Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
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.
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®.
Hurricane Season Could Intensify August through November
7/27/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO's storm team is available when major weather events are predicted to affect your area, call us 24/7.
2022 has seen one of the hottest summers in recorded history across the globe, but the Atlantic Ocean has not experienced much hurricane activity. Scientists predicted that the hurricane season of 2022 would be active. However, after a few early tropical systems, we have seen very little activity for the last month and a half. This is quite normal for July and things could pick up going into the late summer and fall.
It is important you listen to meteorologists and local officials when there is a tropical storm/hurricane warning. SERVPRO is available to assist during and after major storm events. We have assisted with managing properties in the northeast in all the major storms that have struck our area over the last two decades. We provide window/glass-board-up services, sandbag placing and flood preparation, water removal, pump-out, drying, demolition, cleanup, construction. Our services are available 24/7.
We are fully prepared for any major storms that may come our way, and we will be there to assist residential and commercial property owners if they suffer damage.
Contact us immediately if you reside in or have a commercial property that is located in a flood zone. We can inspect your property to determine which priority we should take if there is damage.
New York City Water Damage Restoration Companies
6/8/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan is available when water damages property anywhere in New York City. Call us 24/7, Contact Us Now to Learn More.
We offer 24/7 Commercial Water Damage and Restoration services. This means that we can help you with large-scale restoration if your commercial building or multi-family residence is damaged by water. We have the expertise, equipment, and resources to mobilize our workforce and scale production to meet your needs anywhere in our regions and beyond.
* This means that if a major hurricane causes extensive damage to a shopping center, we can help.
* If the top story of a multifamily property is damaged by water and multiple floors below are damaged, we can help.
* If a large entertainment venue or stadium requires large scale water damage repair and clean up, we can do the job.
We are water damage experts and can manage, rebuild and restore your commercial property after a flood or other water-related event. We have been part in recovery efforts for almost every major storms that hit the east coast or the gulf over the last decade.
Contact our offices today to learn more about our preventative measure services, our restoration profiling services and more.
Wild Winter Weather Can Create Water Damage In New York City
1/11/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Long Island City is prepared to help resolve your water leak problems. Call us 24/7!
Last night temperatures dropped precipitously for easily the coldest day/night of the 2021-22 winter to-date for the northeast. Many areas of New England, New York & New Jersey will see significant warming over the next few days before another cold front and potential snow storm hits these areas Friday night into Saturday. These temperature swings can lead to property damage. Be aware of ice and snow buildup on your properties which can lead to ice dams and cause structural damage to buildings.
In New York City this maybe especially prevalent in buildings with flat and older roof designs. For those rooftops that already have snow and ice on top of them this quick thawing and freezing eventallows water to seep between shingles and other cracks, freeze and then expand creating an opening that allows warm air from inside the building out and melts ice into water which in turn gets into the building.
If you experience property damage from this extreme weather call us immediately. We can help you to repair water damage and structural damage and offer 24/7 emergency response services.
Water Damage Restoration New York City
12/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan is here help when your property has suffered a water damage. Call us 24/7!
Restoring a property after a water damage is a large task, it is even more difficult when working on buildings located in New York City. Most buildings in the city will present unique obstacles that make a rather typical, water damage or flood event much more difficult to clean with out a solid understanding of the best practices for working on these types of properties.
Our team has experience working all over New York City, our franchise locations in Manhattan, Long Island City, Darien/New Canaan, Connecticut and Oyster Bay, New York put us in the middle of one of the most densely populated areas of the world! this puts our team in many difficult situations in which having solid leadership and experience has allowed us to be successful.
If your New York City property has suffered a water damage, don't hesitate, call us right away! We will move quickly to remove water and dry out the property to prevent further damage.
Storm Damage Repair - How to Minimize the Effects of Water Damage in Your Home
11/28/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help when you suffer a water damage.
The causes of water damage are as diverse as the processes that result from it. Some of these destructive processes include the rotting of wood and composite woods, rusting and delamination of materials, and bacteria growth. Depending on the amount of water damage, these types of losses can vary greatly. In most cases, water damage requires the assistance of a professional. Regardless of the type of damage, it is crucial to find a contractor with the proper training and expertise to address the problem.
In most cases, you will need to contact a professional for water damage repair services. This is because the process of cleaning water can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem. It can destroy your possessions. The smell, bacteria, and fungus that can grow in the area can be very dangerous. Regardless of the type of water damage, you must act fast to minimize the effects of the flood.
A licensed water damage repair service is an important resource when you've experienced flooding in your home. Licensed technicians will work with insurance companies to minimize the disruption and cost of the restoration process. If you've lost valuable possessions in the water, you'll need to remove damaged items as soon as possible, and you'll need to hire a construction company to complete the job. If you're a homeowner, water damage is a major expense. Whether you're dealing with the flooded ceiling or walls, it is essential to get the help of an expert for the process.
Water damage repair professionals can perform the necessary restoration procedures to protect your home. These professionals can also conduct extensive cleaning to salvage personal belongings, and restore any materials that cannot be restored. Oftentimes, the process of water mitigation will include several steps. The first step is removing the water. If there's excess moisture, the water removal process will take longer. Once the area is completely dry, the restoration process can begin. The next step is drying out the area and preventing further deterioration of the home.
Flooded House: Now what?
8/27/2021 (Permalink)
the homeowners returned to their home to discover that the supply hose had come loose from the washer and was now draining onto the carpets.
Too many homeowners delay calling a water damage mitigation specialist in the event that there is a flood. An example of this is when an appliance, such as the washing machine or dishwasher, breaks and leaks throughout your house. If you're lucky, you will notice the leak immediately and be able to repair the issue before it causes any serious damage. Many times, a small leak can go unnoticed for weeks and cause water damage to the house.
One example is a single-family home with a washer and dryer on the second level. After leaving the machine on, the homeowners returned to their home to discover that the supply hose had come loose from the washer and was now draining onto the carpets.
They tried to dry the mess by themselves, but they waited five days before calling SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan. This only made the problem worse and caused more damage to their home.
What Precautions Help With Textiles During Water Damage Restoration in New York City Homes?
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Our certified technicians come prepared with state of the art equipment your property needs after a water incident occurs.
SERVPRO Capitalizes on Preparation and Testing for Successful Water Damage Repairs in New York City
The spilled water in your New York house may affect various textile-based materials necessitating renovation. Some of the leading water damage restoration methods for textiles include cleaning, stain removal, and drying.
While embarking on water damage restoration in your New York City home, protecting the affected items from secondary damages is essential. Otherwise, it is possible to aggravate the situation. SERVPRO takes various approaches, including pre-testing materials and preparing the work areas depending on how the water spill happens.
Typically Water Spills Arise From
- Burst pipes
- Ceiling leaks
- Leaking roof from storms
Pre-testing helps reveal crucial details, such as whether dyes in fabrics are likely to bleed. Our SERVPRO technicians use such information to create a perfect approach for restoration. For example, if the fabrics are not prone to bleeding, we can clean items comfortably using an emulsifying solution. However, where tests establish a high likelihood for dye loss, a gentler approach is necessary. Our technicians use unique products such as ColorFast Jet Extraction Cleaner for upholstery items. The temperature of the cleaning solution can also affect dyes or cause the backing of items such as carpets to separate. Our technicians use moderate temperatures not exceeding 150°F.
Site preparation helps the water damage repairs. Even simple steps such as moving furniture count as site preparation since they help prevent overspray from reaching unintended areas. Our SERVPRO crews also cover some items with a poly drop cloth to shield them.
SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan can help ensure water damage restoration results in the expected outcomes. Call us at (917) 423-6364. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Water Clean-Up in New York City Has to be Fast
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
A burst pipe in New York City homes will cause a major issue. SERVPRO will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.
Contain Water Damage in New York City Homes by Calling SERVPRO
The population density in New York City adds a layer of complexity when providing emergency services in water-damaged homes. A burst pipe in an apartment may quickly become a ceiling leak in the unit below, making water damage repairs a must. Allowing a company expert in water removal services into your home is the best decision you can make. At SERVPRO, we are ready around the clock to help you in your emergency.
Certified water restoration technicians in New York City are the answer to your needs. Whether water caused basement flooding or is just in a contained section of your home, let our experts bring specialized equipment to assess the damage. The faster you can remove water from your home, the less damage you will fight. Take, for example, wood and hardwood floors and the adverse effects of water-
- Warping and buckling can occur as wood planks expand due to humidity and buckle at the joints.
- Cupping happens when the sides or the bottom of the wood absorb water. In contrast, crowning occurs when the top of the wood is higher in humidity.
- Delamination can occur in some wood products if glue falls victim to the water and allows its layers to separate.
Whether you are dealing with flooring, ceilings, or other water cleanup and repairs, SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan is your answer. Call us at (917) 423-6364 and let us mitigate your loss.
Live and Play in Manhattan- Take Advantage of the New York Public Library and Its Programs
1/11/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage has to be handle correctly for it to be safe. Call SERVPRO their IICRC certified technicians know all the protocols used.
Manhattan Dwellers can Satisfy their Curiosity by Participating in Virtual or In-Person Offerings by the NYPL.
Life in Manhattan can be many things, but boring is not one of them. Singers, writers, financiers, academics, and artisans all have a place within the tapestry of our community. As you kick off 2021 and resolve to pursue additional interests for work or leisure, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for right here in New York. If learning more about your heritage makes the list of new year’s resolutions, you may want to take a look at the New York Public Library for programming on the topic. On February 4th, an online session will offer the following an introduction for beginners looking to explore African American genealogy. Details include-
- The session will be held online via zoom and requires registration.
- It is intended for amateur researchers as a guide to resources online and offline.
- There is no cost to the one-hour zoom seminar.
As we resume gatherings in 2021, one should expect the NYPL to offer more in-person opportunities to learn various topics and continue online sessions.
Much like you would explore a new hobby, you should also research the best water removal service in Manhattan. Undoubtedly, SERVPRO will show up as a leader in the industry and ready to help you when water takes over your business or home. A call to SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan at (917) 423-6364 becomes a one-stop solution to your problems. Give us a ring and let us successfully leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”
New York, New York!
12/21/2020 (Permalink)
Water restoration is no easy task. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the help you need to restore your home to preloss condition.
Explore New York City and Discover the Secrets of the City that Never Sleeps
New York City is the subject of songs, movies, plays, and dreams worldwide. Anyone who has ever visited can attest to the intensity in the air and the constant movement of people and activities. Some would even say that the heartbeat of the world is felt on the island of Manhattan. The Big Apple is relevant in finance, fashion, and politics and is the home to many artists and art collections. Regardless of your interests, you are bound to find something to suit your fancy as you explore the city.
As the most densely populated city in the United States, New York houses innumerable cultures, ethnicities, and religions as it becomes a microcosm of the world as a whole. Its importance in the diplomatic arena is further ratified by the presence of the United Nations headquarters. When talking about NYC, one cannot ignore the differences and similitudes among its five boroughs, namely Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. When tourists talk about New York, they mainly think of Manhattan, which is often depicted as the city’s most recognizable skyline.
Manhattan is the birthplace of New York City and is bordered by the Harlem, East, and Hudson rivers. Generally speaking, one can divide Manhattan into three- Upper, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan. Wall Street, located in Lower Manhattan, is the leading financial hub globally, and many financial firms keep offices there. As one travels to Midtown on foot, subway, bus, or cab, one can enjoy some window shopping in some of the most expensive retail outlets in the world. Upon arriving at the Upper East Side, it is easy to detect how affluent New Yorkers live.
New York, or New Amsterdam as it was initially called in the 1600s, has always played a crucial role in our nation. Dutch colonists first inhabited the Lower Manhattan area until the English took over the area in 1664. The English transfer prompted the city’s name change when King Charles II granted the land to the Duke of York. New York was, at one point, the capital of the young nation.
One of the most emblematic symbols of the American Dream lives I New York Harbor and has inspired hope in many who arrive in the country. The Statue of Liberty has greeted immigrants since the late 19th century and has become synonymous with liberty and inclusiveness. If this visual reminder of core American values is not enough, one can also visit Times Square and simply people-watch. Chances are you will see people from all walks of life and all over the world.
Actors and performers also dream of New York, performing on Broadway or in many concert sites throughout the city. Most commonly known for the acting venues throughout the Theater District, the area also houses TV studios, record labels, and agencies. Long-standing shows and newer productions are ready to entertain the millions of tourists and locals who visit the city each year.
Higher Education in New York City
The words “college” or “university” may not be the first to come to mind when you think of New York City, but there are over 120 higher education institutions in the city.
Some of the most widely recognized include-
- New York University: Founded in 1831, it focuses on research and merit. Its main campus is in Greenwich Village.
- Columbia University- founded in 1754 and considered one of the Ivy League schools, Columbia is the fifth oldest higher learning institution. It lives on the grounds of Trinity Church.
- City University of New York (CUNY)- although it wasn’t established until 1961, some colleges that make up this reputable system date back to the 1800s. Today, it is the most extensive university system in an urban setting and enrolls more than 275,000 students.
Elementary and secondary education in New York City is often at the core of policy discussions.
Even though some schools excel, others are considered sub-par, and education is continually being discussed by government and community leaders.
New York Architecture
Much can be said about the coexistence of architectural styles throughout the city. Brooklyn is home to most of the older structures, whereas One World Trade Center symbolizes the more modern style of recent construction.
Throughout its history, New York City has boasted of having the tallest building in the world, and it is considered the third city in the world with the most skyscrapers. In residential neighborhoods, you may find brownstones and townhouses, as are often portrayed in movies. Surprisingly, parks and green spaces are available despite the city’s high population density.
Taking Care of New York City Homes
SERVPRO takes care of New York City homes by bringing the best water restoration techniques into the neighborhood. Population density and the sheer pace of the city can make restoration jobs challenging when disaster happens. Even when an incident occurs in a neighboring unit, the effects can be felt in your household, forcing you to resort to the best in the industry.
When a pipe or appliance leaks, water extraction is a top priority. Our team at SERVPRO is ready to bring dehumidifiers, drying mats, wand extractors, and other equipment to regulate humidity levels in your home. We are also prepared to move any of your belongings to avoid further damage or if we need to apply specialty drying solutions. Regardless of your specific situation, our trained staff is ready to be part of the solution.
SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan embodies the community we serve. Once you call us at (917) 423-6364, you access our quick response team focused on restoring your home as soon as possible. Our goal is to mitigate your loss while applying our expertise to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”
The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
11/21/2020 (Permalink)
It will be exciting to see the community at the New York City Train Show!
Explore the Splendor of Model Trains at this New York City Train Show
Through the holidays and to the end of January, New York City residents and visitors have the unique opportunity to dive further into the world of model trains amidst magnificent displays. The New York Botanical Garden is hosting the Holiday Train Show® now through January 31, 2021. Exhibitions constructed for this show include various New York landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and more – all using natural materials like cinnamon sticks, birch bark, acorns, and others. Ticketing is limited for this event due to local recent health and safety guidelines, so check the New York Botanical Gardens website for ticketing details.
- Date: Now through January 31, 2021
- Time: Ticketing for designated time slots throughout the day
- Cost: Varies depending on the ticket selection
Local events and shows throughout New York City are essential to our team here at SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan. If you are a local homeowner dealing with a water-related emergency, you can count on us to handle your water restoration needs. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we can be at your property and ready to work within hours of your call. Reach us 24/7 for emergency response at (917) 423-6364.
What is a Building Envelope and How Does It Affect Drying My Lower East Side Home?
7/28/2020 (Permalink)
Our experienced SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan team can help with a thorough inspection and the appropriate actions to overcome potential hurdle
Water loss incidents in your Lower East Side home can be destructive without practical strategies for thorough drying.
Many factors can affect how easily your Lower East Side home could get dried after a water loss incident. There is a balance of several elements that work together to efficiently create the appropriate conditions for evaporative drying. When any of these factors fall short, it can compromise the time and cost of restoration.
The more that our technicians understand various affected materials and other factors of water damage in Lower East Side homes, the more efficient and thorough drying and extraction practices can be. Our knowledge of the affected areas in your residence helps us to comprise a quality drying plan that protects the majority of impacted materials and contents. Each structure presents unique obstacles for restores like our SERVPRO team, so we must work quickly to determine the type of drying scenario that exists, the most efficient tools to use, and any potential hurdles that could make drying more challenging.
What is a Building Envelope?
The building envelope is a network of structural elements designed to separate the inside of your house from outside threats like water penetration or higher humidity conditions. Some have begun to refer to these structural boundaries as the energy efficiency of the home. These factors often influence how effectively homeowners can cool or heat their properties when necessary. The building envelope can have a direct impact on how efficiently our technicians can drive the property as well. To determine the obstacles that might exist, we must better understand the various components of this envelope, including:
• Roof
• Exterior Walls
• Windows
• Ceilings
• Finished Flooring
• Foundations
How Can This Impact Drying?
The slightest change and the envelope of your house can impact how drying works. The continued understanding of developing conditions can allow our team to consistently provide the appropriate arrangement of drying tools and technologies to meet the growing demand. Multiple factors play a role in how these conditions might change as drying, extraction, and other mitigation tasks continue. These include:
• Breaches
• Openings
• Unknown Compromised Materials
The saturation of materials in areas like wall and ceiling systems can impact how efficient drying tools can be and modify the building's envelope. Instead of reducing the impact of outside elements, other factors designed to encase the damaged area can hinder evaporative drying and restoration progress.
What Are Ideal Drying Conditions?
Depending on when your home was built, the building envelope might vary substantially. Before 1990, the efficiency of energy and HVAC systems was a lower concern than it is now. Older homes tend to have more natural ventilation and airflow into the property, which can directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of drying approaches. High moisture content and humidity concerns outside of the home can also affect how readily the structure can dry by modifying interior moisture levels during restoration. Each home and property are unique in this regard, yet often most structures can fall within three primary classifications:
• Tight Envelope – These are the ideal drying conditions for our SERVPRO restorers, as we can manage drying conditions without several extra steps to control the influence of outside factors.
• Moderate Envelope – With moderate conditions, external factors can impact the property somewhat. We must adjust drying and recovery tactics to overcome these influences.
• Loose Envelope – Older homes can allow for outside elements and conditions to have a direct and considerable impact on drying efforts in the property.
Are There Ongoing Concerns with Loose Building Envelopes?
Loose building envelopes present a substantial obstacle for our restoration team to overcome, but it can also impact your daily life as the property owner. Improper ventilation or significant airflow and penetration into the house can negate modern heating and cooling appliances' efficiencies. Additionally, humid conditions outside can quickly become higher moisture content inside the structure. With prolonged exposure, the conditions could get met for the development and spread of microbial threats. It is worth considering your options, especially considering that we have an in-house team of certified contractors capable of helping with remodeling and renovations as necessary.
Several obstacles can exist with any home drying venture, and often, your home itself is one of them. The construction of a property can impact the efficiency of drying. Our experienced SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan team can help with a thorough inspection and the appropriate actions to overcome potential hurdles. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (917) 423-6364.
What Easily Overlooked Factor Can Affect Water Removal from Lower East Side Properties?
7/6/2020 (Permalink)
Please know how hazardous a water damage can be to you and your Lower East Side home.
SERVPRO Has Highly Trained Technicians Who Can Anticipate Problems That Might Interfere with Renovation of Water Damage
People have varying experiences when performing water restoration. Although the specifics of an incident play a significant role in determining the outcome, sometimes oversight of minor issues such as moisture movement can influence the experience negatively. When SERVPRO responds to an incident at your Lower East Side home, one of our responsibilities is to ensure there are no oversights.
What makes moisture movement hard to notice?
Moisture movement can complicate water removal from your Lower East Side home by necessitating sophisticated removal procedures or demolition to reach hidden areas. Such steps lead to higher costs or lengtheir restoration periods. The four main methods of moisture movement are:
- Liquid flow
- Capillary suction
- Air movement
- Vapor diffusion
Apart from liquid flow, which you can readily see, the other processes are hard to notice without the use of advanced techniques or tools. As the moisture moves, it transfers damage from the areas initially affected. It also causes further deterioration of materials.
What can stop moisture movement once water spills?
Although understanding that moisture movement is happening is useful, stopping the process is not that easy. Our SERVPRO technicians help by using several approaches, including:
- Expediting water extraction to limit the liquid flow
- Running dehumidifiers to manage humidity, limiting moisture spread through air movement
- Making flood cuts or removing wet materials to curb capillary suction
We have different types of water removal equipment, which ease removal under different circumstances. For instance, submersible pumps are perfect when the water pools deeper than 2 inches, while portable units help ease access to different sections of the property.
Taking these steps earlier helps minimize secondary damage caused by moisture migration. You can end up reducing costs involve or improve the turnaround time of the entire renovation task.
Water removal can run more smoothly with an experienced and well-equipped team at your side. Call SERVPRO of Lower East Side Manhattan at (917) 423-6364 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Find more information about the Lower East Side.
How can I restore my Home after it floods?
5/12/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO can handle the water damage job in your Lower East Side home.
Can SERVPRO return your Lower East Side home to a dry, safe condition?
Water damage in your Lower East Side home can be mitigated by the SERVPRO team. There is no question they can handle it. It will be dry and in better condition than before.
Why can’t I just rent a water-vac and do it myself?
SERVPRO uses commercial-grade equipment in Lower East Side for the water damages. With more power and options than anything available at a DIY or retail store. Our technicians also follow a careful process that ensures we do not miss anything and provide a safe environment once again.
- Inspection and Assessment – Team members examine the home to make certain we understand the damage extent and have the equipment needed for restoration.
- Water Removal & Extraction – Here, we use pumps and smaller vacuum units to draw out the majority of the water in your home.
- Drying the Structure – Technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers to lower humidity and draw moisture out of structural property like wall framing and drywall.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing – Specialists clean off any debris that may have been brought up by the water and deodorize restorable items.
Is there anything else that needs to be done?
Now technicians physically restore affected property. This includes replacing floor trim, drywall, and other paneling, as well as installing new carpeting, wood flooring, tile, and linoleum.
If you have water in your home, contact SERVPRO of Lower East Side at (917) 423-6364 immediately. We are here to help you restore your home to a dry, safe condition.
Does Water Damage Lead to Mold in your Lower East Side home?
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
By acting swiftly, you will significantly reduce the risk of mold growing in your home.
Water Damage in the Lower East Side Can Lead to Mold
Living in Manhattan is fantastic. There are few, if any, places in the world that allow their residents to experience such a wide array of culinary, cultural, and entertainment options. City living is not without its challenges, and often the age of both our own and neighboring properties can make our homes susceptible to accidents. When a pipe breaks, water can leak all over your house, leaving you in immediate need of reputable restoration service.
In the Lower East Side, water damage is the specialty of our team at SERVPRO. Navigating the streets, regulations, and needs of New York is not for outsiders. Our team is part of the Big Apple's community, and we know how valuable your space and time are, so we strive to mitigate your losses as we diligently return your home to mint condition. Just call our 24/7 hotline and let us do the heavy lifting to protect your home.
How can I avoid mold?
Whenever a water incident occurs, acting swiftly is the most critical step. It takes less than three days for mold to begin multiplying in your home if the water is left standing. When you call our SERVPRO crew, we assess the extent of the damage and jump into action as soon as it is safe. With our industry-grade tools, we can determine where water is hiding beneath your cupboards, inside wall cavities, and under flooring. We can also decide which pieces of furniture, if any, need a deep cleaning and which we need to remove from your home. So, what do we use to measure humidity in your home?
• Thermal imaging can show us water behind walls and under cabinets.
• Moisture sensors can report relative humidity in furniture and fixtures.
• Borescopes let us reach hard-to-access corners to verify moisture within them.
With a complete suite of equipment informing us of our progress, we can work to eliminate excess humidity in your home. By acting swiftly, you will significantly reduce the risk of mold growing in your home. SERVPRO of Lower East Side / Downtown Manhattan is your ally in an emergency. Call us at (917) 793-5348 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”
For more about Lower East Side click here.
Water Removal In The East Village
3/21/2020 (Permalink)
We are available 24/7 at (332) 900-2337.
Risks of Standing Water in Your East Village Residence
Clearing standing water from your East Village home requires multiple tools and practices happening as quickly as possible. As challenging as this situation can be, it can be even more damaging and destructive to the materials exposed. Water removal is always one of the focal points of water loss mitigation for area homes, and that is why our SERVPRO professionals arrive with an array of powerful machines capable of reducing standing water promptly in a residence.
The choice in the best tool or approach for water cleanup in East Village homes depends on multiple factors. Finding the ideal device for specific standing water concerns can make the process more efficient and help our customers to save both time and money throughout the restoration. Appreciating the urgency in the situation is vital to reducing total property loss, so it is critical to know the risks of allowing standing water to persist in your residence longer than necessary.
Structural Degradation
Perhaps one of the most direct paths that standing water can take to cost a homeowner money in a restoration sense is destroying exposed materials. With direct interaction with walls, flooring, and even ceiling material, porous surfaces can absorb moisture and allow the liquid to alter the molecular design to warp and distort the affected material. An excellent example of this is wood plank flooring absorbing water and the planks swelling at the seams.
Water Migration
Water rarely stops moving and is always looking for a new path to get to another location. After a water loss incident in your house, this behavior of water could mean more and more damage to your residence until the situation gets brought to the attention of our capable SERVPRO restoration professionals.
Microbial Threats
Mold is always a concern when elevated moisture levels exist in an environment. Mold can deteriorate hosting materials for the colonies and present direct health effects to those exposed.
Several potential problems could arise from waiting to address standing water in your house. Give our SERVPRO of Lower East Side / Downtown Manhattan a call today to help avoid these concerns as much as possible. We are available 24/7 at (332) 900-2337.
For more about East Village click here.
Basements in Manhattan and the Lower East Side Receive Swift Water Removal and Restoration from SERVPRO
2/10/2020 (Permalink)
Water in Your Lower East Side Basement? Call SERVPRO for Removal and Restoration
Water Removal from a Lower East Side Basement
A finished basement is a perfect place for a playroom. However, Lower East Side basements are one of the top areas in a home or apartment unit that receives water damage.
SERVPRO techs can perform water removal in Lower East Side basements quickly with their vast array of extraction equipment. Squeegees work great on slab and tiled flooring, while portable pumps with weighted extractor heads make water removal a quick job on carpeting. When the water is more than two inches deep, the techs have access to submersible pumps, so there are no delays in restoration.
Why SERVPRO?
Water loss causes more damage by the minute, and fast action is a crucial element in saving both structure and contents from needing replacement. That is why SERVPRO emergency response teams are available 24/7 and arrive within four hours of the call, and often very soon after the initial contact, to start the cleanup and restoration from any type of property disaster.
Basement Floors Get the Worst of It
The typical behavior of water is to follow the path of least resistance, and that direction is usually downward. In the case of a basement, the water tends to pool on the substrate. Particularly when the sump pump either is not working properly or simply cannot keep up with the amount of water. Glue-down carpet and tile often delaminate and require removal during the water extraction phase of the restoration service. Depending on the construction materials used, this flooring may have the potential for reuse after drying and cleaning. Groundwater contamination may result in antimicrobial application to disinfect the damaged area.
Drying Concrete Slab
The most common substrate in a basement is concrete. Because of the porous nature, SERVPRO techs use the power of air movers to draw moisture to the surface where the dehumidification equipment removes it. Efflorescence happens when the soluble salts within the concrete come to the surface and leave a chalky, whitish coating. This film gets easily cleaned away, and in some cases, sealing the substrate may be advised once the restoration services complete. The process of drying a concrete slab takes extended time; it must be done properly before a new flooring surface can be installed.
SERVPRO of Lower East Side / Downtown Manhattan at (332) 900-2337 comes to local properties for water removal and arrives quickly on-site with our green service vehicles loaded with all the equipment needed. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.
Water Damage Repair NYC
10/7/2019 (Permalink)
If you experience water damage in New York City call our office, fast!
We are your 24/7 water damage repair team here in NYC. Our local team of restoration technicians understand the importance of their work and are on-call when an emergency water damage occurs anywhere in the city. When you call SERVPRO of Lower Eastside/Downtown Manhattan a local representative will be at your property in a timely manner, depending upon the severity of the issue they may arrive shortly after your call. Because most homes and apartments in NYC are in multi-level buildings our disaster response teams are trained to act quickly in after a water damage call. The sooner we are able to clean-up water that has soaked the area and remove moisture from the floors, walls, ceilings, and the air; the more damage we can prevent.
Commercial Water Damage Repair Manhattan
10/2/2019 (Permalink)
Drying equipment is set up in an NYC high rise to remove water from the ceiling after a pipe broke.
We arrived on the scene in the large Manhattan office building to check out a water leak that was coming down from the 40' vaulted ceiling. Our production manager Sean arrived first and immediately called additional trucks to the scene. It was still early in the morning but he knew that if they had more hands-on-deck they could clean up the surrounding area quickly and block off any wet areas from the general public allowing the flow of the office building on a Tuesday morning to carry on as if nothing had happened. Once we had the leak under control (and the surrounding area below completely clean) we brought in the drying equipment to pull moisture out of the ceiling above preventing further damage to the panels. If you have a water damage repair in Manhattan, we are here to help! Contact our office now.