss there is. Contact SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994, and the certified technicians arrive quickly and restore the home to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Long Island City.

Basement Repair NYC

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Long Island City offers Basement Repair Services in New York City

Many basements in New York City are used as storage for the residents who live in the apartments above. Often these places are left unvisited for months on end, then at the end of the winter, someone will inevitably find water has seeped in through the foundation and damaged stored goods. SERVPRO of Long Island City provides New Yorkers a solution for this issue, we are experts in water damage repair and we look to SOLVE the problem. Our team of trained technicians use advanced technology to trace down the source of water and moisture and offer complete repair and restoration services to fix the problem right. We then strategically place our drying equipment on the property to remove moisture from the air and prevent futher damage and mold growth. Call our offices today!

Staying Cool is Great, But Watch the Drip Pan!

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

If your home or business has central air conditioning you are probably prone to want to stay inside and stay cool during these hot summer days. And why not! Air conditioning has revolutionized the way we live and the places we can inhabit. But one hazard with a central air handling unit that most home and business owners are not aware of is the overflow of the drip pan, especially when the unit is working in overdrive! Your drip pan is designed to drain out of the building but this small drain line (normally 1" PVC) can easily be clogged just enough to slow down the drain pan and to cause the overflow. The result of this issue is water damage that could go undetected for weeks while causing thousands of dollars in damage. If you experience water damage from an air handler overflow, call our office now. We can help with all phases of restoration.

Mold Prevention is Cheaper Than Mold Removal

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

If you already know that your properties get that damp and musty odor in the summer months then this year should worry you more than most. After a recording setting spring for rainfall, many in  NYC are at high risk for mold and mildew outbreaks. Preventing these outbreaks before they become a health issue is a far better solution than trying to eliminate mold after it has taken hold within your commercial or residential building. SERVPRO of Long Island City and our Commercial Opps team is available to help you solve this problem quickly and affordably before it ever begins! Our team of trained professionals will asses your property, and the moisture content readings within the dampest areas of the building. We will then station and monitor professional grade dehumidifiers and air purifiers and remove them at the end of the humid summer months, saving you the hassle and the expense of purchasing, storing and maintaining this necessary equipment.  

A Professional Restoration Company Can Save You Money In A Water Damage

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or business is struck by a water damage event, such as a flood, burst pipe, or roof leak, you will see many restoration options in a google search. Here is why it is so important to carefully consider the company you choose to repair your property. 

1. Evaluating exactly what can and cannot be saved in the property is crucial. This is where our experienced managers quickly determine the best course of action to save as much of the structure as possible. This first step can determine a huge chunk of your upfront costs for repair and materials for replacement.

2. Drying Equipment. If the company you hire is not using the best drying and air scrubbing equipment available, chances are they will need to use that equipment on your property for a longer period of time, costing you more money. Our techs are trained to work and act efficiently and we invest in the best possible restoration equipment so everything we do is efficient. In the long run, this is the best possible way to save our client's money.

3. We offer all phases of restoration and reconstruction services. Again, as we strive to be an efficient company we employ a team of talented and experienced craftsmen and carpenters to remove the need to hire subcontractors on your project and to be 100% sure your job will be completed professionally.

Colder Weather Setting In - Be Prepared

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

As we near closer to Christmas it is important to remember that freezing weather leads to a greater chance of frozen pipes and a potential for leaks and flooding. Even if you have not had an issue in the past there are steps you can take to ensure your home or business safe from this disaster.

1. Check your home or business for drafts and heat loss. Many times, especially in older homes, attic and basement insulation may become brittle or old and become ineffective in reducing drafts and cold spots. Check to see if your basement or attic has cold spots or failing insulation.

2. Installing a backup heat source. If you have an attached garage or a basement without heat this you have the potential for frozen pipes. Installing an additional heat source that turns on automatically when the room temperature gets too cold can save you from disaster!

Of course, if you ever do experience a burst pipe call our offices immediately. Our team of trained technicians will respond quickly to restore your home or business.

2018 Report: Above Average Rainfall Throughout the Northeast

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

It seems like it is raining every other day here in the northeast lately, so over here in our SERVPRO^® of Long Island City office, we decided to figure out just how much more rain has fallen in 2018. Using tools available on the National Weather Service website we were able to generate this map showing rainfall accumulation for the year and comparing it to the average amount of rain for this time of year. As you can see rainfall along the coastal regions of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York are 4"-12" above average! This will be something to keep an eye on going into what many believe will be a busy hurricane season this year. If your home or business is near any of our located near a resevour, river, lake or pond keep our number on hand, we will continue to monitor the weather! 

Water Extraction Reduces Overall Costs

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

As an insurance agent, adjuster or property manager you may wonder why SERVPRO extracts water from soaked rugs and carpets that will most likely end up being thrown away anyway! There are a few reasons for this; first, the weight of a wet carpet or rug requires more manpower to remove and move, so extracting water reduces the weight of the carpets to be removed significantly. This not only makes the material easier to lift and requires fewer technicians but it is safer for our technicians to handle, reducing on-site injuries. Also, by removing the weight of the water we reduce the amount of total weight of the waste removed, helping to keep waste removal fees down. Finally, by extracting and removing the water from wet carpets and rugs we are removing the water from the property entirely! The importance of this cannot be understated because removing water from the property quickly is the first step in preventing further structural damage and mold growth. Dragging wet rugs and carpets from a property without extraction can leave water behind and exasperate an already dire situation. 

Flooded House, Now What!

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

All too often homeowners wait too long before contacting a water damage mitigation expert in the event of a flood. A good example is when an appliance (like the dishwasher or washing machine) breaks and leaks throughout the house. If you are lucky you realize the leak right away and are able to fix the problem before any real damage is done. But many times a small leak goes undetected for weeks until the leak expands and parts of the home begin to show water damage. 

In one particular example, a two-story single family home was set up with the washer and dryer on the second floor. The homeowners left the machine running before leaving for the day and returned home to find the supply hose had become detached from the washing machine and was draining onto the carpets and throughout the house.

They attempted to dry the mess themselves and waited 5 days before contacting SERVPRO of Long Island City, multiplying the problem and damage to their home.