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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Why Mold Damage Calls for Skilled Remediation in Vernon

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

mold spots on a cream wall SERVPRO follows safe protocols during mold remediation in Vernon homes. We are Here to Help with the tools and equipment needed.

Vernon Residents Get Quality Mold Damage Remediation from SERVPRO

Realizing you have mold damage in your Vernon property can be quite a blow. Your initial thought may be to grab some bleach-infused spray and begin wiping. However, any mold spore disruption could spell disaster. Not only that, but this is never the correct method for addressing a possible mold infestation. Instead, you have SERVPRO available in the area to handle your cleanup and restoration fast and with care so that you can return your property to pre-mold condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Why is SERVPRO right for the job? Many homeowners do not understand the implications of mold damage in Vernon. We have technicians trained by the IICRC, so we know the best practices for safely handling areas with suspected mold infestation.

  • We arrive to begin the assessment to determine all areas where mold may be present. 
  • We wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, full-body suits, boots, goggles, and respirators.
  • We put containment and negative air pressure systems in place to keep mold spores from traveling around your property. 
  • We remove and replace all unsalvageable materials impacted by mold growth, including bathroom mold on cabinetry, basement mold showing up on contents, and more.
  • We can also pack up and move out belongings to have them cleaned off-site while our team works on your property.

How Much Do You Know About Mold?

Mold spores can travel efficiently and quickly once dislodged. If you have fans on or your HVAC system is running, this could mean the movement of spores into unaffected zones of your property. Those new spores can colonize and turn into a major mold issue in the right environment. The faster you have a team at your property to begin mold cleanup and remediation services, the better chance you have of stopping the problem in its tracks. 

  • Mold is present everywhere, every day, including your home and the outdoors.
  • Microscopic spores can travel easily throughout the air, coming into your home through the windows, on pets, on your clothing, or through your HVAC system.
  • Mold spores thrive in optimum temperatures with an organic food source and moisture. 
  • Mold is often detectable by a strong, musty odor.
  • Mold remediation and restoration cannot begin until the source of the moisture issue gets resolved. 

Do You Suspect Mold Development Within Your Commercial Property?

You could have an employee notice musty odors in a company bathroom, or a person on your cleaning crew spotted visible mold. No matter the reason, you need to have a team with training and all the right equipment to address your mold problem. You never want to leave it to chance with DIY cleanup methods. Having skilled mold specialists on the project helps to ensure safety for your employees and anyone entering your commercial building. 

Cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing are imperative with all restoration projects, including challenging mold projects. We have Odor Control Technicians (OCT) on our team that knows how to select the right processes and EPA-registered products to help eliminate odorous elements to leave your interior air fresh and clean again. The efforts may include surface cleaning, deodorizing beads, fogging deodorizers, and other products to eliminate harmful bacteria.

When we get finished with your mold damage project, your interior will be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County whenever you need mold cleanup by dialing (973) 383-2024.

Necessary Mold Remediation Steps for Contaminated Sparta Homes

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Moldy Corner Wall For any type of mold damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help. Just call (973) 383-2024.

SERVPRO Offers Procedural Mold Restoration in Sparta

You can discover mold contamination as you evaluate your property or when physical signs such as stains or discoloration patches alert you of an underlying problem. Mold remediation is highly effective if the action taken is timely. You can rely on SERVPRO to deliver the services your Sparta home requires after such contamination. 

The actions necessary for mold remediation in Sparta homes depend on the contamination stage. Mold goes through at least four distinct stages once it starts developing on materials. In the early stages, wiping colonies from surfaces and moisture control are sufficient remediation steps. However, elaborate intervention measures such as SERVPRO offers are necessary once contamination reaches hyphal growth.

Remediation procedures:

  • Containing the spread of molds
  • Cleaning up colonies
  • Refinishing disturbed areas
  • Deodorization 

Mold growth can spread from one corner and overwhelm your entire home. Such development might not take much time since spores are everywhere, and if conditions are right, they start germinating. The main trigger for mold growth is moisture, so if it keeps spreading unabated, your entire property may be overwhelmed by the colonies. After evaluation, SERVPRO crews take different steps, including dehumidification, ventilation, and removing wet structural materials to contain the spread of moisture, thus halting new mold growth.



Cleaning Contaminated Areas

Physical removal of the colonies accumulating on surfaces is a vital remediation step. Deteriorated materials such as flaking or bubbling paint must also come off for successful restoration. Various cleaning procedures can facilitate such removal. Our SERVPRO technicians prioritize dry or low-moisture methods such as HEPA vacuuming, wire brushing, and damp-wiping to avoid adding new moisture to the contaminated areas. 

Resolving mold issues may necessitate the removal of unsalvageable materials like carpets, pads, and drywall panels. Our technicians do the necessary demolition to remove materials and handle replacement and refinishing the affected areas to their pre-damaged state.



Deodorizing methods for mold odors:

  • Dry fogging with solvent products
  • Neutralization with activated oxygen
  • Air filtration to remove particulate matter

SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County handles mold remediation diligently, addressing the contamination "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (973) 383-2024.

Why Professional Mold Remediation Matters in Vernon

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Mold on Ceiling For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County at (973) 383-2024.

SERVPRO's Mold Remediation Gets Vernon Property Owners' Results

Whether you suspect black mold growth in your garage, basement, or bathroom, there is never a good reason to attempt DIY cleanup. A common misconception is that you can DIY a mold 'removal' project using products you buy online or at the store. However, hiring professionals trained for safe, efficient mold remediation is the only way to get the results you need. SERVPRO is here to help Vernon property owners, both commercial and residential, looking for effective mold cleanup. 

Why SERVPRO for cleanup and mold remediation in Vernon? Because we have protocols we follow, everything meets guidelines for the safe, efficient handling of mold and microbial growth. Never trust any company that claims to offer mold removal. Due to the nature of mold and its being everywhere around us, total eradication is not possible. Our processes are as follows:

  • Assessment to locate mold in areas suspected – You may obtain testing if hidden mold is a potential problem.
  • Containment – We put up poly sheeting and contain mold spores, so they do not travel into other areas of your home.
  • Cleanup – Addressing all surfaces within the contained space to clean away mold spores. We have specialized HEPA vacuums and spray and wipe methods for the best results.
  • Disinfection – We apply EPA-registered antimicrobials to sanitize and keep mold from coming back.

We make it "Like it never even happened."

In any areas where mold damage took hold to the point that belongings or building materials are unsalvageable, we use safe disposal practices. With help from trusted area contractors, all infested carpeting, carpet padding, drywall, and other materials are removed and replaced with brand-new materials to bring your interior back to pre-mold infestation condition. We ensure your property is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned so you can breathe easily again.

Contact us at SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County by calling (973) 383-2024 when you require help with mold remediation. You can also request assistance online at your earliest convenience, and we will deploy our Green Fleet when you need us.

SERVPRO Has All the Essential Gear for Mold Removal in Sparta

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

what to know about mold logo Trust the IICRC certified SERVPRO team for mold remediation in Sparta

In Sparta, We Have an Arsenal of Mold Remediation Tools

SERVPRO is somewhat unique in the small town of Sparta because of its vast array of high-tech mold remediation equipment. These professional-grade tools enable our expertly-trained technicians to find, clean up, and restore mold-damaged residences in far less time than other local services can.

Equipped with all of the most advanced equipment, SERVPRO’s mold removal technicians in Sparta are highly successful at restoring mold-impacted homes. Our mold remediation teams have expertly performed mold inspection work and efficiently dealt with attic mold, bathroom mold, basement mold, and even black mold. The specialized gear SERVPRO uses to complete these jobs includes:

  • Advanced mold inspection equipment, like infrared cameras that can locate hidden sources of moisture, moisture sensors, and meters that can determine which materials contain excess water and how much they contain, and Thermo hygrometers to measure temperature and relative humidity for the creation of a psychrometric chart
  • State-of-the-art airflow-assisting devices that enhance evaporation, including high-velocity box fans, air movers, and Injectidry systems to dry behind walls and other difficult-to-reach spaces
  • Powerful air-drying machines that further remove airborne moisture, like refrigerant dehumidifiers that condense water vapor from the air and desiccant dehumidifiers that absorb it with specialized materials
  • Cutting-edge foggers, like ultra-low volume (ULV) and thermal foggers, can create fine mists of antifungals or deodorants to kill mold and neutralize foul, fungal odors in interior spaces
  • Innovative injection devices that can be used to treat household materials with biocides

SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County prides itself in being one of the best mold removal services. Our company and professionals endeavor daily to do the best work that we can. Armed with everything needed to do your cleanup and restoration job right the first time, we are always ready to assist you at (973) 383-2024.

Does SERVPRO Make Mold Remediation Safe and Effective in Vernon?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

tech in white tyvek suit SERVPRO follows safe protocols during mold remediation in Vernon homes. We can use respirators and Tyvek suits to prevent contamination

SERVPRO techs categorize mold remediation services in Vernon homes

Mold remediation of your Vernon home involves multiple steps, and SERVPRO techs follow the IICRC S520 guidelines throughout the process. Material composition, condition, and value determine how SERVPRO techs process any piece of contaminated content. 

SERVPRO techs categorize each content item during mold remediation in your Vernon home into one of the following three categories-

  • Restorable: SERVPRO techs clean the item, remove the mold damage, and return it to preloss condition.
  • Non-restorable: If the damage is extensive and the restoration cost outweighs the cost of replacement, techs often dispose of the item.
  • Preservable with risk assignment: This category applies only to irreplaceable porous or semi-porous material.

Do SERVPRO techs use encapsulation during mold removal in Vernon homes?

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines, encapsulation is not a cleaning method, and restorers should avoid it during the mold remediation process. However, the guidelines indicate the use of encapsulation in certain specific instances. SERVPRO techs work closely with the Indoor Environment Professionals (IEPs) in Vernon homes to decide whether encapsulation can be a viable option. Techs achieve encapsulation by-

  • Applying shellac, varnish, or lacquer on semi-porous surfaces from which mold can't be fully removed, such as unfinished wood, and
  • Lamination of irreplaceable or valuable documents between two sheets of plastic.
  • Coating surfaces should not be confused with crawlspace encapsulation.

How do SERVPRO techs dispose of contaminated material?

SERVPRO techs handle mold contaminated and unrestorable content with utmost care and precaution. Technicians don PPE personal protective equipment, sometimes Tyvek suits, to ensure safety. All the contaminated material is bagged in 6-mil or thicker plastic bags, and the surfaces are HEPA-vacuumed and damp -wiped before disposing of them.

If you need assistance with mold damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County at (973) 383-2024.

SERVPRO Gets Fire Damage Restoration of Sparta Homes Done Fast

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damaged ceiling and walls. SERVPRO IICRC certified fire damage restoration technicians have all the equipment needed for your property.

SERVPRO can handle any size residential fire damage restoration in Sparta

Walls and ceilings are perhaps the most heavily damaged surfaces after a fire incident. It takes professionals like SERVPRO to safely clean smoke and soot residue during fire damage restoration of your Sparta home.    

SERVPRO techs understand that they need to use a combination of cleaning techniques during fire damage restoration of your Sparta property. Various factors, including the type of soil and surface, play a crucial role in deciding which cleaning method is best for any given surface. For most ceilings and walls, SERVPRO techs use the following three ways-

  • Dry cleaning with a sponge
  • Wet cleaning with water and detergent
  • Peroxide active cleaning 

How do SERVPRO techs decide between the cleaning methods during house fire cleanup in Sparta? 

SERVPRO techs consider one factor while choosing the cleaning method in your Sparta home is whether the cleaned surface needs painting. If the smoke residues are light, dry, or wet, cleaning might be sufficient to remove the majority of the residues. Such an approach is commonly referred to as "cleaning for no paint." 

However, cleaning alone might not be sufficient if the walls and ceilings are impacted by heavy smoke damage. In such situations, additional sealing and repainting steps are required during the restoration process, and the approach is called "cleaning for paint."  

How are surfaces sealed before painting? 

It is important to remove all loose particles from walls and ceilings before repainting them. SERVPRO techs also neutralize all acids present in smoke residues and use a pigmented alcohol shellac as a sealer for preparing a smoke-stained surface for repainting.

If you need assistance with restoring fire and smoke damage to your property, call SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County at (973) 383-2024.

Dealing with Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming in Vernon? Call SERVPRO

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Call now! Winters cause havoc to homes' water systems. SERVPRO storm damage specialists have the training and equipment for every job. Call now!

Can SERVPRO help Vernon residences with water damage due to frozen pipes and ice dams? 

Harsh winters can bring with them nasty surprises in the form of ice damage to your home. Being conscious of issues like frozen pipes and ice damming at your Vernon home can help you be better prepared. 

While you can take steps to reduce water damage due to frozen pipes and ice damming at your Vernon home, you need professionals like SERVPRO if the situation worsens. Our IICRC certified professionals have years of training to provide emergency water restoration services to hundreds of homes in the area.  

What signs of water damage should you look out for in your Vernon home this winter?  

Water damage in your Vernon home due to frozen pipes and ice damming can be subtle and, at times, difficult to spot. However, you can spot the warning signs and call SERVPRO techs right away if you know where to look. Here are a few early indications of potential water damage-

  • Dislodged shingles: One of the earliest signs of ice damming is losing shingles on your roof. Water can slowly seep into your home through these gaps worsening the issue. 
  • Water stains on walls and ceiling: Water stains are never a good sign. If you spot stains on your roof or walls, call SERVPRO right away. 

How can SERVPRO help? 

SERVPRO can help you determine the extent of damage and prepare a restoration strategy. Our restorers use industry-leading technology to get your home dry as soon as possible to prevent any lasting damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County at (973) 383-2024 if you have any questions for our restorers; we are available 24/7.

Advanced Drying Techniques for Vernon Homes 

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

water heater leak in basement Air scrubbers and dehumidifiers positioned by our SERVPRO techs can mitigate water damage in Vernon homes

Regulating specific drying principles and natural processes speeds up thorough drying in Vernon properties.

Drying is a difficult phase of water restoration that employs several devices like our high-velocity air movers and desiccant or low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers. When considerations get made to other drying principles and conditions, this portion of the overall recovery process can happen faster and with fewer obstacles.

A Blend of Variables for Efficient Drying

Properly addressing water damage in Vernon homes requires a balance of specific drying principles. Certain variables play a significant role in how fast or simple evaporative drying becomes. For example, warmer temperatures can help promote the faster molecular movement of chemical and physical processes and ultimately remove surface water more quickly.

Natural Drying Processes in the House

Understanding the natural drying processes can aid water restoration professionals in choosing the best approach to prevent greater loss and promote faster evaporation. Much of these principles focus on the property is creating an equilibrium from contrasting conditions in one area or another. Some of these processes include:

  • Wet goes to dry
  • High pressure goes to low pressure
  • Warm goes to cold

Moisture Monitoring for Successful Water Removal

Tracking the movement of moisture and water throughout the house makes for more efficient and thorough drying. Without an active knowledge of where water is and the damage it has done, moisture pockets can get overlooked and ultimately lead to threats like microbial growth or content deterioration.

The more that customers understand what is needed after a water damage incident in their home, the more that people entrust this work to the skilled hands of our SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County team. Give us a call today at (973) 383-2024.

BIOHAZARD, CRIME SCENE, AND VANDALISM CLEANUP

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals also offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup* and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A
failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove  biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals help turn unsafe environments into
clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can help with the following issues:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Methamphetamine Labs
  • Crime Scene Residues
  • Arson
  • Vandalism
  • Sewage Backups
  • Black Water Intrusions
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO® Franchise Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

CRIME SCENE RESIDUES

From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering
chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can clean and
restore your property and contents.

METHAMPHETAMINE LABS

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Contact us at 973-383-2024 if you have a service need or click here to visit our website to learn more about SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County's System Services. 

Real Quotes from Real Customers

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Here are some real quotes from our customers:

Google, From Melissa

  • SERVPRO has been the most reliable and professional company I have ever used for my home. When a pipe burst on a Sunday in the middle of winter they had a team at my house in a couple hours cleaning everything up when no other company was open or available. They had powerful fans and other powerful tools that dried out the whole house. The team was incredibly efficient and came back every few days to check and make sure no water was left in the walls or under any floors....

Google, From Dan

  • Carri and her team of heroes really came through when we needed them the most. What should have been a relatively quick job was complicated by external circumstances and ended up dragging on for 39 days. SERVPRO were professional, courteous, and really advocated for us to the multiple insurance companies that were involved. They never once complained about how long our job ended up taking, and they never made us feel like we were to blame. I'm confident that had the external circumstances not been there, this would have been an extremely fast cleanup....

Google, From Jim

  • 5 Star Rating

Website, From Rex

  • Brian Tucci came to my property on time bringing a wealth of knowledge while providing excellent counsel and next steps. SERVPRO is definitely a company to use when needed.

Website, From Dennis

  • Service was quick and professional.

Website, From Kevin

  • SERVPRO responded very quickly. And did a great job to extract all of the water. I highly Recommend.

Contact us at 973-383-2024 if you have a service need or click here to visit our website to learn more about SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County's System Services. 

We're Back! Entrepreneur Ranks Us #1 In Our Industry

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries is proud to boast our re-entry into the Top 10 on the Franchise 500 list of Entrepreneur Magazine, landing in the #10 spot out of 500 franchisors listed.  Further to that accolade, we are #1 in our Industry Sector.  

Why SERVPRO?

Because SERVPRO never stops improving, inventing, seizing opportunities for growth.

SERVPRO specializes in fire and flood cleanup, but that's the simplest of explanations of what SERVPRO is.  SERVPRO is a national presence, a first responder when regional disaster hits, a collaboration of local, regional, and national franchise owners who go into the teeth of disaster while others run from it.

As the pandemic impacted the US, SERVPRO created solutions.  “We have a really loud voice, and I never understood the power of that until COVID hit,” says Rick Isaacson, SERVPRO’s CEO. When stadiums, strip malls, and small-business owners started calling on SERVPRO to kill a virus, the company moved quickly to launch a new program. It developed a COVID-19 cleaning protocol with input from industry groups and disseminated disinfecting chemicals and PPE. Within a few weeks, businesses began posting “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned” badges in their windows and on their websites. “The whole thing happened faster than anything we’ve ever done,” says Isaacson.  Read more.

When disaster strikes your home or business, choose the #1 ranked in Restoration Services.  Choose SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County.

Contact us at 973-383-2024 if you have a service need or click here to visit our website to learn more about SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County's System Services.

SERVPRO Cares About Your Safety - Generator Safety

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Winter season is upon us and power outages may follow.  If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below provided by the American Red Cross.

  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.
  • To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions.  Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
  • Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
  • Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early
    warnings.

Contact us at 973-383-2024 if you have a service need or click here to visit our website to learn more about SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County's System Services.

SERVPRO Cares About Your Safety - Carbon Monoxide

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

person holding a battery and carbon monoxide detector Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Your safety is always top of mind with SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County.

Winter months present a particular concern with accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.  Every year, hundreds of people in the US die from accidental CO poisoning, and 50,000 visit the emergency room.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and invisible fume generated by furnaces, kerosene heaters, portable generators, and similar fuel-burning appliances.  Carbon Monoxide can build up in enclosed spaces and you can be poisoned and die from breathing these fumes.

Common symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.  Most people are poisoned while they sleep.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk and prevent CO poisoning:

  • Make sure you install a CO detector in different parts of the home and frequently check that the batteries are working.
  • Never operate your car in a closed garage.
  • Keep vents and flues clean of debris and blockages.
  • Make sure your home heating system is inspected annually.
  • Never operate a generator or other gasoline-powered equipment within 20 feet of an open window or door and never inside the home.

Remember, CO poisoning is preventable.  If you suspect CO poisoning, do not wait, call 911.

Contact us at 973-383-2024 if you have a service need or click here to visit our website to learn more about SERVPRO of Greater Sussex County's System Services.