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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Fire Detection Strategies | SERVPRO of Norristown

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

fire damage caused by match Fire damage caused by match.

Quite possibly the main parts of battling a fire is guaranteeing that the fire is recognized from the get-go. Early discovery of fire permits building inhabitants to securely leave the structure sooner and considers a quicker reaction from fire concealment frameworks. With regards to fire identification, there are a few location strategies that are accessible to look over. The primary three types of fire discovery incorporate warmth recognition, smoke identification, and fire location.

Warmth Detection

Warmth finders are actuated when a fire happens and makes the temperature in the space rise. When the region arrives at a specific temperature, the warmth identifiers are enacted. Warmth identifiers ordinarily have less bogus cautions, yet they can set aside more effort to distinguish a fire than different types of discovery. Warmth identifiers are most appropriate for regions that are not as often as possible involved and in regions that are not appropriate for smoke identification, for example, hot, muggy, or dusty conditions.

Smoke Detection

Smoke alarms are actuated when smoke is made by a fire. There are a few sorts of smoke alarms that utilization various techniques to identify smoke.

Ionization

Ionization finders utilize radioactive material to make an electric flow between two cathodes. At the point when a fire makes smoke, the smoke upsets the ionization and makes the caution go off. This kind of smoke location might bring about bogus alerts as it very well may be set off by things like dampness. These sorts of smoke alarms work really hard of distinguishing quick consuming fires.

Photoelectric

These alerts utilize a light bar to identify smoke. At the point when smoke particles from fire get through the bar, the identifiers are initiated. This kind of finder is solid and has not many bogus cautions. Photoelectric identifiers function admirably on little seething flames.

Blend

Blend indicators utilize the innovation from both ionization and photoelectric finders to recognize both quick consuming and seething flames.

Suctioning Smoke Detectors

Suctioning smoke location is a technique for recognizing a fire from the beginning. This kind of finder tests and tests the molecule levels noticeable all around and is initiated when the degree of smoke particles transcends ordinary levels. This kind of smoke location is impervious to bogus cautions and functions admirably around delicate gear as the fire can be recognized before it can cause harm.

Fire Detection

Fire finders are utilized to distinguish a fire when flares are available. This kind of fire recognition incorporates UV finders and additionally infrared locators to distinguish a fire and trigger an alert.

6 Fire Prevention Tips | SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill

8/15/2021 (Permalink)

fire fighters battling a fire Call SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill for your fire damage restoration needs.

Top 6 Tips to Prevent Fire in The Home

Inhabitants of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill should make fire security their most important focus. The cataclysm of fire is quite possibly the most unnerving and lethal episodes that can burden a home. The National Fire Protection Association reports that almost 365,500 home flames broke out in America in 2015, killing 2,650 regular people and causing more than $7 billion in property harm.

The home should be fastidiously and painstakingly kept up with to guarantee that it is protected from fire and similar dangers. How about we check a couple of best tips to forestall fire in the home.

Tips to Prevent Fire in The Home

Following are the 6 hints to forestall fire in the home:

1. Be careful with the Fire Hazards in Your Home

It is absolutely impossible to get around the broiler. In any case, there might be different things in your home that you should eliminate or migrate. Do you realize that glass style kept almost a window really assimilates daylight and amplifies it onto a close by rug or shade? On the off chance that you don't migrate it, you are energetically welcoming a fire risk.

2. Make certain to Examine your Smoke Alarms

You ought to look at your alert framework one time per month. It is additionally a smart thought to supplant smoke alerts that are more than eight years of age. Ensure you have the appropriate number of smoke alerts, as suggested by the U.S. Fire Administration. Introduce smoke cautions outside each resting region, in each room, and in each level of the whole house (counting the cellar). Ensure every one of them are interconnected for ideal assurance.

3. Come out as comfortable with your Home's Electrical System

Power is a significant segment of regular daily existence, however just when it's utilized effectively. An electrical worker for hire ought to review your home's electrical work when you are purchasing or renovating a home. Then, look for frayed lines and uncovered wires.

Moreover, in case you are encountering discontinuous issues with your circuit breakers, shivering when you contact a machine, stained or warm power source dividers, gleaming or diminishing lights, or starts coming from an outlet, call an electrical technician right away.

4. Ensure your Heat Sources are Working Properly

Your heater ought to be overhauled by an expert consistently. Distinguishing any disappointments could forestall a fire. Do you have a space radiator convenient to add much more warmth? Try not to put it close to blinds and furniture that may burst into flames. A yearly examination of your stack is important in the event that you own a wood-consuming chimney.

5. Keep Combustible Materials in a Safe Place

The utilization of combustible items ought to consistently be stayed away from close to warm sources. Ensure you store hairspray, cleaning supplies, and digging tools in a dim, cool spot. As a last precautionary measure, gas, lamp oil, and propane ought to be put away outside in their unique holders.

6. Ensure Potting Soil doesn't burst Into flames

Gardening soils contain a ton of peat greenery, which can turn out to be exceptionally combustible when dried excessively. The preparing blend likewise contains destroyed wood, bark, and Styrofoam. Furthermore, they effectively light when dry. Along these lines, ensure fertilized soil isn't kept close to the fire.

If there should arise an occurrence of a fire crisis, call your local fire department or 911 immediately. In the event that a fire occurrence happens at your home in Manayunk or Chestnut Hill, you can likewise contact SERVPRO for smoke damage mitigation and property restoration services.

Heavy Rains Can Damage Your Manayunk Home | SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

bright blue rain splashing into a pool of water If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill today.

Water damage is a common headache for homeowners. In fact, experts in the insurance industry estimate that as many as one in every 50 American homeowners will file a water damage claim this year.

We hope your home isn’t damaged by water this year. But your local SERVPRO team is ready to help you if you need our team’s expertise!

You may not think about rain, a common occurrence in the forecast, as a cause for water damage. After all, it’s not as extreme as a major storm.

But damage from heavy rains can become a serious problem for homeowners. If your home is not properly maintained, rain can cause costly damage over time.

Stop Heavy Rains From Damaging Your Home

Do you want to take your water damage protection to the next level? These projects can help you do just that.

Find solutions to any yard drainage issues. Water that pools in your yard, water that drains toward your home or water flowing toward your garage can be signs of a problem that needs to be fixed. Let a landscaping expert help you protect your yard.

Native plants should be considered for your landscaping. Protective landscaping can be both beautiful and useful. Plants that are native to our area are great resources to help protect your home from water damage. Look for native plant sales in your area!

Take care of your roof. Loose shingles need to be repaired. Sealing it can make a difference, too. About [95% of roof damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps] in your shingles. Sealing your roof prevents that from happening.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Make the Best Choice When You're Looking for Home Restoration Services | SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

insurance document, pen and blue book sitting on black desk Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill, we work with you to get things back to normal quickly.

There’s never a good time to deal with home damage.

But if you find yourself in that situation due to a fire or natural disaster, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place now. Why? Because restoring your home can be a complex job, and you’ll want it done by experts.

The restoration team you choose to handle the job will be the biggest factor in how smoothly the process goes, which is why understanding who you are working with is key.

Yearly Claims Number in the Millions

The Insurance Information Institute share statistics about home insurance claims.

According to their statistics, about one out of every 350 American homeowners will deal with a fire damage claim each year. Water damage claims will be filed by about one in 50 homeowners, so they are actually the most common type of claim.

Overall, one in 20 homeowners will file a damage claim this year. That means if you know 60 people (through work, worship services or other community events), three of them might need restoration help this year.

So having a quality restoration team in mind now can make a difference for you or someone you love later.

We Value Service and Training

We provide a high level of service in a few ways. They include our local availability, our 247 staffing, and the quality of technicians and equipment we offer. Our highly trained expert technicians set us apart.

Beyond the training offered by SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides an array of certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians are able to use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.

And when you choose your local SERVPRO, these restoration experts will take the knowledge they’ve gained through our intensive training programs and use it to restore your home.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Add Thunderstorms to Your Severe Weather List | SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

a large lightning strike just in front of person driving down road Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill if you experience any damage.

If thunderstorms aren’t the first thing to come to mind when you think about severe weather, you aren’t alone. In fact, most people think about tornadoes and hurricanes.

But the reality is: Thunderstorms may be common, but they can also be hazardous. While many thunderstorms pass without incident, there are those that do not—and between high winds, lighting, hail, flooding and other issues that thunderstorms can cause, there are many ways that the weather can turn dangerous quickly.

What is a thunderstorm anyhow? It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A thunderstorm is any storm that involves thunder. By extension, that also means the storm involves lightning, since thunder and lightning always pair together.

When does a thunderstorm become a severe weather situation? A couple conditions need to be present. Severe thunderstorms are defined as storms that contain hail that is one inch or larger and straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour or more.

Thunderstorms & Damage

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Did you know that fact we shared about thunder and lightning? Most people don’t know they have to go together, but you can’t have one without the other. Even if you can’t see lightning, if you hear thunder, lightning is somewhere in the vicinity. Lightning strikes cause around 300 injuries every year. And that only considers bodily harm. Lightning can also damage your home, vehicle and other property, both through direct strikes and indirect damage.

Property damage due to hail. Nobody likes hail. These ice pellets vary in size from tiny to very large, and the larger they are, the more damage they can cause. The force with which hail falls is also a factor. In severe thunderstorms, when hail is larger, it can easily damage your home’s roof or siding, which can lead to leaks and water damage.

Harm from flash flooding. When you think about flooding, you may think about a gradual process or flood plains. But flash flooding literally occurs in a flash—and it can happen anywhere. This type of flooding happens for a variety of reasons causing a huge amount of water to accumulate, ranging from intense rainfall to a drainage ditch overflow. If flash flood conditions are present or possible, it’s best to stay off the roads.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us 247 for more information about our storm restoration practices.

The Telltale Signs of a Wet Basement | SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

a grey basement showing signs of water damage SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is a full restoration company. Our team can help you determine the best course of action.

The basement is the favorite room for many a homeowner. Dads love it because they can crank up their old Marshall stacks down there, and moms can set up an office or a home business. Regardless, it’s a most versatile space, to be sure.

However, basements have an inherent issue—they run the risk of becoming damp, musky and downright unhealthy, because (a) they’re built into the ground, and (b) water always finds the lowest place to rest.

While it’s not set in stone that your basement will become a den of moisture, it’s certainly an issue you should be aware of.

Below, we will look at some of the signs that water damage is present in your basement—and should you come to realize your basement is in need of some restoration, we’re always ready to help.

Top Indicators of a Basement Damaged by Water

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water from outside soil isn’t necessarily dirty or unclean, but it doesn’t take long for it to become toxic once it settles into your basement. It humidifies the air, settles into surfaces and begins to give off an unpleasant smell. Many people think this aroma is just how basements smell, but in truth, this smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment,. You may not see it yet, but your nose is trying to tell you you’ve got a mold problem.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Water from the surrounding soil doesn’t care if your paint thinks it’s waterproof—it will find a way in. Even waterproof paint will eventually give way and bubble or crack, and often will give way to a larger problem than regular paint would have sooner revealed.

Foundational cracks. While homes do shift over time, cracks in the foundation should be taken seriously, as they may indicate severe water damage. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, and are often signifiers that a crack in your foundation is cause uneven pressure on the rest of your house. Hairline cracks are no cause for alarm, but if they become any larger, they should be seen about right away.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Avoid Accidental Spring Fires | SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

flames and smoke from a bonfire Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill to learn more.

Spring is a favorite time of year for many people. There’s a freshness and vibrance to things after what can be a long, harsh winter.

Weather is mostly mild and breezy, flowers and trees are on brilliant display, and nature calls us to enjoy it anew.

There are also plenty of reasons to get in the backyard and barbecue! Graduations and engagements, gender reveals, and family reunions all call for some burgers and hot dogs.

But this increase in outdoor gatherings also unfortunately brings an increase in accidental fires. In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But with just a little effort, you can keep your backyard activities fire safe this season.

The grill. Grills, beloved and ubiquitous though they may be, are prime suspects for outdoor fires in spring and summer. The amount of high heat and combustible elements is almost certain to present danger, so you must exercise utmost caution when grilling. Use grills that are in good working order and in a safe area, away from anything flammable. Check for leaks, holes or excess grease before grilling. And don’t forget to clean up when you’re done! Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

The fire pit. The fire pit is a social center for backyard conversation, and of course it’s an amazing place to roast some marshmallows. Avoid flying embers by not adding pine needles or leaves to the fire, and by cooling it slowly with water as opposed to dumping a whole bucket on it at once. Always pay attention to the fire, never leaving it to burn on its own, and keep kids and pets away unless they’re under close supervision.

Chimneys and dryer vents. Check your chimney now that you’re done with it for a while, and clear out any soot and ash that has built up over a few months of fires. And take the vent pipe off the back of your dryer, removing any lint that may be hiding in there after sneaking through the lint trap.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand 247 for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

Contagion Consciousness Is Customer Care | SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee placing a CSC sticker on building glass If your business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team.

With cities like Philadelphia and other metropolitan areas finally experiencing major turnarounds in the battle for COVID-19 recovery, hopes are rising that “real life” is on its way again, and business owners are hanging all their hopes on economic recovery as well.

But a now more contagion-conscious consumer (not to mention the work-from-home employee coming back on-site) is going to need assurance that their experience in your store or office is a safe one—and that extends beyond COVID-19.

So as the public returns to in-person shopping and physical buying habits, it’s up to you as a business owner to create an environment that is utterly clean, and that gives your teams and customers peace of mind at the same time. That’s why you need to have your business Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned.

Get Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you and your customers peace of mind by taking relieving any worries about sanitization. Our advanced biohazard techniques and technologies go above and beyond traditional cleaning and janitorial services, so you and your patrons can rest easy.

What makes this program so unique? Let’s look at the three C’s of a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program:

Consult. We’ll connect with you to find the unique cleaning and sanitation needs of your business, and work out how they can best be implemented. It helps that SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is locally owned and operated, so we are already aware of many intricacies of your Philly neighborhood.

Clean. Once we your specific building needs, we’ll get to work to give it the cleaning it deserves. We’ll be on site with proprietary, ultra-high-grade cleaning solutions that have been effective against everything from anthrax to MRSA.(https://www.SERVPRO.com/SERVPROxide-faqs) Your building gets the clean of a lifetime—one that meets or exceeds the strict guidelines of the CDC. And this is about much more than COVID-19; the cleaning we provide reduces risk of transmission of any number of contagions and infectious diseases.

Certify. Once we’re finished, you can display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield on your door or front window, which lets clients and employees alike know that they’re walking into a business that cares about their well-being. You’ll receive digital emblems and other signifiers too, and everyone can work and shop with peace knowing you’ve gone to great lengths to ensure their continued safety.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Andorra Business Owners Have a Valuable Local Cleaning Resource | SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

group of SERVPRO employees in PPE gear walking inside building If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill to learn more.

Did you have to put a lot of work into making your Andorra small business a success? If you’re like most business owners, the answer is, “yes, a lot.”

That’s to be expected. After all, no one cares as much about your dream of owning a small business as you do. It’s your idea, your leadership and your savvy that has made your business a success so far. You’ve done everything you can to ensure you operate a successful business and your family has a proud legacy.

But the COVID-19 pandemic is something different entirely. We’ve all had to find new ways to meet customer needs, deliver our services and provide value to our community.

It’s vital to us to help local business owners. You’re a big part of the community. We know what you do to make your business a success. It means a lot to research and planning—and everything that goes into operating and growing your business, too.

We want to help you with that process, including how you now interact with customers and keep them safe.

Help and Resources Just for You

Luckily, everyone else in the community (and across the country) is rooting for you to succeed, too. You can find great tools to help you learn more about available business loans and tips, advice and more from trusted local and national resources.

You’ll also want to ensure your space is clean. That’s where we can help you.

We’re available at any time to help you get your business “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” That means a team of experts will use the latest technology to ensure your business is safe for everyone.

Here’s a closer look at how our process works:

We start by talking with you. Our team will consult with you about your needs.

Then, we’ll clean your space using proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Our cleaning and decontamination standards come directly from the CDC.

Finally, our technicians will certify your space. And you’ll be in business again.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Timing Is Crucial When Your Home Is Damaged l SERVPRO® of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

black glasses and pen sitting on insurance policy f your home has any damage due to a disaster, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill.

Do you know why homeowners across the country end up needing water (or fire) restoration damage during the course of a year?

Severe weather including wind, hail and rain is one of the top reasons homeowners need restoration help.

What’s the other major reason? It’s closer to home, and sometimes easier to control. Home accidents and appliance malfunctions cause millions of dollars in damage every year.

We know that no two home restoration projects are identical. But we have noticed a common theme, and all of these jobs actually do have one thing in common.

What is it? It’s the importance of getting started fast.

Your home can begin to show signs of damage in just a few hours. The first signs of mold, including a musty odor, can start to appear quickly. Water will begin damaging wood just as fast. Upholstery will begin to show water damage signs by fading and staining, too.

Work With a Team That Can Move Fast

If you need water or fire damage restoration services, you don’t have to wait.

We know how quickly damage can worsen, so we’re always available to help during an emergency. We’re ready to work with you 247, including weekends and holidays. All you have to do is call.

The technicians you’ll meet when you work with our team are highly trained experts. They’re ready to assist you with the knowledge and experience from high-level training and the best certifications.

Plus, they’re able to use SERVPRO’s advanced technology to create a personalized, powerful and effective restoration plan for your home.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Hope and Help for Mt. Airy Business Owners After a Disaster

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employee reviewing restoration plans on tablet with business owner SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill knows the commercial restoration process inside and out. Here are some of our best tips.

Our team is here to be a resource for business owners in Mt. Airy and the surrounding communities. We’re a part of the local business community, too, so we want to see our friends and neighbors succeed in their businesses.

One of the ways we do that is by supporting business owners through the restoration process.

Because we work with business owners dealing with a disaster regularly, we know all of the common pitfalls business owners deal with when a fire, flood or severe storm causes damage. Our team also knows it’s possible to move forward and reopen with success.

We’ve put together our best tips for bouncing back from a disaster just for you.

Building Back After a Fire or Flood

These tips can help you thrive after a natural disaster:

Don’t forget to follow the steps you laid out in your disaster plan. This step is key, and it’s something you need to do before you need a disaster plan. Spend the time now planning out the steps you would take to deal with damage to your business. Think about how you can keep serving your customers if your business is damaged. For example, you may want to consider moving your business to a backup location, if that’s an option for you.

Prioritize your photos and documentation. Don’t wait until after your cleanup to take pictures and inventory damaged items. You’ll want to take these pictures before the cleanup process.

Keep your community in the loop. Stay in regular contact with your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your wider community. Social media and email marketing lists can make this step easier.

Help your employees however you can. Your employees will also be impacted if your business has to close or cut hours for restoration work. There are resources available to small business owners and their employees through organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA).

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

How To Clean a Moldy Washing Machine

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Any washing machine can begin to develop mold

Ways To Keep Mildew Out Of Your Washer

Any washing machine can begin to develop mold. Front-load washers are known for being gentler on clothes and getting clothes cleaner than traditional top-load washers. However, front-load washers are notorious for developing an unpleasant, sour-scented smell. This foul odor is due to mold and mildew inside the tiny cracks and crevices of your washer. Luckily, you do not have to be stuck with a stinky laundry room that smells like dirty laundry. There are several simple methods you can use to keep mildew out of your washer.

1. Clean the Drum
Mix together 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water. Pour the mixture into the detergent container and pour two cups of vinegar into the main part of the washer. Run a full cycle on hot. As the baking soda and vinegar mix together, the chemical reaction should kill any mold growing inside your washing machine.

2. Scrub if Needed
If you still see or smell anything suspicious, mix together equal parts of vinegar and water. Dip an abrasive sponge into the mixture and scrub away the remaining grime.

3. Clean the Gasket
The rubber seal around the door is a common area for mold and mildew to develop. Clean the gasket thoroughly with an equal solution of water and vinegar by rubbing a rag around the interior seal.

4. Prevent a Recurrence
Since regular soap can leave behind too much residue, use a detergent that is made for HE machines. To encourage complete drying between cycles, remove your laundry promptly and leave the door open when the machine is not in use. By following the previous recommendations once a month, you can keep your machine from developing a mold smell.
If the steps to clean your washing machine do not work, or you notice a moldy smell coming from other areas in your laundry room, you may need to call a professional mold remediation company. With a little help from the experts, your home in Mt Airy, PA, will soon be back to its pre-mold condition.

Am I in a High-Risk Flood Zone?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flood zone in Andorra, PA

Facts You Need To Understand If You Are In A High-Risk Flood Zone

If you have recently moved, you may have many questions about the weather and flooding in your new home in Andorra, PA. You may have simple questions, like if you will be able to mow your yard if it has just rained, or more serious concerns, such as whether or not your community participates in the FEMA NFIP and if you need to be prepared to hire storm restoration professionals. Whatever you are curious about, there are a few facts you need to know to understand if you are in a high-risk flood zone.

1. The Truth About Flooding
After settling into your new home, it is time to begin figuring out how vulnerable your new position is. Being interested in this information is a good thing because flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters you will face. At first, you may be wondering if you are at risk of flooding. Therefore, you need to understand that anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Flooding damage can be devastating, even with just small amounts of rain. A few inches of floodwater can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Also, flooding upstream from your home can damage your property, even if you didn't receive any rain. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from flooding. By purchasing flood insurance and preparing your property, you can lessen the effects of this disaster on your home, family, and finances.

2. Understanding FEMA’s Flood Maps
Local flood maps are developed to help communities set regulations for land use, plan for flooding, and decide which areas need to participate in the FEMA NFIP. These maps are reviewed periodically and updated because flood risk can change over time. Understanding the different zones on these maps and what they mean can help you prepare your property for flooding.
While you may not be in a high-risk flood zone, there is always a possibility that you will face flooding. Therefore, it is important to understand the truth about flooding, know your flood maps, and, have flood insurance, whether or not your community participates in the FEMA NFIP.

Are Flooding and Mold On The Menu of Your Manayunk Restaurant?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

The Risks of Flooding in a Manayunk Restaurant

Running a restaurant in Manayunk can come with a list of challenges to maintain your competitiveness with the other eateries in the region. When you factor in situations like disasters, these incidents can derail a business, especially in instances of flooding that do not get addressed quickly. Business owners can benefit from immediately reaching out to the professionals of our restoration team to get mitigation and clean up started quickly.

Restaurants thrive on offering their customers a positive experience from the moment they walk into their walk back out, so flood damage in Manayunk can substantially hinder this goal. Even in situations where flooding can remain contained to specific areas of your restaurant where it does not entirely hinder production, such as a leaking portion of the roof, addressing the water damage in these areas must happen immediately to avoid costly and destructive effects like mold growth. Our SERVPRO professionals can help.

As you are aware in the food and beverage industry, mold and contaminants are reputation killers and can keep you from serving your customers until you can prove through testing that the situation has gotten sufficiently resolved. Preventing these occurrences beforehand with the application of our high-strength antimicrobial agents to exposed materials, contents, and structural elements can make these wet areas uninhabitable to mold spores in the environment.

Content removal such as the furniture in your dining area and the sophisticated equipment in your kitchen helps to prevent these items from becoming too damaged to preserve. Once the restaurant is dried and cleaned appropriately, we can return these removed items to their original positions. We also utilize specialized equipment and practices to get mitigation started from the time that our response team arrives. With fast water removal and drying solutions for your business, we can get you back up and running quickly after a flooding emergency.

Your restaurant has a reputation to worry about, and too much bad publicity or experiences for your guests can ruin your business model. Let our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill response team help you through flooding emergencies to handle the situation quickly and thoroughly to get you back to business as usual. Give us a call today at (215) 482-0800.

Read more about Manayunk here.

What to Look for in a Fire Restoration Company

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Germantown, PA

What to Look for in a Fire Restoration Company

The best way to recover after a commercial fire in Germantown, PA, is to know what services to look for in a fire damage restoration company. Although each job is unique, there is a standard set of services that most full-service companies offer. Knowing what to look for not only helps you know what to expect but also ensures you will choose the best company for your specific needs.

1. Emergency Services
Disasters can happen any time, day or night. Since a fast response can lessen additional damage to your property, restoration companies must be available for calls twenty-four hours a day. When disaster strikes, the company you choose should be able to get someone onsite as quickly as possible.

2. Initial Assessment and Damage Control
During the first visit, a team of experts will assess the damage. If you have any issues that require immediate attention, safeguards should be applied at this time. For example, if the fire left a hole in your wall or ceiling, the fire damage restoration team should place a tarp or board over the hole to keep out looters, animals, and moisture.

3. Clean and Repair
Water will be extracted and debris and odors will be cleared from your building. If smoke cleanup is needed, experts may use fogging machines, air purifiers, or ozone machines to remove any lingering odors.

4. Restore
A commercial fire can cause a variety of problems including smoke, heat, and water damage. Restoration teams will salvage what they can and remove what they cannot fix. New walls or floors may be installed or paint refinished. During the last stages of the restoration process, your building will begin to look "Like it never even happened."
The fire damage restoration process requires people with many different skills to return your business to its pre-fire condition. By working with a professional restoration company that is Faster to Any Size Disaster, you can expect to get your business back to its pre-fire condition.

3 Things an Electronic Claims System Can Do

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Remember that's your agent may recommend a restoration service that offers an electronic claims system

3 Things an Electronic Claims System Can Do

When you make an insurance claim after a disaster at your Chestnut Hill, PA, business, your agent may recommend a local restoration service like SERVPRO to help with repairs. One of the reasons for this is that this team or professionals can offer an electronic claims system which may help your insurance agent keep track of information. There are a few important things it can do.

1. Allow Remote Access

Your insurance agent may appreciate the fact that this system can be accessed remotely. This means that no matter where they may have to work from they can still access this source of information. This can be very handy if they have to visit the job site and need to look at repair progress notes, among other examples

2. Store Photographs

One aspect of an Insurance claim you may not have thought of is the need to photograph any damaged areas. Fortunately, this system has the ability to store these pictures. This means that after the damage assessment is done your agent can know exactly where to locate the images they may need to include in your claim.

3. Keep Documentation in One Location

Another important aspect of this system is the fact that it can store multiple forms of documentation in one location. This allows your agent to know where the majority of the information they need is stored, meaning they may not have to play phone tag with various individuals or hunt through multiple record locations. This may save them valuable time.

When making an insurance claim it’s important to remember that's your agent may recommend a restoration service that offers an electronic claims system. These systems can allow remote access to the contents which may include photographs of the damage needed for the claim. The ability to have all this information in one place may be a great help to your agent.

What You Should Know About Drain Cleaners

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

A clogged drain is a common problem in homes in Manayunk, PA, and throughout the world

A clogged drain is a common problem in homes in Manayunk, PA, and throughout the world. It is usually the result of an accumulation of materials such as hair and oils. When this clump of stuff settles into an elbow of the pipe or gets thick enough to cause an obstruction, the drain either stops working or moves much more slowly. In many cases, the problem can be fixed easily enough, often without the need to call in a plumber. Simple mechanical options such as using a plunger or a drain snake should probably be the first attempt to clear the drain. In some cases, the drain can be disassembled and cleaned out in less than an hour.

The Use of a Chemical Drain Cleaner

This option can work well on a clogged drain but should be considered a last resort. A chemical method for clearing a drain comes with the following cautions:

  • The chemicals are often harsh and could be harmful to skin
  • The chemicals can be harmful to the pipes
  • They pose a threat to pets
  • The chemicals can drain into lakes, rivers, and landfills

In some cases, the chemical cleaner only moves the problem further down the pipe. This method should not be used on completely blocked pipes as the chemicals will often just sit in one area and cause damage to soft or plastic piping.

The Services of Professionals
A clogged drain isn't always a serious problem, but there are times when it demands the attention of a quality water remediation franchise. If water backs up into the home causing water damage, highly-trained technicians may be needed to take care of the problem. If the spilled water contains contaminated water a professional sewage cleaning process is essential. This will remove the dirty water from the home, dry out the affected areas and clean, sanitize, and disinfect all impacted surfaces. It is the sure way to make certain your family and your home is protected.

How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Inspected?

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Have your furnace maintained so that it keeps you warm through the winter months

When winter weather arrives, the last thing you want to worry about is a furnace that doesn't work. A faulty furnace that isn't maintained properly can also start a fire. To avoid potential fire cleaning in your home in Roxborough, PA, a qualified HVAC technician should inspect your furnace and perform routine maintenance every year. Get in the habit of scheduling the inspection each year before the snow falls.

Why Do You Need a Professional Inspection?

Furnace manufacturers typically include wording in the warranty stating that any damage caused by improper maintenance won't be covered. Considering the cost of a new furnace, that's a gamble you don't want to take. You can also reduce the risk of smoke cleaning if your furnace is kept in good condition, so find a qualified technician to take care of your furnace.

What Will the Furnace Technician Inspect?
There is no industry standard for what's included in an annual maintenance checkup, so before you hire a heating contractor, ask what they plan to do. There are specific items that most furnace manufacturers recommend to avoid a fire cleaning down the road.

The vent system and fresh air intake grills must be inspected for leakage or blockage.
The combustion gases must be analyzed to see if they meet the standards of your particular model's specifications.
Filters must be checked and replaced as needed. You should also check the filters periodically.
Wiring needs to be inspected and the burners must properly ignite.
The drainage system, including internal hoses, needs to be checked. The condensate drain must also be cleaned and the water in the trap replaced.
The blower access door must be checked to ensure it has a tight seal.

Have your furnace maintained so that it keeps you warm through the winter months. If your home needs a fire cleaning due to a faulty furnace, contact a professional right away to conduct a fire damage assessment.

Flood Damage in Manayunk - Choosing The Right Strategy for the Category

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home is a situation that needs to be dealt with immediately. Contact SERVPRO for a quick response and assessment.

Water Hazards Found in Flood Damage in Manayunk

Water can be a truly destructive force in your home. Flood damage occurs not only from the water but possible contaminants in the water and after the fact, the presence of mold is a possibility.

When you call SERVPRO to your home, our technicians will determine the type of water flooding your Manayunk home and test for contaminants. Category One flooding is considered clean water and has few contaminants if any and is the least harmful. Gray water is considered a Category Two situation and is sometimes also referred to as "sullage" as it may contain light amounts of sewage and runoff. This type of water should be considered toxic to both humans and pets. If gray water has been allowed to stand for more than 48 hours, it should be handled as a black water situation. Category Three flood water is referred to as black water and is considered harmful to humans and pets. It may contain sewage, harmful chemicals, and other toxic substances.

Once the flood water category is determined, SERVPRO technicians work quickly to remove the water safely from your home. Truck mounted pumps can remove thousands of gallons of water quickly so the home can be dried using powerful air movers. Then the team goes to work disinfecting and neutralizing both contaminants and odors left after a flood. Special attention is paid to ensure the environment is not favorable for mold growth. We use digital moisture detectors to ensure when your home looks dry, it is dry. Our goal is to clean and restore rather than replace items within the home.

Flood waters can bring so much more than just water into your home. It is vital the process of water removal begins as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill has certified technicians ready to handle your flood damage problem in your home. We are available to help you 24/7, just call (215) 482-0800 and get a consultation with one of our knowledgeable experts now.

Click here for more about Manayunk.

Do I Need Multiple Restoration Teams for Storm and Flood Damage in Manayunk?

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team a call today at (215) 482-0800.

Our SERVPRO Professionals Have Multiple Certified Technicians Under One Roof, Providing an All-in-One Solution for Manayunk Homes

One of the most troublesome things about storm and flooding damage is getting all of the help that you need in the right order. So many times, you can struggle to match schedules between restoration professionals and residential contractors, making all of the work that your property needs a struggle to get accomplished. Choosing SERVPRO can overcome this obstacle right away.

Windstorms and powerful rain systems can damage your structure, leaving you with a need to address both flood and wind cleanup in your Manayunk home. These needs encompass a wide array of our experienced technicians, including water restorers, cleaning technicians, and residential contractors. Having all of these professionals available and ready 24/7 can offer customers a fast and confident response during their crisis.

How Fast Can Restoration Professionals Arrive to Storm Damages?
Storm damages can leave your home vulnerable to flooding and other hazards, making a fast response from restoration technicians vital. The sooner that emergency services like roof tarping or board up services can occur, then less wind-driven rain or runoff that can enter the home unabated. A fast response when disasters strike begins at our SERVPRO facility with:

Stocked Trailers
Staying ahead of emergencies is not always a simple task. We have an advantage when handling flood and water loss situations, however, as we keep production vehicles stocked with an assortment of extraction and drying equipment ranging from our electric submersible pumps to our centrifugal and axial air movers for effective evaporative drying.

Experienced Professionals
With seasoned restoration technicians on our roster, we can make sure that all of the crew mobilizes quickly with the right tools. Rolling out fast is one of the priorities of our restoration team, and we entrust our most experienced experts to spearhead this process.

24/7 Staffed Emergency Line
Having someone answer your call when you have a flood in the middle of the night can ensure that the right information gets relayed to the team. From our administrators regulating incoming details to the experienced technicians preparing for flood recovery, everyone stays on the same page to ensure jobs begin efficiently.

Can Emergency Responders Deal with Wind Damage?
Wind can be a very damaging element to fierce storm systems moving through the area. With so many properties susceptible to the extreme weather conditions of the region throughout the year, we equipped our responding technicians with the knowledge to manage wind damages along with the secondary effects that can result from breaches wind can cause, such as:

    •    Missing Siding
    •    Damaged Roofs
    •    Broken Windows
    •    Other Structural Concerns

Emergency services cater to these immediate structural breaches by tarping over the roof to prevent rain penetration or sealing over structural holes made by torn off siding, broken windows, or fallen trees. We have in-house contractors that can work alongside our restoration technicians on the mitigation that your property needs after wind, rain, and flood damage.

What Are the Hazards of Flooding from the Roof?
Wind damage, along with torrential rains, can lead to substantial flood damage in the attic space and floors below. Understanding what to expect in these situations can showcase the importance of reaching out to our experienced SERVPRO professionals as quickly as possible. Some of the hazards and potential damages that could result from water penetrating a damaged roof include:

Structural Weakness
From the underlayment material beneath the shingles on your roof to the unfinished wood surfaces throughout your attic, penetrating water from the roof can have a damaging effect on many exposed materials. The longer that flooring and wall systems remain exposed to standing water or high moisture contents, the farther water damage can migrate and damage other structural elements.

Sagging Ceiling
Once water damage from standing floodwater in your attic space persists for more than a short time, water can migrate through the floor cavities into the ceiling materials. Saturation of ceiling materials can inevitably cause these structural elements to sag under the new weight. Any sagging structural element is highly indicative of deterioration and damage.

Mold and Microbial Growth
One of the situations that our SERVPRO team hopes to avoid with a prompt response to a flood and storm-damaged home is reducing the possibility of mold. Spores exist in every environment naturally, but when moist conditions persist for more than 48 hours, it can present the ideal conditions for mold colonization.

From the damage that a storm can do to the results inside your home with flooding, we have a comprehensive restoration and reconstruction approach that can dispatch the right experts to your door right when you need them. Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team a call today at (215) 482-0800.

For more about Manayunk click here.

What is Expected During Fire Restoration in Roxborough Homes?

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you with your restoration needs after a fire takes place. Call us today!

Hiring a Knowledgeable Team of Professionals at SERVPRO to get the Results you need after a Fire Incident

Fire damage in your Roxborough residence can be a traumatic time that leaves property owners questioning what is necessary to make space feel like home again. Understanding the various elements of fire restoration can help to make these phases easier to endure and anticipate when they are necessary.

Identifying the fire damage to Roxborough homes begins with a thorough scoping of the property once first responders turn your home back over to you. What might appear as a total loss in some areas often needs the discerning and experienced eye of our project manager and crew chief to know the truth. We can work with the customer to determine what preloss conditions were and if any damages already existed before the disaster. This scoping can help to narrow the work to get done and make restoration more efficient and cost-effective.

Emergency Services 

With in-house contractors and emergency responders, we can make many quick restoration decisions as soon as we become aware of a disaster. Debris removal and controlled demolition are the heart of this process, as we can reduce many of the most hazardous conditions in a fire restoration project through the removal of this debris and structural vulnerabilities.

Mitigation

Fire damage mitigation is a phase that our SERVPRO technicians use to reduce loss in your house. Now is the time when our most efficient equipment gets deployed to address conditions like soot residues, harsh odors, water damage, and soiled surfaces. Our specialists can utilize numerous tools, devices, and products, including:

  • Deodorizers (thermal foggers, hydroxyl generators)
  • Abrasive cleaning tools (sanding, soda blasting)
  • Potent chemical agents (emulsification of oily soils)

Restoration

As you might expect when your property needs controlled demolition, our team of in-house contractors must get involved in putting new materials back in place of the discarded construction elements. With more than 80 years of building trades experience, we can reinstall drywall, flooring, ceiling materials, and holes made in the fire-fighting efforts.

No matter how severe fire losses can be in your home, our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill has the professionals and equipment to help. Give us a call anytime at (215) 482-0800.

See more about Roxborough.

Can a Local Company Help Fight the Virus Spread in Manayunk? Yes, we can.

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

To disinfect, SERVPRO uses products that meet EPA’s criteria for use and are appropriate to disinfect different surfaces where germs congregate.

Yes, SERVPRO of Manayunk / Chestnut Hill understands the need for clean and sanitary communal spaces.

Your managed Manayunk apartment complex or commercial building can receive a premier cleaning service from our team.

Many of the residents of a Manayunk apartment complex has a heightened sense of germs and viral pathogens amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country. To reduce concerns and potential panic, many property managers have sought the expertise and confident response of trained biohazard cleaning professionals like our SERVPRO team to help. We can go above and beyond custodial and maintenance staff for your building to provide a more profound and more extensive sanitization effort.

When our SERVPRO professionals arrive to begin sanitizing and cleaning Manayunk apartment buildings, we can focus the majority of these efforts in shared spaces and surfaces. The main door leading in and out of the building can be a hotspot for germs, as well as buttons in and outside of the elevators. With viral microbes able to stay viable for long periods, sanitizing surfaces is the only plausible prevention method that is universal to everyone in the building at once.

Where does professional cleaning happen after coronavirus exposure?

  • Mailboxes
  • Doorways
  • Elevators
  • Stairwells
  • Air ducts / HVAC

Our experienced team at  SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team can help to clean and protect your commercial property or public space. Reach out to us (215) 482-0800.

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.

Water Damage Emergency in your Chestnut Hill Home

4/4/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Staying Safe in a Water Damage Emergency in Chestnut Hill

One of the biggest concerns in any water damage situation is safety, especially if the problem is a genuine emergency.

If you have a water damage emergency is in Chestnut Hill, take heart. SERVPRO has the expertise, the experience, and the procedural knowledge to make sure the problem is solved safely, quickly, and completely.

How do SERVPRO professionals do this? The first step is to stop or contain the source of the water, then provide a complete explanation about the procedures necessary to solve the problem.

As they do this, SERVPRO techs conduct a thorough examination to detect possible safety hazards. These can include electrical issues, ceilings that may be loaded with water, and an inspection of flooring to make sure it has not been compromised.

The techs also provide a thorough explanation of what may be necessary to ensure ongoing safety, and after that, the necessary documents are signed to allow them to proceed further.

Another important safety step is to determine whether there has been contamination that may present a health risk. This includes assessing the state of any affected materials; in some cases, they may be restored, while in others, they may need to be replaced.

SERVPRO techs also take into account any local, state, or federal regulations that may apply to your situation. This is necessary to determine the current and future integrity of the home, and to comply with any building codes or similar regulations that may be applicable.

Another crucial part of staying safe is to account for the disposal of waste material. Once again, a complete explanation of the nature of the material and the disposal process is provided, all of it in terms you can easily understand. Measurements and photos are also taken to provide evidence of the condition of the home when the tech arrives, and they establish a baseline for progress reports as various procedures are performed.

So if you have a water damage emergency, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 any time, day or night, to get the safest and fastest possible solution.

For more about Chestnut Hill click here.

We Get You Back In Business In Manayunk After A Flood

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

The hazardous conditions in this property require experts and our trained team are ready for any size disaster. We are available 24/7, so call us.

Commercial Flood Damage In Manayunk Could Be Caused By A Broken Water Heater

It is a fact of life that most appliances inside your Manayunk construction company's office will eventually break. For example, if your office's water heater malfunctions, an excessive amount of H2O can leak and cause you to have to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO to conduct commercial flood damage restoration. Moisture pouring out of your water heater can cause the pantry or closet it is in to become saturated.

If the H2O during your commercial flood damage project builds up in Manayunk, it could spread into various areas of your office. When your water heater in your construction office malfunctions, our SERVPRO technicians know that stopping the leak is the first step to mitigation. Before we can begin the work process, we must first stop the liquid H2O from pouring out by shutting off the waterline running into your office. In some cases, the source could be the pipe going into the unit, and it could require a certified plumber to repair. In other scenarios, the appliance itself must be removed and replaced by a plumber licensed in the area to do so.

Once the H2O is shut off and no longer pouring out from the water heater in your office, our SERVPRO crew can then begin extracting the moisture that is present. If the affected closet has a hard surface floor such as tile or concrete, we can remove it by soaking it up with a mop or pushing it into a floor drain with a squeegee. If any of the carpets in your office get wet, we can utilize our heavy-duty truck-mounted extractor to pull up the H2O while it is still a liquid.

After all of the liquid is removed, we then take steps to dry out any of your wet building materials in the closet or other flood damaged rooms. We can accomplish rapid structural drying by setting up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers inside the affected closet or regions nearby. We then can keep the equipment set up until the moisture readings return to normal.

 If you ever suffer from an appliance breaking and leaking at your place of business, call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

See more about Manayunk.

Flooding In Your Manayunk Home

3/8/2020 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team a call today at (215) 482-0800.

How Crawlspace Encapsulation Can Help Flooding in Manayunk

Crawlspaces are often among the first areas of your Manayunk home to fall victim to flooding damages when disasters strike. Their design alone puts them in the path of these hazardous waters before they have an opportunity to reach the main floor of the house. This space beneath the residence might regularly contend with flood damage, especially in lower-lying areas. Our professionals can offer fast and complete service for this flooding, including both restoring the immediate effects and helping to install long-term solutions to keep your home and its occupants safe.

Flood damage in Manayunk crawlspaces presents a hazardous situation beneath the main floor of your home. Many property owners might believe that they have averted a crisis in this regard, but the presence of standing water and excessive moisture can be a detrimental presence to the first floor of your house. Our SERVPRO team must mobilize quickly to all flooding situations, as the threat of contaminated waters can migrate bacteria and other microorganisms into the main living spaces of the property through the flooring and structural supports.
 
Our team must roll out extractors and drying tools with our initial arrival, as drying out the damage is one of the primary steps to protecting your property from even the threat of microbes and hazardous contamination. We work to clean the area thoroughly, spraying surfaces with disinfectants, sporicides, and potent cleansers. We need to eliminate the possibility of secondary effects occurring once encapsulation begins.

Encapsulating the crawlspace provides a reliable barrier to resist the intrusion of water into this area, and covers all structural supports, beams, joists, and underside of flooring with thick plastic sheeting. With this installed, we can prevent the penetration of flooding. Any existing standing water in the area can get redirected away from the house using installed drainage systems and powerful tools like sump pumps and permanent dehumidifiers.

Crawlspaces that experience frequent water and moisture penetration can often benefit from encapsulation. If you want to know more about it, our licensed (#2705165256) contractors can help customers to understand the process and its benefits. Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team a call today at (215) 482-0800.

For more about Manayunk click here.

Why We Are The Leader In Manayunk After A Flood

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

We know how to handle hazardous conditions along with the most expedient measures to mitigate the damage in your home. We are here 24/7.

Flood Damage Restoration in Manayunk that Helps You Cope with the Loss

Flood damage results in substantial financial losses and involves backbreaking restoration work. If such incidents happen successively, you may end up feeling as if the situation is too much to bear. Involving a professional restorer can help lift the burden in many ways.

Reducing the Workload

The flood damage restoration process in Manayunk involves many tasking steps, including moving contents, tearing down building materials, and cleaning soiled areas. Handling these steps on your own, especially if the loss recurs, can overwhelm you. For our SERVPRO technicians, performing cleanup and other restoration steps is part of our day-to-day work, so we are accustomed to the processes. Therefore, we can shoulder the burden that you are facing.

Expediting Recovery

Flooding happens within minutes leading to the soiling and deterioration of materials. From a quick look at the aftermath of a flooding situation, you might not believe the home can be what it used to be, especially within a short time. Our SERVPRO technicians help complete the job fast because we have sufficient resources, including advanced equipment to remove water, access hard to reach areas, and generally deal with any issue that arises. For example, high-speed pumps can remove water from your structure at a fraction of the time it would take when using other tools. Cherry pickers and lifting equipment help with access and movement of contents.

Saving Valuables

You may consider throwing away everything affected by the flood damage incident. However, the cost implications or the sentimental value such items hold makes such a decision painful. With advanced cleaning and drying procedures, including freeze-drying, our SERVPRO technicians can halt deterioration or help restore some items you consider disposing of, thus helping you save money or retain essential family heirlooms. We usually scope the loss site to establish what we can save, then liaise with you and your insurance adjuster to help make the decision.

Dealing with a flooding situation can drain you financially and emotionally. Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 to help manage the situation making it, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Manayunk.

Short Story: The Truth About Fire Damage Remediation in Roxborough

2/16/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO to assess the damage after a fire in your home. Our certified technicians will put together a plan to best remediate the damage.

Agitative Practices for Cleaning Heavy Fire Soiling in Roxborough

Cleaning up after a loss incident can be more troublesome than many Roxborough homeowners might expect. Contrary to what might get thought initially, structure fires are not always total losses. Many of the construction materials away from the origin of the fire might still be salvageable with the appropriate cleaning practices, products, and experienced technicians. Our SERVPRO team has extensive experience with material and content restoration after fire losses.

Soiling of materials varies depending on their proximity to the path of the disaster and other fire damage in Roxborough homes. Areas of the residence that were either in the damage path or have become heavily saturated with soot and other debris from air circulation after the loss might require focused cleaning efforts. Our professionals must make available strides to restore and clean affected contents and materials on-site when possible. In-house restoration of soiled contents can ultimately save customers time and money.

When it is possible to restore construction materials or structural elements without removing them, agitation can often play a vital role in loosening residues and soiling. Depending on the severity and thickness of this layer of soot or debris, we have levels of agitative cleaning practices. For heavier soiling, we can utilize many specific actions to loosen and clear thick dry and wet residues from damaged materials or contents in the house.

  • Blast Cleaning – Using compressed air or a rotary blaster, we can utilize media like sand or baking soda to clear off the surface of hosting materials without damaging the substrate.
  • Sandpaper/Steel Wool – Depending on the material affected, our SERVPRO professionals can choose among various grades of sandpaper and down to 0000-grade steel wool for extra-fine applications. 

Knowing how to break loose heaping sediments like soot and other residues from surfaces after a fire can make vacuuming and debris removal more efficient and safer. After fire losses, our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team can help to make the damages “Like it never even happened,” with sophisticated tools, products, and techniques. Give us a call today at (215) 482-0800.

Click here for more information about Roxborough.

Problem with a Water Leak in Your Manayunk Bathroom? Call SERVPRO for a Safe Extraction and Disinfection

2/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says -- Call Us for Water Leak Cleanup and Restoration in Your Manayunk Bathroom

Water Damage Manayunk – Toilet Leaks

Modern conveniences can have their drawbacks, even in Manayunk. Toilets can leak for many reasons. Some are not bolted to the flange at the floor, tightly enough, and slight movement over time causes water to leak around the wax seal. This water may be considered contaminated gray or black water depending on the contents. Another unusual type of leak is when the tank cracks at the joint and leaks water. If someone leans back against the tank while doing their business, perhaps to read or relax, the tank can shift unless there is a shim between it and the wall to prevent movement.

SERVPRO responds to water damage no matter what the cause in Manayunk and surrounding areas. Whatever the cause of the initial leak, we can help identify the leak and begin removing all of the water and moisture before it damages your floors or causes a mold infestation. We are available on a 24/7 basis and respond to your home in less than four hours.

Unusual Toilet Leak
Many toilets are assembled during installation. The tank is bolted onto the base. These toilets are typically easier to install and weigh less than toilets that are all one piece. There is one disadvantage.

Many people like to read the paper or a book while using the bathroom, and often lean back against the tank for support. On single-piece toilets, this action does not present a problem. Two-piece toilets have an inherent weak spot where the tank attaches to the base. Pressure on the tank from someone leaning against the tank can cause a slow leak, which can go undetected for some time until water has spread over the floor and perhaps into other rooms.

The moral of the story is never use the tank on your toilet as a backrest. Always call SERVPRO for help to remove all of the water and moisture. We make sure the floor, under the bathroom vanity, and other rooms are dry. We completely dry your home to avoid mold and mildew infestations.

Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Dearnley Park, Roxborough, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup Services In Your Manayunk Restaurant

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Overcoming a kitchen fire does not have to cause long-term closures or widescale replacements.

Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup Services for Manayunk Restaurants with Grease Fires

When unforeseen circumstances begin to affect your business, you need immediate intervention. A busy kitchen can exhaust vast amounts of animal fats and proteins in the form of smoke. Ventilation systems above stoves transport cooking smoke from the kitchen out of the building and into the open air safely. However, over time there can be a buildup of animal fats and grease on the interior walls of your ventilation system. Without regular inspection and cleaning, this grease buildup can become a severe fire risk.

The technical complexity and time-sensitive nature of commercial fire damage cleanup lead most Manayunk restaurants to seek out professional recovery services. A typical kitchen fire can lead to thick greasy deposits on the exterior walls directly above the cooking stove. The interior of your oven hood may also draw in hot smoke and exhaust fire onto the outer walls of the building. You should evacuate the property as quickly as possible and avoid using water in the event of a grease fire. A fire marshall can inform you when it is safe to return.

An oven hood contains several layers of filter to prevent grease from entering the chimney cavity or ventilation shaft. Over time, these filters become increasingly ineffective, and you should perform regular maintenance checks on the screens throughout the year to avoid commercial fire and resulting closure. In emergencies, SERVPRO can provide assistance to inspect, reduce loss, and restore a damaged restaurant kitchen. Our servicemen and women can remove appliances, use boroscopes to understand the extent of smoke damage throughout the vent accurately.

Mechanical equipment may be necessary to dislodge soots from inside restrictive spaces like ventilation shafts. Using air whips, which run an electrical charge to create a fast, agitative whipping motion that SERVPRO can feed inside a ventilation shaft, is useful in removing thick set soots. By applying negative air pressure, we can frequently restore the affected cylinder without requiring you to shell out for a full replacement. SERVPRO can refinish the remaining ceiling and appliance damages using a combination of cleaning chemicals to remove soots.

Overcoming a kitchen fire does not have to cause long-term closures or widescale replacements. Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

For more about Manayunk click here.

Biohazardous Flood Damage and Removal In Your Chestnut Hill Home

1/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you suspect a contamination issue, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

Biohazardous Flood Damage and Removal Methods for Chestnut Hill Residents

Not all types of water carry the same level of threat. The water in the pipes of your property, as well as rainfall, are clean water supplies. When these sources of water enter the home in large volumes, the situation is a sanitary water emergency. These emergencies generally require restoration rather than replacement. However, exterior water entry, such as in flash flooding, is often more severe. Flash flooding or road overflow can lead to contamination being brought into your home. Rushing water picks up silt, debris as well as harmful human pathogens like raw sewage which, when entering the house, results in a black water emergency.

A black water emergency is a severe form of flood damage in Chestnut Hill that may require you to vacate your home temporarily. Biohazardous waste substances brought into the home can pose a grave threat to your health. It may include viruses, harmful bacteria, or sewer gases, all of which make your property temporarily uninhabitable. Not only should you relocate to a safe property, but there may also be a necessity to perform widescale replacement of materials in the home's structure. These materials may include drywall, sheetrock, insulation, carpeting, and upholstery.

When the water has high levels of contamination, porous materials absorb both water and contaminants. Performing standard drying procedure is no longer suitable since, even when dry, pathogens are likely to remain. SERVPRO emergency water restoration technicians (WRT) may need assistance from qualified biohazardous waste removal teams using specialist equipment like self-priming trash pumps. These specific water pumps are designed to pump the solid waste out of a property as well as moisture.

Since there is a high chance of cross-contamination, SERVPRO technicians need to set up a quarantine in the property as well as decontamination and cleaning zones. Soiled items undergo a careful assessment to decide which are restorable. Some things, like fabrics or dense materials, can be treated to industrial machine washing or immersion cleaning. But unfortunately, many must be removed for disposal at a waste facility. Using controlled demolitions, SERVPRO technicians can remove structural elements, disinfect the offending area, then return new materials in the stead.

Ensuring the safety and habitability of your home is our priority. If you suspect a contamination issue, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

For more about Chestnut Hill click here.

Why Professional Smoke Damage Remediation is Necessary in Roxborough

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke odors penetrate all areas of your home. Call SERVPRO for effective smoke odor removal.

Removing Trapped Smoke Odors from Roxborough Homes 

After a fire loss incident affects your Roxborough home, it can be challenging to overcome all of the effects that the disaster can leave behind. Structural weaknesses and collapse are often among the first considerations after a widespread threat. Still, other symptoms of the fire like smoke odors and residues are often equally important to address in the initial mitigation phases of recovery and restoration. 

Removing trapped smoke odors is a universal need with the restoration of fire damage in Roxborough homes. Regardless of the size and severity of the fire, smoke is a byproduct that can leave unpleasant odors and residues behind. How quickly the flames get extinguished, and the materials impacted by the blaze play a role in how concentrated effects like noxious odors are. Odors, beginning at the point of origin, can spread out far from the combustion through open floor plans or the HVAC system. 

Our SERVPRO technicians have multiple tools and products designed to reduce and eliminate embedded fire and smoke odors in both the open areas of your house and in materials and fabrics. For heavy exposures, our professionals traditionally lean on the content management division. We can remove at-risk contents and belongings from your house to provide intricate cleaning, deodorization, and restoration of these possessions. 

For areas and items that can get recovered on-site, we have multiple strategies for effective smoke odor removal. For broader areas, our SERVPRO team can often use hydroxyl generators or ozone machines. These units can handle considerable open areas and are portable enough for multiple applications throughout the house. For more concentrated and limited spaces, our lightweight thermal fogging device can vaporize deodorization agents and disperse the fog throughout the damaged area to neutralize odor compounds on contact. 

Smoke odors can penetrate construction materials, fabrics, upholstery, carpeting, and many other areas of your damaged home. Our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team can help with effective cleaning and deodorization tools. Contact us anytime at (215) 482-0800 when you want to make a fire loss, “Like it never even happened.”  

More about Roxborough.

Flood Damage Mitigation In Manayunk

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Call our 24-hour service line, (215) 482-0800, and we can make it all “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO Uses Advanced Technology During Flood Damage Mitigation in Manayunk

Long past is the days when a collection of bottles of bleach, buckets of water, mops, towels, and fans was considered sufficient for cleaning up flooded homes. Now, new discoveries in restoration technology provide SERVPRO with the ability to use less toxic chemicals and more efficient equipment to mitigate damage and restore houses to safe, livable conditions.

The improved results and swifter recovery time are why SERVPRO mitigates flood damage in Manayunk using the latest advanced technology available. Our ongoing training keeps us informed of the latest techniques and methods, meaning we always give our customers the results they deserve.

We understand that you want your family to live without worry about contamination and hidden damage. Because of this, we use infrared cameras that locate hidden water. Such water, after being forced into spaces, gets trapped. The force of a flood is much greater than the drainage of water later. Once we know where undrained water exists, we can address it with extraction units. After we drain the water, we can dry and spray the area with a disinfectant.

Other issues include flooring that disintegrated during the flood's presence. The glue in parquet flooring dissolves rapidly, and the turbulence of a flood can sweep these tiny pieces up, ruining a once-beautiful floor. Our reconstruction services can explain new options in flooring, so once mitigation and drying finish, construction of your new flooring can begin immediately.

Before we can do any reconstruction of damaged areas, we need to clean and dry everything. Instead of bleach, we use other disinfectant sprays that evenly coat surfaces. These also inhibit microbial growth for extended periods, so you do not need to worry about microbial infestations in the future.

To ensure adequate drying without risking over-drying of structural components, we monitor different materials to ensure they no longer contain excess moisture. This includes the air. Water vapor can cause damage to your home's contents and also make any odors stronger. We also address this using air scrubbers, hydroxyl generators, and fogging machines. Other approaches to odor control include gel packs and highly absorbent beads.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill wants to help families in our communities recover as quickly as possible after flood damage happens to their Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, or Germantown homes. Call our 24-hour service line, (215) 482-0800, and we can make it all “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Manayunk click here.

Removing Smoke Odors from Roxborough Home and Contents

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Roxborough, let SERVPRO help you through the smoke.

We know the way through your Roxborough smoke damage.

Odors present a substantial threat to comfortable living after fire loss incidents in Roxborough homes. Even with manageable fire scenarios where the property owner extinguishes the blaze on their own, odors can be one of the most persistent and challenging obstacles to overcome. As we commit to making these disasters “Like it never even happened,” we have unique and potent strategies for handling lingering harsh odors in a property after extinguishment. 

Much of the initial work that we can do to manage odors and fire damage in Roxborough homes begins with our debris removal process. From shoveling out ash and charred contents to controlled demolition techniques that remove catalysts for continued foul odors in the household, our techniques can help to minimize the sources of noxious scents so that deodorization efforts to come are more efficient and thorough. Between both the removal of rubbish and debris to our focused demolition of affected materials and surfaces, we have experienced general contractors to oversee each phase of recovery our fire restoration technicians begin. 

Which equipment is used in the deodorization process is directly connected to the types of materials affected by smoke and how broad of a damaged area exists. In most scenarios, the task falls to any of the three critical deodorizing units in our inventory – thermal/UV foggers, ozone machines, and hydroxyl generators. Each of these units can work to dispel odors in unique ways. Based on the area where these units are necessary, UV cleaning with hydroxyl machines and the creation and distribution of ozone are the best at addressing more significant regions of the house. 

Thermal and UV fogging machines quickly heat liquid deodorization solutions to water vapor for dispersal through a damaged area. The gas state of this product allows it to better penetrate installed construction materials, clothing, upholstery, and other textiles. Also, this is a popular choice based on its lightweight, mobile nature. Foggers can move with our SERVPRO technicians through the house, allowing us to cover more spaces quickly. 

Addressing odors left behind after a fire loss incident can feel overwhelming. Our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team arrive with state-of-the-art tools and cleaning products to neutralize present odors. Whenever you need to overcome fire disasters, give us a call at (215) 482-0800.

To learn more about Roxborough, click here.

Roxborough Property Smelly after a Fire? Call SERVPRO for Expert Cleanup and Good Indoor Air Quality

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

No More Odors After SERVPRO Leaves a Roxborough House Fire Cleanup and Restoration

Tips for Fire Damage and Smoke Residue Cleanup in Roxborough Homes

The old saying goes, "Where there is smoke, there is fire," and when dealing with the aftermath of a fire in a home, one could say, "where there is fire damage; there are smoke residues to clean up."

When SERVPRO handles fire damage cleanup in Roxborough homes, they know that the cleaning of smoke damage is never a one-size-fits-all task. There are different kinds of residues left behind, and each requires a diverse array of methods and agents for the best outcome.

Types of Smoke Residues
The residues from the smoke need identification for the proper cleaning applications. SERVPRO technicians know that dry and wet smoke can appear in the same room, so they inspect before mitigation begins.

Wet Smoke
The cause of this type of residue is from fires that smoldered or burned at a lower temperature. Rubber and plastic items tend to leave this type of residue behind. It is greasy, often thick, and smears when wiped. SERVPRO technicians can mix solvents and cleaning agents to create a cleaner that causes the residue to release its grip on surfaces.

Dry Smoke
This type of residue is less hassle to remove; however, it is a product left behind by high heat fires, which tend to leave more structural damage. The dry, powdery film spreads quickly, and SERVPRO technicians know proper methods for cleanup are using dry cleaning sponges to pick up the residue before wiping surfaces with wet agents.

Protein Fire
This almost occurs exclusively in kitchens. When proteins ignite, in situations such as a forgotten pan on a stove with oil in it or an oven roasting a turkey, for example, the fats in the meat become a fine mist that coats surfaces. The film left behind is nearly invisible but very pungent.

Odor Control
No matter what type of smoke and fire loss technicians work on, the application of odor neutralizing methods is almost always a necessary step. Depending on the level of odor control needed, they have professional-grade solutions for surfaces and equipment such as thermal foggers or hydroxyl generators to eradicate scents left behind by the fire entirely.

Fire damage should have professional cleanup and restoration to avoid additional issues. Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 to get your home restored to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Where is Engine 39 Fire House, HERE

For Your Manayunk Home SERVPRO Provides Advanced Drying Equipment

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides drying mats to preserve hardwood flooring in Manayunk.

Application of Drying Mats During Water Removal Services in Your Manayunk Home

Removing standing water from your Manayunk property may seem like complete restoration after a flood or water-incident. However, water migrates rapidly. With larger volumes of water, the increased pressure can wear away sealants or push moisture into wall cavities and cracks beneath floorboards. These issues can be a serious headache for a homeowner and can often return in the form of wide-scale rusting, mold, rot, or water damage.

Our team is dedicated to fast-acting water removal here in Manayunk but also mindful of the knock-on effects that can result from standing water in a non-water resistant area of the home. When moisture seeps between cracks in the flooring of your property, it can saturate subfloors or damage the underside of natural wood floorboards. Often, these situations can be challenging for a homeowner because wholesale removal of flooring is both time-consuming and expensive.

To overcome these challenges, SERVPRO invests in advanced removal equipment that can be both effective and convenient. With wooden flooring, drying mats are a useful technology to use because they can remove residual moisture without needing to create access points to the subfloor below. Drying mats consist of several mats that each contain water tunnels. These mats are linked to a central, centrifugal vacuum via a single hose. By switching on the vacuum drying mats, which cover a large surface area, begin to draw moisture out from inside and beneath wooden floors.

The application of drying mats in water restoration is beneficial. At SERVPRO, our technicians can assess the condition of your property after standing water is pumped out, and water extractors have removed the vast majority of moisture in the property. Combining the removal procedure with drying procedure can help to ensure that your home does not suffer the adverse effects of long-term moisture damage. We can make regular assessments of the moisture beneath your floorboard by using thermal imaging cameras as well as moisture sensors.

For access to advanced drying and removal restoration equipment, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

When Flooding Damages Carpeting in Manayunk Sanctuaries

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can ruin your sanctuary's carpeting and cause the church to be closed during the restoration process.

Carpet Recovery for Manayunk Church Sanctuary After Flooding 

Natural flooding in your Manayunk church welcomes a threat of contamination and exposure to these hazards for your entire staff, congregation, and anyone else scheduled to use the facility. The most substantial monetary investment is usually in the look and function of your sanctuary. When floodwaters breach this centerpiece of your church grounds, professional restoration professionals like ours must work quickly to manage the damage and make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Few sanctuaries have pews and benches that are freestanding anymore, and when posed with flood damage in Manayunk churches, reaching the anchor points for this furniture requires removal of the carpeted areas. With contamination threats to any carpeted area of your building, our SERVPRO team exercises vigilance and removes any exposed areas of this flooring once the extraction work completes. 

Extraction in itself is a vital element to tearing out damaged portions of carpeting, as standing water can be a hindrance to the entire restoration process. With blackwater threats, our self-priming trash pumps are an ideal choice for efficient water removal to an outside drain. We have long lead hoses for these units so they can take the desired path from the sanctuary outside, as you might only have decorative windows in this room of the church. These devices have a wide enough intake and discharge hose to handle many solids and debris distributed through the standing water, which can help to reduce some of the cleaning required for the flooring once drying gets underway. 

Our general contractors have more than 80 years of combined construction industry practice, and they waste no time in eliminating exposed materials like the carpeting and padding underneath. This approach can free up access to the pews as well to help remove them temporarily to restore them while the area gets cleaned and dried appropriately. In many instances, joists and subflooring for the carpet can get preserved if the saturation is not extreme, but this can only happen after thorough disinfection, antimicrobial treatment, and structural assessment. 

No matter when flooding occurs or how damaging it can be to your church, let our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team help. You can reach us 24/7 at (215) 482-0800.

More about Manayunk.

We Discuss How Crucial Your Gutters Are To Your Manayunk Home

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Contact our experienced and understanding professionals by calling (215) 482-0800.

How Your Gutters Protect Your Residence from Storm and Flood Damage in Manayunk

Many property owners believe that the roof performs the only work needed to keep rain and snow out of their house. However, the gutter system is a crucial part of any house's exterior. Precipitation in Manayunk includes rain and snow, as well as the occasional ice storm. Freezing temperatures can cause problems in the roof itself, as well as the gutters and downspouts.

Just like a build-up of ice dams can ruin the roof covering your house in Manayunk, storm damage, as well as sporadic flooding, can happen whenever gutters fail to function correctly. Misalignment, gaps, or holes can let rain and melting snow hit your home's exterior in powerful waves. Clogs caused by accumulations of leaves, nests, and other debris can also create blockages along the length of your gutters.

When downspouts hold debris, backed up rain or melted snow trying to drain just spills over the edge, instead. This water can collect near your foundation. Erosion around this site s likely, causing a depressed area, merely because of previous rain washing the area free of any topsoil.

If this becomes a problem for you, SERVPRO is always ready to help. Mitigating flood damage inside your home begins after our building crew repairs any openings in your roof made by ice dams or other destructive events. They also help stabilize the situation by unclogging gutters and drain spouts. If twisting or other breakage exists, homeowners might need to have current gutters replaced with new ones.

Because flooding that happens so close to your house's exterior contains much fewer microbes than other flooding, we do not always need to use the same disinfectants. Cleaning often suffices in getting things back under control. Deodorizing helps keep musty smells from becoming a distracting problem, though. Gel packs, granules, or injectable liquids make the interior of your home more pleasant.

Any signs of deterioration in walls or ceilings receive the necessary mitigation and restoration work, making your house look “Like it never even happened.” In short, SERVPRO's professional teams restore and rebuild your property, so any damage caused by invasive water from storms or snow no longer exists.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill works in and near Roxborough, Germantown, and Mt. Airy to protect residential and commercial properties from storm and flood damage. Contact our experienced and understanding professionals by calling (215) 482-0800. Our service line is always available, day and night, year-round.

For more about Manayunk click here.

Our Team Has Extensive Training To Handle Your Roxborough Fire Damage Restoration

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the best in the industry, and we have the experience and equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition. Call us right away.

Why Involve SERVPRO in Restoring Fire Damage in Your Roxborough Home

Among the hazards facing many households, fire is one of the most likely to happen. The aftermath of a fire damage incident presents a wide range of problems, including debris, soiled materials, and various hazards. Calling a professional team such as SERVPRO to restore your property after such an incident helps in many ways.

Safety during Restoration

The dangers associated with fire damage situations in Roxborough do not end when the flames die down. Venturing into the property to clean up, and carry out other restoration processes, exposes one to hazards such as slip and fall accidents because surfaces might be wet from the water used in fighting the fire. Electrocution due to damaged power cables and inhalation of noxious fumes are other common hazards. Letting our SERVPRO team handle the entire process from the evacuation of contents, clean up, and rebuilding affected areas helps protect you from these dangers. We assess the situation to determine the right PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, to use, including rubber boots, respirators, and electrical circuit checkers to protect our crews.

Proper Management of the Process

Restoring a fire-damaged property involves several steps. To a regular person, it might be challenging to know which steps to start with and which ones to put off until later. Our IICRC certified FSRT, Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians, have sufficient training to know the best way to approach the process. We also have extensive experience dealing with similar incidents. We know the simple steps that can have a significant impact when performed early. For example, we pre-clean and apply a light oil to metal surfaces early, thus preventing corrosion from soot. We are also keen to finish all the processes, including cleaning houseplants on both sides of the leaves.

Thorough Cleaning

Residue deposit is a serious concern after fire damage. Cleaning all items and materials in the house requires the right skills. Our SERVPRO technicians have a wide variety of resources that help ensure a positive outcome. We have equipment such as specialized upholstery cleaning machines, pressure washers, and duct cleaning equipment to help guarantee a perfect outcome.

Restoration of fire-damaged properties in Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, or Germantown can be tricky. Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Roxborough.

We Are Available 24/7 For All Your Roxborough Fire Damage Restoration Services

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the best in the industry, and we have the experience and equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a fire disaster.

Fast Cleanup of Fire Damage in a Roxborough Kitchen

According to the CPSC, one of the leading causes of unreported home fires is cooking. From 2012 to 2016, fire departments in the US responded to an average of 471 home cooking fires every day: a whooping 172,100 fires total. Fire damage caused by cooking may seem insignificant, but many risks can harm your appliances and structures well after the fire has occurred without proper cleanup. 

Deal with fire damage in your Roxborough home can be stressful and overwhelming, but you do not have to handle it alone. The certified technicians at SERVPRO receive extensive training and education in addressing fire-related disasters and are ready to assist you. The goal of this disaster cleanup service is to restore your home to its prior condition while maximizing safety after exposure to fire, soot, and residues.

How Soot Affects Homeowners After Fires

Soot does more than coat or stain surfaces after a fire. Here are just a few risks soot can pose to your home:

  • Soot compounds, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can combine with moisture and become acidic. This can corrode metals, plastics, and other components of appliances in your kitchen. 
  • These particles can increase the risk of various respiratory conditions, including asthma and bronchitis. 
  • Every year, soot causes a whopping 300,000 asthma attacks and 2 million sick days off work due to respiratory issues.

SERVPRO is Here to Help

When addressing cooking-related fire damage in your home, SERVPRO technicians take great care to examine surfaces that may have been affected by soot or protein residues. Protein residues are colorless, but have a strong, distinct odor, and cannot be removed without extensive cleaning. 

SERVPRO also examines appliances like your refrigerator, toaster, and stove for signs of fire damage and cleans them from the inside out to minimize risk to your home. Finishes, plastic casings, and more are cleaned with gentle tools, and great care is taken to preserve your possessions.

A common method for addressing pervasive odors after a fire is the thermal fogger. This industrial-grade deodorizing system eliminates odor-causing particles by releasing solvents in the same way smoke clings to surfaces after a fire. Commercial box fans are used to ventilate the home after fogging to clean the air thoroughly. 

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is Faster to Any Size Disaster so your home can be restored to its preloss condition quickly. Call (215) 482-0800 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for reliable disaster cleanup.

See more about Roxborough.

We Provide Effective Water Cleanup Services For Your Mt Airy Home

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

We can make the water loss seem, “Like it never even happened.”

How to Get Quick and Effective Water Cleanup Services in Mt Airy

Water damage can happen in your home because of a leaking water heater, a broken washing machine hose, or leaking dishwasher. Regardless of the source, water can destroy your home and its contents. The most crucial action in preserving your home and contents is removing the water immediately. For the best results, you should remove the water within a few hours.

When you need water cleanup services in Mt Airy, you can call SERVPRO for help. We can respond quickly, carefully assess the extent of the damage, and begin the drying process. To prevent appliance leaks, we recommend that you consistently update older parts in your appliances and check for hard to detect leaks.

It is also vital to monitor your water bill since you can find spikes in the changes and determine if you used more water or if there is a leak. However, large leaks occur quickly, and you can be too late to prevent them. Since you cannot monitor your home’s water supply around the clock, you can install a leak detection system that detects a strange increase in water usage automatically and alerts you when a leak has occurred. You can either install a whole-house leak detection system or a moisture sensor automatic water shutoff system.

Following a water loss incident, we can remove the water using extractors and then dry your home using air moving and dehumidifying equipment. Conventional drying methods are not always suitable for drying affected structures of a home. In such cases, we can use injection drying to complement the traditional system and speed up the drying process. It involves introducing dry air directly into damp cavities behind floors, ceilings, walls, or other areas where the trapped moisture is inaccessible.

By using the injectidry system, we can help you avoid a significant strip out that could be expensive and inconveniencing. We allow the drying system to run for at least 24 hours before returning into the drying environment to determine the actual drying process. Our SERVPRO crew can use moisture detection equipment like thermohygrometers, moisture meters, and moisture sensors to check the moisture content of the structures and contents of your house. Based on the results, we can make adjustments to the drying environment if necessary.

When you need expert help with water cleanup, call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800. We can make the water loss seem, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Mt Airy click here.

The Hidden Mystery Behind Commercial Flood Damage Remediation Success in Manayunk

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

If your office suffers from flooding or flood damage, water removal needs to happen very quickly. Contact SERVPRO immediately for best results.

Commercial Flood Damage Manayunk – Balancing Equipment Needs

Flood damage to a building can happen at any time from many different sources. Storms cause flooding, and high winds punch holes in roofs, water mains break and sewers back up. Any of these events can cause a lot of flood damage and place a commercial enterprise in jeopardy. Customers and employees cannot enter the building, and revenue drops to zero. Recovery from these situations quickly is a top priority for business owners.

SERVPRO specializes in flood damage events to commercial properties in the Manayunk and surrounding area. We understand how important it is to recover quickly. Setting up staging areas and temporary operations to keep the business running is all part of the recovery process. One area that many clients may not appreciate is the deployment of staff and equipment to maximize efficiency and minimize recovery time.

Balance Air Movers and Dehumidifiers

Flood damage may introduce a variety of contaminants to the property. Removing contaminants and cleaning everything before drying begins is the priority. Our crew chief can determine the number of technicians required, the equipment needed for demolition and of course temporary measures such as tarps and board up of windows. Once this phase is complete, it is time to dry the building before reconstruction can begin.

It is essential to arrange air movers in the right location to pick up moisture from surrounding flooring and structures. Dehumidifiers must be positioned to remove moisture from the air and gradually dry the air and surrounding structure. Placing too many air movers in a building may cause moisture to be distributed to non-affected areas of the building. Not enough dehumidifiers can lengthen the time it takes to dry everything.

Air movers must be placed in locations to cause dry air to absorb moisture and move it past dehumidifiers or to outside locations. SERVPRO is very familiar with these techniques and has the experience to dry buildings and structures as fast as possible. We aim to have you back in your commercial space as fast as possible, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Roxborough, Germantown, Mt Airy, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about the city of Manayunk.

SERVPRO Strives to Preserve and Restore Storm-Damaged Contents in a Manayunk Home

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Whether Your Home in Manayunk or a Nearby Bridege--We've Got You Covered for Storm Damage Restoration

Is Flood Damage to a Manayunk Home Salvageable?

When flood damage happens to a home, the cleanup efforts must begin quickly. The destruction that water leaves behind looks devastating, but often there are restorable items that need not be a loss with the application of the correct cleaning methods.

Controlled demolition techniques are often a large part of flood damage cleanup in a Manayunk home. Once groundwater enters a residence, it runs behind baseboards, soaks flooring and penetrates wall cavities quickly. The longer it remains, the more damage it leaves behind. The cutting away of damaged walls and flooring to allow sufficient airflow for complete drying is a common practice. Lifting away of flooring for adequate airflow into the subfloor is also standard.

Specialized Equipment Ensures the Best Outcome

A consumer-grade wet-dry vacuum does not have the pulling power to clean a water-damaged floor efficiently. It is excellent for cleaning surface water, but embedded moisture needs a combination of a powerful suction pump and strong airflow during drying to cause the water vapor to rise. Inadequate cleanup of water leads to the weakening of flooring or sheetrock as well as encourages mold growth.

What Items Have Restoration Potential?

Nonporous items that have exposure to groundwater usually respond well to sanitizing and disinfection methods such as thorough hand-cleaning or immersion washing. In this way, technicians save many things in the home, and the homeowner is not out the cost for replacement.

What Items are a Loss?

In the course of cleaning up a flood loss in a home, SERVPRO technicians inspect each item for restoration potential. Discarding of items does not occur without the permission of the homeowner or adjuster, but porous items contaminated with groundwater such as carpet and padding generally have zero possibility of a return to safe, sanitary standards for use and must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations for hazardous waste material.

As soon as flood damage happens, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800. Our technicians are available 24/7 to handle any size water loss in your home and restore the property to its preloss condition whenever possible, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage in Your Manayunk Home is Serious.

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

When water damage happens, SERVPRO to the rescue! We can handle any type of water loss event in your home.

Hidden Water Damage in a Manayunk Home 

The first indication that there was a problem in one residential home was a musty odor originating around the dishwasher in the kitchen. Then there was water all over the kitchen floor. The liquid had begun to spread into the family room before the family noticed the leak and turned off the main water valve. 

Fast service can mitigate the damage

The homeowner can call SERVPRO about water removal in his Manayunk home, looking for suggestions and help. We can respond to this homeowner's call immediately. We encouraged the owner to mop up as much water as possible. Soaking up the water can reduce the potential water damage in the kitchen as well as the family room. He also turned the air conditioning on to help dehumidify the home. 

The water on the kitchen tiled floor did not sustain damage. However, water on a hardwood floor can cause the wood to swell and expand, causing splits and cracks in the wood. In situations such as this, SERVPRO can vacuum up the excess water, place dehumidifiers in the home, and add air movers to help dry the home. 

Hidden water and moisture can cause secondary damages

The flooring under the dishwasher may be more of a problem. The musty odor suggested that the dishwasher had been leaking for some time. The water may have saturated the floor and structure under the dishwasher. SERVPRO can inspect the area after removing the dishwasher. We may be able to dry the floor sufficiently, or the entire area under the dishwasher may need replacing. Further investigation may indicate that the floor, the structure, and even the cupboards may need to be removed and replaced to deal with the moisture damage adequately. 

From cleanup and restoration to rebuild

Our technicians can help with all of these issues and restore the area to the original condition whenever possible. A plumber can correct the leaking water situation. Our building services and restoration team can assist with the initial water damage and rebuild the flooring ruined by the long term water leak. 

Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 for 24/7 service. We cover Roxborough, Germantown, Mt Airy, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

More about Manayunk.

My Bakery is On Fire!

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will help you get your commercial business fire damage under control in Chestnut Hill.

We know how to take care of your Chestnut Hill fire damage. 

Your quaint dessert shop in Chestnut Hill is a dream come true.  Your small business started as a fun venture from your home kitchen and slowly grew into a commercial establishment where your patrons can enjoy a delicious sweet treat with their coffee or tea.  Your goal is to make them feel like the whole shop embraces them every time they open your door and that you are a must-stop on the way home. When your oven malfunctions and ignites a small kitchen fire, you know that time is of the essence in restoring your dessert shop for the sake of your loyal clientele.

Thankfully, fire damage in your Chestnut Hill shop is quickly addressed by our SERVPRO team.  Like you, we believe in making our community better every day, which is why we work quickly to restore your kitchen and be ready for guests as soon as possible.  Even if your kitchen looks like a mess after the sprinklers went off and you used a fire extinguisher, you can be assured that you are in expert hands. Our technicians train on and off the field to handle emergencies like yours, and we can be your greatest ally.

You may wonder whether you can tackle the cleanup process alone.  There are several steps you can take to bring the shop back to normal as soon as possible, including the following-

-Air out the area by improving air circulation using fans and allowing outside air to come into your kitchen.

- Separate any utensils and ingredients unaffected by the fire so you may preserve them.  Place them in a separate part of the shop to keep them safe.

-Toss any questionable items before they become a health hazard, but do not attempt to disinfect the space with a one-size-fits-all cleaner; its abrasive nature may cause further damage to your property.

Upon arrival, our SERVPRO crew supports you in eradicating all signs of fire, including the foul smells it can leave behind.  Keeping in mind health considerations, we can utilize odor pellets and a variety of air purifying techniques to leave your shop smelling of your scrumptious sweets once again. All you need to do is reach out to our 24.7 number for us to dispatch a crew of technicians your way.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is cheering for your success.  Call us at (215) 482-0800 and let us leave your dessert shop "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about Chestnut Hill, click here.

We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Roxborough After A Fire

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the best in the industry, and we have the experience and equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition 24/7.

Steps to Restoring Your Roxborough Home After Fire Damage 

A house fire can happen without warning and ruin the building materials, furnishings, and other contents of your Roxborough home. Feeling overwhelmed after a fire is normal. After extinguishing it, you must deal with the complicated problems left in its wake such as soot, smoke, odors and water damage from firefighting efforts.

Repairing fire damage in your Roxborough property is crucial to eliminate the residues that can make your residence uninhabitable or unusable for long periods. The immediate visual destruction that a fire causes can be distressing enough even without considering the secondary effects like smoke odor and corrosion. Preforming fire damage cleanup quickly helps prevent further deterioration of a home and its contents. After a fire, you can take the following steps to limit the damage.

Turn off utilities

Turn off the gas, water, and electricity to ensure that nothing can retrigger the fire or add a further cause of injury. Turning off the utilities can also enable restoration specialists to verify if any of these systems sustained damage.

Inspect electrical appliances

After turning off the electricity and waiting for the fire damage restoration crew to arrive, evaluate your appliances. Open the doors of the freezer and fridge to prevent mold growth that can occur.

Avoid walking close to the fire damage

A fire can compromise floors, walls, and ceilings. The structural damage in your home may not be evident. Therefore, it is best to steer clear from the affected areas.

When dealing with fire damage, it is vital to call a company that is experienced in fire restoration like SERVPRO. Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) have years of training and are equipped with the correct tools to restore your property to its pre-fire damage condition.

Our technicians understand the different kinds of fire damage and the effects.  We use various types of mechanical action to produce friction to agitate and loosen smoke residues. Some mechanical actions produce mild agitation and are safe to use on most surfaces. To dislodge soils in this manner, we can use:

  •       Brushes
  •       Feather dusters
  •       Compressed air
  •       Vacuums

When a fire happens, porous surfaces expand and allow odors and soot to enter. Once the affected surfaces cool down, the pores close, trapping in the smells and soot. If you do not deal with this fire damage correctly, the soot and odor can migrate back to the surface when the air temperature rises and get released through the open pores. Our SERVPRO technicians can ventilate the areas affected by smoke scents. We can also clean surfaces that have smoke residues with a deodorant or detergent solution. Our technicians also remove unpleasant odors using Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers.

If a fire has ruined your Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, or Germantown property, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill to ensure a quick and professionally-done restoration. Our emergency helpline is (215) 482-0800. We can make the incident seem “Like it never even happened.”

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Roxborough Structures, SERVPRO for Flood Damage Mitigation

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Truck On the Way to a Storm Damaged Property in Roxborough

Professional Flood Damage Restoration For Roxborough Neighborhoods

Roxborough residents understand flooding and the risks it poses for our area. In addition to the storms that drop rain directly on the city, there is the Schuylkill River in the West, and the Delaware River to the Southeast which crest and make a bad situation much worse.

Because of all these sources, Roxborough flood damage can be very severe. While furniture is usually restorable in many circumstances, that is not always the case when extreme weather tears through a community. SERVPRO response teams train extensively to preserve all items where possible and to dry the structure to industry standards.

Preservation first starts with removal. Team members remove everything out of the standing water as technicians begin using pumps and extractors to draw it out of the home. Water softens the varnish, stain, or other coatings on furniture, so quickly removing it prevents or reduces the chance of them loosening from the wood and running or dripping onto floors and carpets.

Team members place everything on pallets or bricks to raise it off the ground to allow water to drain. If the damage already began, SERVPRO technicians set-up fans to increase air circulation and speed up the drying process. Another equipment item they use is the dehumidifier. The device draws moisture from the air, which allows for faster evaporation without causing streaks or otherwise compromising the coating. The two devices also dry exposed wood without causing cracking or splitting.

Drying specialists use these same devices to preserve and restore the interior of the home as well. After other team members complete cleaning the home of the contaminants left by the floodwater, specialists test every room with a moisture meter. If the humidity is excessive, and it almost always is, the team installs a dehumidifier in each one to dry out the air. They set up fans to not only increase air circulation but to also draw the damp air out of the room, which augments the work of the dehumidifier. The process of achieving the drying goal can take days, and it all depends on the situation of the structure, the temperature, volume of water, and more.

Other specialists use air movers to generate warm, dry air and direct the flow across floors, walls, and even ceilings to carefully force out moisture into the air where the other two devices remove it. By carefully adjusting the temperature and speed of the airflow, they can do this without causing any accidental, secondary damage.

For SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill, the goal is always to return each home to its pre-flood condition, or as close to it as possible. In addition to our community, we also support the nearby towns of Andorra, Germantown, and Mt Airy, among others. If your residence has suffered damage from any water intrusion, call our office, 24/7, at (215) 482-0800 to schedule an inspection and get the restoration process started.

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Prompt Response and Highly-Qualified Employees Are Why SERVPRO Is a Trusted Resource in Manayunk

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

We care about our Manayunk residents no matter the issues in question.

SERVPRO will always be prepared to take on any disaster that hits your Manayunk property.

When a water, fire, mold, or storm damage disaster strikes your Manayunk home, waiting for a return call from a restoration company is not an option. Our phones and email response is prompt, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are in contact with you and send an experienced manager and crew to your home to assess the crisis as soon as possible. Throughout your restoration project, please call with concerns and questions. Keeping you in the loop is the way we do business.

Water Damage

Waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of rushing water damages your Manayunk home and your peace of mind. We pledge to answer your call round the clock, helping you shoulder the burden of the water loss. Plumbing delivers comfort and convenience in your home until a toilet valve breaks or a supply line ruptures. We train and prepare for these crises and are ready whenever help is needed.

Water flows, so the leak or break is just the beginning of the hunt for moisture damage in your home. SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) master industry best practices during the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classes, including strategies for tracing water migration. Locating all the places in your home compromised by water damage is crucial. If any abnormal moisture remains after remediation, deterioration of additional building materials and mold growth and damage is probable. We use sensitive meters, with and without pins, to take accurate moisture measurements of structural components. Special cameras that transmit thermal images help us find larger pockets of water in building cavities.

Using the migration path mapped by our technicians, we use a range of pumps and extractors to remove the water. If trapped water is an issue small weep holes or more significant flood cuts give our crew access. When we are satisfied that all liquid water is gone, our crew uses psychrometry, the science of drying, to design a configuration of air movers and heaters, to force absorbed water out of building materials and into the air. Dehumidifiers then condense or absorb the vapor for disposal.

Fire Damage

Recovering from fire damage in Manayunk can be a heartbreaking process. Whether a rehabbed millworker row house, an apartment or loft overlooking the Schuylkill River, or a colorful and elegant Victorian is where you call home, the destruction caused by even a minor blaze is mind-numbing. We are ready and willing to arrive at your abode as the firefighters leave, poised to assess the scenario and get to work on making the sooty, wet mess “Like it never even happened.”

Some of the hardest parts of fire damage recovery are sorting through household goods, furnishings, and personal possessions. SERVPRO recommends utilizing our pack-out option after a fire for a couple of reasons. First, clearing the burned spaces of items makes mitigating and remediation efforts faster and more straightforward. Second, the contents of your home get the attention and innovative treatments they need to restore to full function and appearance.

We use the detailed and secure Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to track items removed from your house. Traditional lists, digital photos, and barcoding all have a place in the system. Our production facility technicians have a host of unique strategies available to clean, dry, disinfect, deodorize, and restore items you feared were destined for the trash heap. Immersion tanks with ultrasonic technology; freeze-drying chambers to remove moisture from pictures, books, and documents; and industrial washing and drying systems are just some of the resources we use. We are proud to hand you a treasured photo album or a child’s favorite stuffed animal as we welcome you back into your fully restored home. 

Mold Remediation

Coping with mold damage in your Manayunk home can be frustrating and exhausting. You might be embarrassed because you feel mold growth is a commentary on the cleanliness of your household. Learning about the life cycle of mold helps homeowners understand why it might be the cleaning methods and products used that encourage mold growth.

Mold spores are everywhere, airborne or settled on surfaces. As long as they absorb no water, they are benign and invisible to the naked eye. When surfaces remain wet after scrubbing, or spills and leaks are unaddressed, mold can begin growing and multiplying within 24 to 48 hours. If you notice the dark stain or feathery growth of mold, more water, in a diluted bleach solution, is often used to try to kill it. The strain might lighten, but the bleach does not penetrate to the deeply embedded hyphae, which survive to grow, continuing to consume the organic building materials it lives in and on.

SERVPRO uses the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols to remediate your mold damage. The goal is to contain and remove the active mold growth and then inhibit its return through the application of an EPA-registered antimicrobial and care to eliminate moisture. Once we complete the remediation spore levels should reduce to normal, causing little concern if dry. 

Storm Damage

When storm damage leads to quantities of rainwater invading your home in Manayunk, flood cleanup services are necessary as soon as possible. We built our reputation in part on timely responses to calls for help from members of our community suffering from the effects of extreme weather. Count on a speedy response from our team when a ripped-off roof or broken windows expose your home to significant flood damage.

The number of tasks needing completion following storm damage can be daunting, but SERVPRO has the experience to sort it out and begin the recovery. As our crew chief assesses the interior damage, other crew members are boarding up windows and tarping roofs to prevent additional water incursion. Submersible gas-powered pumps and truck-mounted extractors make short work of floodwater collected in lower levels. The contaminated water must be contained and disposed of following city rules. Our crew is familiar with the requirements and makes that happen.

Because of the potential for pathogens in dirty floodwater, we take great care to clean flooded surfaces thoroughly. We also treat the affected spaces with EPA-registered disinfectants. Moisture metering of wet building materials assists us in setting drying goals, and we achieve those goals by setting up appropriate configurations of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. We also work with you and your insurance company to arrange for repairs and rebuilding.  

Any disaster large or small is handled professionally with a successful result by SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill. Call us at (215) 482-0800 at your convenience to schedule an evaluation.

To learn more about Manayunk, click here.

We Get You Back To Business After Water Damage In Manayunk

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

The water reflecting off the wood-like tile flooring needed our SERVPRO's team fast extraction service.

Fast Response Times for Out of Hours Business Emergencies here in Manayunk

Overnight leaks can often result in extensive staining or permanent damage to structural contents. Prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of dyes bleeding on soft furnishings, fabrics shrinking, carpet staining, and microbial growth issues. Events that happen out of hours in your business require immediate professional attention after identifying the issue. In-house janitorial teams may be capable of cleaning the visible signs of moisture but, water migrates and can enter cavities inside walls or beneath floorboards where it becomes at high risk of causing microbial growth.

We run specialist teams for commercial water damage in Manayunk. During our time in this community, businesses have come to rely on us for our fast response times as well as our extensive resources for larger businesses. SERVPRO technicians are local to the area which not only reduces call-out times but also allows us to run an out-of-hours service if leaks are discovered in the early hours of the morning. We operate this way because, in our experience, water issues can deteriorate rapidly, causing permanent damages to drywall, carpets, or furnishings.

In scenarios where contaminants have entered the water supply, we may have to take drastic action. A backed-up sewer point, for example, may result in raw sewage contaminating water. Equally, a prolonged exposure to bacteria, microbes, or fungi that is already present in your business can result in water damage from a clean water source becoming classified as a dangerous waste situation.

These circumstances require removal of contaminated materials which can then be replaced with sanitary ones. Contents in your business may include furniture made from natural materials or fabrics. Drywall, which can absorb contaminated water, must be demolished, sealed in biohazardous waste disposal bags and taken to a specialized facility for disposal. Once the removal of non-salvageable items is complete, SERVPRO can thoroughly disinfect the area after water damage using EPA registered cleaning agents, before replacing the demolished materials- bringing your business back to a safe, sanitary state.

Our commercial restoration teams are available on-call for emergencies that affect your ability to run your business. Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

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What's for Dinner? Hopefully not Fire Damage in Your Roborough Home

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

It only takes a few seconds for a grease fire to get out of control.

Fire Damage Roxborough – Oven Grease Fire

An oven grease fire can develop a great deal of smoke and soot, which can spread throughout your home. If there is soot, it coats everything, including kitchen cabinets, floors, walls, and furniture. A small grease fire can do a great deal of damage. If the fire department used foam to extinguish the fire, it adds to the amount of cleaning needed. Never pour water on a grease fire. Smother it if possible and call for help.

SERVPRO can respond quickly to your fire damage event in Roxborough. Grease fires are quite common. We have extensive experience in dealing with grease fires. Every fire damage event can be different depending on the chemicals and materials involved. If the fire department extinguished the fire, there might be water extraction needed. We can also use drying equipment to remove all of the remaining moisture. The first step is to assess the situation, determine the chemicals involved, and the amount of damage. We then prepare a plan to deal with immediate issues.

We focus on the elimination of smoke and soot from all of the fire damaged surfaces in the affected area of your home. Our technicians are trained to eliminate smoke and odor from various surfaces, including hard surfaces as well as fabrics. A variety of smoke residues can exist in the same environment. There are a variety of effective cleaning methods used depending on the surface type and the residue from the fire. In some cases, an item may be unrestorable if it cannot withstand the cleaning process.

We aim to restore all of your items. We understand the attachment to mementos, photos, and keepsakes. SERVPRO cleans these items whenever possible before restoring your home to its original condition. Also, we work closely with your insurance company to help manage your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 for 24/7 service. We serve Germantown, Mt Airy, and local communities in the area. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster in your area.

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Water Can Cause Significant Damage To Your Hardwood Floors In Chestnut Hill

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is available 24/7, so call right away if you have an emergency at (215) 482-0800.

Water Damage Can Destroy Your Hardwood Floors In Chestnut Hill!

Insulation in your Chestnut Hill home helps keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer. However, insulation comes with the trade-off of being sensitive to water damage. Once it absorbs water, it can lose some of its resistance to heat flow. For this reason, even a small leak from a corroded pipe or an overflowing faucet should be taken seriously to help preserve the stable temperature in your home.

Speed is key when mitigating water damage to insulation in Chestnut Hill, which is why you need professionals who can work fast to help prevent additional repairs. Water damage restoration technicians (WRT) from SERVPRO are experienced in drying wall cavities and insulation. Once we arrive at your property, we can begin inspecting the extent of the damages and utilize thermal imaging cameras to determine how much water is in your walls. Drywall damaged by water will typically have to be cut away and discarded. To ensure that no damaged drywall remains, we can cut several inches above the water line.

The effectiveness of your insulation is determined by its R-value, the measure of its resistance to heat flow. Non-fiberglass insulation can have a permanently reduced R-value after coming into contact with water, forcing us to strip it from your walls. However, if you have fiberglass insulation installed, then SERVPRO can help save it. We can drill holes in drywall to allow for the usage of structural cavity drying equipment. Our ventilation equipment helps speed up the drying process in your walls by cycling out moist air and replacing it with dry air, allowing us to quickly dry out both your wall cavity and any wet insulation within.

Mitigating water damage doesn't have to be a difficult process if you leave it to the professionals. SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is available 24/7, so call right away if you have an emergency at (215) 482-0800.

For more about Chestnut Hill click here.

The Ultimate Guide to Water Damage Remediation in Your Manayunk Residence

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

The bathroom is a typical place of water damage to occur. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance and tips.

Cabinet Recovery After a Water Leak in Your Manayunk Home

Your kitchen and bathroom in your Manayunk home are the two areas that often become most susceptible to potential water loss incidents and damages. Even with a fast response to the situation from competent and qualified technicians like our team, certain fixtures, furniture, and cabinetry can become affected by the standing water and excessive moisture. Addressing these concerns quickly can help to reduce the need for tear out and reconstruction, but also save our customers time and money on the restoration work their home needs.

Water damage can spread quickly throughout a Manayunk residence, and saturation of specific elements, especially porous woods that often make fixtures like bathroom vanities lighter and easier to maneuver, can absorb this spreading water immediately. From the initial point of exposure, a timetable begins to remove saturation and to dry out construction materials and cabinetry. The faster that our SERVPRO team works on these effects, the less likely that they can become too badly damaged to preserve.

With wooden shelving and cabinetry throughout both a kitchen or bathroom, it does not take long for standing water to penetrate these materials. Within a few days of exposure, without the appropriate drying techniques, this excess moisture can warp and distort the affected areas of your house. We arrive at a property with the moisture content readers and devices that can help to note where pockets of dampness exist and where drying machines and equipment gets most efficiently placed.

In some cases, even with the fast response of our SERVPRO professionals to water loss incidents, the damage is too excessive or widespread to overcome completely. In these cases, we can utilize controlled demolition techniques to carefully remove only the overly exposed materials and fixtures to reduce the costs of reconstruction and renovation.

Water loss incidents can spread quickly throughout a kitchen or bathroom, affecting cabinets and other shelving units as saturation takes root. You can trust in the expertise and equipment of our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill water restorers to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (215) 482-0800.

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Why is There an Odor After the Flood Damage Cleanup in Manayunk Home?

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let odor from water damage be your homes new aroma.

Let SERVPRO take on all aspects of a flood damage in your home.

When it comes to flood damage, small scale water loss events in a home can wind up, costing the homeowner more in secondary issues than the original event. Those scenarios generally are the result of inadequate water extraction or drying, leading to the potential of mold or unpleasant odors.

SERVPRO received a call to mitigate flood damage in a Manayunk home. Our team arrived only to find the flood had happened a few days before and the homeowner believed she cleaned up the mess, but a strong musty odor developed.

We scoped the room and found high moisture behind the baseboards, and thermal imaging confirmed water wicked into the sheetrock a few inches. We removed the baseboards for drying, but the time of exposure had been too long to salvage the sheetrock through drying and cleaning. So, our technicians measured roughly six inches above where the water line ended and cut away the damaged building materials, also known as making "flood cuts." This action enables adequate airflow to ensure the wall cavity for thorough drying.

SERVPRO does not set up fans and go away, hoping for the best when we dry a room. We have powerful air movers that deliver fast-moving air that causes embedded water vapor to rise where it is then removed from the area by our dehumidifiers. This cycle continues until our moisture readings show the water loss areas meet pre-set drying goals.

In cases where complete mitigation of water damage occurs, with prolonged exposure to elevated moisture levels, our technicians know the signs of mold to look for as they are IICRC-Certified in Applied Microbial Remediation. Our approach is two-fold to inhibit the growth of mold colonies.

First, we set drying goals for the areas affected by water loss to around 40% or less humidity, and second, we clean and disinfect all surfaces with our anti-bacterial and anti-fungal solutions which also reduces or even eliminates residual odors. If stronger odor control methods are necessary, we have specialized equipment for neutralizing odors at the molecular level.

Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 at the first sign of flood damage in your home. Even small water loss issues need professional mitigation, that is why We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

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We Arrive Quickly To Restore Your Manayunk Home After A Fire

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

A fire can destroy your home within minutes, and our team is Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Removing Odors from Your Manayunk Home’s Carpets

Carpeting is a common staple of Manayunk homes, and after a fire, can get affected by multiple levels of damaging symptoms. Even without widespread fire loss incidents that can leave substantial soot and smoke residues, odors can become a challenging obstacle for even professional restoration technicians to overcome. Our team has sophisticated equipment and advanced technology to help clean and deodorize your carpeted areas in the house after a fire if they do not require removal and replacement.

While fire damage might occur in your Manayunk home many different harsh odors embedded in your carpet can become a long-standing threat to your property without the appropriate preventative and corrective measures. Our SERVPRO team can arrive to fire loss incidents quickly with an array of recovery and mitigation equipment designed to improve the look, function, and smell of your property after a disaster. With our fast response to these situations, we can often have the opportunity to prevent the spread of damaging effects like odors from reaching new areas of the house.

One of the first steps that our SERVPRO team can take for restoring the carpets in your fire-damaged home is to begin with thoroughly cleaning this flooring material. We have deep cleaning solutions like our hot water extraction and deluxe pre-rinse solutions that can penetrate to the base of your carpet fibers and break loose sediment and debris, but also begin to remove and displace foul odor molecules that could embed themselves within the fibers of the carpet.

After we have thoroughly cleaned the affected area of your home, we can work to deodorize this material using several different tools and pieces of equipment. Commonly, our team utilizes UV and thermal foggers for their portability and spread of this dense, odorless chemical compound that can break apart foul odor molecules on contact.

While your carpets are just a small portion of your fire-damaged home, our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team works to recover every effect to make fire losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime you need us at (215) 482-0800.

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Manayunk Structures, the Right Water Removal Equipment, and the Right Personnel--SERVPRO Can Do It!

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

After Flooding in a Manayunk Property, Moisture Sensors Help Discover Hidden Pockets of Moisture--A SERVPRO Service!

Professional Equipment for Smooth Flood Damage Restoration in Manayunk

A smooth flood damage restoration process requires the use of specialized equipment as well as a trained workforce to operate the equipment correctly. That is what you get when you work with an experienced and certified restoration service provider. In this article, we are looking at some of the equipment that we use when working on such incidents in Manayunk.
 
Most flood damage losses in Manayunk are associated with standing water, which means our SERVPRO technicians need to choose appropriate extraction techniques and tools. In situations where the water does not contain solid materials, we might decide to use submersible pumps. We prefer pumping as a means of water extraction when the depth of the water exceeds two inches. In most cases, we direct this water into a treated sewer system and avoid directing it into facilities that have septic systems.
 
Sometimes our SERVPRO technicians can use truck-mounted or portable extractors to remove the standing water. The portable types are convenient when we need to remove water from structures and other areas with limited access. On the other hand, truck mounts are more powerful and usually have their independent sources of power. Both the portable and truck-mounted extractors have a vacuum system, a pump and a heater; key components that give them the ability to perform both some restorative cleaning and water removal.
 
Physical means of water extraction from a flooded home are not enough when our SERVPRO technicians are restoring your property. Water can intrude into different locations of your structure, and there is a need to use detection devices. For instance, we use moisture meters and sensors to identify these locations. Infrared camera imaging can detect lingering moisture inside wall cavities and other nooks and crannies. We can also install air movers and space heaters to speed up the rate of evaporation during the restoration process.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill has highly experienced technicians that work 24/7 to make every situation we handle to look “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (215) 482-0800 and discover the options you have when the disaster comes calling.

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Why SERVPRO Is Your Trusted Choice for Water, Flood, Fire Damage Roxborough Businesses

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Each of our vehicles are stocked with equipment to restore your business. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Can Help Restore Roxborough Area Homes or Businesses

Our highly trained team starts each project with the same goal, to “preserve before replacing,” utilizing our advanced equipment and industry knowledge to restore damaged original construction materials rather than replacing when possible. We focus on a comprehensive approach to restoration that includes damage recovery from the initial inspection through reconstruction. With our experienced restoration technicians and full-service contracting division, we can help you recover from commercial and residential damage cost-effectively and quickly.

When a Roxborough area business faces water, fire or floods, the damage can quickly spread beyond the commercial property itself. Employees lose hours, owners see revenue drop, and the community misses out on the products or services provided by the business. SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill can help manage significant commercial losses. Commercial clients require quick and comprehensive disaster restoration, and our team is ready 24/7. Our local team can get to work quickly on emergency board-up and tarping services to prevent further damage. After protecting and securing the structure, our SERVPRO team can begin the restoration process.

Our experienced team can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding when necessary. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save both time and money. With more than 80 years of combined building trades experience, our local team of experts is proud of our ability to offer high-quality repairs and full-scale reconstruction following emergencies that threaten your residential or commercial property.

By offering a comprehensive approach to restoration and recovery, no part of returning your property to preloss conditions gets subbed out to another contractor, and we can provide you with faster service at a lower cost. From emergency repairs to a Germantown small business to the designed renovation of an aging home in Mt Airy, SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill team has the experienced professionals to meet the needs of every construction project. Our team of restoration professionals live and work in local neighborhoods with our customers. We root for the Sixers, Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles. We debate Pat’s or Gino's?  To learn more about how our rebuilding and reconstruction services can help you recover from water, flood, fire, mold or storm damage, call us at 215-482-0800.

Read more about Manayunk here.

Fire Damaging Smoke, Soot, and Odors Meet Their "Match" with SERVPRO in Manayunk Homes

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

House Fires in Manayunk Are No Match for SERVPRO's Cleanup, Odor Control, and Restoration

Why Your Manayunk Property Needs Immediate Fire Damage Restoration Services 

Time is of the essence when dealing with fire damage since within a short time much destruction can result. Soot and smoke residues are so destructive and can form permanent stains within a short time. Additionally, the water that was used to put out the fire may cause further damage to your property. That is why you need to call us to inspect your Manayunk property and determine the restoration procedures we have to put in place to mitigate the damage.

Fire damage incidents may expose your Manayunk property to security issues, and it is the work of our SERVPRO technicians to provide the necessary solutions. For instance, we can board up doors and windows for safety purposes, as well as tarp roofs to prevent additional damage that can result from the different elements of weather. In situations where the water that put out the fire is present, we use appropriate water extraction and drying procedures.
 
Dealing with the smoke particles that result from combustion can be complicated. Depending on what the fire consumed, we may decide to use air scrubbers, ozone treatments, hydroxyl generators, and thermal foggers when restoring the walls, furniture, cabinets, and ceilings of your property. We also make sure the HVAC systems within the building are switched off to prevent spreading soot to clean areas. When it is not appropriate to clean some of the items at the site, packing out is encouraged. We can help with this, also.
 
Even after performing cleaning and soot removal, some odor may still be lingering within the area. In such a case, we perform deodorization to neutralize the odor-causing agents. For effective results, we use deodorization agents that replicate the way that smoke particles move around the place. Some of the deodorants have anti-microbial properties that prevent chances of mold growth.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill offers a stress-free fire damage restoration process. For an instant response to emergencies at any time of the day, call (215) 482-0800 and work with a trusted industry leader.

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We Provide Immediate Response To Your Manayunk Water Damage Restoration Needs

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

We have the expertise, experience and equipment to restore your home 24/7. Don't hesitate and call us right away.

Clean Water Emergencies in Manayunk Requiring Professional Water Damage Technicians

All types of water contain microbes, even from clean water. A split pipe in your home may initially only present a clean water emergency. However, as the water bonds with soiling in the home, whether wall cavities or underneath fittings, it can become increasingly contaminated. This bonding process means that not tackling a clean water spill can see a situation develop into a grey or even black water emergency.

We provide an immediate response using local technicians to help solve water damage in Manayunk homes. Our call lines are in operation twenty-four hours a day, and we can send a trained technician to your property within just four hours of notification of loss. SERVPRO has technicians that hold IICRC qualifications in a range of water damaged areas and can use their expertise to ensure a professional, efficient service.

Standing water migrates quickly moving from wet to dry. That means that it can damage the subfloor beneath your carpet causing it to fall apart. Those with hard flooring like wood, concrete or tiles can also end up with a saturated sub-surface that can become a hotbed for mold growth, particularly in the warmer summer months. Our team can use infrared imaging cameras do discover potential damp spots and prevent secondary issues from occurring.

Floor tiling is often non-porous when fitted but over time cracks or wearing away of sealant can cause it to absorb moisture. SERVPRO can remove tiling to address issues in the subfloor before replacing it afterward. Equally, we can use injectidry systems to establish an air current in wall cavities or underneath fittings to ensure pockets of moisture are not allowed to stagnate further.

Here at SERVPRO, we recognize that it is difficult to talk about water damages without talking about mold damage. The two issues are often mutually inclusive with one causing the other. Our team can repaint base layers of paint with anti-microbial treatments to reduce the likelihood of mold occurring. We can also apply Biocides to under layers of carpets, fittings, and fabrics to further reduce the risk of an expensive microbial situation developing.

For an expert service in personal property remediation, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

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Wondering How to Make Commercial Water Removal in Manayunk Successful? Read This!

4/7/2019 (Permalink)

Travelers are looking for a dry, clean room when they pay to use your motel rooms. Contact SERVPRO when your business is facing water damage.

Overcoming the Challenges of Commercial Water Damage in Manayunk Motels

When there is a water spill in a motel, the most challenging thing is how to extract the water and dry the facility fast to continue serving customers. People expect their favorite motel to be operational, especially when stopping over on a long journey. Reducing the downtime caused by the spill is, therefore, a significant priority. You can involve a professional commercial restorer to help fast track the process.

Fast removal of any standing water helps reduce the time it takes to fix commercial water damage in Manayunk. Having the right gear is crucial because such equipment can handle thousands of gallons within a short span. Our SERVPRO technicians use different types of extraction equipment including submersible pumps, truck-mounted water extractors, and portable extractors. Our crews also work as a team allowing them to tackle different areas simultaneously.

After removing standing water, a substantial amount of moisture remains in wet contents and building materials. Removing such moisture requires sufficient evaporation rates. Ventilating the structure by opening windows and then using fans can increase the rate of evaporation. However, this method has many challenges including interference by weather changes, energy loss and risk of losing valuables such as TV sets in the motel rooms because anyone can access them. Our SERVPRO technicians use a closed system whereby air movers boost the evaporation rate, and dehumidifiers extract the moisture from the air.

Water causes a wide range of damages in the contents such as furniture in a motel. Wooden items can swell and crack, or form spots. Color bleeding, water spots, and mildew growth are common water problems in upholstery items. The correct drying approaches can help save such items and preserve them in pristine quality. Our SERVPRO technicians use appropriate water extraction tools for furniture or upholstery items to remove most of the water. We then take simple steps such as tenting cushions and placing waxed paper between zippers and the rest of the materials to prevent rust as the items dry.

In case of water loss in your motel, call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill to help dry and preserve items. You can reach us at (215) 482-0800 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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If Winter Weather Has Damaged Your Roof Causing Flood Damage To Your Chestnut Hill Home, Call Our Crew Right Away!

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Call us at (215) 482-0800 for fast service that helps keep restoration costs low, and damage to your family's belongings minimized.

A Winter-Weakened Roof Can Cause Flood Damage To Your Chestnut Hill Home

Ice dams on top of homes across Chestnut Hill cause severe damage during the winter by opening up spaces between shingles. These spaces can lead to deterioration and extreme weakening of the roof's support beams below. The damage may go undetected until Spring when heavy showers alert homeowners of the problem.

Homes in Chestnut Hill can suffer from flood damage. Weak sections of a roof can let in large amounts of rain that can ruin a home's interior and contents from top to bottom. SERVPRO has specialists with IICRC certification ready 24 hours a day, every day of the year to help you restore your home.

Because flooding inside your home that comes from the roof comes into contact with building materials like insulation, wiring, and other components, this water can also pick up contaminants and leave it very dirty. This same water also affects those same materials. Our team of experts knows how to solve this situation for you and make things “Like it never even happened.”

We begin extracting the standing water from your house's lower levels and searching for places where the water passed through and left saturated. We place air movers in these sections of your home to force the moisture out of the walls, floors, and personal belongings and into the air. Moisture does not simply disappear, though, so we use powerful desiccant machines that remove this additional water vapor from the air.

Flooded carpets can pick up stains, as well as high concentrations of contamination. We generally remove these and make sure that the flooring underneath becomes adequately dry before new carpeting comes in for installation. When only a small area sustains flood damage, we can often clean it enough to save it. We also deodorize regions affected by water to keep odors from becoming a nuisance.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is here for homeowners in Germantown, Andorra, and Roxborough for flood damage disasters. Call us at (215) 482-0800 for fast service that helps keep restoration costs low, and damage to your family's belongings minimized.

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Drying Flood Damage in Your Manayunk Home

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

No matter the size of the flood disaster, SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill will be there to assist you every step of the way.

Restoring your Manayunk Home From Flood Damage is What We Do 

Rain damage in Manayunk can cause you very costly repairs to your home because of its destructive effect on foundations and contribution to mold growth. You need good drainage to avoid flooding inside your home. The primary structure to avoid this from happening is your roof. Even a tiny opening is enough space to let in lots of water. Plus, gutters should be cleaned regularly, and you need to direct downspouts away from your home. 

If heavy rains have still managed to get into your Manayunk home and cause flood damage, you could have a bit of a mess on your hands. A situation like this needs fast action by professionals so that no more damage occurs, such as the growth of mold. Our technicians at SERVPRO are always standing by ready to help you in an emergency to in like this. 

Once we have the standing water out of your home, we need to dry it thoroughly. Air movers are some of the equipment we use to increase evaporation and reduce drying time. These machines create airflow at the surface level, pushing moisture into the air as vapor, and replacing the wet air with air that is drier. 

Air movers serve various functions in flood and water damage. On some of them, a carpet clamp lets them be used to “float” carpets, blowing air underneath the carpeting. We can attach shrouds to the snout of the air movers, making them able to push dry air into wall cavities and under cabinets. High-velocity airflow from the air movers increases the rate of evaporation by getting rid of moist air next to a wet surface. 

The air movers SERVPRO techs use are made as one, two, or three-speed units. We are cautious of the force and direction of the air flow since these machines are powerful enough to blow curtains and wall hangings off the wall. We may need to take things such as this down while drying your home. For floating carpets, we use two or three-speed units with clamps. Most one-speed units do not make enough airflow to float carpet correctly. Some single-speed machines could overheat if used for floating carpets. All of them can overheat if the air inlets are blocked.

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SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill monitors the drying process each day, and we rearrange the air movers as needed to speed up the drying process. If you have a flooding problem in the areas of Andorra, Chestnut Hill, or Roxborough, give us a call right away at (215) 482-0800, so we can help you.

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What to Expect from Mold Remediation in Chestnut Hill

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home is not uncommon, SERVPRO has the training and expertise to properly remediate the damage and keep it from returning.

Mold Damage is a Common Issue Which Requires Professional Remediation Experts

Finding mold in Chestnut Hill is something more homeowners experience than you might expect. The discovery can be frustrating, frightening, and intimidating. You may try to manage the problem yourself with bleach, or other do-it-yourself tactics but find the infestation returns. Our trained technicians know how to abate the current mold outbreak successfully, and minimize chances of it recurring.

The procedure that offers the best outcome for mold damage in Chestnut Hill was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in schools and commercial buildings. Employing this remediation process in residential situations is entirely appropriate. It addresses how to deal with the immediate problem of visible mold colonies efficiently, and also recommends ways to impede future mold proliferation. Our mold remediation crews master the EPA approach while training for the Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) in the IICRC curriculum.

SERVPRO remediation crew members inspect and evaluate the extent of mold damage in a dwelling and then develop a plan to keep inhabitants and technicians safe during remediation. Remediators wear personal protective equipment, and a containment strategy isolates the moldy areas from residents and the rest of the house using physical barriers such as heavyweight plastic sheeting. Often we enhance the containment afforded by using a negative pressure air scrubber to filter and exhaust air as the mold is removed. The moldy materials are bagged and discarded per local rules, and then a final vacuuming with HEPA filter fitted equipment is followed by antimicrobial treatments to inhibit further mold growth.

No mold remediation is complete until the source of moisture feeding the mold colonies is found and eliminated. SERVPRO’s remediation crew locates the source of the water and develops a plan to eliminate it.

If the dampness is due to plumbing or roofing leaks, we help to arrange a permanent fix. Clogged or damaged gutters are another common cause. Clearing and stabilizing the exterior drainage system and ensuring the grading around your foundation slopes away from the house reduces moisture transfer significantly.

High interior humidity can fuel mold growth by itself. We have strategies including adding dehumidifiers, running exhaust fans, and evaluating issues with AC systems that bring humidity in your home to within the safe range of 30 to 50 percent.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill delivers comprehensive mold remediation when you reach out to us after finding or suspecting your home has mold damage. Call us at (215) 482-0800 for an expert assessment and the industry’s best practices when we abate your property’s mold infestation.

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SERVPRO, Fire Damaged Possessions in Manayunk, and Happy Customers

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO after Fire Damage in Your Manayunk Home? We Can Pack-out for Cleaning, We Do It All!

How Do Pack Out Services Work for Fire-Damaged Manayunk Homes?

As traumatic as a widespread structural fire can be to your Manayunk home, the effects that this situation can have on the irreplaceable items and keepsakes in your possession can make it even more devastating. Our mitigation strategy has always been to reduce loss for our customers during a disaster, and that even comes down to protecting these items that remain at risk after the fire has gotten extinguished.

While there may be some items that suffer irreparable fire damage during the blaze in your Manayunk home, there are many contents within your property that can get restored. Our SERVPRO professionals within our Contents Department have effective strategies for removing these items from your damaged home and restoring them individually. After the physical damage has been removed from your property, these possessions can get returned to their original positions.

Part of our ability to protect the belongings within your home is our fast 24-hour response to emergencies. Our team can arrive quickly to your home after a fire with all of the necessary tools and personnel to begin mitigation and restoration work immediately. Our Contents Department can earmark items, furniture, and other belongings for removal during the initial inspection of the property. We arrive with boxes, bubble wrap, moving paper, and moving blankets to transport damaged items to our facility safely when the job calls for these pieces of equipment. All pack-out items are carefully inventoried to simply their return, even in staggered sequences.

Once these items arrive, our highly-trained technicians can get to work on cleaning these items individually. This process can involve many steps depending on the severity of the damage and exposure to soot and smoke particulates. A hydraulic pumping system in an Esporta heavy-duty grade washing machines can work miracles with cleaning soot and odors from soft contents like a Teddy Bear or drapes. The use of ultrasonic baths can clean knick-knacks and other hard items without harm in a bubbly minute. Deodorization is another step in this restoration process, and this often involves the use of our ozone chamber at our facility to neutralize smoke odors embedded in the contents recovered from your property. There is much more in our inventory of equipment to make our customers feel "Like it never even happened."

The team works to provide you with the most comprehensive service at this stressful time, and you can depend on us to restore your home and its contents completely, whenever possible. Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill restoration specialists a call anytime that you need us at (215) 482-0800.

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If Your Manayunk Home Has Suffered Damage From A Fire, You Need Our Crew To Help!

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

If your property needs professional remediation, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

Restoration Of Structural Components In Your Manayunk Home After Fire Damage

A house-fire can damage your home in two separate ways. The first is your contents which may need to be taken out of the property and restored individually. The second element is structural and could be the physical framework of the building itself. Everything in between, such as cabinets, lighting fixtures, attics, windows or curtains are considered structural components and can sustain significant smoke or soot damage. With the right methods, these structural parts can be restored to preloss conditions.

The scope of remediation for properties with fire damage in Manayunk depends on the scale of the event. A SERVPRO technician can help you to ascertain the level of damage in the property as well as take steps to remediate structure. By carrying out a careful visual inspection, we can confidently assign which parts of your home are salvageable as well as which need to be demolished and replaced.

Electrical fittings can be particularly challenging to remediate. At SERVPRO we can remove the fittings to clean behind them and prevent malodors. Expensive structural components like chandeliers can be disassembled for ultrasonic cleaning. We can also use steam cleaning to help lift soots and smokes from your electrical fixtures and then remove the soots by hand using wet cleaning methods.

Removing soots and smoke residues require a combination of wet and dry cleaning methods. Fitted cabinets, particularly those mounted at eye level as in a kitchen, need to be individually cleaned to ensure the proper removal of all smoke and soots. Where wood has a lacquer, SERVPRO uses wet cleaning techniques to remove soiling. Inside a cabinet though is often unfinished wood so cleaning chemicals could cause further damage.

Every fire is unique so restoring property after these types of issues should be left to a professional. Attempting to remove soots by yourself could cause further damages and affect your insurance claim. SERVPRO is a nationally recognized institution that you can trust to act in your interests throughout the service. We always stick to our restore over replace promise and strive to conduct ourselves in an efficient, timely manner.
 
If your property needs professional remediation, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

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After A Water Damage Incident In Your Manayunk Bathroom Our Experts Will Restore It To Pre-Damage Condition

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

If you experience a water loss incident in your home, do not hesitate to reach out to our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill rapid response team.

Restoring Bathroom Décor In Your Manayunk Home After Water Damage

Even with minor water loss incidents that occur in the bathroom of your Manayunk home, many of the elements and materials could become saturated and damaged over a brief period. Securing professional restoration services for water loss incidents that occur anywhere in your home is a wise decision to ensure that the appropriate drying techniques get applied to the situation to prevent further complications and damaging effects later.

The bathroom of your home persistently remains one of the areas most prone to water damage throughout your Manayunk property. From the leaking of fixtures and plumbing connections to the malfunction of installed elements like your toilet or bathtub, many avenues could quickly damage construction materials and cabinetry like vanities or towel closets. To protect these saturated elements and restore them to their original condition and strength, you should reach out to our SERVPRO rapid response team.

Our professionals can respond quickly to assess the full scope of the damage to the bathroom of your home and determine the source of the water damage causing the concerns. We can repair leaking fixtures or plumbing and work to prevent further water penetration while our drying efforts and cleaning services get underway. We can communicate with you the entire time to ensure that you are aware of the tasks getting performed to return your property to its preloss condition.

Drying out exposed materials is critical to preserve them and prevent unnecessary tear out and reconstruction. If it is a clean water incident, we can often implement our high-powered machinery like LGR dehumidifiers and air movers to force moisture out of saturated elements and into the air to get collected and removed from the affected areas.

Restoring damaged elements and cabinetry in your damp bathroom is possible with the right response from our trained professionals. If you experience a water loss incident in your home, do not hesitate to reach out to our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill rapid response team at (215) 482-0800.

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Is Commercial Water Damage Being Stored in Your Roxborough Bank Vault?

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Call your SERVPRO Franchise professional to help keep your bank open while remediating a water loss event.

Commercial Flood Damage Professionals In Roxborough Talk About Pipe Freezes

During the winter time, snowstorms and cold weather in the Roxborough area can cause several different problems with both businesses and homes. If your bank gets caught in a blizzard or cold spell, issues could occur that require you to call in a professional commercial flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO. Blizzards can create high-speed winds that can puncture your bank's windows or exterior walls allowing the snow to enter your bank building. During the winter months, outside temperatures can drop well below zero which can lower the indoor temperatures in portions of your bank. When the areas around your plumbing system start to get cold, it is possible that your water pipes can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, and it can force your pipes to burst and spill moisture into your structure and cause your bank's property extensive commercial flood damage.

Once a pipe freezes and breaks it can pour hundreds of gallons of water into your bank in a short period. Pipes usually freeze overnight when your bank is closed which can make the issues more severe, making it wise to call in an experienced commercial flood damage company in Roxborough. Our SERVPRO technicians have experience in dealing with a variety of issues on both personal and non-residential properties. We know that when working in your place of business, it is essential to keep your company operating as normal if at all possible. When a pipe breaks in your bathrooms, for instance, we can shut down one bathroom at a time and close off your bank in sections so that your customers can conduct their transactions as usual.

Water damage from a pipe bursting inside your bank's public restrooms can cause your building materials and possibly contents to get ruined. When mitigating any issues inside your bank that occurred, we work towards saving as many items we can with extraction and drying methods to reduce overall costs to your business. If you ever have a pipe freeze and break inside your bank's restroom, call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 immediately.

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Why Fast Extraction is Important to Remove Water From Chestnut Hill Homes

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Water and wood floors don't mix. Call SERVPRO when unwanted water invades your home.

Why SERVPRO Chooses The Best Response for Water Damage in Chestnut Hill

Property can flood for different reasons including a burst plumbing line or a failed appliance such as a dishwasher. We have also been called to fix spills that happen from human errors such as leaving a tap running. Just as the causes of the spill vary, responses too can be different. An appropriate response should remove the water from your property fast. It should also help you save on costs and forestall secondary problems from occurring. We offer professional restoration services that have helped many property owners in Chestnut Hill.

Fast extraction helps reduce the impact of water damage in Chestnut Hill. Many materials can withstand temporary submersion in water. However, as time passes the water permeates the material causing problems like swelling, loss of structural integrity and loss of shape such as when wood warps. Water also causes running of dyes from fabrics or resins from wooden materials leading to stains. By stopping the source of water and using immediate extraction helps prevent most of these secondary problems. Our SERVPRO technicians use different equipment including wet-dry vacs and portable as well as truck-mounted extractors to achieve this goal. In case we cannot stop the water source we can move contents to prevent them from severe damage.  

From our past experiences, we know that the number of items replaced after a flooding incident influence the costs involved. Saving more items can, therefore, helps reduce the cost. Restorative cleaning and drying are two steps that help you save significant items like carpets, or upholstery items reducing costs by a significant margin. At SERVPRO, we have certified CCT, Carpet Cleaning Technicians, and ASD, Applied Structural Drying Technicians, to handle such tasks. We can remove the carpet and reinstall it when it dries or opt for in-place drying which limits the levels of disruption including moving furniture.  

Water loss incidents can have long-term implications if not appropriately managed. Some of these problems might include mold development and deterioration of materials in walls and subfloors. The problems usually occur when excess moisture remains after the restoration process. After extracting all standing water, our SERVPRO technicians take additional measures to dry the property correctly. On walls, we can drill vent holes allowing us to circulate air in the wall cavities for effective drying. We also use drying mats and injectidry systems to remove moisture trapped below floorboards. We use different moisture detection tools including thermo-hygrometers and moisture meters to ensure proper drying.  

Choosing the right drying method helps restore your water damaged property fully. Call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 to assist you. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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How Our Skilled Professionals Will Eliminate Moldy Odors From Your Manayunk Home

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you become aware of the presence of mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill immediately.

Clearing The Signs And Odors Of Mold Damage In Your Manayunk Home

Professional assessment is a must for homeowners who discover signs of mold or mildew in their property. These microscopic fungi can spread fast and have been known to infect sheetrock, wooden structural components, and wall spaces. Often the visible signs are the tip of the iceberg and can betray extensive mold growth underneath. Although these fungi pose a health risk, they are not considered to be life-threatening. However, dealing with mold quickly and effectively is essential.

The unpleasant odor and appearance of mold damage in Manayunk properties can be rectified quickly using a local service. SERVPRO has experienced IICRC certificate holders in both the assessment and remediation of mold. Our technicians live locally which can reduce call-out times to your property and allow us to guarantee to arrange a service within one hour of notification of loss; we can begin work in as little as four.

By focusing on the source, we can remove mold and prevent it from coming back. Mold spores proliferate in warm, moist conditions so often the source could be a leaking pipe or structural flaw. We use moisture meters and our training to find these moisture pockets and dry them using rapid air-movers or injectidry systems. These equipment allow us to dry inside wall cavities, crawlspaces and beneath the subfloor.

The priority for most homeowners is removing the visible signs and musty smells that are common in this type of property damage. We can use soda blasting alongside other agitative cleaning methods to remove thick buildup. SERVPRO provides technicians with industrial grade foggers that are water-based, meaning they are safe to use in properties without having to relocate residents. Our priority is to remove both the signs and smells to make the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Mold damages can often recur if the property is not thoroughly cleansed. After removing fungus from carpets, upholstery or walls, SERVPRO can apply antimicrobial treatments to the affected area. This treatment helps to mitigate against recurring mold problems meaning one call-out is enough to remediate damages.

If you become aware of the presence of mold in your home, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 immediately.

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Roxborough Properties Receive Exceptional, Comprehensive Water Restoration Services from SERVPRO

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

Equipment Like Air Scrubbers and LGR Dehumidifiers Are Why SERVPRO Teams Mitigate Water Damage in Roxborough Homes and Businesses

Removing Odors Through Applied Drying and Deodorization in Water Cleanup for Roxborough Homes

Wherever there is the presence of moisture, there is the risk of unpleasant odors and secondary damages like mold or mildew. Many providers can remove the visible signs of moisture, but few have the required equipment to dry inside a wall or underneath floorboards and cabinets. Choosing the right service at the first time of asking could help save yourself money and stress.

Usually, a water cleanup in Roxborough properties involves more than just pumping out standing water. Odors can often disappear once a structure is dry, but only a thorough approach can ensure your home is dry inside and out. SERVPRO trains technicians at a national facility and provides them with the latest restoration equipment to ensure we get the job done the first time. Our technicians hold IICRC qualifications in a range of drying and odor control restoration.

Sources of odor are complicated to find. An odor can come from anywhere, so the only way to guarantee proper removal is to dry and deodorize the affected area. Wall cavities and fittings are usually the culprits when it comes to hidden moisture pockets. SERVPRO drills small holes into walls and the toe pockets of cabinets to allow airflow. In some cases, we use advanced injectidry equipment to blast warm air directly into wall cavities. This technique prevents long-term exposure to moisture which can damage sheetrock inside your walls.

Tackling odors using deodorization is a secondary method that can be effective once the affected area is thoroughly dried. Although SERVPRO has access to ozone generators it is rare we use this equipment outside of large commercial properties. Our technicians hold certificates in odor control from the IICRC and can apply a range of methods proven effective to tackle moisture. Usually, industrial foggers are efficient and harmless. In areas of significant odor, we may lay down pellets.

For thorough, educated approaches to restoration, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800.

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Prevent Mold In Your Manayunk Home

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Black mold grows in the basement. This mold was revealed after a poorly installed bathtub and shower surround were removed.

Wet Basement in Your Manayunk Home Can Cause Mold Growth

There are many Manayunk homes where the basement is generally unused for more than storage of a few items. The lack of traffic to this area often leaves many of the homeowners unaware of the conditions of this lower level and any growth potential threats of moisture and dampness that could result in widespread mold growth throughout beams and floor supports on the ceiling. A good way for homeowners to understand the status of their basement level is to inspect this area for potential damages or damp areas regularly. Even without clear signs of mold growth, a damp basement is something that should get addressed as quickly as you can.

Preventing mold damage to your Manayunk basement might be challenging to do if you do not know what is happening beneath your feet. Often many homeowners do not know about a problem until it spreads through the HVAC system or the flooring material on the main floor of the house to spread mold to new areas of the property that get more highly trafficked. Regardless of how the mold damage gets discovered, removing the presence takes precision and industry-leading equipment you can find on our SERVPRO emergency response, Green Fleet. 

Drying up the area is often as important as removing the mold growth. A drier region lacks the requirements to facilitate further growth of the organism, and our SERVPRO professionals can contain the current spread with air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators. Whether removing the materials entirely or only removing enough to take out the active colony inside, our professionals get to work on eliminating the organism seated in materials throughout this area of your home. We further protect beams and structural elements by spraying them with an antimicrobial solution to make them uninhabitable to spores for a time. 

While you might not see your basement as often as you should, you can appreciate how moist and damp areas of the property can allow for mold growth to occur. To prevent this disaster from affecting more than it already has, give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill remediation specialists a call today at (215) 482-0800.

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Learn How SERVPRO Can Repair the Damaged Wood in Your Manayunk Home

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

After wood in your home has been damaged SERVPRO can offer sanding as a repair.

Treatments for Fire Damaged Wood in Manayunk Homes


One of the most vulnerable materials in Manayunk homes to fire damage is wood. Although modern homes are built with many systems in place to improve their resistance to fire, all but a few types of wood remain highly flammable and susceptible to damage. Although the processes involved in restoring damage done to wood are simple compared to many other tasks, they still require significant manpower and careful planning to get done. Here are a few ways SERVPRO technicians use their expertise to reverse the effects of fire damage on wood in your home.

Refinishing

Many consequences of fire damage to Manayunk homes can be dealt with by refinishing or repainting wood and other surfaces in the home. After a light cleaning, our crews can apply one of many new finishes to the surface depending on the needs of your home. These finishes can effectively seal in smoke odors, give the wood a like-new appearance, and even add style where your home might have been lacking before.

Sanding

One treatment unique to most types of wood is sanding. With the aid of industrial-strength sanding tools, we can shave off the thin charred layer on fire damaged surfaces in your home. After any visual damage has been removed, we make final adjustments and apply a fresh coat of finish to the material. This treatment may not work for all types of wood, but is still one of our most-used tactics.

Isolated Replacement

When a fire compromises the structural integrity of your home by burning through supports, framing, and other critical supportive elements, our only option is to replace the materials and prevent collapse later. However, we only replace those boards and beams that have been burned through, keeping areas with only cosmetic damage mostly untouched. By keeping replacements to a minimum, we often save thousands of dollars that would otherwise be wasted by tossing out salvageable materials.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill can help to reverse the effects of fire damage in your home. Call us 24/7 as soon as possible after a disaster at (215) 482-0800.


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If You Have A Water Damage Emergency In Your Manayunk Home You Need The Team At SERVPRO!

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

We're available 24/7 and ready to answer your call.

Situations When You Need Water Cleanup Services For Your Manayunk Residence

Being prepared with reliable knowledge and an understanding of how different catastrophic circumstances can harm your Manayunk home helps keep any damage from becoming too severe. Many disasters involve water that invades your living space either from broken pipes or other mishaps inside the house, or creeping water that comes in from the outside world.

When you find yourself facing property damage, many times water cleanup services in Manayunk can drastically reduce the amount of damage almost immediately. When SERVPRO water extraction team starts removing the water, the rate at which it can spread to other areas significantly decreases. Our experts can help get things back to normal for you after a disaster.

Flooding can bring contaminated water full of silt and organic materials into your residence. We extract the water and sanitize every surface touched by the water. Afterward, we deodorize to make sure your home looks and smells like you remember, before the flood.

Rain coming to your home from crooked gutters can also scatter leaves and other things from your yard all over your floor. While rainwater seems clean, it often carries small impurities that can produce foul odors as it decomposes. Microbial colonization becomes increasingly likely when outside water remains for too long inside your home.

Appliances can malfunction and spill water all over the floor. A brittle hose can break or slip off from the machine and send gallon after gallon all over your home's floors. Because this water is much cleaner than floodwater, the chances increase in your flooring's favor, including carpeting. The increased probability that we can save your floors only holds with a rapid response, which is why we are Faster To Any Size Disaster. Getting your furniture up on blocks to prevent staining, pulling out any ruined materials, and other steps after water cleanup prevent undamaged areas from becoming involved in the situation.

After a small fire, overlooking the necessity of water cleanup can lead to water damage and mold infestation, even in areas that remained unscathed by the fire. We can get things dried out and ready for normal activities in your home after such an incident. Making sure that electrical wiring remains functional and safe happens with one of our partners, further saving you time and money.

SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill is always ready to help those living in Roxborough, Andorra, and Germantown successfully deal with possibly damaging incidents involving water in their homes. Water cleanup is an essential part of many mitigation jobs, and we can provide you with expert, professional services. Call us for this and related mitigation and restoration services at (215) 482-0800. We're always open and ready to answer your call.

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The Steps SERVPRO Technicians Take to Restore Commercial Fire Damage

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

Our team is here to take care of your fire-damaged business with the tender, love, & care it deserves.

Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup in Your Manayunk Business

When you own a clothing store in Manayunk, even the smallest fire can cause a great deal of damage to your building and merchandise. Cleanup from a fire has different elements to it, which means it is essential that the process is done correctly.

Commercial fire damage to your Manayunk business needs to be dealt with right away. Any settled soot is acidic and continually causes more damage as long as it is left. Calling our professionals at SERVPRO as soon as the fire is out is the best thing to do to protect your assets.

When our staff is cleaning up fire damage, there are four elements which affect how residues and soils are suspended in a cleaning product. These include temperature, agitation, chemical action, and time. We use all these elements for effective cleaning.

SERVPRO technicians are trained to know that heat makes molecules move faster. Temperature helps the cleanup process since the faster the particles are going, the higher the speed of the chemical reaction is between cleaning solutions and soils. Heat can also lower the surface tension of water-based solutions, letting the products penetrate surfaces and dissolve soils more efficiently. The molecules remain suspended in the cleaning agent longer, allow for better extraction.

Agitation is used to dislodge soils. It can mean moving the surface being cleaned, moving the solution, or both. Once the bond between the soil and the surface is broken, we can wash the residues away.

Cleaning solutions bridge the gap between water and soil which makes our process of cleaning easier. We use various chemical actions to break the bond between surfaces and smoke residues that are clinging to them.

Dwell time is the time that we need for the soils to dissolve and the chemical action to work. These times vary for different cleaning processes and professional products. The specific time requirements depend on various factors like the kind of soil, the kind of material, the temperature of the cleaning solution and the method of agitation.

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SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill work quickly and efficiently to clean your business in Roxborough, Andorra, or Dearnley Park after a fire to avoid any further damages. You can trust that you are receiving professional staff who treat you as an individual when you contact us at (215) 482-0800. 

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Our Guide To Restoring Your Chestnut Hill Home After A Flood

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping hold of an emergency restoration service that responds quickly could save you thousands of dollars in personal damages.

Restoring Your Property After Flood Damage In Chestnut Hill

The flash flooding that hit much of Philadelphia this fall has caused severe damages to commercial property managers and private residents alike. These rapid water floods were caused by a series of storms that led to high levels of precipitation. Keeping a preparedness kit with you and having a game plan for the immediate event is essential to your safety. Keeping hold of an emergency restoration service that responds quickly could save you thousands of dollars in personal damages.

The impact of flood damage in Chestnut Hill residences is two-fold. The initial phase can be a threat to your safety. The second phase is concerned with reducing the financial impact on your personal property and possessions. SERVPRO is an established restoration service with technicians that live and work right here in Philadelphia. We can reach you fast and have access to industrial scale equipment.

When water passes rapidly through towns and cities, it can become contaminated along the way. These contaminate range from animal carcasses to raw sewage. The combination of water with contaminated substances is known by SERVPRO technicians as Black Water and has its own set of procedures for restoration. These procedures tend to be more thorough than in clean water cleanups due to the presence of potentially harmful pathogens.

In short, cleaning up contaminated Black Water means rapidly removing all items that have come in to contact with the substance. Due to the high personal health risk, areas of drywall may have to be removed as well as carpets to be taken and thoroughly cleaned. Although SERVPRO work toward a restore over replaces mentality, in the case of flood water we may need to act quickly to ensure property remains safe for its inhabitants.

Clearing away Black Water requires professional expertise, contact SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 to arrange a visit from a technician.

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SERVPRO Provides Cutting-Edge Equipment and Training for Cleanup After a House Fire in Manayunk

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

That's Why SERVPRO -- Smoke Odors and Particles Even Get Cleaned from Your Manayunk HVAC System After a Fire

Smoke and Soot Damage Recovery in Your Manayunk Home

Mitigation is an essential element in preserving your home, and its contents after a disaster affect your Manayunk residence. Widespread effects from situations like a fire can cause compounding conditions that require both experienced personnel and advanced equipment to overcome.

Fire damages can hit your Manayunk residence in many ways and overcoming each of them can prove challenging on its own. Our SERVPRO technicians undergo extensive training to achieve their certifications in Fire and Smoke Restoration and also continued education to tackle secondary effects like odor removal and soot mitigation. We offer continual training for all of our technicians to promote an atmosphere of highly-educated and motivated professionals of this industry with the skills and equipment necessary to restore fire-damaged properties entirely.

Mitigation work is only as productive as the team that responds quickly to begin it. That is why our 24-hour emergency service is available to anyone, even on the holidays. We can respond quickly to the emergency and work efficiently to limit the loss that your home sustains through content removal like our pack-out process and through addressing secondary effects that can cause continual issues for your home such as water damage from extinguishing efforts.

However, through our advanced equipment available to our SERVPRO team on site such as our truck-mounted pumps, we can extract excess water fast and begin to address some of the other widespread concerns throughout the house such as soot and smoke damages. Some of the affected materials and contents of your home that sustained smoke damages can get treated on site with the use of our thermal fogger. This chemical compound neutralizes harsh odor molecules on contact and is effective both for open areas and for individual items like fabrics, clothing, and carpeting. Odor control can be a pervasive problem in fire and smoke abatement if not tackled quickly. But there are some odors that not even SERVPRO can eliminate. Imaginged odors. Click for more on this here.

Fire damages might be too much for a homeowner to contend with on their own, but with the fast response of our highly trained technicians, we can ensure that restoration is efficient and thorough. Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill emergency response team a call anytime that you need assistance at (215) 482-0800.

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The 48 Hour Countdown: When Water Enters Your Mt Airy Home

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was able to restore this property after water damage.

Mt Airy's Water Removal Team Talks About Different Sources of Damage

Moisture-related problems can occur inside your Mt Airy home when you least expect it. The most common source of water damage inside houses is plumbing system failures when this occurs water removal may be necessary. Even the smallest cracks inside a water pipe can cause hundreds of gallons of water to pump into your house in a short period. Appliances that use water can also malfunction and spray moisture onto your contents and building materials. Once moisture hits organic materials inside a building, the problems can get worse and worse making prompt water removal a necessity.  

As soon as you notice a leak, it is wise to call in the experts at SERVPRO. We know that when conducting a water removal operation in Mt Airy, that time is vital. Microbes can start to form within 48 hours, so our goal is always to lower moisture levels to what they were before the loss within that two day period. If items inside your structure stay saturated for too long, they start to lose their structural integrity.  

Every water damage project gets completed differently based on the source of the leak. Plumbing system failures are the most common cause of problems, but they are the easiest to mitigate. When moisture flows out of a water pipe, we know that it is clean. When things get ruined by clean water, our SERVPRO team considers the problem a class one or white water damage scenario.  

Other water sources can leak, thus contaminating the materials they contact. Possible contamination with harmful bacteria occurs when water leaks from a sink drain or comes in from the outside after a storm. These types of situations are called category two or grey water cases.  

Sometimes toilets malfunction or sewage backs up into your home. In these situations, special techniques need to be taken to prevent health effects. During these types of problems or cases of category three or black water damage, most items the water touched are thrown out. If you ever have problems with excessive moisture inside your home, call SERVPRO of Manayunk and Chestnut Hill at (215) 482-0800 any day of the week.

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Unwatched Pot, Ohh Ohh! Another Fire in an Andorra Kitchen, Better Call SERVPRO

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Avoid Andorra Kitchen Fires Says SERVPRO

Fire Damage Experts In Andorra Warn About Grease Fires

Even the most experienced home chefs in Andorra occasionally get grease they are cooking with too hot and spill it on the burner, causing flames to ignite. Once grease burns, the flames use other materials in your home as fuel to spread and possibly cause extensive fire damage. Statistics show that around five million cooking fires occur inside homes in the U.S. Out of these fires, grease fires are the most hazardous and account for one out of every five deaths caused by structural burns in the country. Learning how to cook with grease inside your home safely can save your property from severe fire damage.
 
The number one rule when cooking with grease is to never, ever leave your pot or pan full of grease unattended while it is on the burner. Unattended pots are the most common cause of grease igniting and causing fire damage inside your Andorra cottage's kitchen. Once grease starts smoking while it is on the burner, it takes only thirty seconds before it bursts into flames. Therefore, even if you leave the kitchen for a minute, it is possible that grease will ignite.
 
Paying attention while you are cooking with grease can save lives and prevent problems taking place inside your home. Any time a grease fire takes place in your kitchen, it is wise to call SERVPRO professionals to assess the issues immediately. Flames can burn structural components and your possessions. Smokes generated by grease fires also can cause structural damage. The longer charred materials go untreated; the more likely pungent, burnt odors will exist inside a structure.
 
The quicker our SERVPRO team can respond the less likely secondary problems due to the burn take place. As soon as we arrive at your home, we assess the damage and see what we can refinish and clean and what items must be discarded and then replaced. Many times severely burnt objects have to be removed but some wooden materials can be sanded down and refinished. Smoke created by grease fires can be very difficult to remove with cleaning techniques.
 
Therefore, the quicker you call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800, the better off you will be.

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Why Team SERVPRO Arrives at Your Chestnut Hill Business Location for Water Damage Remediation With Additional Tools

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Whether your business is a storage facility or something else, excess water from an accident or incident needs to be quickly removed. Contact SERVPRO.

The Right Equipment Eases Commercial Water Cleanup in Chestnut Hill

A case of water damage in your business is not only inconveniencing but may also require considerable effort to restore the property back to preloss conditions. This is especially the case if the right equipment is not available during restoration. Many people only think of the larger appliances such as water extractors, however even lack of small tools can complicate simple jobs or lead to unexpected damages after using the wrong ones. With our professional cleanup services, you do not have to worry about lacking resources because our technicians are well equipped.
 
The kind of equipment needed for commercial water cleanup in Chestnut Hill varies depending on what is affected. If yours is a storage facility, you have different requirements compared to someone whose office with a wall-to-wall carpet is affected by the water loss. The number of people that visit your premises on a given day might also determine what resources are needed. In a frequently visited place, you might want to isolate the loss areas, so accessories such as wet carpet signs are necessary to keep visitors from ruining your work.
 
The main issue after a case of water loss is moisture, which if left unaddressed, leads to microbial growth and bad odor. Although it is the big equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers that help deal with the moisture, small tools like pry bars are needed to remove baseboards and other structural components for easier removal of the moisture in hidden spaces. Our SERVPRO technicians have vans well-stocked with different tools in anticipation of the different types of problems.
 
In some workplaces, it might not be possible to stop the water source immediately especially when it is a big leak. It might also be impossible to move items from the affected area to prevent further damage. Our SERVPRO technicians use heavy duty plastics to shield essential contents from further damages in such cases.
 
Lack of equipment should not complicate restoration after water loss. Call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 485-0800. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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SERVPRO Pumps and Pumps Water Out of Your Mt Airy Basement After Flooding

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Mt Airy Basement Gets Pumped Out and Dried Out by SERVPRO After Flooding

The Best Way to Drain Water Out of a Flooded Basement After a Flood Damage Experience

By properly planning and implementing everything through practice, we can handle disasters such as flood damage when they come knocking. The preparation phase needs to include our loved ones. For instance, if we come up with a fire escape plan, the plan becomes a success once we practice it and come up with a way of exiting every room. If you live in Mt Airy, this September gives you a chance to learn how to prepare for such incidents.

Though every second counts during flood damage restoration in Mt Airy, our SERVPRO technicians perform some actions carefully. For instance, it is not advisable to hurriedly pump water from a flooded basement when the ground outside is still full of water. If that happens there are chances of the basement collapsing since the pressure of the outside water is pushing the walls inwards. It means we have to balance the inside and outside pressure to protect floors and walls from possible cracking and collapsing.
 
We are going to look at some of the steps we follow when pumping water out of a flooded basement. When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at the site, we first make sure the electricity is off before entering the basement. Since most basements do not have adequate ventilation, we avoid using gasoline-powered pumps indoors to avoid creating carbon monoxide fumes. After the level of the water has gone down around 2-3 feet, we may have to wait for some time and see whether it can go back up. If it goes up, we have to repeat the previous step until it stops going up.
 
Our SERVPRO technicians shovel the mud the flood water leaves behind to prevent possible health hazards. We also clean the silt and debris out of flooded heating and air conditioning ducts. Changing their filters is also necessary to prevent the system from blowing contaminated air around the basement. At the end of cleaning, we apply EPA-approved disinfectants to prevent possible bacterial and fungal growth.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk works around the clock to offer cleaning and restoration services that meet both residential and commercial needs. Call us at (215) 482-0800 to have our experienced technicians restore your flooded property.

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Remediation For Basement Mold In Your Mt Airy Home

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

If you encounter mold growth in your home, it is best to trust in the rapid response of our SERVPRO professional remediation team.

Remediation For Basement Mold

Many Mt Airy homes regularly battle with moisture and dampness issues, especially in the basements of the houses. With this moisture and dampness come the concerns that these conditions can allow for, which can erode and degrade the construction materials used in supports and framing for the house itself.

The effects from combating moisture and dampness in your Mt Airy basement at its worst is mold damages. This growth in your home not only threatens structural elements but can also provide a significant potential health risk to the residents of the house. If you encounter mold growth in your home, it is best to trust in the rapid response of our SERVPRO professional remediation team to regulate the situation.

The first steps in this remediation process are the full assessment of the spread of the colony throughout the affected area. At this time, our technicians quarantine this area with the use of air scrubbers to reduce the spread of active spores to new areas of your home. To keep the situation further contained, our SERVPRO remediation specialists insist that the air circulation appliances get turned off until the mold colonies can get successfully removed and the damage restored.

Among the most troublesome aspects of mold growth in your home is how quickly the colony can spread. As it moves from surface to surface or spreads along a wall, the colony feeds on the organic material until it is unsalvageable to the advanced techniques of our professionals. This degradation can lead to the removal and replacement of these structural materials to rid the house of the mold colony entirely. This result shows how getting to the situation as quickly as possible is more cost effective and efficient for any homeowner to do.

While you might not get fully prepared to face mold damages present in your home, our SERVPRO of Manayunk remediation technicians has the expertise and industry-leading equipment to resolve this situation for you quickly. The mold damages do not go away on their own. Trust in the rapid response team that we have standing by 24/7 at (215) 482-0800.

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Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Chestnut Hill Home During Mold Damage Remediation

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold, whether in your basement, attic or bathroom can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation options.

Team SERVPRO Follows Proven Steps When Dealing With a Mold Infestation in Your Home

Mold damage usually results when your property has wetness as a result of roof or plumbing leaks, flooding, damp crawl space or basement and high humidity which may come from dryer vents or steam cooking. If the moisture problem remains in place for up to 48 hours, then mold develops. It means we have to start by addressing the moisture source when we are responding to such incidents in Chestnut Hill.
 
There are professional steps that our SERVPRO technicians follow when attending to mold damage incidents in Chestnut Hill. We can visually check whether there is mold in your structure by checking out whether the ceilings and walls are discolored. Another option is smelling the mold by sensing that foul stench. During the inspection, we also determine the extent of the damage - whether the area is above or less than 25 SQ. FT.
 
While at the site, our SERVPRO technicians can use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity. If we notice the relative humidity is over 40%, then we can put in place dehumidifiers to reduce the content of moisture in the air. We perform dehumidification to reduce the chances of condensation taking place in cold areas. We then apply disinfectants on moldy spots to neutralize them and prevent the chances of future occurrence.
 
We remove contaminated porous items such as drywall and ceiling tiles from the structure. If we come across wet wallboard, we remove it and discard. Our team can also drill holes near the floor to drain walls. We understand there might be hidden mold in the interior of the wall, so, we use moisture sensors and meters to check whether there is some level of wetness. By using detergents that have anti-microbial properties, we wash hard surfaces and items. If necessary, we can use a stiff brush when we are washing rough areas such as concrete.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk can make your house feel like home once more after experiencing storm, mold, fire, or water damage. Call us at (215) 482-0800 when you want to work with an industry leader that you can trust.

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Commercial Water Cleanup For Chestnut Hill Businesses

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Businesses usually see flooding problems after an internal problem with a malfunctioning sprinkler system, a broken pipe or a split hose.

Commercial Water Cleanup

Chestnut Hill businesses usually see flooding problems after an internal problem with a malfunctioning sprinkler system, a broken pipe or a split hose. Each can leave an incredible amount of water across the floor, and damage both structural property and inventory.

Commercial water cleanup for a Chestnut Hill copy shop and business center is not the same as water removal. SERVPRO restoration teams have to draw water out of the home before they can wipe down affected property or otherwise clean the facility. The amount of paper present can have some effects on everything in the facility.

Team members have to remove every piece of paper as quickly as possible, to avoid it adhering to furniture and everything else it touches. When it does stick, peeling it off piece-by-piece requires many labor hours, but our technicians can successfully remove it. If the furniture and other items are metal, removal is fairly simple. Wood bookcases or chairs require additional care to avoid causing secondary damage, but with a mild cleaning agent, they are restorable.

The ink on paper can stain everything it touches. For metal surfaces, SERVPRO can clean the ink stains with one of the cleaners in our inventory. Wood surfaces are more vulnerable than metal, and the stains or paints are covering them may have to be stripped to remove the stains. Our technicians can strip most surfaces, but we recommend bringing in a professional furniture restorer to replace the stain or paint.

Carpets are potentially the highest cost when it comes to clean up or replacement. To reduce the effects paper and ink have on them, technicians remove everything before drawing away all of the water. Next, they remove any bits of paper and other debris from the surface and then clean the carpet with a strong, commercial grade shampoo. If there is still massive staining after several cleaning sessions, it may be necessary to replace the carpet.

The goal at SERVPRO of Manayunk is to restore each business as close to its original state as possible. If you require our services after water spreads through your operation, call us today at (215) 482-0800 to schedule a visit and receive a free estimate.

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Fire Damage Experts in Andorra Talk about Extra Problems with Water

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Water Exacerbates Fire Damage Cleanup in Andorra--Call SERVPRO for Great Results

SERVPRO Deals with Both Fire & Smoke and Water When Cleaning and Restoring Your Residence in Andorra

Whenever a fire starts on a property in Andorra, several kinds of problems can take place. First off, a fire can spread quickly and burn anything in its way including your building materials and contents. Things often get torched unevenly leaving various amounts of charring present on objects in the house. During most blazes, not everything burns entirely and incomplete combustion causing smoke to enter the airflow. Smoke travels throughout the home and can affect areas of the structure that are located far away from the source. Smoky air flowing from room to room can leave behind unpleasant aromas and soot residues. On top of it all, when a fire gets put out either you or the firefighters most likely use excessive amounts of water to extinguish all of the flames. The unusually large quantities of moisture entering your home can also create its own types of issues.
 
When water floods out a building after a burn, remediation work can get complicated. During several fire damage projects in Andorra, wet materials slow down the restoration process. When materials get burnt or covered in soot, and excessive moisture is added the charring or soils can soak deeper into the affected substances. If soils stay on wet materials for too long, they can become harder to clean.
 
In most cases, our SERVPRO technicians immediately test moisture levels of burnt building materials and contents when they know that water damage may have been added to the situation. When testing water content, we take a reading in the area that could be wet as well as a region we know that is unaffected. To figure out how damp something is, we compare these two numbers.
 
If a good portion of the affected section of your house is abnormally wet, then our SERVPRO crew can conduct rapid structural drying procedures before any mitigation on charred items begins. We set up dehumidifiers and air movers in the affected areas so that moisture levels drop. By discarding soaked and burnt items, the moisture level automatically drops.
 
If building materials or contents are severely burnt, then they get removed. Most of the time when items get affected by smoke, cleaning or refinishing can prevent them from being discarded. If you ever find yourself dealing with the infamous fire and water damage combination, call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800 any time of the day.

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Water Cleanup Services In Mt Airy After Leaks Or Floods

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

We have the tools to restore your home.

Water Cleanup Services

Emergencies can happen in your Mt Airy home at any time, but they seem to occur whenever it is the most inconvenient. SERVPRO crews are always ready to help you protect your home from minor mishaps and major emergencies round the clock. Our training prepares us for the worst situations.

When either small leaks plague a home or a flood covers our local neighborhoods, Mt Airy residents can depend on SERVPRO's water cleanup services to make things right again. We have the tools to restore your home “Like it never even happened” so your family can continue with their regular habits and activities, sans interruption once again.

Technicians at SERVPRO receive extensive training, earning IICRC certificates in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and other areas to better protect customers' homes from damage and deterioration. When we arrive at a job in our Green Fleet, we do a thorough inspection of the situation. We also have a consultation with the homeowners. After no more water can invade your home, we start working to clean up the water and dry out your home.

Water cleanup begins with the extraction of all visible water. When the water came from a clean source, we can often save carpets from becoming too damaged for restoration. If flooding from outside or other dirty sources are involved in your home's emergency, replacing the carpet and padding is often the only option available that can provide the results we desire.

Hardwood floors and other less porous floors can still hold onto water, making the use of more intensive equipment necessary. Heat-producing machinery helps increase the speed that evaporation takes place, and with moisture extracting devices in place, we gather increasingly more amounts of water from the structures in your home.

Water from clean or dirty sources can deposit griminess on the once-clean belongings inside your residence. Our crews can get these clean for you and your family, quickly and without much fuss. We want you to be amazed at our work and happy that you called us. From start to finish, SERVPRO technicians strive to restore each home back to its pre-incident condition.

The technicians at SERVPRO of Manayunk live in our local communities and are proud to serve our neighbors in Roxborough, Mt Airy, and Dearnley Park. When your home requires water cleanup and removal services, call us at (215) 482-0800. Faster to Any Size Disaster, we understand your concerns and can help guide you through this and any other emergency crisis affecting your property.

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Aspects to Look at During Water Damage Restoration in Chestnut Hill

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly affect your home. Contact SERVPRO for a fast response and efficient drying out services.

Team SERVPRO Effectively Tackles Water Damage Regardless of the Source of the Water

Water damage restoration is not all about extracting water from a structure and ventilating the area so that drying can take place. Professionals in this area understand the drying theory and how to apply its principles to achieve the drying goal. So, do not make a mistake of thinking that placing drying equipment and spraying products are all that professionals do during the restoration process. We are going to look at the various aspects that professionals consider when attending to such incidents in Chestnut Hill.
 
The amount of water in your property after a water damage event in Chestnut Hill is also crucial. Our SERVPRO technicians start by determining its source - it can be black water, gray water, or clean water. Clean water does not contain waste products, and it is usually water from a treated source. It can come from faulty appliances, overflowing sinks, leaking roofs and burst pipes. Fewer health risks are associated with this category of water; though, it ceases to be clean once it flows across the soil. In most cases, carpets and pads exposed to clean water are salvageable.
 
Gray water is also known as category 2 water, and it carries waste products - minus human waste. If your washing machine malfunctions and overflows, the water it dumps on the floor is under this category. It may present health risks if a person drinks, touches, or experiences any form of contact. Our SERVPRO team thoroughly cleans carpets exposed to gray water and replaces saturated pads.
 
Category 3 water is known as black water - though it does not means the water must be black. It is majorly unsanitary water with much debris which exposes humans to health risks. Burst sewage back-ups and floodwater are examples of its sources. It is advisable to replace porous materials, pads, and carpets that are contaminated with black water.
 
At SERVPRO of Manayunk, we respond immediately to storm, mold, fire, and water damage disaster. Call us at (215) 482-0800 and let us make your property “Like it never even happened.”
 
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Cleaning Out Flood Damage in Your Mt Airy Residence Makes it Livable and Safe Again

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO to Supply Heavy Duty Equipment for Storm Damage Cleanup in the Mt Airy Neighborhood

Water Damage Mitigation Is Crucial after a Storm

Floodwater smells really bad, and even after leaving, the odor only seems to get worse. Before a flood strikes in or near Mt Airy, homeowners often try to save more valuable items in their homes by placing them in higher locations. Later, we often find that this act of preparation continues to benefit homeowners because we can more easily work in areas directly affected by the flooding.
 
Once a Mt Airy home sustains flood damage, SERVPRO crews work fast to get things right again, “Like it never even happened.” Accomplishing this takes time and teamwork. Our IICRC- certified technicians ensure that water damage, microbial infestation, and other situations remain under control during the process of mitigating flood damage.
 
The amount of time to air out and completely dry your home after a flooding event depends on how much water absorbed into porous materials, and how warm we keep your home's interior. Although we extract as much water as possible in the initial stages, many times making more than one pass during this phase, absorbent materials can retain moisture. The air can also become saturated with water vapor. Higher heat means the air can hold more moisture, which we then force outdoors. Continually doing this slowly but steadily dries out your home's interior walls, floors, and air.
 
Dehumidifiers can work for small floods, such as an accident involving an overflowing sink, but for massive flooding, desiccant machines work more effectively. These machines can help eradicate areas of microbes left over by drying them out, although SERVPRO also uses air scrubbers. These remove any microbes or dust found in the air. Once dry, our crew members start cleaning surfaces to ensure everything becomes clean again and safe to touch. Odors also get treated through various methods, ensuring your home also smells like it should.

SERVPRO of Manayunk wants to make your flooded home livable again by mitigating flood damage. Being kept out of your home by disasters can seem like a never-ending nightmare, but we are here to help. If your home is in the Germantown or Andorra areas, call us at (215) 482-0800.

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Two Methods To Get The Stench Out Of Andorra Homes

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Once a fire damages a home in Andorra, fixing things so your family can once again live in it takes time.

Fire Damage Restoration

Once a fire damages a home in Andorra, fixing things so your family can once again live in it takes time. Things need more than just looking nice, though, because in even small, localized fires that you were able to contain and extinguish easily can create smells that linger. These smells seem stronger at times, but scented sprays do little more than temporarily cover them up, and then, only barely.

If your Andorra home sustained fire damage, mitigation of the home by SERVPRO ensures that every step happens as it should. Mitigation by a professional team means your home not only looks “Like it never even happened.” but that it also smells like it did before the fire happened.

Smoke produces heavy soot particles that fall to the ground wherever the heat of the fire pushes them. Sometimes, this means soot particles end up in unreachable areas. This does not keep them from disintegrating, becoming airborne again, and producing an ongoing stench in your home, however.

After we finish the cleanup and restoration tasks of your home's physical aspects, we can direct our attention to those that you smell. Getting the smell out is crucial to your family's health and comfort because these odors come from substances that might contain carcinogens, and their presence can make your family experience other effects. Taste is significantly related to smell, and anything that interferes with your sense of smell can affect how your meals taste.

Our IICRC-certified technicians use different techniques to rid homes of unwanted odors, including those caused by fire damage. One includes the generation of hydroxyl gas, which we can safely use in your home even when occupied. We use this at times to clean the air while we work, to make conditions safer for us.

Once we finish our work, if odors still cause problems, we implement a more direct approach that mimics the way the some acted during the fire. Because smoke can spread out and affect an entire home, even if the fire remained small, smoky odors can come from anywhere. Thermal fogging can rid a home of these odors quickly, no matter where they hide. The heated steam, carrying deodorizing agents, gets pushed into areas that otherwise remain unreachable, and alters the chemical makeup of the soot particles.

SERVPRO of Manayunk wants to ensure the homeowners and their families of Andorra, Chestnut Hell, and Dearnley Park live in homes fully restored of fire damage after an incident. Call us at (215) 482-0800, so we can perform a complete mitigation service for you that makes your home truly as safe as it looks.

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Resolving Commercial Water Damage In Your Mt Airy Gift Shop

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

No matter the cause of your shop's commercial water damage, SERVPRO has technicians certified by the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration.

Resolving Commercial Water Damage

When your gift shop's restroom facilities cause a mini-flood in your gift shop, everything seems to get soaked. Your customers really do not relish the idea of wading around, and neither do your employees. Getting things back to normal fast can help you stay in business instead of needing to close your doors permanently.

No matter the cause of your Mt Airy shop's commercial water damage, SERVPRO has technicians certified by the IICRC in Water Damage Restoration (WRT). We can get your shop dried out and keep it in business. If a disaster has not struck yet, our READY Plan can help you save precious time in responding to such a crisis, and we can always assist you in preparing one for any business you own.

In water damage cases, we always ensure the water no longer poses a problem. Shutting it off at the main often resolves this, but we know your building needs water in various places, so we work quickly to repair things at the exact site of the leak. Then we can begin restoring your shop “Like it never even happened.”

When a customer notifies us quickly, we can often save substantially more inventory from loss and damages. Waiting only intensifies the damage and creates more loss. We list your inventory, so you have an easier time submitting claims to your insurance. These lists can also help you restock your store and get things back to normal faster.

Our technicians want to help you get everything dried out and back to normal quickly and efficiently. We use various pieces of machinery that force air into places that can absorb water and then retain it, only to cause mold problems weeks later. Drying things out fast stops mold, as well as the deterioration of building materials, from occurring.

SERVPRO of Manayunk can help your business beat water damage and stay in business without affecting your overall sales. We work quickly, so your shop does not need to stay closed for long. Call us at (215) 482-0800, and we can get started right away.

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Mt Airy's Flood Damage Technicians Explain How Moisture Can Effect Wood Floors

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Stormwater Removal and Drying in Mt Airy Floors Needed? Try SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Removes Water to Mitigate Damages After Storms in the Mt Airy Area

Excessive moisture can affect various materials inside your Mt Airy condo differently. When drying various substances, it helps to know how water acts when it comes into contact with the particular item. Wood floors get affected by moisture in primarily the same fashion every time. Grasping how the flooring reacts when it gets wet aids our SERVPRO technicians in the water removal process.
 
How wood floors behave when they get saturated depends on several factors including the amount of moisture and how long the materials have been wet. When mitigating flood damage problems in Mt Airy that take place after a severe thunderstorm, permeance and exposure time are the two significant variables determining the amount of damage to the floorboards. Permeance refers to how easily water vapor passes through a material. Exposure time refers to how long material was in contact with moisture, allowing for continued wicking into the wood grains.

When materials stay in contact with water for an extended period, the typical problems associated with moisture damage can get much worse. All wood naturally contains a small amount of moisture. As more water soaks into the wood, it expands. When wood expands warping is likely. Buckling can also occur at the joints where the floor pieces come together. The longer the wood floor stays in contact with water, the worse the buckling issues can become.
 
If water stays inside the wood, buckling can become permanent and remain after the floors are dried out. In some cases, buckling can be fixed by sanding down and refinishing the floors. In other situations, the floor's buckling is so severe that the wood floor must be pulled up and replaced.

How the water comes into contact with the wooden flooring can also affect how the wood reacts to being wet. When moisture gets absorbed from the bottom and sides of the wood floor, the edges of the floor pieces slightly raise or "cup." Cupping can often be fixed by sanding down the floors. When the top of the wood holds more moisture than the sides and the bottom crowning can take place. Crowning makes the wood arch creating a bowed shape in the middle. Crowning usually happens when the bottom of the wood gets dried too much and too quickly. In most cases, crowning cannot be repaired by sanding and refinishing, and the flooring materials must get removed and replaced.
 
Rapidly drying, but controlled and monitored, wood flooring materials after a storm hits town is the best way to prevent buckling, cupping, and crowning. Our SERVPRO technicians always closely monitor moisture levels within the wood during the drying process so that over-drying does not occur. Anytime you need help removing water from wood floors after a severe thunderstorm or flooding, call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800.

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The Right Measures to Take after Experiencing Mold Damage in Mt Airy

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Quick action on your part by calling SERVPRO at the first sight or smell of mold can contain the infestation and offer efficient remediation services.

Team SERVPRO Contains the Mold Infestation in Your Home Before Finding the Cause and Remediating the Damage 

Continuous exposure to indoor mold damage may lead to health effects, and that is why there are some service providers out there that can help with cleanup or remediation of mold. As long as oxygen and moisture are present, mold can grow on any organic substance. That is why we advise residents of Mt Airy to act whenever they discover any moisture accumulation in their homes.
 
While our SERVPRO technicians can control indoor mold damage incidents in Mt Airy, it is not possible to eliminate all mold spores that exist in our buildings. It is hard to see the spores without any magnification, and that means they are so light and can continually move through the outdoor and indoor environment. The moment they land on damp materials, they start to grow and in the process digest surfaces as a means of surviving.
 
Identifying the mold is one of the tasks that or SERVPRO technicians do while at the site. We start by doing a visual inspection and look for mold growth in contents that contain cellulose such as wood products, gypsum boards, studs and ceiling tiles. Basements, attics, and crawl spaces are prone to mold attacks and while at those places we check whether there is some discoloration on the walls and any present of a musty smell. With the use of moisture sensors and meters, we can detect any hidden moisture intrusion.
 
Once our SERVPRO technicians detect a mold problem, some of the corrective actions we take include: identifying and stopping the moisture sources, cleaning or removing materials with the mold contamination, removing the mold and thoroughly drying the area before any construction or renovation work starts. Before any mold remediation processes begin, our technicians put in place containment measures. These actions help in establishing an airlock region between the contaminated area, and the uncontaminated area. For instance, by using exhaust fans, we can create a negative pressure that prevents the spread of the spores.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk is an industry leader in commercial and residential mold remediation and cleaning services. Call us at (215) 482-0800 when you need to work with highly trained and dedicated restoration technicians.
 
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Rebuilding And Reconstruction Following A Fire In Your Chestnut Hill Residence

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps Homeowners with Fire Damage Restoration and Cleanup in the Chestnut Hill Area

SERVPRO Assists, Not Just with the Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration, to Getting Your Home Back to Being a Home

Fire in your Chestnut Hill home is never something that a homeowner wants to have to deal with, but unfortunately, it is not as rare of an occurrence as you might believe. Knowing that there are countless ways that a disaster like this could happen, there are few precautions that can even get taken to prevent it. Regardless of the severity, homeowners ultimately require professional assistance to overcome the effects of a fire.

The fire damages to your Chestnut Hill residence can vary from incident to incident, but it is best to choose the team that can handle the situation regardless of how widespread and severe these damages might be. Our SERVPRO professionals have the expertise and the equipment to handle all fire restoration tasks and to help you to restore your home or prepare it for the next step in returning it to preloss conditions.

As you might expect, many fires that occur to area homes are widespread and severe. These damages not only require professional restoration assistance, but they ultimately require the employment of a residential contractor as well for rebuilding efforts and reconstruction. While our initial assessment can often determine what materials and areas of your home require this added step, much of our restoration work sheds light on areas and materials that could be weak or too damaged to salvage.

In these cases, our SERVPRO professionals set to work on the removal of these overly damaged components. The idea hinges on controlled demolition tactics, which ensure that only the unsalvageable materials get removed. The process prepares these areas where removal occurred for reconstruction and remodeling with new materials, often by a separate contractor. Our SERVPRO team can produce a CCIS, Contents Claim Inventory Service, that documents the non-salvageable building elements and possessions that can assist in your insurance claim and expedite all ancillary workings to achieve a renewed home.

Our team can help you to overcome all of the effects of a fire in your home, from soot and smoke damage to water damage left behind from extinguishment. When you get faced with the damages from a fire in your residence, do not hesitate to call our SERVPRO of Manayunk fire restoration specialists. We can be reached anytime by calling (215) 482-0800.

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How Water Heater Damage In Chestnut Hill Can Ruin Your Day

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water heaters are a staple in modern American homes, but even new and expensive models may sometimes be prone to malfunctioning and creating damage.

Water Heater Damage

Water heaters are a staple in modern American homes, but even new and expensive models may sometimes be prone to malfunctioning and creating water damage in Chestnut Hill and other local communities. There are several ways in which a water heater can damage your home, some more severe than others, but these are almost always severe enough to warrant a call to a professional damage mitigation company like SERVPRO. Be sure to maintain and replace aging water heaters to avoid these potential calamities.

Ruptures
Although they are less common than other types of water heater damage in Chestnut Hill, ruptures in the equipment's exterior can cause some of the most severe clean water damage possible in a typical single-family residence. With large volumes of liquid water, both stored inside the tank and flowing in as pressure decreases, this type of malfunction may flood a significant portion of your home before anyone can shut off the water source. If you believe your water heater has sustained an exterior rupture, call us immediately so that we can direct you on what to do next.

Water Line Failures
Most water heater models require a steady inflow of water to operate, and when the water lines responsible for this encounter problems, they can quickly create severe water damage that can rival a proper rupture in size and significance. Some troubles with water lines may initially seem light and fixable, but even a small crack or tear can seriously compromise the integrity and create much more disastrous issues hours or days after the first signs of damage.

Leaks
Many pipes and connectors in the average water heater may be prone to leaks, especially if the device has gone without maintenance or replacement for a long time. Stopping up a leak may be easier than repairing other problems, but severe damage can result in the long term if the leak goes unnoticed. SERVPRO helps to both check the water heater for additional problems and reverse any damage caused in the past in a fast, cost-effective manner.

SERVPRO of Manayunk is ready to help whenever disaster strikes. Call us 24/7 at (215) 482-0800.

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The Aftermath of an Electronic Fire in Your Chestnut Hill Record Store

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical fires can cause severe damage to your business leaving you in need of professional restoration services, call SERVPRO to help.

SERVPRO Has the Right Equipment and Training to Properly Restore Your Space after Fire Damage

One of the most dangerous ways that any building can obtain fire damage is through faulty electrical wiring. The electric in your building must be kept up to code and should always be inspected before moving into a new building. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen and some fires give little warning before they break out. After the soot settles and the fire is successfully put out, remediating the salvageable structure and items is a huge task to take on by yourself as a business owner. For these kinds of situations, and all in between, we are close at hand to help you manage.

As soon as you call us, we can dispatch employees to your record store in Chestnut Hill to inspect the fire damage that was left behind by the blaze. Our estimator can walk you through what we can remediate, and what we cannot. When it comes to renovation and rebuilding structure, we can recommend a contractor to you who can address those issues once we have cleaned up.

Our SERVPRO estimator can fully inform you of any information you need to know about the remediation. We can also assist you with your insurance claims, as we can help you build a catalog of what you have lost to the fire. Here at SERVPRO, we strive to make this stressful process as easy as possible for you to manage.

We understand how important it is for you to get your business doors open again, so we send our techs to your business very soon after your initial call. Our IICRC certified techs use industrial-quality technology to get the restoration job done. As well as using tools to address soot and ash, SERVPRO is also equipped with technology like ozone machines, which capture malodorous particles and eliminate them from the air. We can also use carbon-filter air scrubbers to eliminate smells as well. We strive to rid all factors of the damage that the fire left behind.

Electrical fires are dangerous and if one should ever break out on your property, do not hesitate. Contact SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800. Whatever the time, we can take your call and rush to your establishment.

Click here for more information on the city of Chestnut Hill.

Remediating Flood Damage in Manayunk

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

When your home is flooded, SERVPRO is the company to quickly call for drying out services. We will dry out your carpet and assess the pad underneath.

SERVPRO Technicians Systematically Dry Out Your Carpet to Try and Save the Pad Underneath

Storms around the Manayunk area are usually calm enough for the drains and area creeks and rivers to handle. When they are severe enough to generate floods, every home in their path is affected to one point or another.
 
Unless the water generated is massive, most Manayunk flood damage restoration efforts center around drying the carpets. SERVPRO technicians attempt to use in-place drying for carpets if possible and remove most of this water by extraction.
 
Our teams start the process with specialized equipment that pushes into the carpet and squeezes the water out through an extraction wand. They first remove water from the center of the room and then move the furniture either to the center or remove it completely from the affected area before starting. Once they finish the center, the teams begin extracting water from around the perimeter of the room in sections of 10 square feet or smaller.
 
After our teams complete one pass over the affected room, an inspector or team leader carefully lifts up one corner of the carpet and examines the pad. If he can squeeze water out of it, the restoration team repeats the extraction process until no more water squeezes out of the pad. They do this as quickly as possible since carpet pads rapidly deteriorate if underwater too long.
 
If the inspector sees that deterioration has started, he recommends removing and replacing the pad immediately. In-place extraction takes longer to remove water, but it can cost less in labor since time is not wasted by detaching the carpet and removing it from the affected rooms.
 
Once the team completes extraction, SERVPRO uses a combination of dehumidifiers and air movers to remove moisture in the surrounding air and to dry both the underside and the surface of the carpet. These devices working together can return a room to its pre-flood condition in just a day or two.
 
Drying carpets are one of the processes SERVPRO of Manayunk uses to return homes to a dry, safe condition. If you are dealing with any recent or older flooding, contact us today at (215) 482-0800 to schedule an inspection. We are here to help.

Click here for more information on the town of Manayunk.

The Importance of Professional Mold Remediation in Your Roxborough Home

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold grows quickly when the conditions are right. Contact SERVPRO for specialists to remediate the infestation in your home.

SERVPRO Technicians Deal With Mold Damage in an Efficient and Effective Way

Your Roxborough home deals with humidity through a good part of the warmer months, not to mention the severe weather it is always seemingly expecting throughout the year. With these possibilities always a constant in the area, it can make for some damp and moist conditions in some regions of your home that might not get exposed to fresh air and circulation that often. Ideally, you want your home to be dry, but having too damp of areas can and often does result in the growth of mold and fungus.
 
Mold damage to your Roxborough home is nothing that you should hesitate to remedy. It does not take a long time for colonies to spread out and affect a wider area, so contending the issue as early as you can aid the remediation process in getting completed promptly and having a more permanent result. In these instances, professional restoration and mold remediation are critical to keeping your family safe. Mold damage has gotten directly linked to potential health effects, and those exposed to the colonies are at risk for these effects.
 
Professional mold remediation is a thorough and concise process that implements the most modern and effective approaches to remove the entire hyphae of the growing organisms on the surfaces in your home and to work to prevent similar situations from occurring again in the immediate future. Our SERVPRO professionals get uniquely trained in mold remediation techniques that are the most efficient for every variety of mold and fungus and can identify the best approach to safely and effectively remove the colonies.
 
Sanding is an approach that can potentially remove the entire organism, mainly when used in conjunction with a chemical solution sprayed on the organic surfaces to seep into pores and dry out any remaining mold. Drying the area is critical to preventing mold damage from reoccurring, and this gets done by implementing air movers and dehumidification equipment in the affected areas. Locating the source of the moisture is required to prevent further exposure. Otherwise, dehumidification might have to continue indefinitely.
 
When you first experience mold in your Roxborough home, you should not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Manayunk to help you remove the colonies and provide a safer environment for your family moving forward. Our mold remediation specialists are available 24/7 at (215) 482-0800.

Click here for more information regarding the city of Roxborough.

What to Do When You Have a Small Kitchen Fire in Your Chestnut Hill Residence

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Small kitchen fires can leave behind greasy soot stains, bad odors and minor damage requiring professional restoration services.

Call SERVPRO as Soon as the Fire is Out to Minimize the Damage

Sometimes small fires happen in your kitchen, and they can cause minor damage. Fire does not always mean a charred structure or needing to move out of your home while renovation happens. In many cases, fires can be extinguished relatively quickly and not do massive amounts of structural damage. However, even when they are small, fires can still leave behind greasy soot stains, bad odors, and minor damage to your countertops and stove. In these cases, you will most likely need the assistance of professional help to deal with the soot that has fused itself onto the surfaces of your kitchen as well as to deal with odors.

Our skilled technicians can get to the site of the fire damage in your Chestnut Hill residence swiftly after your call. We understand how vital it is to clean up the damage as quickly as possible when it comes to fire since it is usually time sensitive. If the damage is left unchecked, discoloration may begin to occur where soot has adhered. When it comes to fires, it is best to call a restoration service company as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO technicians can clean soot from your countertops and other surfaces by using cleaning methods that break the bond between the soot and the surface material. Usually, lubrication or chemical cleaner can do the job when it comes to dislodging the soot. Cleaning up the soot and other physical signs of the fire first is essential when dealing with odors.

After tackling the sources of the odors, our technicians can investigate if any remain. If bad smells are still present, we can employ the use of thermal foggers and air scrubbers to help remove airborne particles and neutralize the scent. SERVPRO knows that removing all of the scents associated with the fire is vital in the restoration process and returning your home to its preloss state.

When fire damage strikes your home, do not wait. Day or night, call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800. We can send our IICRC certified technicians to get your home as soon as possible and start the restoration process.

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Water Removal Services in Your Mt Airy Home After a Washing Machine Malfunction

3/31/2018 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, when washing machines break, a significant volume of water is suddenly on your floor. Contact SERVPRO right away to remediate.

Team SERVPRO Arrives With Many Options for Removing Water From Your Flooded Room

One of the most common sources of water damage in Mt Airy, washing machines can suddenly unleash many gallons of water in your home. The damage can be costly, and there are multiple ways that these devices can cause water damage. Burst water supply lines, loose connections, a drain hose disconnecting, or a pump valve getting clogged or malfunctioning are all possible causes.
 
Water damage in your Mt Airy home can be overwhelming since so many gallons of water can be dumped so quickly. However, the faster you react to get water removal services the better. You can avoid additional damages such as mold growth this way. Our technicians at SERVPRO are trained to help you, and we can be reached at any time you need us, so do not hesitate to reach out to us right away.
 
The first thing we need to do is extract the standing water from your home. There are various tools we can use to do this. Extractors can be used to remove water from the floor by using the vacuum component of the device. The extractors can be portable or truck mounted. Portable ones can be taken directly into your home, and it allows us to get to restricted areas. Truck mounted ones are more powerful and have their own power sources.
 
SERVPRO staff also have different extraction tools to use for drying your home. Pumps in a situation like this are handy. The strength of a pump is stated regarding lift and volume capacity. When the standing water is over two inches deep, we use a submersible pump with enough lift capability and volume capacity. We are careful to pump water directly into a treated sewer such as a toilet. We do not ever dispose of cleaning wastes through in this manner if your home has a septic system.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk has all the right tools to help get the water out of your home in Andorra, Mt. Airy, or Chestnut Hill. Give us a call at (215) 482-0800 as soon as you have a need and we can help you get your home dry again.
 
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Professional Fire Damage Restoration For Mt Airy Businesses

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to Your Mt. Airy Cheese Steak Eatery? Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO Strives to Mitigate Damages Caused by Water, Smoke & Fire to Your Commercial Establishment

The Mt Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia features many small independently owned businesses and dining establishments. Spreading out from Germantown Avenue over the last century and a half, the historic buildings house bookstores, offices, retail and coffee shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Our well-trained fire damage crews dispatch quickly to respond to fire damage at any of this unique area’s commercial properties.
 
A blaze in any of these local gems not only puts commerce at risk, but it also threatens to alter the charm and history of the Mt Airy neighborhood. Fire damage need not be the end of your business nor the loss of a priceless landmark when we answer the call. Multiple fire restoration strategies combine into a coherent plan devised by our crew chiefs and reconstruction manager to address the damage done by charring, smoke, and soot, often while permitting your business to continue operations on at least a limited scale.
 
When the SERVPRO crew arrive at the fire scene, we assess for safety and damage. Because water from sprinkler systems and other firefighting efforts is usually present, we turn our attention first to its removal and add drying to our list of tasks. As devastating as fire damage can be, water damage is just as serious, causing progressive deterioration if not managed fast. Slip and fall accidents and concerns about electrical shock are minimized when we pump out and extract the water first, including from the dozens of nooks and crannies common in older buildings.
 
Smoke and soot also rapidly damages almost every material, from organic surfaces such as wood to synthetics such as plastics. Our fire damage work crews attend IICRC training to learn how to characterize soots as dry or wet, or protein or fossil fuel-based. Each type responds better to a particular cleaning protocol, and we are sure to use the specialized products, tools, and equipment always available loaded on our big green SERVPRO service vehicles that match the soiling we find on structural components. We can pack out the movable contents of your business for a range of water and soot damage cleaning and restoration efforts at our production site. Professional assessment by our experts results in many a “ruined” window covering, document, or other portable artifact being restored “Like it never even happened.”
 
Charring can respond to restoration efforts like deep cleaning, brushing, and sanding. Our SERVPRO reconstruction teams have the skills to repair and replace structures too damaged to function after cleaning. We strike a balance on every job, with restoration our focus to save costs and time, getting you back to business faster, but are pleased to offer suggestioned contractors for rebuilding and repairs if indicated.
 
When you face the aftermath of a fire in your Mt Airy business, SERVPRO of Manayunk is ready to assist every step of the way. Call (215) 482-0800 as soon as the all-clear issues from the authorities to schedule an assessment.

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There Is Hope After a Flood Damage Experience in Germantown

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skills and expertise to restore the contents of your home after flood damage.

Rely on SERVPRO for Thorough Flood Damage Restoration Services

Though some aspects of flood damage are predictable and it is possible to salvage most of your contents, in some cases, you may end up with significant losses. We are referring to the cash you need to spend to do the repairs and replacements. When you fail to act promptly, water may penetrate into the hard to access areas and create conditions for mold growth in your Germantown home.

When addressing flood damage in Germantown, our SERVPRO technicians wear appropriate safety equipment such as work boots, safety glasses, rubber gloves and disposable respirators during the restoration. This protects them from exposure to bacteria, mold and any contaminants present. We have the skills and tools to inspect your ceilings, electrical systems, air ducts and heating systems. Our team takes the presence of holes, cracks, defective flashing, and missing shingles seriously.

In most cases, the chemical toxins, sewage, mud, and bacteria that the water carries into your property causes a big part of the destruction. That is why when our SERVPRO technicians are working for you they inspect the degree of damage to your porous and nonporous materials. Porous materials absorb water, and we usually discard them even when they are dry. Remember, drying is not enough to deal with the contaminants that they leave behind that are likely to cause health effects.

Nonporous materials made of concrete, plastic, porcelain, as well as glass, are in most cases salvageable. We clean, disinfect and dry them using specialized equipment and processes. We then have to ventilate the area to promote the circulation of air. Sometimes, we may use vacuum cleaners, dehumidifiers and fans to speed up the drying process. The wet vacuum cleaner is also useful when unblocking your baths and sinks and cleaning upholstery.

SERVPRO of Manayunk is an industry leader in fire, water, mold and storm damage restoration. Call us at (215) 482-0800 if you want us to make the disaster to appear “Like it never even happened.”  

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Mold Damage from Sink Leak in Your Germantown Home

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to have any leaks in your plumbing fixed in order to prevent mold growth.

SERVPRO’s Thorough Mold Remediation Process

Mold growth found underneath your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room sinks in Germantown can be caused by various factors. Improper air flow, inadequate ventilation, high humidity, and leaks in your plumbing are all common reasons. While every home has some level of humidity, fixing those plumbing leaks before they cause more damage can not only keep the mold in check but also save money on your water bill.

If you have found mold and mold damage under a sink in your Germantown home, it is essential that you get it taken care of right away. Mold continues to spread quickly, so the problem only continues to get worse if left unchecked. Plus, it can be unsafe for you and your family, as mold can cause health effects. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you clean up the mold damage, plus fix the leak that caused it in the first place.

There are some significant steps we need to take in the mold remediation process. First, the mold contamination must be contained, so it does not spread to areas of your home which are uncontaminated. We are careful not to introduce airflow to uncontained mold spores, so they do not spread.

SERVPRO techs then proceed to remove the mold. The method used depends on the kind of surface the mold is on. Nonporous materials can usually be cleaned. However, porous materials often must be removed and discarded.

Dust and settled spores also need to be cleaned. Spores can be removed by HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping most of the time, even when they are on porous materials. We clean surfaces from top to bottom since mold spores settle downward. Surfaces are also cleaned in the direction of airflow toward negative air machines.

Your structure is lastly dried to prevent further mold growth. Setting up air movers and following the normal process of drying could spread mold further. Some procedures for drying are delayed until containment and mold removal are complete. Dehumidifiers which have little airflow can be used during containment and removal.

SERVPRO of Manayunk handle mold situations carefully in your home in Andorra, Mt. Airy, or Dearnley Park, so we do not spread the problem further. We are ready to help you at any time, so reach out to us at (215) 482-0800 as soon as you are aware of the issue.

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Preparing for Rebuilding after Fire Damage in Mt Airy

2/25/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating. Contact SERVPRO for remediation and restoration services. You will be very pleased with the results.

Professional Restoration Technicians can Help You Immensely After a Fire

Fires happen often enough that even smaller communities like Mt Airy know the importance of running a fire department even when shared with another locality. However, this type of tragedy happens seldom enough that many homeowners remain wholly unprepared for the amount of damages that ensue after even a small blaze. The area affected by the flames may seem small, but the smoke and ash rarely remain stationary.
 
Homes can experience fire damage in Mt Airy from a multitude of different causes. Every area of the home can fall victim to fire, as well, meaning smoke can travel throughout a home's entire interior. Before your family can return to their normal lives, you need to have your home's damaged areas rebuilt. SERVPRO helps families by speeding up this process and reducing costs by preparing the home for the needed repairs.
 
When we cut materials such as drywall away from sections of walls or ceilings, we always do so in a precise manner. It is easier to repair the materials in your home when the removed areas occur in a straight line, without any jagged or wavy edges. In addition to tearing out charred areas of walls and other materials, we clean the surfaces and areas covered in soot, ash, and smoke residue, repainting where necessary, to help facilitate the restoration process, from start to finish.
 
The act of cleaning surfaces often reveals areas that seemed damaged but, once cleaned, we discover that only minimal repairs can restore that area, instead, negating the need for replacement materials. This saves homeowners on both labor and materials costs and further reduces the time involved.
 
Because new materials do not suffer from smoke penetration, our Odor Control Technician (OCT) does not need to wait until just before your family returns home. We can eliminate the odor-causing particles from the areas infiltrated by smoke particles before restoration work commences. This also benefits those workers providing those services by ensuring a clean environment while they work.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk wants to help homes with fire damage receive the restoration work needed so families can return home safely and quickly. We serve the same communities we live in and are proud to help those in the Roxborough and Andorra areas and surrounding communities. Call us at (215) 482-0800 at any time, day or night, year-round, for professional, skilled help when your family faces fire damage.

For more information regarding Mt Airy, click here.

Defective Water Heaters Can Require Water Removal Services In Germantown

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Need Appliance Water Leak Restoration in Germantown? Call SERVPRO

Water Extraction and Drying After Appliance Malfunctions Are Crucial in the Restoration Process

Water heaters are a modern convenience that almost every single home in Germantown has gotten installed. While having hot water on demand is a great advancement in comfortable living, many people often forget that these are just appliances that need servicing and replacement as they age. Since most people do not even have their heaters regularly inspected, it is clear that far less replace them after the recommended amount of years in use.  
 
While this might be typical of homeowners to run appliances like these until they officially break down and wear out, it might not always bode well for your home. In fact, when appliances like your water heater decided to quit altogether, this action could ultimately spill its contents out onto the floor of your home. Depending on the size of this appliance, this could be a large volume of water that can cause a good deal of damage if not dealt with quickly. A problem like this requires water removal services for your Germantown residence.  
 
Worse still, many water heaters are on an automatic feed system in which they refill once the water reaches a certain drop in depth. With the case of losing all of the water contents in the heater, you can anticipate that the appliance then continually feeds new water to try and refill the tank. When you call SERVPRO, our technicians work quickly to ensure that more water is not going to spew onto the floor by shutting it off at the source.  
 
From here, our experienced SERVPRO professionals can begin water extraction. Truck-mounted pumps are not often needed though portable equipment is, our team can quickly pull water from the affected area. From this point, our drying efforts (using air movers and dehumidification devices) can begin. We can ensure that this process is wholly successful by having our team uses thermal imagery to look beyond the line of sight into walls and under floors. This inspection is especially critical when the leaking appliance is located on an upper-level floor of the structure.
 
When you are dealing with a broken water heater that has spilled a large volume of water onto the floor of your home, you do not have to deal with the resulting damage alone. Give our SERVPRO of Manayunk professionals a call today at (215) 482-0800.

Info on this area of Northwest Philadelphia click here.

Cleaning And Removing Commercial Mold Damage In Chestnut Hill

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Treating a mold infestation is different for every Chestnut Hill business.

Removing Commercial Mold Damage

Treating a mold infestation is different for every Chestnut Hill business. In an establishment like a brewery/restaurant, there is a mix of retail and industrial operations that have different needs. While airborne mold does not affect most people, ingesting spores can cause health problems.

Cleaning Chestnut Hill commercial mold damage normally allows us to use cleaning agents we might not use in private homes. In a food processing environment, however, SERVPRO team members have to be more cautious, so we do not inadvertently contaminate food or food products. Our goal, after all, is to help each business reopen their doors as quickly as possible, not to cause further loss.

We usually find mold growing behind a refrigerator or other food storage unit. These areas usually have some moisture on the outside and since they are constantly in use, difficult to move and thoroughly clean. The moisture also collects in a pool underneath the unit where mold can expand and grow as well.

To prevent contaminating the inside of the unit, we seal it and use an anti-fungal spray to kill any spores on the outside surfaces. Then, we use dry cloths and sponges to remove the mold. If the layer is very thick, SERVPRO technicians may use a vacuum with a special, HEPA filter that is designed to capture even a single spore from the surface.

Once the outside is clean, we examine the inside. If we find any spores, unfortunately, that means we have to empty the unit and dispose of any food or ingredients like yeast or hops before cleaning it.

On the industrial side, it is the moisture overhead which can be a problem. Even the small amounts which collect on top of a pipe can provide enough for spores to expand and grow. Eventually, spores break away from this mass and travel on air currents throughout the entire structure.

Our technicians use dry sponges to soak up the moisture and mold without disturbing it enough to cause more to break away. Once we have all visible mold removed, we use air content meters to ensure the environment is back to a safe level.

At SERVPRO of Manayunk, we understand just how important it is to reopen for business quickly. Each day closed means a loss of receipts and owners cannot take care of their customers and employees. Enough days closed can shut down a business permanently. If you see or suspect mold is in your business, call us at (215) 482-0800. We are here to help.

Click here for more about Chestnut Hill.

Heavy Rains Push Germantown Area Rivers Past Flood Stage

1/21/2018 (Permalink)

Germantown Homeowners Turn to SERVPRO for Floodwater Extraction and Remediation

Ground and Rain Water Flooding Can Get Immediate Help from SERVPRO Protecting Many Germantown Properties

The historic Germantown area owes a large part of its charm to its proximity to Delaware and the Schuylkill Rivers. These waterways become a source of danger and damage when they flood their banks and the streets and building nearby. Our crews prepare for this eventuality regularly and have effective and practical tactics to remove the water and dry out the structures affected.

When you realize water is inching up the walls of your Germantown lower level, you need help to assess the flood damage. It is a rare homeowner who possesses the powerful and specialized equipment needed to clear the water and dry out the walls and floors. Because the water is a combination of rain runoff and river water, the moisture trapped in your foundation likely is contaminated, a situation that benefits from attention by professional flood remediators.
 
SERVPRO technicians use commercial-sized water extractors and pumps to remove flooding fast. Water cannot be left to drain over a few days without risking secondary damage to building structures or mold growth. Since the water could be tainted with bacteria and viruses, first extraction and then sanitization must occur. Then the lingering moisture reduces to normal levels through the use of air movers and dehumidifiers, with heat added to accelerate the process.

If flood insurance comes into play, SERVPRO can help facilitate the claims process with thoughtful interfacing with our customer and his/her insurance adjuster.
 
Appliances such as laundry equipment and your water heater need to be checked out for damage before their operation can be resumed. If your HVAC system is located close to the affected area, it should be inspected for damage and also residual water. If any lingering moisture is not removed from the interior of the ductwork, it could fuel mold growth and contribute to odors that could spread throughout all levels of your home. SERVPRO technicians are certified to clean the ducts and also work on lingering smells from the flood waters.
 
Any items stored in the flooded area need evaluation. SERVPRO employees pack out boxes and help review their condition in a dry area. Washable items like clothing are usually salvageable, as are non-porous articles that can be scrubbed clean.

Papers, books, and pictures can be saved using a freeze-drying technique. If you are concerned that the contaminants are still present, the dried documents can be copied for future reference, and the originals discarded. SERVPRO drying experts help customers make these educated choices.
 
The work crews at SERVPRO of Manayunk are experienced in flood recovery and eager to help with your water damage issues. Contact us at (215) 482-0800 immediately as water damage is serious and progressive.

More about this area of Philadelphia by clicking.

Water Heater Leak and Water Damage in Germantown

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Leaking Appliances, Water Damage to a Germantown Home, and SERVPRO to the Rescue

Air Movers Grapple with Excess Moisture from Leaking Appliances

No appliance in your Germantown household works under stricter conditions than your water heater. Most times, water heaters fail gradually, and some of the telltale signs of imminent failure include a whistling or hissing sound indicating a worn valve, water accumulation under the heater, and shortages of hot water during regular use. You need to act fast to correct the problem once you see these signs of failure.

If the problems have gone unnoticed, you are dealing with a leaking water heater and water damage to your Germantown home. In this case, you need professional help from SERVPRO, as all our staff has been trained to clean and repair water damage of all kinds in a timely fashion. It is essential that you get a hold of us as soon as possible to prevent further damages.
 
Once we have stopped the flow of water and cleaned up all the standing water, it is time to dry your home back out. Airflow is one of the most important factors that we use. Drying structures effectively requires us knowing the right techniques for using airflow in the process of drying.
 
One device SERVPRO IICRC certified techs use to dry the affected area are air movers. If an air mover is placed, so it is blowing air directly against a wall, the air not only bounces back, but it forces moisture into the wall, which is not good. If it is placed at a forty-five-degree angle, air hits off the walls and takes away moisture so it can be replaced by drier air.
 
We put the air movers in a clockwise pattern with the nose touching the wall and the inlet facing the wall. We ensure that all affected walls are in the air stream. To do this, we might have to put additional air movers in closets, offsets, or bay windows. Every time we monitor the equipment, we move the machines to the left or right in a circular pattern, so your home is evenly dried.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk does not leave your home until we have made sure it is completely dry again. Residents in the areas Roxborough, Dearnley Park, and Chestnut Hill of can give us a call anytime they need help with a water heater leak at (215) 482-0800.

More about this area of Philadelphia by clicking.

Reliable Fire Damage Restoration Options for Germantown Residents

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

After a fire, SERVPRO technicians remediate the damage from fire, smoke and the water used to put out the fire.

SERVPRO Helps to Eliminate Secondary Damage after a Fire

As a resident of Germantown, you need to be ready for all unexpected incidents. For instance, a fire damage tragedy can cause massive destruction to your property. Besides the destruction caused by the fire, things such as smoke, and the fire extinguishing agents can cause more destruction. As a result, you are advised to work with qualified service providers to clear the mess.

Fire damage tragedies in Germantown leave behind both loosely and tightly attached smoke particles on the surface of your property. However, experienced service providers have the right tools and skills to address such incidents. Irrespective of the type of damage caused by these particles, our skilled and experienced IICRC-certified technicians can help out. It all starts by looking at the smoke residues and the surface they are resting on, deciding on the appropriate method to remove them, and then finish by disposing of the mess.

Usually, mitigation services aim at securing your structure and also to prevent further damage. During this time, things such as looking for a temporary source of energy or electricity for the structure and winterizing the plumbing are necessary. We also dry wet structures or documents to avoid secondary water damage. At this point, we use air movers and dehumidifiers to hasten the rate of drying.

Our SERVPRO technicians also deodorize the property to remove the odors emitted by burning particles. We start by eliminating the source of the odor and the debris. For efficiency, we usually focus on the source of the odor before deciding on a deodorizing technique. The kind of odor determines the deodorization process and equipment we use. Dependent on the situation, the technicians can decide to use dry fogging or wet fogging as a deodorization technique. After that, we clean the surfaces using processes such as lubrication, mechanical action, suspension and dispersion, and chemical action.

SERVPRO of Manayunk is a reliable dealer specializing in mold, fire, storm and water damage restoration. Call us today at (215) 482-0800 and learn more about our restoration services.

To learn more about the history of Germantown, visit http://www.germantownhistory.org/.

Water Removal and Drying After Burst Pipes in Your Manayunk Dress Shop

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Keeps Manayunk Small Shops Open with Rapid Water and Moisture Removal

Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration in Your Shop

A broken water pipe can cause severe damage to your dress shop in Manayunk. Broken pipes can be caused from corrosion and become worn, they can get jarred because of vibrations from foot traffic, tree roots can grow into the pipes, or they can freeze and crack in colder months. No matter how they became damaged, you cannot hesitate to clean up the mess that results to keep your business safe, dry, and free of mildew and mold growth.
 
Broken pipes and then water damage in your Manayunk business can be a massive problem if they are not repaired and water removal services are not performed quickly. Water finds its way into the tiniest crevices and cracks, damaging whatever it comes into contact with. At SERVPRO, our staff is professionally trained to handle these situations in a timely fashion to get your business back up and running regularly again.
 
Once we have removed the standing water with truck-mounted pumps if necessary, our SERVPRO technician creates moisture content goals by either establishing the dry standard or recording the normal equilibrium moisture content as a baseline.
 
The dry standard is the moisture content of materials in an undamaged area of your building which is dry. SERVPRO staff takes moisture content readings from these dry materials.

To establish the dry standard they are looking for. These readings become part of the drying goal for the areas that are wet.
 
We can also take moisture content readings of dry materials in everyday situations, and then use these readings as our drying goals. We use a moisture meter and document how much moisture is in the material every time we monitor how dry the area is becoming. We compare these readings to see if the items are drying correctly. After we have reached our drying goal, the process is complete, and your business is safe again.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk carefully measures the moisture content of the affected areas is to ensure your business is completely dry again. For a business in the areas of Germantown, Chestnut Hill, or Mt. Airy, give us a call immediately at (215) 482-0800 after you find water damage of any kind.

More about this area here

Insulation and Mold Damage Control in Germantown Homes

11/12/2017 (Permalink)

Mold spreads quickly given the right conditions. Call SERVPRO to investigate and remediate the proliferation of mold throughout your home.

Understanding How Mold Grows is Key to Stopping Its Spread

Mold growth is a serious concern for Germantown homeowners. Molds are microscopic fungi that feed on organic matter. They produce spores that can be insect-borne, water-borne, or air-borne and have an ability to rapidly reproduce under the right conditions. These are moisture/water, nutrients, and a temperature range of between 47 and 120 degrees F. Two of these conditions (nutrients and temperature) are a part of most buildings.
 
If you detect the presence of mold damage in your home, SERVPRO has a team of highly skilled and highly experienced mold remediation experts who can respond quickly to your emergency. We offer 24/7 mold damage restoration services for Germantown homeowners and its environs and are dedicated to returning your home to preloss conditions as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened."
 
All fiberglass insulation attracts dust, which is an excellent source of mold nutrients. In fact, approximately 70 percent of all crawlspace and ceiling fiberglass are severely contaminated with mold growth. Both rockwool and fiberglass insulation have enough nutrients to support mold spores.
 
When it comes to mold damage control, SERVPRO technicians focus on moisture regulation. The presence of mold signals excessive water or moisture, which is essential for mold to thrive. Keeping the living area dry can prevent the fungi from growing. This involves maintaining indoor humidity levels to below 40 percent.
 
It is beneficial to keep in mind the moisture sources that result in mold growth and mold damage. They include interior moisture from unvented clothes dryers, bathrooms, cooking, and human bodies, humid air condensing on cooler surfaces in the house, and ground water. It is essential to inspect the type of HVAC system involved to determine whether drying or replacing is the best option. Of course, this is assuming that we are not dealing with categories two and three of water damage, as this should always be replaced.
 
If your HVAC system has been overtaken by mold growth, you can count on SERVPRO of Manayunk to control the mold damage. We are available 24/7, every day of the year to respond to your emergency. Call us today at (215) 482-0800.

For more information about the City of Germantown, Pennsylvania visit:  http://www.visitphilly.com/philadelphia-neighborhoods/germantown/

Water Removal Cleanup After A Leaking Sink In Your Philadelphia Bakery

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

The sink in your bakery can create massive water damage and create the need for professional water removal.

Water Removal Cleanup

The sink in your Philadelphia bakery gets used several times a day, every day. It is a component of your business that is necessary, so when it starts leaking it can create a massive kink in your operation, plus create a big mess to clean up. You do not have a moment to waste in regards to your business operation or the fact that more damage occurs the longer you take to repair the issue.

A leaky sink not only can put a halt to your normal operations in Philadelphia, but it can create massive water damage and create the need for professional water removal. Our SERVPRO staff is always standing by when you give us a call to help in a situation like this, so your business can be back to normal as soon as possible.

Removing the standing water is our first concern after stopping the leak. The sooner we can get the water off your flooring, the less damage is done. Asphalt tile maintains a secure bond to concrete underneath following water damage. Sometimes, chalky or white areas show up but usually respond well to cleaning. The whitening is caused many times by the separation of finish or sealer wax from the floor itself.

Some vinyl tile, asphalt tile, and glues could contain asbestos. If we are unsure, we have the glues and tile tested to figure out if they have asbestos in them. We use a certified asbestos abatement contractor to get rid of the glue or tile that contains asbestos if needed.

Vinyl tile on top of concrete is not as durable as asphalt tile. Usually, it comes loose if a great deal of water was involved in the leak. The movement of water coming up through concrete can force vinyl tiles to separate from the subfloor. Since vinyl tiles come up from concrete with no trouble, it is easier for SERVPRO techs to replace the asphalt tiles. Vinyl tile is often more economical to replace than dry out.

When the tile is installed over wood underlays, the floor is usually damaged because of warping or deterioration of the subfloor. An increase in squeaking could signify hidden damage of the subfloor. We use a nonpenetrating meter to determine if moisture is trapped under the floor. When water gets to the subfloor around edges or through seams, the tiles usually are removed to dry the subfloor. We might also be able to dry the floor from underneath to save the tile. When drying resilient floors, we always ensure the subfloor is dry.

SERVPRO of Manayunk are experts at taking care of water damage and getting your business dry again. Just reach out to us at (215) 482-0800 if you have a water removal emergency and have a business in the areas of Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, or Manayunk.

For more about Philadelphia click here.

Ideal Conditions for Mold Damage in Philadelphia Homes

10/21/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread quickly given the favorable conditions for its existence. Should you see or smell mold, contact SERVPRO to investigate and remediate.

SERVPRO Technicians Battle Mold Damage on a Daily Basis with Great Success

Preventing mold damage to your Philadelphia home is never a straightforward task. Every home and household is different, meaning acceptable sacrifices and treatment options tend to vary significantly between individual cases. However, you should at least understand the conditions in which mold grows best, so that you can control them as needed and know how at-risk your home is for mold contamination.
 
The most crucial factor in whether or not your home develops mold damage in Philadelphia is moisture content in the building. How are humidity levels in different parts of the home? Do you have any leaks or water flows around the house? Does moisture accumulate in tile grout or other tight spaces? Excess moisture content is the most critical contributor to mold growth in the home and is also often the easiest factor to control. Most qualities favored by mold are also ideal for people, but moisture presents a fundamental disagreement. While mold may prefer excess moisture and humidity, it may make your home less livable for you and your family. Keep humidity below 45% around the home for optimal comfort and control over mold growth.
 
Temperature is also essential for mold growth but is far more difficult to control. Most varieties of mold prefer to grow at or slightly above room temperature, which is also ideal for most people. However, if you feel that you can brave colder temperatures, it may serve a dual purpose of discouraging mold growth and saving you money on your heating expenses.
 
Finally, ventilation in your home may influence the spread of mold. While air currents may make growth more difficult for mold colonies, it also helps to spread their spores around the home and broaden an existing problem. Some species of mold also take readily to the vents themselves, compounding matters significantly.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk is a local expert provider of mold remediation and restoration services. If your home bears signs of mold damage, do not hesitate to call us at (215) 482-0800.
 
For more information regarding Philadelphia, click here

Deodorization For Your Philadelphia Home After Water Damage From A Leaking Fish Tank

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

When you come home to find that your fish tank has sprung a leak in your living room, you need to act quickly for several reasons.

Deodorization For Your Home After Water Damage

When you come home to find that your fish tank has sprung a leak in your living room, you need to act quickly for several reasons. Firstly, if possible, you need to save the fish if they have not already perished, but you need to tackle the water damage it has created in your Philadelphia home as quickly as possible.

With a job this big, you need the help of the professionals from SERVPRO to clean up the water damage in your home in Philadelphia. Depending upon how fast the leak was, you could be looking at several gallons of water on your living room floor. We have the industrial tools to remove the water and dry your home out fast to avoid further damage such as mold growth.

Your home must be deodorized as well. The first step in doing so is removing the odor. Once the moisture is gone, we can begin. Sometimes, successful deodorization takes several methods, since one deodorant might not work on every odor. SERVPRO techs have specific production guidelines for three processes – dry fogging, wet fogging, and activated oxygen. We use several pieces of safety equipment when dispersing a gaseous or fog deodorant, including respirators, chemical resistant gloves, eye protection and protective clothing.

Small amounts of deodorant can be injected into spots on carpeting or upholstery with injection methods using a pump and injection needle or syringe and needle. It is quite helpful when it is not practical to lift the carpet to get to the padding.

Powered or hand pump sprayers are used with direct spraying. With water damage, direct spraying is used to apply disinfectants. Since it sprays wets the surfaces being treated, we use this method where discoloration is not likely or does not matter.

With wet fogging, solvent-based and water-based deodorizers are dispersed with ultra-low volume foggers. They generate tiny deodorant particles, which can penetrate most areas where odor hides.

We may also use high-velocity exhaust fans to ventilate your structure, before and after deodorization. These fans ventilate your home and shorten the time needed before you can enter back into your home after the deodorization process.

Air scrubbers remove airborne particles, plus chemicals and odors from the air. They draw dirty air through filters which capture odors and particles. Then, clean air is put back out into the environment.

No matter the processes we need to use, you can be sure that SERVPRO of Manayunk can deodorize your home after a leaky fish tank has flooded your living room. Residents in the areas of Germantown, Roxborough, or Chestnut Hill can get a hold of us at any time by dialing (215) 482-0800.

Visit http://www.phila.gov/pages/default.aspx for more about the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

When Appliance Malfunctions Cause Fire Damage in Your Philadelphia Residence

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Appliances, big and small, can become damaged and cause fire damage in your home.

Reliable and Thorough Fire Damage Restoration Services

Regular maintenance in your Philadelphia home can prevent several types of disasters from becoming a reality. Any appliance, including small ones used for personal care, can end up with frayed cords, internal shorts, or broken internal parts. These problems can easily cause heated parts to catch fire and burn.

If a homeowner's appliance in their Philadelphia home causes fire damage, the part of the home involved may become uninhabitable. If the damage is extensive enough, fire department officials might choose to condemn the home until repair work adequately restores the home to a safe condition again. Using a professional restoration service like SERVPRO can reduce how much time it takes to completely restore everything.

Damage to materials requires their removal and replacement. Some areas may seem as if they are damaged, but this appearance is from soot. Removing these deposits from walls and ceilings can save many materials from being scrapped. Carpets need to have a special cleaning which can restore them to their original state. Soot adheres to everything it touches and can gravely affect a rug.

The damage from a fire may concentrate on nearby materials, but smoke and soot particles travel far and wide while a fire is burning. Many people are familiar with the particular odor produced by these molecules. Highly distracting and able to ruin your sense of smell, this scent needs elimination, as well, from your home's indoor environment. Highly experienced and well trained, our Odor Control Technician (OCT) combats odors where they begin. Following the odor trail gives the data needed to perform this task exhaustively.

Even with a small fire, or a short-lived one, an active furnace or central air system can pull smoke and soot into the air intake vents and ducts, and then spread these particles even further. Cleaning of all of this may seem impossible to perform, but retracing the routes assists us in our work in locating the areas we should focus on in your residence.

If your home appliances have caused you a situation with fire damage, calling SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800 can start the process needed to resolve the situation. As a professional restoration company, we are always ready to take your call.

For more information about Philadelphia, click here.

Water And Flood Damage Solutions in Philadelphia’s East Falls Neighborhood

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage and flooding from storms or internal to the house can be devastating. Contact SERVPRO for remediation efforts and great results.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Current Damage and Suggest Maintenance Projects Which can Prevent Future Water Damage

Strong storms put your East Falls home at risk of interior water damage and even flooding. Rains that fall in torrents overflow gutters and push drain spouts over capacity, forcing moisture into your foundation. High winds strip off shingles and drive damaging water under flashings and into your attic. Our crews know how to handle water and flood damage, restoring your cozy dwelling.
 
The rain that pounds off your roof and collects in ditches beneath the gutters eventually causes flood damage to your house. The flooding is a telling symptom of water damage in East Falls that may have been plaguing you for years. Count on us to evaluate all ways water may be damaging your home. We recommend solutions to keep the water out in the future while also restoring the harm done to your structure and contents.
 
Clogged or damaged gutters are double trouble. First, water that isn't flowing as expected gets under the roof and soaks the rafters and flows down the walls, eventually making its way into your living areas. Gypsum board or lath and plaster both suffer, showing bulging and staining when water repeatedly saturates it. The first sign of water damage often is peeling paint or a bubbling on the ceiling.

SERVPRO crews assess the situation, releasing any collected water by carefully punching holes. We know water damage will reappear if the gutter system is not fixed or upgraded. Once repairs are made outside the drying and restoration efforts made inside are permanent, not a constant battle you are doomed to refight with each rainstorm.
 
The second issue commonly afflicting homes with poorly performing gutters and downspouts is flood damage in the lower levels. The constant flow of water off the roof around the foundation, instead of away from it, as is the purpose of properly functioning drains and gutters, overloads the ground near your home with moisture. It moves into the foundation through the cinderblock, concrete, or stone and rises inch by inch on the floor of your lowest level. Just like the water damage to walls and ceiling upstairs, the persistent flow of water flooding your basement is a chronic issue until the lot is graded to have water flow away from the foundation. Repaired gutters and drains also direct rain off the roof and into your yard rather than inside the house. SERVPRO can address the flood damage by removing water and drying out and sanitizing the basement, but only attention to rain runoff management offers a true solution.
 
Work with a proactive water and flood damage restoration company when you hire SERVPRO of Manayunk. We restore current damage but always with an eye to eliminating the water problem. Call (215) 482-0800 for a full-service solution.

For more information regarding East Falls, click here

Restoring Your Home after Storms and Flood Damage Hit Roxborough

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Be Prepared for Storms in Roxborough--Use the SERVPRO ERP app

When Disaster Strikes Your Roxborough Property

Recently, storms seem to have become more forceful and damaging than in years past. The homes within Roxborough can sustain thousands of dollars in damage whenever trees or power line poles fall onto the roof. Area property owners can rely on SERVPRO to make things right again, quickly, smoothly, and professionally.
 
Flood damage in and around Roxborough happens after damage to the roof or when shingles are torn away in large numbers. Storm water can back up into basements and crawlspaces, and saturated yards in your neighborhood can rise quickly, sending water gushing into your home at the ground level. Damaged gutters can divert water flowing from the roof toward your home, instead than of away from it, creating a mini-flood on one side of your home while the other part remains dry.
 
Even if the area in your home affected by flood damage is only a few square yards in size and caused by an open window, SERVPRO recommends professional remediation for several reasons. In addition to cleaning up the current mess and making your home livable again for your family, we stop the damage before it can progress. By removing any silt and other debris, we also remove a significant portion of biological hazards contained in the debris. Using measurements taken by devices with the latest in technological advances, we can easily determine the degree of contamination on each surface before and after cleaning.
 
Saving carpeting and other floor coverings can often occur when remediation efforts start early. Our Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) can help determine the most suitable methods required to save your floors. Working closely with our Odor Control Technician (OCT), elimination of musty odors takes place that once hid inside your carpet after the flooding event. This odor is evidence of the various chemical and molecular reactions taking place within a flood damaged home. Although flooding from contaminated groundwater or sewage backup, these carpets and pads should be discarded.
 
Stripping your home of damaged materials and removing them safely, far away from your home, prepares it for restoration. New walls, complete with fresh coats of paint, provide the finishing touches that make it all “Like it never even happened.”
 
By calling SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800, we can rescue your home from flood damage. Always ready and available to help with any disaster, our technicians have the experience your disaster cleanup situation requires.

Information on this town.

The Emergency Steps We Take After Fire Damage In Roxborough

9/3/2017 (Permalink)

Roxborough Residents Rely on Smoke Alarms and SERVPRO to Mitigate Damage from Fires

Fire & Smoke Damage Mitigation with a Fast SERVPRO Response

Fire in the home is frightening. Even after extinguishing the blaze in a Roxborough house, it is natural to feel shaken and to wonder what comes next. The chances are that at least part of your home does not look like it did before the fire and it might not even feel like home.
 
SERVPRO understands how distressing the aftermath of fire damage in a Roxborough home can be. That is why we handle every call with sensitivity and aim to send our experienced restoration experts to your home as quickly as possible. We carry out our work with an eye on the final goal – restoring your home “Like it never even happened.” We always have the end in mind.
 
The first stage in restoration is carrying out a series of emergency steps after arriving at your home. These actions help secure your home and prevent further damage so we can complete the cleanup operation.
 
We start by evaluating your home for any health or safety hazards so we can create a safe environment for restoration. We also board up your home if necessary – such as if windows were blown out by the blaze – to protect it from the elements and intruders.
 
It is likely that the fire team used water to put out the blaze. As a result, your home might be damp in places. We use fans, air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out your home. Drying prevents further damage and also guards against mold infestation.
 
Next, the SERVPRO team establishes an emergency electricity supply. Electricity is necessary to provide heat and light and also to power fans, air movers and any other electrical equipment we need.
 
In some rarer cases, there is a concern about roaches or other pest infestations. In such situations, SERVPRO partners with pest control experts on your behalf to get the problem dealt with as soon as possible.
 
Once we have established a safe environment and addressed any immediate hazards, we get to work cleaning and deodorizing your home. Our IICRC-certified technicians use a broad range of cleaning actions including scrubbing, immersion, wiping, and HEPA vacuuming to clean your home.
 
After cleaning, we use air scrubbers, thermal foggers or ozone machines to deodorize your house and remove the smoke odor.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk is on hand to help with fire cleanup in Chestnut Hill, Mt Airy, Andorra and surrounding areas. Give us a call at (215) 482-0800, so we can help your home feel like yours again.

More about Our Community here.

Fast Water Damage Restoration Keeps Philadelphia Gift Shop Going

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Removes Water Causing Damage from your Philadelphia Boutique

SERVPRO Extracts Water from Retail Shops Mitigating Damage and Downtime

The historical attractions and vibrant food scene in our Philadelphia area entice over 40 million people to visit each year. Businesses that count on the robust tourist trade cannot afford to close even briefly for water damage restoration. SERVPRO works closely with retailers to devise creative ways to keep the businesses open while we complete recovery from a water disaster.

You truly enjoy meeting people from all over the world as they drop into your shop within The City of Brotherly Love while visiting the many sites important to US history nearby. The aging pipes in your commercial space sprung a leak, causing troublesome water damage in your cozy Philadelphia boutique. The option of closing during restoration work is unappealing as it is the height of the tourist season. We contain the tasks needed to clean up and dry out away from customer areas, so you remain open.
 
SERVPRO knows that shutting your business down to recover from water damage for even a few days risks never reopening. Statistics suggest that nearly half of firms forced to shutter their brick and mortar sites after a water disaster may never open again. Enterprises that survive a catastrophe have a plan in place for recovery and partner with a restoration company that offers flexibility combined with highly qualified technicians and leading edge equipment.
 
Make the call to our office and expect a SERVPRO team at your store within hours. Water damage rapidly becomes more devastating and its abatement more complex, so the more immediate our assistance, the better. We assess the situation and start pumps working followed by heavy duty water extractors. Our equipment is truck-mounted allowing us to collect and properly dispose of the bulk of the water outside of your site. After consulting with you or your staff, we then partition off the restoration area and set up air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture levels of air, structures, and contents. Throughout the restoration process our crew measures and monitors moisture levels, approaching and reaching the drying goals set by our trained technicians for everything saturated by the water.
 
In an older building, we watch vigilantly for any mold activity and use professional grade antimicrobials to knock out any unwanted infestation. SERVPRO workers also evaluate for any pre-existing water damage signs as the broken pipe may have leaked slowly for some time. We scan for hidden water in cavities or recesses as all the moisture must be accounted for before we remove our drying equipment.
 
SERVPRO of Manayunk is ready to set your business in Philly, Manayunk or Roxborough straight after water damage. Call (215) 482-0800 and then count on our skilled technicians to make your shop look “Like it never even happened.”

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Flood Damage Restoration Services After A Storm In Philadelphia

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

Resultant flash floods can destroy massive amounts of property both inside and outside the house.

Flood Damage Restoration Services

Hurricane Katrina is a damning reminder of the powerful force of Mother Nature. When such a storm ensues, it can come with a heavy downpour. The outcome is apparent within just minutes after the natural disaster. Resultant flash floods can destroy massive amounts of property both inside and outside the house.

When this happens to you, SERVPRO may be in a position to help. We are a locally based flood damage restoration company who can secure your property in Philadelphia. Our highly trained technicians, who have access to industry leading tools and techniques, can arrive quickly to reverse the water damage.

When drying your house, four main factors come into play: air movement, humidity, the amount of excess water present, and temperature. Ideally, drying occurs faster under high temperatures (between 70 and 90 degrees Celsius) low humidity levels (between 30 and 50 percent). The damp and humid air in the water-damaged room should also be replaced by dry air to accelerate drying.

If the water reached your upholstery, a few things might happen. Wooden framings may swell and crack, fabrics may spot from water, and color bleeding may stain the floors or carpets. SERVPRO technicians use a variety of water removal procedures to deal with these situations.

Drying different materials require a vast knowledge of their interaction with moisture. Our specialists can determine the extent of water damage by checking exposure time and permeance of specific materials. Permeance refers to the ability of materials to absorb water vapor.

Painted concrete can flake when exposed to moisture, thus requiring repainting. Concrete floors are also porous and can develop whitish calcium deposits on the surface on exposure to water. Our restorers use EPA-registered disinfectants and HEPA vacuuming to get rid of the debris.

Natural catastrophes like thunderstorms come without warning, flooding houses and damaging property. If you act fast, SERVPRO of Manayunk can restore your property like nothing even happened. Call us today at (215) 482-0800.

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Tips to Prevent Mold Damage in Your Philadelphia Home

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to Prevent Mold Patches from Ruining Your Philadelphia Property

SERVPRO Remediates Infestations of Mold and Mitigates Damages

Protecting your family often includes protecting the investments you make. Your home deserves the same kind of care you provide to your car, although doing so can be dramatically different. Ensuring that your family is in a safe and reliable vehicle is relatively simple because when problems develop, they tend to be quite obvious.

Homeowners do not have that same luxury when it comes to protecting their next greatest investment from different dangers, particularly mold damage in the Philadelphia area. This tiny microbe, a mold spore, is not only small, but it often remains hidden in shadowed areas, or in the darkness found under cabinets where water is often present, even if in only small amounts.
 
Mold can quickly cause several different kinds of problems when it grows on the surfaces inside a home. This and other fungi can affect a plethora of materials if given enough time. While its size may make it seem insignificant, and its appearance sometimes has a dry and dusty appearance, depending on the type, it should not be confused with a dry and insignificant dust that can easily be swept away with a damp dust cloth. There are ways to help you effectively protect your home and possessions from mold damage.
 
Using a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner can help to limit mold spores from spreading through your home. These spores are in most home environments. However, around windowsills, particularly those which are left open, have been found to hold high levels of active mold and spores compared to other areas of a home.

Ensuring that there are no dripping pipes, fixtures, sinks/tubs/showers and that all appliances that use water are also drip-free.

Repairing all windows that leak, doors that allow rain or snow to enter under the door jam, and checking on a periodic but regular
For areas such as basements, crawlspaces and under attached porches that have bare earth as their floor, placing a dehumidifier in the area can help keep humidity and accumulations of moisture at acceptable levels. This can help in basements where concrete exists but has visible cracks that may allow moisture, or rainwater, to enter. Lack of sunlight is conducive to mold proliferation for two reasons: the fungi flourish without sunlight, and the lack of heat and light increase the chances of moisture accumulation.
 
SERVPRO technicians have the training needed to not only help you in detecting water leaks and install dehumidifiers but to mitigate any damage that mold and other pathogens have already created in your home. No matter the size of your mold patch, we can quickly make it “Like it never even happened.” Mold remediation is best left to the professionals.
 
There are times when even the best of efforts are not enough to keep microbes from causing problems inside a home. When mold damage affects your home and possessions, it is time to call SERVPRO of Manayunk. Our local number is (215) 482-0800, and we answer calls 24/7.

More information on this city right here.

What Can You Do To Prevent Water Damage To Your Philadelphia Bathroom?

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Often Strikes from a Leaky Commode in Philadelphia Homes. Call SERVPRO for Help

Advice from SERVPRO to Avoid Damaging Occurrences Caused by Water

Water damage can wreak havoc on a home, and out of all the rooms in a house, the bathroom is surely one of the most at risk of water damage. With faucets, a shower or tub (or both) and a toilet, the bathroom is a source of potential water leaks. A flood in your bathroom has the potential to damage the floor, floor covering, walls and any fixtures and fittings. There is also a risk of the water leaking through into the room below and damaging the ceiling, walls, and furniture.
 
It is a good idea to head off trouble before it hits if you can. Not every bathroom flood is inevitable. Some are preventable. That is why SERVPRO recommends you take some simple steps to prevent water damage to your Philadelphia bathroom
 
Do not flush your toilet if it becomes over filled. If you see your toilet bowl fills right up to the brim when you flush it, please do not flush it again. An overfilled bowl is a sure sign of a toilet blockage. Use a plunger to clear the blockage. If using a plunger does not work, or you are not confident that you have fixed the problem, call in a plumber.
 
Be mindful of what you flush down your toilet. Paper products (aside from toilet tissue), beauty products and sanitary wear are not suitable for flushing and might cause a block. Dispose of them in a nearby bin instead.
 
Inspect your bathroom regularly. Be on the lookout for issues that might cause water damage. These include leaking faucets, degradation on water seals, leaks or wear and tear around shower stalls, worn out caulking or grout, or leaking pipes under the sink. It is worth taking a few minutes to inspect your bathroom regularly rather than face a significant remediation job.
 
The last piece of advice is simple but vital. Do not leave faucets running or the tub filling. Stay in the bathroom when the water is on.
 
No matter how careful you are, accidents do happen sometimes, and not every leak is preventable. In the event of water damage to your bathroom, put in a call to SERVPRO at once. Our IICRC-certified technicians are on hand to help you. We pump all the water out of your bathroom, and dry out the floor, walls, and even behind and inside cabinets using dehumidifiers, box fans, and air movers. In the cases of sewage backups, which is not the problem here, we can also disinfect and sanitize as needed.
 
Do not let a leak ruin your bathroom and other areas of your home. Call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800 for assistance.

City Information for Philadelphia here.

Philadelphia Rowhouse Rewire Causes Fire & Smoke Damage

7/22/2017 (Permalink)

Philadelphia Fire Damage Gets Help from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Cleans Up Fire Damage and Also Eliminates Odors

Electrical upgrades, the internet, and cable installations expose your home to fire risk. Some circuits overload improperly, and wires spark, threatening to set gypsum board ablaze or melt the wires. This can send toxic fumes smoldering between walls and out through outlets, nail holes, and joints. SERVPRO provides expert cleanup services for the entire range of fire damage, including that caused by wiring malfunction.

When updating your cable service, a wiring error resulted in sparking, causing fire damage to your Philadelphia rowhouse. The wires smoldered before discovery, thick black smoke spreading throughout your home and significant charring occurring between walls where the wiring threaded through. Our fire damage recovery team responds fast after the firefighters leave, developing a comprehensive plan to restore the affected structure, remove the smoke residue, and eliminate the odors. A lot to do quickly.
 
SERVPRO trains our crews according to Institute of Inspections, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. The speed, knowledge, and experience of our team mean the work of fire damage restoration begins the moment they arrive at your home. We stress restoring rather than replacement, so the first task is an evaluation of the stability of the charred spaces within the wall. If sound, we clean and seal areas to prevent odor from persisting. The badly burned structure may be torn out and replaced, but we retain as much as we can to limit expense and disruption in your home.
 
Smoke infiltrates far beyond the burn site, particularly when the fire smoldered. SERVPRO workers clean up smoke residue systematically, choosing the proper tools and professional products to ensure soot does not smear, eradicating it. Light deposits respond to vacuuming with HEPA filters and dry sponges, but the sticky coating typical of this type of fire needs spraying with a solvent-based cleaner at a minimum, although abrasive scrubbing also may be necessary.
 
The odor of this fire is likely to linger without professional attention. Along with the use of hydroxyl generators and ozone machines for chemical conversion of malodorous particulates, SERVPRO technicians are experts in deodorization and follow a four-stage process to eradicate the smoky smell:
 
Disposing of unrestorable burned items
Thorough cleaning, removing as much of physical residue as possible.
Using a spray or thermal fogging to find and neutralize odor-producing particles.
Sealing inaccessible areas to block the emanation of odor containing vapors.

Call SERVPRO of Manayunk at (215) 482-0800 immediately after the authorities release your fire-damaged premises. Every moment counts when restoring structure and contents, and we specialize in fast and efficient recovery for our community.
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