Residential Cleaning in the Spring

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Spring is coming! When most of us hear “spring” we think of spring cleaning. The thought of having your current or new home professionally cleaned is the “ahh” moment you’ve been waiting for all year. With that said, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City provides residential cleaning services so you can enjoy that fresh feeling.

Life can be messy. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents, and homes get dirty. We have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. We use special SERVPRO products that wipe out dirt and grime with ease. If you want a deeper, thorough clean - we’re here to help.

It’s also beneficial to get a professional cleaning service done to your new home prior to moving in. You never know what kind of dirt, dog, hair, grime the people that just moved out left behind. Keep your mind at ease and allow us to make it feel brand new.

Our Residential Cleaning Services Include:

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get rid of the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dirt and dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture will make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

Air Duct Cleaning
We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Odor Removal
Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up
Our experts are ready to assist in the cleanup of sewage and other biohazard materials to provide deep cleaning services for your home.

We provide cleanup and recovery for many biohazard situations including:

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

If you’re ready for the ultimate spring cleaning for your current or new home, contact SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City. We have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to make your home feel new again.

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

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

Benefits of Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

The air ducts in your home provide a very important function. They circulate the air from your heating and cooling system into and out of each room, which allows for consistent interior comfort regardless of the season.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

What Are the Benefits of Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning?

There are many benefits when it comes to cleaning your air ducts and HVAC system. These include:

• Creating a cleaner living environment
• Providing better breathing air
• Reduces allergens and irritants
• Removes unpleasant smells and odors
• Improves airflow efficiency
• Helps restore peak energy efficiency
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth

SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment and can in turn, save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illness and if, after a look inside the ducts, you may see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold, having them cleaned is probably unnecessary.

However, if family members are experiencing unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think might be related to your home environment, you may want to have your air ducts looked at. SERVPRO will come and take a look and provide information on whether you need them cleaned or not.

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

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

Signs of Water Damage in Your Hoboken Home

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage tends to be invisible until the degradation of your property from long-term exposure to a myriad of external and internal sources becomes severe. This happens when moisture seeps into the structure and ruins parts of your building. For example, a leaky roof or burst pipe may introduce an accumulation of moisture which results in a variety of damages. It is important to address the issue as quickly as possible when you see signs of water damage in your Hoboken home. You may need to get help from a water damage restoration company to restore your property.

Not sure of the signs? SERVPRO can help you out:

Dark or Wet Spots
If you see discoloration on the ceiling, the interior and exterior walls, or even the floor - this is a sign of water damage. A professional like SERVPRO will be able to diagnose the issue and find out where the water is coming from. Once we’ve figured that out, we’ll restore it like new.

Bubbling, Cracking, or Flaking
If you start to see cracks, flakes, or bubbles on your walls - chances are, you’re dealing with water damage. Water seeps into the drywall creating these effects.

Puddles
This is the obvious sign. If you find a puddle of water somewhere in your home, this means you have a leak. If the puddle is under the sink - it could be a pipe issue. If it’s coming from the attic, chances are you have a roof leak. Regardless of where the water is coming from, let us help you fix it.

Water Sounds
Sometimes it’s difficult to see water damage, as it does a good job of hiding at first. However, if you hear rushing water or dripping sounds, you’ll want to get that checked.

Higher Utility Bills
A spike in your water bill without reason could also point towards a hidden leak. We can find the leak with our updated technology to help you solve the problem.

Damp Smells
A damp and musty smell is very recognizable. If you smell this, contact a professional right away. This could not only be water damage, but mold as well.

Buckling of Wood Flooring
Excessive moisture on a hardwood floor is the main cause of buckled floorboards. This can be spotted as cracks in between the boards, swelled edges, crowning, and the lifting of boards. When water is allowed to persist on your hardwood floorings, such as from a spill or a rise in indoor humidity, it leads to a buildup of moisture that makes floorboards expand, contract, or pop up.

If you’re noticing or experiencing any of the signs above, it’s time to reach out to a professional like SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City. We are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your Hoboken home back to pre-water damage condition. We quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment.

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

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

Interesting Facts About Mold

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a kind of fungus that can penetrate surfaces, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Often, mold grows behind walls and in crawl spaces, so they are hidden from sight. However, this does not mean that there is no mold issue. When they can be seen, depending on the type of mold, they are usually in black or green patches. In contrast, mildew is a subtype of mold that does not penetrate the material that it grows on. Instead, mildew will stay on the surface and can be easily seen. It usually grows on damp surfaces, fabrics, and paper.

But, enough about that. Let’s talk about the interesting facts about mold!

• Mold is more common in households today than it was 50 years ago.
• About 50% of homes contain mold problems.
• 100% of chronic sinus infections are caused by mold.
• There are over 10,000 species of mold.
• Mold is linked to causing 30 different health problems.
• Penicillin and blue cheese is just a petrified mold.
• Infants born during mold season are 3x likely to develop asthma and other allergies.
• There is a creepy form of mold that can move around on its own, it’s called “slime mold.”
• Mold is one of the only organisms that doesn’t need light to grow, meaning it thrives in dark, wet areas.
• Christmas tree allergies are caused by mold put into the air by the tree.
• Black mold is known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, and it’s not always black - sometimes it’s green.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about mold, let’s learn some common mold remediation terms!

Remediation
The process of a remediation of a site includes assessment, containment, removal, and treatment of mold, fire damage, water damage, etc.

PPE
Technicians wear this type of gear during the process of remediation, specified by OSHA. The letters stand for personal protective equipment.

Mycotoxin
Designated as toxic to humans and produced by fungi, mycotoxins are specific compounds.

MVOCs
Released into the air as a musty, moldy odor, and produced by mold colonies, these are chemicals. They are referred to as microbial volatile organic compounds.

Moisture Content
This is exactly what it sounds like, it refers to the content of moisture within a material. Before mold growth occurs, a greater moisture content can be sustained by various materials, i.e. wood, textiles, paneling, insulation, etc.

To find more, check out this blog.

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

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

Tips For Hoboken Commercial Business Owners When Dealing with Water Damage

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

There are many different causes of water damage, and it is extremely important that commercial business owners understand what they are, how to prevent them, and where to turn for restoration help. Luckily, SERVPRO is well-educated and skilled in this, so below you will find tips for your Hoboken commercial business if you’re to deal with water damage.

Protect Yourself & Your Equipment
Water damage can not only pose a threat to the occupant’s wellbeing, but can also ruin your equipment. If water starts to come into your building, please do the following:

• Disconnect your technology from the walls and transport as much as you can to a safe place.
• Evacuate everyone that may be working in the flooded area.
• If you are to return to the building, please be sure you are wearing protective clothing. You don’t want the water to touch your skin, as there could be hazardous chemicals.
• Take pictures of the damage for your insurance company.

Find the Source
If you’re not aware of where the water is coming from, you’ll need to find it so you can try to do your best to make it less of a mess. Check the pipes in bathrooms, kitchens, etc. and ensure none of them burst; check for watermarks on the ceiling or drippage - this could be coming from the roof; check the windows, doors, etc. The faster you can spot the source, the less damage there could be.

Call Your Insurance Company ASAP
Once you have evaluated the area and took pictures, contact your insurance company right away so they are aware of the damage. The sooner they can help, the sooner you’ll get your funds to put everything back together.

What to Do After Flooding & What Not to Do
To Do:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and desk/tabletop items
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying (in the summer)
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
• Gather loose items from floors

Don’t Do:

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
• Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to remove water
• Don’t use technology like computers, fax machines, etc.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet

Contact a Water Restoration Company
If your Hoboken commercial business has been damaged by water caused by flooding or water leaks, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment to restore your business. Our water removal and cleanup process also provides validation and documentation that your property is dry.

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

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

How to Handle Winter Storm Aftermath at Your Hoboken Home

1/12/2023 (Permalink)

Winter weather can pose a distinct challenge to the owners of various types of properties. Snow, ice, and sleet can cause damage to your siding, roof, walkways, driveways, and more. If your area deals with frequent freezing temperatures that thaw in cycles, your property is at risk of leaks, frozen pipes, and other issues. So, what are the best ways to handle winter storm aftermath at your Hoboken home? Let’s take a look.

Types of Winter Storm Damage
First, let’s take a look at the types of winter storm damage. These include flooding, fires, roof leaks, and structural damage. Flooding occurs when water freezes in your pipes, causing them to burst. If this happens, it is important to contact someone immediately for help as this could then lead to mold and other damage.

Fires can be caused by a number of reasons such as improperly cleaned chimneys, unattended fireplaces, downed power lines, or even overloaded electrical outlets. Regardless of the reason, winter storms are known to cause various types of fires.

As for roof leaks, ice dams can block pipes and snow can melt and freeze onto your roof breaking through shingles. High winds and hail can also cause damage to your roof which then exposes your property to moisture damage.

How to Handle the Aftermath
If your property falls victim to any type of winter storm damage, chances are your anxiety level will be through the roof. We understand that events like this can cause panic, but the best thing you can do is stay calm, take a few breaths, evaluate the situation, and make wise decisions to react appropriately. You’ll also want to make sure everyone inside is safe and evacuate everyone if necessary.

Turning off the water and power is a great idea, because as we mentioned above, winter storms may lead to floods, leaks, and roof damage. Turn off the water source to prevent further damage and turn your main power outlet off so you can prevent electrical fires.

You’ll also want to have a clear head so you can record your property losses. This is important to present to your insurance company when making claims.

Contact SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City
Storm and flood damage require special restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your Hoboken property, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise.

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

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

Keep Your Hoboken Home Safe From Fire Damage

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

Residential fires are one of the most depressing disasters one can go through. There are many causes of house fires and some you may not even be aware of. Here’s a list of causes and prevention tips to keep your Hoboken home safe from fire damage.

Here are some of the top sources of holiday home fires (and how to prevent them from damaging your home):

Space Heaters

Whether you have a space heater from the 90s that is still kicking or a new, visually appealing fireplace heater, here are some tips to help you avoid a fire due to your heater.

• Never turn on a heater you suspect is damaged.
• Before use, inspect the heater, power cord, and plug for any defects.
• Never leave the heater operating while unattended, or while you’re sleeping.
• Keep materials such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at least 3 feet from the front, top, sides, and back of the heater.
• Make sure the heater plug fits tightly into the outlet - if not, don’t use this outlet. Poor electrical connections are another leading cause of fires.
• Ensure that the heater is placed on a stable, level surface and located where it will not be knocked over.

Christmas Trees

One of the deadliest types of fires that occurs during the holiday season involves live Christmas trees. Here are some tips to help you avoid Christmas tree fires.

• Keep your tree properly watered
• Check for electrical issues and broken bulbs when hanging lights on the tree.
• Remove heat sources in close proximity to the tree.
• Unplug your tree when you’re not home and overnight.

Fireplaces

There’s nothing like sitting in front of a fire, sipping cocoa, and watching a holiday movie. However, if you’re not careful - your fireplace could start a house fire. Here are some tips to help you avoid this from happening.

• Clean up build-up and ash before lighting a new fire.
• Schedule an annual chimney inspection before the season.
• Use safe fire starters - this includes well-seasoned hardwood or CSIA-approved logs.
• For kindling, stick to fired twigs or branches
• Ensure all of the embers are completely burnt out before heading to bed.

Faulty or Dead Fire Alarms

It is very important to replace broken fire alarms or replace their batteries when they are dead. This is the only way many people know there is a fire in their home, especially over night when they are asleep.

Smoking

Smoking in your home can cause house fires. If a cigarette or any alternative is not put out completely, it can catch onto something nearby and cause a fire. The smartest thing to do is not smoke in your home - this will prevent any worries or fires.

Some practices to preventing a fire in your home are as follows:

• Make sure everything is switched OFF and unplugged
• Check/inspect your chimney annually
• Keep comforters and anything flammable away from heaters
• Test fire alarms/replace batteries frequently
• Never smoke in the home
• Keep a spoon or spatula as a reminder when cooking/do not leave stovetops unattended when lit.

It is widely recommended that families practice a fire escape route in the event a fire does occur. No one sees a fire coming and it’s best you know what plan of action to take in case you’re faced with one.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (201) 656-0035

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

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

How to Keep Your Hoboken Hotel Safe From a Fire

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Owning and running a hotel comes with its own set of challenges for both the owner and staff.

One of the most important aspects of safety that needs to be considered includes implementing the right fire safety measures for hotels to help avoid costly damage. This is important information for any time of the year, but especially as more and more people come in and book rooms for the holiday season.

Fire Safety Measures for Hotels

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 4,000 fires take place at hotels and motels each year which result in at least $100 million worth of property damage. Many hotel owners assume that their fire safety measures are up to industry standards but in reality, essential steps are often overlooked. Below are the essential fire safety considerations that no hotel owner should overlook:

Holding Regular Fire Drills and Testing Fire Alarms

Fire alarms are possibly the most important element to hotel safety in the event of a fire. Once an alarm sounds, hotel occupants are immediately aware of the situation and can make their way out of the property quickly. Unfortunately, most hotels do not have their fire alarms adequately checked and tested. For this reason, it is critical to conduct regular fire alarm tests.

During a fire alarm test, set control panels to ‘test mode’ to avoid notifying emergency services and press the fire alarm button to test the system. Test results need to be recorded for future reference. For faulty alarms, have them replaced immediately to prevent problems in the event of a fire.

Regular fire drills are also important to prepare staff members on the correct evacuation procedures and for the management to highlight any areas that need to be improved. Before heading into your busiest seasons, this is even more important, as more people will be booking rooms, causing procedures to escort crowds and crowds of people.

Keep Fire Extinguishers Close

All hotels need to be equipped with fire extinguishers rated class A, B, and C which can extinguish small fires involving paper, wood, gas, and oil. Fire extinguishers need to be placed within 75 feet from a hotel property but guest rooms are not required to be equipped with any as there are already several placed in the hallway. Fire extinguishers also need to be checked regularly to ensure they are at the proper gauge or weight limit.

Decluttering

Hallways, rooms, and common areas need to be free of clutter to ensure fire safety can be maintained at all times. It just takes a small flame to turn cluttered spaces into an uncontrollable fire. Things like boxes, equipment, or trash need to be moved and stored at appropriate places to allow occupants to move quickly in the event of a fire. Encourage your guests to bring all of their belongings into their rooms once they check in. Anything left outside of the door can cause a few second delay in escaping the fire.

Regular Inspections

Hotels need to have their fire alarms, lights, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers inspected at least once a year. Professionally inspecting these items can ensure that any problems can be addressed at an early stage to prevent bigger, more costly issues.

Commercial Fire Damage Insurance

Fires can do thousands and even hundreds of thousands in damage and hotels without commercial fire damage insurance can be slapped with hefty damage costs. Ensure that your hotel has sufficient coverage in the event of a fire.

As the holiday season approaches, it is a good idea to set a time aside for all of your staff to come in for a meeting and go over all safety procedures set in place in the event of a fire. Even if this was already done a few months back, you may have hired some additional seasonal help that are not fully aware of the procedures - plus, it’s always good to have a refresher.

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (201) 656-0035

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

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

Tips to Protect Your Hoboken Home From Water Damage This Winter Season

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

Tips to Protect Your Hoboken Home From Water Damage This Winter Season

Water damage to your home can happen at any time of the year, but in the winter, your home may be especially susceptible. The wet weather and freezing temperatures can cause water to leak into the nooks and crannies of your house. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent this. Here are some tips to protect your Hoboken home from water damage this winter season.

Preventing Ice Dams on the Roof

Ice dams are formed when ice collects at the edges of a roof. This typically happens when the upper portion of a roof is warmer than the lower portion. Snow on the upper portion melts faster and runs down to the cooler part of the roof where it freezes again, creating an ice dam. These are problematic because they block the water from melting snow from flowing off your roof, causing the water to accumulate and seep into your house through tiny cracks or gaps. It can also result in mold and mildew growth on your roof. Mold removal and remediation is a delicate process and nipping water damage in the bud is the best way to avoid it. 

To stop ice dams from forming, you have to ensure that all parts of your roof are equally cold. This can be done by keeping your attic well-ventilated to maintain an evenly cold temperature. You should also seal any ceiling cracks or openings that may allow warm air from other parts of your house to enter the attic.

Clearing the Gutter

Keeping the gutter clear allows water to drain down and away from your roof, helping to keep water from collecting and creating a clog. You can do it yourself with gloves, a garden trowel, and a ladder, however, it may be better to get professional assistance, as this may be a bit dangerous. You can also install gutter covers to reduce the need to clear your gutter, but you should still check the gutter occasionally to ensure that it is not clogged with leaves and other debris, which are likely to collect at the corners and junctions. 

Keeping Your House Perimeter Dry

After you clear ice, snow, and water from your roof and gutter, you need to make sure to keep the foundation of your house dry as well. Melting snow surrounding the perimeter of your home can seep into the soil and enter your house through cracks or leaks in your windows and doors. It can also saturate your foundation and basement walls, increasing the chances of mold forming in your home. The best solution is to shovel the snow away from your house before it melts. You can also seal up gaps or other openings in your basement walls to prevent water from seeping in.

Watching Out for Frozen Pipes

Due to the cold temperatures in winter, water in your water pipes can freeze and lead to high internal pressure in the pipes. If the pressure continues to build up, it can be enough to rupture your pipes, causing a huge amount of water to be released into your home. To prevent frozen pipes, you can insulate water pipes located in places of your home with freezing temperatures. In especially cold temperatures, it is recommended to let your faucets drip slowly to relieve pressure in the event your pipes have frozen. If water from your pipes stops flowing completely, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible!

If you already have water damage in your Hoboken home, we understand your headache! Water damage remediation is a delicate process that requires the removal of any water that is still on the premises and then the careful cleaning, sanitization and restoration of any property that has been damaged.

If you need help with water damage removal and restoration of your property, give us a call: (201) 656-0035

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

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

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

Tips for New Jersey Businesses Battling Water Damage

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for New Jersey Businesses Battling Water Damage

One of the worst types of damage to a commercial business is water damage. Depending on the type of water damage, it could be extremely dangerous and detrimental to the safety of your employees and the structure of your building. We understand the concern, so we wanted to provide you with some tips for our local Hoboken and Union City businesses who are battling water damage to put your mind at ease.

Identify the Type of Damage

The source of the water damage makes a big difference in how the damage is mitigated. Identifying the source is the first step. There are generally three different types of water damage.

Clean Water Damage

Clean water damage is provoked by a broken appliance, faulty sprinklers, burst pipe, rainwater, etc. Although this type of water damage isn’t dangerous, per say, if it is not treated correctly, mold could develop - causing it to become a danger.

Gray Water Damage

Gray water damage is considered unsanitary due to the source or the amount of time it has been stagnant. This water damage is usually caused by a broken toilet, washing machine, or anything that could leak hazardous chemicals.

Black Water Damage

Black water damage is the most hazardous water to deal with. This comes from a natural disaster or a sewage problem. If your commercial business was affected by a storm, it’s important to seek professional help right away to avoid additional damage and clean up so you can get your business up and running again. 

Note: Gray and black water damage is not signified by color. It is typically a rating system to decipher the severity of the damage. For example, a lake is not black in color, but would be considered black water due to the unknown bacteria and contents living within it.

Alert Your Business’ Insurance Company

As soon as the damage occurs, it’s important to alert your insurance company to submit a claim. After doing so, you may reach out to a professional to start the cleaning process. Whether it be water damage of any type or mold removal, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City can handle it all. We can also assist in making sure that your damaged property has been properly submitted to your insurance company. 

Act to Avoid Further Damage

If you’re in your commercial business building while a storm is causing a flood or if a pipe bursts, it’s important to try to get ahead of it as quickly as possible to avoid further damage. For example, try to block where the water is coming from, mop or throw towels down to try to keep up with it, and make sure you have a dehumidifier to run after you’ve successfully cleaned up the water. This will all help in the moment and should assist with protection of further damage.

Think Ahead

Along with a first aid kit, you should also have a flood control kit somewhere in your building in preparation. This kit should include sandbags, a wet vacuum, buckets, tarps, and mops. This will help in preparation of a natural disaster coming your way or help clean up a clean water incident. 

Let SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City Help You Recover from Water and Storm Damage

At SERVPRO, we can help you recover from water damage resulting from a winter natural disaster. We’ll take care of plumbing leaks, flooding, roof leaks, sewer or toilet backups, fire damage, and much more. If water damage has already resulted in mold and mildew, we have services and skilled personnel that can be of assistance with mold remediation. We hope this blog helped you learn more about how to prepare your home for New Jersey’s winter storms.

We’re Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise as well as a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your commercial business and restore it back to pre-water damage condition. Our process includes documentation of the drying process to validate the property is dry. Learn about our water damage training and certificates here!

Reach out with any and all of your questions and inquiries: (201) 656-0035

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

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

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