We make flooded basements “Like It Never Even Happened”

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

Our expertise and rapid response is the answer to your flooded basement

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding, because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Upper East Side and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days a week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (917) 924-2260

Know what your homeowners insurance policy covers!

2/12/2024 (Permalink)

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water damage.

Pipe leaking under the sink can create water damage

Most homeowners insurance policies help cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental. Homeowners insurance may help pay for repairs if for instance, your drywall is wet after your water heater ruptures or if an upstairs pipe bursts and water saturates the ceiling below.

Depending on the damage, two types of coverage within a homeowners insurance policy may apply.

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling Coverage helps pay for damage to the structure of your home if it's damaged by a covered peril. So, if a pipe suddenly bursts and damages a wall, dwelling coverage may help pay for repairs.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal Property Coverage helps pay for damage to your belongings if they are damaged by a covered risk. So, if a pipe bursts and results in water damage to your computer or bookcase, personal property coverage may help pay to repair or replace the damaged items.

Keep in mind that a deductible will likely apply before your coverage kicks in. Also, coverage limits may apply. Read your policy to find out how much coverage you have. Your agent can help you adjust your coverage to fit your needs or answer questions about your policy.

DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER WATER DAMAGE FROM LEAKING PLUMBING?

Homeowners insurance may help cover damage caused by leaking plumbing if the leak is sudden and accidental, such as if a washing machine supply hose suddenly breaks or a pipe bursts. However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage resulting from poor maintenance. So, if damage results after you fail to repair a leaky toilet, for example, homeowners insurance likely will not pay for repairs.

WHAT TYPES OF WATER DAMAGE ARE NOT COVERED?

Homeowners insurance does not cover certain types of water damage.

Damage from Unresolved Maintenance Issues

Your homeowners insurance will probably help cover the cost of replacing or repairing a damaged floor, if your dishwasher malfunctions and causes a flood. Be aware that coverage generally will not kick in if the damage results from an unresolved maintenance issue, such as continuous leaking near a faucet or other plumbing fixture.

Replacing or Repairing the Source of the Water Damage

Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover the source of the water damage. So, while your policy may cover the cost of tearing out and replacing that damaged floor, you shouldn't expect it to cover the cost of replacing your broken dishwasher or washing machine.

Water Backup from an Outside Sewer or Drain

You also will not typically be covered by a traditional homeowners policy if water backs into your home through an outside sewer or drain. You may, however, be able to purchase additional sewer or water backup coverage that may help cover damage from that type of event.

Flood

No type of flood damage, no matter the source of the water, is covered by standard homeowners policies. Flooding, for example, can occur from storms, over-saturated ground, overflowing or surging bodies of water such as rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans. You may be able to purchase a separate flood insurance  policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

While it's important to keep up with home maintenance to help prevent damage from water, it's also a good idea to check with your agent about what is and is not covered by your homeowners policy. Be sure to inquire about any additional coverages that may be available to you.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services include removal of smoke and soot

2/12/2024 (Permalink)

We make fire damage "Like It Never Even Happened”

We restore Smoke and Soot Damage

7/28/2022

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Upper East Side will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Upper East Side - 917-924-2260

2024 Hurricane Season

2/12/2024 (Permalink)

It's never too soon to prepare for hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1, 2024 and ends November 30, 2024. 

Here is the chosen names for 2024 Atlantic Hurricanes:

• Alberto
• Beryl
• Chris
• Debby
• Ernesto
• Francine
• Gordon
• Helene
• Isaac
• Joyce
• Kirk
• Leslie
• Milton
• Nadine
• Oscar
• Patty
• Rafael
• Sara
• Tony
• Valarie
• William

Steps you can take to prepare

• Prepare an emergency bag
• Make a plan
• Stay informed

Some items you should have in your emergency bag:

• Bottled water: 1 gallon per person/pet per day for a minimum of 3 days
• Non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Cash (small bills)
• Copies of ATM/Credit Card
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio
• Extra batteries
• Portable cell phone charger that is fully charged and extra cell phone charger cords
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Notepad and Pen
• Whistle to call for help
• Lightweight Raingear and blankets
• Copies of your important documents in a waterproof container (e.g., insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage and birth certificates)
• Back-up medical equipment, if possible (e.g., oxygen, medication, scooter battery, hearing aids, mobility aids, glasses, facemasks, gloves)

For more information on how to be prepared, check out NYC’s My Emergency Plan

SERVPRO of Upper East Side is an IICRC firm

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Our crew are IICRC Certified

SERVPRO of Upper East Side is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Upper East Side

SERVPRO of Upper East Side specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Be Prepared for 2023 Hurricane Season

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, 2023 and ends November 30, 2023. 

Here is the chosen names for 2023 Atlantic Hurricanes:

• Arlene
• Bret
• Cindy
• Don
• Emily
• Franklin
• Gert
• Harold
• Idalia
• Jose
• Katia
• Lee
• Margot
• Nigel
• Ophelia
• Philippe
• Rina
• Sean
• Tammy
• Vince
• Whitney

Steps you can take to prepare

• Prepare an emergency bag
• Make a plan
• Stay informed

Some items you should have in your emergency bag:

• Bottled water: 1 gallon per person/pet per day for a minimum of 3 days
• Non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Cash (small bills)
• Copies of ATM/Credit Card
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio
• Extra batteries
• Portable cell phone charger that is fully charged and extra cell phone charger cords
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Notepad and Pen
• Whistle to call for help
• Lightweight Raingear and blankets
• Copies of your important documents in a waterproof container (e.g., insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage and birth certificates)
• Back-up medical equipment, if possible (e.g., oxygen, medication, scooter battery, hearing aids, mobility aids, glasses, facemasks, gloves)

For more information on how to be prepared, check out NYC’s My Emergency Plan

SERVPRO of Upper East Side is ready to respond 24/7/365

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper East Side provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services: https://www.SERVPROuppereastsideny.com/residential-restoration-cleaning

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for Fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROuppereastsideny.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

  Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 917-924-2260

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Maintaining indoor air quality is important for good health and wellness

Maintaining workplace indoor air quality (IAQ), is important for good health and wellness of your employees and customers. Roughly 90% of our time is spent indoors and a large portion of that time is spent at work. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regard indoor air pollution as a major problem. Most business owners don't realize the air circulating in the workplace is often filled with toxic compounds, that can cause health effects. Poor IDA can negatively affect productivity and increase absences among employees. What causes poor indoor air quality?

Excessive moisture  

When there is a high percentage of moisture, it allows mold, bacteria and fungus to grow. Indoor relative humidity, should be kept between 30 and 50 percent. 

Biological 

Some common biological pollutants are bacteria, mold, dust mites, animal dander and pollen. Improper maintenance and cleaning of HVAC system can add to this issue.

Chemicals

Chemicals (gases and vapors) can come from many sources. Products such as, office equipment, furniture, wall and floor coverings release chemicals into the air. Products that enter the HVAC system from outdoors, products used during renovations and chemical spills. By-products, such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide, are also known sources. 

Particles

These are solid or liquid and non-biological, that are released into the air creating respiratory problems. The most common particles is dirt and dust, drywall dust, wood dust and silica. 

What can you do to improve indoor air quality?

• Keep all air supply vents unblocked
• Clean spills immediately
• Store food properly 
• Dispose of garbage properly
• Add some indoor plants 
• Run commercial-grade air purifiers or air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture. 
• Keep your workplace clean
• Have your carpets professionally cleaned
• Use eco-friendly cleaning products
• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate
• Change HVAC filter regularly
• Commercial HVAC systems should be professionally cleaned every few years or sooner if needed. 
• Put floor mats outside each entrance way and clean mats regularly 

We are here to help improve the indoor air quality of your business. 

Call SERVPRO of Upper East Side - (917) 924-2260

Think You Have Mold?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

We are Mold Remediation Specialists

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Upper East Side for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Upper East Side specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (917) 924-2260

Know When You're At Risk of a Dryer Fire

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Dryer Safety Tips

Clothes dryer fires are the leading cause of both Residential and Commercial fires. Dryer fires can happen when lint from your laundry builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct itself. When lint accumulates enough to block air flow, it causes heat to increase which results in a fire. According to The Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,500 fires occur annually from clothes dryers. The U.S. Fire Administration reports the leading cause of these fires, is failure to clean the dryer vent. 

How do you know when you're at risk of a dryer fire? Here is a list of warning signs..

• Outside of your dryer is very hot to the touch
• Your load of clothes are unusually hot
• You find the lint trapper filled with more lint than normal
• The laundry room is very hot and humid
• The exterior dryer vent has no air flowing out while the dryer is on
• The exterior vent has an accumulation of lint around it
• Drying time is taking longer than normal
• The vent hood flap doesn't open properly
• You notice a burning smell
• It's been longer than a year since you've had your dryer duct inspected

Things you can do between inspections to prevent a clogged dryer vent..

• Clean the lint screen after each cycle
• Vacuum the lint trap housing cavity once a month
• Clean behind and under the dryer
• Only run the dryer when you are home
• Inspect and fix and improper dryer ducting
• Do not dry clothes containing Volatile Organic Compounds. Some examples of VOC's are cooking oils, gasoline, cleaning agents, stains, etc.
• Have your dryer exhaust vents inspected and cleaned once a year 

Call SERVPRO of Upper East Side to schedule your dryer vent inspection and cleaning today. (917) 924-2260