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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Combating the Challenges in Bellmore Homes Affected by Mold Damage

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture, including humidity, can lead to mold growth. SERVPRO can locate hidden moisture sources and remediate mold damage in your Bellmore home.

SERVPRO Finds Easier Ways to Execute Bellmore Mold Remediation Procedures

If a property has mold, it is wise to take remedial action quickly. Otherwise, the problem keeps worsening, leading to unnecessary costs. Unresolved mold contamination can even affect the future price of the home if you decide to sell it. Mold remediation may seem daunting, especially when you realize you have to teardown structural materials or spend days doing intense cleaning. Unique approaches and specialized equipment help simplify mold remediation.

When Bellmore homes have mold damage, how the restoration is planned influences both the outcome and the ease of handling the repair - planning is easier when you understand how mold develops. That is why SERVPRO offers certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians to oversee the restoration of your premises. 

Mold Growth Stages

  • Sporulation
  • Germination
  • Vegetative growth
  • Reproduction

To the average person, mold is either present or not. The most common signs of mold are dark patches or discoloration of surfaces. The problem with the layman outlook is the likelihood of taking the wrong action or failing to take action, thus worsening the situation. Therefore, a professional understands the problem and acts with a restorative or preventive outlook. For example, our SERVPRO technicians avoid introducing moisture unnecessarily, even on mold-free surfaces. We understand that settled mold spores would immediately enter the germination stage if supplied with water, thus increasing the restoration work needed.

Apart from controlling moisture, containing the spread of moldy residues is also essential in limiting the restoration work. Directional cleaning of mold residues is a straightforward way to restrict residue spread. Our SERVPRO technicians start cleaning surfaces from the top moving towards the bottom when removing mold residues because spores settle downwards. We also clean towards the direction of airflow in the house. When selecting a cleaning method, we mostly choose one based on the levels of aggressiveness regarding residue spread. For example, using air to agitate moldy surfaces is ideal. However, vacuuming is better than blowing surfaces with compressed air. Damp-wiping the surfaces after vacuuming helps remove any stubborn residues. 

Controlling the Advancement of Mold Damage

During the vegetative growth phase, mold produces hyphae that spread across surfaces and penetrate organic materials. At this phase, the mold irreversibly damages porous and semi-porous materials as its root-like hyphae penetrate deep into materials extracting nutrients. Removing heavily infested porous materials helps contain the problem. Our SERVPRO technicians can also use aggressive cleaning techniques like sanding and wire brushing on semi-porous surfaces to remove the embedded mold colonies. 

Other alternatives include soda or dry ice blasting. The two methods are similar since they rely on compressed air for cleaning. However, they use distinct cleaning mediums. With soda blasting, aerosolized sodium bicarbonate particles are driven against a surface. When the soda particles shatter on impacting the surfaces, they strip away moldy residues. Dry ice blasting works almost similarly. However, when its pellets strike the surface, they cause the moldy masses to shrink, detaching from the surface. The two methods have the unique advantages of leaving the underlying material intact, thus requiring minimal refinishing and shortening the cleaning time by up to 80%.

A Sound Mold Remediation Plan Requires

  • Scoping
  • Estimating
  • Cleaning
  • Refinishing

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh goes the extra mile when called to deal with mold damage in any property, managing it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (516) 809-9600.

Do You Know What is Causing Mold and Your Wantagh Home

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

It doesn't take long for mold to become out of control and cause damage to your property.

SERVPRO Technicians make a Major Difference with Mitigation of Mold Damage in Wantagh Residences

Homes in Wantagh sustain hot summers and cold winters. The differences between the two seasons can create changes inside your home. These changes may seem negligible to occupants, but they can also cause other changes. 

When a property in Wantagh begins growing mold microbial colonies, damage can become very severe if homeowners do not address the issue immediately because mold can start growing only 24 to 48 hours after conditions supporting mold growth develops, and then mold activity increases drastically. At SERVPRO, we not only train our employees, but we also learn how to handle the process of mold damage remediation. While many of our technicians have their first hands-on experiences at the SERVPRO Training House, corporate headquarters provides those who own a franchise with training on how mold damage remediation works and why it is crucial to protecting a home. 

We also learn what causes mold, how to detect these causes, and which tools help our technicians do the fastest and most thoroughly. SERVPRO invests in this equipment to ensure our technicians' work always provides our customers with the quality and expertise they deserve. Your most significant investment is most likely your home, and its condition affects your life every day. Maintaining it well is a huge responsibility, and we want to help you with it. Remediation of mold damage is one way we can provide that extra helping hand. 

When our technicians earn their certificates from the IICRC, one of the first ones obtained is the Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT) certificate. We continually update our employees' skills and knowledge through ongoing training and education. When restoration and mitigation technology finds a new development or method, we also learn about it and implement it into our standard procedures. We always implement the latest technology and consistently use the techniques that give the most protection possible from mold damage. 

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh can help you get rid of your home's mold damage situation with efficient remediation. Our technicians are always ready to start the process, ensuring your home receives the care and attention needed to get everything back "Like it never even happened." Our training and education are the basis of our extensive experience in providing remediation services to homes and any type of business in the area, including Seaford. Call us at our 24-hour service line, (516) 809-9600, any day of the year.

Why SERVPRO is Your First Choice for Water Removal in Seaford

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

We completely restored this water damaged kitchen. Call us when your property experiences a water loss event.

Coordination of Complex Project Agendas Is Why SERVPRO Delivers Premium Water Damage Outcomes in Seaford 

When a water loss occurs after a plumbing leak or appliance malfunction in your Seaford home, the window of opportunity to complete tasks is tight. Conventional building materials are vulnerable to water destruction, crumbling, swelling, and deteriorating within hours or days of the crisis. Mold or mildew damage is also a significant risk, especially if moisture remains available for spores to absorb more than 24 to 48 hours. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, why we report consistent success.  

Planning Supports Positive Outcomes 

As speed in responding to water damage in Seaford is critical to industry best practices, we make sure we arrive with the crew and equipment necessary. Our fully-stocked service vehicles arrive as our experienced managers assess your premises. Our team is poised to begin water removal efforts as soon as a project plan takes shape. We use submersible pumps when the water rises higher than two inches, following up with wanded extractors for surfaces. The ease with which our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crews move from task to task shows why we can accomplish each project step and activity within prescribed timelines.  

Alternative Power Sources Avoid Delays 

A significant water loss can require electricity to be disconnected temporarily for safety reasons. Our water removal equipment has the flexibility of using gas or onboard portable generators. These options permit our crews to move forward with the work. The portable generators have the benefit of removing the hazard along with the water. The team assigned to mitigate and remediate your emergency can make adaptations that ensure rapid removal under even extreme circumstances, which is why SERVPRO completes your job to specifications. 

Skilled Moisture Monitoring Traces Water Migration 

Determining the extent of the water damage in your home includes tracking any seepage or drainage from the original leak. Porous materials and joints, and cracks permit quantities of water to move into building cavities between walls and below floors. Our employees master the operation of moisture probes and thermal imaging devices that guide us to trapped water and saturated structural components. Controlled demolition strategies like weep holes and flood cuts allow access to residual water. Drying efforts are more effective when the wet spaces are open, another reason why SERVPRO swiftly wraps up each recovery phase “Like it never even happened.” 

Careful adherence to industry best practices is why SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh is a leader in the water damage mitigation and remediation business. Call us at (516) 809-9600 for a customized evaluation of your water loss and a practical project plan.

Bellmore Residents Can Minimize Damage with Expert Mold Remediation

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let mold take control of your Bellmore property. Call SERVPRO today!

Call SERVPRO to Your Bellmore Home for Skilled Mold Remediation Service

Black mold is not only ugly, but you also have to worry about possible health effects should you find it colonizing further within your Bellmore property. We may be familiar with mold festering in bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, or around your HVAC system. No matter where you find it, you need to proceed with caution, never spraying it with bleach or disrupting it on your own. Why not DIY? Because SERVPRO has the proven methods and safety protocols to ensure it gets handled right the first time. 

Handling unsightly and hazardous mold remediation in Bellmore is something we do best at SERVPRO. We arrive at your door with a detailed plan of action to minimize damage and return your property to pre-mold condition, allowing you to breathe easy once again. 

Mold Facts Every Homeowner Should Know

  • Once mold begins invading your home, it can colonize fast when given the right conditions
  • Mold spores may take under 72 hours to spread into different areas of your property
  • Contrary to popular belief, mold cannot be removed entirely from your home
  • Proper cleaning protocols and the right anti-microbials can disinfect surfaces and halt mold in its tracks

Why is SERVPRO the Best Choice for Mold Cleaning and Remediation?

We arrive within hours of your initial call so that we can assess the mold damage. Our team formulates a plan for detailed cleaning, taking the time to put containment barriers in place to limit the possibility of tracking contamination into unaffected areas. Our IICRC-certified technicians put on personal protective equipment (PPE) and get to work, carefully pulling up spores with vacuums, dry brushing, and a wide range of EPA-registered cleaning agents. 

Never leave mold remediation to DIY methods. SERVPRO of Bellmore/Wantagh is here to help you with your cleanup and restoration needs! Reach us by dialing (516) 809-9600.

Choosing Among Wantagh Mold Removal Companies?

1/16/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage remediation is no DIY project. SERVPRO techs use the latest equipment and technology for every job concerning mold.

Impressive Qualifications Are Why SERVPRO Tops Wantagh Mold Remediation Contractors

Rank mold removal companies in Wantagh according to how realistically and transparently they approach the task. Mold remediation is a process, not a goal, combining research-based mold abatement interventions with practical home maintenance suggestions.

What Drives Black Mold Development in Your Wantagh Home?

Your Wantagh residence is home not only to you but also to significant quantities of microscopic mold spores. Living in harmony with the spores is possible, but managing moisture is critical. Give spores a drink and 24 to 48 hours-- rapidly accelerating mold damage occurs. Where do spores find the water they need to reproduce?

  • Unnoticed leaks -- just a few drops are enough, so burst pipes are not a prerequisite
  • Condensation from AC units, on windows or exterior walls, inside poorly or non-vented bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas  
  • Overflows from sinks, showers, hot tubs, aquariums, houseplants, and more

Why Is SERVPRO Uniquely Qualified as Mold Remediators?

Our extensive training and experience with assessment, tracing, and remediation of water damage helps us anticipate the “where” and “why” of mold damage located in your home. We use the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mold remediation protocol, clearly linking moisture management to inhibiting mold regrowth. This connection is why SERVPRO uses its water damage expertise to help Wantagh residents control future mold damage throughout a home.

What Is the Mold Remediation Agenda?

An inventory of mold removal supplies, products, equipment, and tools arrives with our crew of IICRC-certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) as scheduled, a two-prong approach that never fails. Commitment to preparation and professionalism is why SERVPRO can move immediately to:

  • Determine the extent of the mold damage
  • Contain the work area and safeguard technicians and occupants 
  • Mechanically remove mold damage, including controlled blasting options
  • Clean up residues and dispose of hazardous waste
  • Apply antimicrobials to inhibit mold damage rebound

Viewing mold remediation as an ongoing process is why SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh delivers reliable results. Call (516) 670-1928 to discuss your options.

How SERVPRO Deodorizes Your Fire Damaged Wantagh Kitchen

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

You need a team you can trust after a fire strikes in your home. Call SERVPRO right away.

Why SERVPRO Uses Hydroxyl Instead of Ozone During Fire Damage Mitigation in Wantagh

When a fire happens in your Wantagh kitchen, you quickly notice that fire damage includes more than burned walls. Fire damage also consists of the soot deposited on surfaces throughout your kitchen and adjacent rooms. Water from either your efforts at controlling the fire's spread or from the fire department also permeates your kitchen. The sludge-like substance made from soot and water adds to the damage.  

Why Should We Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage in Wantagh?

SERVPRO can help clean your fire damaged Wantagh kitchen quickly and efficiently so that it no longer keeps you from enjoying your kitchen. Soot residue can affect your cooking area, and smokey odors can change how your food tastes. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) knows how to eliminate such odors from your home, including the ones from grease fires and other protein-based catastrophes. 

Because of the increased amount of moisture in the area, SERVPRO does not use the quicker-acting ozone gas generators like we might when handling other odor-causing disasters. Instead, we use hydroxyl gas generators to eliminate odors caused by grease fires and smoke from food that burned up in the oven.  

Hydroxyl gas is much safer to use in areas that remain damp than ozone gas. We can also continue working during its use, decreasing the amount of time required to mitigate your kitchen's fire damage and restore your home.  

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh is always ready to help you by using the latest methods and technology in restoring your house, so everything is "Like it never even happened." Contact us at our 24-hour emergency line, (516) 809-9600, and we can begin working on your home at your earliest convenience.

What Can Professional Mold Remediation Entail for Bellmore Homes?

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses EPA-registered biocides for all mold remediation services rendered to your property. We use appropriate chemicals for all jobs.

SERVPRO Mold Remediation Restores Bellmore Properties to a Clean, Safe Condition

Whether the mold growth is on drywall from a wall cavity pipe leak or in the HVAC system, mold spores require specialized care to keep Bellmore home occupants safe. Excess mold carries the potential to cause health effects if allowed to continually spread and requires emergency-response service to keep residences safer and more comfortable.

Bellmore mold remediation technicians at SERVPRO are trained to provide residential cleanup services that are fast-acting and thorough. SERVPRO’s dedication to comprehensive education about mold mitigation strategies and technologies also prevents potential secondary damages during cleanup.

SERVPRO Technologies Streamline Mold Remediation

Advances in moisture mitigation and mold removal technologies ensure that mold mitigation is more thorough. SERVPRO professionals utilize a broad swathe of materials during the remediation process, including:

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE), including commercial-grade respirators, which is donned and removed in designated clean rooms
  • Moisture inspection tools, including calibrated penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters, as well as thermal imaging, to pinpoint mold growth hotspots in a home
  • HEPA-filter vacuums and air scrubbers alter air pressure to prevent mold spores from floating up and away, allowing for more thorough disposal of microbes
  • Sanitation with EPA-registered biocides can be applied manually or with sprayers, foggers, extractors, or injection systems. This process works in tandem with odor control to eliminate odor-causing microbes and improve indoor air quality
  • Structural drying tools, such as air movers and dehumidification units, can successfully lower moisture below the threshold necessary for mold to proliferate in a home

Residents can reach a We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster team by calling SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600.

High Humidity and Mold Damage in Bellmore

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture, including humidity, can lead to mold growth. SERVPRO can locate hidden moisture sources and remediate mold.

Why SERVPRO for Remediating Mold Infestations

Warm, sticky summers and cool, wet winters make Bellmore and the rest of Nassau County an amenable environment for fungal growth. If the indoor temperature and relative humidity move out of balance, surfaces can provide enough moisture for mold spores to adhere and begin growing. We understand the life cycle of molds commonly found at significant levels and can help abate unwanted acceleration of overgrowth.

Mold damage in Bellmore occurs because of mold spores, moisture, and an organic surface for the microbes to grow on and flourish. Humidity levels of more than 60 percent provide enough dampness for mold to begin its destructive trajectory. Troubling is the damage mold can do to a broad array of typical building materials, threatening things like wood framing, wallboard, insulation, and floors and subfloors with disintegration, weakening the strength and structural integrity of your home. Our focus is removing active mold colonies that consume materials in your home before the components give way.

Mold Damage Remediation Standards

SERVPRO adheres to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols when performing mold remediation. We locate and contain the mold, usually employing a combination of physical barriers and technological advances that prevent mold “drift” by using negative air pressure to form a vacuum sealing the containment area. Our team then dons personal protective gear to keep our employees safe during removal while also limiting the tracking of moldy debris out of the contaminated area.

Once contained, the affected area is cleared of mold growth by scraping, scrubbing with wire brushes, and using innovative techniques like soda blasting. When done correctly by our IICRC trained employees, we can save even porous materials previously thought ruined and requiring disposal. The contained space then receives disinfection with an EPA registered antimicrobial to inhibit the rapid regrowth of the fungi.

All SERVPRO hard work is in vain if the humidity issues are left unresolved. Keeping your home at a range of 30 to 50 percent humidity limits the risk of mold growth. During the summer, running an appropriately sized and maintained AC system helps; dehumidifiers assist as well, while periodically steamy spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas need exhaust fans installed and used consistently to reduce moisture.

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh has the technicians and equipment ready to remediate your mold damage scenario. Call us at (516) 809-9600 to assess and plan to manage mold damage and moisture.

Can Storm Damaged Walls in Bellmore Be Saved?

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Leaky roofs and summer storms can lead to water damage in your home. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to handle water damage.

SERVPRO Restores and Repairs Flood Damaged Walls in Bellmore Professionally and Efficiently

Storms can cause flooding and destruction to the interior of a home. When this happens, there is a risk of structural damage. Our IICRC technicians provide rapid mitigation to restore your home from storm damage.

Immediate Water Mitigation

If your Bellmore home has flood damage, your second call after your insurance company should be to SERVPRO. Floodwaters can hit structural elements hard. If the flooding isn’t too bad, saving the walls is as simple as replacing the drywall. More extensive work is needed in the case of more in-depth flooding.

Preventing Secondary Damage

SERVPRO stops water damage in its tracks. Our techs:

  • Use moisture sensors to find hidden moisture.
  • Flood cuts are made 6” above the water damage to help with drying.
  • Controlled demolition is employed if necessary.
  • Water extraction is the primary concern.
  • Repairing the walls comes after the home has been dried, cleaned, and sanitized. 

Trust the Water Removal Pros

When floodwaters hit, it can seem like everything is damaged and nothing can be recovered. In many cases, that is far from true. SERVPRO technicians repair and restore walls and other structural damage caused by flooding. For emergency services, water damage remediation, and more, contact SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600.

Why SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration In Your Wantagh Home

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage creeps into your home, SERVPRO is the team of professionals you need. Our water restoration service is top-notch.

Advantages of Fast Water Removal For Wantagh Homes

When water damage incidents occur in your Wantagh home, regardless of their source, it is not hard to notice how quickly the effects can spread throughout the property. We understand that there are many causes of these emergencies. As such, we have multiple approaches to handle varying degrees of severity and where water effects get found during our initial inspection of the property. You might have numerous choices in restoration companies, but the team that can respond quickly with the tools to help should be the one that you trust.

Our SERVPRO professionals know how vital it is to get work started immediately in your Wantagh home for water removal and drying efforts. There are advantages to utilizing a team that stays as prepared for emergencies as ours does. We have ready trailers fully stocked with recovery and mitigation tools, allowing our technicians to roll out from our warehouse at a moment’s notice with the full measure of our equipment inventory to make a difference quickly in a damaged house.

Water Damage Restoration Services

We know that there are varying levels of severity with water damage incidents but that they all possess the possibility of getting out of control and irreparably damaging materials and contents within your property. Our prompt response can get our Contents Department involved in removing at-risk contents from the affected areas and protecting these belongings from becoming unsalvageable. Likewise, we can identify water through the house with this initial inspection, which can identify the best locations for air movers and dehumidifiers to begin addressing saturation and excessive moisture.

The faster restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team can respond to water damage emergencies, the better-protected materials in your home can stay. Our technicians can prevent unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction of exposed structural elements in the house with rapid drying solutions.

We know how quickly water damage incidents can get out of control, so trust in the experience and expertise of our SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh professionals. Give us a call at (516) 809-9600 to make water damage effects “Like it never even happened.”

Why is Moisture Testing so Important for Mold Removal?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold will spread like wild fire within 24 to 48 hours. SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified for any size mold remediation service needed.

SERVPRO helps reduce the risk of Bellmore mold regrowth

If you spot fungal growth in your house, it is essential to deal with it quickly. If you see patches of fungus or water damage stains, it is best to call SERVPRO immediately to assess the situation.

If you are looking for mold removal companies in Bellmore, it is best to choose one that pays proper attention to moisture testing. Mold needs moisture to grow, as well as an organic food source which unfortunately includes:

  • Carpets and rugs.
  • Drapes and soft furnishings.
  • Paper products or canvases.
  • Wallpaper, plaster, and drywall.

Because mold can live on any of these sources, and because it occurs naturally, it is not possible to completely eradicate mold. However, it is possible to discourage it from growing back. If we can remove the water source, mold cannot grow. That is why SERVPRO techs carries out moisture testing using moisture probes and meters. We also measure humidity. Then we dry the area until the readings look good.

If you are looking for reliable mold removal companies, call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600.

What Can be Done to Remove the Smell of Smoke in a Wantagh Home?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot travel throughout your home. SERVPRO has the know how to restore and deodorize your fire damaged home.

SERVPRO Helps Wantagh Homeowners Eliminate Fire Damage, Including its Smell

Most fires leave a trail behind. Even when you burn your breakfast toast, its smell lingers longer than most would think. Smoke particles travel easily throughout your home and settle upon every piece of furniture, curtain, and corner. Despite your best efforts, eliminating the acrid smell left behind by a fire is a job for a professional crew.

SERVPRO leads in fire damage restoration in Wantagh. Our expert team has access to industry-grade cleaning products and equipment to assist in the cleanup and deodorization of your home. For the restoration process to succeed, we typically need to take several steps to neutralize and eliminate smell molecules. Some of the steps crucial to the process include-

  • Cleaning your home of all soot and ashes contributing to the smell.
  • Use of thermal fogging to permeate all surfaces with deodorizing solutions.
  • Apply specialized sealant to some external areas to capture the odor and prevent its spread.

Having several cleaning and restoration options is essential to a job well done. 

When in need, call SERVPRO of Bellmore/Wantagh at (516) 809-9600 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Meet Some Adorable Critters Near Wantagh This January

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Why call SERVPRO? We have the technicians, equipment and experience for any size job concerning your home or business.

Wantagh Residents Of All Ages Will Love White Post Farm’s Petting Zoo

If you are looking for something fun to do with the family near Wantagh this January, look no further than White Post Farm’s Petting Zoo. Kids will love getting up close with adorable animals, including giraffes, lemurs, marmosets, and potbellied pigs.

  • Meet and feed the friendly goats.
  • Use coin-operated feeding stations to feed the curious squirrel monkeys.
  • Get up close to lorikeets, lovebirds, budgies, and cockatiels who are tame enough to land on your hand.
  • Ride a pony and have your photo taken with it (please note the maximum weight is 65 lbs per rider.)

White Post Farm is currently open from 10 AM – 4 PM daily. The petting zoo is open from 10 AM – 4 PM on the weekends. Admission is $19.95, and pony rides and feed bags are at an additional cost.

Mold thrives in damp, enclosed spaces, whether on the farm or at home. If you see signs of mold damage, call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600.

How Can Water Damage Restoration Services Salvage a Wet Subfloor?

9/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers advanced drying equipment like these mats to salvage water damaged hardwood flooring in Wantagh, delighting our customers.

SERVPRO technicians can tell you if there is moisture within your Wantagh subfloor through the use of their equipment

It can be a little jarring to dig into a subfloor that has signs of water damage but not for sure that there is actually a problem in there. That is why SERVPRO techs rely on their diverse selection of moisture detection devices that allow them to "see" into the subfloor of Wantagh homes and determine if removal of the flooring above is necessary for extraction and drying purposes. 

What Are Signs My Subfloor Needs Water Mitigation? 

The subfloor in each room of your Wantagh home has a low-key way of announcing there is a problem with moisture. Be alert for any of the following signs you need help with a water problem: 

  • Loosened tiles
  • Cupping or flaking hardwood floorboards
  • Damp, musty odors emanating from the floor
  • Visible water stains on the carpet

In cases of hardwood flooring, the boards get inspected by the SERVPRO techs for potential reuse after drying and cleaning. In many cases, they can save the homeowners the cost of replacement through their drying applications that pull all the embedded moisture out of the wood. 

Drying a subfloor is a step-by-step process. The techs use portable pumps to pull any residual moisture and then move on to the drying phase. The use of professional air movers works to direct warm, dry air into the subfloor. Some situations have the best outcome through the use of specialized drying equipment such as drying mats that lay flat on the subfloor and suction embedded or hidden water from the wood. Dehumidification equipment stands at the ready to grab moisture as it rises and ports it off-site. In this way, a subfloor that has water damage can get dried in place.

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600 supports the local community by provided water mitigation for all types of damage. The trained, certified techs are available 24/7 to extract, dry, and restore properties.

Why Is Moisture Testing Such An Important Part of Mold Removal in Wantagh?

9/7/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t panic when facing mold damage in your home. Our experienced technicians can be on the scene within hours to mitigate the situation.

Wantagh Homeowners Want The Mold To Go Away and Stay Away

Residents of Wantagh want to take good care of their homes. The key to home maintenance is to handle issues as soon as they arise. If you see a loose tile, call someone to fix it. If you notice a tree in your yard leaning too close to your house, call a tree surgeon to deal with the overhanging branches. If your gutter is leaking, get it mended.

Should you notice the need for mold removal in your Wantagh home, call SERVPRO as soon as possible. We are Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we are on call 24 hours a day for all your mold needs.

The quicker you call us, the faster we can remediate your mold situation and prevent further spore spread.

Do I need mold removal?

If you see signs of mold in Wantagh, you need a mold removal service. Signs of spore growth in your home include:

  • Black, dark green, or pinkish spores growing on surfaces or soft furnishings
  • Damp patches on wallpaper, walls, or ceilings
  • A moldy odor, which often smells musty

It is much harder to remediate mold if you do not have the necessary training. That is why SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh recommends calling us immediately instead of trying to handle the growth by yourself. Our teams have the know-how and training to handle any size of a mold outbreak.

Why do I have mold?

Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that is found throughout nature. Mold grows by consuming a food source such as paper, fabric, drywall, cotton, or even documents or painting canvas. If there is an available food source, oxygen, and moisture, the spores have everything they need to grow and spread.

There are so many things in a home that mold can munch on. Add moisture, and you will soon see fungi appearing.

Mold can quickly grow in damp areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. It can also grow in uninhabited areas such as the basement or attic. A broken door or window seal, cracked window frames, and ill-fitting doors allow moisture into your home and mold the water it needs.

What is moisture testing, and why does it matter?

Moisture testing shows how much moisture is in a specific area of your home. This is an essential part of SERVPRO’s mold removal process.

If we remove the mold but do not test for moisture, there is no way to know if the conditions are ripe for mold to come back. Moisture testing lets us see potential problem spots and deal with them before they become home to a new mold colony. Because damp can hide behind walls and in unseen corners, testing helps us find hidden mold growth.

We also use moisture testing at the end of the mold remediation process, to double-check that we have dried your home to the correct standards.

How does SERVPRO test for moisture?

Our technicians use a range of testing equipment:

  • We use moisture sensors if we suspect damp in a carpeted area – these penetrate carpet or padding and let us know if there is moisture present
  • We use thermal imaging cameras to check for signs of moisture on walls – these give us an infrared image of the temperature across the surface which can provide clues to moisture underneath
  • We use penetrating moisture meters to check for moisture inside surfaces such as wood or gypsum
  • We use non-penetrating moisture meters on materials we do not wish to cause surface damage on, such as drywall
  • We use thermo-hygrometers to measure the relative temperature and humidity in the affected area

What happens after moisture testing?

After moisture testing, our teams set up containment around the affected area, to discourage mold spores from spreading further. Then our technicians set to work remediating mold. We choose the best tools for the job, including HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, negative air machines, dry ice or baking soda blasting, or good old-fashioned scrubbing.

When we have cleaned all visible mold, we use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out your home. We continue to monitor moisture levels throughout the drying part of the process. We also deodorize your house when we are finished with remediation to eliminate moldy odors.

We understand that homeowners want the mold to get gone and stay gone. Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove all mold from a structure because mold is naturally-occurring and can re-enter your home at any time. However, by drying your home and moisture testing to check levels of moisture and humidity, we can make your home much less welcoming to mold.

If you need help with mold removal, call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600.

Why Should I Use a Professional Restoration Company after a Flood?

8/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can use trash pumps, portable extractors and other advanced equipment to extract floodwater from a Wantagh basement. Then we dry it!

Our Knowledgeable Wantagh SERVPRO Team Oversees Your Project from Start to Finish

Flooding in your Wantagh home is a serious issue. No matter how diligent you are during your cleanup, it can still be challenging without proper knowledge, professional equipment, and products. Floodwater is black water (contaminated), making it even more challenging to remove safely. The last thing a property owner wants is for potentially-dangerous black water to remain behind after a flood, potentially causing long term issues like strong odors and mold growth. Professionals like our SERVPRO team take care of your disaster situation, helping to alleviate some of your stress.

What Should I Expect from a Professional Restoration Company?

SERVPRO Uses Knowledgeable Restoration Specialists for Flood Cleanup

Our flood damage team in Wantagh has the knowledge and expertise to create an individualized cleanup plan for your home based on your home's amount of damage and structure. Our team members have the (IICRC) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, making them well-equipped to handle your unique situation. For instance, floodwater in your basement presents a different set of challenges than floodwater in your living room. In the basement, you are more likely to have more than two inches of standing water, requiring a submersible pump with the ability to lift water out of your home.

What Types of Professional Equipment Does SERVPRO Use for Extracting Floodwater?

  • Portable extractors including a built-in heater, pump, and vacuum system to effectively remove water and rinse clean the impacted areas.
  • High-velocity centrifugal air movers direct air across the impacted area an angle. Technicians use multiple air movers, placing them every 10 to 16 feet across the wall.
  • Technicians position dehumidifiers around the impacted area to deliver dry, warm air around the room while removing excess moisture.

For assistance after a flood, contact SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh any time, day or night, seven days a week at (516) 809-9600. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can I Find a Water Restoration Firm in Bellmore I Can Trust with My Home and Family?

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

You can trust that your home is in good hands with our experienced team of experts at SERVPRO. Give us a call today.

We Have Stood in Your Shoes In Need of Emergency Help -- This Is  Why SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration in Bellmore Is More Than a Job to Our Management and Technicians.

We understand how hard it is to hand over the reins of responsibility when a disaster affects your Bellmore home. The owners, managers, and technicians making up our team commit to our community, living and working in the same place as our customers. We strive to develop a robust team of highly qualified restoration experts who bring to every project premier disaster mitigation and remediation skills and empathy and compassion for the stress homeowners suffer. The full-spectrum of services and commitment to your comfort and concerns are why we are a local restoration leader.

What Kinds of Skills and Training Do Reputable Water Damage Restorers Possess?

Water damage restoration professionals in Bellmore must follow the industry’s best practices for optimum results. They have to be ready to respond to urgent emergency needs as well as having the knowledge and background to complete the followup tasks needed. We believe the rigorous coursework offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) meets both requirements. Only restoration firms and their employees who are certified by the IICRC should be on your shortlist when selecting a company to return your home to preloss condition. Our crews can hold certificates in the following IICRC specialties, among others:

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • Building Moisture Thermography

What Can I Expect When the Water Damage Restoration Crew Arrives?

We know we are in your home at a particularly difficult time, and that you and your family are likely under considerable stress because of the water loss and the chaos it caused. These not inconsiderable circumstances are why SERVPRO stresses clear communication and respectful delivery of services. You often hear that "knowledge is power," and we want to share the power with our customers, residential or commercial. Because of this dynamic, we spend uninterrupted time with you, listening intently to your story, worries, and requests. The more we know about the crisis that caused the water damage and any details about your home or its construction, the more appropriately we can respond. After the initial conversation, our project manager conducts a safety assessment. We must ensure the health and well being of occupants and our workers before assigning emergency tasks to our awaiting crew members:

  • Live electricity shut off
  • Signage and barriers set up to keep non-affected areas safe
  • Securing of structural damage 
  • Hidden moisture detection and measurement
  • Careful release of trapped water above ceilings and between walls
  • The positioning of submersible pumps for water deeper than two inches
  • Truck-mounted extraction of remaining visible water

Note: Pumps and truck-mounted extractors use gas to operate or work off on-board power generators, avoiding delays in the urgently needed tasks if electricity is unavailable.

Are You Finished with the Job When the Visible Water Is Gone?

We are aggressive in our extraction of the water invading spaces inside your home because research shows that liquid water removal is far more efficient than drying strategies alone. If needed, we employ tactics to access and remove hidden water as well. When we are sure all fluids are contained and disposed of, we move on to the next phase. 

Can You Explain Structural Drying? 

Many of the contents and the building materials in your home absorbed water that we could not remove by extraction. Structural drying is a vital second phase of water damage restoration, why we discuss how we plan to accomplish it, and what we need from you as the homeowner to achieve optimal results. Drying requires the following to be most effective:

  • Moisture detection and measurement completed during the extraction phase provides a baseline for dying goals, and:
    • Testing of an unaffected space in your home provides a valid comparison point
    • Testing of materials repeats periodically throughout the drying to avoid under or overreach
  • We manipulate and balance air movement, temperature, and humidity to reach drying goals, carefully positioning:
  • We count on you and your family to allow the equipment to work undisturbed until the drying goals are met

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh is ready to earn your trust by providing prompt, professional, and practical assistance when you need water damage restoration. Call us at (516) 809-9600 as soon as you suspect a significant water loss.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Bellmore, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh today at (516) 809-9600 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Bellmore Public and Private Schools Are Facing a Difficult Challenge.

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

When your business is not sure what products and supplies are best to clean and disinfect, call SERVPRO.

Protecting Our Children is Critical

With New York being a state that is most directly impacted by the spread of this virus, schools and other public facilities in Bellmore have been temporarily suspended. During this time, many choose to find the most effective and efficient methods for thorough cleaning and applying disinfectants to surfaces and furniture throughout their facility before children, teachers, and staff return.

The standards and protocols we use to clean and apply disinfectants in our Bellmore schools were developed in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using cleaning products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These same standards are followed by SERVPRO in all the work we do. If you have a commercial/public facility that is currently closed or open and operating, SERVPRO professionals can provide this same level of advanced cleaning services that were developed for cleaning our Bellmore schools:

  • Follow CDC Guidelines
  • Use only EPA registered cleaning and disinfection agents
  • Follow worker safety guidelines per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

When it comes to fighting bacterial and viral microorganisms, we can provide real-time preventative and containment strategies to help keep any physical location in a safer condition. We have specific strategies for cleaning open or closed locations.

The SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh team of trained and certified specialty cleaners can help. Give us a call today at (516) 809-9600.

To find out more about Bellmore, click here

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

Why We Are The Leader In Bellmore After A Fire

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

We have the equipment, training, and experience to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a fire. Call us day or night, we are ready.

Why SERVPRO Uses a Special Technique to Cleanup Spider Tags as Part of Fire Damage Restoration of a Bellmore House

When the wide variety of things burn during a house fire in Bellmore, a large amount of static electricity builds up on surfaces. This can increase the attraction between those surfaces and the millions of soot particles in the air. Even though SERVPRO uses different machines and techniques to trap these particles, the air continues to hold many of them. Decreasing the static bond on surfaces, especially corners, can help keep surfaces clean.

This is why SERVPRO uses more than just our special sponges to clean homes in Bellmore of stubborn soot tags. Soot from fire damage can cause these to appear repeatedly, making a home look unkempt and dirty. They look very similar to spider webs but with significant amounts of black or very dark gray dust. However, these webs come from long chains of soot bonded together by static electricity, and not any arachnids hiding in your house. 

When we wipe soot-covered surfaces down, we often produce a small amount of static electricity, especially if this involves dry surfaces. Because soot removal requires the use of dry sponges (wet ones would make a terrible mess), we need to do something extra to eradicate any static in the area. Corners formed at the junction of two walls and the ceiling often contain the worst spider tags inside a house with fire damage

SERVPRO uses different chemicals to restore a house, depending on the situation. After using a dry sponge, we might choose a degreaser or a detergent-based agent for painted surfaces. Paneling may require a sealant or an oil soap, instead. These chemicals can also make the area smell much more pleasant, as well as break the bonds that trap soot particles. We can discuss these choices with you to ensure that you are comfortable with the options available.

SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh provides fire damage restoration services to residents in and near Seaford, NY, and both North Bellmore, NY and South Bellmore, NY. If soot tags continue to reappear and make your home look unclean, call our 24-hour services line at (516) 229-8019. We can mitigate the damage and keep it from returning.

See more about Bellmore.

We Are The Leader In Seaford Water Damage Removal

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and training to restore your home to pre-damage condition after water damage has struck.

Why You Can Trust SERVPRO to Restore Your Water Damaged Seaford Home

After a water intrusion incident has left devastation, you need to deal with the challenging task of bringing back the allure of your home. The mishap may have affected your prized appliances, furniture, or building materials like drywall. It is easy to get distressed about restoring your home. However, this should not be the case because SERVPRO can use rigorous methods to remove water and moisture.

When your Seaford home has water damage, you can trust our technicians to bring things back to normal. We have certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This means that our technicians have the training and experience required to care for your home correctly throughout the restoration process. Our technicians have undergone full training on the theory and remediation techniques of every type of water damage, regardless of the cause and severity. Whether the water loss results from leaking appliances, faulty pipes, or overflowing bathtubs, we can use advanced equipment and methods to restore your home.

Moisture affects materials in different ways. Our restorers know how humidity affects different materials. The primary variables that determine the extent of moisture damage materials may sustain are exposure time and permeance. Permeance refers to how readily materials absorb water, while exposure time refers to how long the materials were exposed to moisture. When you call us, we can get to your property in a short time and begin the remediation process quickly to minimize exposure time. Removing the water quickly helps prevent severe primary and secondary damage.

Our on-site experience also enables us to handle any situation. This minimizes the threats of continued destruction to a house. Sometimes, water gets into dense assemblies or materials that do not facilitate water movement. In such a case, we can use heat drying. Our restorers can use portable heaters to increase room temperature and air movers to increase evaporation.

Our SERVPRO crew also understands how buildings are constructed. Therefore, we can identify materials and assemblies, perform detailed moisture inspections, and establish a drying plan based on the needs and challenges of your water damage repair project. We understand the uncertainty involved when dealing with any disaster and can guide you through the process of resolving the problem. We have a genuine goal of restoring your property to preloss condition.

Water damage can create several issues in your home if you do not take care of it speedily. The technicians at SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh are ready to put their training and experience to work for you. Call us today at (516) 809-9600 for water restoration services in Bellmore, Wantagh, and Levittown.

See more about Seaford.

Our Experts Arrive Right Away To Restore Your Seaford Home After A Flood

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

The stormwater soaked into the drywall of this home causing extensive damage. Our technicians created a "flood-cut".

Why Initial 48 Hours is Vital for Flood Recovery in Seaford Homes

You might often hear that the first 48 hours after a flood loss incident is the most vital period for restoration and recovery of your Seaford home. Part of the reason that our SERVPRO team commits that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster is that we also believe that these initial two days are the most important to adequately protect our customer’s property and reduce the ultimate costs of restoration. From overcoming standing water to drying out saturated materials, we must work quickly to protect your house. 

Knowing what makes this period so critical can help motivate you to secure professional restoration and recovery services for flood damage in your Seaford home immediately. Just saying that we are fastest to disasters proves nothing, but knowing the steps we take to mobilize our team quickly when you need us most can show you how committed the entire brand is to inspiring loyal customers for life. We have ready trailers and production trucks stocked with drying and extraction equipment from air movers to wet-vacs and light wands to help. 

The spread of bacteria is one of the most significant concerns with natural flood damage in your home in the first 24 hours after exposure. With prompt response to your house after a disaster, our structural drying technicians can begin removing moisture and dampness to allow for cleaning agents and germicides to get applied to surfaces, structural elements, and any fixed features of the house that do not require removal and reinstallation. 

The migration of standing water can lead to the saturation and deterioration of drywall, baseboards, and carpeting. The faster that our SERVPRO team can get notified of a flood disaster in your home, the more efficiently extraction devices like our portable sump pumps and trash pumps can get deployed in the house. In areas where direct exposure has not occurred and started the degradation of the construction materials present, we can often utilize air movers and dehumidifiers to protect the structure and reduce the spread of dampness and moisture. 

Flood losses can get more challenging to restore and recover after the first 48 hours. Let our SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh team help you make it “Like it never even happened.” by calling (516) 809-9600.

See more about Seaford.

What Can You Do About Mold Damage in Wantagh Right Now

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Finding mold damage in your home needs not be a cause for alarm. Contact SERVPRO to find the cause, contain and remediate.

Mold Damage is a Symptom of Larger Issues in Wantagh Homes

Finding out your home has mold damage is not something anyone wants to hear. There are many myths about mold, but the bottom line is this: it is unhealthy, and removal should happen as soon as possible. 

When SERVPRO technicians handle mold damage remediation in Wantagh homes, they do more than show up, remediate the issue and leave. They know that mold infestations are a signal of a more significant problem in the home, allowing conditions for mold to thrive. 

Why SERVPRO?

Technicians go through extensive training to become certified in a broad array of the restoration sciences. They learn through classes and hands-on training to acquire skills by doing. They adhere to the tenents and teachings of the IICRC, (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) the standard-setting non-profit organization that establishes the best practices for the restoration services industry.

Scoping the Premises

SERVPRO technicians know when mold exists in a home, and it is not due to a known sudden water damage event such as a plumbing issue or flood loss, there is a contributing factor. They use their moisture detection equipment to pinpoint areas of excessive moisture. Familiar places mold colonies infest are frequently found within wall cavities, under flooring and attic spaces with poor ventilation. 

Eliminating Mold-Friendly Conditions

Once technicians determine the problem creating conducive conditions for mold growth, they halt the issue by rapidly lowering ambient humidity levels and recommending repairs, so the infestation does not return. Existing mold, once dried, undergoes careful removal by gently lifting away by hand or using small hand vacuums fitted with HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores and diminish cross-contamination. In cases where dried mold residues do not come off cleanly, mildly abrasive abatement techniques such as soda blasting remove all visible traces. 

When you find signs of mold damage, contact SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600. The technicians have the specialized equipment and expertise to stop infestations and inhibit their return, so it is "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about the city of Wantagh.

Bellmore Cleanup and Restoration after Natural and Man-Made Disasters and Mishaps Are Cornerstones of SERVPRO Services

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet Brings a Sigh of Relief to Our Customers--Bellmore Homes Get the Restoration Services They Need

Personal Disaster Experience Explains Why SERVPRO Is Committed to Helping Our Bellmore Neighbors

When the owner of our Bellmore SERVPRO experienced the fear and disruption of a significant water loss in his own home, his life was forever changed. The perspective we bring to every water, fire, mold and storm emergency sharpens as we remember the roller-coaster of emotions endured by a homeowner and the hard work and dedication of recovery technicians needed to make disasters “Like it never even happened.” Now it is our turn to help.

Water Damage
We know first hand the chaos and helplessness of Bellmore water damage. Life as usual cannot proceed until the water source is found and fixed, followed by rapid water removal, cleaning, disinfection, and structural drying. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified crews are well-versed in research-based water mitigation and remediation best practices. Each job we take on is assessed individually, with careful consideration of the particular circumstances of the loss and transparent communication with you, the homeowner.

No delay is needed between our assessment and planning and the implementation of the project agenda. Our project manager arrives with the crew and equipment needed in our well-stocked service vehicles. If your water loss features complications such as electrical outage we have you covered with gas-powered submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors powered by onboard generators. Each task follows the last seamlessly, our team’s training and experience inspiring confidence and illustrating why SERVPRO is an industry leader.

Getting the job done swiftly and to the highest standards is crucial, but treating you and your family with care and compassion during this trying time is equally important. After the water evacuates and we move on to structural drying, we keep you informed. We act as a liaison with your insurance company to help shoulder that burden and offer specialized water damage remediation services for your possessions at our production facility.

Fire Damage
The aftermath of household fire damage in Bellmore can trigger overwhelming emotions. Soot covered and waterlogged rooms are impossible to imagine clean, dry, and comfortable again. Fears about the costs and disruption intrude into every thought. If there were ever a time you need a reliable recovery company standing by your side, it is after the raging blaze has been extinguished.

We listen carefully to your concerns and can relate to your worries, evidence of why SERVPRO can be trusted while guiding you through the trauma of fire damage recovery. An experienced project manager assesses the scene and designs a workflow agenda. Our crew members immediately jump in, removing the firefighting water and drying out the interior. Soot residues are evaluated, and techniques and products matched to remove them most efficiently. Air scrubbers filter and exhaust the contaminated air during the work, reducing safety and health concerns for you and your family.

As each phase of the project completes, we keep you in the loop, consulting with your and working with your insurance carrier to ensure your out of pocket expenses are limited. Fire damage can include severe charring, and we use innovative techniques to remove it from the surface and seal it for final restoration whenever possible. We consult with you about the safety of foods and personal care products exposed to fire, heat, and water and help with disposal if indicated.

Mold Remediation
If despite your best efforts at vigilance in keeping your home clean and tidy, you notice mold damage in your Bellmore home know that we offer mold abatement services. Mold growth and the harm it always causes links to a source of moisture. If water damage is caught early and mitigated and remediated within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth potential is minimized. Unfortunately, not all water incursions are visible with pipes hidden in walls and cabinets. Seemingly inconsequential leaks in roofs or cracks in foundations can invite unnoticed water inside as well.

The reason why SERVPRO added mold remediation as a core service is simple. If mold spores are nearby the tiny fissures that water leaks through, growth and damage are almost inevitable. We consider mold remediation as a two-fold opportunity to help our customers. First, we use the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved procedures to contain and remove the mold safely without spreading the fungi to other areas of your home.  

Second, our knowledge of the life cycle of the range of molds and mildews that can infest your home helps us recommend practical tips that help you avoid mold damage. We cannot eliminate mold spores, but we can suggest you search for water sources and eliminate them. Fixing plumbing and roof leaks are a good start. Maintaining interior humidity between 30 and 50 percent and keeping AC units well maintained also help.

Storm Damage
The chance of heavy precipitation and storm surge are realities year round in Bellmore. Combine snow, ice, sleet, hail, rain, and salt water with a straight line or rotating winds, and you have a situation brewing that might need professional aid before it blows over. Utility poles, trees, and their branches, and other debris can take out a roof, windows, doors, or siding. Overland flooding mixes with the riled up ocean, and water pours in through holes and cracks in the foundations.

We monitor severe and overwhelming weather patterns, knowing that the assistance customers require is why SERVPRO trains and prepares diligently year round. Our comprehensive services include tarping and board-up to keep the elements in check while we assess, plan, mitigate, and remediate. The response we offer during the aftermath of a storm is scalable to the level of the disaster. You are not a number or item on a list when you engage our storm recovery services.

Often the waters involved in storm damage remediation are contaminated. Our technicians are skilled in evaluating water categories and contain and dispose of flooding per local regulations. We are familiar with complications of storm surge, requiring fresh water flushing to prevents defibration of structural components. Household goods and personal possessions might be packed-out to our secure production areas to facilitate fast remediation at your home and permit specialized restoration efforts.

Let SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh demonstrate why we provide the highest quality disaster mitigation and remediation after any kind of property loss. Call us at (516) 809-9600 to transform devastation to “Like it never even happened.”

The Bellmores

SERVPRO Utilizes Advanced Technology to Restore Fire Damage Homes in Wantagh

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke odors penetrate building materials and your possessions and can linger for a long time.

Fire Damage Experts In Wantagh Describe The Advanced Technology They Use During Restoration

Any time something burns inside your Wantagh home, the situation can become quite devastating. Even if the fire damage is small, it is still wise to call in a professional restoration company like SERVPRO. Once something burns inside a building, smoke can cause problems including creating soot residues and foul odors. Once smoke penetrates building materials, unpleasant aromas can linger for a long time. A significant part of any fire damage restoration project is to deodorize your contents and structural components. 

Deodorization is usually the last step to any mitigation process. The first step in any fire damage project in Wantagh is the initial inspection and estimate process. As soon as we answer your call, our SERVPRO team gets their testing kit and other equipment together and heads over to your residence promptly. We offer fast 24/7 service so that we can quickly begin working on mitigating your problems. We know that issues can get worse as time goes on, so we try to begin restoration work as quickly as possible. 

During the initial estimate process, our SERVPRO technicians use their testing kits to test clean surfaces to see which items we think we can clean and restore and which items we cannot. Our highly trained team is IICRC certified, and we have a vast amount of experience in dealing with a variety of different situations. We use the combination of our training and experience to determine at the beginning which items we know are replaceable and which items we think there is a possibility that we can clean and restore. 

Once we determine our plan of attack, we begin removing any materials that got severely charred. Next, we begin the soot removal process and clean items that got affected by soot or soils. Once all smoke and fire damaged items get cleaned and removed we use advanced technology to complete the final cleaning and deodorization process. Depending on the situation, we can use machines like ozone generators or ultra-low volume foggers to help with smoke odor elimination. If you ever notice problems created by fire or smoke inside your house, call SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600 any day of the week.

Click here to read about Wantagh.

Flood Damage Remediation Blueprint in Seaford - Rinse and Repeat

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

The amount of water that enters your home during a flood can be overwhelming. Contact our SERVPRO team for effective water removal efforts.

Why SERVPRO Helps Overcome the Challenges of Flood Extraction in Seaford

Extracting floodwaters can be a difficult task that in most cases requires assistance from a professional. If the thought of wading into murky contaminated water is not revolting, then the volume of water that needs removal breaks the resolve of many Seaford property owners after a flooding incident. Our professional restoration service lifts the burden because we undergo IICRC training. We also have a variety of equipment to deal with any challenges that arise.
 
Contamination is a serious risk during flood extraction in Seaford. Before the water reaches your property, it flows over different areas where it collects different types of contaminants. For example, wastewater trenches might have different biohazards including raw sewage while open fields might have pet wastes or dead animals among other contaminants. Exposing yourself to such water poses a health risk. Our SERVPRO technicians take precautions like spraying EPA-registered disinfectants immediately after arriving at your premises and wearing protective clothing like rubber gloves and full body suits, among others.
 
Water volume is another severe challenge in flooding incidents. Besides, it is not possible to turn off the source unlike in regular water spills. Therefore, extraction and cleanup can only happen if the rising water subsides. However, our SERVPRO crew can help in many ways even when extraction is not possible. We handle content move outs to a different location within the property or an offsite warehouse. We can also dismantle cabinets and other wooden fixtures to limit the time they remain submerged.
 
After a flood, there is lots of debris to remove. Sometimes the floodwaters dump silt and other debris from outside the property. The water also damages contents like books and fabrics within the house. Also, due to the risk of contamination, removal of porous materials like drywall, carpets, and pad is necessary. All these lead to a high volume of debris that needs removal. Our SERVPRO technicians handle the process efficiently working as a team. We also have special tools like molding lifters and prybars for easy removal of carpets without damaging baseboards, door frames, and other fixtures.

Hiring a professional to extract floodwaters from your property eases the process. Call SERVPRO of Bellmore/ Wantagh to help. You can reach us at (516) 809-9600 any time.

Click here for more about Seaford.

Why You Need Professional Flood Cleanup for Your Seaford Residence

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO when the storm waters enter your home.

Flood Cleanup Experts in Seaford Talk About Problems With Contamination

Any time a storm blows through Seaford, there is a chance that your property suffers from damage. Many factors created during severe weather can cause water to start filling up your home, making flood cleanup by a professional company like SERVPRO a requirement. Water entering your home from the outside can produce several problems inside your home. Water can ruin building materials inside your houses such as your carpet, drywall, and other flooring materials. If moisture stays inside any structure for too long more problems result making quick flood cleanup a necessity.  

Our SERVPRO restoration team offers fast 24/7 service, so we respond quickly after a storm causes damage to your building. We are located close so that we can respond fast and get to your flood cleanup project in Seaford to start mitigating issues right after they take place, so they do not get worse. We are on call every hour of the day and every day of the week so we can help you with issues that take place even in the middle of the night. The faster we can remove moisture from your building, the less likely your contents and building materials suffer from secondary damage. Secondary problems include those caused by water vapor in the air and mold contamination.  

If moisture finds its way inside your home from the outdoors, there are a few health issues that could arise. Rainwater coming into a structure is considered "grey" or category two water. Grey water damage is treated differently than problems with clean sources because there is a chance the moisture contains harmful bacteria. If the water that affects your home is extremely muddy, then it is dealt with as "black" water or a category three situation. When mitigating problems involving black water, most of the materials that come into contact with the moisture necessitate removing due to the high possibility of it containing harmful microorganisms.  

If you notice that water has entered your house after a storm hits town, called our highly trained team at SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh at (516) 809-9600 as soon as you notice an issue.

Cedar Creek Park is located in Seaford. Click here for more information.

Keep an Eye on Your Roof to Prevent Costly Repairs

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Avoid the Financial Burden of Unexpected Roof Repairs | Homes.com

Having to replace the roof on your home is a serious affair. Even if you choose to do the work yourself and buy the cheapest materials available, it can still cost thousands of dollars and many hours of grueling, dangerous labor. So, rather than only worrying about your roof when leaks start to show up after years of neglect, take the time to do some regular maintenance.

Even tile, slate, and metal roofs don’t necessarily last forever if they aren’t taken good care of. But, a well-maintained roof should last you between twenty and thirty years, depending on its composition. Here’s a short list of things that you can do to ensure that you’re getting as much longevity out of your roof as you possibly can.

Keep Your Shingles or Tiles in Good Shape

Get up on your roof at least once a year and inspect the quality of your shakes, shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials. Be safe while you are up there, and if you don’t believe that you can accomplish the inspection safely, then hire a professional to do it for you.

Replace any cracked or broken tiles, shingles, or shakes. Try to color-match any replacement roofing materials that you use, and remember it’s always a good idea to buy extra materials when you replace a roof. Last, be sure to re-anchor any loose roofing materials.

Inspect Your Chimneys, Replace Missing or Cracked Sealant and Damaged Flashing

While you are conducting your yearly roof inspection and maintenance, it is a good idea to take a good look at your chimneys, too. Inspect the chimneys and plumbing vents that emerge from your roof to make sure that they are not blocked or failing in some way.

Take a close look at where each of your chimneys and vents emerges from your roof. Inspect the flashing and sealants used to integrate them into the water flow off your roof, looking for cracks or other damage. Also, inspect the junction point of anything mounted to your roof—cooling units, telecom or television equipment, and any skylights.

Keep Your Gutters Clean and Your Roof Free of Tree Litter

It is a good idea to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice per year: once before the fall season, and once before the spring. Accumulated leaves, tree branches, and other detritus can damage the eaves and overhangs of your roof if water backs up behind them during a strong rain.

Make sure that you remove any downed tree branches from your roof as soon as possible. Do not let serious snow accumulation damage your roof either, especially if it is not pitched to handle such heavy loads. Also, make sure that you do not let moss, ivy or other plant material grow on your roof, as the root systems of such plants can cause irreparable damage.

Get the Maximum Amount of Years From Your Roof

Time and elements will eventually have their way with your roof. But, with a little due diligence and either a little elbow grease or the (comparatively) small expense of hiring a roof maintenance professional, you should be able to get two to three decades out of most roofing materials.

One last thing — never try to save money by roofing over old materials. Doing so decreases the life of the new materials, and increases the cost of eventually replacing the roof. It also increases the weight of your roof and makes it more likely to fail during severe weather events.

Things in Your Home That Should Be Cleaned Regularly

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Studies have identified plenty of easy-to-overlook spots in your home and among your belongings  that are popular havens for bacteria and fungi.

We’re surrounded by a multitude of bacteria and viruses, and it’s important to know not all of them will make you sick. But if you’re looking for germy places that might need a little extra attention because you’ve never thought to clean them, any of these could be a good starting point.

Your Dishwasher

The dishwasher washes the dishes, but who washes the dishwasher?  Cleaning Tip: use a 10 percent bleach solution to clean your dishwasher’s bottom, sides and area around the seal.

Your Kids’ Bath Toys

Cleaning Tip: Since it’s usually hard to clean the inside of these toys, replacing them might be the way to go. If your kid is attached to the toy, there’s hope: Drying off the toy as soon as possible after bath time is the key to preventing gross buildups.  The toys should remain upright in a dry place away from the bathroom. If you’re past that stage, there are also cleaning agents just for toys.

Your Toothbrush Holder

Good on you if you remember to replace your toothbrush regularly, but don’t forget to clean the holder it sits in all day. 

Cleaning Tip: Whatever cleaner you use, a small bristled brush can help with cleaning out the individual slots. Don’t forget to wipe down the outside too. 

Your Lamp & Light Switches

Hard surfaces that many people touch are ideal for microbes.  So your own light and lamp switches could probably use a wipe-down or two.

Cleaning Tip: Use a microfiber cloth to clean up any gross fingerprints. For the actual switch, use a cotton-tip swab.

Your Cellphone

That thing you hold up to your face every day likely needs a good cleaning, too.

Researchers have found a high level of contamination with potentially pathogenic bacteria. 

Cleaning Tip: Clean that phone, gently. Disinfecting the device a few times a day and remembering to remove the case every once in a while to clean it can prevent buildups. Wipe down your phone with a soft microfiber cloth to take care of a lot of the germs. Also, wash your hands frequently and keep the device out of the bathroom. Your hands and face will thank you.

Your Wallet

Even if you pretty much only use credit or debit cards to pay for things, your wallet has probably seen paper money a few times. And those bills are pretty filthy. Those bills, of course, can contaminate the other cards and various items in your wallet.

Cleaning Tip: Double-check the material of your wallet. Leather, a popular choice, shouldn’t be cleaned with harsh products.  But there are leather soaps and other products available.

Your Yoga Mat & Gym Equipment

That yoga mat you lug to the gym is probably a haven for bacteria. 

If you’re using your own mat instead of one from the gym, you’re already a step ahead of the game. But that doesn’t get you out of cleaning it regularly.  It’s not a bad idea to disinfect your mat ? and perhaps your other gym equipment ? after a sweaty class. 

Cleaning Tip: Use a Lysol spray or bleach diluted in water to clean their mats, and to be sure to dry it thoroughly.

Preparing Your House for Spring

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

This winter has been pretty brutal for many of us and while we may not be out of the woods yet, Spring and warmer temperatures are in sight. Even for those of us that’s keep our houses in tip top shape, a particularly cold winter can wreak havoc on the best of home maintenance plans. Following are some the easiest and most effective ways to prepare your home for Spring showers and the warmth we are all looking forward to. 

First, start with a thorough inspection of the roof. Even if it is relatively new, the weight of snow, expansion and contraction due to temperature variances and wind driven rain can expose the smallest of defects. A thorough inspection of the roof can find problems that, if left unresolved, could potentially turn into significant water intrusion issues later on. Making repairs before the problem gets too big cant extend the life of the roof and save you money in the long-term.

Now is also the time to check vents, gutters and openings around the house. Dryer vents should be clean to avoid the potential of a dryer lint fire, gutters should be free of debris to ensure that rainwater is routed to appropriate areas and any openings at or near ground level should be checked for holes in the protective wire to ensure that pests cannot get in or under the house.

Spring cleaning is not just for the kitchens bathrooms and closets. After a long winter indoors, air quality can really suffer and a cleaning of carpets drapes and upholstery can offer a breath of fresh air to welcome Spring. Not only Will a good fabric cleaning make your house feel fresher, but it may also extend the life of your carpets and upholstery making it look newer for longer.

Now is as good a time as any to double check your fire prevention plan. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in the proper places around house and fresh batteries in the smoke detectors. Replace any old or damaged equipment and double check the expiration dates. Unfortunately, there are times were even the most vigilant of us cannot prevent a home fire, so best to be prepared.

One final tip that many homeowners overlook is the health of their windows. They may be cleaned and crystal clear, but are they letting water into the house? Caulking around windows does not come with a lifetime warranty and, depending on the weather, can degrade rather quickly. If you notice holes or cracks in the caulking around your windows, contact a home improvement professional like SERVPRO of Bellmore/Wantagh. You won’t want to run over the old caulk with a new bead – rather, removing the caulk entirely and re-caulking the window is always the best option.

Small maintenance items handled now can often prevent much bigger problems from occurring in the future. Of course, the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellmore/Wantagh are here to help with any of your maintenance needs. Let’s help you get your house in top shape today!

The Lowdown on Home Insulation

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever suffered through a particularly cold winter or hot summer wondering why in the world your house is so much colder/hotter than your friend or family member’s brand-new house? Chances are it has to do with insulation. Insulation comes in many shapes, sizes and materials and can be applied to many different locations. Some insulation options are cheap while other solutions are quite expensive – there’s a lot to consider.

Most of us with older homes do not even think about insulation unless we are embarking on an extensive remodel or if you’re building a new home. However, insulation can be very beneficial even in an existing home. Let’s explore some of the common insulation upgrades existing home owners can embark upon to make their lives more comfortable and even save money over the long-term.

Attic insulation is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades to your home. Chances are that over time, the original installation your home has degraded to the point where it does not offer enough protection from the elements. New insulation products are thinner and more efficient than ever before, and they are even spray on products that can be applied with almost perfect coverage. Not only does replacement of insulation improve comfort in the home, but it is a perfect time to look for defects in the roof or attic often caused by weather extremes for animal intrusion.

Installation can also come in the form of windows. Newer windows often offer much better insulation then windows from just a couple decades ago. If you live in a hurricane prone area such as Long Island, hurricane wind resistant windows not only offer protection from projectiles (and even burglars) but can also make the home more comfortable during temperature extremes. If you’re not ready to replace your windows quite yet, take a look around your windows and doors to make sure there is weatherstripping. Having new and well-fitting weatherstripping around the house can eliminate costly drafts.

Basement wall and floor installation can also eliminate a big source of energy loss. Not only will it make your basement more comfortable to hang out in – especially during cold weather– But it will also help the rest of the house dampen temperature extremes.

Lastly, but not least is checking your air ducts, if you have central air and heating. Over time, these ducts can develop holes and tears that allow cool or hot air to escape, reducing the efficiency of your home’s central air system. Improving insulation of these same ducts can further improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling unit. While some ducts will be hard to access, others can be easily repaired or replaced by a qualified professional.

A note on wall insulation. While older houses typically have subpar wall insulation, which allows a great deal of hot or cold air to be lost, it is not often practical to replace it.

Whether you’re looking for a small for significant installation upgrade, improved insulation offers one of the clearest and most immediate benefits to your comfort and even wallet - in the form of lower heating and cooling costs. Insulation improvements and replacement are also on the cheaper end of the home-improvement cost spectrum. Feel free to call us and learn more about how insulation and other improvements and repairs to your home can protect you from intrusion from the elements.

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