Who Is Responsible For Water Damage To Your Apartment

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Lower East Side offers an easier insurance claim process!

Water damage can be a serious issue for property owners. But it can be even more confusing for people who rent property. Oftentimes, the responsibility for handling damage can be complex for people who rent apartment units. Generally speaking, it is usually the property manager or building owner who is most responsible for handling and solving issues regarding water damage. That said, local laws, state laws, and other laws can all play a role. It is important to look into those laws and get guidance on any specific issues with your apartment or apartment building. 

Are Landlords Responsible For Handling Water Damage Cleanup?

Generally speaking, the owners of a property are usually responsible for managing any damage to the property. While the tenant might be at fault for damages which can lead to a loss of your security deposit or in some cases might be grounds for eviction, the responsibility of handling damage to a property is usually going to be the property owner’s problem. That said there are some permutations here. First and foremost, if the damage is only to personal property like furniture or other items owned by the tenant it would likely not fall on the property owner to handle that. In those cases, a tenant would likely need to rely on their renter’s insurance plan for coverage for their personal property. Another thing to consider is the cause of the damage. If the damage is caused by inclement weather or something completely out of the control of both the tenant and property manager there isn’t much concern regarding fault. However, if the damage is caused by a tenant violating their lease agreement, it can lead to serious consequences.

How Does Renter’s Insurance Work?

Many apartment buildings require tenants to have a renters’ insurance plan to lease the apartment unit. Like other forms of insurance, renters’ insurance requires the tenant to pay monthly or routinely into an insurance plan that can be used in the event of damage to your property. Different insurance plans provide different levels of coverage. Most plans are designed to protect a renter’s personal property and not the building itself. The insurance covers damages that can happen to owned items like furniture, clothing, and jewelry in the event that those items are stolen or destroyed. 

Water Damage Cleanup in Lower East Side Manhatten

If you live in the Lower East Side Manhatten area and need help with water damage cleanup services, the SERVPRO® team can help. We have the advanced water inspection, extraction, and drying equipment needed for any size water damage and we are always ready for your call with water extraction services nearby because we understand time is of the essence when water damages your property. Give us a call or visit our website for more information. 

How To Prevent Mold In Your House

11/14/2024 (Permalink)

If you see signs of mold in your home, reach out to SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten

Mold can grow anywhere, especially in common places in your home such as a carpet, clothing, food, and even places you can’t see like the backside of drywall, leaking pipes, and above ceiling tiles. Mold can spread in as little as 48 hours in your home. Mold can be dangerous and costly to fix. From common house mold to extreme, potentially unhealthy mold, SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten is here to help remediate mold damage in your home. If you suspect that your home has mold, we can inspect your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold problem. Below are tips to look out for to prevent mold in your home: 

Identify Problem Areas in Your Home

Certain places are more susceptible to mold growth than others. It is important to check areas of your home such as like basement, does your basement flood? Another common place for mold growth is your bathroom and kitchen. Or do you notice frequent condensation on windows? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Look out for these signs around your home. Spending the upfront money is worth it to prevent mold from growing in your home and have bigger costs down the road. 

Improve Ventilation

In your daily activities, you may not realize the amount of humidity they put into your home. Activities like cooking, showering, and washing clothes add humidity to the air. You can prevent mold growth by turning on a fan or opening a window in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. 

Address Standing Water

As we know water is the leading cause of mold. There are numerous ways water can rest in our homes and begin to grow mold. Here are some examples:

• Don’t let wet clothes sit in the washer when the load is finished. 
• Fix leaky pipes and drains immediately. 
• Replace carpets and rugs that have got wet and have not dried. 
• Mop the shower floor and walls after use. 

Choose Mold Resistant Products 

If you are remodeling or upgrading your home, consider using products that are resistant to mold. Using mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room is a great way to prevent the growth of mold in rooms that create a lot of moisture.

Reach Out To SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten

If you find mold in your Lower East Side Manhatten home turn to SERVPRO for mold remediation. No matter the size of the mold issue, our team has the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. We are available 24/7 for your convenience! Contact us at (917) 933-0782. We will inspect your home and take the proper steps to make sure the mold does not return. 

The Fire Damage Restoration Process: What to Expect

10/21/2024 (Permalink)

Don't wait! Call SERVPRO of Lower East Side to begin the fire damage restoration process.

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is devastating, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming. However, understanding SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten’s fire damage restoration process can help ease some of your stress. Below are the steps to restoring your property after a fire from assessment to rebuilding. 

Once a fire happens on your property, time is of the essence. You want to immediately call for professional help, water and fire damage can get worse with every hour. When you call SERVPRO® we will come right away and finish the restoration job from start to finish, leaving you no clean-up after we are done. 

What To Expect From Our SERVPRO Team

The fire damage restoration process can be lengthy and complex, but understanding each step can make it more manageable. Working with experienced professionals at SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten can ensure an efficient restoration process. 

Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

After you give SERVPRO a call, our water and fire damage team will come to your property with the proper tools and equipment specific to your fire. We will assess the property and damaged areas and create a plan of action to complete the entire restoration. 

Securing the Property

Fire damage can destroy windows, roofing, walls, and ceilings. SERVPRO of Lower East Side provides roof tarping and board-up services to protect against theft, entry of animals, and the weather during the restoration process. We want your property to be safe and free of more damage. 

Water Removal and Drying

When a fire strikes, water damage can occur from firefighters putting the fire out. The water removal process must begin almost immediately to prevent further water damage. SERVPRO professionals will work to fully extract the water and dry the space so the cleaning and restoration can begin. 

Removal of Smoke and Soot

Ceilings, walls, and floors that are affected by fire and smoke damage will be cleaned at this stage. Depending on the level of fire damage a variety of methods and techniques will be used to remove all smoke and soot from walls and other surfaces in your home or business. 

Cleaning and Sanitizing

We want to make sure that all restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire are properly cleaned. We have a variety of cutting-edge cleaning techniques to restore odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment 

Repair and Reconstruction

Our final step is to ensure your home or business is back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs and construction projects such as replacing drywall, painting, installing new floors, or repairing entire structures. No project is too big or too small for our team at SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten. 

Fire Damage Restoration with SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhatten

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

Who Is Responsible For Mold Cleaning In Your NYC Apartment Building

9/23/2024 (Permalink)

Mold growth on apartment building walls can be difficult to deal with

Mold growth is a fairly common issue for residential and commercial properties throughout New York City. Excess moisture in the air mixed with dark and warm areas of a property can lead to mold growth. A common question among renters in all five boroughs is whether it is their responsibility or their landlords to look into mold removal and remediation services. Here in New York City, your landlord is required to take some steps to eliminate visible mold as well as the root causes of mold (leaks, ventilation issues, etc). In this article, we will cover what to do if you have mold in your apartment. For mold remediation and removal services in Manhattan, you can rely on SERVPRO of the Lower East Side for our mold and water damage cleanup services.

What Responsibilities Does My NYC Landlord Have Regarding Mold?

First and foremost, check your lease. When you rent an apartment in NYC there are often multiple pages of your lease about your responsibilities and your landlord’s responsibilities regarding all types of damage and issues. These pages of your lease will often outline the specifics of how to report issues to your landlord. Another thing to understand is the different classes of mold.

• Class A Mold: Class A mold takes up less than 10 square feet.
• Class B Mold: Class B mold takes up more than 10 square feet but less than 30 square feet. This is considered hazardous and usually requires landlords to handle it quicker than Class A.
• Class C Mold: Class C is considered “immediately hazardous: and involves mold that spans more than 30 square feet of space. This requires immediate cleanup and remediation.

How Do I Report Mold In My Manhattan Apartment?

If you notice mold in your apartment unit or in a common shared area around your apartment building you should get in touch with your landlord, super, or other property manager. After reporting the problem you may need to schedule a meeting with your landlord and/or third parties where they can access your unit and provide an inspection. If your landlord or property manager fails to make repairs or is unresponsive you can call 311 and report a “housing maintenance issue”. A housing maintenance issue will lead to an inspection from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (also known as the HPD), who will come to your property.

Mold Cleanup & Remediation Services in Manhattan

SERVPRO of the Lower East Side provides mold remediation services as well as services that can help prevent mold growth including emergency water damage cleanup. If you own or manage a property in Manhattan that has issues with excess moisture, mold growth, or water damage, do not hesitate to call our team for help.

Navigating Floods at Home or at Work | SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

Was your home hit by a recent flash flood and all your left with is the aftermath? SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan is here to help. Call today!

We all know what a lot of water can do in our community! Recent floods and water issues in New York City have opened our eyes to the strength and impact that water can have on our commutes and daily life.

While water can be powerful and cause a lot of stress, it can also cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Recognizing when a developing flood situation is happening and taking the steps to keep yourself safe is key. 

Flooding at Home

No matter what kind of flood situation has happened at your home, your safety and your family’s safety is of the utmost importance. 

If you can stop the flow of water by turning off a water valve or plugging a burst line, do so right away. If the flood situation can’t be stopped at the moment, stay high above the water line and don’t walk through any standing water.

Floodwater can be dangerous, and if the water flowed into your home off of the streets, it could be harboring all kinds of materials. Sewage, storm runoff, chemicals or even sharp debris could be floating just out of sight. Stay out of the water and give us a call so we can handle your cleanup.

Flooding at Work

Flash flooding situations can develop quickly and can take you by surprise. Floodwater can travel really fast and can infiltrate your business in seconds once it starts to flow. 

If you are at work and the water starts to creep in, get your staff and customers to safety as quickly as possible. That may require a quick evacuation or it could result in you gathering everyone that you can and getting as high as possible in your business.

Try to stay calm and reassure your staff and customers that the water will eventually stop flowing in. Once it has, do your best to avoid walking through the wreckage. Take as many photos of the damage as possible, as this will not only help us create a better recovery plan, but it will make the insurance claim process that much smoother for you. 

How We Tackle Flood Damage 

We will jump right into action as soon as you call us and then we will get to work removing any standing water from your space. The longer the water sits, the worse your damage can get. 

Lingering water or moisture can lead to warped walls and floors, but it can also spark mold growth that compromises the structural integrity of your property. A quick restoration is key to avoiding these frustrating issues. 

Our team will handle everything from the initial drying to the final repairs, and we can even take care of your fragile materials like paper documents or important keepsakes. We will work hard to bring your property back to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. 

We are Here to Help® you recover from a flood faster. Contact SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan today. 

The Natural and Manmade Source of Water Damage | SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan

2/17/2024 (Permalink)

Water leaks can cause more damage than imagined. That's why SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan have a team who can help. Call us today!

Water surrounds us every day whether we think about it on a daily basis or not. The bay is located right outside our windows, the ocean is right down the street and the water flowing through our pipes is right behind our walls. 

We rely on water to help us get through our days and to support our lifestyles, but it can also become a huge issue in the blink of an eye! Burst pipes, overloaded gutters, open windows and faulty appliances are all at risk of causing extensive water damage. 

Water disasters can occur from a manmade accident or from a natural source, but either situation can be incredibly destructive. 

Your Appliances and Pipes

Older buildings in the Manhattan area tend to have older pipes and appliances, which can increase the risk of suffering a water line malfunction or burst pipe. Check the water lines coming from your dishwasher, washing machine (if you have one), and your sinks or faucets. Any sort of degradation along the line or loose connections can quickly lead to catastrophe.

A single small crack in a fitting or even a pipe behind your wall can lead to a slow leak over a long period of time. That simple crack could be the cause of hundreds of gallons of water to leak into your home over the course of a few months. If you ever notice water coming from a line or appliance, shut it off immediately to stop the flow of water and give us a call. 

The Force of Nature 

We are no strangers to crazy weather here in the Manhattan area! Strong summer storms, heavy rain, intense blizzards and even hurricanes can impact our area significantly. 

With each instance, water can impact your home in  a massive way. If you own your home, get out a ladder and clean out your gutters and trim your trees. If you rent or live in a high-rise, be sure all of your windows are securely shut and any outdoor furniture is secured to your patio. 

Floods can also impact our community, so preparing for a potential flood can save your possessions from significant damage. Move anything valuable or fragile off of the lowest level in your home, and stay on higher ground. If water starts flowing into your home, stay calm and call us as soon as the water stops rushing in. 

How We Can Help
Dealing with home damage is frustrating no matter how it happens! No one has time to sit around all day waiting for the repair teams to get to work. That’s why we should be your first call. 

Our restoration team will arrive right away, and we will always show up when we say we will. We will get started by removing any excess water and then we will get to work restoring and repairing anything that the water damaged.

We are trained to tackle any water damage scenario quickly and efficiently, and we will get your home back to its preloss condition in no time at all.

Call us as soon as you discover water damage in your home. SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan is always Here to Help®.

How Partnering with SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan Helps You Restore and Rebuild After a Disaster

2/9/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan specializes on Construction Services

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

Restoration and Clean-Up

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

The Reconstruction Process

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

Why Choose SERVPRO?

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

Conclusion

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

What the Polar Vortex Means for Your Pipes

1/15/2024 (Permalink)

Polar Vortexes bring exceedingly cold temperatures

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

Understanding the Polar Vortex and Its Impact

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

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

Prevention and Protection

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

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

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

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

Preparing for Storms in the Manhattan Area | SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Has a severe storm left devastating damage to your home? No need to worry, SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan can help. Call us today!

We are tough New Yorkers, and we know how to handle a storm or two around here. Hot and muggy summers can bring rainstorms and severe weather, while the chilly winters can bring intense snowstorms that cause the city to come to a grinding halt. In addition, the threat of coastal storms or hurricanes threatens our community from summer to the late fall.

There is certainly no shortage of weather threats in our community. Preparing ahead of severe weather can help you avoid serious damage and costly repairs, so check out these tips below to gather some preparation inspiration before the next storm comes to town. 

Prepping Outside Your Home
While many of us don’t have huge yards, expansive green spaces or a large property to maintain, it is still important to prepare the exterior of your home for the possibility of storm damage. Start with cleaning out your gutters and ensuring your downspouts are pointed away from your home. Rain or any other precipitation that we get needs to run down and away from your home, and that can only happen if your gutters are clear.

Close your windows and ensure your doors and windows are sealed shut. If you have any trees or landscaping around your home, remove any dead limbs or vegetation and dispose of the debris properly. A single dangling branch can easily be tossed into a window or the side of your home and cause significant damage.

Tackling Indoor Storm Preparation
Before you batten down the hatches, you have to get the inside of your home ready! Preparing for floods or infiltrating water can help you stop a water leak in its tracks and minimize damage. 

Get any fragile furniture or documents out of your basement or lowest level, and move any keepsakes or important possessions to a safe location. Consider shutting off electricity to the lowest level of your home if your basement tends to flood often during storms.

Once your home is ready, it’s time to prepare your emergency kit and gather any necessary supplies that you need. While you may not need everything in your kit all at once, having a reliable place to go searching for something during an emergency can help your entire family stay safe. Update emergency contacts and charge your phone as soon as a severe weather threat is issued.

What to Do in the Aftermath
Storms can be strong at any point in the year in the Manhattan area, so stay calm and stay inside until the threat has passed. If your home has suffered obvious and significant damage, walk around carefully as sharp objects, debris or other hazards could cause serious injury. Take photos of the damage you discover, and document everything so your insurance company has a clear picture of what happened.

When that is done, give us a call! Our team is highly trained and can handle your restoration from start to finish. We will tackle any water damage as well as structural storm damage, and we will ensure your home is repaired to its preloss condition as fast and as thoroughly as possible.

Don’t let a storm cause lingering damage in your home. SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan is Here to Help® with your entire restoration.

Home DIY Gone Wrong? We Can Help | SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan

8/11/2023 (Permalink)

Need help finishing your home repair? Call SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan to get the job done right.

As a homeowner, you're no stranger to the joys of tackling minor fixes and DIY projects. It's part of the charm of owning a home. However, some tasks that initially seem straightforward can quickly become overwhelming, leaving you feeling out of your depth.

Instead of dealing with half-finished kitchen renovations or exposed bathroom walls, turn to SERVPRO® for the confidence to complete your construction project. We're here to handle any outstanding tasks, delivering a professionally finished result that you can trust.

Our Comprehensive Construction Approach

As a complete restoration and repair company, "full service" isn't just a phrase – it's our commitment. From addressing water damage to handling mold issues, we can address all your home's construction needs.

Whether stepping in when you're overwhelmed or managing the entire remodel, including initial project planning, we've got you covered. Our process begins with a thorough inspection, encompassing mitigation and reconstruction tasks such as rebuilding walls, installing drywall, and fitting new cabinets or windows. We're equipped to handle it all!

Safety is paramount to our team. We prioritize proper safety measures, ensuring control over dust and addressing any hazards like mold or wiring concerns.

Dependable Confidence

Our dedication to learning and staying current with advanced restoration techniques guarantees a safe and thorough project completion. Being locally owned and operated, we're well-versed in the codes and regulations specific to the Lower East Side Manhattan area. From initial cleanup to finished product, we’ve got you covered.

Our goal is to help you achieve the house of your dreams, whether it's a simple remodel or recovering from a disaster. We've got your back in any scenario.

For all your construction needs, reach out to us today at SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan.