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

Facts and Myths about Mold

8/6/2022 (Permalink)

Facts and Myths about Mold

Mold Myth #1:

There Should Be No Mold In My Home

Mold spores are present everywhere both indoors and outdoors. It's in the air we breathe and there is no way to completely eliminate it.

        Mold Myth #2:

Mold Serves No Purpose

Some molds are used in the production of cheese and in some medications, such as penicillin

        Mold Myth #3:

Mold Exposure Will Cause Health Effects

Not everyone is affected when exposed to mold, but mold does have the potential to cause health effects. Those most affected include anyone prone to respiratory problems and anyone who is immune compromised.

        Mold Myth #4:

Mold Is Always Visible

Just because you can't see mold, doesn't mean it isn't there. If you can smell a musty earth like odor, mold is likely present.

      Mold Myth #5:

Bleach Will Kill Mold

Bleach will kill live mold, but it will not kill mold spores.

      Mold Myth #6:

You Can Easily Identify The Type Of Mold Growing

There is between tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands different types of molds and fungi, way too many for you to able to identify a specific type.

      Mold Myth #7:

You Can Clean Up A Mold Problem Yourself

Even small areas infected by mold, require a professional mold removing service. 

Call SERVPRO of Upper East Side

When it comes to mold, you wisest and safest option is to call a certified mold inspector. Even if there appears to be a small amount of mold, a small amount can quickly spread into an infestation. Give yourself peace of mind and call to schedule a mold inspection - (917) 924-2260

4 Steps To Deal With The Aftermath of Water Damage

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

FIrst 4 immediate steps to take if you have Water Damage

 No homeowner wants to deal with a flood in their home, but having a plan of action in place will help take at least a little stress out of the situation.

If you ever experience a major water leak in your home, here are the steps to follow:

1.) Shut Off the Water Source

First and foremost, if you discover a major water leak in your home, you need to stop the flow of water. By doing this immediately, you may be able to prevent more damage from happening to your home. If you can easily identify the leak source and it has a shut off valve available, you may be able to simply turn off the water at that source.

2.) Contact Your Insurance Agent

After you have made sure no more water is getting in to the home, it’s time to call your insurance agent. There is a small chance you won’t want to file a claim for the damage, but that is highly unlikely. If your baseboards or walls have gotten wet, they need to be professionally dried out to prevent mold from growing in your walls, and that process can be thousands of dollars. You may want to describe what you are seeing to your agent and see if she recommends you start the claim process based on your deductible, but most times that answer is going to be a quick yes.

3.) Contact the Restoration Company

As soon as you get off the phone with your insurance agent, call the restoration company. If they are a good company, they should be able to get a team there within a couple hours to start removing water from the home. Mold can start growing very quickly.

4.)  Document the Damage

When the restoration company arrives, they will likely show up with big trucks with lots of hoses and industrial vacuums to remove the water from the tile floors. If you have carpet, they will likely start tearing it out. They will probably start tearing off baseboards and door frames, and depending on how much saturation the water was able to do, they could start removing pieces of drywall and even cabinets.

Toilet Overflow Water Damage Cleanup

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Toilet overflows are very common

Toilet overflows are a very common issue, but very few realize the hazards involved to themselves and their home if they attempt to handle the mess on their own. The water is contaminated and has the potential to make you and your family sick. It's important to act promptly to avoid further damage to your home and protect the health of your family. Very first step to take is to locate the shut off valve and turn it off to stop the flow of water and call SERVPRO of Upper East Side. 

We are water damage specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business. It's important to realize that it doesn't take a lot of water to cause extensive damage. A small amount of water can damage floor coverings, wood structures and walls and it doesn't take long for mold to set in and cause further damage. 

1. When we arrive we access the category of water quality, which will fall into one of three categories:

• Clean Water - sanitary and doesn't pose a threat to your health. This is typically the case from a broken water line.
• Grey Water - contaminated and can cause illness
• Black Water - the most dangerous. Includes raw sewage, bacteria, fungus, causing illness

2. We will access the degree of damage:

• only wood floors, linoleum and tile is affected
• water has damaged the whole bathroom and/or other areas of the home
• all areas, including, insulation, furniture, carpeting, flooring, have been saturated with overflowing water
• stone, concrete and hardwood are saturated

3. Move or block furniture to prevent further damage

4. Begin water removal process

5. Once water and all wet materials have been removed, we start the drying process using air movers and dehumidifiers

6. Throughly clean and sanitize the affected area

We take photos before, during and after and accurately access the extent of damage to form an estimate for your insurance company.

Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (917) 924-2260

Homeowners Insurance Only Covers Certain Types of Water Damage

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

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.

If you think you have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Upper East Side

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Signs of Mold

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• 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, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores 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 can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

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

Mold Is Everywhere

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Growth

Mold is a naturally occurring substance, and it is a form of fungus. Mold produces spores, which spread by floating around in the air. They are everywhere and can not be eliminated from indoor air. Mold spores are usually not a problem, unless they come in contact with moisture. Once in contact with moisture, they need food and oxygen to grow. Mold spores thrive where it is moist and warm, so when they land on something wet, they multiply and that is when mold becomes a problem. Unchecked, mold growth can cause severe damage to your home and business, as well as your belongings and worst of all, can cause health effects.

Mold can live and grow on any organic matter. Some examples of where mold can grow are, clothing, leather, paper, ceilings, floors, walls, showers, window sills and even glass. In some cases, mold growth may not be obvious. Area's that are often damp, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms and basements, are common areas for mold growth. Some signs that may indicate you have a mold problem are, water stains, discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings or if you notice bubbling or peeling paint. You may also notice a musty, moldy odor. 

If you suspect you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of Upper East Side, 917-924-2260. We are available 24 hours a day. Every team member of our crew has IICRC certifications as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians. This accreditation ensures the training and experience of each team member in addressing mold growth. 

APRIL SHOWERS COULD RESULT IN WATER DAMAGE

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Rainy day in New York City

Statistically speaking, April is not the rainiest month, but rainfall is more frequent in April. More rain increases the chance of water entering your home or business and causing damage. The most common and destructive type of water damage is most often rain related. Some of the more common ways rain can enter, is through cracks in basement walls, from around windows and doors or from a roof leak. Once moisture enters, mold is sure to follow if immediate action is not taken. It's very important to respond to these emergencies promptly, so we can increase the chances of restoring what has been damaged as opposed to replacing which can be costly. Our response team at SERVPRO of Upper East Side is available 24/7 to provide you with exceptional service. We will arrive fully prepared with our extraction and drying equipment and do all we can to make it "Like it never even happened."

Is There Water Damage in Your Manhattan High Rise?

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

What is the best way to restore a water damaged high rise? Call SERVPRO!

Protecting Your High-Rise Manhattan Apartment from Water Damages

Water loss incidents that can occur in the high rises lining the eastern side of Central Park in Manhattan and throughout the blocks beyond it can be incredibly damaging to the building. Regardless of the source of this incident, the effects can spread through joined walls to affect multiple units simultaneously, not to mention, spread throughout the entirety of the initially affected apartment. Addressing the effects of a water loss incident must occur quickly to prevent unnecessary demolition and reconstruction and to prevent the spread of these effects further through the building.

Water damage in your Manhattan high rise apartment can come in multiple layers, stretching far beyond exposure to the structural elements and construction materials. Understanding the full impact of water saturation and secondary effects that could occur can help to encourage property owners to respond to these emergencies quickly by reaching out to the 24/7 SERVPRO response team that remains prepared to handle the full spread of these effects. We approach these situations with advanced machines and tools and a roster of IICRC-certified Water Restoration and Applied Structural Drying Technicians.

One of the most pressing effects of water loss incidents is the saturation of construction materials and structural elements. The longer drywall, flooring, and other components can remain saturated, the more likely that they become irreparably damaged or unsalvageable when restoration work begins. Addressing these concerns begins with a thorough inspection of the affected elements by our SERVPRO estimator and management.

We can arrive with the full measure of our extraction and drying equipment, helping us to get started immediately on protecting and preserving the portions of your property that we can. We understand how quickly these effects can spread to neighboring units, so we work to install as many high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers as are necessary to completely prevent the spread of effects and begin efficiently removing moisture from structural components.

While there are multiple layers to the damage that water can do in your high-rise apartment, our SERVPRO of Upper East Side can help. Let us show you how we can make water loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (917) 924-2260.

Read more about things to see in Manhattan here.

Rugs with water damage.

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

White rug damaged from water in bedroom.

Usually when rugs get water damage, we try to take them to a professional carpet cleaner to fix the problem. In this customer's circumstance, they wanted us to dry the rug and see where to go from there.

This happens quite often and then we need to send out the rug. It can take some time, but if the damage isn't too bad then we can just handle it all on our end.

Time is of the essence. A water damage of my own actually destroyed my rug so badly that I didn't think it was worth trying to save it. Every circumstance is different. For me, it just didn't seem worth the time or money so I went and bought a new one. It's up to the customer to decide when it comes to personal items.

Protecting desks after water damage

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Desks covered after a water damage.

This office building had a water damage, that required a ton of time and we needed to remove parts of the ceilings. When we are doing that type of removal, we must protect the items that are in the area we are working in. If we can't remove everything in the area, such as these desks, then we make sure to cover them.

The protective covering keeps the desks okay, while we get our work done. None of the desks were affected, and we were able to uncover them after doing our work and they were intact. Business went right back to usual after we were done.

Did a water damage happen in your building? Give us a call! Our men can handle it all!