Basics of Smoke Behavior are Crucial During Fire Damage Restoration in Waterbury

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

With advanced equipment, SERVPRO restores property to pre-damaged conditions, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Offers Safe Fire Damage Cleanup Services in Waterbury

A successful fire damage restoration process requires one to have an understanding of how smoke particles behave. A better understanding of where to find the light and heaviest smoke residues is helpful when developing an efficient cleaning strategy. The goal is to clean surfaces and items using safe methods which do not cause additional damage.

When performing an inspection during smoke odor removal in your Waterbury property, our SERVPRO technicians check areas with the highest accumulation of residues. During combustion, a process known as convection transfers heat. Since hot air is denser than cold air, it carries the particles the farthest until it loses its temperature.

In most cases, smoke deposits accumulate in the following areas:

• On ceilings
• Upper sections of the walls
• On floors of the furthest rooms
• Behind furniture and cabinets
• Closets and closed drawers

The most challenging surfaces to clean are those exposed to high temperatures. They tend to open the pores of the materials and make the smoke particles penetrate deeper. Also, if the residues penetrate cracks, an odor problem may result that might be challenging to solve without the correct fire cleanup techniques.

When our SERVPRO technicians develop a fire damage cleaning strategy, we also look at the type of surface that needs cleaning. The methods we use to clean porous surfaces may differ from the ones we choose to clean non porous areas. If we attempt to clean porous materials using liquids, they might absorb liquids and form corrosive acids once they mix with the smoke particles. Before performing other procedures, it might be safe to perform vacuuming to remove the loose particles.

SERVPRO of Waterbury offers reliable fire damage cleanup solutions using advanced equipment and procedures. Call (203) 757-5050 during any day of the week and work with an experienced team to make your property "Like it never even happened."

Water Mitigation of Waterbury Homes Happens Fast with SERVPRO

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury today if you need help with professional water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Uses the Latest Technology for Water Mitigation of Waterbury Homes

The most immediate challenge for SERVPRO restorers during the water mitigation of your Waterbury home after a storm is the accumulated water. Stormwater is often unsanitary and contains a lot of debris and suspended material. If not removed promptly from your property, the accumulated water can keep attacking the structural components and become a breeding ground for microbial contamination. 

SERVPRO techs use some of the industry-leading water extractors to pump out stormwater during water mitigation of your Waterbury home. The goal is to remove all the standing water from your property as quickly as possible before beginning the drying process. 

Types of Extractors and Pumps we Use for Flood Restoration 

SERVPRO restorers use different extraction equipment to remove the standing water from your property. However, the types of pump used depend on several factors, including-

• The volume of water to be removed
• The horizontal distance through which water needs to be pumped
• The vertical distance through which water needs to be pumped

If a large amount of sediment or solids are present, SERVPRO techs use a piece of equipment called a Self-priming trash pump. The pump is designed to provide a strong suction force and allows solids as large as 3” to pass through, making them ideal for removing stormwater laden with sand or mud. 

However, when a significant lift is required, such as removing water from a basement, SERVPRO techs use high-pressure or submersible electric pumps. 

Diaphragm Pumps

Unlike most other pumps that extract water from your property, the diaphragm pump fluids down to near-zero water depth. Diaphragm pumps can handle air sucked in along with the fluid and do not lose their prime during operation. 

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050; We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Cleanup in Waterbury Happens Fast with SERVPRO

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away.

SERVPRO Saves Time and Money on Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage can happen for many reasons, such as burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or plumbing issues. Regardless of the cause, it can be destructive if water cleanup in your Waterbury home does not happen quickly. SERVPRO techs use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to restore your home to its preloss condition. 

The water cleanup in your Waterbury home begins with SERVPRO techs assessing the extent of the damage. We use moisture sensors, thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and thermos-hygrometers to detect the hidden moisture in the structural component to formulate the best restoration strategy.  

The Role of Air Filtration Devices (AFDs) in Water Restoration 

There is always a risk of microbial contamination after a water damage incident. Consequently, it is important to accelerate the drying while preventing contaminants, if present, from escaping to unaffected areas of the building. 

AFDs perform a dual function during the restoration of water-damaged properties- they move and filter the air at the same time. Most ADFs that SERVPRO techs use are fitted with HEPA filters that can trap airborne contamination particles and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the filter. SERVPRO techs can control the aerosolization of contaminants while maintaining high evaporation rates with the AFDs during the drying process. 

Drying Systems During Water Damage Repairs

SERVPRO techs use two types of drying systems when restoring water damage to Waterbury homes:

• Open system: In this system, the affected area is left open to the air, and dehumidifiers are used to remove excess moisture
• Closed system: This involves enclosing the affected area in a sealed chamber, where dehumidifiers and air movers control the humidity and circulate the air. A closed system is used if restorers suspect contamination.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050; our techs are available 24/7 to answer any question you might have.

Performing Mold Remediation in Waterbury Homes

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Waterbury is here for you.

SERVPRO Can Remediate Mold Damage from Wetrooms

Bathrooms are designed to withstand wet and moist conditions. However, built-in moisture resistance can weaken over time, leading to mold on window frames and in-between tiles. Unfortunately, these issues do not resolve themselves and usually require an inspection, assessment, and remediation procedure. Thankfully, SERVPRO is a licensed remediation service that can help to return bathrooms to their pre-damaged condition. 

Our services:

• Mold inspection
• Mold removal
• Mold Remediation

Common bathroom symptoms that require mold remediation in Waterbury are microbial infestations of grout or caulking. Caulking is the rubbery seal used between tub and wall or around faucets- the sealant between a toilet and the floor is caulking. Grout, on the other hand, is the spots in-between tiles. Both of these areas have frequent exposure to moisture and are highly porous, which molds love. These materials are not always moldy due to their finish, which creates a vapor barrier. Failure to maintain these finishes annually can lead to these materials becoming hotbeds for microbial activity.

If microbes appear on the grout, there is a chance that the infestation has spread to the backing board. These areas are inspected using a moisture sensor that can help technicians to detect whether the materials behind the tiling are wet. Usually, a damp backing board means dry rot and may require a bathroom remodel. In less difficult situations, surface molds can be scrubbed off using steel wool and scouring pads. Once the surface layers are removed, the remaining grout is treated with biocide, like bleach. Following the bleaching of the area and after sufficient drying time, new grout can be applied to return the bathroom to its former luster.

What to do if there is a moderate mold infestation in the bathroom:

• Remove the shower surrounds, tile backer, and, if necessary, the bathtub or shower unit.
• Clean and dry the framing using EPA-registered anti-microbial along with drying equipment.
• Assess and address the underlying moisture problem before replacing the unit with new grout and caulk.

A moisture problem in your bathroom could cause problems in other areas of the home. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury for mold remediation assistance at (203) 757-5050.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration Services in Waterbury

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050.

Need Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

Water leaks can cause a great deal of damage requiring restoration of the structure and the contents in commercial buildings in Waterbury. Your customer’s goods may be impacted, leading to late deliveries. Raw materials are damaged and must be discarded and replaced. You may have to lay off employees temporarily until everything is restored to its original condition. The longer it takes to make repairs and complete restoration, the large the impact on the bottom line.

SERVPRO understands that commercial water damage restoration in Waterbury is a high priority for our customers. That’s why we are available 24/7 and can be onsite to assess the damage, develop a plan and begin cleanup in less than four hours from your call to us. We focus on removing water from your premises and drying the contents and structure to minimize the damage caused by water and moisture. We use high-capacity water extraction equipment, dehumidifiers, and air movers.

We also work closely with clients to develop innovative solutions to help maintain temporary business operations while the restoration is underway. While every situation is different, solutions such as installing vapor barriers to isolate undamaged spaces from those affected by the water allow operations to continue at reduced levels. Another is to establish holding areas for cleaned and dried contents until we can return them to the restored building. We can arrange storage facilities to hold materials and contents until the restoration is completed.

SERVPRO offers our commercial customers the following services:

• Water clean up
• Water removal services
• Emergency services caused by water damage

We also supervise a complete range of restoration services to save our customers time and reduce costs. Quickly returning to normal operations maintains continuity for your customers, suppliers, and employees.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury for water damage restoration services. We provide service to Waterbury and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (203) 757-5050.

Safe, Effective Fire Damage Assistance in Waterbury

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

For any type of fire damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help.

Waterbury Residents Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

Fire remains one of the more destructive elements of any structure. Whenever you have a fire that emerges in your Waterbury property, it can burn through many materials in a short time. In addition to charred debris, pungent smoke particles travel through the building and infiltrate rooms unaffected by direct heat or flames. Calling highly-trained fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) from SERVPRO gets the results you deserve so you can make your family home “Like it never even happened.”

Professional site clearing and debris removal are essential when handling fire damage in Waterbury. SERVPRO technicians have been through IICRC certification and know best practices for adjusting to all fire-related cleanup calls. 

• Our crew wears personal protective equipment (PPE), including coveralls, boots, gloves, respirators, and goggles. 
• We use foot coverings when moving from the fire zone into unaffected areas of your home to limit the tracking of soils and soot.
• Containment barriers get set up to keep odorous particulates and possibly hazardous molecules from traveling. 
• All charred, unsalvageable debris is carefully handled and safely disposed of.

Detailed Contents Cleaning With SERVPRO

We work to restore rather than replace, so if we can salvage your building materials, furnishings, and personal contents – we will. Sometimes, we may pack up and move out particular contents for specialized off-site cleaning at our facilities. Linens and drapery will call for specialty care, and we have trusted vendors in the area to assist. All items salvaged and cleaned get labeled and logged, then put back into their rightful places in your home once restoration is complete.

Our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) also work diligently with ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers, specialized deodorants, and other equipment to eliminate pungent smoke odors rather than masking them. All surfaces get thoroughly cleaned and sanitized so that your family can return without lingering reminders of the fire that took place.

Don’t let the burdens of fire damage cause undue stress. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050, and we can send our Green Fleet and crew out for assessment and cleanup as soon as possible.

Selling a Waterbury Home Is Easier with a Deep Clean

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

Our Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned program gives your home a way forward by providing you ongoing safety and assuredness.

SERVPRO Experts Help Make Waterbury Homes Shine

Bringing a house to market can be one of the more stressful objectives of a lifetime, meeting dozens of expectations for potential buyers and consistently working to put your home's best foot forward. There are dozens of factors that impact this success, including a thorough cleaning of the property to ensure curb appeal and an attractive interior.

Cleaning is ultimately one of the most critical factors when persuading potential buyers. Proper cleaning can help sellers move their properties faster when the job is done correctly. This is why SERVPRO has a specific branch of restoration services dedicated explicitly to pre-sale cleaning and all the actions that fit under this heading.

Several considerations make pre-sale cleaning a wise investment. SERVPRO can ensure that our thorough deep cleaning solutions in Waterbury improve your turnaround time for a house's sale and help you get the maximum purchase offers from interested parties. A tidy and intricately cleaned property makes a vital first impression without saying a word.

Because buyers have high expectations for your home, professional cleaning is critical. We have trusted and experienced SERVPRO professionals for many of the services your property might need to get it ready for the market. We partner with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) for any repairs or build-back services a home inspection might discover you need.

A Quality Clean Improves Sale Times 

Choosing professional pre-sale cleaning from teams like SERVPRO ensure that you are increasing the value of the house on the market and encouraging interested parties to submit competitive offers. This thorough residence improvement has been proven through surveys to expedite the sale of homes and improve the final purchase amount.

Your Waterbury property on the market only gets one chance to make a first impression, so whether that is the first time a possible buyer enters the house or through images they look at on the internet, you want to ensure the most attractive imagery is available. In this initial effort, you create a scenario where the buyer already knows they desire your property before negotiations start.

What Does Pre-Sale Cleaning Entail? 

Ideally, the cleaning process ahead of listing your home on the market optimizes the attention of prospective buyers. Luxury home purchasers are willing to spend a higher rate to ensure they do not have competition in affording your house. Pre-cleaning goes far beyond the traditional surface cleaning that homeowners can do. It is a targeted, direct, and intricate process to improve appearance and value.

What does pre-sale cleaning even mean? Understanding some of its essential components and focuses can show how this service goes beyond the capabilities of the everyday homeowner. Some of these include:

• Surfaces – SERVPRO can work to make your home more attractive overall to interested parties by removing dust, dirt, and staining from wall and ceiling surfaces. Smoking stains, for example, can mar several surfaces and require nicotine discoloration removal. We concentrate on all materials throughout the house with focused cleaning, spanning actions like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and others.
• Decluttering – While some might consider clutter to look 'lived-in,' this is rarely the appearance a possible buyer is looking for when looking for a new home. You can begin decluttering yourself by downsizing what you no longer need and packing unused items to an off-site location to stage the house appropriately.
• Cleaning the Kitchen – This is an action-filled area of the house you can expect potential buyers to pay careful attention to. All surfaces must be cleaned, including cupboards and cabinets. SERVPRO can deodorize set-in cooking smells in the kitchen and help to bring out the best appearance to fixtures like the sink, lights, faucets, countertops, and appliances.
• Bathroom Cleanup - many buyers use the condition of a bathroom to gauge the health and well-being of the house overall. Your direct actions to help keep this space as clean as possible make a difference in the impression a buyer might receive. You must declutter this room from extra soaps, toothbrushes, and other accessories. Attention to detail will be critical, especially in removing embedded grime in shower tiling and even needed deodorization of the space.
• Cleaning the Bedroom – Our technicians will clean carpets, and drapes can be vacuumed and surface cleaned to provide the best appearance. Walls and fixtures throughout the bedroom will be cleaned and wiped down, especially focus-grabbing pieces in the room, like mirrors and windows. Vents and connected elements of the HVAC system can be inspected and cleaned for any buildup and dust. The bedroom will have several small areas requiring direct attention to detail, including sills, blinds, and installed flooring. Deodorization will also be an essential part of grooming in these rooms, at least a masking agent to leave a pleasant aroma in these spaces.
• Living Room Improvements – SERVPRO professionals will pay special attention to the living room area. This is often a convening point for potential buyers to discuss their thoughts on the property and the initial entry area upon visiting the house. The front door and the first peek inside the home generate critical first impressions.

Bonnet carpet cleaning improves the color and feel of even older installed carpets, and thorough surface cleaning can make the space appear freshly repainted and renovated. It will be necessary for the crew to take the time to thoroughly dust all surfaces, especially shelving and furniture that has not changed positions in more than a year. Decluttering is also a giant step in improving the living room's look, as it allows new families to imagine their furniture and possessions in these high-traffic areas.

• Additional Interior Cleaning – The outside of the home might have been enough to attract potential buyers to want to see more, but you need to impress them with all the spaces inside the house as well. While some key areas have gotten addressed, technicians like ours will pay special attention to the condition of sills, ceiling fixtures, appliances, the HVAC and furnace system, and any needed cleanup or restoration for spaces like the basement or attic. This additional recovery is particularly valuable if you feel the area can get marketed as a potential other living or entertainment space with a finishing project.
• Cleaning Up Outside – One of the most important aspects of any home sale is curb appeal. The exterior appearance of your residence is a selling point to a buyer wanting to see more of the house. Exterior restoration is a specialty of our SERVPRO professionals; from power washing the siding to cleaning up windows and gutter systems, this first impression matters the most. Our technicians help you declutter the outside of your home as well, discarding any rubbish and improving the attractiveness of detached buildings on the grounds like sheds, guest houses, and garages.
• Improving the Walkway and Entrance – from the time potential buyers first enter the property, you need this walkway to act as a red carpet leading them towards their future. The lawn should be manicured, and the doors and frames should be cleaned and bright. Our team should thoroughly clean the siding and windows. Restoration professionals can also help remove set-in dirt and grime on concrete pathways.

With your property's meticulous and thoughtful cleaning before you advertise on the market, you can have a much easier time selling the home at the price you want. Professional pre-cleaning services like our SERVPRO of Waterbury professionals provide a small investment in both increasing the market value of your property and turning the structure around faster. Give our experienced experts a call today to help at (203) 757-5050.

Preparing Your Property for Hurricanes and Flooding

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage after a hurricane can be extensive. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for flooding restoration services.

Hurricanes generate heavy downpours and high wind that wreak havoc in certain areas and often lead to intense flooding. You must know your flood risk should you live in a hurricane-prone region, allowing you to take the necessary steps to prepare should one strike. Knowing flood hazards and what to do before, during, and after a hurricane will be highly beneficial for any property owner.

Did you know? According to FEMA, even a single inch of water could lead to a homeowner experiencing approximately $25,000 in losses. 

Protecting your Home and Family from Flooding 

Regardless of living in a low or high-risk area, having the right insurance coverage and boosting your home’s structural integrity could save you thousands in flood damage repair costs. Several necessary steps to consider will lower your risk and help you protect your family and home should a hurricane flood occur:

• Know Your Risk Level – Many homeowners may not realize that densely populated areas are as high a risk as communities settled near waterways and dams. Knowing your property’s risk level makes it easier to identify ways to keep your home safe. FEMA has a handy flood map tool that lays out color-coded zones to tell you the likelihood of flooding in your area.
• Have Proper Insurance Coverage – Do you have flood insurance for your property? The right coverage will cover damage directly caused by flooding, minus the noted deductible. Remember that most renter and homeowner policies will not include flood insurance. Therefore, you may need to purchase your own flood insurance coverage with the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP. 
• Protect Your Home from Flooding – The more measures in place to protect your home and outbuildings, the better. Ensure the water flows away from your home and consistently clean your drains and gutters. FEMA’s website also includes handy information for keeping your home and belongings safe in the event of a flood.
• Remain Safe During and After Flooding – Preventing harm to your family and minimizing property damage comes with proper preparation. Listen to weather reports and local radio during a flood, making sure to evacuate if suggested. Whenever a flash flood warning comes out, immediately get to higher ground. After a flood, always be cautious of electrical outlets and plugs, and avoid traveling in the water. Floodwater is known for harboring contamination like oil, sewage, and dangerous debris.

Education and Preparation are Vital

The more you know about preparing your family and property if a hurricane strikes that leads to flooding, the better. In addition to cleaning your drains, downspouts, and gutters, you can also take steps to prep your property by:

• Installing water alarms or a sump pump
• Make digital backups of important documents and store originals in a secure spot
• Devise an evacuation plan for your family to include possible safe routes and shelter locations
• Put together an emergency kit you can bring with you during an evacuation (food, water, batteries, handheld radio, flashlight, etc.)

How do I Handle Water Damage to my Property After a Flood?

Once your family and any pets are safe, contact the skilled technicians at SERVPRO to handle water removal services and structural safety. We have disaster response teams in the area to help homeowners in emergency flooding situations. We arrive fast and begin assessments as soon as possible to limit the loss and get your property back to pre-flood condition. 

• Containment measures get put into place, and water extraction begins.
• We sort contents and determine salvageability of materials, disposing of debris according to local guidelines.
• In extreme demolition and reconstruction situations, we proudly partner with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Hurricane flooding and water damage are no match for our IICRC-certified team at SERVPRO of Waterbury. Call us at (203) 757-5050 to mobilize a crew to your door for emergency cleanup and restoration. 

Removing Floodwater From Your Cheshire Home

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

We have powerful tools and effective strategies to protect your property and make these flood effects “Like it never even happened.”

Clearing Out Flood Water from Cheshire Crawlspace

The crawlspace of your Cheshire home serves a vital purpose in the protection of your residence. It is a central location for utility shut-offs and valves. Because many homes have foregone the construction of full basement levels for a more cost-effective crawlspace, the threats that exist with floodwater penetration do not lessen with the design change. Instead, for flood impacts in this limited space beneath your first floor, our SERVPRO professionals must get creative with our state-of-the-art equipment.

Working in confined spaces like a crawl space requires deliberate actions and efficient approaches to limit further flood damage to Cheshire homes. Our technicians can help in several ways, including removing the floodwater beneath the house and protecting the property against similar recurrences. Because we have a standing relationship with the reputable Connecticut Reconstruction Services, we can offer a full-scale approach to removing flood effects and addressing these threats moving forward. To finalize the service, installing a sump pump and encapsulating the earthen surface and timbers can mitigate future flooding. Improved indoor air quality and protection of infrastructure utilities are added benefits to this one-time investment.

While our professionals can access multiple extraction tools and machines, few are highly effective in confined spaces. High-pressure pumps and electric sump pumps provide the most immediate and continuous removal of floodwater when solids are not present. If debris is present or suspected, we must set up less portable equipment like our gas-powered trash pumps. These removal tools have larger intake and discharge lines – allowing for continued suction and prime on the line despite solids.

Protecting the flooring and supports of your first floor is critical. Materials like the OSB board can quickly absorb moisture and become overly damaged with exposure to floodwater. With the area extracted, we can utilize practical drying approaches like centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers. Spraying exposed or damp surfaces with antimicrobial agents and sporicides can help to eliminate bacteria and mold spores that might exist on these surfaces to prevent other hazards.

Because of the confined space, the crawlspace beneath the first floor of your home presents unique challenges for our SERVPRO of Waterbury team after a flood. We have powerful tools and effective strategies to protect your property and make these flood effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (203) 757-5050.

Proven Tips for Cheshire Water Damage Remediation

8/14/2022 (Permalink)

Has a broken pipe leaked water throughout your home? Contact SERVPRO immediately for effective water removal and drying services.

Monitoring the Drying Process Guides Us During Water Cleanup Jobs in Cheshire

After we receive a call about a property in Cheshire with a broken pipe or other situation with water out of place, we arrive ready to not only remove the water and clean up the area but also to monitor the entire situation to its conclusion. Our equipment includes high-tech detection devices that make it possible to restore our customers' property completely.

Residents with water cleanup needs in Cheshire might also have problems because of basement drains that back up, flooding, or an overflowing appliance. When water comes from a dirty source, or if it sits too long and deteriorates to a Category 2 or 3, we also use highly effective disinfectant agents. 

We reserve these more powerful chemicals for jobs that require it because overuse can lead to pathogens building a tolerance against them. Responsible use of disinfectants and other cleaning agents is highly important to all of us at SERVPRO. Whenever possible, clearing away soiled areas with water and manual labor keeps costs low and has a decreased effect on the environment.

Often, rinsing with hoses under concentrated pressure removes enough foreign matter that we can then use sponges and squeegees to wipe surfaces down. After this, applying disinfectant again eliminates any leftover microbes. We want to reduce your family's risk of experiencing unwanted health effects as much as possible. 

Restoring carpeting that got damaged in a flood or other Category 3 event cannot adequately remove all microbes and make it safe again. Replacement options include new carpet and padding, tile flooring, wooden varieties, and linoleum. In bathrooms and kitchens, we generally recommend non-carpet or wood choices. Tile and linoleum can withstand exposure to water better than the other two and cost less if a disaster were ever to happen again.

While SERVPRO experts clean up and dry out your home and any affected belongings, we also keep a log of the progress. Doing this helps us know when we must make adjustments. While our experience and training help us determine the best angles and locations to position our drying equipment, variations in a home's structure and air movement can affect our machines' efficiency. Drying things out to normal moisture content percentages is a crucial part of cleanup because microbes require excess moisture to carry out their life cycle. A dry environment prevents hospitable conditions for microscopic life from existing and is crucial to maintaining a healthy environment.

After monitoring shows that our cleanup and drying work succeeded, our building department's crew can paint where needed and install new flooring and other materials. This additional work helps make your house “Like it never even happened.” again.

SERVPRO of Waterbury also serves Prospect and Wolcott, as well as the area around Honeypot Glen. Call us at (203) 757-5050, so we can help with water cleanup, drying out, and restoring your property.

SERVPRO Offers Advice to Prevent and Restoration After Fire Damaging Events in the Danbury Area

8/14/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure to help prevent any fires in your home by staying vigilant. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 if your home faced a fire and resulting fire damage.

Dryer Vent + Bird Nest = Fire Damage in Danbury

Did you know dryer fires accounted for an average of $222 million in property fire damage claims every year according to a statement released by Consumer Reports? The worst part of this type of fire loss is that regular maintenance of the vents, exhaust hose, and lint trap reduces the chances of this type of fire.

When handling the cleanup of fire damage in Danbury homes from a dryer fire, SERVPRO technicians also work to find the cause. In some cases, the culprit is a bird that used a dryer vent as a place to build a nest. This happens because the lack of airflow causes overheating, and the highly flammable lint in the hose and vent port ignite easily.

Degraded Performance is a Signal

Aside from the danger of fire, with the vent blocked, many problems using the dryer arise and there are the early warning signs there is an issue with the airflow that include: clothes take progressively longer to dry, clothes seem hotter than usual upon removal, and when it takes more than one cycle to dry a load of laundry, it increases the electricity cost not to mention the danger of fire.

Fire Damage Clean Up

SERVPRO technicians use their professional-grade solutions to clean up the smoke residue off walls and surfaces. Removal of charred items around the dryer and the appliance itself happens so they can apply odor control methods as needed in preparation for the installation of a new dryer.

 Diagnose the Issue and Repair the Vent

The SERVPRO technicians perform the removal of any blockages in the vent such as a bird nest and suggest effective solutions like the installation of grates over the flaps to ensure birds, insects, and other pests cannot block the outflow of air when the dryer is in use. Cleaning the lint trap after use is not enough; regular inspection of the exhaust hose and vents is a good idea and helps prevent dryer fires in the future. We have advanced vacuuming equipment to suction out debris from the dryer venting system. Our powered whisks and brushes can ream out and clear these conduits venting hot air to the exterior to help prevent potential combustion.

When fire damage happens due to a dryer, contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. The certified technicians arrive quickly and make the fire loss "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage Can Begin from Inside Your Waterbury Waiting Room

8/14/2022 (Permalink)

Office aquariums help calm the dental patients in your practice. Should your face a leak or flood, team SERVPRO is standing by.

Keep Flood Damage from Ruining Your Practice

To help patients relax, many doctors in Waterbury have chosen to include an aquarium in their waiting rooms. The therapeutic and calming effects of fish and other aquatic animals can last a while, making examinations less nerve-racking for patients. However, aquariums require substantial care, or circumstances similar to flood damage can result.

Fortunately, SERVPRO’s B2B services in Waterbury include flood damage cleanup, restoration, and mitigation. We know disasters happen in all sizes and in some of the most unexpected ways. A little fishy water can turn your neat and clean waiting area into a messy disaster everyone wants to avoid.

It might look like a simple, straightforward job to clean up such a mess, but there are different components of this type of flood damage that you should consider. It would help if you looked at 

• The organic compounds involved in an aquarium,
• Any chemicals used in the aquarium, and 
• Various pieces of debris.

Organic compounds include fish that have died and settled to the bottom, unfiltered waste, and any uneaten food. Chemicals include water treatments, medications (bacterial and fungal), salts, antiparasitics, and many other chemicals dissolved in the water.

When SERVPRO encounters a situation like this, we remove the largest things and work down to the smallest. We quickly remove any solids and begin working on removing the water. Our teams address every aspect of this situation, down to the odor-producing particles now saturating your carpeting.

Organic sources quickly produce odors that can become offensive to most individuals, so our odor control IICRC-certified technician can take care of this for you. Sometimes, it takes two or three treatments to control odor fully. Doing this is much more healthy and more cost-effective than using air fresheners and sprays that are supposed to mask foul odors.

Let us help you keep your patients happy. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 for this or any other disaster, 24/7, year-round.

Ultimate Solution to Commercial Flood Damage in Waterbury

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

When the basement of your commercial space is flooded, structural damage can quickly develop. Call SERVPRO to assess and remediate the damage.

How Emergency Services Keep a Flooded Waterbury Restaurant Open

Storms that impact Waterbury buildings, many surviving years of continued abuses from nature with their original brick construction, can leave your business vulnerable to penetrating water. When debris or hail breaks through the roofing material to create a breach, runoff and collecting water on the flat rooftop can find its way into this opening and down to the main floor with your restaurant. To keep your business going at this point, your response is critical.

Invading water can find the most natural path to the main floor of the building, meaning that resolving flood damage to Waterbury restaurants involves several actions from our SERVPRO professionals dispatched to your address. Notifying professional restorers like ours of the situation as quickly as possible can help to establish containment barriers at the penetration points to reduce the migration of flooding throughout the restaurant.

Even if the penetration point has developed above a portion of the dining area or the food prepping stations, our barriers and emergency services can reduce water intrusion to allow your business to stay open and serve customers throughout the rest of the shift. Once you have closed up for the night, we can focus on the louder and more direct mitigation tasks like full-on extraction and structural drying techniques.

Because you do not want to risk contamination of the food you are making when demolition and reconstruction occur, we can work with you to establish a reasonable timeline for both the restoration process and the reconstruction process with an industry partner Connecticut Reconstruction Services. Between mitigation and the transition into the rebuilding that the property needs after the storm damage, we can get your doors back open quickly after a flood loss.

Our fast response in a flooding situation can help your restaurant to continue serving customers and, depending on the situation and what your building needs, possibly continue doing so during restoration. It is our business to get you back in business, and you can trust our SERVPRO of Waterbury team to do it. Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Revealed: Flood Damage Remediation Success in Cheshire

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can quickly overtake your home. Head for higher ground and then call SERVPRO for water removal and remediation efforts.

Ways Flood Damage Impacts Your Cheshire Home

Cheshire residents are no strangers to the potential of flooding. Streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes cover Connecticut’s landscape. When a big storm hits, these previously small bodies of water often turn into torrential flooding causing great danger to the homes and buildings in the area. Nor’easters in the winter or snow melting in the spring bring unpredictability to Connecticut’s waterways.

Should your Waterbury home have flood damage, you must take quick action to mitigate extensive damage. Floodwaters recede, but the sludge they leave behind does not. Floodwater is always considered black water because of contamination with bacteria, dirt, viruses, and other organisms. The professionals at SERVPRO understand what to do when flood damage hits your home. “Like it never even happened.”

Carpets soaked by the floodwater are typically discarded. Carpets cannot be cleaned adequately or restored; they usually must be replaced. If there are valuable furnishings or electrical cords near the moisture, it is essential to relocate the items to a safe, dry place. Damaged items must be carefully cleaned, sanitized, deodorized, or replaced in the worst-case scenario.

Next, SERVPRO-trained technicians make “flood cuts” on the drywall. These cuts help eliminate a lot of the dampness and help prevent rapid mold infestations. Technicians carefully remove damaged drywall, usually several inches above the waterline. If technicians were to make less of a cut, they risk water seeping up into the walls and causing long-term damage. The flood cut exposes the wall cavity so air can circulate through and dry faster. It also eliminates the wet material, facilitating drying of the home.

Drying the home and contents and removing moisture from the air is critical to flood damage restoration. Air movers create circulation that directs warm air and ventilates the exposed damp wallboards. Dehumidifiers further help by removing water vapor from the air.

SERVPRO of Waterbury is available to assist you 24/7. We understand that damage does not always occur during business hours. We also provide prompt service in your time of need. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. (203) 757-5050.

Why SERVPRO Performs Mold Remediation for Homeowners in Waterbury

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Let our fast response team eliminate further mold growth due to water damage.

Does Your Home Need Mold Remediation by SERVPRO?

Some homeowners in Waterbury need mold remediation services. Here is how you can know if you need to call SERVPRO’s experts. One way to determine this is by the amount of mold you find. Here are two other aspects you need to consider before attempting to take care of the fungi on your own.

Any areas in your Waterbury home need mold remediation if they are more significant than ten (10) square feet in size on the surface that the mold is infesting. When a mold colony has grown to this size, it is often ready to send out spores. SERVPRO arrives at your home with the specialized equipment needed to minimize and control contamination by spores. 

Here are some other things homeowners should consider when considering mold remediation for their residence:

• Find mold inside a closet or other small and enclosed area
• Have places with ongoing dampness, as this increases the risk of new infestations developing
• If many items show signs of mold infestation

We can perform remediation that incorporates a process similar to sandblasting but without the sand. Instead, we use much cleaner and more efficient dry ice pellets to kill and remove mold and spores from surfaces. We can also use the same containment devices constructed for this when we spray with Concrobium, a powerful microbial deterrent.

If the area infested with mold registers as having elevated moisture, our construction team can get this corrected for you. Dryer homes tend to have fewer infestations of microbes.

Our remediation team can construct individual chambers for cleaning personal belongings. For items we can immerse in water, we can use our ultrasonic cleaning machine, which provides unexpectedly good results for many customers.

When your home needs help, SERVPRO of Waterbury is ready for 24-hour service year-round. (203) 757-5050.

The SERVPRO Short Answer to Waterbury DIY'ers for Fire Loss Cleanup Is--DON'T--Call Us!

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Get SERVPRO for Matchless Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Waterbury

Should You Clean Fire Damage in Waterbury Homes on Your Own?

Fire losses can be one of the most destructive forces to Waterbury homes, especially when property owners are unclear of the best approach to navigate returning the house to pre-damaged condition. As rife with detrimental effects as a structure is, even after a minor loss incident, time is of the essence to get the situation resolved. As tempting as it might be to pursue cleaning and recovery efforts on your own, many owners must question their ability to handle the workload and pressing timeline to restore their home entirely.

Restoring fire damage to Waterbury homes begins with first appreciating how widespread and severe these damages have become since the fire got extinguished. With situations like soot and smoke effects, these conditions can worsen continually until the appropriate preventative actions and cleanup occur. To avoid choosing our certified SERVPRO team is your decision, but we want to make sure that you are making the safest and best choice for your property by addressing specific effects in the correct order, with the ideal equipment, and with effective cleaning products.

Because every fire loss scenario is different, our SERVPRO team must follow a loose outline to guide mitigation and recovery efforts from when our technicians first arrive at an address. If the firefighters used a significant amount of water to put out the blaze, call us immediately for extraction, drying, and restoration. As a self-driven DIY restorer, you should consider the mid and long-term negative impacts of a less than complete restoration.

-   Inspect the property and assess the damage as best (and as safely) as possible.

-   Identify a need for temporary construction solutions like board-up and roof tarping.

-   Determine the presence of more pressing concerns like water and mold damages that must get addressed first.

-   Cleaning all surfaces of smoke residues and soot.

-   General cleaning, debris removal, deodorization, and air filtering.

-   Restoration work that remains.

This breakdown can give you a loose idea of the steps even our talented SERVPRO of Waterbury fire restoration specialists take in a damaged home or business. If you need assistance or want to leave recovery to our technicians, you can call us anytime at (203) 757-5050 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Flood Damage in Waterbury Requires Special Attention

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water take control of your property. Call SERVPRO today!

SERVPRO Efficiently Tackles Storm Flood Damage in Waterbury 

A storm can be a sudden phenomenon that leaves unfathomable damage to your house. It requires immediate action, lest the structural damage will elevate to levels that force extreme or full reconstructions of parts or all of your building, leaving a huge dent in your finances.

Storm flood damage in Waterbury homes can cause cosmetic, structural, electrical, or mold damage. You need a cost-friendly restoration company like SERVPRO with effectiveness as its core principle to get ahead of the situation. Our methods of locating areas of high moisture concentrations are non-invasive. We can use non-penetrative moisture meters to check for moisture in materials like plaster and drywall, which is essential to reduce surface damage. Some moisture meters can read fairly deep into materials without causing surface damage. 

We can complete the restoration without having to take apart structures and items not affected by the flood damage. SERVPRO technicians have a rich experience and an in-depth understanding of water damage assessment and creating solutions shaped to your custom situation. We arrive at damaged properties on time, always prepared to quickly get the work done. Some of the reasons we have grown to such levels of popularity are:

• We are a trusted company that has earned the complete trust of insurance professionals, homeowners, and property managers.
• We use a range of high-quality, modern equipment like water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers, all working in sync for effective drying of your house.
• We also have an open communication platform that keeps you and your insurer involved in what is taking place, what to expect, and the steps to take.
• We clean the affected property thoroughly as if it were ours. SERVPRO dries all items professionally and respectfully.

Where mold has already established a colony, our SERVPRO technicians can use HEPA vacuums to remove the mold and clean all the affected materials. We can also use antimicrobial agents to remove any microbes to ensure your house is safe for you and your family.

Letting floodwater stand on your house for extended periods condemns it to damnation. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 for repairs. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Here is The Ultimate Method To Water Damage Remediation in Your Waterbury Residence

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration can be a lengthy process. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Managing Different Aspects of Water Damage in Your Waterbury Home

When a water pipe bursts in the ceiling or other elevated location within your Waterbury home, it can lead to significant losses. In many cases, inaction or taking the wrong actions exacerbate the problem. Hiring a professional restoration company should ease the burden because of the advanced training and experience to ensure corrective steps are taken expeditiously. 

Water damage in your Waterbury home can manifest in different ways depending on several factors. For instantaneous incidences, the ceiling panels may sag, or bubbles might appear. In slow leaks, the paint can darken, forming large patches. These issues manifest because the absorbed water causes expansion, which weakens the natural bonds in the material. Chemical reactions can also happen, interfering with the structural integrity of the material. For example, wet rot occurs readily in timber and derivative products if the absorbed water pushes moisture content over 30%. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect the loss site to establish the broader implications of the visible signs. 

If the water pooling in the ceiling drips to the contents, it transfers dust and other debris it collects to them, necessitating content cleaning as part of damage restoration. Some contents like upholstery present challenges when cleaning because immersing or spraying them with high-pressure water can worsen the damage. Our SERVPRO technicians help with general as well as specialized content cleaning tasks. We even have specialty Upholstery Cleaning Machines with wash and rinse features, and better agitation than handwashing, for effective removal of soils and debris. 

Water loss incidents leave varying types of physical damage to the structure. They can affect surface finishes, drywall, or even floor materials such as carpets. Restoration may require controlled demolition to remove the affected materials for replacement. Our SERVPRO technicians use moisture sensors with probes to check the level of wetness in different materials, determining what to remove and what to restore through drying. 

Seeking help from a professional can help you manage water loss situations in your Cheshire, Prospect, or Wolcott property better. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 to help you. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Can Locate Hidden Water Damage in Waterbury Retail Spaces

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water can damage your retail store and inventory. SERVPRO has the know how to dry and restore your business quickly.

Discovery of Hidden Water Damage in Your Waterbury Retail Space 

Whether you sell your wares in a space in a modern mall or out of a historical property in Waterbury, your business longevity might have more to do than you realize with persistent but unnoticed water losses in your building that could predate your occupancy. A remodeling project or search for the source of that unpleasant smell you worry might turn customers away can reveal months or even years of water incursion you had no idea existed. 

Work with a Full-Spectrum Disaster Response Firm 

The experience and training we bring to the water damage your Waterbury commercial property suffered are second to none. Because of our extensive water mitigation and remediation background, we are uniquely qualified to get to the ultimate source of your water loss woes. Our work over the years in everything from 100-plus-year-old structures to 21st-century modular construction means we know water and its endless migration pathways.  

Experience Supported by State-of-the-Art Detection Tools 

When we arrive to scope out your water damage, we rely not only on our knowledge but also on sensitive water and moisture detection tools. Thermal imaging permits us to use temperature variants to locate collected fluids. Moisture detectors and meters alert us to the presence and quantity of absorbed water in a porous material. Once we sketch out the perimeter of the water intrusion, we often can contain that space allowing you to continue offering goods and services in unaffected areas on your premises. 

Mitigate the Damage 

SERVPRO uses barriers and targeted extraction to limit the additional spread of water. To prevent the drift of debris, residues, and odors out of the project workspace, we often use 6 mil polyethylene and negative pressure air scrubbing technology to seal off the partitioned area. Aggressive pumping and extraction are the keys to fast and permanent water restoration. If needed, we employ carefully considered partial demolition techniques to release water and open up the wet cavities for efficient drying strategies. 

Rebuilding Services  

Our contracting division steps up to rehab, replace, and repair water-damaged materials. Demolition rebuilding also need not be subcontracted, saving you stress, time, and money. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury is a one-stop resource for businesses struggling to recover from water damage. Give us a call at (203) 757-5050 to explore your options.

We Act Fast In Waterbury After A Fire Disaster

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

A kitchen fire started in a microwave oven and we used our specialty cleaning products to begin restoration right away.

When Your Waterbury Home Needs Reconstruction After a Fire

Fires can be a destructive force in your Waterbury home and allow for substantial structural damages that cannot get easily repaired and restored. In many scenarios following house fires, construction materials like drywall, flooring, ceiling tile, trim, and more can combust and begin to fall apart. Resolving the knowledge that reconstruction is sometimes the only feasible recovery option left for highly damaged areas can get your property on this path as promptly as possible.

Our SERVPRO team can work to limit your losses by responding to both fire damage and building back for Waterbury homes quickly. We know that longer waits often mean higher losses, and that is why our technicians can mobilize right away to reach your residence, often within hours of your initial contact. As with any fire loss, there is a waiting period where the responding fire department still has control of the extinguishment process and has not relinquished the property back to the owners.

Controlled demolition is a common element of fire damage recovery. Many of the construction materials in the path of the spreading fire have become irreparably damaged. Removal opens up the area for more focused cleaning, deodorization, and repairs of places that are less severely impacted by the blaze. Debris removal and selective demolition processes can also pave the way and prepare the home for the rebuilding phase to follow mitigation by our SERVPRO technicians.

For the reconstruction of a fire-damaged home to complete the restoration, our professionals relinquish control of the job site to the competent contractors of Connecticut Reconstruction Services. CRS contractors can follow right behind our preparation work to seamlessly transition into the final stages of recovery for the customer.

Between cleaning, debris removal, soot removal, air quality concerns, and lingering odors, there are many elements of recovery that our SERVPRO of Waterbury team must address after a structure fire. When reconstruction is necessary, we can help prepare your home for this build back to ensure that it goes as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Give us a call at (203) 757-5050.

Planning Is Vital When Dealing With A Water Damage Issue In Cheshire

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

When a burst pipe brings inches of water into your home, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO for effective water removal and remediation efforts.

Planning Can Expedite Water Removal from Your Cheshire Home

A burst plumbing line can dump inches of water into your house within a short interval. After the initial response to the emergency, such as turning off the mains or fixing the leak, it is crucial to make proper water removal plans to ensure faster resolution of the problem, reduce damages and prevent future problems.

Scoping the Loss Site

Before you start water removal from your Cheshire home, you should scope all affected areas to establish any challenges that might arise later on. Although water may spread uniformly across the house, differences in the types of materials found in different parts of the house can lead to different outcomes. For example, the impact on a carpeted area differs from that of an area with wooden floorboards. Our SERVPRO technicians establish the areas where water might have the most significant impact and prioritize extraction or removal of the material at risk.

Choosing Universal Solutions

The removal process can be accomplished in different ways. Choosing solutions that solve more than one issue helps cut down the time needed to finish the job, among other advantages. For example, using a weighted tool to extract water from a porous surface such as carpeted floors can help eliminate the need to remove the carpet first.  The weight of the tool squeezes water from the material whole and the lift mechanism helps remove it.  Our SERVPRO teams have different types of weighted water extractors, including Ride-on HVE Rovers and water claws.

Having a Cleanup Strategy from the Start

Water loss incidents leave properties soiled in different ways, including making dyes in fabrics to run and forming debris from deteriorated materials. Combining cleanup and water removal helps reduce the time needed to resolve the problem. Our SERVPRO technicians make flood cuts to remove wet drywall, insulation, and other debris from the walls. Opening up walls also helps release water that flows into the wall cavities.

Water loss incidents can disrupt everything, but with the right strategy, you can resolve everything fast. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 to help execute a plan that resolves the incident, “Like it never even happened.”

Is It Wise to Handle Mold Damage in My Waterbury Home Myself?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO offers effective mold detection tools as well as clean up services that can turn around the emergency situation inside your home.

The best practice is why SERVPRO uses EPA mold remediation procedures.

Waterbury homeowners who work hard to keep their premises clean might inadvertently intensify mold growth. Mold spores are always present, causing little harm as long as excess moisture does not linger. Cleaning up spills, attending promptly to plumbing or roof leaks, and ensuring relative humidity remains below 60 percent all help limit the proliferation of mold, which requires a source of moisture. Suppose mold begins growing in a damp area like a bathroom. Scrubbing with soap and water or even diluted bleach solutions can provide the mold with additional moisture to rebound and continue growing.  

How Do Professionals Abate Mold Growth and Damage?

Mold damage in Waterbury residences responds well to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols. The successful track record of this approach is why SERVPRO crews receive training in this step-by-step method:

• Location of moldy areas
• Containment of workspace with 1.6 mil polypropylene, often with additional assistance from a negative pressure air scrubber
• Donning of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect unaffected areas from crew member’s tracking
• Mechanical removal of mold colonies with brushes and scrapers
• Controlled blasting of porous materials like drywall with soda or dry ice to remove and incapacitate mold organisms
• Cleanup of debris by HEPA-filtered vacuums and spray and wipe techniques
• Application of EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit mold regrowth

The most successful outcomes take advantage of mold remediation research and this is why SERVPRO of Waterbury uses the EPA-designed process. Arrange an evaluation by calling (203) 757-5050.

Thoughtful Fire Restoration Services in a Waterbury Businesses Helps Mitigate the Damage

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire occurs in your bakery, you need to act fast. Contact SERVPRO for commercial fire restoration services. Our technicians are standing by 24/7.

SERVPRO Is Ready to Help Waterbury Businesses When Fire Damage Occurs

Businesses in the food industry in Waterbury may be more prone to kitchen fires than other types of companies. Owners of bakeries, cafes, and other facilities with on-site kitchens should be aware of their resources when disaster strikes. Finding a company known for its technical expertise and track record is essential to protecting your business, so selecting a certified team of experts to be part of your business safety plan is a priority.

SERVPRO provides commercial fire restoration services to businesses in Waterbury. Having a team on-site as quickly as possible to launch the fire and smoke remediation process is critical to its success. Our team of experts is quick to respond to your call even outside traditional business hours, and we mobilize quickly with industry-grade equipment and solutions. The preliminary step of understanding the fire’s origin and assessing its damage sets the stage for the steps to follow.

SERVPRO fire restoration technicians apply scientific principles to identify how flames and smoke traveled through your business and the proper cleaning agents to eliminate visible traces of the fire. Just like we focus on removing soot and residue from each surface of your business, including furniture, displays, and even structural elements, we also concentrate on eliminating lingering smells. Along with powerful odor-counteracting cleaning solutions, we also rely on the following equipment-

• Air scrubbers to help trap smell particles and freshen the air
• Thermal foggers to help spray deodorizing agents and penetrate all surfaces
• Ozone generators neutralize odor molecules and eliminate them

Our team at SERVPRO of Waterbury is proud to bring its expertise into your eatery and help you in a tough situation. Call us at (203) 757-5050 as soon as you need us and trust our advice. Our objective is to get your business up and running again, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Experts Have The Training And Experience In Cheshire

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Pipe breaks or even cracks behind walls can cause water damage. Tackle the situation by contacting SERVPRO right away to investigate the cause.

Common Hard-to-Reach Places That Require Water Removal in Cheshire Homes

One of the worst things about water damage in a house is the fact the water runs quickly and winds up in hard-to-reach areas. Pipe breaks in walls, under cabinets, or ceilings all leave challenges for the cleanup.

Water removal in Cheshire homes comes in many forms. The first action SERVPRO technicians perform is locating the water loss areas in the house. They use state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment that allows them to "see" behind walls and under floors to determine areas of water migration.

Challenging Places for Kitchen Water Extraction

The average residential kitchen has numerous places for water damage to occur. Supply lines to the dishwater, refrigerator, and sinks have failures and cause water loss. When water is under built-in cabinets, or technicians find moisture behind baseboards, they remove any structural materials as needed, so the extraction wands reach the water quickly.

Second Story Water Loss Situations

Whenever there is an in-home flood occurring on an upper level, there is always the danger of water damage within the floor joists or the space between floors. Technicians carefully scope the area to confirm the presence of moisture and, if needed, drill weep holes in the ceiling below to allow for both drainage and airflow.

Specialized Drying

Drying a property is far more than setting up fans and pointing them in the direction of wet areas. SERVPRO technicians utilize the power of centrifugal air movers and use them in tandem with different types of dehumidification equipment, chosen by the evaporative qualities of the surface. For example, hardwood flooring has low evaporation and works best with desiccant dehumidification.

Drying mats work well over weep holes as well as hardwood floors and subfloors to ensure complete dryness. Technicians set up traditionally tricky areas to dry, such as wall cavities with equipment such as the Injecti-Dry, which forces air into the small spaces to dry it as fast as possible.

When your home needs water removal and restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. The technicians use their extensive training and experience to return your home to its preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

We Follow The Proper Steps To Ensure Waterbury Homes Are Restored Efficiently

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Finding that water is coming in through your storm damaged roof can cause some anxiety. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to assess and remediate the situation.

Helping Minimize the Effects of Cold and Rainy Weather on the Interior of Homes in Waterbury

The roof over your house in Waterbury should have no gaps in between individual shingles, and it should also contain adequate insulation. The vents and ducts should also contain no gaps between attachment points or sections. These can create places where energy becomes lost or wasted. Ducts from dryer vents can also let damp air increase the humidity inside the attic space. 

Keeping the roof and attic's contents in excellent shape can help keep your residence in Waterbury protected from flood damage and stormy weather over the fall and winter months. Another possible cause of higher heating costs comes from gaps in between shingles where massive deposits of ice forced melted water through in previous winters. 

These layers of ice, snow, and melted water are called ice dams. They not only weaken shingles and allow water to come in when they reoccur, but ice dams also lead to water damaged insulation. Once wet, insulation loses its ability to keep warm air in and cold air out. Compressed areas also fail to perform as insulation should. Our building services department's crew can help repair your roof, and reinstall insulation in compromised locations. 

Ducts with gaps or leaks also perform better after some minor repairs in many cases, saving our customers from excessively high heating costs over the coming winter months. Damp air escaping can benefit microbial populations and lead to mildew growth in stored items within the attic. We can help by cleaning and restoring any affected items to preloss condition. We do this using a variety of different methods. 

In some homes, we find that moisture trapped within exterior walls also leads to the occupants experiencing cold spots in rooms. We have equipment that resolves this issue, from detection to elimination of the dampness. Our reconstruction services help ensure that your home looks “Like it never even happened,” when we finish and do our final walk-through with you.

SERVPRO of Waterbury knows insulation in the uppermost areas of your Cheshire or Prospect home can minimize the loss of heat during the winter. Call us at (203) 757-5050 for experts who can perform the work necessary to make your home more energy efficient by mitigating damage caused by rain, snow, and ice.

Waterbury Fire Damage Restoration Sometimes Seals Ductwork

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

The HVAC system in your home needs to be cleaned after a fire to help stop the spread of particles. SERVPRO has the technicians and equipment for you.

This Is Because Some Fire-Impacted HVAC Systems in Waterbury Can’t Be Cleaned.

HVAC ductwork is not always accessible to the Waterbury remediators attempting to clean it. This fact, of course, presents these cleanup professionals with a problem to solve. Fortunately, for local homeowners, sealing inaccessible ventilation channels is an effective method of preventing the further spread of fire-associated particles via their HVAC system.

Whenever the Waterbury fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO can’t clean a segment of a smoke-fouled ventilation network, they work to seal its surfaces. These house fire clean up and smoke remediation efforts serve to prevent event-related residues from being blown throughout fire damaged homes, even though they remain on affected surfaces. 

The following are some of the procedures our highly-trained technicians follow to perform duct-sealing services: 

• Air intakes and vent registers are removed and cleaned, while the air-handling system’s disposable filter is taken off and thrown away
• Soot and dust are vacuumed off accessible surfaces, reachable duct interiors are washed with a general-purpose detergent, and mechanical components are inspected and cleaned
• Vent covers are reinserted and all outlets are covered with a cheesecloth before fogging begins to protect furnishings
• The sealing agent and deodorizer are applied with the central blower on, from the inlet to the outlets, using a ULV fogger 
• Then, with the central blower off, ducts are back-fogged from each outlet to the inlet and, afterward, the blower is turned on to dry the system
• Finally, before residents return, odor neutralizing beads are placed in the HVAC network and inlet/outlet covers are reattached 

Once all of these fire restoration steps have been taken, your ventilation system has been sanitized.

So, if you ever require fire damage restoration services, rest assured in knowing that SERVPRO of Waterbury can help. Call us anytime at (203) 757-5050 for assistance.

What Difference Do Mold Removal Companies Make in Waterbury Homes?

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Let our fast response team at SERVPRO of Waterbury eliminate further mold growth.

SERVPRO Ensures Mold Remediation in Waterbury Does Not Create Problems

Mold can affect any part of your Waterbury home. The best way to deal with the mold inconveniences is to prevent it from developing by drying any moisture from leaks and ventilating the house. Since prevention does not always work, you need solutions once the problem sets.

Engaging mold removal companies help Waterbury homeowners in many ways since the contamination may have some hidden aspects. SERVPRO provides comprehensive services addressing the problem "Like it never even happened." 

Vital services when addressing mold damage include:

• Assessment
• Handling contaminated items
• Cleaning

Mold shows itself through various signs such as musty odors and spots on surfaces. After noticing these signs, it is essential to assess the property revealing how extensively the issue spreads. It is also vital to establish whether the mold is only on the surface or is deeply embedded in materials. Contamination starts when spores settle on surfaces and then sprout hyphae which penetrate organic materials to absorb nutrients.

How Mold Spread Is Assessed

Mold tends to develop more in hidden areas such as wall and ceiling cavities. Assessment should reach all these areas, which can cause significant physical damage to the structure. Our SERVPRO technicians use non-invasive approaches such as drilling small holes in suspected areas then using borescopes to inspect the hidden places. Probing surfaces such as drywall with a hard tool like a screwdriver establish the level of deterioration since severe infestation makes drywall crumbly.

Although mold presence is a problem, you can trigger other problems when attempting to resolve the issue. Proper handling and using the correct cleaning approaches are essential steps. Our SERVPRO teams can help you tackle these processes without causing problems such as cross-contamination. 

Helpful actions include in controlling mold include:

• Prioritizing residue capture methods such as vacuuming
• Using dry cleaning methods to prevent re-infestation
• Erecting containment barriers

SERVPRO of Waterbury is one of the established mold removal companies you can turn to when your home is contaminated. Call us at (203) 757-5050.

Necessary Protection During Fire Damage Restoration in Cheshire Properties

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away at (203) 757-5050.

SERVPRO Takes a Comprehensive Safety Approach When Restoring Cheshire Businesses

When it comes to fires, people only think about protection if an incident has not yet occurred. In that context, protection is taking steps such as installing smoke alarms, checking electrical wiring regularly, and installing sprinkler suppression systems. However, even after an incident, you still have to think about protecting your Cheshire facility.

The protective measures you take during fire damage restoration of your Cheshire premises vary since they must cover the structure, contents, and people. SERVPRO helps formulate a safety strategy and implement the necessary steps to make it work.

Some Helpful Steps That Offer Protection After a Fire Include:

• Capturing and removing residues
• Boarding up and tarping openings
• Erecting containment barriers
• Organizing the worksite 

Fire residues are detrimental to the structure since they can cause staining or corrosion in different materials. They can also affect people through inhalation or skin contact. One of the best ways to address residues is by prioritizing vacuuming, which captures most dry carbon particles spread out around the property, limiting the risk of contact.

Establishing a Safer Worksite

Your business premises can be a danger zone after a fire affects it. The biggest risk factors range from the cluttered contents, damaged structural materials, and the equipment used for restoration. Our SERVPRO teams organize the damaged premises by:

• Setting up a staging area for equipment
• Tying up cords and hoses to limit trip hazards
• Blocking access to unsafe areas 

Various approaches are necessary to block access depending on what one wants to prevent. Our SERVPRO technicians use plywood boards to seal structural openings such as shattered windows and tarpaulin for caved-in roofs. For containment barriers inside the premises, plastic sheets are the typical choice since they are convenient to set up and can create airtight barriers to prevent the spread of residues.

SERVPRO of Waterbury ensures safety is observed during fire damage restoration. You can reach us at (203) 757-5050. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Makes Flood Damage in Waterbury Homes Costly?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

We make it possible. Don’t let fire damage overwhelm you, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Waterbury.

Resolve Flooding Cost-Effectively at Your Waterbury Home With Assistance From SERVPRO

When people hear that your home is affected by a flooding incident, they sympathize with you mainly because they know the cost implications of such incidents. The costs of flood damage accumulate because of controllable and uncontrollable factors. 

It is possible to intervene against the controllable costs of flood damage in your Waterbury home, keeping them manageable with the appropriate knowledge. SERVPRO can help you identify governable cost factors and assist you in devising a strategy to combat them.

Flooding Costs Can Be Categorized Into:

• Labor
• Material replacements
• Accommodation and storage

It takes some human input to resolve every aspect of flooding, whether water removal, managing contaminants, or dealing with destroyed materials. The input level depends on the type of affected materials or the extent of the loss, so labor costs always vary. Since SERVPRO relies heavily on advanced equipment to manage the damage, we can cut down the man-hours required, reducing the costs.

Replacing materials exposed to flood waters is necessary when there is physical deterioration, soiling, or contamination. Our SERVPRO technicians can take timely action, such as spraying EPA-registered disinfectants all over the property to address the contaminants. Using standard and specialized cleaning techniques helps combat-heavy soiling. We can save some materials that would otherwise require immediate replacement with such intervention.

Saving the Cost of External Storage or Accommodation 

In many cases, a flooded house requires you to relocate until restoration is over. Such relocation has significant cost implications, especially if it extends for weeks or months. Apart from seeking external accommodation, your contents may also require moving out from the stricken property.

The input from SERVPRO helps save some of the costs related to accommodation. For instance, we provide portable storage units to help store items safely at the loss site. We can also expedite the process, limiting the time you seek accommodation elsewhere.

SERVPRO of Waterbury takes comprehensive steps to manage flood damage, "Like it never even happened." Call us at (203) 757-5050.

SERVPRO Gets Fire Restoration Done Fast in Waterbury

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning the smoke and soot residues from surfaces is one of the most critical steps of the remediation process.

Why do Waterbury Property Owners Trust SERVPRO for Fire Restoration? 

The goal of SERVPRO techs during the fire restoration of your Waterbury home is to restore the damaged material to the preloss condition. Cleaning the smoke and soot residues from surfaces is one of the most critical steps of the remediation process.

While SERVPRO techs are experienced in employing several cleaning methods during fire restoration of Waterbury homes, the process they ultimately choose depends on several key factors:

• The type and chemical composition of residue
• The amount of residue
• The dwell-time
• The nature of the surface

How do SERVPRO Techs Handle Protein Residues During House Fire Cleanup in Waterbury?  

Protein residues formed after burning organic matter such as meat are the toughest to remove. SERVPRO uses several innovative solutions to tackle this problem, including cleaners with enzymes in them. 

Enzymes can easily digest protein soils by chemically modifying their structure to become water-soluble. Once the enzyme has completed its action, we can easily remove the residual with water and detergent solutions.

How do SERVPRO Techs Ensure the Effectiveness of Enzyme Cleaners? 

Although enzyme cleaners that SERVPRO techs use in your fire-damaged Waterbury home are very effective, it is essential to control the temperature and pH to ensure their efficacy. Technicians ensure that the temperature is kept between 100- 1200F and the pH is as close to neutral as possible. 

It is equally important that the enzyme solution is allowed a ‘dwell time’ of 15 minutes to an hour to be effective. 

Dealing with fire damage can be stressful on your own; if you need help, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. 

SERVPRO is Among Most Trusted Mold Removal Companies in Waterbury

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can spread throughout your home within a matter of days.Call SERVPRO at the first sign of mold damage.

It Pays to Hire Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO in Waterbury 

If the conditions are conducive, mold can spread throughout large areas of your home within a matter of days. For that reason, it is essential to solicit help from professional mold removal companies like SERVPRO of Waterbury.

SERVPRO is among the few mold removal companies in Waterbury with IICRC certified technicians experienced in dealing with different kinds of mold found in the area. Some of the most commonly found mold species that SERVPRO routinely encounters include:

• Fusarium
• Penicillium 
• Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold)
• Aspergillus

As mold can cause health effects, SERVPRO techs take every precaution during restoration.

Is Controlled Demolition Always Necessary During Mold Remediation in your Waterbury Home?

The principles of mold remediation described by the IICRC state that the techs must control the mold infestation at its source. The guidelines also recommend that restorers physically remove mold rather than kill or encapsulate it. Hence, it is necessary to perform a controlled demolition to eliminate contaminated structures, including parts of drywall, carpets, and other structural components.  

SERVPRO teams may also work closely with Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) or IH Industrial Hygienists to decide the direction of the remediation process in your Waterbury home.  

Can the Application of Biocides Eliminate the Need for Mold Removal?

According to the IICRC S530 guidelines, biocides alone should not be used to control mold growth. Physical removal of mold growth and spores is the guiding principle of the remediation process. However, the guidelines allow biocides to 'suppress and retard' future mold growth after eliminating contamination.

SERVPRO techs only use the certified biocides and cleaning agents during the remediation processes.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050; we are available 24/7 to answer your questions.

Need Help with Damage Repair in Your Cheshire Home? Call SERVPRO

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes we need to make flood cuts to thoroughly dry water damage.

Cheshire Homeowners Can Count on SERVPRO for Fast and Efficient Water Damage Repair

Unmitigated water damage can become a huge problem, potentially leading to microbial contamination and even jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home. Hiring professionals like SERVPRO for water damage repair of your Cheshire home can help you prevent the situation from going out of hand.

Some of the most common issues that SERVPRO techs encounter during water damage repair of Cheshire homes include:

• Water-soaked carpets and pads
• Water seepage behind the walls 
• Warping of hardwood floors 

One of the first goals of the water restoration is to get as much water out of the property as quickly as possible.

How do SERVPRO Techs Extract Water During Water Restoration of Cheshire Homes?  

Several pieces of equipment are available for water extraction, but it takes an experienced professional to grasp the most efficient for a given situation. SERVPRO techs consider several factors like the amount of water to be removed and the power availability to decide which equipment to use in your flooded Cheshire home.  

Techs Use Various Extraction Tools to Remove Water from Floorings, Such as Extraction Units, Light Wands, Deep Extraction Tools, and Submersible Pumps.  

What are Deep Extraction Tools? 

Deep extraction tools are commonly used to extract water from carpets and pads. These devices compress the carpeting and padding, squeeze out the water and vacuum it out. Most of these devices allow the restorers to 'ride' on them to provide additional weight. Deep extraction tools are most effective when water damage is confined to a small area. If more water needs to be removed, SERVPRO techs use submersible and trash pumps.  

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 for further assistance and any questions regarding water damage restoration.  

Which One of the Many Mold Removal Companies in Waterbury Offer Efficient Services?

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Waterbury will take over your property mold issues immediately. Give us a call today.

SERVPRO is one of the Premier Mold Removal Companies in Waterbury

If your residence has mold, it is vital to remediate it quickly and effectively. Mold remediation involves more than simply washing away the visible traces of mold. It requires a professional remediation plan. SERVPRO has the expertise needed to eliminate mold from properties.

Many types of molds are available, and they vary in terms of danger to people’s health. Mold removal companies in Waterbury evaluate the kind of mold in a property to know the type they are dealing with. SERVPRO uses some methods to get to the root of the mold issue and create a plan to contain and remediate it. They include:

• Mold remediation testing
• Mold remediation moisture test
• Air quality test

Mold remediation testing

This involves taking samples of visible mold formation in a house to determine the type we are dealing with. The results inform us about the mold remediation strategy to use.

Mold remediation moisture test

Our SERVPRO restorers can use specialist equipment to detect hidden moisture pockets that the naked eye cannot see. The moisture pockets might lead to mold problems in the future if you fail to treat them. We can use penetrating moisture meters to test for moisture.

Air quality test

We can execute an air quality test to determine how concentrated the mold spores are. Therefore, even if the mold is not visible to the naked eye, this test gets it out of hiding to ensure its prompt remediation.

Once our SERVPRO team completes the testing, we can disinfect the moldy materials and leave them intact. However, if the moldy materials are too damaged, we can remove and replace them. We also dry the affected area thoroughly using air movers and dehumidifiers. Air movers work by increasing airflow, and they are suitable for blowing mold spores out of homes. 

Dehumidifiers suck in air and draw moisture out of it. They then release dry air. The moisture is trapped in the dehumidifier, meaning that it cannot get back to the affected surfaces.

When you need mold remediation assistance, call SERVPRO of Waterbury for help. Our 24-hour helpline is (203) 757-5050.

How to Efficiently Perform Commercial Water Restoration in Cheshire

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Waterbury is here to assist with all of your commercial property water damage needs in a flash.

Hiring Restorers Like SERVPRO is the Right Way to Perform Commercial Water Repair in Cheshire

Planning for disasters is inherently difficult, but saving time is imperative when water damage strikes commercial premises such as an office building. Water damage from sources like burst pipes can leave your property unfit for business. It can seep underneath floors, carpets, or walls and worsen over time. SERVPRO can provide timely emergency service assistance.

We can perform commercial water restoration in your Cheshire property to minimize or prevent damage like warping or splitting of wooden structures. Mold infestation is another common issue that occurs in water-damaged buildings. If not treated, mold can cause health issues.

What our restorers can do.

SERVPRO’s water restoration services include:

• Immediate response to prevent further damage.
• Removing, cleaning, and restoring your property and its contents.
• Water extraction using advanced equipment and techniques.
• Drying and dehumidifying affected materials.

To give way for restoration, Our SERVPRO team can remove furniture and electronic equipment, among other items, from the affected area. If the water-soaked on glue-down carpeting, we can use light wands to remove it. If water damage is in a wall, we can make small holes in the wall and use ventilating systems to direct airflow into the wall cavities. 

Our SERVPRO technicians can use low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers to eliminate water vapor from the air. Minimizing the amount of water vapor in the air reduces the humidity ratio. A lower humidity ratio increases the moisture evaporation rate in a building and its contents. Even though LGR dehumidifiers dehumidify properties similar to standard dehumidifiers, they work in a broader temperature range and are more powerful. The pre-cooling component is the major difference between an LGR dehumidifier and a conventional refrigerant dehumidifier. LGR dehumidifiers cool the air before it moves across the evaporator coils. They work effectively within the range of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

SERVPRO of Waterbury is ready to help you perform water damage restoration in your commercial property. Our 24-hour hotline is (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can Costly Winter Water Damage Be Avoided in Waterbury Homes?

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

When the winter blues come into town it can be fierce on your property. Let SERVPRO of Waterbury help you out.

Early measures to prevent freezing are critical to protecting Waterbury properties in many ways. 

The winter months can welcome harsh conditions to the area that impact homes and businesses in direct ways. Preventing these harmful conditions means understanding the relationships between changing weather conditions and the effects on exposed property. Our SERVPRO team can help when water damage disasters strike. 

Avoiding Frozen Pipes 

While frozen pipes and ice damming for Waterbury homes can be a recognizable threat, frozen pipes and subsequent ruptures are a costly and common concern for houses during extreme winter conditions like cold snaps. Cold air can turn standing water in pipes to ice, blocking water flow and building pressure in the damaged lines. 

In many cases, it is possible to intercept these circumstances by focusing on insulating exposed pipes and circulating warm air through the house before harsh conditions can impact the plumbing. 

Ice Damming and Flooding

Another potential concern is the buildup of ice along the edges of your roof. Snowmelt in extreme temperature drops can leave a dam of ice along the edge of the roof, which creates a pool of melting snow that has no other direction to go but underneath vulnerable roof materials and floods the attic. 

Heated cables installed at these buildup points can help to prevent flooding. It is also beneficial to ensure attic insulation is without gaps and weak points against the roof. 

SERVPRO Restoration for Damage Recovery

When these situations lead to damage to the property, our experienced SERVPRO team can help. We have a fast and reliable response to begin mitigation and restoration solutions for several needs your property might have after burst pipes or attic flooding. Some of the focuses of our response after water damage include: 

• Extraction
• Content cleaning
• Drying
• Surface cleaning
• Structural repairs
• Plumbing reinstallation

No matter how winter weather threats damage your home, our SERVPRO of Waterbury team is equipped to help. We have experienced professionals prepared to respond 24/7 with extraction and cleanup tools. Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Why is Flood Damage in Waterbury Properties Considered Dangerous?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO flood damage mitigation services are second to none. We are here to help, 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Techs Have the Professional Training and Equipment to Handle Dangerous Water Damage in Waterbury

One question many Waterbury homeowners have about water damage after heavy rains is why floodwater removal on their own can be hazardous; it is just rain, right? However, when groundwater enters a property, it can have many biological and chemical passengers that come into the home with the water, including raw sewage.

When flood damage occurs in a Waterbury property that includes sewage, it is frequently overwhelmed by the local sewer system due to heavy rains. Sometimes the amount of water entering the system is too much for the drainage to handle, and it begins to back up into structures via toilets and drains.

The odor alone is a good clue the water should be avoided. Homeowners must bring in a company with extensive training handling this type of water cleanup, including the safe extraction of the water and drying the property. SERVPRO technicians have protective gear and professional biocide and antifungal products to make the water safer to handle for disposal and the ability to sanitize the structure.

Best Course of Action When Floodwater Enters a Home

There is a short period for action once the water begins entering the home. Property owners should ensure that residents and pets have a safe place to avoid contact with the water or aspirate water vapor. Other proactive things to do include: 

• Turn off the electricity to limit the potential for shock from water coming into contact with outlets. SERVPRO has generators to power their extraction and drying equipment
• Remove important papers and valuable to another safe and secure place 
• Get medications needed for the next several days

SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 brings years of experience and training along with professional equipment to e every Waterbury flood damage restoration service. The team is available 24/7 to make the water damage in a home "Like it never even happened."

Can Fire Damage Restoration by SERVPRO Help Post-Fire Cheshire Kitchens and Appliances?

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire damage hits home, SERVPRO is the team for the job. Fire damage restoration is a specialty of ours. Call now!

SERVPRO Has Professional Cleaning Methods to Restore Cheshire Kitchens With Fire Damage "Like it never even happened."

Housefire cleanup in a Cheshire kitchen is never a one-size-fits-all process. There are different types of smoke residues left behind, such as dry and wet smoke and protein residues. The latter is highly odorous and difficult to remove using conventional cleaners.

One of the main reasons Cheshire homeowners should use fire damage restoration services and not attempt to self-clean is the potential for additional damage from incorrect cleaning methods. The types of residues and consideration for the surfaces go into choosing the cleaning agent and method used.

High heat fires produce dry soot, which collects around rooms, particularly on ceilings and corners, sometimes producing soot webs. If wet cleaning solutions get applied to this type of smoke damage, it can ruin a surface and cause great damage. SERVPRO technicians use dry cleaning sponges to gently lift away the soot from walls, countertops, and appliances.

Protein and wet smoke residues tend to get dealt with in the same manner as they similarly grip onto surfaces. However, protein residues are accompanied by a very pungent odor. SERVPRO technicians use solvent-based cleaning agents with care taken to choose solutions that will not mar the surface the smoke damage is on.

The technicians can handle the exterior cleanup and restoration of appliances after a kitchen fire; however, if more is needed, SERVPRO can: 

• Bring in an outside expert to inspect appliances post-fire damage to ascertain if they are safe to use
• Clean out fridges and pantries of items exposed to soot
• Use appliance-specific cleaners to get rid of the visible smoke damage 

SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 serves the Cheshire community for all types and sizes of fire damage restoration needs. 

How Does SERVPRO Handle Water Removal Around Waterbury Kitchen Cabinets?

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage mitigation services are second to none. Call now for the service needed for your home.

SERVPRO Techs Perform Water Cleanup in Waterbury Properties

In Waterbury homes, there are two rooms most likely to receive the brunt of water damage. The first is the bathroom, and the second area of the house is the kitchen. Both of these rooms have cabinets, and the cleanup gets handled in similar ways.

When water removal services occur in Waterbury homes, SERVPRO technicians work to limit the house's disruptions and work around structural elements whenever possible. However, if water migrated behind or under cabinets or vanities, they may require controlled demolition to dry the wall cavities. Leaving behind moisture can result in secondary damages that have the potential to be costly.

Tracking water damage within a home is something SERVPRO technicians spend time doing to ensure they get all the water in the house. Different detection equipment has varying uses such as infrared cameras, probes, and visual inspections, the technicians can locate the different areas within the worksite that require attention. After finding cooler areas via an infrared camera, the technicians may remove the toe kick at the bottom of a kitchen cabinet to determine the moisture levels present and if seepage into the subfloor occurred. If the cabinets show signs of warping or are structurally unsound, the techs may need to remove them.

SERVPRO technicians rely on many professional water removal techniques and equipment such as: 

• Use of attachments to get water underneath cabinets 
• The use of weep holes in walls to avoid further deterioration
• Use of controlled demolition on walls, ceilings, and cabinetry that is beyond restoration

SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-505 serves the Waterbury community for all types and sizes of water removal needs. The trained and certified technicians are available 24/7. 

Stages of Flood Removal for Damaged Cheshire Home

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage repairs to your home are no DIY project. Flood and storm damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none.

Eliminating pooling floodwater is critical to protecting and restoring your Cheshire property. 

Flooding is often one of the most traumatic events that homes can face, and when you see substantial water damage in your property, you wish to act as fast as possible to resolve it. Our rapid-responding technicians have effective mitigation strategies to remove standing water and begin drying the property as necessary.

Deep Extraction Solutions for Substantial Threats

Deep extraction can be needed after the worst that nature can do, leaving substantial flood damage in Cheshire homes. While there are several strategies to cleaning and restoring flooded properties, these efforts always begin with removing pooling water before other work can begin. Deep extraction solutions include several tools like:

• Gas-powered trash pump
• Electric submersible pump
• Truck-mount extractor

Surface Water Removal and Muck-Out Cleaning

Clearing out the rest of the surface water is another step to follow, and this involves other extraction devices in our inventory. This process leans most heavily on wet vacuums. With the water mostly removed, our team can focus on the debris and muck left behind and carried in by the flood. We shovel out and discard:

• Mud
• Debris
• Contaminants
• Sewage
• Organic matter
• Ruined Contents
• Bulk Materials

Removing Trapped Moisture from Exposed Elements 

Much like any water restoration project, drying is among the most critical stages. Failing to completely dry the property to its needed moisture levels can result in secondary damages like mold development or structural deterioration. While air movers often are the foundation of evaporative drying, we also rely on specialized equipment such as:

• Positive pressure systems
• Drying mats
• Portable electric heaters
• Desiccant dehumidifiers

Flooding can be a challenging situation, but our SERVPRO of Waterbury team is ready to help. Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Restoring a Damaged Waterbury Kitchen After a Fire

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and odor damage restoration from a kitchen fire should be handled by SERVPRO. Our IICRC certified technicians are here to help.

Kitchen fires can be devastating for your Waterbury home, but our SERVPRO team can help. 

A fire in the kitchen can be overwhelming for this room of your house. Moreover, structural openings allow the damage generated in and around the stove in the kitchen to spread harmful fire loss effects to adjacent portions of the property. We must work quickly to overcome kitchen flare-up effects and return the damaged property to its original condition.

Containment Strategies for Focused Cleaning

Even before much of the fire damage restoration in Waterbury homes can begin in full, we must consider the possibilities of containing the current damage to prevent migrating loss effects to other areas of the property. Pathways like the HVAC system or structural openings allow elements like certain protein residues to find homes in areas far beyond the ignition point. Plastic sheeting can help contain fire damage effects, as well as the placement of negative pressure machines and HEPA filtering equipment.

Post-Fire Residue Cleanup

Protein residues are among the most challenging to remove, as they are thick and strongly adhered to vulnerable surfaces like countertops and cabinets. We have multiple solvents and detergents capable of dissolving and loosening these soils to make wet cleaning possible. If too much damage occurs to these fixtures, controlled demolition is the only response.

Odor Neutralization Approaches 

Odors are another harsh element to overcome after kitchen flare-up concerns. From charred food to burning smells of affected structural fixtures, deodorization requires a combination of reducing the severity of the noxious odors and ultimately neutralizing them with our powerful deodorization equipment. Some of the tools we use include:

• Thermal/ULV Foggers
• Hydroxyl Generators
• HEPA 500 Air Scrubbers
• Ozone Machines

Cleaning up your home after a kitchen fire requires experience and industry-leading restoration equipment. Give our SERVPRO of Waterbury team a call at (203) 757-5050 to help when you need it.

It's October, and SERVPRO of Waterbury Raises Awareness in the Community for Early Testing and Treatment of Breast Cancer

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Waterbury is proud to support this worthy organization

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. In October, We want to support the local Waterbury community by raising awareness for breast cancer's early detection and treatment.

Detecting breast cancer as early as possible helps with the reality that many women do not have access to regular mammograms or preventative treatments. The National Breast Cancer Foundation works year-round to assist women in getting the diagnosis and treatments needed to prevent and beat breast cancer.

SERVPRO Waterbury wants to assist women in the community to get the support they need to diagnose and fight breast cancer. Donations go towards helping women in need of mammograms for early detection and screening. Donate and help fight breast cancer https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/.

How Can Materials like Engineered Wood Suffer Water Damage in Waterbury Businesses?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We use the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.

Our technicians work quickly to prevent irreparable harm to installed flooring in Waterbury offices. 

Engineered wood is a common flooring material installed in specific areas of offices and shops, making it something our SERVPRO team prepares to encounter when water damage incidents occur. There are unique challenges to removing water from this material, especially once absorption begins. We work quickly to manage the mitigation and protect your business.

Surface Water Removal Techniques

Addressing the surface water and any pooling is the first logical step for water restoration in Waterbury businesses. Often this process focuses on several extraction tools available to our technicians, including submersible pumps and vacuums. We also have specific attachments for extractors like squeegee wands that can better remove puddling on firm surfaces.

Moisture Detection and Monitoring 

Understanding the relationship between drying and moisture pockets throughout the property is critical to ensuring that thorough restoration occurs. As drying and mitigative strategies continue, we check the progress of these efforts with specific moisture detection and tracking tools in our inventory. Some of these include:

• Probing moisture meters
• Surface moisture detection equipment
• Infrared cameras (thermal imagery)

Thorough Drying and Tenting

While the presence of restoration professionals in your business can be intrusive, we work to minimize our presence through focused drying actions like tenting. Special drying equipment like mats is placed perpendicularly across damaged engineered wood to draw out moisture. By encasing these mats in polypropylene sheeting, we can make this process faster and better monitor drying progress.

It is critical to act fast when water damage incidents threaten your business. Building materials like engineered wood can absorb moisture damage fast, so our SERVPRO of Waterbury team works quickly to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (203) 757-5050. 

SERVPRO is Emerging as One of The Most Reliable Water Restoration Companies in Waterbury

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the training and experience for any size water damage restoration services for your home.

Waterbury Homeowners Can Save Their Homes by Hiring Water Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO 

Water restoration companies like SERVPRO understand the building systems, assemblies, and related physical laws to restore your Waterbury home successfully. SERVPRO restorers have the experience and expertise in restoring various building materials used in the construction of your home. 

SERVPRO is among the few water restoration companies in Waterbury with IICRC certified crew with advanced water restoration equipment. The main goal during water damage remediation is to restore the material, including building material and assemblies, rather than replace it. Some of the most commonly affected structural components of your home are the ceiling and wall assemblies. Various materials can make up a ceiling or wall assembly- drywall, plaster, wallpaper, and wood and timber framing.

How do SERVPRO Restorers Repair the Damaged Drywall During Water Cleanup in Waterbury Homes?  

The drywall of your Waterbury home readily absorbs and releases moisture. SERVPRO technicians begin the restoration process by determining the water-damaged area using a non-penetrating moisture meter. The speed at which drywall releases moisture depends on the paint on the surface (latex versus enamel) or the type of wall covering (vinyl wall covering versus paper). 

Latex-covered drywalls dry quicker when SERVPRO techs use dehumidifying and air moving equipment than the enamel-covered drywall. Vinyl wall covering may retard the rate of evaporation as it is not porous. SERVPRO techs might need techniques such as perforating or removing the vapor retardant material to dry such walls. 

It's important to note that according to the IICRC S500 standard, drywalls that have incurred damage by category three water (heavily contaminated) are not restorable and need to be removed.  

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 if you have any water damage repair and remediation questions.

Can SERVPRO Offer a Reliable and Fast Fire Damage Restoration to Waterbury Businesses?

9/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration for your property is no DIY project. SERVPRO will have your home back to preloss condition ASAP. Call now!

Waterbury Commercial Properties Rely on SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

A fire at your place of business can cause more than just aesthetic damage. You need a company like SERVPRO that has experience handling commercial fires for fire damage restoration of your Waterbury office. SERVPRO's IICRC certified technicians are trained in smoke and odor removal and have the right equipment to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO techs begin your Waterbury property's fire damage restoration process by carefully analyzing the type of smoke and soot residue deposited. Once they identify the kind of residue, the next step is to implement a cleaning strategy. Electronic equipment such as servers, computers, printers can be challenging to restore. 

How Does SERVPRO Handle Smoke Damage to Electronics in your Waterbury Office? 

The electronic equipment in your Waterbury property can be restored if the damage is not very extensive. The key to restoring electronic equipment is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Smoke residues often contain acid that can corrode the metal surfaces of the electronics, especially if moisture is present. If the smoke and soot residue is not promptly removed, it can cause electronic failure in the device. 

SERVPRO ensures that the interior of an electronic device is inspected and cleaned by a qualified electronic technician. The external parts such as cabinets and enclosures are, however, cleaned by the fire damage restorers. We always use cleaning products designed on electronic equipment to remove smoke residue from such components. You might have to wait for the restorers to finish the process before using your electronic devices. 

If you need professional help with fire damage restoration of your commercial space, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. Our technicians are available round-the-clock to answer your questions.  

Is SERVPRO Equipped to Protect Cheshire Homes from Flood Damage?

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm strikes and causes flood damage to your home, SERVPRO is the team to call. Fast and immediate service will be provided.

SERVPRO’s Fast Service and Experienced Crew Can Save Your Cheshire Home from Flood Damage

Restoration of a flood-damaged home is a complicated job that requires experience, proper equipment, and technical know-how. Hiring professional restorers from SERVPRO can help you get the flood damage to your Cheshire home under control before it can cause any major issues. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and can begin the restoration process within a matter of hours. 

The priority of SERVPRO technicians during the flood restoration of your Cheshire home is to pump out any standing water on the property. Floodwater is often contaminated and must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent secondary damage such as mold. There are two primary methods of water removal from your property during flood restoration- extraction and evaporation. If there is a lot of accumulated water, extraction using truck-mounted extractors is the preferred way. SERVPRO techs can remove about 100 gallons of water per hour using heavy-duty truck-mounted extractors. Once the excess water is extracted from the property, the next thing is to dry the structure. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Speed up the Drying Process During Water Cleanup from your flooded Cheshire Home?  

Several factors determine whether water is going to evaporate from a material-

• The temperature of the material
• Amount of water in the material
• The humidity of the air above the wet surface

SERVPRO techs speed up the drying process by modulating two of the above three factors. Increasing the temperature of the material and lowering the vapor pressure of the material above the surface is the key to speed up the drying process. SERVPRO techs use dehumidifiers, heaters, and air movers to achieve this. 

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 to consult with our technicians regarding your restoration needs.

Is Demolition Mandatory to Manage Bathroom Mold Damage in My Cheshire Home?

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Black mold in your bathroom is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate service for your home.

SERVPRO Performs Mold Inspection before Starting Remediation Determining the Best Course of Action

Black mold development in areas commonly exposed to moisture, such as the bathroom, can ruin the appearance of most surfaces, including regular or tiled wall surfaces, ceiling, and even the bathtub. The need for demolition in your Cheshire home may arise if the mold extends to the wall, floor, or ceiling cavities.

Since mold damage can affect Cheshire homes in a matter of days, it is possible for the growth you see to be restricted to the surfaces. Another reason the moldy matter may be restricted to the surface is if the underlying materials are non-organic. Our SERVPRO technicians help confirm the situation you face by probing how far the growth spreads. 

Mold inspection informs various other actions, including:

• Black mold damage repairs 
• Bathroom mold removal
• Mold remediation

Our SERVPRO professionals use different approaches to evaluate how far the mold spreads. A physical evaluation of the materials helps establish their physical state. Root-like mold hyphae penetrate deep into materials extracting nutrients. Such penetration causes physical deterioration of the affected materials. 

Apart from examining materials, our SERVPRO technicians also check beneath the surface. We use non-invasive approaches such as boring exploratory holes then using borescopes to examine the materials in the cavities. On establishing that the mold colonies are restricted to the surfaces, our technicians use professional-grade cleaning agents with antifungal properties. Physical agitation is another helpful alternative.

Various forms of agitation remove moldy materials, including:

• Damp wiping 
• Wire brushing 
• HEPA vacuuming
• Soda blasting

SERVPRO of Waterbury helps in many ways to address mold damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (203) 757-5050.

What Approaches Ease Fire Damage Restoration in Waterbury Homes?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage restoration for your home is a job for SERVPRO. Our IICRC certified techs are ready to help you.

SERVPRO Moves Out Contents Within or Out of the Structure Creating Sufficient Room for Structural Fire Restoration

Fire damages structures and contents indiscriminately. The damages range from the accumulation of soot, blistering from extreme heat, and pungent odor. However, simultaneously cleaning and rehabilitating contents and structural materials can introduce unexpected intricacies.

Separating contents and structural materials before embarking on fire damage restoration in your Waterbury home can help. Structural materials include anything attached to the building. Contents, on the other hand, are movable items. It is possible to find a safe area within the structure to hold the items as restoration progresses in the other areas. Our SERVPRO technicians scope the entire property to establish what to move and how best to do it.

Scoping is necessary before embarking on any remedial process, including:

• Fire restoration
• House fire clean up
• Smoke remediation
• Water & fire damage restorations

Various strategies are essential when making a move out for a significant impact on the restoration process. Our SERVPRO technicians are meticulous when scoping the property. They move from room to room and start from the top to bottom, left to right. Grouping small or similar items before moving them also increase convenience and minimizes damages.

Another helpful strategy is cleaning items at the loss site where possible since it can save considerable time. Issues such as the accumulation of soot residues can be readily addressed using dry cleaning approaches. For instance, our SERVPRO technicians wipe furniture items with chemical sponges or vacuum them, eliminating all traces of soot, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Waterbury has outstanding experience handling water damage restoration. Call us at (203) 757-5050.

How Does Moisture Influence Fire Damage Restoration in Waterbury Homes?

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Pre-loss condition is what we strive for.

SERVPRO Takes Preemptive Action to Avoid Complications during Water & Fire Damage Restorations

When a fire and water damage affects your Waterbury home, is also likely to develop, especially when firefighters spray significant amounts of water into the building or if internal fire suppression from a sprinkler system kicks in.  Water can damage materials or worsen the fire damage in your Waterbury home.

A significant percentage of fire damage restoration in your Waterbury home may involve removing residues such as soot from contents and vertical or horizontal surfaces within the structure. The presence of moisture creates obstacles such as staining underlying materials eliminating the efficacy of physical residue removal. Apart from the wetness in materials, the humidity in the air can create problems because once it combines with heat and smoke residues, it causes yellowing of materials. SERVPRO technicians have significant experience addressing moisture-related issues after fire damage.

Moisture issues can have a significant impact on the outcome of: 

• House fire clean up
• Smoke remediation
• Fire restoration

SERVPRO technicians take various steps to control moisture damage at fire loss sites. Setting up dehumidifiers soon after arrival helps bring down the humidity levels within the building. Our technicians also cut away soaked materials such as drywall and insulation, thus reducing moisture migration through wicking. 

Water damage at a fire loss site may also develop by over-wetting items during the cleaning process. Such unnecessary secondary damage is avoidable. Our SERVPRO technicians opt for cleaning and deodorization methods that do not soak materials.

Cleaning methods that ensure items remain dry include:

• Cleaning surfaces with chemical sponges
• Blast cleaning 
• Vacuuming

SERVPRO of Waterbury helps manage any issues that develop during fire damage restoration. Call us at (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Is The Best Approach To Manage Flood Damage If The Roof In My Waterbury Home Is Blown Off?

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Damage to your roof needs a quick remedy. Team SERVPRO can investigate the extent of the flood damage and remediate. Contact us right away.

SERVPRO Offers Roof-Tarp Installation and Other Protective Solutions as Part of Water Removal Services

Flooding from a storm can involve several issues apart from filling up your Waterbury home with filthy water. When planning the flood restoration exercise, you need to formulate unique solutions for all problems. 

One aspect of flood damage in your Waterbury home which you might not anticipate is a torn roof. However, strong winds or large debris can interfere with shingles or other roof covers, leaving a gaping hole. Finding a way to cover the hole is as crucial as removing the standing water left within the structure. SERVPRO helps by installing roof tarps to cover the openings.

Other processes necessary for flood restoration may include:

• Water clean up
• Sewage cleanup
• Water damage repairs

Because of the differences in roof designs, the level of difficulty in tarp installation varies in different structures. The use of the tarp may also vary from serving as an immediate or short-term solution to keep rain and other elements from reaching the house's interior, affecting the installation process. 

Our SERVPRO technicians help choose the right roofing tarpaulin materials to guarantee convenient installation and a secure indoor environment. We also get all necessary accessories, including furring strips and staples, to guarantee a sturdy setup. 

Sealing the hole in the roof clears the way for normal flood removal processes like:

• Water extraction
• Cleanup of soiled areas
• Structure drying

SERVPRO of Waterbury helps take care of your property after flood damage. Call us at (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What is Necessary to Limit Water Damage Repair at Our Cheshire Fitness Center?

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

When facing commercial water damage from a burst pipe, quick action is quite necessary. Contact our certified team for effective water removal.

SERVPRO Can Help Initiate a Quick Response Limiting Restorative Water Damage Repairs

If a pipe burst or other sudden water release affects your Cheshire fitness center, you need to react correctly. Otherwise, you might incur high costs restoring unnecessary damages. Quick water removal is one surefire way to avoid adverse outcomes.

The kind of water damage repair your Cheshire fitness center requires may be influenced by several factors, including the amount of water spilled and the duration that elapses before you take action. Since a significant amount of water might have already been released, SERVPRO focuses on limiting the time water stagnates in your property by providing the necessary resources.

Having the appropriate resources helps with various situations, including:

• Emergency services water damage
• Water damage remediation
• Flood restoration
• Water clean up

If you have a rolled rubber floor at the fitness center, there is an advantage since it can prevent the water from reaching the underlayment, such as concrete. However, given sufficient time, the seams can give way resulting in significant damage. Our SERVPRO technicians can help prevent such adverse outcomes by using vacuum wands connected to a truck-mounted extractor to expedite the removal. 

Removing standing water not only helps eliminate the risk of seepage to the pad but also limits exposure of the expensive fitness equipment to high humidity levels. Although you might not tell, the standing water is constantly evaporating, increasing humidity levels in the facility, which can cause rust in metallic parts or degradation of other materials such as leather. Our SERVPRO technicians also set up dehumidifiers to help keep humidity levels below 60%.

SERVPRO of Waterbury helps businesses perform water damage repairs cost-effectively. You can reach us at (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Is There a Need for Fire Damage Restoration if Surfaces in My Waterbury Home Seem Residue-Free?

7/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage that starts in your trash can be extensive. Contact our SERVPRO team to mitigate the situation and remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Helps Check for Invisible Residues or Resolve Other Effects of Smoke Damage

Some incidents, such as trash can fires or stove flare-ups, can be contained within a small section leaving the rest of the house virtually undamaged. However, the casual observation you make can deceive you that there is no fire damage, yet there are some issues you need to address.

It might be essential to perform fire damage restoration in your Waterbury home to fix what you may consider nonissues. As various materials burn, they produce different types of residues, including invisible ones or even a uniform residue coat that misleads you into thinking nothing has changed. With the assistance of SERVPRO crews, you can be assured that any problems caused by the fire can be identified. 

Professional assistance eases various processes, including:

• Fire damage restoration
• Smoke remediation
• Water & fire damage restorations
• House fire clean up

In addition to helping identify obscure residues, professional assistance from SERVPRO also provides non-invasive cleaning techniques that can eliminate the problem without causing you unnecessary inconveniences. 

Our technicians use chemical sponges fitted on extension poles to lift away residues from ceilings and wall surfaces. The approach helps remove soils without leaving smudges. It also eliminates the need to move contents around since the work crews can readily reach the soiled areas. Other cleaning processes such as HEPA vacuuming help remove any loose residues.

Other essential restoration processes may include:

• Fogging to deodorize the property
• Using activated oxygen to eliminate odors
• Refinishing surfaces to match the surroundings

SERVPRO of Waterbury strives to match the fire damage restoration needs at your property. Call us at (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Points Should Not Be Overlooked During Water Removal from Cheshire Properties?

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Often leaks upstairs cause water damage downstairs. SERVPRO is standing by to remediate water damage in Cheshire.

No Issue is Trivial for SERVPRO When Performing Water Damage Repairs in Cheshire Homes

Water intrusion from burst pipes or other sources creates significant problems, especially in Cheshire homes. In many cases, people focus on substantial issues like material deterioration during water removal. However, it pays to address the seemingly trivial problems.

A factor like the level of relative humidity is a crucial consideration during water removal from your Cheshire home. Condensation, the transfer of water damage from areas exposed initially to the water spill to other structural areas, is an issue with high humidity. Elevated humidity also creates a conducive environment for mold development. SERVPRO ensures the relative humidity levels in the house remain in the acceptable range throughout the removal process. We use thermo-hygrometers to take readings from each room and set up dehumidifiers for control if the levels exceed 50%.

Regulating humidity is essential when addressing problems caused by:

• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Emergency services water damage
• Leaking roof from storms

Contamination is a common issue after water intrusion. Most people only think of contamination if the water source is not clean. However, microbial growth is typical on wet surfaces or if water is left to sit for too long, turning clean water loss to greywater loss or greywater loss to black water loss. Our SERVPRO technicians incorporate antimicrobial chemical agents when cleaning surfaces after extracting water to eliminate contaminants. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury has intricate knowledge of the water removal processes, ensuring we handle every problem that arises. Call us at (203) 757-5050 when you need help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Essential Is Air Duct Cleaning as Part of Fire Damage Restoration in Waterbury homes?

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can clean and restore any fire damage, no matter the scope. Call us today!

SERVPRO Finds and Addresses Smoke Damage in All Sections of Waterbury Homes

The smoke produced when there is a fire in your Waterbury home tends to reach all sorts of hidden places. Air ducts are one such location, especially if the fire burns while the HVAC system is on. Cleaning the air ducts as part of fire damage restoration helps eliminate odors and improve indoor air quality.

When cleaning surfaces or performing other fire damage restoration tasks in your Waterbury home, it is easy to overlook air ducts since they are out of sight. However, since convection currents drive smoke movements, it tends to reach such areas too. Since there is a buildup of other debris like pollen, pet dander, and dirt over time, smoke residues worsen the situation.

The main advantage of our fire restoration service is the experience we have handling:

• Fire and smoke damage
• House fire cleanup
• Smoke remediation

The main goal when cleaning the air ducts is the removal of all traces of debris. Our SERVPRO technicians use functional equipment such as compressed air whips and vacuum systems to remove all the debris from the duct system.

Cleaning can also help restore the state of galvanized steel material that makes up the ducts to look almost new. In addition, the risk of rust from the effects of acidic smoke residues is eliminated. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury resolves any issue during fire damage restoration. Call us at (203) 757-5050 for assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does Time Influence Water Restoration in Waterbury Properties?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage cancel your day's agenda. Call SERVPRO to remediate and restore the damage.

SERVPRO Expedites Water Cleanup to Minimize Deterioration in Waterbury Conference Halls

If there is water intrusion in your Waterbury conference hall, material deterioration follows. The level of damage varies depending on factors such as the time taken for water removal. SERVPRO can help by expediting the processes needed to complete the restoration.

Extracting standing water and drying any wet materials are the essential processes for water restoration from Waterbury properties. SERVPRO expedites these processes using state-of-the-art equipment. For instance, ride-on rovers make it easier to extract water from vast open surfaces such as carpeted floors since the operator does not need to walk all over the halls. The combined weight of the equipment and operators helps squeeze out water from the wet carpet.

Advanced equipment helps ease various processes, including:

• Water damage remediation
• Water cleanup
• Water damage repairs

The spilled water affects many components in the building, including materials in wall cavities such as insulation and structural supports. Restoration requires concerted drying efforts. Our SERVPRO technicians use several units of commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers.

Our applied structural drying technicians focus on complex and simple issues, including:

• Proper angling of air movers
• Balancing the evaporation and dehumidification rate
• Calculating drying goals

Although expediting water damage repairs helps reduce material deterioration, it might not save every material. Our technicians are also adept at performing demolitions to remove unsalvageable materials. For instance, making flood cuts helps ease the removal of wet materials close to the base of the walls.

SERVPRO of Waterbury handles water restoration in any commercial property. Call us at (203) 757-5050 for help resolving any issue, “Like it never even happened.”

Our Fast Response Will Save Your Home In Waterbury

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Was your home or business sidelined by a recent fire? Contact our experienced team to remediate your home. We are available 24/7.

An Experienced Response Limits Costs Of Restoration In Waterbury

Every restoration company can claim to be the best or the most experienced, and you should never entrust your Waterbury home or business to just anyone. It is always wise to ask around and do your homework, especially with the possibility of disasters like fires, always just around the corner. Having experience in your corner when addressing the fast-spreading effects of fire damage is invaluable, and ultimately, can save you a considerable amount of money and time.

Choosing the best professionals for the job often goes beyond the team to offer you recovery solutions for fire damage in Waterbury properties. Now, you are looking for credentials and expertise that are not available with every business and restoration outfit in the area. We know that we earn our reputation every day by sending out the best professionals available to represent the SERVPRO brand and the work it does. Here are several things you can expect from our professionals responding to fire damage in your house:

•   Years of Experience – With decades of combined experience, we have a talented staff of recovery specialists available to help no matter when disasters strike your property.
•   Extensive Training – Every one of our technicians must pursue accreditation through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in facets of fire damage recovery. We have Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT), Odor Control Technicians (OCT), and Water Restoration Technicians (WRT.)
•   Equipment Expertise – There is no use in having the state-of-the-art equipment that our professionals use daily without the experience and continued education to use them properly. Each of our specialists on the fire damage recovery team can showcase their modern technology and equipment to help, beginning when we first arrive.
•   Established Insurance Relationships – We have a mutual trust established with nearly every insurance provider within our region. This connection should help to expedite claims and to meet the changing demands of your insurance provider.

You always have a choice in what team comes to help when flood losses occur, and if you choose our SERVPRO of Waterbury team, you are investing in experience and knowledge when every minute counts. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Waterbury, Flooding, Mitigation, Restoration, and Yeah for SERVPRO!!

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and subsequent flood damage can be quite overwhelming. Contact team SERVPRO for effective flood damage remediation.

Flood Removal Tactics for Waterbury Residences

Floods are destructive elements that many Waterbury homes must face over their lifetimes. As devastating as these circumstances are, many homeowners do not have a clear plan to remove standing water and dry out saturated components of their property. With the highly stressful situation amid a flooding disaster, it is best to determine how to remove harmful water damage without destroying the property in the process and preserving contents.

Flood removal for Waterbury homes often begins with establishing the best and most comprehensive mitigation approach. This phase gets explicitly implemented to reduce damage and ultimate costs of restoration. Every homeowner must know his role in reducing the spread and severity of the situation – call our experienced SERVPRO professionals. Take the easy and smart way out of flood damage cleanup and restoration.

The Storm Damage Elements Dictate the Restoration Process

The origins of a flood depend on the circumstances, but severe weather systems can often damage property, allowing some water penetration. In this condition, it is critical to get extraction work started immediately. Our SERVPRO professionals maintain ready trailers stocked with a wide array of advanced equipment and portable tools to make flood effects “Like it never even happened.”

• Wet-Vacs
• Portable Sump Pumps
• Gas-Powered Trash Pumps
• Weighted Extractors
• Air Movers
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Equipment and Products are Crucial to Storm Damage Mitigation

These pieces of equipment are ideal for the needs of your home, from battling saturated flooring materials like carpeting to overcoming several inches of standing water in various points of your property. Our professionals can help reduce the presence and severity of this flood damage initially, paving the way for the essential drying efforts to follow. The combination of air movers, dehumidifiers, and drying mats can work simultaneously to return saturated elements to their preloss condition whenever possible.

Work Hard to Salvage, Toss Only When There is No Other Option

SERVPRO strives to preserve and restore structural building elements, contents, and personal treasures. This is not always possible. We always envision a controlled demolition when necessary, using a scalpel and not a machete. Flood cuts, off-site cleaning, drying, and storage can help protect your assets for return upon completing the home service.

Storm damage and subsequent flooding can often be an overwhelming experience for homeowners, but our SERVPRO of Waterbury water restoration specialists can help. We have a full roster of certified technicians that can respond immediately in a crisis. Call our 24/7 emergency response line at (203) 757-5050.

SERVPRO Offers Fire Damage Restoration to Homeowners in Waterbury?

5/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury today at (203) 757-5050 if you need help with professional fire damage restoration.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Services by SERVPRO in Waterbury

A fire in your home seems catastrophic, even if it is a small kitchen fire. There is damage to the kitchen cupboards near the fire, and there are smoke residues on everything. The vapors from the fire that may have been distributed throughout the house leave smoke odor everywhere.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration service to Waterbury residents for small and large fires. We can remove the damaged components and arrange for restoration. All fires produce smoke and residues. In many cases, if the fire is controlled quickly, smoke odors and residues are contained in the kitchen and perhaps adjacent rooms.

Residues can be oily and adhere to everything, or they can be flaky and easily cleaned. SERVPRO evaluates the type of residue and applies the appropriate cleaning methods and agents to remove all residue from porous and nonporous materials. We clean all of your belongings and remove smoke odors from your home. 

Our Services include:

• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• House Fire Clean up
• Smoke Remediation

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury for fire damage restoration in Waterbury and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (203) 757-5050.

Looking for Water Restoration Companies in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Don't allow water to take over your home. Call our experts for help today.

Emergency Services Water Damage Restoration Companies in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

Hazardous materials present safety challenges for all water restoration companies in Waterbury. Water leaks from pipes in the ceiling or walls of older homes may damage older insulation materials and the drywall, requiring removal and replacement before drying.

SERVPRO franchise companies provide water restoration services to Waterbury residents and business owners. Our professionals are trained to recognize dangerous substances in walls and ceilings, such as asbestos. We always take the proper precautions to protect our clients and employees from exposure.

Before water restoration can begin in these circumstances, qualified subcontractors must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. We urge our clients to follow the same guidelines as our employees when they encounter asbestos-containing materials. Avoid:

• Cutting or sawing the material.
• Hammering or breaking the material.
• Drilling or piercing the material.
• Sanding, brushing, scrubbing, or otherwise agitating the material.
• Removing, loosening, or moving the material.

Once your home is certified to be clear of all asbestos materials, SERVPRO can continue with all water damage restoration activities.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury for water restoration companies in Waterbury and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (203) 757-5050.

Commercial Mold Inspections, Remediation, and Removal in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

If mold is left unchecked, it can spread very quickly. Contact our IICRC certified mold damage remediation team for an assessment today.

Need Mold Removal in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

Mold needs organic material for food, higher moisture levels, and warm temperatures. These conditions are found in commercial buildings in areas that are in unused areas of your premises. Mold gives off a strong, musty odor which is often the first sign of a mold infestation in your commercial building.

SERVPRO provides mold remediation and removal services in Waterbury and surrounding areas. Our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians are certified by the IICRC, making our company the right choice for mold inspections, remediation, and removal of mold infestations.

Mold spores are everywhere inside and outside our buildings. The best approach to fighting mold infestations is to eliminate the source of moisture. Otherwise, mold will continue to return even after thorough mold removal from all structures.

Once mold remediation is completed, commercial business owners who want to control future mold infestations should:

• Eliminate the source of moisture
• Maintain humidity levels below 45%
• Maintain air circulation in areas prone to the growth of mold

SERVPRO can help your company with mold removal and provide guidance on the best approach to avoid future infestations.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury for mold remediation in Waterbury and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (203) 757-5050.

Emergency Services Water Damage in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

We understand the need for rapid response to minimize the loss of your property after a flood occurs. Call us right away we are available 24/7.

Water Damage Catastrophe from Flooding in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

Waterbury is also nicknamed the brass city for its role in the manufacture of brass castings and finishings. Watches and clocks were also manufactured during the first half of the 19th century. Waterbury was added to the 100 best places to raise a family in 2008. The economy in recent years is based on the leading employers in the city – local government, hospitals, and the state.

The population of the city is approximately 108,000. Waterbury was settled in 1674 and incorporated in 1853. The city lies 77 miles from New York City and 33 miles southwest of Hartford.

Interesting activities in the city and the surrounding area include:

• Palace Theater
• Library Park
• Seven Angels Theatre
• Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center
• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
• Brass Works Brewing Company
• Lakewood Lanes
• Harrub Pilgrim Memorial
• Hop Brook Lake
• Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
• Waterbury Green
• Waterbury Skating Center
• Bank Street Historic District
• Union Station
• Municipal Stadium
• The Christopher Columbus Statue

Palace Theater

The Palace Theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and has gone through several iterations since the 1st world war. Today it offers Broadway musicals, stand-up comedy nights, country showcases, and children's plays. The Palace Theater has partnered with the Waterbury Arts Magnet School to facilitate and develop local talent and arts groups.

Library Park

Library Park is ideal for picnics, local events at the bandshell, and relaxing walks on trails around the park's perimeter. Check for local listings for events scheduled at the park.

Seven Angels Theatre

Seven Angels Theatre has been operating for sixteen seasons with over two hundred performances each year. They offer many different theatrical pieces, including drama and musicals as well as Shakespearian plays.

Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center

The Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center offer exhibits from modern and ancient history. Visitors learn about the background of the city and exhibitions focused on artwork from the state of Connecticut.

Lakewood Lanes

Looking for a night out with the family, Lakewood Lanes offers 42 bowling lanes and an arcade with many old-fashioned games, and a bar for snacks. Check their schedule for league games and tournaments.

Harrub Pilgrim Memorial

The Harrub Pilgrim Memorial was dedicated in the 1930s, honoring pilgrims that helped establish the city. Constructed from granite imported from France, with intricate carvings, and can be found at Chase Parkway.

Hop Brook Lake

The Hop Brook Lake covers 21 acres developed from damming Hop Brook. The lake has largemouth bass, panfish and is stocked with trout. There are walking trails around the lake, picnic areas, a sandy beach, and a baseball field.

Sewage Cleanup after Floodwaters Cascade Through Your Home in Waterbury

Spring flooding can cause catastrophic flooding, storm sewers to overflow, and even raw sewage to back up into storm drains. Sewage and floodwaters contain highly infectious waste material. Homeowners and businesses cannot be too careful attempting floodwater and sewage cleanup.

SERVPRO has the experience, the knowledge, and the personal protective equipment to manage flood damage and infectious waste in Waterbury flooding situations. In addition to the dangers from floodwaters, excessive moisture after a flood can provide an excellent environment for the growth of:

• Bacteria
• Mold
• Fungi
• Viruses

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury for flood damage clean-up in Waterbury and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (203) 757-5050.

Do Smoke Odors Go Away by Themselves?

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and odor removal should be left to the pros. SERVPRO has the man power and equipment needed for your home.

Smoke Odor Can Become Trapped in an Indoor Environment after Fire Damage

SERVPRO has Qualified Odor Control Technicians in Waterbury. It is common to experience an odor issue in your home after a fire. In a contained situation, for example, a kitchen fire, these are often referred to as a light smoke odor. Light smoke odors are minor smoke damage within a single area, where odors become less perceptible the further away you get from the source. 

Our first step toward fire restoration in your Waterbury home is to remove the source of the odor. Removing the source could involve disposing of fire debris, cleaning visible smoke damages, and ventilating the affected area. Once the area is clean and clear of potential odor sources, our technicians ventilate the room thoroughly to see if odor disperses. If the smell remains, we use deodorant and deodorizing equipment to rid the home of odor.

• Vapor odors are best contained by using odor counteracting pellets in the affected area that trap odor-causing particles.
• Thermal fogging uses chemical pairing agents to find and neutralize smoke odors. We apply misting significantly to the source and work outward.
• Inspecting cavities, ceiling spaces, air-conditioning units, and crawl spaces can often remove odor-causing stains or smoke residues. 

Neutralize burnt odors in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury for fire restoration assistance at (203) 757-5050.

Are Natural Materials in the Home Hit Harder by Flooding?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration is not any easy thing to do. Especially when it comes to home valuables. SERVPRO has the team you need.

SERVPRO of Waterbury Can Analyze and Restore Natural Wood Materials in your Home

Natural materials can often be resilient toward a water intrusion event. Lumber wood and hardwood floors absorb moisture and warp with consistent exposure. However, in many situations, these issues are reversible or restorable using modern equipment and expertise.

When dealing with Flood Damage in Waterbury properties, a common issue is with natural wood frames, drywall, and floorboards. Generally, wooden materials have a 5% to 30% moisture content. Exposure to additional moisture from flooding can cause them to expand. We use moisture meters which are specially calibrated to wooden materials, to assess the exact moisture content. A desiccant dehumidifier or rapid air-mover can often be used to bring the moisture content down to an average level. 

• Moisture meters can either be placed directly onto surfaces or use probes to penetrate surface layers of materials.
• Meters are generally calibrated to a wood scale which can be used to assess drywall, gypsum board, and solid woods accurately. 
• Once moisture content returns to normal, we can sand, refinish and restore woods in your home. 

Save natural materials in your home after flooding. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury for Flood Damage restoration at (203) 757-5050.

What are the Long-term Effects of Water Intrusion in a Home?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage shows its ugly face, SERVPRO has the answer you need. Their technicians are IICRC certified for any size water restoration service.

SERVPRO Water Restoration Services in Waterbury Can Mitigate Loss and Conduct Effective Restoration

Waterbury is one of ten large cities in the New York metropolitan area. The town is fondly nicknamed the "brass city" due to its prominent role in manufacturing brass products, clocks, and watches. Set against Connecticut's backdrop, the region has a long history as an early settlement on the East Coast of America and a significant player in the American Revolutionary War. Today, a population of 110,336 makes Waterbury the second most populous city in New Haven County. Despite its dwindling manufacturing trades, Waterbury remains one of the larger cities in Connecticut State.

Waterbury's early modern history was somewhat modest, with a recorded population of just 5,000 people for the first one hundred years of its founding. The Naugatuck River's interconnecting waterways, which gives the city its name, were prone to regular flooding, which kept population and settlements low for the first two-hundred years of Waterbury's existence. However, in the nineteenth century, the growth of the industrial revolution, and its technology, allowed the city to harness the nearby waterways to power their brass-producing factories. The prominence of manufacture manifested as a soaring population that laid the foundation for the city today.

• The Mattatuck Museum on Prospect Street was founded by the local historical society and gathers exhibits telling the ten villages' story and their growth into modern-day Waterbury. The collection includes American master artists to historical artifacts and features rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
• The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on West Main Street is a stunning example of local architecture. Built-in 1928, the design reflects the period architecture of the Italian Renaissance, with much of the flourishes inspired by the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
• On East Main Street is the Palace Theater which features architecture from the same early twentieth-century period. The traditional playhouse has fantastic acoustics and a rotating program of festive plays, contemporary plays, and classic shows.

SERVPRO Can Restore your Waterbury Home after Water Intrusion

When a property is exposed to large quantities of water, it can cause severe damage and requires professional equipment to speed up drying, mitigate losses and ensure your home returns to a preloss condition. 

Professional water restoration in Waterbury can help you to reclaim your home after a water intrusion event. Our team is ready to mobilize portable water extractors and submersible pumps to eliminate standing water quickly. Following initial mitigation, our use of air-moving equipment and dehumidifiers can help to reduce secondary vapor damages through complete drying. 

• We use refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers to remove residual moisture from home.
• Our IICRC certified technicians can use moisture sensors to detect potential water migration behind walls, floorboards, and ceilings.
• Portable heaters and generators can be installed on-site to allow for smooth workflow of restoration. 

Avoid expensive damages with water intrusion. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury for water restoration at (203) 757-5050.

Can SERVPRO Professionals Deodorize Fire Damaged Cheshire Shops?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let a fire in your building set you back any further. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for fire restoration services 24/7 365 days a year

Elimination of smoky smells makes your retail space more inviting.

Lingering fire-related smells are not only annoying to business owners, but they can also affect your financial success if customers find them odious and head down the street to a competitor. Although masking agents that cover up the smell offer a short-term fix, exploring evolving technologies that work through chemical reactions to neutralize the smell is a sustainable alternative.

How Do Professional Odor Control Experts Deliver Results?

Even if the evident fire damage in Cheshire businesses is minimal, the smell of a fire prolongs the event. If the blaze occurred in a snack shop or staff kitchen area, the protein-based malodors could be pervasive, although the residues causing the smells might be nearly invisible. No traces of the soot can remain when the goal is to eradicate the smells caused by incomplete combustion or dehydration of fuels. To this end, SERVPRO technicians:

• Seek out, bag, and dispose of all fire debris (even hidden in cavities or elsewhere)
• Deep clean surfaces to remove the bulk of the soot particles carrying the odors
• Consider sealing surfaces of porous structures where absorbed odors continuously vaporize (drywall, wood trim)
• Replace some porous materials, including insulation
• Switch out filters in HVAC and other air circulating systems
• Use advanced odor-fighting technologies:
• Thermal fogging -- pairing odor-bearing particles with combusted deodorants to neutralize odors
• Enzymatic treatments for organic residues
• Hydroxyl generators are emitting particles that bond with malodorous soot and change their chemical composition to eliminate smells. 

Trust SERVPRO of Waterbury to help get your business back in operations by eliminating pervasive fire damage odors. Schedule an assessment at (203) 757-5050.

When Pipes Leak Who Helps Waterbury Residents with Water Removal?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing leaks can be very destructive to a home. When it occurs you need the professional help of SERVPRO and their IICRC certified technicians.

Solutions after plumbing fails - why SERVPRO leads the industry.

Before colonization, the general area now called Waterbury was home to Indigenous Peoples with Algonquin origins. After changes occasioned by King Philip's War, the fledgling town relocated to the east of its original space to the Mad River banks. The Algonquin name was "Matetacoke," translated to "the interval lands." Its Anglicised name became "Mattatuck." When admitted to the Connecticut Colony in 1686, another name change, this time to Waterbury, reflected the many waterways, including the Mad River, emptying into the Naugatuck from both sides of the valley. The settlement was slow to expand until the brass industry took advantage of its water power.

Was Brass Milling and Manufacture a Lucrative Industry for Waterbury?

By the time Waterbury incorporated in 1853, the city was known as the "Brass Capital of the World." The high quality and durability of the brass manufactured in the city helped build a solid reputation for the firms milling and rolling the composite metal. Brass and copper from Waterbury reached many areas of the United States, including Nevada's Boulder Dam.

What Were the Most Common Goods Manufactured by the Brass Companies Congregating in Waterbury?

At first, brass manufacturers produced buttons and clocks. The land around the city was ill-suited to farming, and the brass cottage industry was an alternative to agriculture. Brothers Abel and Levi Porter moved to Waterbury and joined pewter button makers Henry, Silas, and Samuel Grilley in 1802 as Abel Porter and Company. Using a direct fusion process to join zinc and copper to create the metal, they opened the first rolling brass mill in the nation using Naugatuck and Mad Rivers' strength. High demand for military notions and medals encouraged the company to start with buttons, particularly uniform buttons. Still, over the next century, they and other companies branched out to make various metal items focusing on brass and later copper:

• Novelties
• Decorative accessories and tableware
• Sheet brass
• German silver
• Brass and copper wire 
• Brass tubing
• Copper pipe
• Plumbing supplies

What Happened to the Brass and Copper Industry in Waterbury?

During World War II, the US government was on a desperate search for war materials, and the city produced shell and gun casings. Eventually, Chase Brass and Copper Company, LLC, the last prominent Waterbury brass working company, moved to Montpelier, Ohio, after the war-time demand relented.

Why Does SERVPRO Top the List for Help When Old or Failing Plumbing Leaks?

Complete water removal in Waterbury requires an investment in training and an extensive inventory of specialized equipment to rid homes of standing fluids and lingering moisture. Dedication to industry best practices is why SERVPRO acquires the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for all workers. Our fleet of service vehicles delivers the following crucial machinery to every water emergency project:

• Submersible pumps
• Truck-mounted and portable extractors
• Air movers
• Heaters
• Dehumidifiers 

Although it is unlikely today that antique plumbing fittings from the "Brass Capital of the World" cause water removal urgency, the ability to manage even that scenario is why SERVPRO of Waterbury should be your first call. Reach us at (203) 757-5050.

Learn to Find a Healtheir You in Waterbury

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Want to make your Waterbury home safer and healthier after a flooding and sewage problem? Call SERVPRO

Discover the advantages of essential oils in a free local workshop.

If you have ever been curious about what essential oils are and how they can help you to lead a more positive, healthier life, then you now have the opportunity to get these questions answered. Experienced experts can walk you through the use of oils and provide some guidance and help into what products might be best for you and what ails you.

With the stresses of 2020 still fresh in the rear-view mirror, do not miss the opportunity to learn how to lead a fuller, more natural life. The workshop covers many questions like what oils are, how they work, and how they are natural remedies to common ailments. You can reserve your spot for the February 2nd, 2021 event by contacting the Courtyard by Marriott Waterbury Downtown (203) 596-1000.

Flood damage to Waterbury homes can cause significant stress, but our experienced team can make it “Like it never even happened.” From extraction and decontamination to content restoration, our SERVPRO of Waterbury team is available 24/7 at (203) 757-5050.

Cheshire Residents Can Unwind with Feel Good Fridays

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO treats your vehicle to a clean garage after a fire-damaging and sooty event--in all of Cheshire and the surrounding areas!

Sports Rock of Waterbury offers a fun way to welcome your weekend.

Because it is so conveniently located along with the Lakewood Lanes here in Waterbury, Sports Rock Bar & Lounge provides various beers and cocktails to appreciate while you hit the lanes. On Friday, January 27th through closing time in the earliest hours of January 28th, thirsty patrons can experience the allure of many on-tap beverages with their favorite friends and family.

The weekend always starts with Feel Good Fridays featuring hours of live entertainment provided by DJ Big Cuzz. There’s no cover to come and enjoy some classic rock music in a safe and distanced way. For more information, you can call Sports Rock Bar directly at (203) 574-5131.

Some classic rock can burn up the stage, but if you are dealing with a need for fire damage restoration in your Cheshire home, you should leave it to the professionals. We have skilled technicians certified in deodorization, soot removal, and fire damage cleanup to return your property to preloss condition. Give SERVPRO of Waterbury a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Preserving Waterbury's Future by Protecting the Past from Water Damage

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can mitigate the water damage to your Waterbury home, just call us for fast service

Professional water restoration companies like our SERVPRO team can help with mitigation and recovery.

With a growing population, Waterbury has continued to provide a stable place to live in work for thousands of residents. Once a booming part of the brass industry, much is changed in the recent decades for the city, though the population has not dwindled as a result. Despite the fact that our town motto, 'What Is More Lasting Than Brass?' seems less pertinent, it is more a statement of the community's longevity and its adaptability to the changing of times. Water damages can substantially impact historic and protected properties throughout the county, so having the fast response and knowledgeable technicians of our SERVPRO team to help is valuable for many property owners. 

Protected Properties of Historical Significance 

Because the city's history began in 1686 as an incorporated town, many structures and areas throughout the region bear historical significance. Many New Haven County areas in the greater New Haven region of Connecticut have ties to the American Revolution and other prominent periods of American history. There are protected landmarks and buildings that require unique restoration and recovery approaches when contending with water disasters like flooding or a plumbing leak. Determining the best strategy in terms of cost efficiency and protecting original construction materials ultimately requires experienced professional water restoration companies. Some of these unique and historic properties in New Haven County include:

• Palace Theatre – There's already been many resources and money put aside to renovate and remodel this theater to its original glory. First constructed in 1922, the theater had an excellent run of successes until the mid-80s. With a passionate group of individuals looking to provide a greater depth to live entertainment in the city, the structure was able to reopen its doors in 2004 and has seen steady successes since.
• Downtown Waterbury Historic District – Much of the buildings found in this protected area of downtown Waterbury were constructed in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The total area features more than 130 protected buildings stretched out over 75 acres. This cross-section of the city was first recognized for its historical significance by the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
• Benedict-Miller House – This is one of the massive manors that point to a time of prominence and industry for the city of Waterbury. The home was built for tycoon Charles Benedict, a recognized name in the brass work production. Built in 1879, this is one of the few grand houses remaining in the Greater New Haven area. You can see the Queen Anne style, complete with brick and wooden paneling, on Hillside Avenue.
  
• George S. Abbott Building – On the convergence of North Main and Cooke Streets, you will find a property less than an acre in size that features a five-story building that has stood in this place since 1899. Most locals might remember a long-standing tire shop in the base of this building that once had a fifty-year run ending in 1980.  
• Elton Hotel – This is one of the oldest and most recognized hotels in Waterbury constructed in 1904, to replace a different accommodation destroyed in a fire two years earlier. The building has seen multiple celebrity guests throughout its lifetime, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, John. F. Kennedy, and James Thurber, who is said to have written his most famous story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" during his stay.

Protecting the Heritage and History of Waterbury

Museums and cultural centers are both vital to protecting the stories and legacies of some of the area's most famous residents and visitors. Many structures have filled this role, and our SERVPRO team has helped provide efficient water restoration services to commercial properties. Some of the local museums and iconic locations include:

• Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center – This facility showcases the art and creations of those who were born or spent part of their lives in Connecticut. The collection features work from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. 
• Holy Land USA – This was one of the most fantastic attractions for all of Connecticut during the 60s and 70s, as it was a theme park unlike any other most had seen. While it was closed for nearly 30 years, the park reopened to great success in 2014.
• Brass Mill Center – Perhaps one of the most well-known locations for Waterbury is this massive shopping venue. Constructed from the remnants of brass production facilities, the name was a testament to what was discarded to build the new center.

When Only Professional Water Restoration Companies Can Help

Water restoration is not often a situation that can get resolved by a determined homeowner but instead requires sophisticated equipment and technologies. Identifying the damage is among the first steps of professionals arriving at the compromised property, and this involves various detection devices and discovery tools to isolate moisture pockets and dampness.

• Hygrometers
• Thermal imagery cameras
• Moisture meters

When standing water exists, professionals are expected to resolve this situation with our advanced extraction equipment inventory immediately. Depending on the severity of the case, it is often necessary to utilize multiple extraction devices to accomplish the mitigation expected. Electric submersible pumps can manage much of the surface water concerns before drying, but some instances require more direct approaches like high-pressure pumps for high-rise accommodations and apartment buildings like the Elton Hotel.

Depending on the damage done, drying your home might require contractors to implement controlled demolition to access damp areas and moisture pockets for direct impact with air movers, dehumidifiers, and other evaporative drying approaches.

No matter how water disasters happen in your home, you can count on the fast response of SERVPRO of Waterbury to help. As a leader among water restoration companies in Waterbury, we can make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Enjoy A Modern Take On The Nutcracker In Waterbury This December

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can be extensive. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the flooding restoration services to get your home back to preloss condition.

A Fun Update On A Modern Classic That You Can Enjoy From Your Waterbury Home

The Palace Theater in Waterbury has an extra special treat for all performing arts lovers this December: The Hip Hop Nutcracker. This is a delightfully modern and joyful twist on the festive classic that the whole family can watch together.

• It opens with a short set from Hip Hop legend MC Kurtis Blow.
• Features a dozen star dancers accompanied by a DJ and a violinist.
• Moves the action from 19th century Germany to modern-day New York.

This evening-length production was recorded live at the New Jersey Performing arts center. Screening is on December 20 at 3 PM and is streamed straight to your home.

General and VIP tickets are available. General tickets cost $25, and you must view it at the scheduled time. VIP tickets cost $50 and let you watch within a 48-hour window. VIP tickets also include admission to a live-streamed chat with the show’s creators.

It is good to stay home and warm at this time of year when bad weather can cause flooding. If you need help with flood damage, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050.

Come and Visit The Home Of The Mickey Mouse Watch, and So Much More

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire can cause major damage to ones home. Call SERVPRO who have the IICRC certified technicians and equipment to handle the job for you.

Waterbury has a long history to tell about.

Waterbury has a long history. Settlers founded it in 1674, in an area which is now known as Town Plot. These days Town Plot is well-known for its Italian culture and is famous for holding a four-day feast every July. Visitors during the feast love the fried dough, pastries, Italian ices, and sofrito sandwiches.

The city of Waterbury took a while to get up and running. There is not much arable land in the area, making it difficult for the early settlers to grow food and raise animals. Constant flooding, along with disease outbreaks, caused trouble. However, by the mid-nineteenth century, Waterbury was a thriving and industrious town. The city became known as the "City of Brass" thanks to its booming brass industry. The industry drew people from a wide geographical area, and Waterbury gained a reputation for high-quality brass production.

A City Of Firsts

Brass is not the only thing Waterbury has to be proud of. The city boasts several "firsts." For example:

• St Joseph's Church, established in 1894, was the first Lithuanian worship community in Connecticut and is the second oldest Lithuanian church in the country.

• Waterbury native Fr. Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus near Waterbury, in New Haven. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service order, with nearly 2 million members worldwide.

• One of the first-ever full-length motion pictures with sound was produced in the area by Waterbury native William Henry Bristol. He invented the Bristolphone to record sound and movement simultaneously, and it was used in over 100 cinemas across the country. Bristol also created a pyrometer for recording high temperatures and an audio phone, which changed the face of public address systems. Bristol is one of Waterbury's most industrious sons – he was awarded almost 100 patents in his life.

• Victor Zembruski's Polish Eagles radio show was first broadcast on Waterbury Radio Station. The show is now known as The Zembruski Family Polka Hour, and it is one of the longest-running shows on American radio.

• Dr. Anthony Vastola formed the nation's first Unico Club in Waterbury in 1922. The Unico Club, whose name is Italian for Unique, is now the country's largest Italian-American service organization.

A City Of Clocks

Another thing Waterbury is famed for is its history of clock making and its magnificent clock tower! 

The brass makers Benedict and Burnham formed the Waterbury Clock Company in 1854. The Company made a significant impact on the clock making industry in North America:

• At one point, it was the largest maker of clocks for both national and international sales.

• They invented the Jumbo watch (based on P. T. Barnum's famous elephant) as a cheaper alternative to pricey clocks. The Jumbo was first trialed in New York City, where it caught the attention of Robert H. Ingersoll.

• The Company supplied Ingersoll's Robert H. Ingersoll & Bro Company with the Ingersoll Yankee. The Yankee was a one-dollar pocket watch that became so popular it was nicknamed "the watch that made the dollar famous."

• In the 1930s, they partnered with Walt Disney to produce the famous Mickey Mouse watch. Waterbury unveiled the watch at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933, and it quickly became immensely popular. Waterbury had struggled financially before making the watch due to unscrupulous salespeople flogging their watches as loss leaders and plunging the company into the red. The Mickey Mouse watch became their first million-dollar selling line and turned the Company's future around. 

The Waterbury Clock Company eventually became the Timex Group USA, one of the world's best-known timepiece manufacturers.

While you are exploring Waterbury's clock-related history, do not forget to stop by the Union Station Clock Tower. The station is now home to Waterbury's daily newspaper, but its impressive clock tower still stands tall. At 254 ft high, the tower dominates the Waterbury skyline and can be seen for miles around. The tower features a clock face on each side, with 5 ft tall Roman numerals. The tower is also adorned with fierce she-wolf gargoyles. 

Waterbury Knows How Devastating Fire Can Be

Unfortunately, in a large city with many industrial companies, accidents are bound to happen from time to time. In 1902, Waterbury's downtown area suffered a terrible fire that destroyed many businesses.

The fire began around 6:30 in the evening, and because there were high winds that day, it spread quickly throughout the downtown district. Some of the businesses lost that night were:

• Davis' Cigar Store

• A Salvation Army Barracks

• A Turkish Bathhouse

•  Reid & Hughes Dry Goods Store

• Cannon & Webster's Drug Store

The fire claimed 42 buildings before the firefighters could extinguish it, and it is the worst fire in Waterbury history. The blaze crossed streets and leaped from building to building, causing $2 million worth of damage.

Although there are still some surviving buildings from before the fire, much of downtown required rebuilding. As a result, the current downtown area is an eclectic mix of styles from the 19th and 20th centuries.

SERVPRO Is Faster To Any Size Disaster

If your home suffers fire damage, you need a fire damage cleanup crew that is prompt and reliable. That is why SERVPRO is Faster To Any Size Disaster – we aim to arrive within four hours of your first call.

Fire can damage a buildings in many ways. There is structural damage, such as burned beams, supports, and insulation. The roof or floor might be left unstable. 

There is also soot damage, which can be hard to eradicate. Soot is caused by incomplete combustion of materials during a fire, which leaves behind a sticky black residue. Some soot is powdery and easy to brush away, but some soot is much stickier and more tenacious. If the fire is in the kitchen, there may be protein soot, which is the most noxious and challenging residue type to clean.

Our teams are equipped to handle fire damage of every kind. We begin by making sure the area is stable and safe to work in, and we take care of immediate issues such as the need to put a tarp over the roof. Then we set to work scrubbing and brushing away the soot until your home is clean.

For a fire damage cleanup service you can trust, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050.

The Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum Welcomes You To A Tour In Cheshire This December

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a hassle when it comes to clean up. DIY project this is not. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services.

Have A Day Out With A Difference In Cheshire

How would you like to enjoy some childhood nostalgia in Cheshire this winter? Come along to the Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum and be amazed by their extensive collection of childhood toys and characters.

• View the extensive collection of a staggering 80,000 items.
• See childhood collectibles from the 1870s onward.
• The collection includes TV memorabilia, advertising characters, cartoon characters, and an animation art gallery.
• See the world’s most extensive collection of California Raisins.
• Barkers is the only official CelebriDucks museum in the world and houses an extensive collection.

Museum tours must be booked by contacting the museum to choose your date and time. Tours last an hour, and there are slots available from 11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Saturday. Tours are suitable for groups of five or less and cost $20 per group.

Water damage is bad news for any business. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Waterbury is here to support local businesses with all their water cleanup needs. Call us at (203) 757-5050.

Learn More About Cheshire History with a Cheshire Historical Society Tour

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

We are always on call to serve the community of Cheshire. Call us for your emergency water damage restoration needs.

Visit a Historic Cheshire House And Step into the Past 

The Cheshire Historical Society is passionate about keeping the history of Cheshire alive through museum exhibits, talks, and programs. Come and see Cheshire history for yourself with a tour of the Hitchcock-Phillips House. This Georgian-style home dates back to 1785. The Cheshire Historical Society has been its caretaker since the 1970s. Visit the Hitchcock-Phillips House for yourself and see:  

• An Aaron Willard banjo clock from the 19th century.
• A chair designed especially for the comfort of men wearing swords
• A grandfather clock from 1775
• A traveling desk belonging to President Millard Fillmore
• A restoration of a boy’s room from the 1960s

And many other treasures besides. Tours take place on Sundays at 2:15 PM and 3 PM and are by appointment. 

The winter months can damage your pipes – especially if you are out of the house and get cold. If a burst pipe leaves you in need of water removal, SERVPRO of Waterbury can help. Call us today at (203) 757-5050.

Look for Award-Winning Musicals in Waterbury

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO remediate mold damage so the show can go on!

The Palace Theater in Waterbury is Proud to Present the Band’s Visit 

There is nothing quite like live theater to lift the spirits and bring some excitement into your daily life. The Palace Theater in Waterbury is delighted to welcome The Band’s Visit. 

This acclaimed musical:  

• Has won ten Tony awards – making it one of the most Tony award-winning musicals in history!
• Has won a Grammy award
• Features world-class performers Sasson Gabay and Janet Dacal 

Come along and enjoy an offbeat and heartwarming story about the power of music and finding joy in unexpected places. You are sure to leave tapping your toes and feeling uplifted. Although scheduled for November 28, this show has been postponed due to the pandemic. Be sure and check back for upcoming dates.  

Keeping live venues free of mold can be challenging – but it is essential, as mold can cause health effects and damage a building. SERVPRO of Waterbury offers professional mold removal services for all performance venues in the area. Call us today at (203) 757-5050.

Fun for All the Family in the Brass City of Waterbury

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Leave the water damage to us so you can enjoy Waterbury's attractions.

SERVPRO is Here for You Whatever the Weather in Waterbury 

Waterbury is an attractive Connecticut City situated on the Naugatuck River. The city has a plethora of green space and a classic New England historical vibe. And yet it is also jam-packed with excellent shopping, local restaurants and has a vibrant arts scene. All this, combined with a strong manufacturing past, makes Waterbury a fascinating city of different moods, with something for everyone to enjoy.  

Waterbury also enjoys a gorgeous location close to New England’s rolling landscape and vibrant fall leaf displays yet within striking distance of New York City. The hot summers and cold, snowy winters can be challenging – especially when the weather gets bad – but there’s no doubt that the climate gives Waterbury its timeless personality.  

The Home of Brass  

Until the mid-20th century, Waterbury was the leading brass manufacturer in the country. The city’s motto is “Quid Aere Perennius?” which translates to “What is more lasting than brass?”  

Brass has certainly lasted well in Waterbury. The city is proud of its industrial tradition, which shaped the city we know today. Waterbury had humble beginnings. Settlers first put down roots in the 1670s, but the new town was not without its problems. Flooding on the Naugatuck River and an outbreak of disease meant that after the first century, the city had only 5000 residents.  

All that changed in the early nineteenth century when brass manufacturing came to town. The same rivers that had caused flooding problems – the Naugatuck and the Mad River – powered the new brass industry. Workers came from far and wide, creating a multicultural city. Waterbury brass was known for its high quality and was used nationwide, even in the Boulder Dam in Nevada.  

Waterbury entrepreneurs did not stop at brass, however. The city also became famous for its clocks and watches – it is the home of the Ingersoll one-dollar pocket watch, which sold in its millions in the mid-nineteenth century. The city also produces silverware and historical silver pieces from the Waterbury feature in museums and exhibits everywhere. 

When you come to Waterbury, look out for evidence of its rich industrial past. You will find impressive clock towers and retired brass factories all over the city. 

Fun for Everyone in the Brass City   

Waterbury’s industrial past is fascinating – but there is so much more to the city. All of your family is sure to find something to delight them. While checking out the historical clock towers and brass sites, why not try out some other attractions?  

• Brass Mill Center. Named for the city’s heritage, the Brass Mill Center is a 110,000 square meter shopping mall, conveniently located just east of downtown. It has over 130 shops spread over two floors, offering everything from clothes to electronics and even a driving school. Do your kids need a rest? Enjoy a snack from the food court or relax and watch a movie at the in-house movie theater.
• Fascia’s Chocolates. If anyone in your family has a sweet tooth, you cannot leave Waterbury without visiting Fascia’s! Fascia’s proprietors established the store in 1964 and have been hand-making delicious chocolates ever since. As well as sampling the wares, you can tour the factory and even make your own chocolates. 
• The Mattatuck Museum. Established in 1877, the Matt, as it is known locally, offers interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. You can participate in classes and demonstrations that bring art to life and check out their impressive collection of historical buttons.
• Laser Planet. Excitement awaits the whole family at Laser Planet. You can play laser tag, try out a virtual reality headset, stop by the arcade to play some games, or try your luck on the bumper cars. 
• Brass Mills Mall Escape Room. Gather your family and get ready for fifty heart-pounding minutes. There are themed escape rooms, including Treasure Island or Superheroes, and you can choose your difficulty level. 

After enjoying the shopping, entertainment, and historical buildings, you are sure to find an eatery to relax and refresh yourself. Waterbury is packed full of restaurants offering everything from Italian to seafood to fine dining.  

Waterbury is no Stranger to Water Damage  

Flooding along the Naugatuck River has been an issue for Waterbury residents since the first settlers arrived. The slow growth of the settlement in the 17th century was due in part to river flooding. The floods combined with not enough arable land made for harsh conditions.  

In 1955, the area faced one of the worst floods in its history. Two back to back hurricanes caused widespread flooding, resulting in 87 deaths and $200 million worth of damage. In Waterbury, the water rose to 35 feet in places and reached speeds of 50 miles per hour, while the police, coast guard, and citizens fought to rescue those threatened by the rising water. As a result of the floods, the United States Corps of Engineers built several dams and floodwalls, including: 

• The Thomaston Dam in 1960
• The Northfield Brook Dam in 1965
• The Colebrook Dam in 1969 

SERVPRO was not established when the flood took place – our founders started the company in 1967. Now we are available to help the people of Waterbury whenever flooding occurs, and our water damage repair service helps them get back to normal fast, “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO is There When Water Damage Hits – Day or Night  

Fast action is vital in the case of water damage. Within the first 24 hours, water can:  

• Soak into building materials and damage structural integrity
• Create a moist setting where mold can thrive
• Cause wood furniture and beams to swell and crack, and wooden floors to warp 

SERVPRO is Faster To Any Size Disaster. We aim to be on-site within four hours of receiving the first call from a customer. We equip our technicians with personal protective equipment such as breathing apparatus, bodysuits, and gloves, so they can get to work immediately.   

Drying is key to rescuing a home or business after water damage, which is why our technicians emphasize the creation and execution of a drying plan. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry buildings and contents. We also monitor moisture and humidity throughout to ensure everything is dry and the risk of mold growth is lessened.  

We understand that lingering damp smells are an unpleasant side effect of water damage. We deodorize every property after drying, using air scrubbers, foggers, and deodorizing compounds to ensure odor removal.   

When the weather gets out of hand in Waterbury, do not despair. SERVPRO of Waterbury is here for you. Call us at (203) 757-5050 for all your water damage repair needs.

What Makes Floodwater Harmful in Waterbury?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Nothing is more critical than restoring your home to pre-flood conditions.

Flood Damage Calls for Careful Cleanup Due to Potential Contamination Within – SERVPRO is the Best Option for Restoring Your Waterbury Home

The onset of a surge of water where flooding enters your home brings a world of unknowns. Not only is it vital to think about potential harm to the structural integrity of your Waterbury home, but there is also danger from contaminants. SERVPRO has the tools, training, and experience to ensure your interior is restored to like-new condition so that your family and household can get back to your routine quicker. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Why Are Trained Technicians Best for the Job?
For flood damage in Waterbury, SERVPRO’s skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) follow detailed protocols for testing and treating potentially toxic floodwaters. Big or small, we get right to work – you can expect:

    •    As required, we handle board up, tarping, and pack-out services.
    •    Fast action that minimizes the impact of the loss and overall costs.
    •    Proven methods for extraction, water removal, deodorization, and sanitization.
    •    Industrial-grade tools and equipment made to handle residential and commercial projects.
    •    Homeowners enjoy our tailored approach to extraction and drying, which includes constant monitoring to ensure no moisture is left behind.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Drying?
In many flood damage situations, our crew creates drying zones to achieve our goals better. Should rooms of your home sustain more floodwater than other areas, we may put up polyethylene sheeting to construct sealed drying zones. However, different situations might call for open drying systems to push moisture out of your home when the weather outside is conducive to our goals. The crew chief on the project will make determinations to handle drying and moisture removal as quickly as possible.

Nothing is more critical than restoring your home to pre-flood conditions. If you need assistance from highly-skilled technicians, you can count on SERVPRO of Waterbury to get the job done. Call us for 24-hour cleanup and restoration at (203) 757-5050.

How Does SERVPRO Aid the Waterbury Homeowner’s Insurance Company?

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire in your home causes damage, contact team SERVPRO. We will develop a custom plan to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Works with Homeowners and Insurance Companies in Waterbury to Ensure Everything Gets Handled Quickly and Professionally

Residential fires are the leading cause of fire deaths, injuries, and property loss. According to the 2016 annual report, 747 building and structure fire incidents were handled by Waterbury firefighters that year. While not all homes are insured against fire damage, the majority of them are covered. A professional restoration company is a vital part of the equation when it comes to assisting homeowners in their insurance claims.

What Parties Are Involved in Fire Restoration?

When there is a need for fire damage restoration in Waterbury homes, the insurance company works with homeowners to determine the damage and what loss gets covered. The parties involved in this process include:

•   Homeowner – has suffered a loss due to a fire
•   Insurance company – holds the homeowner’s insurance policy and is represented by a local agent
•   Insurance adjuster – insurance company’s on-the-scene representative who works with the homeowner and the restoration company
•   Restoration company – a valuable partner to the adjuster, provides critical information that assists with restoration and claims.

Meeting the Needs of the Homeowner & Adjuster

Fire loss in Waterbury is devastating to families. It turns everything upside down and can leave you wondering what to do and when to do it. Getting in contact with your insurance company is the first step after assuring you and your family are safe. Then SERVPRO enters the picture and can provide emergency fire mitigation steps. As a fire restoration company, we do more than simply come onto the premises and clean up. Fire restoration involves:

• Customer satisfaction – we understand what you are going through. Our technicians are here to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible. We keep you apprised of what is happening every step of the way. We truly empathize with our neighbors' losses.
• Minimize loss – By providing immediate fire mitigation, SERVPRO techs can prevent secondary damage from occurring. Emergency services help reduce the loss on the property.
• Determine restoration – Our team can assist in deciding what can be cleaned, what needs replacing, and what does not need cleaning. Pretesting, training, and experience make our technicians experts at what they do.
• Assisting adjusters – We provide testing, loss detail, and scoping information quickly to save the adjuster time. Our professional crews have the experience necessary to manage restorations jobs, so the adjuster does not have to deal with minor, time-consuming tasks.
• Scope details – SERVPRO does a thorough scope of the scene that provides inspection and reports that, in turn, allow the adjuster to review the anticipated procedures. He then can prioritize a work schedule.
• Quality restoration – Restore rather than replace is always our goal. This saves the homeowner and the insurance company time and money. We desire to return your home to you, “Like it never even happened.”

By working closely with the homeowner and the adjuster, SERVPRO provides an invaluable service that goes beyond restoration. The stress of dealing with fire damage restoration is taken off the owner’s shoulders as our company works with the adjuster. The agent’s job is made easier by the steps we take to provide detailed information early on that allows things to go smoothly over the coming days.

What Can Homeowners Do to Assist the Process?

When a fire occurs, it can leave the individuals involved dazed and not always thinking clearly. The number of things that need to be done can be overwhelming. But certain things can be done to ensure your needs are met.

• If safety permits, take photographs.
• Provide a home inventory list. Our CCIS Contents Claim Inventory System utilizes a software program to list non-salvageable building materials, contents, and special possessions.
• Remove valuables, medication, and financial items before employees begin working. We are not permitted to handle any type of customers’ firearms in the structure.
• Do not use medications or cosmetics that have been contaminated.
• Identify your most important concerns to the technicians so they can prioritize those.

At SERVPRO, we understand the disruption, something as devastating as a fire can cause. Even small contained fires can put everyday life on hold while cleanup takes place. Our crews are available at all hours of the day and night to provide emergency fire mitigation. SERVPRO is a fire damage restoration company that local homeowners can depend on. We do our best to make the process as uneventful as possible while providing the needed communication between those impacted and their insurance companies.

If you experience fire damage of any size, call the professionals at SERVPRO. Smoke damage can occur from even the smallest fires, requiring professional cleaning. Trying to clean the area on your own can lead to further damage. 

Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 for experienced fire damage restoration services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Are Some Telltale Signs of Water Damage in Waterbury?

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Waterbury is your answer when you detect humidity in your home.

Waterbury Homeowners Suspecting Water Damage to their Property Should Call a Professional Water Restoration Company for Help

Sometimes homeowners in Waterbury find themselves facing excess humidity for no apparent reason. They may observe slight cupping of hardwood floors, discoloration on the walls, or even an odd smell. Even when in doubt, it is better to call an expert team to assess the situation than sit and wait for the issue to worsen. Every minute an element of your home sits in water or humidity, the chances of its foundation weakening or mold spreading increase.

If you suspect your Waterbury home needs repairs due to water damage, call SERVPRO as soon as possible for a comprehensive inspection and assessment of the situation. Our team is not only available around the clock, but it also counts with state-of-the-art tools able to probe into crevices and hard-to-reach areas and determine whether humidity levels are outside expected ranges. When we arrive at your home, we apply the theory learned under industry experts and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as well as our field experience. All you need to do is place your trust in us and let us restore your home as the situation requires.

Can homes be restored after prolonged water exposure?
Once our SERVPRO crew inspects your home, it may determine that water has been leaking for a while, seeping into drywall, delaminating floors, and damaging items stored in closets. If this is the case, we can use several tools designed to extract water, such as submersible pumps, wand extractors, and truck-mounted pumps. We supplement their power with air circulators and dehumidifiers that help water evaporate and restore humidity levels. As we wrap up the job, we may do some of the following:

    •    Spray anti-microbial solutions to prevent the growth of mold
    •    Apply deodorizing techniques to get rid of any lingering smells
    •    Restore documents and photographs damaged by the moisture

SERVPRO of Waterbury is your answer when you detect humidity in your home. Call us at (203) 757-5050 as soon as you notice the issue and let us put our experience to work, so your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

What Are Some of the Hazardous Waste Complications Possible During Waterbury Flooding Cleanup?

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can bring debris waste into your home. Contact Team SERVPRO for effective water removal efforts immediately.

Contaminated Water and Broken Down Building Materials Pose Significant Flood Damage Challenges for Waterbury Homeowners -- SERVPRO Offers Effective Solutions

The summer and fall months in Waterbury always hold the possibility of severe weather and sometimes shocking levels of harm to residential property linked to the hurricane season or training thunderstorms from the southwest. Torrential rain and destructive winds, including the potential for tornadoes, move across the landscape, with violent energy impossible to avoid. Rain collects and then flows over pavement, fields, and lawns. Rivers and smaller waterways can overflow their banks, adding to the mix of fluids that eventually make their way into your home's foundation. Exterior damage allows water to invade from the roof level down, saturating materials and possibly causing structural collapse risks when the fluids pool up in building cavities.

What Category Is the Water Flooding Portions of Your Home?

Flood damage in Waterbury as elsewhere is typically caused by wind and rain exterior damage or overland water flow. When the flood waters pick up debris as they move over flat and sloping surfaces, relatively clean rain water picks up:

• Industrial wastes, including all manner of chemical depending on the worksite
• Organic debris, including vegetation and dead animals and insects
• Oils and gasoline from roads and sidewalks, along with loose gravel, sand, mud, and paving compounds
• Sanitary sewer overflow, which can be exacerbated by a backup of human waste in from your sewer line inside you lower levels 

When all the different contaminants mix together, it swiftly becomes evident why flood water is, by definition, considered Category 3, or the most dangerous type of water loss. It is inadvisable for a layperson to try to manage this toxic concoction. Contact with skin or inhalation can irritate at a minimum. The risk of exposure to human pathogens that can sicken or even put one's life at risk can be significant and must be considered a substantial threat to health or well-being.

Are Any Other Sources of Contamination Common During Flood Damage?

SERVPRO crews assess more than the damage done by foundation level flooding in Waterbury. Water streaming in from the roof or other exterior components crushed, cracked open, or otherwise compromised by wind, falling trees or branches, or additional windborne debris is also a contributor to the sodden mess inside. If water from the roof or other damaged materials collects in building cavities, collapse can be imminent. When this happens, formerly intact and encapsulated structures containing biohazards like asbestos and lead become urgent issues. These highly toxic minerals and heavy metals can cause illness and developmental concerns when ingested or inhaled. Specially trained and certified technicians from our team must take on the remediation of surfaces, spaces, air, and water contaminated with these substances.

How Are the Contaminants Managed and Discarded Safely and Lawfully?

After we locate the contaminated water, structures, and debris, specific research-based and legally regulated protocols guide our next steps. Generally, we create a safe working environment by considering building contained areas within which to collect, bag, and off-load the hazardous flood water and solids:

• We construct partitions constructed of 1.6 mil polyethylene and conduit
• We seal the smaller chambers through the action of negative pressure air scrubbers
• Preventing the drift or flow of hazardous substances into unaffected spaces inside your home
• Forcing any airborne contaminants through the HEPA filters of the air scrubber before venting to the outdoors
• We encapsulated and bag solid debris for disposal. 
• Our team keeps abreast of local laws, regulations, and rules pertaining to the biohazards involved. 
• We complete the needed disposal for our customers, obtaining and completing any necessary paperwork. 

How Do Professionals Contain the Contaminated Flood Waters that Rang the First Alarm for You as a Homeowner?

If we use submersible pumps as an early intervention for deep water, we discharge the fluids into treated sewer lines. Our truck-mounted units can extract the bulk of the liquid water. These onboard tanks can hold in excess of 100 gallons, and the contained flood water is then transported to the appropriate hazardous waste disposal site. If portable extractors also suction out water in confined areas, we add those quantities to the captured flood water for disposal.

Is Water Removal the Final Step to Flood Damage Remediation?

After evacuation of the  liquid water, we use EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants to remove soiling and kill lingering pathogens. Our Applied Structural Drying (ASD) technicians determine drying goals based on testing of wet materials for moisture levels as compared with similarly situated dry structural components. We balance air movement, temperature, and humidity to bring wet materials to normal moisture levels using professional grade air movers, heaters,and dehumidifiers.

The highly-qualified managers and technicians from SERVPRO of Waterbury are ready when flood damage exposes your family to more than just a torrential rain runoff. We have the skills and knowledge to abate a range of hazards presented while we rid your home of water and lingering moisture. Call (203) 757-5050 day or night to explore how we can help.

How Do I Find Commercial Mold Damage Remediation Companies Near Me?

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Promises Great Mold Remediation for Our Waterbury Customers

SERVPRO serves the local Waterbury community for both residential and commercial mold remediation services

Finding out you have mold growing in your Waterbury commercial property can be a stressful situation. Many people panic at the sight of mold, and it can create a musty odor that both employees and patrons will not enjoy being around. Worst of all, once established, mold colonies spread rapidly anywhere; the conditions are sustainable for continued growth. It is crucial to bring in a professional remediation company not only to handle the existing colonies but also to target the reason the infestation occurred and remedy the issue.

How Does SERVPRO Differ from Other Commercial Mold Removal Companies?

The technicians have comprehensive training head and shoulders above other commercial mold removal companies in the Waterbury area. SERVPRO techs have advanced equipment for scoping the structure and identifying areas of the building that require controlled demo. In this manner, the least amount of sheetrock and other elements get removed for the most significant impact on the mold colonies. Other key features of professional mold remediation include: 

• Containment to halt the spread of airborne spores
• Use of air quality equipment to capture airborne particulate
• A diverse array of abatement methods depending on the surfaces getting cleaned
• Attention to items in the business that may need protection or removal during the mitigation

Once the technicians perform the needed abatement throughout the work-site, they take the business owner through the actions done during the cleanup and restoration and go over the required repairs to the property. The techs also take this time to identify the source of the mold problem and how to stop it from returning. Frequently seen reasons are poor ventilation and slow leaks in supply lines or fire suppression systems.

When choosing among commercial mold removal companies, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. The certified technicians have experience and certification for handling any size mold infestation. The AMRT applied microbial remediation techs are available 24/7 and arrive within hours of your initial call.

What Might I Be Unaware of About House Odors After Fire Damage?

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

You can contact our professionals 24/7. Our fire damage experts are trained in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning.

SERVPRO Can Offer You Guidance Since We Have Sufficient Experience Dealing with Fire Damage Restoration in Waterbury.

One of the common effects fires have on buildings is the buildup of bad odors, mostly because of the smoke residues deposited on surfaces. Since fires cause other severe problems, odor issues are relegated to the periphery of the restoration processes. SERVPRO has IICRC certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians who can help you address odor issues in your Waterbury home the right way.  

What makes odor removal different from resolving other fire damages? 

When the fire damage restoration process in Waterbury involves something invisible like odor, many issues can arise that complicate the removal process. For instance: 

• There is no machine to detect odors 
• Odors can be psychological  
• Odor removal requires neutralization of volatile molecules 

If you are keen on restoration procedures, you might have noticed that most of the other damages can be diagnosed with various unique tools, including char depth gauges for materials seared by flames, moisture meters for areas where firefighting water spills, and circuit testers for electrical cables affected by the fire. However, for the odors, you have to rely on your nose. If you are exposed to odor for a long time, you might stop detecting it, or the intensity might diminish even though the odor is still there. 

Sometimes you may experience odors that no one else feels. Although you might have a sharper sense of smell than others, the most likely reason for detecting non-existent smells is psychological. Our SERVPRO technicians incorporate some strategies in the restoration process that address these unique challenges, including: 

• Placing masking agents in the affected area to provide a sweet scent  
• Mixing deodorizers with cleaning solutions for general odor removal 
• Using electronic deodorization techniques such as running hydroxyl generators 

How does SERVPRO manage to remove all volatile odor molecules? 

• Thorough cleaning and removal of affected materials 
• Using injection devices to direct deodorizers to concealed sections 
• Using thermal or ULV foggers to deliver deodorizers in tiny particles maximizing penetration 

SERVPRO of Waterbury can help you address all odor issues after a fire affects your house. Call us at (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Find out more about Waterbury.

Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Faulty appliances like a leaking refrigerator can quickly cause water damage in your home. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for assistance.

SERVPRO techs know the damage that a slow leaking appliance can leave behind in your Waterbury home.

It can be frustrating to find water collecting on your kitchen floor. When a refrigerator leaks, there are a few main reasons why this occurs: 

• Leaking water line inlet, to the water dispenser or ice maker
• Make sure the power is on, lack of electricity can cause water to drip from defrosting items or overflow the defrost drain
• Clogged water or defrost drain  

What Type of Water Damage Repair Should I Expect After a Leaking Appliance?  

After the refrigerator gets fixed, the water damage repair in your Waterbury home should occur as soon as possible, as there is the potential for mold growth and other issues. In the case of a long-standing leaking problem, the water can swell and damage the floor covering and subfloor. 

SERVPRO techs can use their moisture detection equipment to determine how far into the subfloor or sheetrock water has migrated. This enables the techs to perform any necessary water removal and set up the best setup for their drying equipment to ensure the area gets dried completely. 

The drying process gets monitored carefully, and the SERVPRO techs take readings during, and after to be sure, all the moisture gets removed. If any signs of mold growth are found, the techs have professional anti-microbial cleaners and abatement technicians to dry and remove any existing colonies. Afterward, the application of a sealant ensures that the mold will not return to the remediated area. 

After the situation gets mitigated, the techs may suggest the installation of dampness detectors around the home in hard-to-see places so small problems can get caught before they turn into significant issues. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 when you need cleanup and water damage repair. The technicians can identify issues caused by the moisture and return your home back to normal through the use of their advanced equipment and methods. 

Find out more about Waterbury.

Can Anyone Help When a Midnight Plumbing Emergency Spreads Water Everywhere in my Waterbury Home?

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call day or night at (203) 757-5050 to schedule a swift assessment and implement a targeted restoration plan.

Our Professionals Know an Urgent Need for Water Damage Repair in Your Waterbury Residence Has No Respect for "Working Hours" -- Why SERVPRO Responds 24/7 Every Day of the Year

It is a nightmare from which all too many homeowners desire to awaken -- water damage that occurs overnight or when you are away from your Waterbury house for work, school, or play. A pipe can break, a water heater can rupture, or a dishwasher can overflow, among dozens of other unpleasant and destructive surprises. You are not prepared for the quantity of the water or the intensity of the potential damage caused by these events. You need around-the-clock water loss damage partner to respond to potentially destructive circumstances.

What Should I Do While Waiting for Professional Help?

When you need water damage repair in your Waterbury residence, it can be tempting to wade in to manage at least part of the mess yourself. Often acting on that urge causes no additional trouble, but if you are unsure of the safety hazard potential in your home's water damage affected spaces, hold off. Even our trained crews wait until the project manager or crew chief performs a safety assessment. Why? Because some of the possible dangers present in an unsecured scene can be injurious or even deadly:

    •    Slip, trip, and fall hazards (especially troublesome in the dead of the night if the electricity is off)
    •    Electrical hazards ranging from tangled cords that can trip to live power conducted freely by the water, causing fire, shock, or electrocution
    •    Chance of structural collapse because of damaged supports or
    •    Overhead hazards when water pools over ceilings
    •    Adjacent hazards when water pool in building cavities  
    •    Contamination issues if the water upended chemical containers, mixed with dirt or grease, or if the waste system backs up
    •    Confined area concerns, where water pools in recesses that are dark, have one-way entrances that double as the only exit out or feature low hanging pipes or ceilings or tight walls

How Do Water Damage Repair Professionals Control the Safety Hazards Noted?

If the presence of one or more safety hazards stops water damage repair from proceeding, the situation would be untenable. Instead, SERVPRO takes steps to control, eliminate, or work around the risks. Some responses are straightforward -- power off the electricity or wear personal protective equipment (PPE) around contaminants. Some of the other issues require a specific yet effective control:

    •    Tape off slippery areas and post warning signage
    •    Use the buddy system or equipment extensions or adaptations  in confined spaces
    •    Employ careful, focused controlled demolition methods to release water from overhead or other building cavities (weep holes, flood cuts)

Safety Concerns? Check! What Is Next?

General Mitigation Services
    •    Pumps and truck-mounted extractors remove the bulk of the liquid water -- as they are gas or generator-powered, the use of this equipment avoids the need for on-site electricity
    •    Portable extractors can go wherever a technician is able, often worn as a backpack -- a good fit for confined spaces

Special Water Removal Circumstances
Injectidry-Type Systems
    •    When detection devices find water trapped in floor layers, we often use floor mats attached to the floor and connected to a negative pressure source, like an extractor, to suction out the water
    •    When water lurks behind walls despite drainage holes, we thread hoses through and try negative pressure to pull the water out (reversing the pressure during drying helps dry air infiltrate the wet cavity)

Structural Drying
Specified technicians (we try to limit the testing duties to one individual for consistency) repeatedly measure moisture levels. That data is used to determine and monitor progress toward drying goals. Drying equipment includes:

    •    Air movers to sweep humid air off wet surfaces
    •    Heaters if needed to modulate temperature
    •    Dehumidifiers to capture and hold moisture for disposal

Our consistent mission is to save residents of our community from the stress and disruption of property loss, why SERVPRO of Waterbury responds to water damage repair requests as soon as practicable. Call day or night at (203) 757-5050 to schedule a swift assessment and implement a targeted restoration plan.

Can Rubber Flooring in Waterbury Get Reused After It Gets Covered in Water?

8/9/2020 (Permalink)

Without the proper tools your business could still have lingering water in hard to get places. Contact SERVPRO for water damage mitigation services.

SERVPRO techs have the equipment and training to restore your Waterbury business and contents from any size water disaster

There are many types of flooring options in businesses, one of the most common for business models that require frequent sanitizing is the rolled rubber floorings such as found in fitness centers and daycare facilities. Sometimes applied with adhesive and sometimes simply put in place, this type of floor covering has a high potential for restoration after exposure to even large amounts of water.

Can Rubber Flooring Get Dried in Place After Commercial Water Damage 

In the majority of cases, although the rubber floor tiles frequently have reuse potential after commercial water damage in Waterbury businesses, the way the floor tiles get installed usually results in gaps that allow for seepage. When SERVPRO technicians handle this type of loss, they use their equipment to limit the disruption to the property by:  

Location the migration path of water under the floor tiles  

Removal floor covering only where the need for extraction and drying exists

Removal of small items in the loss area and raising bulky furnishings or equipment on blocks to dry in place

How Can Water Get Removed Rapidly, So Reopening May Occur More Quickly?

SERVPRO technicians have different options for the quick removal of water within a commercial property. Portable pumps are ideal for moving quickly around a loss area and can deploy in large numbers as needed. The techs have access to large numbers of equipment when the water loss is large-scale, the truck-mounted units and pull up copious amounts rapidly. The substrate in the majority determines the drying time and concrete can get dried in short order using the air movers and dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 works hard to restore your property from commercial water damage. They can handle small to large-scale losses and get your business sanitized and ready to reopen.

Click here for more information about Waterbury.

What is the Smartest Way to Approach Water Damage in Waterbury?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Waterbury is on your side when you need quality water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Has Water Damage Restoration Techniques That Are Second-to-None – Let Us Take Care of Your Waterbury Property

Any unwanted water infiltrating your interior can become a real problem for both your structural materials and belongings. Prompt action is vital to lessen the loss and cut back on the amount of time that your family gets disrupted. SERVPRO has the techniques and workforce to handle your water restoration needs to ensure your Waterbury interior is back to normal as quickly as possible.

At SERVPRO, we take the time to carefully analyze each water loss event we are called to so that we can put the best methods and equipment to work. When it comes to water damage restoration in Waterbury, we use best practices to get the water out, including:

•    Pumping and extraction
•    Air movement and evaporation
•    Dehumidification

We know that interior water damage can come from a variety of sources. We are available to assist when you are faced with:

•    Malfunctioning appliances
•    Broken or leaking pipes
•    Storm flooding
•    Overflowing toilets
•    Sewage backups, and more

Our processes include the following steps:

•    Water Extraction – We remove all standing water from the loss zone.
•    Controlled Demolition and Disposal – While we work to salvage whenever possible, any materials damaged beyond repair get entirely removed and disposed of properly.
•    Structural Drying – Our skilled IICRC-certified technicians dry out the structure while using a powerful combination of air movers and dehumidifiers.
•    Mold Prevention – All surface areas must be thoroughly disinfected to help inhibit the onset of mold.
•    Rebuilding and Restoring – We take the time to ensure the affected area gets rebuilt to preloss condition, so everything is “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Waterbury is on your side when you need quality water damage restoration. Why call our team at (203) 757-5050? Because we have crews ready to go 24/7 to handle all your emergency restoration service needs.

What Steps Must Begin Right After Flooding Occurs in Waterbury?

7/26/2020 (Permalink)

Your personal belongings can be damaged during a flood. Contact SERVPRO for flood damage remediation and even item restoration.

Flood damage can be a devastating force in Waterbury homes, meaning that mitigation and recovery efforts should begin as soon as possible.

There are often times where homeowners look at their Waterbury property and determine the best course of action after a flood emergency. The longer this process takes in choosing the right professionals to begin restoration and recovery, the more your home and its belongings could become irreparably damaged. Knowing what to do when flooding first occurs can help you to appreciate your need for professional restoration despite possible mitigative efforts you can begin on your own.

Regarding flood damage in Waterbury homes, several steps must occur, beginning with emergency services when our team arrives. With flooding scenarios, often, the most pressing concern is standing water in the affected areas. Surface water damage can quickly penetrate porous materials, forcing water into structural cavities and causing more substantial concerns like deterioration, microbial threats, or spreading bacteria. The earliest actions that our professionals can take after a flood loss include:

• Extraction
• Content Management
• Debris Removal

What Happens to Damaged Belongings?

Content management is one of the vital services that we offer during your flood-damaged home's mitigation period. The objective begins with assessing the damage to each item or personal belonging still in the house after flooding occurs. Some of these items can get moved to a safer location on the property to prevent damage, while others must get restored on-site or offsite at our SERVPRO facility. In our care at our warehouse, we can offer focused drying, cleaning, and safe storage.

Flooding can be a threatening situation for your home. However, with mitigation beginning as soon as our professionals arrive, there is little to stop you from reaching out to our SERVPRO of Waterbury team as soon as possible. We can make flood losses "Like it never even happened." Call us at (203) 757-5050.

Click here to learn more about Waterbury.

What Happens to My Belongings in a Pack-Out Process?

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that your contents are just as important as the rest of your Waterbury home. We will handle all of your property with care.

Fire damage to Waterbury homes is sometimes severe and requires off-site recovery of impacted contents and belongings through a pack-out process. 

Fire restoration for many Waterbury homes involves practical solutions to protect belongings and contents within the property. While deodorization, debris removal, and other mitigation objectives can be a pressing need once extinguishing is complete, it is the possessions in your house that can make it feel like home. We strive to limit your expenses by offering consistent and reliable content management when we first arrive.

Fire damage in Waterbury homes can often spread rapidly from the most damaged area, the ignition point, to the rest of the property. Using channels like the HVAC system, smoke, ash, and debris can impact contents and structural surfaces throughout the house. While there are options that can sometimes exist to relocate your belongings to a safe place within the worksite to prevent exposure, this is not always practical, and there are many circumstances where the damage has already begun.

What is Content Management? 

In more understandable terms, content management is the series of actions taken when technicians first arrive to reduce the devastation that migrating effects can present. An evaluation conducted on an item-by-item basis determines what individual items require and the best approach to return them to their original state. There are some situations where relocation on-site or basic cleaning techniques can be enough to protect and preserve furniture, textiles, and personal belongings, but not always. After a structure fire, some conditions can impact these individual items directly, leaving several obstacles for our responding technicians. Some of these include:

• Soot
• Smoke Damage
• Odors
• Ash

When Is Pack-Out Necessary? 

In the instances where damage to your belongings has become too severe for on-site recovery, some options exist to restore them in our SERVPRO facility. Utilizing some of the most sophisticated recovery tools in the industry, we have a team of cleaning technicians who are available to restore your most treasured items and keepsakes to their original conditions. Pack-out is often a last resort situation, as leaving your possessions in the care of our professionals can be a stressful option for many property owners.

There are specific conditions where pack-out might be impossible to avoid, however. To preserve and protect some of your belongings after a structure fire, it requires immediate attention with some of the sophisticated approaches in our warehouse to remove:

• Surface Residues
• Odors
• Water Damage

How Do I Know My Items Are Safe? 

The Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) ensures that we always have the right information about your possessions while they are in our care. While the pack-out and off-site recovery of your belongings might be inevitable after a fire, it can still be a challenge to hand control of these items over to our professionals. The CCIS approach documents everything about the items in our care from their value and placement in the house to detailed accounts of their damage.

Asset tracking and management are also services offered. At any point, we can show where one of your items is, what is actively happening with it, and grant you access to them whenever possible.

What Cleaning Do My Items Need? 

• Ultrasonic Immersion Tank – The immersion tank uses thousands of bubbles generated by vibrations to break soot and smoke residues loose on hard materials.
• Ozone Chamber – While ozone might be unsafe for use in homes when occupants or pets are still present, it remains one of the most efficient odor removal practices for our warehouse. We have a chamber to address an entire room's worth of contents simultaneously.
• Wipe Cleaning – We often rely on potent chemical agents and cleaning products. Wipe cleaning is a way to address immediate surface damages and residues but does nothing to impact any conditions beneath this surface layer.
• Drying – Water damage is one of the common compromising factors with structure fires because of extinguishing. In some cases, water damage can be more severe and threatening than soot, odors, and other fire loss effects. 
• Safe Storage – Once restoration completes on the items in our care, we can safely store them in our climate-controlled facility. Whenever restoration completes, we can move these items back to their original positions. 

Fire losses can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when it comes to recovering the individual items and contents in your house that matter the most to you. Our SERVPRO of Waterbury team can help with nearly all aspects of restoration and recovery as soon as we arrive. Give us a call anytime at (203) 757-5050.

A Malfunctioning Heater Has Caused Water Damage in My Property. Who Can Help Me to Remove the Water?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage to your Waterbury home can cause big issues, let SERVPRO help today.

Call a Remediation Company to Perform Water Removal in Your Waterbury Home

Water from a malfunctioning water heater can cause hazardous and costly damage in your Waterbury home when ignored for an extended period. That’s why you need help from a professional restoration company like SERVPRO. 

Between my insurance company and the restorers, whom should I call first?

You should contact your insurance provider first to inform it about the water intrusion incident, and then contact a restoration company. Your insurance company can advise you to hire SERVPRO to perform water removal in your Waterbury home. If it is necessary to take emergency measures to mitigate the water damage, you can sign an agreement and our restorers can begin the restoration process. Begin the water removal process within a short time can prevent secondary damage like: 

• Mold infestation
• Water spotting
• Color bleeding
• Swelling of wood flooring
• Microbial growth

Our team can speak with and coordinate with your insurance adjuster, who may visit your home to inspect and document the damage. Our team can complete a report called the Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which inventories items in a house and categorizes them as non-salvageable, salvageable, or questionable. 

How much water can cause damage?

It takes only a few inches of water to cause damages to a home. Our technicians can minimize the harmful effects of water damage by providing prompt and reliable water removal. We can use portable pumps or wet/dry vacuums to remove the water. 

Can you dry my wet carpet?

We use state-of-the-art equipment and tools to speed up the drying process. If your carpet has absorbed lots of water, we can use a stationary tool to extract it. The tool needs weight to work effectively on porous surfaces. Therefore, our restorers can stand upon the device to provide the extra weight. We attach a vacuum system to the device to pull the excess water through the tiny holes. 

We can also use several centrifugal air movers to increase the airflow in the affected area. Airflow increases the rate of evaporation, even in the hard to reach areas. 

How can you disinfect my property?

We use approved techniques that offer protection against mold, germs, and odors. We can use a broad-spectrum disinfectant like Microban, which is both a quaternary compound and phenolic to eradicate microbes. The product is effective against different varieties of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. In addition, the product helps us fight odors. Quaternary Compounds have a naturally pleasant smell that counteracts foul odors even without an added fragrance. 

Do not let water damage affect your daily way of life. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 for reliable water removal services. We can make the water loss appear, “Like it never even happened.”

How Long Does Water Restoration in My Waterbury Shop Take?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our teams at SERVPRO know how important it is to continue business as usual, we will have you back in business in no time. Give us a call today.

With a fast response encompassing time and money-saving mitigation work, our SERVPRO professionals can help. 

Time is everything for your Waterbury shop. From the time that it takes to receive new stock to how quickly you can reach your customer base with the products, every hour could be costly. The same is true with restoration efforts after a water loss incident in your store. Water losses can be highly threatening situations for how quickly they can spread, and the number of exposed contents that are susceptible to saturation. 

There are many different levels of water restoration for your Waterbury shop after a loss incident. As challenging and overwhelming as it might appear, the right response of confident and qualified technicians can make a difference. Our SERVPRO professionals have extensive training and experience to begin protecting your business and its wares as soon as our technicians arrive. Emergency services and mitigation can protect the stock that matters most and improve the efficiency of later restoration efforts. 

What Can Happen Until Help Arrives? 

It might not be evident what you should do while you are waiting for qualified technicians like ours to arrive at the scene. After you have spoken with both our emergency line and your insurance provider, there are a few things that you can do before we reach your building. When safe to perform, these added measures can limit the irreparable damage to some of the shop's contents and structural integrity. These steps include: 

• Moving Contents – One of the steps that you might consider while you are waiting for our professionals is to relocate your personal belongings, stock of the store, and equipment to a safer location. Often you have a storage area that might not be affected by the water damage, and relocating items from the path of migrating water can save money. 
• Shutting Off Running Water – We encourage many of our commercial colleagues to prepare in advance for emergencies. This preparedness often involves knowing where the main shutoff to the building is to stop the flow of water to pipes during an emergency. 
• Getting Staff Out of the Structure – It is considerably challenging to work around several individuals when our team arrives for extraction, cleaning, and restoration. Encourage your employees to leave to allow our restoration team to set up as necessary. 

What Are the Vital Elements of Water Restoration? 

Water restoration might vary from one site to the next, but there are fundamental aspects that can often involve every location where these emergencies occur. Between emergency services and mitigation steps, we can perform many of these tasks. Successfully beginning, many of these actions can reduce out of pocket expenses and the time that restoration takes. These primary focal points are: 

• Water Removal – Removing surface water and trapped moisture from materials can be a vital step in protecting exposed flooring and wall systems. With carpeted floors in the central area of your shop, water removal tasks like weighted extraction can prepare the material for efficient evaporative drying. 
• Drying – Many tools play a vital role in removing lingering moisture from the environment and exposed materials. Centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers are the backbones of efficient and practical drying.
• Cleaning – Cleaning is a standard tie for all types of loss incidents, and with water damages, there are residues and structural damages that also must get cleaned up after.
• Content Management – Protecting your wares and the stock begins as soon as our team arrives. Through relocation and transferring to our local SERVPRO facility, your belongings and inventory can receive the best possible care. 

What is an Emergency READY Profile Plan? 

TThe ERP, or Emergency READY Profile Plan, is an app system that connects a business or property owner with our SERVPRO team's skilled technicians. By conveying time-saving and critical information that our responding technicians might benefit from knowing, we can reduce restoration times and overall expenses with a more efficient approach. Some of the advantages of an ERP include:

• Time-Saving Information
• Contact Information
• The Layout of the Structure 
• Chain of Command for Restoration Decisions

No matter how problematic water losses can be for your shop, our SERVPRO of Waterbury team can help with fast and reliable service. When you add in possibilities like the free ERP program, we can offer even quicker outlets for water removal, drying, and cleaning. Whatever your shop needs, our professionals are here to help. Give us a call anytime at (203) 757-5050.

How Can I Limit the Damages from Flooding in Waterbury?

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Excess water can quickly enter your home from outside. Take precautions and when you are safe, contact SERVPRO for water removal.

Waterbury Storms May Leave Your Home with Flood Damage, But SERVPRO Has the Restoration Services You Need

Spring storms pose a threat to Waterbury homes, including the potential for flood water infiltrating your interior. When you call SERVPRO for emergency service, our crew springs into action to get to work quickly. The faster that water cleanup begins, the easier it is to limit the amount of secondary damage to your belongings, materials, and structure of your home.

Is it Possible to Salvage Soaked Belongings?

We work to salvage whatever possible when you have flood damage in Waterbury, where water has saturated your belongings. Testing gets done to determine the contaminant levels in the water and the best way for our team to proceed. For anything we cannot salvage, everything is carefully documented and then disposed of.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Flood Restoration?

We arrive with our fleet fully stocked with the best tools and equipment for the extraction, drying, and clean up phases. Just a sampling of the reasons our customers count on us in these emergencies include:

•   Fast Response – We deploy a team quickly so that we may assess the damage and formulate a plan of action. This allows our technicians to complete each project promptly.
•   Detailed Documentation – Flooding in your home is stressful, but our team takes care of the details. We record the damages and handle the paperwork for both your records and for your insurance claim.
•   Professional Equipment – We have a high-powered extraction tool, air mover technology, and EPA-registered cleaning agents at our disposal. To ensure that you never have lingering odors or the onset of harmful mold or mildew, we use professional moisture detection tools that find all hidden pockets of moisture in the home. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury is here when you need skilled technicians for flood damage restoration. Call (203) 757-5050 to have a team sent to your location to start the cleanup.

Click here for more information about Waterbury.

What Do I Need to Do to Reduce Damages After a Fire?

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

When fire arises in your Waterbury home, we can be right there to help.

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Technicians Provide Emergency Response Services in Waterbury

After a fire, one thing is sure. There is much work to do before you regain your sense of normality. Even the smallest of fires can have extremely damaging impacts on your home. SERVPRO emergency response technicians move quickly to mitigate further damages.

Can I Stay in My Home After a Fire?

SERVPRO Technicians May Prep Your Home So You Can Remain

Depending on the extent of fire damage in your Waterbury home, SERVPRO technicians may decide to use additional precautions to ensure your home is livable. If you are remaining in your home, they deodorize first to eliminate some of the strong odors. They also clean the most used portions of your home, such as your kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. 

What Do SERVPRO Emergency Technicians Do to Secure My House?

• Board up windows and doors.
• Address electrical hazards.
• Inspect the home for structural issues for safety purposes.
• If power is out, set up emergency lighting and access to flashlights.

What Else Should I Do Right Away if I want to Stay in My Home?

• Put towels or old sheets over furniture to limit further damage from smoke residue.
• Seal off the parts of the home that were not impacted by the fire.
• Do not eat any contaminated food or use contaminated products.
• Pull clothing out that you need right away for cleaning. 

We understand the importance of wanting to stay in your home after a fire since displacement can add additional complications to getting your life back in order. Our technicians check for structural integrity and safety hazards and begin working to keep you in your home while they restore it to pre loss condition.

For 24/7 assistance after a fire, Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

To see more about Waterbury, click here.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Waterbury, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury today at (203) 757-5050 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

How Do I Get Water Out of My Carpet in Waterbury?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can escalate quickly if not taken care of properly. Contact SERVPRO when this happens. We are available 24/7.

Our SERVPRO Professionals Have Powerful Extractors and Drying Tools to Restore Carpets in Your Waterbury Home. 

Many of the flooring types common to homes and businesses in Waterbury like hardwood, engineered wood, and carpeting, all have porous compositions that allow them to quickly and thoroughly absorb moisture and standing water. When carpet becomes saturated, there is a finite timetable before the damage is too significant to restore, and the upper layer and padding must get discarded and reinstalled.

Water removal for Waterbury homes involves the use of many tools and machines in our inventory. When SERVPRO professionals get involved, you are always getting industry-leading equipment, technologies, and techniques. Restoring your damp carpets can require the use of several extraction and drying tools. The faster that this situation can get managed, the better able to preserve affected carpet and exposed contents in your house.

How Do I Remove Water from Carpets?

You may not be alone to consider a DIY approach for extraction when your carpet absorbs water in Waterbury. With the sophisticated tools often required to manage this loss incident effectively, it is often more cost-effective and efficient to allow our SERVPRO team to do the work instead. We have skilled technicians accredited in many niches of the restoration industry, the bulk of these technicians acquiring both Water Restoration (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD) endorsements. Some of the advanced extraction tools our technicians use for carpeted floors include:

• Carpet Wands – When it comes to removing water from carpeting, few extraction tools can outperform carpet wands. These attachments to extractors are specifically designed to pull water from both the upper layer and the padding beneath the carpet. 
• Weighted Extractors – By utilizing the weight of the technician to press the carpet and padding layer against the subflooring, we can force moisture to the surface using a ride-on or stationary weighted extraction device.
• Wet Vacuums – Wet vacuums are always one of the first tools that get used in the extraction of surface water, but this can also be a vital instrument in the removal of trapped moisture in carpet fibers.

Is it Possible to Dry Saturated Carpets?

It does not often take more than 48 hours for heavily saturated carpeting to become irreparably damaged. Even with efficient extraction solutions, it is essential to get drying started as soon as possible to prevent prolonged moisture exposure. From microbial growth to deterioration, dampness that does not get thoroughly addressed with our drying tools can be hazardous to the structure and its occupants. Drying your carpeted floors involves several approaches and specific tools, including:

• Drying Zone – Establishing a drying zone is one of the most effective methods of managing a loss incident and maximizing the production of extractors, drying tools, and other restorative actions. With physical barriers, increased temperature and airflow can better evaporate trapped moisture in carpet fibers.
• Centrifugal Air Movers – Low profile centrifugal air movers play a vital role in drying both carpet and the padding underneath it. If caught quickly enough, extraction and drying can prevent costlier repairs of the subflooring. Migrating water can often get addressed by floating the carpet, which can dry both top layers simultaneously.
• Dehumidifiers – Dehumidifiers are always a staple of effective drying in your home, and recovering carpeted floors are no different. Desiccants can remove moisture from the environment and exhaust heated, dry air back into the affected area to increase drying output further. 

Do Carpets Need Cleaning After Water Losses?

When you do not have to remove and replace carpeted floors after a loss incident, there are some advantages to taking the added steps in helping these materials look their best. In many situations, carpets were already compromised and soiled by years of foot traffic. If you do not regularly pursue professional carpet cleaning for your residence, you can improve the look and feel of your flooring.

Our SERVPRO professionals would recommend this service for many reasons, primarily because migrating water can create films and residues on the flooring. For hardwoods and tile, cleaning products with citrus bases can renew the finish. Carpeting requires processes like hot water extraction and preconditioning. Carpet cleaning is beneficial because it:

• Increases Vibrancy
• Removes Soiling
• Eliminates Residues 

Damages to flooring in your home are often challenging to avoid because water often collects against these surfaces after a loss. With prompt extraction of saturated carpeted floors and efficient drying practices with centrifugal air movers, our SERVPRO of Waterbury team can prevent unnecessary discarding and later replacement of carpets. No matter what assistance you or your home need after a water loss, you can contact our technicians at (203) 757-5050 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Clearing Germs and Bacteria from Your Waterbury Store

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals offer cleaning services, including the removal of biohazard contaminants.

Waterbury Businesses May Require One of Two Types of Cleaning

Essential Businesses that remain open may need to perform proactive cleaning on touch-point surfaces, using disinfectants on a frequent basis. Businesses that are closed may require deep cleaning in preparation for re-opening.

SERVPRO of Waterbury Serves Your Proactive Cleaning Requirements

Our professional cleaning services can fulfill both types of cleaning needs. Our crews can supplement in-house programs and even work after regular business hours to perform deep cleaning for Waterbury establishments that are open for business.  For companies that are currently closed, we can assist you with structural cleaning to make your place truly shine. If returning customers see visible dirt and grime it could cause them to worry about the “health conditions” of your location.

SERVPRO of Waterbury provides an elevated level of service. We say that because our dedicated technicians have earned IICRC certifications and have years of experience in performing environmental cleaning where there is a potential for the spread of disease. Always with sewage cleanup, mold remediation, or trauma scene cleaning we working in the presence of bloodborne pathogens or other biological material that can be harmful to human health. The cleaning protocols for the current pandemic are virtually the same ones we have always used. That’s why we say with confidence, we offer exceptional proactive cleaning for the pandemic. 

• SERVPRO technicians are trained and practiced in the use of proper PPE
• We know how to follow recommendations from the CDC
• We apply EPA registered disinfectants (hospital-grade)
• Our crews are equipped with commercial applicators, electric sprayers, etc.
• Our workforce is available to work 24/7
• Specialized services for specific locations

Have Questions? Please give our SERVPRO of Waterbury team a call today to help at (203) 757-5050.

To learn more about Waterbury, click here. 

Disclaimer: Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

How Can Moisture Intrusion Into Walls Affect My Business?

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you and your Waterbury Hotel.

Your Local SERVPRO Can Help Identify Problems and Perform Commercial Water Removal from Your Waterbury Hotel

A simple issue such as a persistent damp or musty smell can hurt your business unnecessarily, especially now that reading reviews from past guests forms part of the hotel booking process for many people. Moisture intrusions into the walls that go unchecked can lead to such a problem, affecting several rooms in your facility.

How does water or moisture intrude into walls?

The success of commercial water removal exercises in Waterbury, where such water is contained within the walls, depends on several factors, including identifying the source of the intrusion. Otherwise, individual steps such as expelling moisture are not likely to work if the source remains. Common ways water can intrude into wall spaces in your hotel include:

• Condensation of steam from baths
• Leaks from damaged water pipes
• Leaks from HVAC systems
• Water spills inside the rooms

What removal steps should be prioritized?

Before starting the removal processes, it is crucial to establish the amount of water involved and deal with the sources. Most cases involve moisture dissolved in wall materials such as insulation and drywall or high levels of humidity in the air trapped within the wall cavities. In such cases, ventilating the wall cavities with dry air can help eliminate the moisture. Our SERVPRO technicians perform a couple of steps to deal with the problem:

• Using moisture meters to check wetness levels of drywall and other materials
• Punching vent holes for ventilation purposes
• Using specialized equipment such as borescopes to check the state of wall materials

If scoping establishes that none of the materials in the walls is too damaged to warrant replacement, we use cavity-drying systems to dry the wall cavities. 

Apart from resolving the moisture problem in the wall cavities, we also offer advice on issues such as managing steam from baths or preventing water from showers from intruding into the walls, thus preventing similar issues in the future.

SERVPRO of Waterbury can help you deal with hidden water problems that threaten your business. Call us at (203) 757-5050. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Waterbury, click here.

Does Fast Water Extraction Lessen the Damage to My Home?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

What! Water damage in your Waterbury ceiling? Call SERVPRO

 You Need to Mitigate Water Damage Quickly to Save Your Waterbury Home

The containment of all potential hazards within your home is critical if you get hit with a water loss in Waterbury. Calling in the help of skilled technicians gives you the resources that you need to make sure that your interior is restored quickly. At SERVPRO, we have a trained team that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to come out to your property for an emergency call. Whether you had a pipe burst or a leak from a broken dishwasher, we can make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Initiating a phone call to us at SERVPRO deploys a team ready to start an assessment of your water damage in Waterbury. We act fast to make sure that water migration does not cause harm to other rooms within your home. Water tends to follow a path to dry areas, which often slows down restoration and often calls for sophisticated equipment and invasive measures. We come in to locate all of the sources of moisture and employ light wand extractor tools, dehumidifiers, air movers, and industrial axial fans that speed up the drying process and facilitate better airflow.

Water Restoration Planning

How our team acts in the initial steps of the water damage project sets the tone for the entire restoration. We work quickly to assess the damage to determine the best course of action. SERVPRO arrives onsite with trucks equipped with tools, pumps, and all of the chemicals necessary for water removal, moisture detection, and disinfection. After the interior of your home is thoroughly dried, we then use pressure sprayers or misters with anti-microbial compounds on your carpeting and upholstery.

Mold Mitigation

Water damage in the home brings the potential for harmful mold and mildew growth. These living organisms thrive in high-moisture conditions, such as those after a water loss. We work to inhibit mold growth by removing the colonies from hard materials and demolish and tear out elements that are not salvageable. Fortunately, we also provide a complete service by building back to preloss condition. This includes detailed cleaning of all surfaces with specialized cleaning agents, known as fungicides and antimicrobials. We ensure that the affected materials are ready for rebuilding. These products also help to keep foul odors from developing.

SERVPRO of Waterbury is available for cleanup and restoration when you have water damage in your home. By calling (203) 757-5050, it sets a team in motion to arrive at your home promptly.

Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Flood Damage to My Waterbury Home?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO to Extract Floodwater from Your Waterbury Home, and Restore It, "Like it never even happened."

Our SERVPRO Team Can Work with Your Insurance and Our Reconstruction Partners to Fully Recover Your Fire-Damaged Waterbury Home.

Your home can feel wholly ruined after a substantial flood disaster, as nearly every room in the house has become affected and countless contents. Restoring and even reconstructing after a loss like this can feel overwhelming, but our SERVPRO team can help. Between our fast mitigation of the situation to reduce unnecessary loss and cost to our customers to our partners with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) to help with building back the structural damage, we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

What is Mitigation, and How Does it Help?

While you might be concerned with needs like your flood damage drywall repair in your Waterbury home, we have effective mitigation practices designed to manage loss situations quickly. By constraining the threats using sophisticated practices and migration reduction techniques, we can better protect areas of your house that might have otherwise become damaged by moving water. Mitigation is a process that exclusively works to reduce losses for customers and limit out of pocket expenses or higher claims with your insurance provider.

Extraction 

• Water removal is one of the first areas of concern, as standing water can reduce the effectiveness of other restorative techniques. Reducing surface water begins with an assortment of premier tools in our inventory that vary depending on the location in your home and the severity of the flooding.

 Muck-Out Cleaning

• Mitigation practices often involve debris removal and preliminary cleaning. This initial effort can help to reduce the spread of contaminants, and also help to address secondary concerns like foul odors, structural degradation, and microbial growth.

 Content Management

• Your belongings can quickly become a target of migrating flood effects, so we focus early mitigation efforts on either relocating these items to a safe on-site location or our SERVPRO facility for intricate cleaning, drying, and safe storage.

What Tools Are Best for Removing Standing Water?

Choosing the right approach for extraction can be a critical decision for efficient flood recovery. With multiple options available to our team, we choose based on the severity of the conditions, its location, or how widespread the loss has become. While we have several choices, some of the most common options are:

Submersible Pumps

• When it comes to removing surface water from flooring and other surfaces, submersible pumps are always the first choice. These provide a steady removal until the level of standing water has dropped below a point where the submersible pumps can maintain prime.

 Wet Vacuums

• Wet vacuums are a common choice for water removal because of their versatility. From their lightweight design to the various attachments that they can run, wet vacuums can do a large portion of water removal work early in the mitigation phases.

Carpet Wands

• The use of wand attachments can help to remove moisture from oversaturated materials like carpets. In flooding scenarios, carpeted floors can absorb a substantial volume of standing water, which can migrate to padding and subflooring. Carpet wands can reduce the presence of this wetness to manageable levels.

 Weighted Extractors

• By utilizing the weight of our technicians, we can press large portions of your carpet and padding together to displace moisture and collect it on the surface. An onboard vacuum with these ride-on or stand-on units makes the collection of the water fast and efficient.

How Does Controlled Demolition Help?

Controlled demolition can help our responding SERVPRO team to allocate all of our resources into cleaning better and drying the flood-damaged property. By removing damaged portions of affected materials like the drywall, we can have:

• Easier Access to Damaged Areas
• Smaller Chance of Structural Collapse
• Less Migration of Water with Direct Drying Efforts

Does SERVPRO Also Do Post-Flood Build Back?

Our team does not reinstall discarded contaminated or damaged materials, but we work closely with a highly reputable crew that does. By having a dedicated reconstruction partner with CRS, we can seamlessly transition between the mitigation phases and the build back the property might require. We can set up the property to be ready for reinstallation when these professionals arrive, making these later stages of recovery as efficient as possible for our customers. You have the advantage of both skilled water and flood cleanup and removal technicians and exceptional tradesmen to make your home "Even Better Than Before."

We can appreciate the small window of recovery time available for structural concerns or any level of mitigation that your home might need. Our SERVPRO of Waterbury team can respond quickly to these emergencies 24/7 with experienced personnel and cutting-edge equipment to make a difference for your damaged home. Give us a call anytime at (203) 757-5050.

We are here, and can help.

How Do I Get a New Kitchen after this Horrible Fire?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can get your fire-damaged Waterbury home on the road to recovery--FAST.

The First Step Is to Hire SERVPRO for Mitigation and Demolition of Your Ruined Waterbury Kitchen

Grease fires are a common threat to area kitchens and can happen unexpectedly. With the severity of these situations and the focus that homeowners should have to protect themselves and their families from the immediate threats, this fire can engulf your kitchen and make restoration without reconstruction impossible. Our SERVPRO team can carefully evaluate the entire damaged area to determine which areas can get preserved and protected and which materials must get discarded and replaced to reach pre-fire conditions.

I wonder what can be saved from my burned kitchen and appliances?

Coming into post-disaster recovery knowing that fire demolition and build-back for Waterbury kitchens is already necessary, our professionals can be more willing to include many of the grey area items into the demolition already necessary in the room. At a certain point, it can often be more cost-effective and beneficial for the customers to focus on rebuilding and repairing damages rather than going through the steps necessary to attempt to clean and deodorize these affected materials, with less than the desired effects? We can help.

What is scoping a fire loss?

Scoping is one of the preliminary tasks that happens before our SERPVRO technicians begin mitigation and recovery. Our project manager can walk through the damaged areas of your house and catalog ruined items and total losses, but also note the points where restoration practices could get employed to reduce further tear-out and reconstruction needs.

Controlled Demolition or Cosmetic Cleaning?

During mitigation, controlled demolition can help our team to reduce the harsh odors and structural dangers that exist. By clearing out compromised construction materials and contents, we can leave the area ready for reconstruction to begin as soon as mitigation efforts have completed.

Build-Back to Precondition or Improve with a Great Remodel?

Our SERVPRO team has a direct partnership with competent and qualified construction specialists in Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS.) After our technicians have completed pre-construction steps like clearing debris and performing controlled demolition, we can hand off the job to CRS to build back your kitchen like it used to be.

After a grease fire in your kitchen, your home needs several corrective actions. From deodorization to surface cleaning and recovery, you can count on our SERVPRO of Waterbury team to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.
Click for more about Waterbury.

Why We Are The Best Choice In Waterbury After A Flood

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

The stormwater flooded the basement of this house. We had the equipment to extract the stagnant water swiftly.

Comprehensive Repair and Restoration for Flooded Waterbury Homes

Flooding is a situation that can significantly impact Waterbury homes, threatening not only the structural integrity of construction materials but also the quality of air inside the property and the cleanliness of your home. After widespread flooding occurs in the area, restoration companies are likely to pop up everywhere, offering focused services ranging from water removal to drying or decontamination. Subcontracting out individual aspects of restoration and recovery after a flood can become undeniably expensive, but our SERVPRO team can help.

Unlike many others that you might have seen, our professionals can offer a comprehensive approach for recovering flood damage in Waterbury homes. We can oversee the restoration of a home in the area from the initial scoping of the work to get done through handing off the project to our immediate construction partners in the region, Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS.) Each phase of this restoration process that we seamlessly transition to can help to reduce total property loss and overall costs when the work completes.

Extraction 

Water removal is a vital element of any flood damage restoration project. Regardless of contamination threats or not, removing surface water can reduce the penetration and saturation of exposed materials to better protect them against migrating flood effects. We can utilize vital tools like:

• Gas-powered submersible pumps
• Wet vacuums

Drying 

Evaporative drying techniques can help our SERVPRO professionals to get a handle on the moisture and saturation of affected surfaces, contents, and structural elements in your house. Many tools are involved in this process as well, including:

• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Positive pressure systems
• Drying mats

Pre-Construction 

Before we hand off your home to CRS following the completion of our mitigation processes, we can determine where controlled demolition is necessary. By completing these steps before reconstruction begins, we can save you time and money on this step following immediately afterward.

Flooding can be destructive and overwhelming for your house, but our SERVPRO of Waterbury team can offer a full-service approach that ushers your property through nearly every stage of restoration. Give us a call anytime that you need it at (203) 757-5050.

See more about Waterbury.

Snow Storm Damaged Roof in Waterbury--Call SERVPRO for Mitigation and Repair

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

From Storm and Snow Damaged Home in Waterbury to a Full Reconstruction--Call SERVPRO

Heavy Snowfall Can Compromise Waterbury Roofs

During the winter months here in Waterbury, it is not at all uncommon for homes to experience such substantial snowfall that it exceeds the limitations of what roofs can hold. That is why you can see many of your neighbors doing what they can to clear off their roofs whenever possible to prevent prolonged stress on the joists and roof support material. The longer that excessive weight pressures these structural elements, the weaker they become when the next heavy snowfall occurs.

You might be wondering what you can do when this breach has already occurred, and you are dealing with flooding and roof damage to fix in Waterbury households like yours. In most situations, it is the most cost-effective for you to reach out to the fast-responding technicians of our SERVPRO team to begin emergency services and mitigation as quickly as possible. The faster this process can begin, the less overall property damage that you can anticipate.

Emergency Services

Roof tarping and board up services are among the chief processes that must occur when our team first arrives at a damaged residence. These steps can happen even before the full inspection of the house for damages, as the situation can continually worsen with these areas exposed to outside elements.

Mitigation

Once it has become determined what personnel, equipment, and processes are necessary to restore your damaged home, our SERVPRO professionals can get to work on mitigation. In most situations, this mitigation involves cleaning up debris from the roof collapse, extracting standing water, and moisture that came into the house and drying up lingering moisture and saturation concerns.

The Next Steps

The full restoration of your home is unlikely until the roof has gotten repaired. Our partnership with the reputable Connecticut Reconstruction Services allows us to seamlessly transition between mitigation and reconstruction to give you your home back faster than you might have expected.

Heavy snowfall is a destructive burden for many homes every year in our area, and if it has caused problems for your home, give our SERVPRO of Waterbury team a call today at (203) 757-5050.

How Leaking Water Heaters Cause Water Damage in Waterbury

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water heater failure is a significant source of water damage. Inspect your water heater often for signs of leaks.

Removing Water Heater Related Water Damage in Waterbury 

Most homeowners can expect about 8 to 12 years out of their current water heaters, and even slightly longer with regular maintenance and care. However, three-quarters of water heaters experience failure before the 12-year mark, and the average household leak can cause an average of 10,000 gallons of water loss per year. Not only is this costly for homeowners, but it can be damaging to their homes. 

If your Waterbury residence has experienced water damage related to a water heater or boiler, SERVPRO technicians can assist you in restoring your residence to a preloss condition. Your local SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, so that you can minimize loss and maximize savings with the help of a team trained to meet the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. 

Maintaining Your Water Heater 

• Check the pressure relief valve.This safety mechanism prevents an excess of pressure buildup in your water heater. To find the pressure relief valve, look for a switch on the side of your water heater with a discharge pipe made of copper or plastic. Place a container underneath the discharge pipe and lift the lever. 

• Take a look at the anode rod. Both electric and gas water heaters have anode rods, which attract corrosive minerals to preserve the tank. Replace it once every five years. 

• Flush the tank annually. This practice helps to prevent mineral sediment buildup that can rust your water heater. To flush the tank, turn off both the power and cold water supply. Open the hot water tap and pressure release valve, and keep a hose and bucket handy to drain the water until it is clear and free of sediment. Turn on the cold water supply and repeat 

SERVPRO Eliminates Odors & Moisture

When SERVPRO technicians come to your residence, they use a variety of tools to monitor the extent of moisture damage to the structure. These include penetrating and nonpenetrating sensors and meters, as well as thermohygrometers, which monitor both temperature and relative humidity.  

Professionals use readings from multiple devices in tandem with psychometric calculators and charts to determine the best course of action for drying the space. If your water heater is in a large open area, drying chambers may be erected with plastic sheeting to facilitate faster and more effective drying and restore surfaces to their typical moisture values. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury is proud to provide mitigation service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. When disaster strikes in your home, contact us at (203) 757-5050 to have a crew on-site within hours. 

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We Are The Right Choice In Waterbury Water Damage Restoration

1/11/2020 (Permalink)

Our water damage specialists are ready to respond 24/7 and we have the equipment and training to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Eliminating Home Office Flood Damage in Waterbury

Working at home presents unique challenges for both small business owners and sole proprietors. Not only is it necessary to maintain your home, but it is also crucial to ensure that your work materials are safe from disaster when it occurs. However, disasters are not always so predictable, and flooding, in particular, can wreak havoc on documents, electrical appliances, and furniture.

If your Waterbury home office requires emergency response flood damage mitigation, certified SERVPRO technicians are just a phone call away from extracting floodwaters and restoring your home to a preloss condition. This crew works closely with property owners and insurance adjusters to ensure that the cleanup and restoration addresses their needs while maximizing safety for occupants. Because flooding can bring in microbes and other contaminants, technicians work carefully to eliminate these and ensure that structures are sanitary once more.

Faster To Any Size Emergency

With disasters like flooding, delaying is not an option. That is why SERVPRO has over 1,700 US and Canadian franchise locations that are owned by local community members. This crew is available 24/7, even during holidays, and can respond to disasters quickly with pre-stocked service vehicles and production trailers. We provided full-service cleanup and flood damage restoration through complete build backs of structurally or cosmetically damaged properties.

How SERVPRO Mitigates Flood Damage

One of the most crucial parts of restoring any home office is the salvaging of documents and devices that are needed for the business to run correctly. SERVPRO technicians receive training in both document drying and restoration, as well as electronics drying and cleanup. While many porous surfaces, like carpet and curtains, may need to be removed to prevent contamination to the structure, electronics and documents can often be successfully cleaned and restored. 

Most document drying methods that SERVPRO uses involve sublimation — that is, the changing of matter from a solid to a gas. Lyophilization or cryodesiccation are terms used to explain this method. Many drying methods involve freezing your papers to prevent water from further warping or staining them. Because floodwaters are also such a sanitary concern, SERVPRO uses a gamma irradiation process to destroy microbes and successfully sterilize documents. They can also digitize your photos and documents so that you always have access to copies in the event of a loss.

SERVPRO of Waterbury strives to provide the community with service that is Faster To Any Size Disaster. For disaster cleanup that you can count on, call (203) 757-5050 today.

See more about Waterbury.

Fire Recovery In Your Cheshire Home

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing the migration of fire loss effects begins with the deliberate actions of our SERVPRO of Waterbury restoration technicians.

Preventing Cross-Contamination During Fire Recovery in Cheshire

Fire loss incidents can get much worse when the effects can spread throughout your Cheshire home. Often structure fires can remain contained to a specific room or region of the house, but it is open pathways and even traffic of occupants in the house that can help to move soot, smoke, and odors to new areas of the property. Preventing this cross-contamination is a vital step for effective and cost-efficient fire damage recovery in your house.

Our professionals begin this commitment to reducing cross-contamination in your fire-damaged Cheshire home with the initial walkthrough and scoping of the damage. Our project manager gets trained to recognize damaged areas from uncontaminated flooring, so this representative of our SERVPRO team can wear shoe covers to prevent tracking soot and smoke residues back into unsoiled carpeted or hardwood areas. It's vital that we do not make recovery efforts any more challenging than they already can be after a fire.

We strive to reduce the spread of smoke and soot effects by establishing containment barriers as well. Temporary plastic sheeting walls prevent aerosolized soot particles, odors, and other contaminants from reaching unexposed areas of your household. Building this containment zone can help to eliminate the spread of these effects, but also allows for separate areas to get built-in as decontamination areas for our professionals to remove soiled over clothing and become a staging area for dirty equipment until restoration completes.

With widespread concerns, where structural compromise exists throughout the residence, we can focus on preparing the area for reconstruction and renovation. During this phase, it is also crucial for our SERVPRO technicians to avoid affecting unsoiled areas by carefully cleaning where necessary before our build back partners, Connecticut Reconstruction Services, arrive to complete the repairs and remodeling after the fire.

Preventing the migration of fire loss effects begins with the deliberate actions of our SERVPRO of Waterbury restoration technicians. With careful planning and design of the work areas, we can eliminate cross-contamination and reduce overall restoration costs for our customers. Give our professionals a call anytime at (203) 757-5050.

For more about Cheshire click here.

Did Your Waterbury Home Experience a Water Loss Event? Call SERVPRO!

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always on call to handle any type of water loss event impacting your home.

Precautions That Help Resolve Water Damage Incidents in Waterbury with Minimal Secondary Issues

Water intrusion into your Waterbury home is likely to damage several areas or contents. Sometimes, damages happen during the restoration process, should you make mistakes. When a team of professional restorers work on your property after a water loss incident, it is possible to accomplish the intended goal without causing unnecessary damages.

Fast evacuation of water is the primary solution to help keep water damage incidents in Waterbury manageable. Reducing time reduces the percentage of secondary damages that develop. Rapid extraction requires the right equipment. However, in some cases, it also necessitates the demolition of some areas to create better access to the water and speed up drying. It is possible to break items or damage materials during the demolition process.

Removal of carpets and pad is the most common form of demolition after water loss incidents. Because of their porous nature, carpets hold on to water lengthening the period it takes to dry the loss site. Taking the right precautions helps ensure the carpet remains intact during removal and reinstallation. Our SERVPRO technicians use knee kickers and carpet awls when detaching the carpets. When we need to make seams, we cut the existing ones instead of cutting new seams next to the old ones.

It is likely for water to saturate the wall cavities affecting insulation and other wall components. Different types of insulation react differently to water exposure. Drying insulated wall cavities requires proper ventilation. Our SERVPRO technicians remove the baseboard trim to facilitate proper ventilation. Drilling vent holes between the wall studs create access points to affix hose tips for specialized wall ventilation equipment, which facilitate drying, preventing long-term problems such as mold development. The small holes at the bottom of the wall can also help drain out water from the wall cavity eliminating the need to tear down entire wall panels.

Mitigation of water loss is a delicate process requiring the right approaches to get the right outcome. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 to help manage the incident at your home, "Like it never even happened."

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Our Experts Can Remove Smoke And Soot From Your Waterbury Factory

12/15/2019 (Permalink)

We can make these loss incidents “Like it never even happened” and get your property back on the market.

Smoke and Soot Removal in Aging Waterbury Factory

The Greater Waterbury area is known for its aging structures that have become repurposed with the closing of once-profitable factories and warehouses to make way for more efficient practices requiring much less space. When these buildings first got built, many of them were not held to the higher standards of construction and structure safety that contractors must adhere to today. When fires break out in these repurposed factory buildings, there are several levels of threats that might not exist in other structures we service.

The city once held a large portion of the market in the metal industries in the factories now ripe for renovation, but when these aging structures catch fire, the ensuing fire damage to Waterbury buildings can come with additional threats and hazards. Renovations to many of these older buildings when they were still in use could have seen the installation of asbestos for fire retardation, for example. As useful as asbestos can be in limiting the spread of fires, it can cause irreversible health effects to those exposed.

Clearing smoke and soot effects present another potential problem for our restoration team, as soot itself can become damaging to those exposed as well. With the space that larger factory structures often embody, fast-burning fires can leave residues spanning hundreds of feet in spaces several stories above the ground. We have practical abrasive cleaning techniques ideal for clearing soot and smoke residues from brick and mortar without harming the masonry more than age already has.

Ventilation with air movers can address much of the lingering odors in these facilities as well, though the use of larger hydroxyl generators or ozone machines can clear out any noxious scents that remain if it is cost-effective and feasible to seal off the damaged areas.

Repurposing factory buildings is a focus of the expansion of the city and its commercial interests, so when fires damage any of these structures, let our SERVPRO of Waterbury professionals help. We can make these loss incidents “Like it never even happened” and get your property back on the market. Give us a call today at (203) 757-5050.

For more about Waterbury click here.

What is Soda Blasting and How is it Used to Restore Fire Damage in Waterbury?

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Non-porous surfaces can be cleaned using soda blasting. This method is just one of our restoration tools.

Soda Blasting for Fire Damage Restoration in Waterbury Homes  

Surfaces like countertops are vulnerable fixtures when fire loss incidents occur in Waterbury homes. With how fast conditions like soot residues can spread throughout the household, regaining control of these migrating effects is a priority of the fire loss team we dispatch to your home. Health effects can result from unchecked and unchallenged soot particles and other contaminants, making it a vital need to move quickly on the worsening conditions.  

While our SERVPRO professionals have access to potent and effective cleaning agents, deodorizers, and other recovery solutions, soda and media blasting options are still among the most effective strategies for clearing soot fire damage in Waterbury homes on specific surfaces. Understanding the entire scope of work that must get accomplished to fully restore a damaged residence begins with a thorough inspection in which residues get identified, and the migration limits of current effects can get identified.  

Media blasting is an abrasive cleaning approach, and though it is safe for some fire damaged surfaces, it is not ideal for all affected areas of your property. Countertops, masonry, and harder surfaces can respond well to soda and media blasting approaches, but other softer surfaces can mar in this process. Working quickly to get this process started can help to protect installed materials from staining and erosion from the acidity of soot.  

We implement soda blasting when we are looking to protect the underlying substrate best while entirely removing any surface threats that exist. This approach is also ideal for mold remediation for this same reason. Countertops like granite and marble can withstand abrasive cleaning while newly settled soot particles cannot. The removal of soot residues can help to make the environment safer for our technicians and help to reduce overall restoration costs for our customers.  

While soda blasting does not always have an application in the recovery of a home after a fire, our understanding of the best approaches to restore areas of your house can save you money and time. Give our SERVPRO of Waterbury restorers a call anytime you need us at (203) 757-5050. 

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Our Swift Response Will Save Your Waterbury Home

10/26/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Giving Waterbury Residents in Need of Restoration Services the Opportunity to Act Decisively

Home emergencies require care and attention to get your property back to its best. Our company invests both time and resources into restoration services. We provide our technicians with the equipment they need to get the job done. In return, they commit themselves to gain nationally recognized qualifications as well as bringing passion and enthusiasm to each job. As a specialist restoration company, we can also help you with biohazardous waste cleanup and asbestos abatement. Whatever your disaster, we are on hand to get your Waterbury property back to the way it was pre-damage.

Fire
Enlisting professional restoration services after fire damage in your Waterbury home can reduce the stress and time-consuming nature of home emergencies. It is vital to reach out to SERVPRO as quickly as possible to ensure your home has the best chance of a full restoration. High temperatures can cause finishes on floorboards, appliances, walls, tiles, and ceilings to melt. Exposed surfaces like this are more likely to sustain permanent damages, which is why acting at the earliest opportunity is essential.

One area that Waterbury residents can benefit from SERVPRO restoration services is odor control. Materials that burn during a fire release toxins which can quickly become odorous. These malodors are especially prevalent in melting plastics, but all types of fire produce an unpleasant reminder of the event. We have nationally accredited odor control technicians (OCT) who can perform restoration of both the property and your indoor air quality.

Hot smoke is naturally attracted to cooler surfaces. It is common for the most significant buildup of odor, causing deposits to be located in cavities and crevices like draws, ventilation systems, and ceiling light fittings. High-pressure fires can force odors deeper into materials exacerbated the odor issue. It is virtually impossible to locate and clean all sources of odor in your Waterbury home. However, SERVPRO crew members can perform full deodorization using foggers, pellets, and spray-on solvents to remove unpleasant, lingering smells.

Mold
While many homeowners dread the appearance of mold, the fundamental aspects of remediation do not need to be a costly expense. Like all living things, mold needs water, food supply, and temperature to survive. When tackling mold damage in your Waterbury home, it is essential to remove, manage, or replace these three factors to prevent reoccurring issues. Enlisting the help of a qualified SERVPRO remediation expert can limit the harm-causing aspects of microbial growth on your home and contents.

To remove the water supply and stop mold coming back, we first need to understand why it was able to grow in the first place. SERVPRO can trace the appearance of fungi back to its source, temporarily removing physical barriers like drywall, floorboards, or furnishings along the way. Most commonly, the source of moisture comes from a slow leak or inadequate insulation in some areas of the property. Shutting off the source of moisture can ensure that mold does not return after cleaning, and removal is complete.

The next step in the restoration services is to remove and dispose of infested materials. Microbes spread quickly and, being microscopic, are invisible to the naked eye. Porous materials are especially vulnerable to microbial infestation, which can include sections of the drywall as well as insulation. The safest bet is to remove these materials entirely and replace them. These actions are typically inexpensive but can go a long way in reducing mold remediation expenses in the long run.

Water
There is a difference between removing moisture from a property and drying it. Water removal only covers the visible signs of water damage in your Waterbury home but does nothing to prevent materials or contents from absorbing moisture. SERVPRO restoration services employ the correct drying techniques you need to ensure that water-incidents are dealt with comprehensively at the time. Failure to address the whole of the issue can cause any number of issues further down the line, including mold growth.

Proper drying techniques use psychrometrics to encourage evaporation while controlling humidity and condensation. SERVPRO trucks are stocked with rapid-air moving devices, dehumidifiers as well as heavy-duty extraction equipment. However, most relevant to a water restoration technician are the moisture sensors, meters, and hygrometers. This equipment all provide psychrometric readings and allow SERVPRO technicians to take a scientifically accurate reading of the drying process in real-time.

Faster drying times are reachable by manipulating temperature, air movement, and humidity. We can apply this approach to your Waterbury home in two distinct ways. The first is by natural air currents, achieved by opening windows and airing materials. The second is by creating a controlled environment and using equipment to create airflow temperature and dehumidification artificially. These are known as open and closed system drying techniques. A SERVPRO technician is trained to understand which is more appropriate to use in any given situation. By applying the correct method, we can significantly reduce the stress and inconvenience of water-incidents while ensuring the expected outcome is met.

Storm  
An adverse weather event can result in severe storm damage to your Waterbury home. Often, residents need to bring in general contractors to reconstruct particular areas of damage. As a restoration service, our role at SERVPRO is to prepare your home so that general contractors can complete their jobs. By doing so, we ensure that you can return to a safe and secure property as quickly as possible.

Our first duty is to perform scoping tasks that can spot potential hazards like loose wiring or a weakened structure. During the scoping phase, SERVPRO technicians can assess your flooring to see if it has become waterlogged or weakened, remove debris, and restore power to the property. If windows or doors are broken, we can put up emergency boarding to secure the property and prevent trespass. It is common during scoping for technicians to take note of any emergency mitigation tasks that could reduce or limit your losses.

Mitigation tasks revolve around slowing or stopping potential losses by acting quickly to remove the source of damage. We may set up a drying zone in certain areas to reduce the likelihood of secondary water or mold damage. The carpets of your Waterbury home may benefit from preliminary cleaning and covering. In some cases, we may need to remove hazardous waste. In prepping the property, SERVPRO can help to speed up the process of repair and significantly reduce the claims expense of these unexpected events.

By reaching out to a professional restoration service, you gain the ability to take back control of unpredictable and debilitating situations. For water, mold, storm, or fire damages, contact SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050.

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OMG! The Best Water Damage Remediation Service in Waterbury Ever!

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Having a fire and associated damage from both fire and water can be difficult to deal with. Contact SERVPRO for services.

In the printing business, you are probably always worried about creating eye-catching prints and keeping costs low to remain competitive. Emergencies like fire can add to your list of worries by ruining your supplies, place of work, and the equipment you use. The spark that leads to fire damage can originate anywhere, including a faulty appliance or power cables. Papers and other printing mediums can quickly turn the small flame to a destructive fire.

After an incident of commercial fire damage affects your Waterbury printing service, a faster response is one way to ensure your business survives. Taking too long to restore operations may drive your customers elsewhere. Fire damage recovery involves several activities, including cleaning difficult areas such as the ceiling, demolition, and deodorization, which can complicate the recovery process. Choosing a professional team like SERVPRO to handle the restoration helps because we have crews with several members, each equipped with different restoration skills including FSRT, Fire, and Smoke Restoration Technicians and CCT, Carpet Cleaning Technicians, among others.

In case the emergency response to the fire involves pumping significant amounts of water into your premises, it might lead to a different set of problems. For example, there might be a spike in humidity levels in the air, which can ruin printing supplies such as papers, which survive the fire. Our SERVPRO technicians extract any pools of water fast to rectify moisture problems. We have different types of pumps, including self-priming ones that can handle water with trash. We can also create an exclusion zone in an untouched part of the structure to save items from overexposure to high humidity.

Various types of wastes pile up after fire incidents, especially in a printing shop because of the stationeries and other combustible materials. Removing the ash and charred remains of contents and building materials is essential although not easy. Our SERVPRO crews use distinctive approaches to simplify the process. We have heavy-duty plastic bags to collect and hold debris, awaiting disposal. We also vacuum affected areas to remove remnants of fine debris such as ash and soot, preventing spreading or dispersion into the air.

A fire incident of any kind can stop your business leading to losses. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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When Your Bed And Breakfast In Waterbury Experiences A Fire Call Our Crew

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire inside your bed and breakfast, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050.

Crucial Restoration Of Your Bed And Breakfast After Sustaining Commercial Fire Damage In Waterbury

Cleaning and removing materials destroyed during a disaster are two activities SERVPRO does to help Waterbury’s many businesses. Some businesses are located in residential settings. Our diverse training and certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) prepare us for the blend of commercial and residential components we see in these situations.

When a business closes its doors in Waterbury because of commercial fire damage, we know that the repercussions affect our entire area. A disaster that forces you to cancel the reservations of out-of-town guests can result in less tourist money for neighboring companies, as well.

Our restoration crew works closely with our building services team to provide comprehensive services. Fire damage also comes with property destruction by smoke and water. Our IICRC-certified specialists in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT) use the most efficient methods to clean your business’ furnishings of smoke residue. Their dedication to our customers makes it possible to finish the other mitigation and restoration work rapidly.

Our building crew also plays a role in making your business look “Like it never even happened.” Working together, we restore and repair flooring of many styles that often sustains damage from a mix of heat, water, and soot during a fire. We are experienced in working with hardwood, linoleum, and tile floors.

Helping make your bed and breakfast functional often includes checking the HVAC system, the electrical wiring, and its components, and possibly the plumbing. We can perform all of these services and save you time and expense.

Soot and high levels of hot water vapor can damage many kinds of furniture. We know how to stop existing damage from becoming worse. We can also repair many items that might contain soot or ash deposits. This by-product of fire can affect wood, plastic, fabric, and metal. Removing it as soon as possible protects your furnishings. However, odors can permeate deep into many things throughout your business, so we also provide highly effective odor control measures.

After a fire inside your bed and breakfast, call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050. We also serve businesses in Cheshire, Prospect, Wolcott, and Honeypot Glen. Our technicians, specialists, and building crew are available year-round, including weekends and holidays.

For more about Waterbury click here.

Preventing Frozen Pipes in your Home / Business

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Prevent Frozen Pipes before then Happen!

Given the Northeast Storms and frigid temps, now is an excellent time to learn more about how to avoid frozen pipes and the subsequent water damage that can occur if those pipes expand and burst. Though frozen pipes are a common occurrence, they are highly preventable.  

SERVPRO offers the following tips for preventing frozen pipes and mitigating potential damage that they can cause.  

• Insulate all the exposed pipes in your home. Especially where they may be unheated, such as the basement, attic, garage, crawl space, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. 
• Keep the temperature the same during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower temperatures in the evening, you can prevent a costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. 
• Close any inside valves that supply water outdoors and open the outside value to properly drain excess water that may be in the pipes. 
• Let your faucet trickle in drastically cold temperatures. While you may be concerned about wasting water, running water is less likely to freeze. 
• Keep outside valves open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing it to break. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. 
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F. 

Found a Frozen Pipe? Thaw It Out: 

• If you turn on a faucet and only a few drips come out, suspect a frozen pipe. Typically, frozen pipes are found along exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. 
• Make sure the faucet remains on while treating the pipes, as the flowing water will help to melt the ice within the pipe. 
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or other open flame device. 
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too.  

Should you experience a loss resulting from water damage, turn off the water supply as soon as possible, and call SERVPRO of Waterbury immediately  203-757-5050. The longer you wait to call, the greater the chance of mold growth and unrecoverable property. SERVPRO of Waterbury professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have. 

Cleaning Tips from The Varsity

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Changing batteries in your smoke alarms is too important of a thing to remember to put on a list with anything else. Daylight Savings is the perfect, proven day.  

So what about everything else? Here are a few tips from the SERVPRO varsity cleaning squad:

Wipe down your walls and ceilings: vacuum from top to bottom and remove dust.  If your walls are dirty (parents!) a mild detergent can bring new life.  SERVPRO Wall’n All is our House Favorite and if you call us, we’ll bring you some . We can even clean the walls for you.  A mild detergent will add a subtle spring fresh scent to the room.

Vacuum and Shampoo rugs: 80% of what is coming out of your rugs is coming out from vacuuming.  We can help with the steam cleaning.  If you want to do it yourself, make sure you know what type of carpet you have and that it won’t be damaged by the process.   Call us either way if you have any concerns.

Change your Power Strips.   If they are older than the equipment plugged into them or if you can’t remember when you bought them, get new ones.   This is a big deal in fire prevention.

Inspect your Ducts: If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a few years, or if you have pets, unscrew a duct, stick your phone in and take a picture or two.  If you don’t like what you see, Call Us.  We’ll schedule a duct cleaning.

We know you have plenty to do come Spring.   If you do these few things, your home feel as fresh as the Great Outdoors.  We’re here to help.

Mold Tips... Don't be Afraid to Ask

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

The wet winter and fluctuating temperatures create a favorable environment for mold issues this spring. Changes in weather create stress on structures.  Structures that are stressed are prone to moisture and water issues.   Mold is a secondary damage to water damage or excessive moisture.  Preventing mold is a matter of keeping a structure dry by quickly repairing or cutting off a source of moisture and when you have a leak or larger issue, having it properly repaired.

Here are some Mold basics:

1. Mold exposure can cause health effects.
2. The best way to control indoor mold growth is to eliminate sources of moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Do this by fixing the source of leaks; reduce humidity in the atmosphere with proper ventilation and dehumidification if necessary; properly dry all building materials and furnishings if you have a floor or major leak.
4. Insulate around windows and piping to minimize condensation on cold surfaces.
5. Mold can only grow on organic materials (wood, paper, carpets and foods).
6. The EPA recommends that homeowners limit their mold cleaning to small effected areas, 3ft x 3ft. The reason is mold spores are very difficult to kill and it is very easy to cross contaminate an area with the invisible spores.

SERVPRO is certified to clean and remove mold and we are happy to answer any questions you have. Give us a call if you want to discuss a mold issue or are in need of help.

Flood or Water Damage: What Do You Do

2/5/2017 (Permalink)

When you have water damage, you will quickly decide “Do I need help?” and “Who do I call for a flood?”

Consider these common scenarios: A second floor supply line leaks and water pours through the downstairs ceiling and soaks hardwood floors; A pipe bursts on first floor and water soaks carpets and the tile on the kitchen floor; You come home to a house soaked with humidity with wet walls, saturated a saturated ceiling and standing water in the basement.

Clearly in these cases, you call SERVPRO for help.

But what if the damage is not as obvious and you are tempted to mop, towel and fan. Here are a few things to consider:

Wet Seeks Dry: This means that water is always trying to seep into dry building materials and contents.  Depending on how long the water has been there the moisture can cause warping, delamination and the staining.  Just as it takes time for moisture to find its way into flooring and drywall, it takes time and a strategy to get the water back out. The Experience, Education and Equipment of a professional mitigation company are often required.

Secondary Damage from a Water Loss Can Exceed the Original Damage: The Insurance Industry has a thick book of suggested guidelines for contractors dealing with water damage.  Experience has shown that house floods ruin finishes, compromise the bones of a home and create a health hazard. 

Our Team Has Seen It Before: We address variations of the situations described above hundreds of times a year.  The only common factors are water and the worry that things are going to be fixed.  We understand water and we understand that no matter how familiar your issue is to us, it is scary, frustrating and upsetting to you. 

In the rare case we come across a situation we have not seen before, we can reach out to our SERVPRO network for guidance and advice. SERVPRO is the largest and most trusted company by consumers nationwide.

For SERVPRO there are no impossible messes. The cleanup begins with a call.

Don’t Forget Your Agent

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

When you see an unimaginable disaster, SERVPRO and your insurance agent are there to help.

If you suffer a property loss, your agent is your ally.

Your agent is the person who is trained and licensed to help you buy appropriate coverage for repair or replacement of your stuff if you suffer a disaster, like a fire, flood, burst pipe or mold.  

While you may not give your agent much thought over time, our team sees them in action every day.

Agents understand your policies. This alone provides valuable reassurance during a disaster and the mitigation process.  Consider:  your condominium (rugs, walls, ceilings, furniture) are soaked by flood in a neighboring unit.  In this case, there likely are three policies in effect: yours, neighbors and owners’ association.

The lines of coverage are not always clear. Your agent knows this and knows your policy.  You just want your stuff dried, cleaned and repaired; and to get on with your life. 

We live in the disaster world and we know what to do and who to speak with to minimize the disruption to you. That is why we are such fans of engaged agents. 

Property Mangers Deserve Great Partners

1/9/2017 (Permalink)

The winter months can create significant challenges for property managers. Snow and ice don’t have the predictability of grass and shrubs.   Further, grass and shrubs don’t cause ice damming and pipe freezes.  

How you react to the challenges of winter can set the tone of your relationship with HOAs and association boards come spring and summer. Your clients are likely to forgive you for that which you can’t control so long as they constant progress toward restoration of their lives, starting yesterday.

Our team recognizes the urgency to react and to immediately build a recovery plan when we partner with property managers. Winter months aren’t the time for training in front of upset tenants.  Our crews receive technical and service training to identify a situation and do the right thing and to be sensitive to a situation.

Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels which simplifies settlement whether there is a claim or the job is a direct pay. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that tenants and owners understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry so your first decision to call on our team should be an easy one. No one gets fired for hiring the industry leader.

Holiday Blog

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

If you haven’t noticed, water damage and water emergencies happen any time, even the holidays.  Just take a look at how the film industry incorporates water emergencies into key plot points of holiday movies:

Trading Places:  Dresses as Santa and sopped to the core from pouring rain, Dan Akroyd visits his old firm’s Christmas party with an angry and beaten look.  We clean garments, even after people stuff poached salmon under them.

Home Alone: Drawing on people’s deepest fears, hapless burglar Harry (Joe Pesci) brags that he leaves all the water running when leaving a burgled home in order to flood it.  Water damage is a metaphor for evil to the core.  Tough luck Harry, there is nothing you can do with water in a home we haven’t seen and fixed, "Like it never even happened."

Christmas Vacation:  Cousin Eddie pumps raw sewage and chemicals into the public storm drains outside of the Griswold household, ultimately causing an explosion when accumulated gasses meet the flame of a discarded cigar.  From Day One on the job, our crews are trained to protect our customers and themselves from hazards caused by sewage spills and backups.   Sanitization of the affected area and proper disposal are major concerns.  Don’t let a sewage issue stink up your holidays, call us.  We’d love to help.

Here are a few more examples of Hollywood celebrating the evil of unwanted water:  In 101 Dalmations a thug flies out a window and into a pool.  He emerges as a human frozen pop.   The final fight scene in Lethal Weapon takes place in a dense shower caused by a broken fire hydrant.  Emerging from the water represents the beginning of new life.  There would be no Gremlins or Gremlins 2 if a glass of water was no spilled on a cute Mogwai causing five to spawn from one.  Water gives life even when not convenient and later in the movie when the Mogwai become gremlins and jump in the pool, Water gives life to evil, as with black mold.

The point of all this is water, the cold and holidays don’t really mix.  But just like in the movies, even the most extreme damage from water is only a passing scene when you call SERVPRO of New Haven/Waterbury/Naugatuck Valley/Northern Westchester County.

Fire Prevention '16

10/27/2016 (Permalink)

Flames

You never hear: “I figured our house would be catching fire one of these days.  I’m sure glad we’re prepared.”

When it comes to the unthinkable, we tend to ignore the prospect or do a periodic, check-the-box review.  This is an area where investing a little mental energy on the front end can save you, literally.

Here are a few tips from our team to get you started:

• More than six in 10 house fires between 2007 and 2011 were caused by power or wiring issues. Outdated power strip/surges are the major culprit.   Old power strips are not rated to safely support the power load of the techno modern household… this means flat screens, dvd players and gaming consoles.   The demand for power, particularly in older houses with fewer outlets encourages daisy chaining power which is a huge hazard.  The solution is to look at your outlets and see how you are drawing power.  If you can’t remember when you bought your power strips or extension chords but you remember when you bought the devices they power, replace the power strips.
• 6,800 fires started around washers and dryers in 2010. The most common cause is lint traps. Clean them and teach your kids or anyone else who might use the dryer, to keep them clean.  You should also watch for gas or propane leaks around the dryers.
• Two-thirds of kitchen fires tend to start from food or other peripheral material catching fire on the range. Watch loose clothing and never leave an open flame on an uncovered pan.  Fire investigators are wary of seeming carelessness around kitchen fires because they are so preventable with a modicum of diligence.  Kitchen fire hint: In the event of an oven fire, turn off the oven and leave it closed.  The fire should extinguish itself.

It takes two minutes for a house fire to become fully engulfed.  Talk to your kids about fires. Discuss their escape options, practice.   Consider yours as well.

Summer Heat

9/15/2016 (Permalink)

Hot Summer Sun

The Tale of A Quiet Summer

Our blog takes place in Hot and Dry Connecticut and Northern Westchester County

The Scene: A front porch two somewhat comfortable chairs, a table with a sweating pitcher of Lemonade and a couple glasses

Enter: Mel and Arn (A couple of old timers) (sit down)

Mel.  I just turned on the sprinkler.  Not much left to water.

Arn. lights a smoke:  I read August was the hottest month since 1872 in Connecticut and all over Southern New England.

Mel. chuckling: No Kidding.  Hottest year since W.B Dubois was the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard.

Arn.  That’s right.  Same year Babe Ruth was born in Charm City and George Selden patented the automobile.

Mel.  nods:  Driest Summer in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts since 1872.  Absentmindedly over pours lemonade.

Arn. huffing hot and agitated:  Aren’t you the SERVPRO? (sarcastically)

Mel. Calm down, don’t make a trauma scene.  You’re going to worry about a little spilled lemonade?…. The last time it was this hot Susan B. Anthony was arrested for casting a vote in the presidential election.

Arn.  Huh huh… I suppose that’s right… A U.S. Grant woman.  1872? One of the years Mt Vesuvias erupted fire and smoke where Pompeii used to be.

Mel.  Some thing that.  Go there today, you can see the remains of Pompeii and just up the road people going about their business Like It Never Even Happened

Hurricane Caution!

8/18/2016 (Permalink)

Hurricane Camille 1969

During this week in 1969 hurricane Camille ravaged the southeast United States. I was a pup and my pappy drove me through the Blue Ridge Mountains near our family’s home inspecting landslides that removed faces of mountains and swaths of damaged bridges and buildings. Floods churned up red clay causing a sheen of red to cover everything.   I remember we visited Walton Mountain which is the fictional name of the actual home of Earl Hamner Jr who glorified his upbringing in the then popular show “The Waltons”. C’mon, you remember “Good night John Boy, good night Mary Ellen, …”

Keep Summer Safe

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

Soil Embers

Public Service Announcement – Keep Summer Safe

A: Three

Q:  How many fires has your team mitigated in the last year that started in potted plants?

Potting soil is comprised of peat, bark, perlite and coconut coir.  This highly flammable mix can turn a lazy afternoon on a deck to tragedy with the tamping of a single cigarette butt.  If you doubt it go to the Wizard of Oz (or Google) and type in “fire potting soil”.  The picture is not pretty.  

Dry potting soil requires only a tiny catalyst to begin smoldering and this is significantly underappreciated hazard. What’s worse the embers can expand unseen and burn out the bottom of a plastic hanging planter box. 

Avoid tragedy by using ashtrays, keep  your plants watered, use clay pots, keep  combustible material away from plants, and dispose of potting soil carefully.

Virus Cleaning

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Human Viruses

SERVPRO technicians are trained to clean virus infected  areas,  including those affected by  Norovirus, C. Diff, and Mersa.  The viruses can bring productivity in a workplace or school to a standstill.

 Norovirus alone affects between 19 and 21 million people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

“You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces,” according to the CDC. 

Clostritium Difficile, C. Diff is a bacterium that causes colitis.  People who take antibiotics for an extended period of time are particularly vulnerable.   The bacteria originates in feces and is spread by healthcare workers or by contact with any surface that are contaminated, such as toilets and other places in bathrooms.

MRSA is a staph infection resilient to many antibiotics.  MRSA is spread by skin to skin contact.  At risk populations include high-school wrestlers, child care workers or people who live in crowded conditions.    Symptoms include painful red bumps that can turn into abscesses, according to the Mayo Clinic.   If the bacteria burrows into the body it can cause potentially life-threatening infections.

MRSA can be spread by contaminated items so once detected it is important to sanitize any potentially affected areas.

If your workplace, home or school is affected with these or other viruses, call SERVPRO for New Haven/Waterbury/Naugatuck Valley or No. Westchester County.  We will work with you developing a cleaning strategy that causes the least interruption. 

Excess Moisture Is A Test For Structures

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

The wet weather we are experiencing will expose every vulnerability in your home's structure.  

Signs of Trouble:  The most obvious sign of trouble will be water staining or dampness.  It is important that you identify and mitigate such damage quickly, both for the sake of limiting damage and assuring the damage is covered by insurance.  A wind/storm event tends to be covered, while damage over time is often considered a maintenance issue and may not be covered.  

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury if you have an issue.  We will identify the source and mitigate the damage.  Our team includes Certified Roofing mitigation specialists.  

If you encounter visible mold, take care. 

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 Waterbury 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 Waterbury 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 – 1(203) 757-5050

Damgage from a Storm: Go Big and Go Green

3/4/2016 (Permalink)

If you have ever had a weather related emergency, such as a flood, tree fall, pipe burst you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when you’re gotten to.  If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, good.  If you ever do, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1)     Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber, tree company or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible.

2)     When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common.  In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to seven over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening all around you.

3)     Immediate response resources in an area are always limited.  Your plumber of 15 years can not hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to.

So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big.

At SERVPRO of New Haven, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? As the largest SERVPRO in Connecticut, we work with a huge network of trades people and labor and can often recommend someone to help out.  Once the source is fixed, our large trained staff supplemented by experienced labor and euqipment sources from all over the tri-state area will be rolling.  

Whether its factory fire, burst water heater or a tree on a house, We are Ready for Whatever Happens.

We're Ready, Are You?

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

If you are a commercial or residential property manager or condo association member, you should be dreading the swirly wind emoji on the accuweather app every bit as much as the single and negative termperatures we face this weekend.

Here are a few reminders from SERVPRO of Waterbury and Connecticut Reconstruction Services:

Make random inspections of heat and air units, particularly those with external access.  Specifically, look for insulation that has settled and no longer covers pipes as intended.  

Reinspect any plumbing or external work to make sure proper installation is in place and that there are no vents where cold air can blow in.

Check doors, windows and heat in vacant units.

Remind tenants of protocol for reporting any water situation and not to ignore any signs of water intrusion or leaking.  Let them know you are prepared for anything that happens.

If you have vacancies, you should consider relocation options for renters in the event there is displacement. 

Make sure your on-call crews are ready to roll and that there is back up.  There should also be clear protocol for structural emergencies that includes calling SERVPRO at 203-234-1100 or 914-241-8100.

Food Disasters... We Aren't Talking Mom's Meatloaf

2/9/2016 (Permalink)

Whether it is a smoke condition caused by a fire in the prepared food section, an oven fire in a manufacturing facility, or fire suppressing chemicals spread over 40 tons of fresh fruit, the disasters that effect food companies present some pretty awesome challenges. 

Wrong decisions early on can open a Pandora's Box of liability issues even before the matter of cash flow and fulfillment come into play.

-- Companies with sophisticated business system back ups can be stymied when they realize two days after a small fire that their regular staff lacks the knowledge to clean soot and deodorize after a small fire.

-- Distribution companies turning 50 tons of fresh fruit every week trip when they fail to secure hauling capacity and a destination for destruction of a warehouse brimming with imported product during high import season.

-- A small chain store manager must decide in hours whether to do a partial open of a store or incur the cost of extended, nighttime cleaning time. nighttime cleaning mitigation.

These are a few of the many real-world challenges we have solved over the past year.  There are many more.

Our approach to commercial losses is to stabilize and then meet with affected parties to understand the goals of all affected constituencies. 

SERVPRO of Waterbury is comprised of business and mitigation professionals that understand the financial, cultural and structural challenges of any disaster.

In a perfect world we meet, discuss and put a communication chain and decision tree in place.   Regardless, when the wheels come off, we've got your back.

Beware the Penetrating Power of Bitter Cold

2/8/2016 (Permalink)

We find trouble wherever it lurks

Roof and insulation issues don't reveal themselves on warm, sunny days.  The next couple of weeks are going to be bitterly cold with swirling wind and snow.  With cold, wind and snow will come pipe bursts, ice damming and other unfortunate breakdowns.  

SERVPRO of Waterbury and our sister company Connecticut Reconstruction Services stand ready to put your home or business back in pre-loss condidition.

Our professionals follow IICRC protocols to make sure that your structure is fully restored and there are no secondary concerns, like mold.  Not only will the structure be like new but you will receive everything you need to file a claim with your insurance company if you choose.

Our process includes: identifying all the sources and types of water; monitoring of atmospheric and material considitions for drying analysis; a comprehensive diagnostic inspection for trapped or hiddent moisture; removal of wet materals; removal or containment of furniture; carpet and Pad service; application of disinfecting and deodorizing agents if necessary; utlization of specialized drying equipment; and disposal of refuse.

While the mitigation is taking place, CRS works with your insurance carrier so there is a seamless transition from cleaning to repair.   The same team sticks with you the whole way.

We don't wish ourselves on anyone but when issues come up, we are ready to help.                                                  

While You Were Enjoying the Weather...

1/25/2016 (Permalink)

In the Northeast we know that the brief but fierce snow last weekend is but the first strike of real winter.  In a few weeks, the November rounds of golf and endless summer are likely to be distant memories.

At SERVPRO of New Haven/Waterbury/Naugatuck Valley/No.Westchester County, we are more than ready.  We are fielding the strongest team in many years.  Our Crews spent the last four months doing intensive training in all aspects of the mitigation business.

We had 10 different people pass our internal water certification course which is built on the foundation of SERVPRO and IICRC best practices.  The course consists of reading, video and a mentoring program with our Managers.

We achieved five new IICRC certifications among our crew members and managers.

And we implemented general service training so every business and home owner will receive outstanding communication and conduct from everyone wearing the SERVPRO uniform.... and yes we got spiffy new uniforms.

Why?  SERVPRO of New Haven/Waterbury/Naugatuck Valley/No.Westchester County is committed to setting the standard of excellence in both residential and commercial large loss.

Our training programs assure that we man every job with experienced supervisors versed in industry expectations and best practices.  From our 33K square foot facility in the heart of the state, we are ready to respond for anything from a small issue at a condiminium to a major commercial event.

We don't wish ourselves on anyone but we are ready to help when the unexpected does happen.

Latex Foam reopens two weeks after fires

7/16/2014 (Permalink)

Firefighters are on scene in the aftermath of an early morning fire at the Latex International factory Thursday, June 26, 2014

SHELTON -- The prospect of Latex Foam reopening two weeks after two significant fires was doubtful.

But that's what happened Monday, as many of the company's 150 employees returned to work.

"It was a tremendous undertaking by everyone," said Allen Randolph, owner of SERVPRO of New Haven, Waterbury, the Naugatuck Valley and northern Westchester County which managed the cleanup. "Half of our staff lives in the Valley. We consider the Valley our home turf, so we're proud to have helped save these jobs."

Mayor Mark Lauretti said he drove by the company Monday morning and noticed the parking lot was full.

"This is good news for those who are employed there," the mayor said. "People need to work. They need the paycheck to pay their bills and feed their families."

Attempts to reach officials at Latex Foam by telephone were unsuccessful Monday. The general voicemail box was full and not accepting new calls.

Randolph credited David Fisher, Latex's chief executive officer, and the company's insurance team with providing the necessary resources to get the business back in operation.

Fisher "told us early on that it was his expectation to reopen July 14 and it was our job to do it," Randolph said. "There was never any discussion of failure to meet that goal."

There may not have been any discussion, but there were obstacles, like the second fire which struck just four days after the devastating first one that had required firefighters to pump more than 150,000 gallons of water on the blaze.

It seems black clouds have loomed over Latex Foam, which arose from the ashes of an arson that destroyed its predecessor -- Sponge Rubber Products -- on March 1, 1975. There was also the catastrophic 2001 weeklong fire that consumed the company's Ansonia headquarters, sending the company to its present River Road site. And two company executives are serving federal prison terms for embezzling $3.5 million. And there is the current bankruptcy petition to reorganize $29 million in debts.

The June 26 and 30 fires could have been the final straw.

"We were about 90 percent finished drying the basement when the second fire struck on June 30 at 11 a.m.," Randolph said. "That was a smaller fire and a lot less water was used."

But Randolph's crews, which worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week and at times numbered 170 people, attacked the clean-up in three stages. SERVPRO brought in extra employees from their Rhode Island, New York and Tennessee companies and members of ERS Services in Indiana to clean inside the machinery.

The first cleanup, which began June 26 and ended July 2, involved drying and cleaning the offices. The second, which ended Sunday, involved drying, cleaning and disinfecting rollers, conveyors, presses, machinery, pipes, rollers and conveyors through which the product moves.

The third stage, which is still progressing, involves cleaning non-critical working areas.

During the cleanup, Randolph said, SERVPRO brought in 200 air movers, 17 scissor lifts, a gigantic trailer-based desiccant dryer which removes condensation from compressed air and "a lot of guys with mops and wet-vacs."

mmayko@ctpost.com, 203-330-6286