Has Your Property Been Affected by Storm Damage?

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can leave properties battered and vulnerable. Storms can be devastating for both residential and commercial structures brought on by torrential rains to high winds. After the storm, companies such as SERVPRO emerge to take on the challenge and help clean up the damages along with restoring your property to its preloss condition, by offering swift and comprehensive solutions to mitigate and restore your property.

We offer 24/7 emergency services, as soon as we receive a phone call we can schedule a technician to stop by within a short amount of time. Our professional mitigation team will evaluate the property to identify vulnerabilities, potential hazards, and areas that can be at risk of getting more damaged. We will document areas of concern and implement immediate measures to mitigate ongoing risks. Storms can bring a lot of rain down all at once and it can lead to water intrusion, causing flooding, foundation issues, and mold growth. Technicians will use state-of-the-art equipment such as air movers, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers, along with a few other things that may be used depending on the situation.

Our team will first focus on water extraction using submersible pumps, wet vacuums, and truck mounts to remove all standing water from the affected areas. Rapid response helps prevent further structural damage since it lowers the chance for mold spores to proliferate. High winds during a storm can cause quite a lot of damage too. By wreaking havoc on roofs, sidings, windows, and other structural elements. We will identify compromised areas and do temporary repairs that will allow our team to carry out mitigation efforts. Storms can scatter debris and hazardous materials across the property. We will clean up and remove debris that is throughout the affected areas.

When/if your property has been damaged by a storm, the importance of a professional storm mitigation team cannot be overstated. Whether for residential or commercial properties, storm mitigation, and restoration offer a glimmer of hope and a path to recovery. With skilled experts at SERVPRO®, your property can be restored to your satisfaction.

Weathering the Storm

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

In the world of homeownership, nature’s wrath can sometimes disrupt our day-to-day lives. Storms, with their mighty winds and relentless rain, have the power to wreak havoc on our property, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. However, amidst the chaos, there exists a team of restoration professionals who specialize in storm damage mitigation and property restoration.

Assessing a Storm Loss

As the storm subsides and a calm environment returns, the storm mitigation team springs into action to begin the initial damage evaluation. Their first task is to conduct a thorough assessment of the affected property. With keen eyes and expert knowledge, they meticulously examine the damage inflicted by the storm. From damaged roofs and shattered windows to water intrusion and structural compromises, no detail goes unnoticed. The initial evaluation serves as a foundation for the subsequent restoration process.

Securing the Property

Safety takes precedence in the wake of the storm’s fury. To protect the residents and prevent further damage, our experts will swiftly execute temporary measures to ensure the restoration process can begin. This may involve a few solutions such as tarping the roof, boarding up broken windows, and reinforcing the weakened structure. Securing the structure ensures a more safe work environment to carry out the restoration process.

Drying & Extraction of Water

Water infiltration is a common aftermath of storms, and addressing it promptly is crucial to prevent any further damage from occurring. Equipped with the proper tools, the restoration team will conduct water extraction. Pumps will be utilized in order to remove any standing water. After the water has been removed, our team will set up air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the affected areas and control moisture levels. Thorough drying techniques, such as air circulation and moisture monitoring, are employed to restore optimal conditions within the affected space.

Mold Prevention

If a property has been affected by water damage, there is a potential chance for mold to take advantage of the situation. Our team will take proper precautions to prevent mold growth, and if the mitigation team finds any visible mold, we will take action quickly and effectively to get rid of it.

In the aftermath of a storm, storm damage mitigation takes center stage. With the expertise of our SERVPRO technicians, you can count on them to get the job done effectively and efficiently. By assessing, securing, and mitigating the affected areas. We will guide homeowners through the process from start to finish and make sure that you are satisfied with the work that was done on your property.

Winter Is on the Way

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Get ready for the first snow fall of 2022.

Winter Weather & Your Property

It’s that time of the year again, right as you open your front door you feel the chilly breeze and see frost on the grass. Within no time northern New Jersey will get its first snow fall of the year. In most cases getting snow isn’t that bad and is mainly annoying for those of us that are driving around. When we get a storm that’s when snow can be problematic and can potentially damage your home or business. Freezing rain is another concern as well and can cause a handful of problems. If you run into a situation where your home and/or business has been effected by the harsh winter weather, SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County, Fair Lawn is here to help. We are a leader in the restoration service industry and have experienced technicians that will determine the best solution that will solve your mitigation/restoration problems.

The Variety of Ways your Property can be Effected

There are plenty of scenarios that can lead to your home and/or business being damaged from the elements especially during the winter months. We will go over a few of the issues you should keep an eye out for, so you can take action quickly.

• Ice Dams – This is one of the more frequent/common ways your home or business can be damaged during the winter. When ice builds up it clogs your gutters, when the snow begins to melt the water has nowhere to go and the water backs up under the roof and refreezes, since it isn’t being drained away from the house. It can lead to water damage, mold growth and rot if action isn’t taken as soon as it is discovered.
• Snow Damage – When snow is on your roof it may not look like much, but it can be pretty heavy and could cause structural damage increasing the chances of a roof leak. It is important to not pile up snow near the foundation, because once it begins to melt the soil may become over saturated and potentially cause property damage.
• Frozen & Burst Pipes – When it comes proper plumbing winterization, most pipes will not encounter many issues. Faucets that are located on the outside along with plumbing located in unheated areas, such as a garage or crawlspace have the highest risk of an issue happening in extremely cold temperatures. There are a few measures that a person can take that may help prevent a situation like that from occurring, keeping the facets at a trickle will keep the water flowing to avoid pressure build up and potentially prevent pipe freezes.

These are just a few common ways your home and/or business can be damaged by the harsh cold weather during the winter. The best way to prevent these situation is to make sure you are maintaining the property and staying alert by simply preforming a quick walk around to see if anything may require your attention.

What to do if you Find Storm and/or Water Damage

The best thing a home or business owner can do in this situation is get help as soon as you are aware of the damage. As soon as you call us, our office can schedule a time and date that works for you. In more dire circumstances we can send a restoration team quickly in order to prevent further potential damage from occurring. Once our experienced professionals are finished with the restoration process it will be “like it never even happened.”

Storm Systems & Property Damage

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster™

Common Storm Systems in the Northern New Jersey

Here in northern New Jersey our climate is diverse and can be quite different from what is happening in the southern New Jersey region. New Jersey can be divided into five main climate zones, which can experience different weather events throughout the year. Bergen County is located in the central New Jersey climate zone, but shares a border with the north climate zone. This exposes our area to weather events that occur in both regions. Around the summer season thunderstorms can be quite common and are largely responsible for most of the rainfall received throughout the year, but cyclones are becoming more frequent each year as the average temperature is increasing slowly every year. Due to most of our county being somewhat flat, certain communities during these warm rainy months are at risk of to flooding potentially causing damage to homes and commercial properties. .

Since we are located on the border of the northern and central climate zones, our winters can be pretty different then the areas south of us. This exposes us to shifts between freezing and non-freezing temperatures, which affects how much snow fall we get. We tend to get more snow than most of the state with the northern climate zone being the only exception. On average we can expect to get anywhere between 23-27 inches of snow annually. Depending on how extreme a winter storm can be can cause tree limbs to break along ice damming on roofs potentially damaging property.

What to Do if Your Home or Business is Affected by a Storm

If your property has been damaged by a storm, depending on the extent of damage you can try to mitigate and restore it on your own, but we don’t advise that unless you’re an experienced professional. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County, Fair Lawn we have an experienced and IICRC certified team that can help you in a storm damage situation. We specialize in property restoration and our crew can handle cleanup after any size disaster. Client satisfaction is our priority, since we understand how stressful it can be when it comes to property damage. Every SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency service. After a storm system has rolled on by and if by chance your home or business has been damaged, take action and give us a call at (201) 244-0100 and a technician will be on their way.

How Storms can Turn Everything Upside Down

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Large Storm Front Moving In

Storms and your Property

Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times. We rely on our weather centers and news apps to see what future weather may occur, but at times even the weatherman gets it wrong. That is why it’s always good to be ready for anything that could damage your property, whether it be extreme winds or rising waters there is always something that can be done to minimize the effect it may have on your home or business.

Mitigating the Aftermath

Even for those who are properly prepared can still encounter property damage because the power of nature can’t be controlled. This is where our services provide the community with ability to bounce back and allow the restoration process to begin. After the damage is done we are here to put your property on the path to recovery. Our experienced team of technicians will determine what affected areas are able to be saved and restored. In our line of business we have the state of the art tools and equipment that can assist with water extraction and being able to determine what materials are affected, so they can be dried or disposed of. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County we understand how stressful a situation like this can be and we’ll walk you through each step until the end.

Our Services

In case of emergency events we offer 24/7 emergency service to those who need it. We offer water, fire, and mold restoration services. Not only that we also have construction services, which streamlines the entire process so you don’t have stress out when it comes to finding another contractor. Choosing us means everything can be done in one fowl swoop. So if your property has had a run in with water damage brought on by a storm or any other incident. If you are in need of our services give us a call today.

We Will Document The Recovery Process After A Flood In Your Dumont Home

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call today at (201) 244-0100.

Documenting The Recovery Process For Flooded Dumont Homes

Whether we are working under the financial canopy of insurance companies or helping homeowners through flooding damages in a budget-friendly mindset, we can help you bring your Dumont home back to pre-damaged condition quickly. We work to help keep our customers at ease as much as possible through the entire recovery process, as we understand how stressful and overwhelming these circumstances can become. Helping you to see our progress and the stages of our approach can give you an accurate look at when you can expect to return to your property.

Documenting our recovery process and each stage is an intricate and involved service, but one that our professionals know is necessary when addressing flood damage in Dumont homes. Because this approach is a staple of SERVPRO flood recovery and water damage restoration, we have developed software called DryBook to streamline this documentation and allow individual professionals access to the information to witness milestones and the overall progress of the housing recovery. Having this software available helps in three specific ways:

•   Efficiency of Our Team – With this information accessible to our management professionals, we can dispatch new personnel and add equipment to a project when progress is not as efficient as we would like. It keeps our entire team accountable for their pace and productivity.

•   Coordination with Insurance Providers – We work alongside insurance companies in the area to meet their requirements and to keep an open line of communication with these firms. Our SERVPRO DryBook software and overall progress documentation can help.

•   Helping the Customer – We understand how stressful flooding scenarios can be, especially when you do not have coverage for these disasters with your home insurance. We strive to provide an efficient service that addresses any budget concerns you have, and part of this process is an open communication that documents our progress and drying process.

Flooding damages can be challenging to manage and feel much longer to restore without the knowledge that the restoration process is progressing. We have designed premium software to share this information with our team, insurance companies, and our clients to guarantee that there are no delays in recovery. Whenever disaster strikes, you can count on our SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County specialists to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (201) 244-0100.

Need Flood Damage Cleanup After a Storm in Closter – Call SERVPRO

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Afraid your wood floors have been damaged by a Storm? No need to stress it, Let SERVPRO fix it.

SERVPRO Provides Flood Damage Emergency Cleanup Services in Closter

Storms rolling through our area in Closter can cause a great deal of damage to homes, knocking out power systems, bringing down trees, and flooding. Many homeowners rush to begin recovering their belongings and attempting to remove excess water in dangerous conditions.

SERVPRO can help with all aspects of flood damage cleanup in Closter after a storm ravishes your neighborhood. Our team can assist, whether temporary tarps covering the roof, windows to cover, doors to board up, or temporary power to keep essential appliances operating.

We urge residents to keep safety foremost in their minds. Slips and falls on muddy wet surfaces, electrical wires sparking nearby, and even usually delicate items can be heavy when soaked with water. If in doubt, wait for the professionals to help you clean up, recover, and restore your home.

SEERVPRO provides high-capacity truck-mounted pumps, portable pumps, water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove excess water and dry your home. Our fast response limits the amount of secondary damage caused by water absorption, allowing us to recover, clean, and dry many items.

Not everything can be recovered. We work closely with the homeowner and their insurance company to determine what must be replaced or cleaned. Depending on the amount of damage, controlled demolition techniques are utilized to limit the damage to other home areas.

SERVPRO inspects and assesses the damage before developing a plan to help the homeowner recover from storm damage. Our services are aimed at your needs and your insurance coverage. Our services include:

• Emergency services water damage repair
• Water clean up and water removal services
• Flood restoration

Call the flood damage specialists from SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County, Fair Lawn, and nearby areas for assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 244-0100.

SERVPRO Saves Closter Homes from Lasting Effects of Flood Damage

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

When flooding occurs, professional help is often required. Contact SERVPRO to mitigate the flood damage situation in your family’s home.

How do SERVPRO techs use science to dry your Closter home after flood damage?

After the SERVPRO techs remove standing water from your property, the next goal in restorative cleaning is to get rid of residual moisture. The lasting effects of flood damage in your Closter home can be controlled if SERVPRO techs successfully dry the structure. 

SERVPRO techs employ several scientific principles to speed up drying during the restoration of flood damage to your Closter home. Our techs use psychrometry- the study of air and its property, to establish a drying plan that is quick and effective. Techs manage three psychrometric conditions to accomplish this goal-

• Humidity
• Temperature, and
• Airflow

How do SERVPRO techs select a drying system during flood restoration of Closter homes? 

A drying system is a set of conditions that dehumidify the air to speed up the drying process. SERVPRO techs use two types of drying systems in Closter homes- 

• Open: If the outside air is drier, an open system uses it to reduce indoor air humidity. The exchange happens through open doors and windows with the help of air movers. SERVPRO techs use this system only if the outside air is significantly drier than the indoor air. 
• Closed: A closed system uses a series of strategically placed air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the indoor air. The affected area is sealed so that there is no interference from the outside air. The open system works in most flood-affected homes as the outside air is usually quite moist.  

Controlling the temperature

SERVPRO techs use electric and space heaters to heat the air, especially in closed drying systems. Increasing the temperature increases the water holding capacity of the air, increasing the drying rate. 

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100; our techs are available 24/7 to help you.

Can Pipes Freeze in Closter Homes Under Cold Conditions?

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage mitigation services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Frozen pipes are a costly and destructive situation for Closter residences. 

The winter months can bring about steep temperature drops and cold snaps that expose a home's vulnerabilities and its exterior protection. As compromising as these water damage events can be, much of them can be prevented with a few early steps.

How Do Pipes Freeze?

Frozen pipes and ice damming in Closter can both be destructive and crippling to a home when water damages result. Pipes freezing is a common callout for our SERVPRO professionals, as many do not realize plumbing is underinsulated until these lines succumb to the low temperatures.

What Causes Plumbing to Burst in These Conditions?

While the standard in modern plumbing installation has transitioned to PEX materials that are more durable against threats of expansion and warping, many homes still have lead and copper service lines that are highly sensitive to the growth of water as it freezes. When ruptures occur, many materials can be damaged like:

• Cabinets
• Wall Assemblies
• Ceiling Systems
• Wood Flooring
• Carpeting

How Can You Prevent Frozen Lines?

It is possible to avoid the costly damage that frozen pipes can cause when they burst. The first step of this process is to ensure that vulnerable water lines have sufficient insulation to protect against direct environmental conditions that can cause a freeze.

When Does SERVPRO Need to Help?

It is not challenging to see when water damage occurs after these events, showcasing a clear need for professional restoration and recovery. With powerful mitigation tools like pumps and vacuums, we can quickly regulate threatening conditions to protect properties from irreparable harm.

Regardless of how water damage threatens your home this winter, our SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County team can help with efficient mitigation and restoration solutions. Call when you need us at (201) 244-0100.

What Type of Damage Can Be Expected After Flood Damage in a Closter Property?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Minor storm damage to your home needs to be addressed ASAP. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are trained and experienced for what you need.

SERVPRO Serves the Local Closter Community for Cleanup After Water Damage

Even minor storm damage can open up a Closter property to more extensive structural damage. For example, given, a small leak in a roof can allow water into the attic that drops through a ceiling and causes a sagging ceiling and damaged walls. 

SERVPRO has decades of experience handling flood damage in Closter properties. An inch of water may not look like much in a home, as it does not even cover a baseboard along a wall. However, a mere inch of floodwater can result in thousands of dollars in damages to a home as it migrates under flooring and wicks into walls. 

Frequently seen damages that homeowners see are:

• Ruined building materials
• Articles in the home that require disposal
• Need for extraction and drying

Locating the migration path of any water damage is crucial and never more so than when dealing with floodwater. SERVPRO technicians extract the water quickly and then use their moisture detection equipment to determine any areas within the property that need additional attention. The use of infrared cameras assists with this task and allows the techs to peer behind walls and within ceilings without putting holes in these areas. If the display on the camera shows blue, indicating cooler temperatures, the techs mark off that area to dry. Equipment such as the Injectidry System may get used as it is ideal for forcing a large amount of warm, dry air into a small, focused space. The techs limit the number of building materials that need removal due to water damage to save the homeowner from the cost of replacement materials whenever possible. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 supports the local Closter community with professional water removal and flood damage cleanup in both commercial and residential properties. 

Can SERVPRO Restore Flood Damage to Cresskill Homes after a Storm?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is no match for SERVPRO. We are equipped and ready at a moment's notice to restore your home.

Cresskill Homeowners Can Rely on SERVPRO for Fast and Efficient Flood Damage Restoration 

Floodwater accumulating on your property after a storm can be heavily contaminated and must be promptly removed to avoid any secondary damage. SERVPRO technicians are prepared, experienced, and capable of handling any size of flood damage to your Cresskill home.  

The course of action that SERVPRO restorers take after flood damage to your Cresskill home depends on the severity of the contamination in the accumulated water. In most flooding situations, the water is often heavily contaminated, and the SERVPRO professionals need to evacuate the occupants. The technicians that work on the site use protective gear, including a full-face respirator with HEPA filters and a full bodysuit. The next step in flood restoration is to establish containment zones with negative air pressure to limit the spread of the contaminants to the unaffected areas of the building. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Extract Water and Remove Bulk Material During Flood Restoration of Your Cresskill Home? 

Apart from water, SERVPRO techs often need to remove solid waste, debris, and silt from your flooded Cresskill home. The restorers use various equipment, from rakes and shovels to high-capacity trash pumps for this purpose. 

It might be necessary to treat the contaminated water with a disinfectant before pumping it out in some situations. Removing water from basements and crawl spaces can be quite tricky, especially after long exposure to floods. The soil adjacent to the walls and foundations can become saturated with water causing structural integrity issues. SERVPRO techs often extract water from such places in batches to monitor the effect of the water on mortar joints or signs of structural failures in the wall.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 for a fast and efficient water damage restoration service that you can trust.   

Can SERVPRO Provide Emergency Power While Responding to Flood Damage in Cresskill?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm strikes SERVPRO responds! Call now for all the storm damage restoration needed for your home.

SERVPRO Provides Emergency Services for Flood Damage in Cresskill, Including Emergency Power

With the power out and broken windows allowing torrential rain to pour into your home in Cresskill, water can soak your contents in minutes. Colored fabrics can bleed into carpeting that is also soaked, and if the water is not removed quickly, drywall can swell and may also damage hardwood flooring.

SERVPRO responds to flood damage incidents in Cresskill regardless of the situation. We can mobilize all of our equipment and technicians, with the first team members on-site within four hours of your call. Our electrical generators can power pumps, water extractors, and drying equipment to remove the water and humidity before it can do serious damage to your home.

Water and moisture after a storm provide a great incubation environment for mold colonies to take hold and grow. Mold spores can turn into mold colonies in less than 24 hours. Once the power is restored, we transfer the air movers and dehumidifiers to traditional power sources. We can operate the units until everything is dry and humidity levels have returned to normal levels.

Our response to flood damage incidents includes the following services:

• Mold inspection, remediation, and removal
• Board up services for broken windows to reduce additional rain from penetrating the home
• Water removal and damage repairs

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County for flood damage in Cresskill and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 244-0100.

Call Us When A Flood Has Damaged Your Home In Closter

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's professionals can restore all of your water damages and make your house feel like home again.

Different Ways Professionals Help After Flood Damage In Closter

If you are a regular person and have vast experience dealing with a flooded property, you must be very unlucky. Most people deal with one or just a few incidents over many years, so you are not alone, even though you might not know which steps to take when your property floods. Luckily, professional flood mitigation experts have the necessary training and experience to handle such situations best since it is part of their day-to-day work. Hiring such an expert helps in different ways.

Water Removal Services

Among the common aspects of flood damage in Closter is soling of different parts of the property. A flood dumps contaminated groundwater, silt, mud, and other soils into a property necessitating thorough cleanup. Professionals rely on advanced equipment to speed up the cleaning process. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on pressure washers and multi-surface scrubbing equipment to remove soils. We also have pumps to extract any standing water. Sometimes, the water or other aspects of the flooding can leave physical damages such as soggy drywall. We do controlled-teardown to remove the affected materials then rebuild the area to deal with the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Documenting Flood Damage Repairs

Although insurance covers most of the damages left after flooding, if you have the right policy, filing a claim can be difficult. Insurers require proper records and even evidence of the damages suffered. Professionals keep records as part of the flood damage restoration, making it easier to file claims. Our SERVPRO technicians fill electronic Content Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), especially if we have to move out items providing a clear record of fully or partially damaged items for insurance purposes.

Mold Removal

Microbial growth is a common outcome of a flooding incident.  Some steps taken early during the restoration can help prevent such growth or limit their spread. Our SERVPRO technicians spray EPA-registered disinfectants in all areas affected by the incident. We also dry excess moisture from the structure by increasing air movements using air movers and extract moisture from the air using dehumidifiers.

For better response after a flood damages your home in Cresskill, Harrington Park, and Closter areas, call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County to help. We are available at (201) 244-0100 any time.

Can Flood Damage Harm Closter Home Foundations?

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

If you find water damage in your Closter home, Call in the experts at SERVPRO right away.

Flood Damage Could be Bad News for Closter Houses

Storms can arrive without warning and cause damage throughout your home. It is essential to be aware of the potential extent of storm damage, so you can take steps to remediate it.

If a storm causes flood damage to your Closter home, there is always a risk of foundation damage. When the ground around your home swells with flood water or rain, it might put pressure on the foundations and cause cracking. We know a few things you can do to protect your foundations:

• Ensure your garden slopes away from your home and not towards it.
• Keep your downspouts in good repair, so they do not pour extra water around the foundations.
• Check for pooling water around foundations.
• Make home maintenance a priority.

Do not ignore signs of water issues in your home. Water problems indoors can turn into water problems around the foundation, which means the foundation is weaker and more prone to flood damage. Call SERVPRO – our technicians can use monitoring equipment to seek potential problem areas before the issue worsens.

If you want help keeping your home safe from flood damage, call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100.

What Can Be Done to Prepare a Home for Flooding in Closter?

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage is no easy task. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for their IICRC certified trained technicians. No flood damage is too big or small.

Lessen flood damage with these tips for flood preparation

Flooding is always a concern in New Jersey, and this past year has seen an increase in storms and rainfall. Closter residents need to know how to prepare and what to expect. 

Preparing Your Home for Flood Situations

Floodwaters in  are a serious concern. They ruin homes by sending contaminated waters surging through homes. But being prepared can make a difference. Here are ways to lessen the impact of flood damage in Closter:

• Keep gutters, storm drains, and ground-level drains free of debris and leaves
• Store essential documents and valuables in containers that are waterproof.
• Prepare an emergency kit with things like flashlights, batteries, and bottled water.
• Have an emergency plan in place and practice it.

Safety is Paramount

Keeping your family safe is your first concern. When it is safe to enter, SERVPRO can provide flood damage mitigation. Never try to enter your home to save belongings. We understand the hazardous circumstance that comes with flooding. If you have treasures or heirlooms you want to be rescued and cannot enter your home, we do our best to retrieve them. 

Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 if you need flood damage service in Closter.

A Behind the Scenes Look at the Giraffe House of Turtleback Zoo Opens for Closter Residents this Christmas.

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the view at the Turtleback Zoo!

Closter Residents Can Take a Short Trip to Turtleback Zoo on Weekends Throughout December to View the Amazing Giraffe House.

Turtle Back Zoo is rated as the number one Zoo in New Jersey, with 20 acres of parkland inhabited by 200 different animal species. This December, Closter residents have the opportunity of getting an up-close and personal look at the Giraffe House. The tour is running every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month, starting from December 5th. The tour is around thirty minutes long and takes guests into the Giraffe barn, where they can meet Turtle Back's Giraffe Keeper. The tours start at 2 pm every day and include full admission into the surrounding zoo afterward. 

• The minimum age requirement for seeing the Giraffe House is six years old. An adult must accompany all under 18s.
• Face coverings must be worn at all times while group-sizes are limited to 10 guests to ensure that proper social distancing is adhered to. 
• Cancellations can be made for any tickets providing they are at least seven days before the tour.

Rising river tides can lead to overflow and flash flooding of your property. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100.

Is a Water Damage Restoration Team in Closter the Same as an Insurance Adjuster?

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County is the central axis to coordinate services when storm damage occurs.

A Professional Water Damage Restoration Team Works to Restore Your Closter Home, and the Steps it Takes Can Supplement the Information Provided to an Insurance Company.

In Closter and throughout the nation, homeowners who face floodwater in their homes are often at a loss regarding the next steps. When an emergency occurs, it is hard to understand the relationship between insurance and a professional restoration team. At SERVPRO, we focus on restoration, but the documentation we keep is often crucial as support to the insurance claims our clients file.

You don’t need to face flood damage to your Closter home on your own. Call our team at SERVPRO and let us walk this process with you while lending our expertise. The presence of floodwater in your home should be addressed as soon as your home is safe to enter, but it needs to respond to a clear path to restoration.

Our crew develops and shares that plan with you and provides documentation as appropriate. For example, our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) is an essential tool in categorizing your home contents based on whether they can be salvaged. As we remove some items to restore in an offsite location, the CCIS inventory becomes a working document essential to your insurance claim.

What ancillary services does SERVPRO provide?
Flood damage requires the ability to extract water and disinfect your home, which our SERVPRO team achieves by applying state-of-the-art techniques when they arrive at your home. The presence of debris and bacteria makes removing some items essential to your health. Upholstery and carpets are generally removed from your home since they are naturally porous, while we clean other surfaces with EPA-approved cleaning solutions suitable to each surface. However, far beyond the removal of floodwaters, you can count on us for the following:

    •    Provide move-out and pack-out services for items needing restoration and cleanup offsite
    •    Electronic restoration for things such as computers if needed
    •    Document and photograph drying to preserve your priceless memories

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County is the central axis to coordinate services when storm damage occurs. Call us at (201) 244-0100 and let us apply our expertise to your benefit. Together, we can leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

How Can SERVPRO Clean Up and Restore A Flood-Damaged Home?

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you get your Closter home back from flood water.

Our Skilled Professionals Employ Their Extensive Expertise and Time-Tested Procedures to Return Your Closter Residence to Its Pre-Flood Condition.

New Jersey is infamous for its rainy weather and the borough of Closter generally conforms to this statewide norm.  Throughout the year, stormy weather is always a distinct possibility in the area.  Strong coastal weather patterns routinely pass over our community, bringing with them powerful winds and heavy rains.  The massive rainfalls these storms bring often swell the nearby Hudson River, as well as local streams and reservoirs, producing substantial flooding for local residential areas.  When this happens, the floodwaters can rapidly inundate homes in the borough and surrounding areas.  Worse still is the fact that these waters are usually filled with dangerous microbes and toxic wastes.

What Factors Determine the Severity of My Flood Damage?

SERVPRO relies on the classifications established by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to determine the severity of flood damage in Closter area homes.  The organization holds that there are three categories of water, ranging from clean to severely polluted, and that floodwaters are among the most polluted types of water.  These extremely damaging “black” waters generally contain such things as sewage and toxic chemicals.  With all that said, the severity of your water damage is also affected by the amount of water materials absorbed.  The IICRC categorizes absorption levels into the following four classes:

1. Class 1:  When contact between water and surfaces is minimal, impacted materials are not very porous, and the materials do not absorb much moisture.  This situation allows technicians to complete their remediation efforts with little-to-no drying after removing the standing water.
2. Class 2:  This is when affected materials are more porous and come into contact with more water.  When this is the case, more drying is required after water extraction to mitigate potential damage.
3. Class 3:  Significant volumes of water impact exceedingly porous materials, requiring extensive drying efforts to prevent substantial damage.
4. Class 4:  Represents the most difficult situation to remediate, when water saturates extremely porous materials and flows into hard-to-access areas.  This class of damage, which can occur when flood water containing sewage saturates walls and floors, requires advanced specialized equipment and drying methods to clean up properly.

With all that said, in general, only structural elements can be saved when your home suffers flooding.  Household contents coming into contact with the contaminated waters usually have to be disposed of.

How Does SERVPRO Handle the Most Severe Flood-Related Issues?

SERVPRO technicians are highly skilled in remediating even the most severe flood-related damage.  When resolving class four water absorption situations, our experts:

• Rapidly extract large volumes of standing water with powerful extractors and submersible pumps
• Remove remaining water with wet vacs and mops
• Properly shovel up remaining hazardous debris and destroy contaminated contents according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
• Aerate and dry the interior of your home with high-velocity box fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers
• Thoroughly dry flooring, walls, ceilings, and difficult-to-access areas behind structural elements with Injectidry systems and specialized drying mats
• Fog/inject Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved antimicrobials and deodorants into impacted areas/materials with cutting edge foggers

After all of these efforts have been completed, your home is often saved from further flood-related damage and freed of the associated hazardous microbes and persistent unpleasant smells.  In this way, SERVPRO returns your residence to its pre-flood condition.

What Can Happen If My Flood Damage Is Not Effectively Remediated?

Several exceedingly negative things can happen if your flood-related issues are not successfully cleaned up.  These problems can persist for an extended period of time and cost you dearly over the long term.  Some of the various effects of improperly remediated flood damage are:

• Structural elements, like walls and floors, could be ruined and require extensive reconstruction efforts
• Dry rot could weaken support beams and cause collapses
• Mold/mildew growths could damage and discolor surfaces
• Foul flood-associated odors could remain in your home indefinitely
• Flood Water-borne bacteria and fungi could cause health effects

As you can clearly see, it is in your best interest to find the best service to clean and restore your flood-impacted home.  Contacting a quality service like SERVPRO is essential if you need to recover from the effects of a flood as soon as possible.

We are all attracted to the convenient suburban lifestyle of this fine community.  In particular, residents appreciate its beautiful parks, relaxed lifestyle, and proximity to the city.  All of these things make Closter an ideal place to live for those commuting to the nearby urban areas for work.   Of course, nothing good ever comes without drawbacks.  In our case, the difficulties we face as local homeowners are connected to stormy weather and the related flooding.

So, if flooding one day damages your home, remember that your neighbors at SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County are always here to help.  Whenever you need us, call (201) 244-0100.

Will My Flooded Closter House Ever Feel Like Home Again?

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

PreLoss Condition return after a flood in Closter means cleanup of tiled flooring and "flood-cuts" of wallboard to minimize demolition and build back.

Summer’s Severe Storms Can Strike Closter with Significant Flood Damage, and SERVPRO Has Expertise in All the Specialties Needed to Bring Residential Properties Back to Pre-Loss Condition

Torrential rains and high winds make their way up the Atlantic coast periodically during hurricane season, occasionally causing flooding concerns in Closter. Water from these storm systems enters your home a variety of ways:

• Overland flooding, sweeping into your basement/lower levels through doors and windows, carrying a wide range of contaminants
• Seepage through your foundation after several inches of rain during training storms saturate the ground around your home
• Water drainage from storm damage to windows, roofs, and siding

Do I Need to Take Care of Safety Issues Before the Water Damage Restoration Company Comes?

Struggling with significant flood damage in your Closter house can be overwhelming. Partnering with a full-service flood damage recovery contactor allows you to rely on a company with the equipment, training,  and experience needed to take your scenario from assessment through damage repair and rebuilding, integrating all intervening floodwater mitigation remediation. Safety is always a priority, and our inspection and controls shield your loved ones and our technicians from harm during the project.

What Can I Expect As Professionals Attend to Flood Damage?

Dozens of tasks and steps complete as SERVPRO workers strive to make it “Like it never even happened.” General phases that encompass the project details are as follows:

• Safety and damage assessment
• Hazard control and site security
• Emergency services
• Water removal/extraction
• Moisture detection and measurement
• Controlled demolition to release and reach trapped water
• Contaminated fluid containment and disposal
• Cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered products
• Applied structural drying
• Repair and build back of storm damage and controlled demolition

Wrap around restoration services from SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County remove the stress of homeowners to act as general contractors for complicated water restoration jobs. Call us at (201) 244-0100 to get the project started.

More about Closter right here.

Contractor Licenses:

General: 13VH001305854800

What Can I Do To Regain Control After Flood Damage in My Cresskill Home?

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

The scope of flooding incidents can make you feel helpless.

SERVPRO Can Help You Establish Control through Damage Evaluation and Taking Preventive or Restorative Steps in Cresskill

When a flooding incident affects your Cresskill property, it is disempowering. Whether the incident happens when you are at home or if you find your property already overrun by the water, the feeling that all is lost is familiar for many people. Even taking a few simple steps or seeking help can put you back in control of the situation.

What simple steps can help manage ongoing flood damage in my Cresskill home?

    •    Documenting everything
    •    Safeguarding the structure
    •    Protecting yourself

Flooding incidents in Cresskill can vary greatly. For instance, water intrusions from heavy downpour flashfloods can clear in just a matter of hours. However, intrusions from a swollen water body can last for days before the water recedes. Since wading into the floodwater presents many dangers, including exposure to contaminants and hazardous materials, the only way you can take steps that help you regain control is by first protecting yourself.

The protection should shield you from the chemicals and biohazards in the water, sharp objects, fumes, and the risk of electrocution. Our SERVPRO technicians can help because we have a wide range of personal protective equipment, including:
    •    Rubber boots
    •    Heavy-duty gloves
    •    Respirators and splash goggles
    •    Full body protective suits

How can I protect a structure that is already flooded?

Most people are aware of the steps that can help protect a home from flooding, including:
    •    Raising the home on piers or stilts
    •    Installing sump pumps or vents
    •    Grading the lawn away from the house

What people are not familiar with is how to protect the structure once flooding happens. For others, it is a question of whether the effort is necessary since the damage is already done. Even if you do not think it is useful, there are reasons for taking protective measures, including meeting the requirements of your insurer.

To protect the house, you need to have an idea of what sort of damages can happen after the initial flooding. Damage to contents by small animals that find a way into your house as they seek shelter from the swathes of water is common. The standing water in the house evaporates, increasing humidity levels all over the property, including rooms in the upstairs. Higher humidity levels affect items in different ways, including causing rusting in internal components of electronics and sparking microbial development.

Sealing off openings on the outer walls or roof can help keep out the animals. Our SERVPRO technicians help by boarding up wall openings and installing roof tarps. Inside the structure, we can use engineering controls to seal off hallways or openings connecting the affected areas from the dry ones, thus inhibiting moisture movement. Moving contents from the wet areas also help protect them. We also start moisture control steps early by running dehumidifiers in the property to keep humidity levels constant while we perform other restoration steps.

How does documenting flood damage help control the situation?

Documenting involves many things, but the ultimate goal is to have as much information about the loss as possible. The information can help you in many ways ranging from filing insurance claims to locating your valuables. One easy way to document is taking photos or videos since you can do it as you perform other steps. You should take general shots and close-up photos that capture specific details of the damage.

Our SERVPRO technicians also help with loss documentation. Apart from photos and videos, we also keep other records. We take moisture readings from various parts of the structure. We also keep small samples of materials such as carpets that we remove from the site to ensure the replacements we make match what was there initially, thus undoing the effects of the loss, “Like it never even happened.”

In case we need to move-out some items for cleaning or to facilitate the restoration of the structure, we keep well-structured records using an electronic CCIS. With such records, we can trace where we pick the items from and the exact storage pallet holding the items. That makes it easy to access specific items should you need them while we still have them in the storage facilities. When it is time to move the items back in, it is easier to rearrange your home.

The scope of flooding incidents can make you feel helpless. SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County can help you find a way to control the situation. Call us at (201) 244-0100 to assist you in restoring your Closter, Harrington Park, or Dumont home to preloss state.

How Do I Get Rid of Floodwater in My Closter Home?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, taking care of our neighbors isn’t just a job for us, it is a privilege to be of service to each of them.

Engage SERVPRO Flood Damage Technicians to Dry and Clean Your Closter Home

Any standing water can rot and erode both structural and personal property. As floodwater comes into your home, it also brings in soil and other contaminants that can speed up the rate of decay, making removing it an immediate priority.

How will Technicians remove floodwater from my home?
SERVPRO technicians have a large inventory of pumps, extractors, and other equipment to quickly draw out water from Closter small apartments to mini-mansions.

    •    With water about an inch or higher, they use one or more pumps to pull water out of basements, laundry rooms, and other rooms where the floodwater pools and settles
    •    For more shallow water, we use extractors that are designed to draw it off the hardwood and other floorings without damaging the surface. Set on a higher drawing speed, these devices are excellent for pulling water out of carpets.
    •    Neither type of device can get all traces of the floodwater, so Technicians also use dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air, which increases the rate of natural evaporation.

How much of my property can be restored?
As long as we can quickly remove the floodwater and eliminate the threat of mold and other contamination, the most property can be restored. Walls and floor trim can be wiped down and sprayed with an anti-bacterial agent to eliminate the health threat. An exception to this is carpeting. Our Technicians cannot guarantee that carpets are safe to use again after using even the strongest cleaning agents in our chemical inventory.

What about the mold and other bacteria in the floodwater?
Before bringing in a pump or extractor, SERVPRO Technicians spray the surface of the water and surrounding property with a powerful anti-bacterial cleaner that kills most contaminants quickly. After removing the floodwater, they spray all now, exposed surfaces to eliminate the threat.

At SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County, taking care of our neighbors isn’t just a job for us, it is a privilege to be of service to each of them. If you have had recent flooding or suspect there is still a problem from previous years, contact us at (201) 244-0100 today to schedule a service call. We are here for you.

For more about Closter click here.

Flood Damage In Your Closter Home

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

The certified techs arrive fast and work until the damage to your home is, “Like it never even happened.”

Extreme Flood Damage in Closter Home

Flood damage is the worst type of water loss to hit a residential property. The reason is that the water carries a rating as a category three biohazard, as it picks up anything it encounters along the way, such as debris, sewage, and chemicals, then dumps it into the home when it arrives.

That is why one of the first actions SERVPRO technicians perform on arrival at Closter homes with flood damage is testing the water on-site to determine the nature of any contaminants, bacteria, and other harmful factors. The techs wear protective clothing and often put up containment around the worksite to inhibit chances of cross-contamination from airborne water vapor.

Electricity Out? Not an Issue
When the floodwater causes power outages in the home, it does not hold up the restoration process. The techs bring every single piece of equipment required in their green service vans, including generators to power their pumps, fans, and more.

Preparing the Structure for Drying
Once the water extraction phase of mitigation completes, the technicians cut away damaged sheetrock using a technique known as flood cuts. The techs measure several inches above the water line and remove the portion where water wicked into. This action opens up the wall cavities and framework for drying.

Flooring Takes a Beating
Whether it is tile, hardwood, or carpet, it often receives the brunt of the water loss. Prolonged exposure to moisture causes glue-down tiles to delaminate, requiring removal. Carpet does not have the potential for sanitization from this type of water and needs replacement. The techs remove the water and cut it into strips, so it is lighter and safer to handle.

Rebuilding Services
Once the water -damaged get removed and the property dried, the prepping for reconstruction begins. This phase of the restoration involves odor control, to remove any lingering musty odors and proactive treatments for mold. SERVPRO has a general contractor license #13VH001305854800 and handles both the cleanup and necessary repairs and final touches to bring your home to a pre-flood condition.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 has emergency response teams available 24/7. The certified techs arrive fast and work until the damage to your home is, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Closter click here.

Our Professionals Discuss The Stages Of Drying Saturated Hardwood Flooring In Closter

12/21/2019 (Permalink)

Give our technicians a call whenever you need us at (201) 244-0100.

Stages of Drying Saturated Hardwood Flooring in Closter Homes

Water damages and flooding are both equally destructive to sensitive materials like wood flooring and framing in Closter homes. While hardwood has a lower porosity than other flooring materials, direct exposure to standing water can alter its appearance and strength. Addressing flooding is vital, and extraction and drying are elements of the earliest stages of mitigation for our SERVPRO team.

Using the most sophisticated tools and machines for both extraction and effective drying of the property, the flood damage in Closter homes does not have to be as destructive of a force. When hardwood flooring becomes damaged by direct exposure of water, it can happen in three stages. In the first two, we have techniques and machines that can reach the moisture before irreparable damage occurs. The third phase of flood damage to wood flooring is not restorable, and our in-house team of licensed (#13VH001305854800) general contractors can begin tasks like a controlled demolition.

Phase 1 – Surface Water
As you might expect, the first place that water and flood damages can affect the flooring is on the exposed surface level. There is an amount of time where surface water alone can get addressed before the situation can escalate into the other two phases. With hardwood flooring and standing water on its surface, one of the practical tools that our SERVPRO team can use is a squeegee wand attached to a wet vacuum.

Phase 2 – Free Water
The term free water refers to moisture that has not chemically / molecularly bonded with the flooring in any way. At this point, this water is occupying available space in the material but has not begun to alter the wood. In this phase, specialized drying equipment like drying mats can provide a draw of moisture from these exposed planks before the situation can get worse.

Phase 3 – Bound Water
Once water molecules from the flooding inside your home have bonded with the compounds that create the wood plank, warping, and distortion follow. Bound water can get removed in the same manner that free moisture can, but its presence causes irreparable damage to the flooring. Once this phase gets reached, the only suitable solution becomes a controlled or total demolition of flooring in the room.

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County team is standing by 24/7 to help address flood loss situations as they happen. Give our technicians a call whenever you need us at (201) 244-0100.

For more about Closter click here.

Closter Home Flooded? SERVPRO Has the Restoration You Need--And Fast!

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

The Silt and Mud Are Gone After SERVPRO Cleans and Restores a Finished Closter Basement

Why Highly Trained Teams from SERVPRO Manage Flood Damage in Closter Better

Proper coordination is necessary to restore a home to its preloss state after a flooding incident. Some of the processes involved in such situations include cleaning up the mess left by the flood, decontamination, controlled demolition, and rebuilding. Missing the mark in any one of these tasks can ruin the outcome. We offer flood damage mitigation services in Closter. Our team includes highly trained and IICRC certified WRT, Water Restoration Technicians, and AMRT, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians.

 Controlled demolition of parts of the structure might be necessary after flood damage in Closter to manage moisture problems or remove contaminated materials. Such demolition requires care to avoid doing unnecessary damage while still accomplishing the intended goal.  Our SERVPRO technicians are well versed in the removal of carpets and pad without damaging other installations such as door frames or trim. We also make flood cuts for easier removal of affected materials such as insulation in wall cavities while also decreasing the drying time.

Flooding incidents can soil vast areas in the affected property. There might be silt or mud and other debris, depending on the location of the house. Debris accumulation is common in homes that sit at the base of very hilly areas where water from rainstorms easily channels into lower floors and basements. Cleaning the affected areas to a sanitary level requires a combination of different professional cleaning agents, including EPA-registered disinfectants. Our SERVPRO technicians also use pressure washers and other equipment to clean the affected sections.

Drying excess moisture left by the flooding and cleaning efforts is essential to combat smells, deterioration of construction materials, and prevent microbial growth. Drying requires balancing of different factors, including air movement, temperature, and humidity--known as HAT. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their advanced training to determine the right configuration of different drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers for optimum results. Sometimes we also use portable heaters to increase temperature or plastics sheets to create smaller drying areas known as drying chambers.

To restore your flood-damaged home to its preloss state, call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County to assist. You can reach us at  (201) 244-0100. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Can Handle Your Closter Basement Flood Damage Cleanup

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today at (201) 244-0100, and we can send a team out as soon as possible.

Call SERVPRO for Basement Flood Damage Cleanup in Closter

Basements are susceptible to flooding at any time, especially when there has been heavy rainfall. SERVPRO specializes in basement flooding cleaning, and we are available to assist with your restoration needs.

Your basement may be prone to flooding due to it being the lowest level of the home, with most being below the ground level. When it comes to basement flood damage in Closter, several reasons could be the cause, including:

    •    A break in your water supply line
    •    Failure of your hot water tank
    •    Storm sewer backup
    •    Sewer lateral pipe blockage or failure
    •    Surface water pooling around your home due to heavy rains
    •    Drainage issues with your foundation, and more

When there is basement flooding, restoration needs to happen promptly. Without prompt water removal and drying procedures, severe damage can impact the structure of your home. The longer you wait, the more the problem grows.

Flooding in the basement jeopardizes not only the integrity of your home, but it also impacts the health and the safety of your family and pets. When you contact our team of expert technicians at SERVPRO, we can come out to assess the problem. Water is known for following the path of least resistance. Moisture can get into holes and cracks of your basement walls, all places where your sump pump or wet vac is unable to reach. We are highly trained for water removal and restoration, including pack up, drying, and disinfecting of various belongings located in your flooded basement.

We are available for water extraction services, followed by drying techniques with the help of air movers, dehumidifiers, and heaters. Our team uses the latest technology and work fast to help lessen the loss and get you back to life as usual in your home.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County is here to help whenever you are faced with an emergency flood in your basement. Call us today at (201) 244-0100, and we can send a team out as soon as possible.

For more about Closter click here.

How SERVPRO Avoids Water Odors from Flood Damage in Closter Properties

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Trust us… mold has a bad odor. Call SERVPRO today.

Let us make sure you won't have odor damage.

This area of New Jersey is no stranger to flood damage from sources such as heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Water carries its own unique, musty odor and must be thoroughly cleaned up to avoid residual odors after the restoration and repair from the water damage.

When SERVPRO handles flood damage in Closter homes, the approach of our technicians is always to restore rather than replace both structure and possessions. In cases where flood water affects only a portion of the home, we move items to dry areas for cleaning and restoration efforts. In cases where water damage compromises an entire house, we perform pack outs on any items with restoration potential. We work quickly to lessen the chances of secondary issues such as foul odors or mold.

After extraction and drying of the water-affected areas of the home, there may be odors left behind by contaminants in the water or the water itself and in some cases where longer than 48 hours have passed between the flooding and cleanup: mold. SERVPRO team members are trained and certified as Odor Control Technicians and have numerous types of applications dependent on the scale of the scent left in the home.  

We have several methods we commonly use, such as:

• For mild odors, we often use time-release gel capsules. 
• More robust scents require the use of equipment such as hydroxyl generators which use UV rays to neutralize airborne odor-causing molecules. 
• Fogging is another method our technicians utilize in the form of thermal based or ultra-low-volume (ULV) to penetrate porous objects and eradicate embedded odors. 
• Because of the complexity of odor removal, it is not uncommon for our technicians to use a combination of techniques.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 when you need help getting rid of flood damage and foul water odors in your home. Our certified technicians work with both homeowners and adjusters to ensure your property is returned to its preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

If you would like to know more about Closter,  click here.

Snowbird Living

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Living in New Jersey, I know everyone must know at least one person living the snowbird lifestyle. (Unfortunately that is not me.) I'm referring to those that are originally New Jersey residents who escape all of the winter blues and head to Florida for a few months out of the year. 

If you yourself fall into this category then here are a few tips to help you keep your New Jersey home safe and sound while you are enjoying the sun. 

1. Winterize Plumbing:

 This involves turning off the water supply and draining the pipes from the faucets leaving them bone dry.  If unfamiliar with the process contact a plumber, they can also blow compressed air. Almost 1 in every 4 homeowners insurance claim is related to water usually as a result of low temperatures causing freezing pipes. 

2. Roof:

Have roof inspected for any wearing or damage. Typically roofs are only designed to last for 20 years. 

3. Temperature:

Have fuel tanks filled. Keep interior temperature around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Gas:

Turn off gas line to reduce risk of fire. 

5. Exterior:

Make sure all landscaping is tailored to reduce the risk of coming in contact with your home and creating damage. Clean gutters to prevent buildup and flow occlusions during snowfall. 

6. Phone a Friend:

Have a friend come by to check that everything is okay at your home. You can also have them pick up the mail for you to reduce the chance of a break-in. 

7. Insurance:

Review homeowners insurance policy to make sure no updates or extra coverage is needed. 

8. Snow Removal:

Arrange for someone to come after snowfall to keep walkways free of snow and ice.

9. Safety:

Consider installing motion sensor exterior lights and timed interior lights to make your home appear occupied and unattractive to prowlers.

10. Electricity:

Unplug all unnecessary appliances and electronics. 

Natural Disasters- Prepare Your Home

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

You are home watching the local news when the reporter says the next big hurricane is coming through your area within the next couple of days. You may think running out to fill up your gas tank and grabbing the last carton of milk and loaf of bread at the store means you are prepared. However, what about your home? Is it protected and prepared for the storm?

Here are some last minute tips on what you can do to get your home ready in the event of a natural disaster:

• Close all windows, doors, and shutters
• Bring in anything outdoors that can be picked up by wind. 
• Keep trees trimmed, remove any compromised limbs
• Turn your fridge and freezer on to the coldest setting & keep it closed as much as possible so food will last longer in case of a power outage 
• Turn off propane tank
• Unplug any small appliances
• Make sure your sump pump is working

To keep your home prepared all year round you must first identify any vulnerable areas in your home. 

• Check for cracks or small holes in the foundation where water can seep in. 
• Check for any loose or missing shingles on your roof. Secure soffits that may weaken over time. You can reinforce them by adding stainless steel screws. 
• Touch up areas with caulking that have worn away like windowsills and door jambs. You can easily fix these cracked areas on your own by simply getting a caulking gun and a waterproof sealant 
• Keep gutters free of debris and make sure water flows several feet away from your home
• Make sure the septic tank and sewer are inspected and cleaned before the start of every season 

If your home is affected by a major storm or disaster, an emergency restoration company can help you with cleanup. You should also contact your insurance company to report the damage and file a claim. Our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County can handle any size disaster you may face. Call us for more info. 201-445-5588

Preventing an Ice Dam

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

What is an ice dam and how will it affect my home?

Have you ever noticed those pretty icicles hanging off the edge of your roof after a big snowstorm? Although they are beautiful to look at (I guess that's why they mimicked them with Christmas decorative lighting) those icicles can cause some serious water damage to your home. 

An ice dam forms when snow melts from the upper portion of your roof causing water to run down your roof and then refreezes when it reaches the edge causing an ice dam to form over your gutter backing up water from properly draining. This pool of water that gets trapped backs up under the roof shingles soaking the roof sheathing and eventually finds cracks in the roof where it leaks into the attic of your home. 

Typically this is usually caused by poor roof ventilation, and a warm attic space. A clogged gutter system can also intensify the extent of the situation. 

Some steps that can be taken to prevent this from occurring are:

1. Check attic to make sure it is in good condition. You can do this buy searching your attic for daylight through any cracks. 

2. Keep gutters clear of debris. Make sure your gutter is draining properly. Remove any tree limbs that can come in contact with your home. 

3. Keep interior roof structure the same temperature as exterior. This can be done by providing ventilation for continuous airflow under the roof deck. As far as the interior temperature start by removing any heat sources like un-insulated lighting or un-insulated duct work. Opt for sealed can light instead of recessed lighting. Also increase attic floor insulation to keep living area heating from rise to the attic. 

4. Use a roof rake to remove snow (6 inches or higher) from the edge of your roof. 

If you find yourself with water leaking into your home call us at SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County to handle your ice dam problems. 201-445-5588

Do You Live In a Flood Zone?

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, there are some homes that are just more prone to floods that it is almost inevitable. Of course, the first option to fix the problem is to just pick your house up and move (literally), but not everyone has the ability to do so.

Here are some tips to help you prevent the damages resulting from a flood to your home.

1. Consider replacing building materials with water-resistant materials such as:

• Galvanized nails - will not rust in a flood
• Indoor/Outdoor carpet w/ synthetic pad
• Synthetic baseboards instead of wood
• Marine plywood-most water-resistant plywood
• Metal doors & frames- will not warp, only rust which can be later sanded & painted

2. Have your washer/dryer in the basement? You may want to relocate them to the 1st floor or even just elevate them from the floor. (12" above 100-year flood level recommended). This can also be done with your hot water heater.

3. Raise all sockets, circuits breakers, switches and wiring to at least a foot above your expected flood level. 

4. Install a sump pump. Sump pumps are the first line of defense in preventing water from seeping into basements. Also recommended to install a battery powered backup in case of a power outage.

5. Although expensive, raising your home with piers or columns so that the lowest level sits above flood level may be the drastic option needed if you live in a high risk flood zone. 

6. Review your homeowners insurance policy. Did you know that most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage? Flood insurance is a supplemental policy you can purchase through an insurance agent or company.

7. Lastly, be prepared with a company you can trust like SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County that can help a devastating disaster like a flood become "Like it never even happened."

Generator Safety

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO generator being used outside a home in Rutherford, NJ

When a storm hits and your home loses power many people turn to a portable generator. Although generators may seem simple enough to use many people do not know the risks of operating one. 

Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes. The primary hazard is the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust. Carbon monoxide does not produce an odor and is invisible to the eye. That is why it is important to practice safe handling. 

1. NEVER use a generator indoors including a garage (even with an open door). The best and only place you should place an operating generator is outdoors. Allow 5 feet of clearance around the generator. Be sure the generator exhaust fumes are away from all windows and doors to prevent travel indoors. 

2. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Follow the manufacturers guidelines for correct placement and mounting height.

3. Avoid electric shock or electrocution by keeping the generator dry. Do not use in rain or wet conditions. 

4. When refueling be sure to turn off the generator and allow to cool. Spilled gasoline on the hot engine parts can ignite causing an explosion. Do not overfill tank! Leave room of fuel expansion. 

5. Never smoke near a generator. 

6. Know the output rating of your generator. To prevent overloading select the right sized generator to handle the power requirements of your appliances you wish to use. Overloading can destroy not only the generator but also your electronics and/or appliances. 

7. Never plug directly to your homes wiring or household outlets. Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty outdoor extension cord with the correct outage to handle your appliances. Never use a cord with exposed wiring. 

STORAGE

Storage of fuel safely is just as important as operation of the generator. Store fuel outside living areas, such as a locked shed, in a properly labeled approved safety can. Use the fuel recommended in instructions for your generator. Some areas restrict the amount of fuel you may store so be sure to verify with your local fire dept. Do not store fuel near a fuel burning appliance like a natural gas water heater. 

Practice proper generator handling to keep your home & family safe!