The Causes of Odor and How We Can Help

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

The Causes of Odor and How We Can Help

Odors are... well, smelly, and there are many reasons why your home or business can develop a strong odor. As experts in deodorization, we are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. So, let's talk about the causes of odors and what we can do to help get rid of them.

Water Damage

Water damage is one of the biggest causes of odors. If your home or business deals with any kind of water damage whether it be from a storm causing flooding or a leak somewhere in the building, water will cause a very stagnate, musty smell.

The smell will get worse as the time goes by, so it's important to get your water damage dried out and restored right away. You don't want to have to live with a musty smell in your basement, living room, kitchen, or anywhere in your home.

If you suffer from any kind of water damage, give us a call. We're water damage restoration specialists and we're here to help. We'll be sure to examine the area, figure out the water source if you're not aware of it, and dry your home or business out successfully, followed by any type of structural damage restoration needed.

That's why you can trust SERVPRO. We will identify the water source and determine the situation to take the proper steps to restore drywall, floors, ceilings, walls, etc. when they fall victim to water damage.

Mold Damage

Mold damage is another source of bad odors. If there were any type of water damage that was not taken care of quickly, your chances of mold growth are much higher. Also, higher than normal humidity levels will cause mold growth as well as any kind of condensation or excessive moisture. If you're not able to physically see the mold, you'll know it's there by its smell.

If you have any kind of inkling that you may have a mold problem in your home or business building, please reach out ASAP. Mold is not safe to live with and can cause a lot of health problems down the road. We will properly remediate the mold so you don't have the smell around anymore, as well as the mold itself.

To help you understand mold a bit more:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, AV/heating systems, or even hitch a ride on your clothing or pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture and can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water but be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45%.

Sewage Cleanup & Restoration

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is very unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Not only is it very unsafe, but the odor it gives off is awful, especially if it's gray water or black water. What's the difference?

Gray water is considered "category 2 water." This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for this include washing machine overflows, toilet overflows with some urine, or dishwasher overflows.

Black water is very unsanitary and can cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact must be avoided. The source for this type of water includes flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing surface water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Egg Rot

No, we don't mean the eggs that you cook and may have left overnight. The smell of egg rot or sulfur is definitely not pleasant and is a sign that something is seriously wrong. It usually means your either have an electrical problem or a gas leak. Manufacturers of natural gas are mandated to add a special chemical named mercaptan inside so that it is easier to perform leak detection. When this additive isn't present, it won't be possible to smell, taste, or see natural gas. So, if you detect the infamous rotten egg smell, the first thing you want to do is check with your gas company.

Aside from gas leaks, the smell of rotten eggs can also result from faulty electrical systems. If you've checked for a gas leak and none is present, the next thing you'll want to do is try shutting down your circuit breaker. Additionally, the smell of rotten eggs might come from running out of hot water. This is because you probably have an aging anode rod that needs to be replaced. Experts recommend replacing anode rods once every five years or so, otherwise, corrosion can occur, but many property owners are busy, and getting a replacement is easy to forget.

Fishy Smell

If you don't actually have any seafood in the home or in the garbage, a fishy smell often results from electrical components which are overheating. If the plastic, wiring, or other electrical devices smell like sulfur or rotten fish, this means that you potentially have a dangerous situation on your hand like arcing within a switch or outlet that can lead to a fire. As you can imagine, this is not something you want to handle on your own, as you run the risk of being electrocuted or burned. So, it is highly recommended to contact an expert immediately.

Residential Cleaning Services

Odor comes with any kind of mess, generally. We have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. We use special SERVPRO products that wipe out dirt and grime with ease. If you want a deeper thorough cleaning, reach out. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also alleviate any foul odors and create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for your family.

We offer many types of cleaning that include carpet and upholstery, air duct/HVAC cleaning, odor removal - as we mentioned, sewage and biohazard cleanup, cleaning of ceilings/floors/and walls, furniture, drapes and blinds, trauma and crime scene cleanup, and more.

Commercial Cleaning Services

Let's be real, you don't have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office floors and creates odors that your employees have to live with. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the score of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan for prompt service. Whether it's removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or a carpet, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

Our services range from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and materials to get your property back to business.

Why SERVPRO?

Whether you are dealing with water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold, or just foul odors, we can help. We have the training and expertise to restore your home or business. As for odor removal, we have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products, capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call and leave the restoration to us.

Aside from that, we're highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened."

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

How to Prevent Hurricane Damage

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes are one of the worst storms you can deal with, especially living on the east coast. We've seen our fair share of hurricanes wipe out towns from flash flooding, to high winds, resulting in a lot of water damage and other issues to your home or business. Although you can't prevent a hurricane from hitting, you can help prevent extensive damage to your home. We're here to not only help with the storm damage restoration cleanup, but with tips on how to protect your home.

Get An Annual Inspection Done

Every year, you should have an annual inspection done on your home. This will help you stay on top of flaws that your home may have that would be affected heavily by a hurricane. Hidden dangers can lurk, even if your roof seems structurally sound. Also, you'll want to make sure that your basement remains watertight to prepare for any kind of flooding.

Get Flood Insurance - If Necessary

You may not be able to stop a flood, but you should be able to insure your home against the devastation of one. Make sure you have the right kind of insurance in place if you are in an area that experiences torrential rains, tsunamis, hurricanes, and other vicious storms. This is especially necessary if you live in a flood zone, however, some homes deal with flooding if the right size storm comes to town. It's better to be protected than not.

Safety-Proof Your Property

When you hear that a possible hurricane is planning on coming through your area, you need to prepare your yard for the worst. Make sure that your grill, patio furniture, and any other objects are put away or safely secured so high winds or flooding can't cause issue to them, or blow them into your home.

You'll also want to make sure that your trees are sturdy. It's not a bad idea to have a professional come take a look at the trees surrounding your home to ensure that they are sturdy and in good shape to prevent a tree from falling onto your property, or even worse, onto your home.

Stay On Top of Your Appliances

Hurricanes don't always just bring rain and wind, they also have a tendency of creating electrical fires. To decrease electrical fire risks, unplug devices. If water starts to enter into your home, steer clear of it in case it comes in contact with an electrical source.

Prepare and Secure Your Doors and Windows

The first thing you want to do is make sure that the seal around your doors and windows are in place and working properly. Secondly, you'll want to grab some sandbags and put them in front of the exterior of your doors. If you want maximum protection, put the sandbags around the perimeter of your home.

For windows, shattering, sharp glass can be one of the most serious dangers when hurricanes hit. It can damage furniture and floors, destroy walls, and endanger your family and pets. When the forecast becomes scary-looking, you can act quickly to close window coverings referred to as storm shutters. If you don't have storm shutters, boarding up your windows on the exterior with wood will help protect them.

You should even make sure that your garage door is ready for impact. To support it, hold it down and on the door jams, place several sturdy boards. This will work well for you if you don't have garage braces.

Storms Cause Water Damage

With storm damage, comes water damage - in most cases. When your Manhattan home has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Please follow these tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips-Until Help Arrives Guide, to protect yourself and your property.

To learn more about our water damage restoration process, click here!

Flood Waters and Contaminated Water

Many times during hurricanes, sewers can get backed up, mixing in with flood water that enters your home. There are three types of contaminated water, "Clean Water," "Gray Water," and "Black Water."

"Clean Water" (category 1 water) is water from a clean water source only, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 depending on factors such as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

"Gray Water" (category 2 water) has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with some urine - but no feces, or dishwasher overflow.

"Black Water" (category 3 water) is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Storms Cause Water Damage, Which Causes Mold Growth

If you don't deal with water damage fast enough, it can lead to mold growth. It only takes a small water leak, or even excess humidity, for mold to form in your home. Mold can spread quickly through the property in as little as 48 hours, producing allergens and irritants, and it has the potential to cause other health effects. It's important to look for the signs of mold in your home so you can contact us right away for our mold remediation services.

To help you understand mold a little more, here are some facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float in the air. They may enter your home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, or even hitch a ride on your clothes or pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Let your nose lead the way. Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth, so keep the level below 45%.

Our mold remediation process starts with an emergency contact from you. We then hold an inspection and mold damage assessment. We'll follow that with containing the mold so it doesn't have the chance to continue to spread. After that, we'll start air filtration with our air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread. We'll then start the mold removal on the structures of your home as well as any mold-infested materials. We will clean contents and belongings and finally, start the restoration process.

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, paint and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repair jobs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet - or, it may entail major repair jobs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

However, 100% mold removal is not possible. Other restoration companies claim they perform mold removal services, but due to their microscopic form, there is no way to successfully try removing mold.

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan Can Help with Storm Damage Restoration

If your home or business falls victim to a hurricane, we are here to help. We're faster to any size disaster, and when a storm hits, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

We specialize in flooding and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home back to normal, quickly. We'll come to the rescue with our water damage restoration technicians and applied structural drying technicians.

We also have all the resources to handle storms and disasters. We can access resources and personnel of over 2160 franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We also have access to special disaster recovery teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

Summer Water Damage to Look Out For

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

We're in the heart of summer, which means summer storms. Living in New Jersey, we're all too familiar with how our summer storms can be - especially when it comes to water damage. We understand how devastating a flood can be, especially if it affects your home or business. Our team is full of skilled, experienced technicians that will get any job done. Let's get into the types of water damage, causes, and what to look out for.

Flash Floods

Flash floods are no joke. These warnings come every time a storm brings in a lot of rain in a short period of time. This causes the sewers to overflow, as they can't keep up, as well as brings the level of lakes, rivers, and streams up. Many times we just get a flood warning sent to our phones, but it's important to take those warnings seriously and be prepared for anything, especially if your home is located in a flood risk zone.

Coastal Flooding

Coastal flooding is more of a risk for those who live down the shore. This happens when water inundates or covers normally dry coastal land as a result of high or rising tides or storm surges. Coastal storms are dangerous, especially if a hurricane is involved. It can cause terrible flooding, power outages, and a disaster to your home. It's important to stay alert and watch the weather reports, especially during hurricane season.

Great Amounts of Rain

If your area experiences a storm that lasts longer than a few hours, there's a large chance that your home could fall victim to flooding. It's important to make sure that your gutters are clear, your trees are checked and groomed, and any of your belongings outdoors that could either break, rust, or float away are fastened.

Water Damage Causes...

Water damage causes a lot of issues to your home and if they are not taken care of right away, you're looking at dealing with further damage like mold growth, structural damage, roof problems, and more. Pay attention to your phone or the news for any warnings such as your township being under flood watch, flash flood warnings, high winds, etc.

What Can Flood Water Do to Your Home?

Following a storm, though many threats can occur as a result, one of the most likely is the danger of flood water. In fact, every year, various regions across the U.S. are devastated by hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, and more. Once the storm has passed, seemingly, so has any threat to your wellbeing, property, etc. That's not always the case, however. Some of the biggest dangers that can result - in addition to road closures, lack of supplies, and more - are the risks presented by standing floodwater.

While we at SERVPRO cannot legally advise you on health effects, the CDC themselves have weighed in on the topic of standing water presenting health effects. In the event of a storm disaster, according to the CDC, the threat of numerous diseases becomes more likely (think West Nile or Norovirus). Why is this? The CDC tells us that infected water can spread diseases and bacteria to everything it touches. This includes the toys your children play with and articles of clothing.

Even if a storm is not particularly severe, depending on your location, flooding can happen. With insufficient drainage, an area can be flooded with even a medium amount of rain.

There can be many different sources of water damage. In addition to heavy rains, things like broken appliances, faulty plumbing and more can cause a flood in your home. What's truly important is that you react as quickly as possible. At SERVPRO, we know time is of the essence particularly when referring to water damage from a flood.

To create a plan for water restoration after a flood, count on our team of professionals. If you have experienced flood damage, don't hesitate another moment. Fast action is crucial, and that's why we're here.

SERVPRO Team Harvey is Your Best Bet for Water Damage Restoration

We understand the importance of getting to a water damage scenario quickly. Our water damage restoration team is ready for any size job. We're available 24/7 and are faster to any size disaster. No matter the problem, we can help. If you have water damage that you need restored, we can do that. If you've found a mold problem in your home, we can stop the mold growth and help remediate that as well. Just give us a call!

Our water damage restoration process looks like this:

• You call us - emergency contact!
• We inspect and perform a damage assessment - we'll see what equipment is needed to take care of the damage.
• We start with water removal and water extraction - we use our professional and high tech equipment to remove the water from your home.
• We'll dry and start the dehumidification process - we'll ensure that your wet materials are taken care of as well as dry out the area in your home that was flooded.
• We'll clean and repair - if there needs to be any repairs, such as new drywall, new carpeting, etc., we'll take care of that.
• Finally, the restoration - we'll make sure to bring your home back to pre-water damage condition like it never even happened.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Learn about TEAM HARVEY: VIDEO

How to Keep Your Home Safe When Going on Vacation

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Now's the time for vacation! If you're going away for longer than a weekend, it's important that you know how to leave your home so you're not coming home to a disaster. There are a few things you can do to avoid mold growth, water damage, fire damage, and even storm damage. In this blog, we'll cover some tips on what you can do so you're able to look forward to coming home without stress.

Humidity Levels

Many people, when they leave for vacation, turn their air conditioning off. We understand that you're saving money by not running the air while you're not home. We get it, why run something that costs money if you're not there to use it? Well, you're actually doing your home and health a favor by running it. Sure, it'll cost money, but it'll also cost you even more money to get mold growth remediated when it grows due to the humidity levels. Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold to grow, so it's best to keep indoor humidity below 45%.

To understand mold a bit more:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, AC/heating systems, and could even hitch a ride on your clothing or pets.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. They can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

If you do, in fact, return to mold or suspect it, you need a mold remediation team to help. DIY mold cleanup and restoration is never a good idea. It can be dangerous to you and your family. Give us call!

Water Damage

It's hard to always know if the area is getting hit with a lot of rain while you're away. We suggest that you keep in contact with a neighbor and check in to ensure your home is ok. If your home gets hit with a flood while you're away, you can come home to water damage.

Ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed, and if you live in a flood zone, it's important to prepare your home in the event that a storm could hit. If your home ends up with water damage and you need a water damage restoration team, give us a call. Our water damage restoration process is thorough, ensuring your home is back to the way it was - like it never even happened.

Fire Damage

Fire damage is one of the most devastating events that can take place in your home. We've seen so much devastation over the years and helped so many people restore their homes back to preloss condition. Although it's tough to totally avoid fire damage, due to a faulty wire in your home or something happening outside near your home, this is where it comes in handy to stay in contact with a neighbor. Be sure to let them know that you'll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home.

In the unfortunate case that this does happen to your home, we're the fire damage restoration team that'll be on your side from beginning to end. The fire damage restoration process is difficult to attack on your own and it may be difficult to find a reputable company that can come out ASAP, especially when it comes down to smoke damage, smoke odors, and the house fire cleanup in general. SERVPRO is your answer.

Storm Damage

Storm damage is one of the scariest things that can happen to your home and property. Storms are very unpredictable. Sure, the weather reports can call for a severe storm, but sometimes it's worse than they think. If you're going away, just make sure that your trees have been looked at to ensure that they won't easily fall on your home, make sure that your home is secure and sealed, and if there is a storm in the forecast, use sandbags around the structure of your home as a precaution.

Storm damage restoration is no easy task, especially when it comes to debris removal, broken windows, and the need for a thorough cleaning.

SERVPRO is Here for You

SERVPRO is the restoration company that will always be by your side. If you need fire damage restoration services, water damage restoration services, mold remediation, or anything having to do with restoring your property back to preloss conditions, we're your best bet.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

What is Biohazard Cleanup and How We Can Help

7/24/2023 (Permalink)

Exposure to any biological material and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. If such substances are not removed, they can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

If you're not completely sure if your cleanup needs are considered a biohazard cleanup or not, continue reading for specific types, scenarios, and more information around this service.

Do You Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, medical incidents, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can both be dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan provides cleanup solutions and recovery services for many biohazard situations including:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene cleanup
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Common Biohazard Scenarios

There are three common biohazard scenarios. These are sewage backups, bloodborne pathogens, and illegal drug manufacturing labs/meth labs.

Sewage Backups- Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits - these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly clean, disinfected, and deodorized.

Bloodborne Pathogens- We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from an accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO franchise professionals clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Illegal Drug Manufacturing Labs/Meth Labs- SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as "meth" are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. We follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Do Not Try at Home

If you believe your home or business is in need of biohazard cleaning, don't try to clean it up on your own. Bleach is only going to go so far, especially if you're dealing with sewage backups, blood, animal waste, and other bodily fluids, especially chemical spills. DIY cleaning solutions should not even be thought of when it comes to scenarios like these. You'll be putting yourself as well as anyone else that uses or lives in the structure at risk for health problems.

When it comes to a crime scene cleanup, this is a specific scenario that is handled by law enforcement and a professional cleaning company like SERVPRO. There are many rules and state regulations that need to be followed when it comes to a cleanup like this, so don't try to just apply bleach and think it's ready to go.

When it comes to sewage backups, the flooding from this creates a contaminated area full of hazardous materials, human waste, and possible chemicals that can be life threatening if touched or if you get too close. Leave it to the professionals.

Biohazard & Sewage Emergency Tips

After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
• Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to do AFTER a contamination:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is dangerous to your health.
• Treat ALL bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What NOT to do after a contamination:

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO Provides 24-Hour Emergency Service

We are available 24 hours a day with our highly trained technicians standing by. We have qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

We don't only offer biohazard cleanup services, but also cleaning services such as air ducts & HVAC, carpet & upholstery, ceiling/floors/walls, drapes & blinds, odor removal, sewage & toilet overflow, vandalism & graffiti, building services, and all kinds of commercial cleaning services.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Causes of Water Damage in Your Commercial Facility

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause significant problems in both residential and commercial buildings. However, with commercial buildings, the trouble is worse since it poses threats to both clients and employees and can also disrupt business operations. So, what are the common causes of water damage in commercial facilities? Let's check it out.

Deteriorating Plumbing or Burst Pipe

Depending on the age of the plumbing system in your commercial building will give you an idea of when problems can occur. If your building is decades old, there's a big chance you'll start to sustain water damage at some point.

Pipes in particular are vulnerable to cracking and bursting, especially during the winter when the weather is cold, causing freezing temperatures to attack the pipes. Also, if they are old and rusty pipes, there's more of a chance that you'll be dealing with cracks down the line.

When pipes burst, this causes flooding and damaged materials. This is a terrible problem for residential homes, but especially for a commercial building, as there is a risk of damage to important documents, technology, and more. Plus, if it is not cleaned up and restored in a quick manner, you're looking at dealing with mold growth as well.

Severe Weather

Natural disasters are hard to predict and it's even harder to protect your building from property damage. If your commercial building is in an area that is prone to severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes - it's smart to get the proper insurance before your building falls victim to Mother Nature.

While there isn't much you can do as commercial property owners to prevent damage that storms and flooding can cause, there are certain precautions that can be taken, like properly maintaining and cleaning gutters as well as verifying the effectiveness of the draining unit.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks can be sneaky. They're hard to spot unless you start noticing discoloration on the ceilings or finding puddles of water where it doesn't belong. Because they are so sneaky, there's a larger chance that mold will start developing, causing more issues for both the building and the people that work inside of it. If you detect a leak, you should immediately contact a professional for assistance.

And, for prevention, it's smart to have your roof looked at annually.

Malfunctioning HVAC System

Like all machines, wear and tear is normal. If your heating and cooling systems stop operating, cracks and leaks can appear within its drains and pipes. This, in turn, will lead to the leakage of liquid outside the unit, which can get all over the floor and become a slip and fall hazard.

Again, to prevent this, annual check-ups are your best bet.

Damaged Windows

Windows should always remain sealed. Should the seal become cracked or damaged, this creates a scenario where unwanted liquid and moisture will get inside. If this happens, you're not only dealing with water damage, but mold damage as well as the humidity entering the building, along with water, will cause an infestation that is not healthy to be near.

If you notice a crack in a window seal, call a professional ASAP and get it fixed. The longer you wait, the bigger the problems will develop.

Why You Should Hire a Professional

When it comes to protecting your commercial buildings as well as the people inside of it, it's better to hire a professional to restore any water damage than it is to try to figure it out on your own.

A company like SERVPRO is full of professionals who have been specifically trained to handle these issues and because of their speed and equipment, they will get your business up and running again as soon as possible.

When it comes to our restoration process, we understand that every flood and water damage scenario is a little different. Each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. However, the overall flood water and restoration process remains the same. These steps detail our process for the typical water-damaged property:

• Step One: Emergency Contact (calling SERVPRO Team Harvey once you notice something wrong)
• Step Two: Inspection and damage assessment
• Step Three: Water removal/water extraction
• Step Four: Drying and dehumidification
• Step Five: Cleaning and repair
• Step Six: Restoration

Why Hire SERVPRO Team Harvey?

You probably know that there are a million different restoration teams out there. This makes it hard to choose which one you're going to reach out to in the event of water damage or any other type of damage that needs restoration services.

We'll tell you why you should hire SERVPRO Team Harvey of Lower Manhattan:

• We're Faster to Any Size Disaster- Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water damage issues. With over 2,140 U.S. and Canadian franchise locations, we are strategically positioned to be faster to any size water emergency, so Manhattan residents can expect an immediate response, day or night.
• We're Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists- We are water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-water damage condition. Using advanced water removal and drying equipment, as well as scientific drying principles to get your property dried quickly, we document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready.
• We Use Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques- We invest in the latest technology and equipment in the restoration industry because it helps us restore your business quickly and to minimize cost. This equipment allows us to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water quickly and efficiently. We also utilize professional-strength cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products to clean and sanitize the affected water damage area for your comfort and safety.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

How to Get Prepared for a Summer Storm

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

Summer storms are unpredictable. They’re either enjoyable while sitting in your screened-in porch or watching out of a window, or they are dangerous and cause a threat to your home and life. It’s important you stay prepared for summer storms this season, as your home can turn from a strong structure, to a flood zone. Here are some ways you can prepare.

Prior to The Season…
You should inspect your home. Either hire a professional or take a look around yourself. Although you should get your home looked at annually, it’s specifically important to get it checked out before storm season.

• Check for cracks/openings in windows
• Check the foundation for cracks
• Look under doors and make sure there isn’t a space
• Have your trees looked at to make sure they’re sturdy
• Get your roof inspected

Keep Sand Bags on Hand
If you’re home has been victim to flooding in the past, or if you see on the radar that a lot of rain is coming and could cause flooding or flash flooding, it’s a good idea to have sand bags on hand to throw down in front of your home or at least the doors prior to the storm. These will help block the water from finding its way into your home.

When Should You Board Up Windows?
Boarding up windows is mainly in the case of high winds that occur in hurricanes or tornado threats. If a dangerous storm is headed right to you, it would be a good idea to board them up with some wood to prevent breakage.

It’s important to stay up-to-date on the news when it comes to the weather - especially in the summer, as storms do come and go more often than other seasons. Being fully prepared is better than risking it. However, if you do experience water damage, mold, storm damage, or anything else - SERVPRO can help restore your property back to the way it was - like it never even happened.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

A Fire Checklist Every Homeowner Should Have

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

A house fire is always a devastating event. It leaves homeowners with questions about what they need to do next, who to call, where to begin, etc. With a proper house fire checklist, you can execute the right procedures that can help you mitigate the damage and get back on your feet within a shorter period of time.

What NOT to Do After a House Fire
It’s important to know what NOT to do prior to a house fire. This is for your safety.

• Don’t enter your home until you have received permission from the local fire department that it is safe to do so.
• Don’t turn on the water, gas, or electric until it has been deemed safe to do so by a professional.
• Don’t move or start your vehicle if it has sustained any damage from the fire.
• Don’t try to clean any soot or smoke damage on your own - leave it to the professionals like SERVPRO, who have the right safety equipment and expertise.

What You CAN Do After a House Fire
There are many things you should not do when it comes to a house fire, and although we understand that you want to go through your home - it is for your safety not to until it is deemed safe. However, there are some things you can do.

• Get permission from your local fire department before you re-enter your damaged property.
• Get in touch with your friends and family to inform them of the disaster.
• Attend to your frightened pets and provide them with the necessary support.
• Call all utility providers (water, gas, electric) and inform them of the disaster.
• Call your homeowner’s insurance company to submit a claim.
• Call SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan to discuss fire damage and restoration.
• Have an understanding of the different terms of the fire report issues by your local fire department and keep a copy. This report is important for insurance claim purposes.
• Document all fire damage and jot down detailed notes along with photographs of the damage to your property.
• Retrieve your valuables before leaving the property.
• Contact your local police department to inform them that your home will be vacant for a temporary period. It’s also important to inform your children’s schools so their teachers will know that your children will not be attending school temporarily during this difficult time.
• Notify the post office to forward your mail or hold it temporarily
• Start the process of replacing important documents that may have been lost in the fire such as passports, licenses, birth certificates, etc.
• Take care of the emotional needs of every family member, as a fire can inflict a tremendous amount of stress.
• For property damage by wildfires, you may be eligible for Fire Management Assistance.
• For disaster relief, there are several organizations that you can seek assistance from such as The Salvation Army or Red Cross depending on where you are located.

A fire will also cause water damage as a result of firefighters putting out the fire. SERVPRO can help with fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, and even mold remediation if the water damage hasn’t been cleaned up in a timely manner.

As for a checklist for your family to understand in the event that there is a fire, get together and discuss what items you’d want to save if possible, have a plan for your pets, and know the best ways to exit the house.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

What is Carpet Bonnet Cleaning and Is it Worth it?

5/26/2023 (Permalink)

If you have ever spent time in a hotel lobby, commercial building, etc., during late-night hours, you’ve likely seen a staff member or service operating device that uses a spinning pad to polish and buff concrete, linoleum, or tile floors. These are used frequently in commercial establishments.

Somewhere along the line, someone decided that the same cleaning process might work well for carpets! It is referred to as carpet bonnet cleaning and uses the same rotary machine, more or less, but concentrates on carpets rather than hard floors. If you’ve come across those “so satisfying” videos on TikTok of companies performing carpet bonnet cleaning, this is what we’re talking about!

Initially, the bonnet - made of propylene, rayon, or cotton - is attached to the rotary machine and soaked with shampoo. Over the carpet, they move the machine back and forth. The carpet is significantly cleaner once it has dried.

A Temporary Fix at Best
The thing about bonnet cleaning is that it’s pretty much just a topical solution. You’re taking surface dirt and essentially scraping it off. If you know anything about stains, you know that to remove them, scrubbing is not usually the best method. Rather than removing the stain further into the carpet, the stain ends up being ground down and in. That’s pretty much what’s going on with bonnet cleaning. You’re scrubbing your stains - that used to be on the surface - deeper down into your carpet. Who wants that?

Yes, it does dislodge and collect dirt from the surface to a point, but again, it’s also pushing some of it deep into the pile.

After bonnet cleaning, the carpet does dry fast (one of the more attractive points of bonnet cleaning), and it looks clean. But think about this - anything that came off the carpet, but doesn’t appear on the bonnet, is actually just staying in the carpeting. There is no extraction method with bonnet cleaning.

The More You Know
In case you’re not convinced that bonnet cleaning isn’t the best way to go about refreshing your carpet, here’s some additional information that may be valuable to you.

You can’t just walk into the bonnet cleaning process if you’ve never done it before and here’s why:

• Friction burns could result from dry hard carpet scrubbing because not enough detergent was used.
• You will need to vacuum up residue that stays behind after the carpet dries - because you’ll notice swirl marks - if there’s too much shampoo or detergent.
• Various carpet designs call for specific types of bonnets.
• Mildew and mold can build up on bonnets if they are not regularly laundered after use.
• Because this type of cleaning needs to be done so often, it offsets the savings you thought you would enjoy.
• Lastly, you may well void the warranty on your carpet if you use bonnet cleaning. This is a policy for some carpet manufacturers.

So, What’s the Better Solution?
Truth be told, bonnet cleaning is not the recommended cleaning method for carpeting! As suggested above, it is only superficial, among other things. When you need a thorough, deep down carpet cleaning, there’s no one like SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan to get the job done. PLUS, we don’t stop at carpets… we’re capable of odor removal, cleaning drapes and blinds, taking care of walls, floors, and ceilings, upholstery cleaning, biohazard cleanup, and HVAC/air duct cleaning.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

4 Types of Air Duct Contaminants

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

If you own a business, you should know all about how to keep your air ducts free of contaminants. However, it’s also important to know what types of contaminants can build up there.

Most residential and commercial property owners take their air ducts for granted. Meaning, as long as cold and hot air is emitted when desired with no chemical or burning scents, most people are content. However, air duct contamination can become a real problem and it must be addressed.

The four main types of air duct contaminants are:

Pests
Ductwork is the perfect conduit for warm air during winter and cool air during the summer. This makes it an attractive nesting spot for many insects and rodents, some of which might spread pathogens and cause other damage. Unless you enjoy rats, mice, or roaches suddenly showing up in your property, you’ll probably want to have your ductwork cleaned regularly.

Dander, Dirt, and Dust
These are the most frequent contaminants that you’ll find in typical ductwork. Textiles such as furniture and carpets often generate dust and dirt and they will gain entry through windows and doors. Dander is the result of hair and skin cells that are shed by both animals and people.

The good news is that the majority of dirt, dust, and danger are removed during standard vacuuming and cleaning. The bad news is that because they consist of particles that readily become airborne, your air ducts will suck them in. While HVAC systems have filters that are capable of capturing the particles in varying quantities, there is still plenty that will end up in the ducts, accumulating as the months and years go by.

Mold
Mold can be found in virtually every home, from studio apartments to penthouses and mansions. However, most forms are relatively harmless to humans and pets. They result from condensation within ducts which frequently occur because of insufficient insulation. Once mold colonies form, they will contaminate the air of the interior each time the HVAC system is activated. There is also rare black and green mold that is considered a biohazard and if they appear in your home, you’ll need to evacuate so the property can be professionally cleaned.

Allergens and Pollen
Both airborne allergens and pollen behave similarly to dirt, dust, and danger, appearing within air ducts. While some of it comes from outside the building, others will be generated from within. Either way, both will compromise the quality of your indoor air and can cause some serious effects on your health.

As you can see there are many contaminants that can appear in your building’s ductwork. Commercial property owners, in particular, must be careful because businesses are required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to create a safe working environment for employees. If your building is found to have contaminants in the ductwork that is harming employees or customers, it can threaten your business and potentially lead to fines and litigation, not to mention a loss of reputation.

This is why regular cleaning of your ductwork is so important, but because the task can be tedious, it is best to hire a professional like SERVPRO that has the expertise, equipment, and credentials to get the job done right.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”