In Need of Fire Restoration Services in the Upper West Side?

4/2/2023 (Permalink)

Affected by a fire recently? Team SERVPRO technicians are standing by 24/7 to help remediate the damage. Call us right away for best results.

For Fire Restoration Services in Upper West Side, Call SERVPRO

Fire is a devastating force, both to homeowners and occupants of a house. The fire restoration process will likely  take longer than other disaster restorations, sometimes taking weeks or even months to complete. This is because it involves way more steps than you would find in such processes as water damage restoration.

At SERVPRO, we are dedicated to making sure that the homeowner does not incur the full wrath of the damage. We carry out a fast and efficient fire restoration process in Upper West Side homes that can see your house back on its feet in the shortest time possible and in a state that is the same or better than before the damage.

The most labor-intensive step in fire restoration is cleaning up and removing smoke. In this step, SERVPRO technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to clean up the fire’s remnants, including smoke and soot stains on the walls, floors, ceilings, and any other surface. Our team can cover every inch of the areas affected and contaminated during this phase.

After this, SERVPRO applies deodorizers to remove any smells of fire or smoke that could still be present in the house. If there is water damage due to the working of fire extinguishers, we also apply disinfecting agents and antimicrobials that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

At SERVPRO, we are known for working closely with insurance providers to make the process of making claims easier for our customers. The total cost that you may incur due to the damage varies, but it is influenced by such factors as:

• The damage caused by the fire and fire extinguishing efforts.
• The number of affected rooms in your house.
• And the extent of the building materials that need repair.

With these, we can make fairly accurate cost calculations that you can forward to your insurance provider.

Instead of watching as the damage takes root in your Upper West Side home, contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 for repairs. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Restoration Is an Upper West Side Disaster's “Back Button”

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs.

Solve Plumbing Emergencies with Water Restoration

A primary goal of all SERVPRO technicians involved in restoring our customers' property after a disaster in the Upper West Side is making everything "Like it never even happened." Our expertise in water restoration is a reliable way to undo the destruction caused by water, excess humidity, and continuously accumulating condensation.

Highly trained water restoration technicians in the Upper West Side address damage to the interior structural elements in the home. Our techniques and methods are taught through IICRC manuals and in-house training. Diverse experience is gained by working alongside our long-term team members, enabling us to work with the plumbing, electrical systems, ceilings, walls, flooring, and much more within the typical residential property.

After resolving the source of the intrusive water (plumbing leak or an opening in the house's shell that lets water get inside), SERVPRO's employees take care of the contents, as well, including:

• Household textiles
• Stuffed toys
• Clothing items

Fabrics are found throughout the home – bedspreads, throw rugs, draperies, and linens- some of the more common varieties. Some items, such as heavier draperies and full-length curtains, can be steam-cleaned to remove watermarks caused by spreading moisture. Larger items can benefit from the sunshine and fresh air, as these fight mold and mildew.

Stuffed toys handled by children can harbor mold and mildew. Laundering these items can make them safer and more suitable for young children. After laundering and drying, we check for loosened attachments to ensure they remain safe.

Your family's clothing items might have been exposed to mold or mildew spores - staining, odors, and deterioration can result. We can pre-treat these to minimize damage.

All textiles have the possibility of staining or bleeding, and we check for this each time. Restoration helps keep costs manageable after a disaster. Minor spills and leaks will likely not need this level of restoration, but SERVPRO scales all services to meet the customer's needs.

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (603) 527-2518 for restoration of your home and your belongings.

SERVPRO Performs Storm Water Cleanup in Upper West Side

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO at (917) 498-1362 for assistance from a professional remediation company.

Storm Water Cleanup in Upper West Side Demands Expertise

Even though the occurrence of storms has a degree of predictability, it's impossible to accurately predict their effects on houses. Even the homeowners who have undertaken every safety measure possible sometimes find themselves in situations where the storm is too strong to withstand. This causes the stormwater to enter the house, which has devastating effects not only on the contents that come in contact with the water but also on the structural integrity of the whole building. 

Timely intervention is crucial since giving the water more time to stand in your house worsens the damage. Upon finding yourself in such a predicament, you should contact SERVPRO to perform stormwater cleanup on your Upper West Side property. Our team comprises well-trained, equipped, and licensed technicians to handle cleanups of any size. 

Upon arriving at the scene, our initial inspection helps us determine the scope of the damage. This way, our SERVPRO team can take the best action and advise you on the costs while documenting the restoration process for easier insurance claims.

One of the pieces of equipment that SERVPRO uses during stormwater cleanup is the portable extractor. We use it when removing water from the affected house's flooring. Some of the features that make it vital are:

• It offers easy access to restricted areas of the building. 
• Its variable heat control system allows more effective cleaning by heating rinse and cleaning solutions.
• A solution tank and pump allow for the effective carriage and spreading of cleaning products.
• A vacuum system helps in removing moisture and soil from surfaces, which it collects in its waste recovery tank.

At SERVPRO, we ensure our customers are satisfied, which means we pay attention to their concerns and handle them accordingly. Our entire process is geared towards making a great impression on our clients by doing high-quality cleanup work.

Don't let stormwater destroy your house. Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side for help at (917) 498-1362. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why SERVPRO Prevents Mold Damage of Homes in the Upper West Side

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

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

It’s Easier to Prevent Mold Damage than Remediate

SERVPRO’s technicians continually learn about the latest developments in the restoration industry. Some of this additional training includes how to help customers who own Upper West Side properties affected by mold damage. Once mold infestation occurs within a residence, we know that using specific methods can reduce the likelihood of future problems involving microbes.

We use several techniques to remediate mold damage in Upper West Side homes. Some of these methods also help prevent future overgrowth. Wherever we get two benefits from performing one task, our customers save money.

Here are some ways that SERVPRO works to make mold damage less likely to happen again:

• Application of an antimicrobial on surfaces,
• Installation of a dehumidifier, and
• Cleaning the ventilation system.

Antimicrobials like Concrobium kill any microbes currently on the surface treated. Then, after it has dried, it protects the material by making the area inhospitable to any newly-arriving microbes. Unable to find the sustenance they need, they either die or enter a dormant state. Because of its long-lasting effect, the antimicrobial keeps dormant microbes from becoming active.

Maintaining proper humidity levels in your home means microbes remain within reasonable population limits, and the environment stays comfortable for you and your family. Optimal humidity helps protect the home’s structure and everything you own inside. We can install a dehumidifier that is a cost-effective method of preventing mold damage to your home and its contents.

Your HVAC system can harbor mold particles and spores. Each time the system starts, the current’s force pushes any particles of mold or mildew or their spores around inside the ducts. Once loosened from the interior of the ducts, substantial amounts of microbes can enter your living space. We can clean the ductwork and the vents, eliminating mold before it can cause a problem. 

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 to protect your property from mold damage, now and in the future.

Water Mitigation Approaches to Save Upper West Side Businesses

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs.

Simple Water Restoration by SERVPRO in Upper West Side

Water is one of the essential utilities in most business premises. A problem as simple as a pinhole leak or as advanced as root intrusion affecting plumbing lines can turn water into an enemy that destroys your Upper West Side property or creates uninhabitable conditions for your staff or clients. 

After discovering the intrusion, you should prioritize actions that help facilitate water mitigation at your Upper West Side property or stop the subsequent deterioration. SERVPRO helps establish the best course of action by thoroughly inspecting the affected areas.

Three Simple Mitigation Processes:

• Move outs
• Humidity control
• Expediting extraction

The effects of the intruding water can be concentrated on structural areas or contents, especially stock items, furniture, and appliances. For the contents, one quick mitigation solution is doing a move-out. Our SERVPRO crews can do a pack-out or a complete move-out to an offsite warehouse, thus safeguarding your contents from moisture exposure. Our specialized skills in inventory-taking and packing not only ensure convenience but also prevent damage to valuables during relocation.

Controlling Moisture

Most negative effects like rusting, staining, or smells observed in materials are caused by moisture action. Moisture triggers microbial growth or physical changes such as swelling and accelerates material deterioration. Regulating moisture minimizes wear. Extracting any standing water from surfaces is the most recognizable regulation process. However, it is crucial to note that humidity exists in different forms, including vapor in the indoor air. 

Essential Tips for Dehumidification:

• Balancing the number of air movers and dehumidifiers 
• Creating containment to isolate affected areas
• Using the right dehumidifier type

Our SERVPRO crews set up air movers to help supply sufficient air currents. The air movement boosts evaporation to dry materials faster. Since the evaporating moisture ends up in the air, dehumidifiers are necessary to extract and maintain the correct humidity levels. We can also set up plastic sheets on openings such as doors and hallways to limit humid air movement.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side has significant resources to ensure successful water mitigation at your property. Call us at (917) 498-1362. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Professional Fire Damage Restoration is Best in Upper West Side

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides quality fire damage restoration services. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Call SERVPRO to Your Upper West Side Property for Fire Damage Restoration

Once a disaster like a fire occurs on your Upper West Side property, you might not have planned how the upset and stress will impact you. Seeing your home with fire damage is scary and stressful, and you may be overloaded with emotions and worry about what to do next. Why compound the stress by trying to attempt DIY house fire cleanup? Calling in professionals is the way to go, which is why SERVPRO’s Green Fleet is ready to go whenever our area customers need us.

There are many areas where SERVPRO shines regarding fire damage restoration in Upper West Side. Why call us for fire and smoke remediation? Let’s take a look:

• Clear Communication – The fire cleanup process is complex, especially if the damage is extensive. Our professional team keeps you informed of the plan and each phase as we move through it so that you know precisely what is happening.
• HVAC Damage – Whenever there is fire damage and smoke infiltration, special attention must get paid to your ductwork and indoor air quality (IAQ). We formulate a focused approach to address air and filtration systems, including your HVAC. 
• Paperwork and Other Details – If you had items lost to fire damage, SERVPRO makes a detailed list that can get submitted to your insurance company to help facilitate your claim. 

SERVPRO has seen it all

We are trained to inspect and assess, giving us details to select the best methods to handle your fire damage. We need to understand exactly what we are dealing with, which includes asking questions like:

• What type of cleanup is required? We assess soot residues, charring, and materials burned to pick out the proper cleaning measures and deodorization tools.
• How severe is the damage? Restoration and repair will be less expensive and time-consuming when you have primarily cosmetic damage. More involved projects will require focused manpower and specialized techniques.

Why choose us? Because we are the best in the area when you require professional fire damage restoration. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 to mobilize a crew!

SERVPRO Is Fast with Water Damage Restoration in the Upper West Side

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses advanced devices like thermal cameras to discover damp voids when performing water damage restoration in the Upper West Side.

What Makes SERVPRO a Trustworthy Name for Water Damage Recovery in The Upper West Side?

SERVPRO's fast service, trained team, and scientific outlook toward water damage restoration of Upper West Side properties make it a trusted name in managing any size disaster. The restoration process involves several steps that require meticulous planning for perfect execution.

One of the focal points of SERVPRO's water damage restoration process in the Upper West Side involves scoping for the extent of damage before designing a strategy. The restorers compare the moisture readings of the following five areas to gauge the severity of the problem-

• Air in the affected area
• Air in the unaffected area
• The air outside the structure
• Air coming out of the HVAC system
• Air coming out of dehumidifying equipment

Why do SERVPRO techs use thermal imaging during water cleanup on Upper West Side?  

Thermal imaging involves using infrared cameras for inspecting and monitoring moisture in the building materials in Upper West Side homes. Technically, thermal cameras don't display moisture but infrared images produced by temperature differences on the surfaces involved. The two ways in which temperature differences are made between wet and dry surfaces include-

•    Evaporation: When water evaporates from a wet surface, the surface cools down, resulting in a decline in temperature. When imaged using a thermal camera, these cooler areas appear in lighter colors letting the SERVPRO restorers know that the surface is still wet. 
•    Thermal capacitance: A material can store thermal energy. As water has a high thermal capacitance, wet surfaces tend to take more time to heat up (or cool down) than dry surfaces. 

For water damage help, call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362; we are available 24/7.

We Have the Proper Techniques to Restore Your Manhattan Home After a Flood

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO strives to preserve and restore flood-damaged elements and contents during a Manhattan service.

Crucial Steps in Managing Flood Damage Incidents in Manhattan Involving Sanitary Water

Flooding incidents cause different categories of water loss. Category-one water loss involves sanitary water, mostly when rainwater filters into the house. Typical scenarios include winds or debris opening up holes on the roof and letting in rainwater. Alternatively, driving rain can push rainwater through gaps in doors or windows. With a few crucial steps, controlling flood damage involving clean water is possible.

Protecting Contents

When flood damage incidents in Manhattan involve sanitary water, the intrusion point is usually at an elevated point, meaning no groundwater reaches the interior. Such incidents can affect more items, so they need to be protected. Suppose we find an ongoing intrusion such as arriving when it is still raining or draining water trapped in the ceiling. In that case, our SERVPRO technicians use plastic sheets to cover contents protecting them from unnecessary exposure. We also use towels to remove excess water from items and relocate materials from the floor where most collect.

Expedited Water Extraction

Extracting the standing water left after flood damage strikes help kick start restoration of the property to its preloss state. Extracting the water requires equipment with the right lift and volume capacity. A truck-mounted water extractor helps our SERVPRO crews move significant volumes of water within a short period. For minor intrusions, portable extractors are sufficient. Sometimes the floor type might influence the extraction method. For example, using towels to remove water on hardwood floors and setting up drying mats might be appropriate in some cases.

Humidity Control

Moisture build-up in the structure is common during flooding. Although the drying process starts fully after other restoration steps, including water extraction and cleaning, there is a need for humidity control before that to prevent secondary damage caused by moisture migration. Our SERVPRO crews use different approaches to provide this control, including setting up dehumidifiers or maintaining negative pressure in some areas.

Even though flooding happens unexpectedly, it is possible to manage the outcome. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (347) 970-2972 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Calling for Skilled Mold Remediation is Best in the Upper West Side

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

How to protect your Manhattan domicile after a mold infestation show up? Call SERVPRO

Restoring Your Upper West Side Brownstone Means Calling SERVPRO for Rapid Mold Remediation

Maybe you noticed some musty odors under the kitchen sink in your Upper West Side brownstone. For many property owners, this seems like an easy task to tackle. However, hitting the mold spores with cleaner and disturbing them makes matters worse. SERVPRO can set you up with professional mold inspections, remediations, and removal to take the stress and guesswork out of this project.

One important thing to remember is that you should have mold remediation in the Upper West Side performed sooner than later. Not only are you running the risk of potential health effects, but excessive moisture and mold also wreak havoc on your belongings and building materials.

Why Call on SERVPRO’s Mold Specialists?

It would help if you had remediation and meticulous black mold damage repairs to restore your interior to a safe, livable condition. Mold spores are microscopic and easily spread when disturbed. Rather than running the risk of further contamination with DIY methods, calling our team brings you the following key principles:

• We follow health and safety protocols – Our crew concentrates on the cause of the mold infestation and how it has impacted your interior.
• We document every aspect of the process in detail – SERVPRO always keeps detailed records of each step of our mold remediation and removal process.
• We concentrate on controlling mold at the source – By putting up containment barriers or chambers, we can keep spores from spreading further.
• We work on careful mold removal – With the help of vacuums, damp wiping, and HEPA filtration, our team stops mold infestations.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is ready to go when you need us for mold remediation services. You can reach us by calling (347) 970-2972.

Upper West Side and Manhattan Retail Stores Benefit from Swift SERVPRO Water Mitigation Service

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Minimizes Retail Disruptions to Upper West Side Shops with Advanced Water Mitigation Methods

Don’t Let Water Damage on the Upper West Side Interfere with Holiday Shopping.

No time during the year is a good time for plumbing, roof, or appliance leak in your Upper West Side boutique, and a water loss during prime shopping season can directly affect your year-end profits. We understand that the faster and more efficient our response, the more likely your retail space can reopen to share goods and services with your customers.

Historic Buildings Pose Special Challenges

Elegant, trendy, and intriguing spaces dominate retail spaces on the Upper West Side. Water damage should not sideline your business for long, as our talented and well-equipped crews have many effective strategies for water removal and structural drying. Relying on comprehensive training in restoration industry best practices and state-of-the-art equipment, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Aging plumbing and eccentric floor plans create water mitigation and remediation puzzles, but our employees rise to the challenge.

Hidden Water-Filled Cavities Need Innovative Equipment

Your inventory storage, offices, dressing rooms, and retail spaces can contain recesses between walls that can trap water after a leak or overflow. SERVPRO technicians use detection tools to locate unseen moisture. Our employees take the initiative to pursue the water, carrying portable water extractors to the far corners of your space, ensuring we evacuate as much liquid water as possible before turning to dry equipment. Extraction is 1200 times more efficient than drying and, when exhaustively pursued, can get your retail space back in business fast.

Wall Cavity Venting Systems

Once SERVPRO transitions, the focus to applied structural drying, expect us to employ one or more venting or drying methods to reduce moisture levels to normal even behind walls. Small holes drilled into drywall, wood and trim, and closets or cabinet toe-kicks provide access for warm airflow that accelerates drying. Options can include vents attached to air movers or blowers attached to a series of hoses. Injectidry is a brand name often referenced concerning these systems.

Safety First

When SERVPRO uses portable or in-place extraction and drying equipment, it is crucial to be sure the outlets providing power are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). For best results, we avoid blocking air mover vents and use only equipment with thermally protected motors, inlet and outlet screens, and three-pronged plugs.

Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side when water damage threatens the use of your desirable retail space. Call us at (917) 498-1362 day or night to schedule an evaluation.

Helping Upper West Side Fire Restoration with Surface Cleaning

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let your property be a victim of fire damage.

The Elements of Fast Fire Restoration

Fire restoration often focuses on the measures of our SERVPRO team to eliminate soil deposits and soot particles from the impacted environment. Both air quality improvement and surface cleaning are necessary, and with multiple building materials and contents coated with smoke solids, we have many products and techniques to help.  

The Best Surface Cleaning Agent

Choosing the right cleaning product is a matter of considering multiple variables for the most efficient fire restoration in Upper West Side properties. Often the age and type of material hosting the residue can be a significant contributor to the cleaning agent necessary. Environmental conditions also play a part in the productivity and success of applied restoration products. 

Agitation of Surface Cleaners

Either through pre-cleaning to remove loose soils or in the sense of required agitation and mechanical action to improve the effectiveness of used surface cleaners, physical action is a beneficial element to the cleaning we provide. Scrubbing with steel wool and hard-bristled brushes can allow solvents and detergents to reach more soot particles and require less abrasive methods. Efforts might include:

• Feather Dusting
• Steel Wool
• Brushing
• Dry Vacuuming

Modifying the Temperature

When the environment is cooler, chemical processes, including the evaporation of surface moisture, can happen at a slower rate. Clearing soot deposits cannot occur as efficiently as possible without increasing the temperature of the surfaces impacted to boost molecular movement and the needed time for restoration processes to complete. 

Cleaning Agent Contact Time

The final consideration and factor in the cleaning and restoring soot-covered surfaces and contents in your home is the contact time needed for cleaning agents on these materials. The required exposure time changes with each application and area of the house to achieve emulsification or bonding with soils to trap them.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side can help with fire damage. Give us a call when disasters strike at (917) 498-1362. 

We Discuss The Best Extraction Methods For Your Manhattan Basement Apartment

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let flood damage take over your property, Call SERVPRO.

Best Extraction Methods for Manhattan Basement Apartments

Apartment water recovery after flooding can require creative solutions implemented immediately to reduce widespread structural deterioration and more expensive restoration efforts for Manhattan property owners. With some of the high-rise apartment buildings that famously make up the skyline, we need portable yet effective water removal tactics to reduce the need for significant controlled demolition and build back.

Storm systems threatening the borough can produce extreme conditions capable of breaking windows, puncturing roofs, and other scenarios that might lead to a need for flood removal in Manhattan residences. Because of how closely connected the entire apartment and its contents are, a single flooding incident can damage your entire property. Our SERVPRO professionals have multiple choices for fast and thorough extraction, and with an apartment several stories from the ground level, we must consider the best possible tools for the job.

Wet-Vacs / Light Wands

These are among the most popular options as they are the most portable options available to the team. Often these units collect water into their tanks, and those get emptied through open drains in the residence. The advantage to the units is that they do not require discharge hoses. Hence, they are a lightweight and manageable extraction tool designed to excel in smaller, confined areas.

Submersible Pumps

Another lightweight and highly mobile option for our SERVPRO team is the electric submersible pump. In most situations where standing water exceeds 2 inches in depth, these units must be used before the extraction job is finished with the light wands. These lightweight sump pumps’ discharge can be directed to sink drains and other outlets to continually extract standing water.

Specific equipment most ideal for high-efficiency extraction, like our truck-mount pumps, are challenging to use in high-rise apartments. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side has practical solutions to rapidly dry your flooded apartment to get it back to pre-damaged condition quickly. No matter where you are, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Give us a call today at (917) 498-1362.

Upper West Side Office Fire Restoration Cleaning Challenges

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let fire damage take over your commercial property, Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362.

What Factors Make Fire Restoration Difficult?

Cleaning up after a fire is rarely straightforward. Office buildings feature hundreds of surfaces and contents, each with its own obstacles for soot removal and restoration.

Conditions of the Affected Surface

Fire restoration in Upper West Side office buildings involves various potential surfaces and materials. From contents like electronics and furniture to drywall and short pile carpeting, the type of impacted hosting element for smoke damage plays a part in its salvageability. Factors can include:

• Type of Underlying Material – The composition of impacted surfaces affects their cleanability, such as non or less-porous materials being easier to clean.

• Age of Impacted Element – Typically, the older a building material is, the more challenging it will be to clear of soot damage.

• Cost of Replacement – In some cases, it is cheaper and easier to replace a material rather than go through an extensive restoration process.

Environmental Conditions of the Fire

Specific environmental factors can also slow or stall cleaning. We are mindful of the influences of:

• Air Pressure – The air volume increases with the fire's heat. Soot can be driven into cracks and crevices of materials and surfaces under this pressure. 

• Heat – Higher heat conditions open pores in surfaces more, forcing turbulent smoke into these broader points to become trapped when the material cools.

• Moisture – A wet environment makes surfaces and contents more likely to become marred or stained by circulating soot damage. 

Accessibility of the Damaged Areas

Another critical element in the restorability of your office construction elements and contents is the accessibility of the damaged areas. We must consider the most efficient and direct approaches that preserve most of the exposed structure. 

Multiple factors and conditions influence the ease of cleaning surfaces and contents from fire-damaged offices. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side FSRT-Certified technicians can respond fast to emergencies. Call now at (917) 498-1362.

Stormwater in Your Manhattan Unit? Just call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

A Containment Barrier Decreases Treatment Area Along with Service Time.

What To Do When Flood Damage Hits Your Manhattan Home

Water damage is one of the most costly home disasters a property owner faces. When the loss situation emanates as the result of a storm, the circumstances in the home have the potential to bring further loss to both property and contents, depending on how quickly cleanup begins.

One of the first things a Manhattan homeowner facing flood damage should do is to ascertain if it is safe to remain in the home. If the water enters the house as rainwater, usually through damage to a window or roof, it is considered clean water and not hazardous as long as the structure is sound. The real issue comes when groundwater affects your home.

Safety First

If the floodwater has the potential to reach wall plugs in the home or you notice light fixtures have water in them, turn off the electricity in the house. If someone mistakenly turns on a light, it may cause expensive electrical issues that require repair, along with the endangerment of electrical shock. If appliances receive water damage, unplug them and show them to the SERVPRO technicians, who, on a case-by-case basis, can arrange for an outside expert to work on the device if it has restoration potential.

Engage Professional Restoration Services

It is essential to bring in professional restoration services that test the water, remove damaged items, and have the equipment and training to salvage as much as possible through cleaning and drying methods.

Mold Happens Fast

Most people never consider airborne mold spores are always present both indoors and outdoors. The rise in humidity inside the home after a flood allows for the germination of mold spores. Inhibiting mold or cleaning away early established colonies is key to stemming secondary flood damage. SERVPRO technicians have the training to remove infestations and apply preventative measures such as antimicrobial sealers to ensure it does not return to the treated areas.

The certified technicians at SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 stand ready to handle any flood damage to your property, using both their equipment and expertise to make the water loss "Like it never even happened."

How to Deal with Water Damage in Your Manhattan Home

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t wait until it's too late, call SERVPRO to remediate flood damage

A DIY Job Gone Wrong Could Cause Water Damage in Your Manhattan Flat

Sometimes, you may be tempted to do a job yourself, especially if it saves you money. However, a lack of proper experience, or a mistake, could leave your Manhattan home in need of water damage remediation services. In particular, many homeowners are tempted to perform bathroom renovations themselves. Doing the renovation yourself can sometimes cut down expenses by more than 50% of what it would have cost to go with a professional service. 

However, what if you made a mistake in your renovation that caused water damage to your Manhattan flat? Imagine that while you were trying to remove the vanity from your bathroom, to replace it, you accidentally damaged a plumbing pipe. Water spilled out into your bathroom almost immediately and soaked the floor. Furthermore, to make matters worse, imagine it takes you twenty minutes to get the water shut off inside of your flat. 

Whenever water damage happens inside your home, you must remain calm. Getting professional water damage restoration technicians (WRT) into your home as quickly as possible is essential. Remaining calm can help you make the phone call you need much quicker and leave you level-headed enough to provide all necessary information quickly. 

Here at SERVPRO, we also value calm and effective action. We understand how time-sensitive water damage is. Our technicians know that water damage left untouched for less than 72 hours could form mold damage. For this reason, we always work around your schedule. Remember, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

In this scenario, SERVPRO could be at your home within hours of your initial phone call. Once we enter your flat, our WRT can immediately begin using advanced equipment to remove the standing water from your bathroom. We can use devices like extractors and wet/dry vacuums to remove the water and then flood drying mats on the floor to ensure that none seeped between the tiles. SERVPRO can also set up dehumidifiers and axial fans to dry out the base of the walls to ensure that no remaining excess moisture is left behind. 

Once finished, SERVPRO can recommend a plumber to you who can come and fix the pipe that was damaged inside of your bathroom. 

If you accidentally cause water damage to your apartment, never hesitate. Speak with SERVPRO of Upper West Side by phoning (917) 498-1362. Our technicians are always ready to help.

Cleaning Soot from the Belongings of Your Manhattan Apartment

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage will take over your Manhattan apartment home, let us help you.

Let SERVPRO clean soot from your Manhattan Items

We have multiple strategies that exist to reduce the presence of soot and smoke residues on surfaces and the contents of your Manhattan apartment. With a confined space that many property owners must contend with, nearly all of your belongings can become affected by even a smaller-scale fire loss incident within the apartment. While many residents lack the training and skill to address these concerns on their own, more and more have trusted in the experience and equipment of our SERVPRO brand to help during the crisis. 

Content management is a vital component of our recovery from fire damage in Manhattan apartments like yours. We understand how concentrated effects can become, especially in units that do not have an open floor plan. We must work quickly to face these immediate effects to safely remove affected and damaged possessions. We can move these items to our nearby facility for focused cleaning and deodorization, which is necessary when contending with soot and smoke residues. 

Not all cleaning practices work the same for every item damaged by the recent fire loss in your apartment. For hard materials that are not compromised by submersion in a solution, the ideal practice for addressing soot buildup is an immersion practice. Most often, this involves using our ultrasonic tank, which is full of a powerful cleaning product. Items get entirely submerged in this solution, and vibration from sound waves generates microscopic bubbles that burst to create an action that breaks up the soiling and leaves the surface of the material clean and vibrant. 

This equipment in our SERVPRO facility is often the only cleaning that many of the damaged items removed from your apartment require before they get safely stored until they get returned to your residence. Ultrasonic tanks are ideal for ceramics, silverware, glass, and other hard items that can be costly to replace or resurface. 

Removing soot and smoke residues can be a challenge for even our experienced SERVPRO of Upper West Side professionals at times. With our advanced equipment and our line of powerful cleaning and deodorization products, we can make all fire loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that disaster strikes at (917) 498-1362.

SERVPRO Excels at Water Restoration in the Upper West Side

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away at (917) 498-1362.

Upper West Side Water Restoration Takes Expertise 

Effective water restoration in the Upper West Side requires specialized knowledge about the water cycle and its effect on the drying process. Standing water, water vapor, the related interior humidity levels, indoor temperatures, and airflow patterns all significantly affect water-impacted materials and determine the speed at which they can be dried. 

Every Upper West Side water restoration technician at SERVPRO receives training on the water cycle and psychrometrics. This specialized knowledge gives them a distinct advantage when providing water clean-up services in the aftermath of ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and basement flooding events. Specifically, SERVPRO teaches its professionals about the following interrelated elements of the water cycle and drying process:

• Evaporation, or the transformation of water into a vapor, occurs when temperatures are high enough, enabling air to absorb excess moisture and allow wet surfaces to dry.
• Condensation, or when cooler air causes water vapor to change into a liquid, acts to dry moisture-laden air.
• The dew point, or the temperature at which condensation begins, can allow airborne moisture to return to surfaces and undermine interior drying efforts.
• Airflow, which can push out moisture-saturated air and facilitate increased evaporation of water from household surfaces
• Vapor pressure, or the force on surfaces produced by water vapor, which can slow drying if it is high and cause less moisture-rich areas to attract more airborne moisture
• Dehumidification, whereby machines are used to cool interior air, condense excess water vapor from it, and speed-up drying efforts 

Combined, this information gives workers a complete picture of the factors involved in water damage remediation and aids them in their work.

So, if your home ever suffers water damage, remember that help is only a phone call away. Contact your neighbors at SERVPRO of Upper West Side anytime at (917) 498-1362 for fast and professional service.

What Do I Do About Mold in the Kitchen of My Manhattan Restaurant

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in your Manhattan restaurant will reduce sales and reputation. Call SERVPRO for mold remediation.

Our SERVPRO team can help with effective remediation solutions that can keep you going while mold removal efforts continue

You might not realize how likely mold damage and other microbial threats are in your Manhattan restaurant. With so many pieces of equipment generating heat and creating steam in an already humid environment, you have more than met the conditions necessary for facilitating mold growth. Addressing these concerns might not seem like a pressing matter. Still, in many cases, traditional cleaning methods are ineffective against structural mold.

It is more complicated than remediators showing up and getting the job done regarding mold removal for your Manhattan restaurant. In the recent legislature, the state of New York has mandated that a third party assess the damage that the mold has caused and allow this third party to dictate what efforts must occur to provide a safe working environment for your restaurant again. We can follow up quickly on these decisions to limit anytime that your kitchen might need to stay closed.

What Happens if I Do Nothing About Mold?

Many property owners mistakenly believe that doing nothing for mold growth allows the problem to dissipate naturally. Unfortunately, in many situations, these conditions only worsen as humidity and steam remain persistent problems in the active kitchen.

What Are Effective Strategies for Removing Mold from Brick and Tile? 

Tile is often resistant to mold colonization, but grouted joints surrounding these tiles are not. Brick and grout can both become hosts for active colonization, which can continue to spread beyond the boundaries of your kitchen area. Some of the removal solutions include:

• Soda Blasting
• Wipe Cleaning
• Controlled Demolition

Mold can be an unexpected and threatening presence in your restaurant, but our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team can offer effective remediation solutions. Give us a call anytime at (917) 498-1362.

What Elements Slow Fire Damage Cleaning in Upper West Side Shops?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 for assistance from a professional remediation company.

Factors Can Deter Fire Restoration in Upper West Side Properties

As with all restoration needs that a property might have, these cleaning and recovery steps must happen as soon as possible. However, there are often obstacles and hurdles to overcome with fire loss incidents to reach the needed mitigation phase. Without addressing pressing issues, it is not easy to complete processes like:

• Surface cleaning
• Odor removal
• Water restoration
• Smoke damage remediation

Structural Damage 

Structural damage is one of the most considerable factors slowing the restoration of fire damage in Upper West Side shops and stores. Broken fixtures, heaps of bulk materials, and weakened installed elements must be addressed before the typical recovery actions can begin. Our management conducts a thorough examination to determine which materials fall under this heading, and we implement our focused, controlled demolition practices to manage the threat.

Water Damage 

Water is a very beneficial element when extinguishing a structure fire, but it can also hinder the restoration necessary after it does its job. SERVPRO can catalog damage to contents and building materials directly impacted by the high volume of water needed to extinguish the blaze with the fire out. Extraction and drying become critical elements of the emergency services we offer to allow the usual fire restoration steps to start soon.

Unapproved Claims

Another potential slowing factor that can influence how readily a shop or business can be cleaned and restored after a fire is the oversight of the insurance policy provider. Damage claim approval is an intricate process that requires documentation, estimates, and thorough inspections. Many projects remain in a lengthy limbo waiting for approvals to start necessary mitigation and restoration services without beginning this process early.

Several factors can influence how quickly your shop's fire damage restoration and recovery services can get underway. Trust our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team to work with you to get this process started as soon as possible. Give us a call now at (917) 498-1362.

Introducing the Simple Way to Achieving Flood Damage Remediation Success in Manhattan

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding that affects your condo or apartment needs to be taken seriously because often it's not just your unit that is involved. Call SERVPRO.

Call the Professionals for Flood Removal in the Manhattan Area

The population and business density of the Manhattan area make it an exciting and vibrant place to live and work. When living spaces experience significant water incursion in the city, density and the residential building configurations offer many challenges. Our highly-qualified team of flooding mitigation professionals has the training and the specialized equipment to get the job done right and fast.

When flood removal in the Manhattan area is needed because of broken water mains or overflowing sanitary sewers during heavy rains, garden-level condos and apartments suffer the most. Although all spaces in a multi-story residential property can have issues when lower levels are flooded, living at or below the street targets those units for rapid emergency response. Our crews arrive ready to assess the situation and begin restoration efforts immediately.

Each SERVPRO service vehicle carries a full complement of water removal and structural drying equipment. We can pump and extract water from your home even if the electricity service is interrupted. Our gas-powered and truck-mounted tools prevent delays that could mean progressive damage to your property and serious secondary concerns like mold growth. We employ thermal scanners to locate hidden water migrating into cavities after a flood to ensure all fluids are contained and removed.

Expert flood recovery needs an accurate measurement of moisture levels throughout the process. During IICRC training, SERVPRO technicians study the science of psychrometrics and the principles behind applied drying techniques. Establishing drying goals based on reliable moisture measurements is vital. We use meters and probes to fix baselines and revisit those levels to assess how well the air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers we position in your space are reducing moisture in the structural components of your home.

To attend better to the requirements of your furnishings and personal possessions during flood removal, SERVPRO might recommend a pack-out of some items. At our production facility, we can clean and dry out articles you fear were ruined using advanced technologies such as freeze and thermal drying. We use a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) protocol to create and maintain an inventory and track restoration attempts. This documentation helps us work with your insurer as well.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is ready to help when your apartment or condo is afloat in floodwaters. One call to (917) 498-1362 can line up water removal, structural and contents drying, and assistance with your insurance claim process.

Our Skilled Restoration Professionals Are Ready To Respond To Your Disaster In The Upper West Side

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team a call anytime disasters strike at (917) 498-1362.

We Can Save Your Property In The Upper West Side

We New Yorkers have a passion for getting a job done quickly and having it how we want it the first time you ask. That’s the mentality of our SERVPRO team that has been proudly serving the Upper West Side and other areas of Manhattan for years. As a family-owned restoration company, we can utilize the resources of our parent company without losing the roots and the ties to our community that make us such a respected choice when emergencies occur. We want not just to have you as a customer but to know that should anything ever happen again, we are the team you want to call to make it right.

Mold

Mold Damage is a situation that many properties throughout the Upper West Side find challenging to avoid entirely. Our professionals can understand how severe these effects can become. Our proximity to the Hudson River and other major water features creates conditions where higher moisture content and relative humidity (RH) levels are difficult to avoid. Even with a proactive stance against rising moisture content, it can be impossible to negate entirely.

Because mold gets discovered in an Upper West Side home or apartment does not necessarily indicate a need for the property owner to vacate the premises until remediation completes. Our professionals have many strategies for containment that fixate on limiting the spread of these effects through the application of plastic sheeting and the operation of HEPA machines, including air scrubbers, negative air chambers, and hydroxyl generators.

If you believe a mold infestation is growing in your Upper West Side home, it is best to have the property thoroughly inspected by our IICRC-Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians. If a threat gets discovered, we have immediate practices to implement to remove this organism and to protect the materials that were hosting a colony.

Water

We have to approach almost all of the water loss incidents that we address throughout the Upper West Side as situations that can affect other residences as well. With a high percentage of properties for our customers in the area being lofts, apartments, and condos, it is easy for disasters to spread beyond their initial source point to damage the entire unit. Once saturation has become an issue in the source residence, moisture can migrate to neighboring apartments and properties to present a more substantial hurdle for our restoration team to overcome.

We have seen the high volume of water restoration calls that our professionals receive every year, and that is why our experts focus on training and education to ensure that nearly all of our staff have the necessary certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in water restoration. This comprehensive accreditation means that we always have qualified technicians available immediately when disasters strike your Upper West Side property.

Our professionals have to have the equipment to match this claim. We have an ever-growing inventory of tools and machines ranging from our portable sump pumps and light wands for extraction in confined spaces to the rapid drying solutions for Upper West Side residences like our desiccant dehumidifiers and positive pressure practices like the InjectiDry system.

Fire

While the recovery of fire loss incidents might seem par for the course to our SERVPRO professionals, the restoration services we provide Upper West Side properties rely on other aspects of our process, including interaction with our customers. We know that this is an overwhelming experience, and many times you question whether your home or apartment might be a total loss. We take pride in how we can help homes and businesses and their owners through traumatic and substantial fire losses.

Our team focuses on bridging the gap between our customers and their insurance company. We have established working relationships with area providers. We know what these companies need to submit your damage claim and can document and catalog loss and damage through the extensive walkthrough and assessment that our experienced project management provides upon our initial arrival. There are several obstacles that are standing in the way of returning your Upper West Side property to a pre-damaged condition, and we have the experienced IICRC-Certified professionals to help.

Permeation of fire loss effects to neighboring properties is a concern for this type of emergency as well, to reduce the spread of smoke odors and soot throughout your Upper West Side unit. Through the use of sophisticated equipment like ozone machines, hydroxyl generators, and thermal foggers, we can eliminate harmful scents and keep other neighboring properties from suffering these effects as well.

Storm

With many apartment buildings and structures having more than just a single owner, our SERVPRO team understands that the prompt service we provide can help to keep Upper West Side residents from becoming displaced for prolonged periods. It is part of the reason that our team of professionals has grown to include a full-service contracting division – so that we can address the basic needs of properties as storm damages occur. The faster we can overcome these concerns with even temporary measures, the faster effective and property-saving mitigation tactics can begin.

Because of the limitations that many of our structures place on effective extraction and drying tools in our recovery arsenal, our professionals must utilize efficient extractors that can be portable enough to transport into high-rise buildings with the right power to complete the task. We have numerous portable extractors, including electric sump pumps and light wands that can help to remove standing water before it migrates beyond the immediate damage location in Upper West Side buildings.

There are multiple layers to storm and flood recovery that require the full measure of our team and their capabilities. We encourage continued education for all of our technicians, even after their acquisition of IICRC certification is specifically related to niches like water restoration, structural drying, mold remediation, or cleaning. The result has been a comprehensive approach to restoration that includes efficient mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration for every storm-damaged Upper West Side structure.

You might have several choices in restoration services throughout New York, but our professionals have worked hard for years to become a reputable and renowned team. We have a fast response, and we have the experience to help. Give our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team a call anytime disasters strike at (917) 498-1362.

Ideal Water Removal Tools for Upper West Side Office High Rises

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side rapid response team is available 24/7!

Devices for Water Removal in Upper West Side Offices Vary 

From burst pipes to leaks in your office building, there is a finite timeline to get water damage restoration, and extraction started before significant harm results in the building. Objectives of the mitigation team include:

• Stopping migration of moisture
• Protecting adjacent commercial spaces
• Quickly resolving standing water

Wet Vacuums

Specific damage incidents requiring water removal in Upper West Side office buildings can vary considerably in the available access to the work area and the type of extractors and drying equipment brought to the site. In many cases where smaller pooling or limited extraction is necessary, wet vacuums can overcome these water removal requirements. These units can be used with multiple attachments and extensions to add more versatility to their function, including removing water from glue-down carpets or wall assemblies. 

High-Pressure Pumps

These units are fuel-powered and can work by maintaining a constant and powerful pressure that allows suction from higher elevations to the ground level. With several multi-story office buildings in the city, high-pressure pumps allow for a continuous and continual draw of standing water at a greater rate than the limitations of wet vacuums. 

Truck-Mount Extraction Units

Another one of the effective methods for removing standing water after damages is the powerful truck-mount extractor option. There is no water removal tool available to our SERVPRO team more potent or capable. Engine-driven suction manages a high gallons per minute discharge without losing prime, even over considerable elevations to overcome.  

There are a few water removal and recovery tools that can directly impact the mitigation and restoration of your Manhattan office building. Even with significant damage events, we have the devices to manage pooling and trapped water on surfaces like concrete, carpet, and wood flooring. Give our SERVPRO of Upper West Side roster a call now at (917) 498-1362 to help you get your business up and running. 

Manhattan Multi-Tenant Building Management Should Consider SERVPRO for Fire Loss Mitigation

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire, Smoke, and Odor Containment in a Manhattan Apartment Is a Job for SERVPRO

Prevent Fire Odors from Spreading Through a Manhattan Apartment

Many consequences from fire loss incidents require an immediate management plan within Manhattan apartments. Effects from these disasters can not only spread quickly through the affected source unit, but any neighboring properties sharing common walls, floors, ceilings, and hallways, as well. While installed suppression systems can often make short work of the combustion and flames, lingering consequences like soot and smoke odor can present hurdles property owners must overcome to return their residence to pre-damaged condition.

While containment strategies are one of the specialties that you can expect from our SERVPRO professionals overcoming fire damage in Manhattan apartments, there are ways that you can limit this spread on your own. One of the first steps you can take once the fire has gotten suppressed in your unit is to gear up with personal protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, and other safety gear, and work to begin cleanup and recovery of the apartment.

Our SERVPRO team would encourage homeowners and apartment owners to proceed with caution when attempting to remove substances like soot and smoke residue from surfaces, contents, and construction materials. Though cleanup of these damaged areas can help reduce lingering odors in the apartment, specific approaches are necessary to prevent smearing and staining.

Another approach that property owners can consider to help contain the spread of odors after a fire has gotten extinguished is to rent air purification machines with a HEPA filter. These units can help to reduce the concentration of particulates circulating through the air and can work to provide a barrier that prevents much of the damaging effects from the fire from spreading elsewhere in the apartment or neighboring units.

With how standard apartments are to our borough, owners have to not only care for their own living space but also those of the neighbors sharing walls and floors. If a situation gets too widespread or overwhelming, you can always count on the expertise and industry-leading equipment of our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team. We can arrive quickly to make fire losses “Like it never even happened” when you call (917) 498-1362.

We Have The Necessary Equipment To Restore Your Manhattan Apartments

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage at this Manhattan apartment was the result of a burst water pipe and we had the equipment to handle the restoration needs.

How Drying Mats Remove Water Damage in Manhattan Apartments

Water loss incidents are more common in Manhattan apartments than many property owners might care to believe. With so many units sharing the same floor and multiple stories of these units stacked on top of one another, an issue in any single apartment could have widespread and detrimental effects. Even smaller-scale water loss incidents can spread their effects through multiple properties, requiring a fast and thorough response from qualified and trained restoration specialists like ours.

One of the tools that our SERVPRO professionals use when we respond to widespread water damage in the Manhattan high-rise apartments is drying mats. With many of the units featuring hardwood floor or vinyl alternatives for a modern and sophisticated appearance, water damage can be very damaging to these surfaces. Even with flooring designed to resist water, standing liquid can often find creases and vulnerabilities to soak both through the planks in the flooring and the subflooring padding.

We intend to ensure that no homeowner has to replace their entire affected flooring when we respond to water emergencies. While some situations require controlled demolition and replacement, the proper response to clean water incidents can help protect installed materials from requiring removal. While air movers and dehumidifiers can work to address concerns above the flooring, the Injecti-Dry System and drying mats can address the issues underneath.

Drying mats get used in sets and can slowly draw moisture from affected materials. With wood flooring, it is imperative to monitor moisture content to ensure that flooring does not become overly dry. Our SERVPRO technicians keep monitors installed over the tenting of these units to continually keep track of humidity to ensure that we remove the equipment once the water damage effects get addressed.

With how quickly Manhattan apartments can become water damaged from water loss incidents, it is essential to get the right professionals there quickly to help. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side has a fast response with qualified technicians that can make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (917) 498-1362.

How to Deal With Fire Damage Remediation in Your Manhattan Apartment

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians. Call today at (917) 498-1362.

A Small Space Heater Can Be A Real Threat to Your Manhattan Apartment

You are subject to unexpected temperature drops even though summer is right around the corner when you live in Manhattan. To warm up just a bit, you may plug in an old space heater in your living room without realizing that its wiring can pose a threat to your apartment. Once it causes a fire, you realize just how vulnerable we are to accidents, even if they seem minor.

Despite your quick response in using a fire extinguisher, there still is fire damage to your Manhattan apartment, and you want to make sure to address any potential trouble this may cause. Our SERVPRO crew is at your service to assess the extent of the damage and help you restore your home. All you need is to call us as soon as disaster strikes. Our team is available 24/7 and ready to mitigate your damages by acting quickly and effectively.

Aside from the smoke and soot residue left by the fire, you may wonder whether your belongings can be salvaged. Our SERVPRO team analyzes the flames' path and considers the nature of each element that suffered. Synthetic materials such as plastics do not burn in the same manner as natural materials do, such as wood. Understanding the difference is crucial in applying proper cleaning and disinfecting agents to each affected surface of your home.

Ridding your home of the foul smoke odor is also essential. Our SERVPRO staff understands the buildings in New York City and applies deodorizing agents in a way that is specific to the materials used in your home. We have many options for eradicating the smell at our disposal, including odor pellets, charcoal-activated filters, and even thermal fogging. Whether the fire was big or small, we want to eliminate all its traces.

New York City living is fast-paced and vibrant, and SERVPRO of Upper West Side wants to ensure you will not miss a beat. Call us at (917) 498-1362 and let us leave your home "Like it never even happened."

Quick and Efficient Storm Damage Remediation in Manhattan With SERVPRO

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

The first step to resolving storm damage is calling your local trained professionals at SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362.

Risks that Can Complicate Restoration of Flood Damage in Your Manhattan Home 

After flooding incidents unfold, you need to respond fast to mitigate the damage and destruction left behind. While doing so, you need to be aware of the risks that you might be exposed to because some can lead to bodily harm. Hiring a professional restoration team to handle the entire process of restoring flood damage can help you avoid such risks.

When cleaning up or removing materials affected by flood damage in your Manhattan home, you should consider the danger of electrical shocks. The pooling water can relay electricity from exposed cables or electrical outlets, shocking anyone wading into the water unprotected. You can avoid such risks by turning off the mains before taking other mitigation steps. In case of flooding after a storm, the risk may persist because of downed power lines. Our SERVPRO technicians can work safely, even in such circumstances, because we have the right PPE, Personal Protective Equipment. Among the safety equipment we have, include: 

• Rubber Boots 
• Heavy Duty Gloves 
• Electrical Circuit Testers 
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters 

Flooding leaves properties murky from the combination of soils dragged from outside the structure and debris from damaged items within the house. As you prepare to clean the murk, restoring the property to its pre-damaged state, you should be aware of the contamination risks flooding can present. The groundwater swept into your home may include hazardous contaminants such as raw sewage and chemicals. Our SERVPRO technicians spray EPA registered disinfectants into the water to neutralize the contaminants and wear protective gear. We also bring shovels to remove silt and sludge conveniently. 

Wicking water can reach confined spaces such as subfloors and structural supports such as frames and joists. If left unchecked, it can trigger rot and other forms of deterioration that weaken them, posing a risk to the house occupants in the future. Our SERVPRO technicians can trace wetness even in hidden sections. We use moisture sensors with probes to check the levels of wetness in materials such as wooden floorboards. We also have FLIR thermal cameras that reveal wetness in concealed areas. 

You can deal with flood damage incidents safely with professional assistance. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 to help. Our combined resources can help restore the damage "Like it never even happened."

If Your Manhattan Carpets Are Damaged By Water, Our Experts Can Help!

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is here for you.

Removing Moisture From Water-Damaged Manhattan Carpets

Carpeting varies significantly from one Manhattan home to the next regarding feel and coverage. With a natural magnetism that already exists with this flooring for dust, debris, and other potential buildups, it is no surprise that disasters like water damage incidents can see saturation occurring quickly with carpets in the area as well. While multiple tools play a role in the recovery of these damaged components, one with a particularly important job is the weighted extractor.

This equipment is not necessary for every Manhattan residential water damage incident, though it can help to quickly relieve saturation and limit lingering moisture and dampness in this flooring material. Carpets have no resistance to permeation, putting subflooring and support joists beneath them at risk for structural degradation and secondary effects like mold or microbial growth if this situation persists for several days unresolved. With the use of weighted extractors, our SERVPRO professionals can begin the recovery process to protect installed materials and prevent unnecessary tear out and reinstallation.

Weighted extraction devices can get rented from specialty hardware stores and other chain locations throughout the city. These are much simpler models that utilize the weight of the homeowner standing on the equipment repeatedly to force moisture to the surface for removal with an onboard vacuum. Our SERVPRO professionals have a more advanced approach common to the restoration industry in remote-controlled devices to move quickly throughout each damaged room.

With fast response to the water incident, this practice alone can address the majority of the moisture and saturation, beginning with the carpeting and getting into the padding and underlay beneath. Removing the dampness and saturation entirely before compromising effects like mold growth take hold can protect carpeted areas of your property from requiring removal and replacement.

There are many situations that homeowners can address on their own but should your water damage incident get out of hand and spread farther than you anticipated, let our SERVPRO of Upper West Side response team help. We have sophisticated equipment to make water damages “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (917) 498-1362.

Will Fire Damage Restoration Eliminate Smoke Residue Odors from My Manhattan Apartment?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO of Upper West Side for all your fire damage needs.

We Vow to Eradicate Malodors No Matter How Persistent, Why SERVPRO Has Many Strategies to Deodorize Residences During Fire Damage Restoration in Manhattan

Smells, pleasant and unpleasant, are a part of life, but some events increase the possibility of a stench pervading your Manhattan home. Even a thorough clean-up of debris and residues after a household fire can leave malodors lingering. Especially tenacious are the rancid smells resulting from a kitchen fire. Are there solutions to this distressing problem, or will your home smell like a fire scene forever?

What Is the Definition of an Odor?

Working toward an answer for any problem requires understanding the challenge, and the odors that resist fire damage restoration in Manhattan are no exception. Odors are volatile molecules, which means they eventually “evaporate” and disappear. The speed at which this diminishing and vanishing occur varies, and if the source of the odor remains, additional molecules holding the scent continue to circulate in your home.

What Are Barriers to Removing Fire Damage-Based Odors?

The process of eliminating fire damage-related odors can be difficult. The hurdles to a swift and sure solution include:

• Uncertainty about the location of the odor source
• Uncertainty about which of many odor control methods finally eliminated one or more of the smells
• Migration of tiny odor-bearing particles into cracks, crevices, and home contents
• Differences in the perception of an odor -- why SERVPRO technicians listen to customers who still perceive an odor others feel has disappeared. We continue to work on elimination because research establishes that every person perceives the volatile molecules differently.
• Phantosmia is an extreme “difference” in perception, defined as an olfactory hallucination -- smoky smells being among the most common.

Enough Theory -- How Do Fire Damage Restoration and Deodorization Technicians Remove or Control an Odor?

Proprietary Products

Masking and Odor Absorbing Agents

• Odor Counteracting Beads -- The porous “beads” are permeated with a solvent-based counteractant that distracts from the unpleasant smell. The goal is to allow the alternative smell to remain long enough to permit the volatile molecules to dissipate. These beads are often deposited into a container to avoid softening or dissolving of paints or plastic surfaces. We might place them in an HVAC air intake area to disperse throughout your living quarters.
• Deodorant Granules or Pellets -- Deodorizing granules or pellets absorb odors using a mineral substance called Fullers Earth.
• Water-Based Odor Counteractants -- This product is available as a concentrate to mix into water or cleaning solutions. It neutralizes a wide range of odors, replacing the bad smell with a pleasant aroma during a wipe down or while cleaning.
• Water-Based Wet Mist Deodorizers -- This fluid is premixed and applied with a ULV mister. The superfine mist or fog permits the deodorizer to penetrate cracks and crevices and porous structures where smoke odor-bearing soot particles have sifted down and settled. Exhaust fans can be used after a few hours to facilitate the removal of airborne odors. Injection devices can use these deodorizers to treat hard to reach materials like carpet padding.
• Water or Solvent-Based Thermal Fog Deodorizers -- This blend of aromatic phenolics, odor counteractants, and fragrances in a solvent base is combusted in a heat chamber and dispensed throughout an odiferous space as a fog. The tiny fog particles recreate the conditions of the fire and pair with and neutralize odor-bearing soot particles.

Sealants -- Alcohol-based shellac or acrylic coatings encapsulate odor residues absorbed into porous building materials that continue to vaporize and cause issues. We use it as a last resort when other methods prove ineffective.

What Types of Equipment Help with Fire Odor Control and Elimination?

Ventilation equipment and pressure sprayers, thermal and Ultra Low Volume (ULV) misters or foggers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by our technicians when using the preceding proprietary products. We use additional innovative machines and equipment if deep cleaning is inadequate for odor elimination:

• Vaportek units seal natural oils within a membrane. The oils volatilize as air currents pass through the membrane. Vaportek molecules neutralize odor molecules upon contact.
• Air scrubbers use negative pressure (suction) to seal edges of partitioned spaces and force contaminants, including odor-bearing particles, through HEPA filters before venting outdoors.
• Ozone generators eliminate odors as the machine generates ozone, an unstable gas composed of oxygen molecules containing three oxygen atoms. A chemical reaction oxidizes residues to remove smells.
• Photocatalytic oxidizers (hydroxyl generators) use ultraviolet (UV) rays to produce hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyl radicals immediately oxidize and break down malodors into carbon dioxide and water.

Elimination of odors must be part of fire damage restoration for you to be confident enough to say the result is, “Like it never even happened.” The tools, techniques, and training we possess are why SERVPRO of Upper West Side delivers a malodor-free result. Call (917) 498-1362 to discuss your options for smoke odor eradication.

Should Upper West Side Homeowners Expect Winter Water Damage?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side when your pipes freeze over. We're here for you.

Severe winter weather can directly impact Upper West Side homes. 

The destructive elements of winter weather can directly impact Manhattan properties. While it is possible to take preventative actions to help, many also rely on the experienced professionals of our SERVPRO team to respond fast when disasters occur. 

Do Pipes Usually Freeze in Winter Conditions?

Because frozen pipes and ice damming Upper West Side properties might experience are common threats for water damage, SERVPRO professionals stay prepared to help. Cold conditions can surround under-insulated plumbing and leave it vulnerable to freezing, expansion, and substantial water loss. 

Is Ice Damming a Common Concern?

Ice forming along roof edges can become a formidable obstacle in allowing snowmelt to reach diversion implements like the gutter and downspouts. Materials can rapidly become saturated and damaged by the backflow of water into the attic. Some of the impacted areas include:

• Roof Materials
• Joists
• OSB Board
• Insulation
• Attic Flooring

How Can Damage Be Prevented? 

It is possible to prevent extensive damage to your residence during harsh winter conditions. Foremost, the issues often lie with inadequate insulation for the property. Covering exposed pipes or compromised portions of attic insulation can reduce the likelihood of freezing or penetration of water during ice damming events. 

What Does SERVPRO Do to Help? 

The SERVPRO response to water damage emergencies focuses on our need to regulate the spread and severity of damaging conditions as rapidly as possible. Frozen pipes bursting can deposit hundreds of gallons of liquid a minute, making it vital to begin water removal services and other mitigative actions as soon as professionals arrive. 

When water damage results from burst pipes, ice damming, or other causes this winter, trust in the fast response and experience of our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team. We work fast to get disasters under control with water removal services, surface cleaning, and other mitigative actions. Call today at (917) 498-1362.

SERVPRO is Available 24/7 to Restore Your Commercial Water Damage in Manhattan

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

When commercial water damage affects your Manhattan business, call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

After Hours Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Manhattan

A leaking tap or pipe can cause extensive damage especially if the issue is not recognized immediately and left overnight. A bar, hotel, or restaurant is full of fixtures and fittings which provide cavities for water to seep. When that happens, there is a real risk of uncontrolled microbial growth, which not only provides an unpleasant environment for your customers but also a health and safety issue.

Water Damage Restoration

We are a local company with the necessary equipment and resources to handle commercial water damage in Manhattan. Our crew chiefs hold IICRC qualifications in water damage restoration (WRT) and applied structural drying (ASD), allowing them to lead an efficient service for your commercial property. Our technicians are also available after hours for emergency remediation services.

In today's industry, remediating property water damages is as much about controlling microbial growth as it is about removing moisture. The presence of microbes in moisture means that bringing humidity levels below 60 GPP in the affected area is an essential part of the service, alongside proper drying behind fittings, in cavities, and underneath structural contents.

SERVPRO technicians have access to some of the most advanced restoration equipment available today. Injectidry systems are a practical solution to drying inside cavities that may harbor damp spots. Using thermal imaging cameras, your technicians can find residual moisture that may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Working outward from the source, we can put in place a game plan to efficiently remediate the property and limit secondary damages.

By drilling small holes in wall cavities or into the base of fittings, SERVPRO can establish an airflow inside the cavity. We then attach injector nozzles into these holes to run a current of warm air that evaporates moisture into the surrounding atmosphere. We can then deploy air movers alongside dehumidifiers to draw that moisture from the air and return the affected area to an average humidity level.

Proper drying methods are about preventing secondary issues while keeping temporary closure to a minimum. Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 to restore your water damage quickly.

What Are the Benefits of Calling Fire Damage Restoration Professionals?

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says: Always have a fire escape plan for your Manhattan property--Then leave the cleanup to us!

SERVPRO Helps Manhattan Property Owners Save Time and Money with Premier Fire Cleanup and Restoration

Property owners in Manhattan know they can rely on SERVPRO technicians when their property is damaged by fire. Our restoration professionals work hard to stop further harm and begin the restoration process quickly. By working to restore rather than replace whenever possible, our team can help customers save time and money.

What Should You Expect When You Call SERVPRO?

SERVPRO technicians are trained to respond swiftly to Manhattan fire damage emergencies. We know that fast action is the key to mitigating fire damage. Here are some of the first steps we take when called to a property requiring cleanup and restoration.

• Respond to your questions and concerns
• Determine the extent of the fire damage
• Test materials to determine what can be restored to pre-fire conditions
• Discuss the results with you and your insurance adjuster
• Obtain signed permission to begin the restoration process

We understand the stress that a flare-up causes. With many years of experience, we treat you with empathy even as we work to simplify the claims process. We are not an insurance company but expedite the process as much as possible. Communication is key. Let's get you back to your daily routine as quickly as possible.

What if Your Property Incurred Secondary Water Damage?

Because NYC firefighters respond to around 2,000 fires per month. Our Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can deal with water damage resulting from the extinguishing efforts. Our crew receives cross-trading in many aspects of restoration services.

SERVPRO technicians use advanced equipment to extract water and dry all wet materials and contents. All mitigation efforts can work simultaneously.

We provide restoration efforts from the first visit to the final walkthrough to ensure total customer satisfaction. Our goal is to make you feel "Like it never even happened."

When you have a fire at your property, trust the fire cleanup and restoration to us. Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362.

How Much Flood Damage Can a Leaky Roof in an Upper West Side Property Do?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO discovers moist walls and ceilings using a thermal imaging camera. Very important for Upper West Side multi-unit structures

SERVPRO Techs Support the Upper West Side with All Kinds of Water Damage Restoration Services

Many of the Upper West Side properties are multiple family housing units, and when there is storm damage, what affects one home can affect other residences. A wind-damaged roof can allow water to enter the property, which can migrate to other areas and affect additional units.

SERVPRO techs routinely handle flood damage cleanup in Upper West Side homes and businesses. The technicians undergo extensive, continuing training to stay up to date on the latest advancements in the restoration industry. The preliminary actions by the techs set the tone and pace for the restoration service, such as:

• Tarping over damaged areas on roofing to halt water entrance
• Using sensitive equipment to determine migration paths of water
• Getting to work extracting the water immediately

Water migration can be a problem

Usually, in the case of water entering through a roof leak, the water does not pool or stand. It travels rapidly into carpet, padding, and wicks into walls. Ceilings and insulation can become saturated, and, ceilings can present a safety hazard if they are sagging. SERVPRO technicians know how to ascertain if the structural integrity is compromised in a wall or ceiling and how much should be removed to halt moisture absorption. In multi-unit buildings, we can also check with neighbors who may have a water intrusion from the flooding.

The flood cuts are a crucial part of the restoration process. Often referred to as "controlled demolition" actions, these work in favor of the property owner, limiting the damage from the water to the walls or ceilings. The techs measure above the water line and only remove the damaged portion, making repairs easier as it only needs patching rather than replacing an entire wall or ceiling.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 brings professional flood damage cleanup services to Upper West Side properties. The certified techs are available 24/7 to make the water damage, "Like it never even happened."

Need Water Removal Services in Manhattan – Call SERVPRO

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

With water damage to your home. SERVPRO water damage restoration techs will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal and Clean Up Services in Manhattan

Discovering water in your basement in your Manhattan home or business can be a major concern, especially in a confined space. These are spaces that are not entered often by owners or employees. They may be crawl spaces or small rooms used for storage with little air circulation. Many people are reluctant to enter these spaces; however, they realize that they need to deal with the problem before damage to the contents or the structure occurs from mold, wood rot, and other hazards.

Many clients call SERVPRO in these situations for water removal services in their Manhattan homes or businesses. We assess the conditions and check for multiple hazards. Our team provides advice concerning the removal of the water and cleanup of the room. We can remove the water, dry the room and contents and restore or repair any damage the water may have caused.

Our assessment of the space includes checking for various hazards that may be harmful to your health and our team. For example, mold can cause health effects if present. There may be sewer gas, infectious waste, exposed electrical wiring and gas lines, and other hazards. We carefully manage all of these potential hazards and use personal protective gear to remove material from the area avoiding contamination of the different areas of your premises.

The services provided by SERVPRO include:

• Identify the source of water and work with the client to remove this source
• Water removal, cleanup, and drying
• Safe disposal of contaminated material as needed
• Water damage restoration and repair

Call SERVPRO of the Upper West Side for water removal in Manhattan and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (917) 498-1362.

Need Help Fast for Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup in Central Park West – Call SERVPRO

11/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPROs IICRC certified technicians have the training and experience in all phases of fire damage mitigation.

SERVPRO Delivers Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup to Business Customers in Central Park West

When there is a fire in a commercial building in Central Park West, all commercial business operations come to a full stop. Even if it is just a small fire extinguished quickly, customers leave, employees are asked to stay out of the building, damage from the fire, and a smoke odor permeates the building. Commercial operations cannot restart until we complete a full cleanup, repairs are made, and damaged goods are replaced. The cost only increases every day your shut down.

SERVPRO responds fast to commercial fire damage cleanup emergencies in Central Park West. We are onsite within four hours or less of your call. We know how every hour counts towards recovering and returning to normal business operations. Our team focuses on removing water, debris, and smoke residues.

Once we assess your building, SERVPRO team leaders will review the recovery plan, including storing undamaged goods in a clean staging area. The staging area may be in an area unaffected by the fire, or SERVPRO can provide secure faculties to keep your products and materials until they can be returned.

Our services for commercial customers and clients include:

• Fire damage cleanup and restoration
• Reconstruction services including utilities, flooring, and structural components
• Smoke damage cleaning and sanitation
• Secure staging facilities on your premises or at one of SERVPRO’s facilities

We are focused on returning your business to normal operations as quickly as possible. Our building services division helps with the entire process to save time and keep the costs low.

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side for fire damage cleanup in Central Park West and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (917) 498-1362.

Complete Water Damage Restoration Before Long Term Damage Occurs in Upper West Side

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists have the knowledge and experience for any size disaster.

SERVPRO Can Help with Water Damage Repairs in Upper West Side

Water leaking from broken pipes or valves that do not completely close can deliver hundreds of gallons of water into a home or business in the Upper West Side in a matter of hours if not quickly rectified. The damage to your building may not be immediately apparent, especially if the residents mop up the excess water and the visible surfaces are allowed to dry naturally, without investigating the presence of water inside walls and ceiling cavities.

SERVPRO works with homeowners and business leaders in the Upper West Side, helping with water damage repairs. Although the visible areas appear to be dry, water migrates to the lowest point, in between walls, through cracks in the floor, and into rooms adjacent to the leak inside ceilings. In warm, humid conditions, this environment is perfect for mold growth and compromises the integrity of flooring and ceiling materials, causing them to lose strength. Compressed wood materials absorb water, swell and disintegrate as they absorb moisture.

Our technicians can identify these areas where water and moisture may have been collected utilizing moisture meters to confirm that water or high humidity levels are present. Our team can explain to insurance agents, adjusters, and homeowners or business owners where the water is and the steps needed to remove the moisture from inside the walls and ceilings.

• Indoor untreated water damage inside walls and ceilings may cause colonies of mold to form
• Mold can cause health effects.
• Water can have a destructive effect on most building materials and contents, especially inside walls and ceilings.

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side for water damage repair in the Upper West Side and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (917) 498-1362.

Do I Call a Water Damage Company First Before I Focus on Fire Restoration in My Manhattan Brownstone?

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration for your home needs to be handled by an IICRC certified accredited team. SERVPRO fire damage specialists are here to help.

Hiring a Full-Service Restoration Company Like SERVPRO Covers All Aspects of Fire Damage Recovery in Your Manhattan Home

One of the first issues that will grab your attention after a successfully extinguished fire in your Manhattan apartment is water. Vast quantities and significant contamination of the firefighting water by chemical extinguishing agents and fire residues are the challenges restoration companies face first.

Why Is Water Damage Treated First?

Fire restoration within your Manhattan living space nearly always includes water removal and structural drying. Water mitigation and remediation must occur before smoke and soot cleanup because:

Water Incursion Presents Substantial Safety Issues.

• Slip, trip, and fall
• Electrocution risk
• Hazardous substances contaminating the water, including toxins created during the combustion
• Potential structural collapse when ceilings and walls collect fluids in cavities

Lingering standing water and moisture expose structure and contents to progressive destruction.

Weakening of structural supports, including subfloors when the wood swells and metal rusts. Deterioration of permeable materials like drywall, insulation, textiles, laminates, and more. Warping of wood flooring and trim. Growth of molds and mildews.

Can One Restoration Company Have Expertise in Both Water and Fire Damage?

SERVPRO considers water and fire disasters to be the core focuses of our restoration business. We invest in our response team's rigorous training through coursework developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We follow both the water and fire restoration protocols taught by this international standards establishment organization based on scientific principles.

The multiple certifications earned by our managers and technicians from the IICRC prepare SERVPRO of Upper West Side for every phase of fire restoration, from water management to residue cleanup to deodorization, and beyond. Call us at (917) 498-1362 to get a comprehensive fire damage recovery project on track for your home.

Do I Need a Special Kind of Disaster Recovery Company to Help Me with Flooding Affecting My Upper West Side Apartment?

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm and flood damage restoration are in line with all health regulations. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Your Local SERVPRO Adapts to Meet Your Needs Where You Live -- When You Reach Out for Flood Damage Assistance on the Upper West Side, We Will Be Ready

Single-family homes are not the norm on the Upper West Side, so reputable flooding recovery firms must invest in training and equipment that deliver results in densely populated, multi-family, multi-story home buildings. The research-based theories and best practices taught by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) apply to damage in a high-rise. Still, the approach must consider the challenges of removing water and drying out the property when there are equipment accessibility hurdles.

I Live Many Stories Above the Street -- What Kind of Flood Damage Will I Reasonably Have?

You might feel impervious to flood damage on the Upper West Side, but you will feel the flooding effects even if it does not flow directly inside your apartment or condo. Many systems that provide heating, cooling, plumbing, and transport (elevators) base their operations in the lower levels of your multi-level building. If contaminated water interferes with these systems' workings, you and your neighbors experience immediate cessation of electricity and climate controls. Elevators cannot run without electricity, so you are either stuck in your unit or forced to use stairways that can have flooding issues of their own the closer you get to the bottom.

What About My Storage Areas? Will They Flood?

Suppose you use assigned rooms or containers in the lower levels of your apartment, condo, or brownstone. In that case, unfortunately, the chances are excellent that your belongings will absorb floodwater in the Upper West Side. One of the benefits of hiring SERVPRO to manage that crisis is our ability to pack out items and evaluate and restore them away from the confusion caused by many other residents dealing with similar issues. We use a system that provides a digitized record of the items we pack out -- the Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). We track articles through:

• Written lists
• Digital photos
• Barcoding

The records are saved to a digital file and permit our specially trained contents technicians to document the process from assessment through mitigation and remediation interventions, arriving finally at either an acceptable return to function and appearance or a decision to discard an item because of intractable damage. Our documentation helps when you seek coverage from your insurance company. Restoration interventions found at our production facility include:

• Industrial wash and drying systems for textiles and soft items
• Freeze-drying technology for papers and photos
• Immersion and ultrasonic tanks to loosen grime and pathogens carried by the floodwaters and now coating loose items
• Small drying chambers for electronics and furnishings where we can monitor and manipulate air movement, temperature, and humidity
• EPA-registered cleaning and disinfection products 
• Deodorization products and innovative equipment that can eliminate persistent odors 
• Ozone machines
• Fogging machines
• Hydroxyl generators

What If Exterior Storm Damage Makes Its Way Inside, Even Many Stories Above the Street?

Broken windows and poorly configured or damaged drainage systems can offload torrential rains into your living space. Leaks around windows and exterior doors leading to balconies or decks can cause significant damage even if the glass remains intact. How can we help with this challenge?

• A project manager arrives to assess for any safety issues
• We are on the lookout for water in ceiling or wall cavities which can cause structural collapse
• If found, we use controlled demolition techniques like punching weep holes or cutting holes into or taking sections of walls out to access trapped water
• If you live on the first three floors, truck-mounted extractors can remove water
• Higher elevations require our technicians to use one or many portable (backpack) extractors to remove fluids
• One of our highly trained technicians uses detection and metering devices to trace the perimeter of the water incursion and test materials for water absorption levels.
• The moisture measurements inform our drying goals
• Air movers and dehumidifiers facilitate the evaporation of moisture from building materials and into the air, where we capture it for disposal

Flood damage in your apartment or condominium building affects your life in ways you might not expect. The scenario is tricky to mitigate and remediate, but SERVPRO of Upper West Side has the skilled technicians and equipment to get it managed quickly and successfully. Give us a call at (917) 498-1362 to discover what we can do to help you during this difficult time.

Do Mold Removal Companies Handle All Aspects of an Infestation in Manhattan Homes?

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians will handle any size mold remediation service your home needs. Pre-loss condition is our goal.

SERVPRO Tackles Mold Remediation and Other Repairs Necessary for the Restoration of Homes

Mold can develop on its own, but in many cases, it accompanies other problems. For instance, if there is a leaking roof or flooding, mold might also develop. The blending of issues can complicate your search for a professional to restore your Manhattan home. Your worries might include whether you need different professionals to handle the various problems. You might also wonder which situation to address first.

Your search for mold removal companies for your Manhattan home can be made easier if you find one like SERVPRO, which has professionals trained in different fields. A wider skill pool allows easier handling of a wide range of problems that might accompany one type of property damage, thus saving you the hassle of finding several professionals.

Our restoration teams have various professionals, including:

• Applied microbial remediation technicians AMRT
• Applied structural drying technicians ASD
• Water damage restoration technicians WRT

Remediating mold problems takes several processes, including removing deteriorated materials, managing moisture, removing moldy matter, and controlling microbial growth processes. Rebuilding and refinishing the affected areas is also necessary to restore the property to its preloss condition. 

Our SERVPRO teams help evaluate the extent of the problem at your property since mold and some of the accompanying problems may only show subtle signs while the bulk of the problem remains hidden. 

Some of the useful tests include:

• Evaluating mold spread patterns
• Testing the level of moisture migration
• Testing the level of material deterioration 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is one of the mold removal companies you can rely on when your property is affected. Call us at (917) 498-1362. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Prevent Further Water Damage From Striking Your Manhattan Home By Calling SERVPRO Today

9/19/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size of damage to your property SERVPRO is here. Our techs use the latest technology and equipment for every water damage restoration.

What to Expect from Professional Water Damage Remediation in Manhattan

Whether your Manhattan water loss is a result of a longstanding but hidden leak, a sudden rupture of a pipe, or a malfunctioning appliance, disruption of your routine is certain. Although we cannot help predict the timing or the severity of your water emergency, we can explain how our team handles the mitigation and remediation of the crisis. Depend on our training and experience to manage the challenges swiftly and per restoration industry best practices.

We Offer a 24 Hour Response

Water damage in your Manhattan residence can happen with no or little warning at any time of the day or night. Our emergency line answers 24/7, 365 days a year. As soon as possible, a fully-equipped crew arrives at your home, ready to assess the damage and develop a plan to mitigate or halt progressive damage and begin remediation or reversal of its adverse effects. 

We Come Prepared and Ready to Act

When SERVPRO arrives, we have the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and products available at a moment’s notice. As our seasoned crew chief or project manager evaluates the scenario, crew members stand ready to roll water removal, cleaning, sanitizing, and drying essentials off our signature green service vehicles. The moment we complete your plan is precisely when we begin the transformation from wet and damaged to “Like it never even happened.”

We Can Provide the Power

Water damage scenes frequently present plug-in problems. Electricity is often shut off temporarily for safety reasons, wet wires presenting electrocution risks for occupants and responders. SERVPRO uses gas-operated pumps when standing water exceeds two inches in depth and can employ truck-mounted and generator-powered extractors until utilities are reconnected. Our equipment can collect water for disposal offsite, especially critical if contamination of the fluids presents a hazardous material concern.

We Complete Structural Drying Appropriately

Water removal must pair with Applied Structural Drying (ASD). SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians employ research-based strategies and techniques to ensure moisture levels in structural components reduce to normal. Moisture measuring devices and thermal scanners locate wet areas. We use this baseline data to design efficient configurations of heated air movers to move absorbed water from building materials into the air. Our desiccant and evaporative dehumidifiers capture the resulting vapor for disposal.   

Count on SERVPRO of Upper West Side for the professional response needed when water intrudes into your apartment, condo, or loft. Call us at (917) 498-1362, confident that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Don’t Let Water Damage Interrupt Business at your Upper West Side Bistro

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage remediation is a specialty of SERVPRO. Call now for the help and service needed to have your business up and running.

Commercial Water Damage in an Upper West Side Bistro 

One of the most damaging things that can take place in a business that relies on foot traffic is commercial water damage. The danger for slip and fall accidents, the potential for bacterial growth, and damage to the building materials make professional cleanup a must.  

When commercial water damage occurred in an Upper West Side Bistro from a broken supply line to a refrigeration unit, a large amount of water spilled into the floor around the entire front of the establishment.  

Scoping the Bistro 

Finding all the areas the water migrated into is crucial for a complete cleanup job. The technicians rely on not only visual inspection looking for signs of water loss but also their state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment. Fortunately, the property owner called in for restoration services quickly, and the water did not seep into the subfloor. The techs removed the water from the floor using portable pumps and squeegees. 

Readying the Establishing for Drying

Moisture went behind the industrial-grade rubber baseboards, and SERVPRO techs removed them for drying. The sheetrock had low-grade moisture around the floor joints but showed no signs of buckling or warping and did not require removal. The front counter area did not have water underneath, but the seating area for diners needed drying. The techs determined they could dry the tables and chairs in place and placed the chairs and the tables on blocks. 

Expedited Drying

Because the structural damage was limited, the drying process went quickly with air movers and dehumidification equipment rapidly, bringing down the interior moisture levels.  

Sanitary Standards for Serving the Public

In any business, cleanliness is a must. In an industry that serves food and drink, it is particularly essential for a bistro to both smell and be clean. SERVPRO technicians have access to a broad array of cleaning agents, including antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions, to ensure that the surfaces in the establishment are left free from contaminants and ready to serve customers. 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 has the specialized equipment and advanced restoration methods to restore any size bistro from commercial water damage, "Like it never even happened."

Is Professional Flood Damage Restoration Important for Upper West Side Residents?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and trained for any size storm damage restoration service needed for your home. Call now!

SERVPRO Flood Damage Response Teams Can Help Return your Home to a Safe and Sanitary Environment

Flooded properties are usually full of highly contaminated materials and substances. It is vital to avoid contact with floodwaters as they are often full of pathogens, which can make you sick. The fastest way to get your home back to a sanitary state is by using a dedicated and certified restoration team. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certifications body (IICRC) provide essential biohazardous waste removal qualifications. IICRC technicians can help with:

• Biohazardous waste disposal
• Flood restoration
• Sanitizing

Contamination is often present in flood damage for Upper West Side residents. The key to controlling a site with contamination is through clear communication as well as through physical containment. It is usual for SERVPRO technicians to allocate spaces for decontamination rooms, storage for non-affected items, and clean rooms. We provide our technicians with personal protective equipment, and each team member is carefully vetted for their skillset and experience in dealing with the urgent emergencies presented by flooding. 

• Wastewater can be pumped out of a building using specially designed electric pumps capable of transporting solid waste. 
• Porous materials in the home can be disposed of at designated waste facilities or, if not contaminated, can often be restored.
• Drywall, insulation, and other porous materials used in a structure must be replaced with clean materials. Often the framework, the structural basis for a building assembly, can be salvaged following floodwater intrusion. 

Floodwaters can be dangerous. Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side for flood damage at (917) 498-1362.

Where to Begin with Cleaning Your Fire Damaged Manhattan Condo

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how to clean fire suppression residues? SERVPRO does! We have the equipment and cleaners to restore your home.

Cleanup after Fire Suppression in Your Manhattan Condo

Fires that occur in your Manhattan condo can often get quickly extinguished with fire suppression systems installed in the property. While this can often prevent catastrophic damage to your residence, these same suppression systems can often create widespread damaging effects of their own if not cleaned quickly and adequately. Our professionals have a prompt response to fire emergencies. We have training in recovering properties contending with residues from suppression systems to get you back to your everyday life quickly.

Cleaning up the residues of fire suppression products and recovery of fire damage in your Manhattan condo should begin as quickly as possible. Our SERVPRO professionals have a 24/7 response to fire emergencies to ensure that no customer waits for the mitigation and cleanup solutions that their property needs. This approach also includes protecting and cleaning the contents of your condo affected by this residue or effects from the fire itself.

Fire Damage Restorations

When our SERVPRO team arrives at your condo, we can get to work on establishing the full spread of the fire damage to set up containment and begin mitigation. Our contents department can earmark damaged or at-risk items for removal to our nearby facility. These same professionals can provide focused cleaning and deodorization for affected items and safely store these items until restoration completes. While these items are getting packed up for their transport, our IICRC-certified cleaning specialists can begin work on removing the fire suppressant residue from the walls and surfaces throughout your condo.

Dry chemical fire extinguisher residue is among the most common to clean up after suppressing a smaller fire. Whether this is installed above your stove or has come from canisters installed strategically around the condo, removing this residue requires a specific approach. With sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonates, cleanup involves a mixture of cleaning solutions to neutralize these chemical compounds.

While suppression systems and fire extinguishers can keep a fire from getting out of control in your condo, the cleanup of the lingering residue requires skill and knowledge. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side rapid response team can make all aspects of fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (917) 498-1362.

Upper West Side Water Woes? Call SERVPRO for Positive Results

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Bathtub and sink overflows are no match for SERVPRO. Call us today!

Get Rid of Water Damage Manhattan-style

Life in Manhattan is exciting, vibrant, and not for the faint of heart. It almost feels like the heartbeat of the world itself lies underneath this metropolis where young and old come together to set the pace for the rest of the globe. However, living in Manhattan does not exempt renters and homeowners from dealing with the trials and tribulations dwellers face nationwide. The sheer pace of the Big Apple can add an extra layer of challenges when a pipe bursts or a bathtub overflows.

If you face water damage to your home in Manhattan, make use of our 24/7 line and reach our expert SERVPRO team to help restore your home as quickly as possible. Precisely because you want to save the character of your upper west side home, you need to take action immediately to avoid widespread damage to your unit and the rest of your building. Thankfully, our team is trained to work within the constraints of modern-day Manhattan and can apply its experience to your benefit.

Water Removal Services

Once the source of the leak is under control, our Green Fleet works to identify water remnants and extract the liquid from your home. Our thermal imaging cameras let us know if water has accumulated in places such as under floorboards or other crevices. By closely monitoring the moisture levels in your home, our SERVPRO team determines how to proceed with the extraction and drying process.

Ideally, we arrive as soon as the leak happens. However, it is not uncommon for a pipe to be leaking for some time before you notice its presence. When water stands for a while, it can serve as a breeding ground for mold and other bacteria. As our SERVPRO team dries your home and its contents, we also focus on disinfecting and preventing the further proliferation of organisms. For some cases, we may use air filtration devices and air scrubbers to improve air quality, thus anticipating unwanted ramifications from the water damage to your home.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is available at (917) 498-1362 to be your resource as soon as disaster strikes. Do not let a water incident interrupt your busy life. Call us and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Who Can Provide Around-the-Clock Water Cleanup Services to Businesses in Manhattan?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Manhattan never sleeps and neither does SERVPRO! We are available 24/7 to handle your commercial water damage restoration needs.

SERVPRO is Quick to Respond to Manhattan Commercial Establishments and Provide Emergency Services for Water Damage

Manhattan is undoubtedly the heart of the city that never sleeps, and businesses must be ready to face any emergency quickly and without missing a beat. Every moment a ceiling leak or burst pipe interrupts regular business operations, and your clientele is open to take its business elsewhere. Quick reaction as a business owner must be matched by an equally swift response from the water restoration team you select.

In Manhattan, quick water cleanup services are available 24/7 by calling SERVPRO. Our trained and certified technicians are ready to implement the latest water damage remediation techniques while expertly managing the nuances of water removal services in the city. Local ordinances and limitations due to space and location are no match for our team. We perform water damage repairs and assist in coordinating with other contractors, insurance needs, and any other regulations applicable to your industry.

For our SERVPRO staff to keep up an efficient water restoration pace, we take some steps to help us speed the process, including the following:

• Providing move-out services to protect undamaged items and allow more space for water removal equipment and staff.
• Use of industrial-grade air movers to encourage water evaporation and shorten the drying time.
• Water removal from subfloors, attics, and wall cavities with specialized water extractors such as wands, drying mats, and injecti-dry technology.

Protect your business in Manhattan by calling SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 as soon as possible. Our preparation and expertise come together to restore your water damage and leave your clients feeling “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Mitigates Flooded Properties in Manhattan

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can affect both the structure and the contents of your home. Handle the situation by calling SERVPRO 24/7 365 days a year.

Drying Flood-Damaged Manhattan Townhouse Basements

Your Manhattan townhouse often has livable space in the basement area with finished construction. While this can be a welcomed addition to the layout of your home, it also poses risks when disasters like flooding strike. As the lowest levels of your property are often the first to succumb to the spreading floodwater, your finished basement requires professional IICRC-certified restoration technicians. They respond quickly to this emergency to provide real-time mitigation solutions designed to protect your belongings and dry up the damaged area.

When flood damage occurs in Manhattan, there is often no avoiding the need for controlled demolition and reconstruction. The amount of this removal effort required depends on the response of restoration technicians to the scene to begin mitigation tactics to prevent the spread of water damage throughout this area of the property. Our SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide immediate attention to damaged homes.

Basement Flooding Cleanup

Before we can get to the necessary drying efforts that your basement requires, our contents department can begin removing at-risk items from this lower level of your property. In many cases, with focused drying, disinfection, and cleaning, your belongings in this affected area can get restored entirely and returned to the property once restoration completes.

Drying is a vital component of the restoration and mitigation process following a flood. These efforts can help preserve structural elements like studs and framework to prevent costlier reconstruction bills once the area is thoroughly dried, disinfected, and cleaned. Our controlled demolition techniques can help make the transition between mitigation and reconstruction smooth and efficient, limiting the overall restoration process. 

As traumatic as flood damage might be to your home and your family, knowing the right team to call when disaster strikes can save you time and money in restoring the damages. You can count on our SERVPRO of Upper West Side to provide a fast response with industry-leading equipment to make flood damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (917) 498-1362.

How Professionals Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue From Your Manhattan Apartment

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can happen quickly and the fire damage needs to be remediated right away. Contact our certified SERVPRO team 24/7 for services.

Restoring Fire Suppression Damages in Your Manhattan Apartment

Over-range fire suppression systems are becoming more and more common throughout Manhattan homes and properties to reduce the fast-spreading nature of kitchen flare-ups. While these might quickly put out a potential fire, it does not happen without damages and a mess of its own to face. Powder suppression can spread the extinguishing material throughout the affected area. When coupled with smoke and soot damage from the small fire, it can become problematic to overcome without the proper training and equipment.

After a minor kitchen fire that engaged the suppression system, you get your first look at the fire damage in your Manhattan property. Residues from powder, smoke, and soot affect many of the surfaces in the immediate area, and cleaning these as promptly as possible can reduce the possibility of staining. If the damage stays primarily contained within the kitchen, our SERVPRO team can isolate this area using thick plastic sheeting and other containment strategies.

The wipe-down process can reduce and eliminate a large portion of this residue from surfaces within the affected areas. Quickly cleaning these damaged surfaces can help to reduce the possibility of requiring the replacement of certain materials by protecting and preserving cabinets, appliances, flooring, ceilings, and even the HVAC system if soot, smoke, and residual powder get pulled into the ductwork.

Odors After Fire Damage

Lingering odors are another problem that property owners face after a kitchen fire. Our SERVPRO professionals have advanced equipment like our hydroxyl generators that can help to significantly reduce or permanently eliminate noxious odors throughout this kitchen area. The containment that isolated this affected region of your home can help ensure the deodorizing equipment's effectiveness.

Powder suppression systems can sometimes cause more of a mess than smaller fires that they work to prevent. Whether you need clean up or a complete restoration to your fire-damaged structure, our SERVPRO of Upper West Side restoration technicians can help. Our rapid response team is available 24/7 by calling (917) 498-1362.

Upper West Side Property Owners Trust SERVPRO to Mitigate Water Damage

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Pipe leaks behind walls tend to catch you off guard. Contact our certified team to root out the cause and remediate the water damage in your home.

Aging Pipes Can Lead to Water Cleanup in Upper West Side Condos

The architecture throughout the Upper West Side has a unique look and feel that sets the townhouses, condos, and high rises here apart from any of the other boroughs. Part of that character comes from the older properties, many of which still have their original copper plumbing beginning with the primary service line from the distribution system and throughout the network of piping indoors. While formerly the typical choice in new construction, this material has begun to show its weaknesses over the past decades in rusting and scaling. Rust can erode the material, ultimately causing it to be too thin to withstand a charged water line's pressure and rupture it.

When this kind of water damage occurs on the second floor Upper West Side condo, there are many potential threats that both the property and adjacent units could experience. It is crucial to get the right trained personnel to the emergency as quickly as possible to prevent widespread irreparable damage to areas like the hardwood flooring and to prevent the spread of this damage through shared walls to affect other units. Our SERVPRO professionals have unique and powerful equipment designed to dry up damage like this quickly to preserve original construction materials whenever possible and keep restoration costs minimum.

With damage to hardwood flooring, it is vital to understand the full extent of the damage from the time that we arrive. We can utilize thermal imagery to see moisture pockets beneath the surface to determine the best location to set up drying equipment. For the flooring, we can use air movers, LGR dehumidifiers, and even our large drying mats to pull moisture from the planks to remove dampness in the subflooring. For affected areas like wall cavities, tools like our SERVPRO injectidry system can effectively dry out these damaged areas without the need for excessive tear-out. 

Protecting your property is often much more than just preserving the materials used in its construction. For your condo or townhouse, you want to protect your investment and make water damage "Like it never even happened." Give our SERVPRO of Upper West Side water restoration specialists a call today (917) 498-1362.

If You Have Flood Damage In Your Manhattan Home, Call Our Professionals Immediately!

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of how the floodwaters got in, team SERVPRO will effectively handle the water removal and remediation efforts. Call today.

Why SERVPRO Is The Reliable Answer To Flood Damage In Manhattan

When floodwaters enter your Manhattan property, you need to respond with speed and confidence. Allowing water to remain unabated for even a few hours dramatically increases the probability of progressive deterioration of building materials and the chance of secondary issues such as mold damage. Rely on a company that considers water damage remediation a core service for the best outcome.

Our commitment to attend to Manhattan flood damage within minutes to hours of the leak, break, or backup is why working with our professionals is the key to a successful resolution. Every vehicle in our service fleet is ready for action, packed with the equipment needed to evacuate even large quantities of water and then dry out your living spaces thoroughly.

Water Removal Services

When a SERVPRO crew arrives at your residence, a seasoned project manager reviews the situation. No delay occurs between that assessment and implementation of the plan as our employees are trained, equipped, and ready to get to work. Flooding deeper than two inches is pumped out, and then our powerful wanded extractors take over to evacuate moisture in crevices and recesses.

Technicians monitor moisture levels and scan for hidden water with thermal imaging devices. Using verifiable data rather than assumptions is why SERVPRO crews feel confident that flood damage is under control when we are on the job. Leaving any residual water can be harmful to structural components, so our efforts are necessary.

Water Damage Remediation in Manhattan

Once the floodwater exits, we transition to structural drying mode. Air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers roll off our vehicles, positioned by our team to efficiently pull moisture from building materials into the air as vapor. That vapor is condensed or absorbed by our humidifiers for removal. The seamless shift in focus is another reason why SERVPRO is second to none in the flood restoration business.

To be sure to prevent any contaminants from endangering your family’s well-being, we apply EPA-registered disinfectants to the flood-damaged surfaces. A relentless commitment to finishing each job “Like it never even happened,” is why SERVPRO boasts so many positive reviews and customer confidence.

Excellent response times and industry-leading services are why SERVPRO of Upper West Side should be your first call after flood damage. Reach us at (917) 498-1362 day or night.

Handling Flood Damage in Properties of the Upper West Side

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Recent flooding from a storm can wreak havoc on your living situation. Stay calm and contact our SERVPRO team for flood damage remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Handles Flooding and Storm Damage in the Upper West Side Using Multiple Tools and Methods

You may not always associate the Upper West Side with flooding and storm damage, but are you prepared to address it in the event of an emergency? Storms are unpredictable, and if you end up with groundwater flooding, you need to have emergency services water damage technicians onsite and ready to work as soon as possible.

Calling SERVPRO to the Upper West Side for flood damage means you have a skilled, dependable crew and the equipment necessary to facilitate water removal services. We act fast to help limit the loss and the length of time it takes to restore your property to pre-flood condition.

We make it “Like it never even happened,” by way of several essential steps, which may include:

• Water clean up with the help of pumps and powerful extractors to handle hundreds of gallons of water, even if debris is present
• Sewage cleanup and treatment of contaminated water to eliminate the onset of potential health hazards
• Water damage remediation with industrial-strength fans, Injectidry cavity-drying technology, air movers, and dehumidifiers
• Total deodorization and sanitization with safe, effective, EPA-registered products 
• Water damage repairs and controlled demolition, including assistance if you have a leaking roof from storms

The blow from a storm that results in flooding can be overwhelming, but SERVPRO is also here to assist with detailed documentation and filing of your insurance claims. We want our clients to be safe and have peace of mind that they hired the right flood restoration team for the job! Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 for an emergency response!

How Does Our Professional Mold Removal Team Help Upper West Side Businesses?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold removal remediation services are not easy to do. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate service for your property.

With fast remediation approaches, we can get your Upper West Side facility back up and running.

We understand the value of evaluating post-mold conditions in your business to ensure that the appropriate cleaning and remediation strategies get underway. Mold removal companies like our experienced SERVPRO team begin addressing these situations with a thorough inspection and damage assessment. This walkthrough of the property can help with:

• Identifying mold growth
• Content damage assessment
• Structure cleaning
• Deodorization

Do Harsh Odors Present Issues for Remediation Professionals? 

Even after initial actions from mold removal companies in Upper West Side shops, lingering effects like harsh odors can continue to be an obstacle to returning the property to pre-mold condition. Musty smells can be a deterrent to customer traffic, making it critical to begin deodorization as soon as other mold remediation phases complete.

With as fast as your business can become impacted by spreading microbial organisms, experienced remediation technicians need to begin mold removal and cleaning as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team is available 24/7 at (917) 498-1362.

How Can Soils and Soot Get Removed After Manhattan House Fires?

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has its own controlled demolition team for fire damage restoration services build back.

Manhattan house fire cleanup requires many steps and stages completed by our SERVPRO professionals.

The ways that fire damage can impact area homes are plentiful and require several immediate emergency services and mitigation strategies to begin cleaning and restoring. Our experienced professionals can respond fast to get these started in fire-damaged homes.

How Can Soot Get Removed from Surfaces? 

Soot can be one of the most challenging smoke damage effects after fire damage in Manhattan residences. Oily soils and particles coming to rest on contents and building materials can form a thick residue that is difficult to remove. Addressing these concerns is not universal and depends on the condition of underlying materials. Some cleanup solutions include:

• Alkaline cleaners
• Chemical solvents
• Potent detergents
• Abrasive cleaning
• Controlled demolition

Because of how widespread fire damage can become in the borough’s homes and apartments, you need a team of professionals capable of responding fast to get mitigation and cleanup started. Our experienced SERVPRO of Upper West Side technicians can help 24/7 when you call (917) 498-1362. 

What Water Mitigation Steps Does SERVPRO Take in Manhattan Residences?

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year. Water damage restoration services are our specialty.

Fast actions taken quickly can reduce the damage to Manhattan area homes and apartments. 

As leading water damage restoration professionals for the greater New York City area, we are available to help millions restore and recover their property after water damage events. We have experienced technicians available to mobilize whenever emergencies occur and assist with:

• Flood restoration
• Basement flooding
• Emergency services water damage
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Water damage remediation

How Does Mitigation Play a Critical Role in Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration in Manhattan homes or apartments relies most heavily on water mitigation services and emergency services water damage that our professionals can implement. From eliminating the surface water concerns with extractors to the strategic placement of air movers and dehumidifiers for later drying efforts, each phase must happen as quickly as possible to prevent greater loss for the customer.

Getting Water Removal Services Started

After any water damage incident occurs, one of the focuses of our responding technicians is to implement water removal services as soon as possible. Standing water can be a substantial threat to area homes, namely when aging structures with several porous materials can allow absorption and oversaturation. Once water becomes trapped in these floors or wall systems, moisture can migrate quickly to less accessible areas of the property. Water removal often hinges on several tools used in succession, beginning with submersible pumps and completing with wet vacuums and their attachments.

What Materials Require Controlled Demolition or Repairs? 

Because we have a general contractor license, we can oversee actions like controlled demolition that can be highly beneficial in water damage restoration for area properties. Often, naturally porous materials such as drywall or carpeting can become over-saturated and require removal or replacement. After situations like burst pipes, our technicians often need to replace portions of the plumbing network and nearby exposed materials such as framing and insulation.

Can SERVPRO Protect and Restore Damaged Personal Belongings?

One of the advantages of choosing SERVPRO professionals for water damage restoration in area homes and apartments is our technicians' focus on content recovery. We understand that even smaller water damage events could have destructive impacts on the exposed personal belongings of the residence.

Often our priority in this situation is to relocate the potentially damaged contents to a new point in the house, successfully averting potentially irreparable damage. When these items have already become affected by spreading moisture and water concerns, our pack-out process can transport these contents to our nearby SERVPRO facility for focused cleaning and drying attention.

There is no mistaking how devastating water damage can be to homes and businesses throughout the borough. When water damage restoration is required, you can depend on our trusted SERVPRO of Upper West Side team to be with you every step of the way on your journey back to a restored property. Give us a call today at (917) 498-1362.

Fire Damage Restoration in Manhattan

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

A commercial fire is a job for a reputable company. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for any size fire restoration project.

SERVPRO offers water & fire damage restorations in Manhattan area businesses.

A fire in a commercial building can be devastating for the tenants and the owners of Manhattan buildings. The retail tenants lose their business operations and income. The owner must manage the impact on all of the tenants exposed to water, fire, and smoke damages.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration to tenants of Manhattan commercial properties and the owners of the buildings. The fire seriously impacts both parties. We coordinate restoration and repair with both parties and other tenants in the building if required.

The area where the fire started may have fire damage, water, and smoke damage. Other tenants in adjacent units may have only water and smoke damage. SERVPRO has the resources, including equipment and staffing, to address all of the requirements to:

• Remove structures and contents damaged by the fire.
• Remove contents for cleaning or disposal
• Removal of the chemicals and water used to quell the fire
• Dry all areas in preparation for restoration
• Clean and deodorize all surfaces exposed to smoke

Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side for fire restoration services in Manhattan and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (917) 498-1362.

Flood Damage Biohazard Remediation in Upper West Side Homes

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage from a storm may cause extreme damage, especially to water sources. SERVPRO uses the experience and knowledge of its techs for the job.

Why is biohazard remediation and disinfection so necessary after a flood?

Floodwaters are saturated with dirt and debris. Dirt and debris are left inside homes as the water subsides and must be removed and cleaned. Hidden in the soil and water are many biohazards and chemicals that can be hazardous to human health and our pets.

SERVPRO provides flood damage cleanup and biohazard remediation in Upper West Side homes and businesses. Our highly trained team is experienced in dealing with biohazards of all types. We take all of the necessary precautions to protect your family and our employees from dangerous chemicals and biohazards carried into your home.

There are many substances often picked up by floodwaters.

These include:

• Sewage
• Viruses and bacteria
• Human waste
• Gasoline and oil
• Chemicals from various containers damaged by the floodwaters

Our flood restoration includes removing the debris, the water, the dirt and cleaning all surfaces using disinfectants to ensure a safe return to your home once everything is dried and repaired.

Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side for flood damage services in Upper West Side and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (917) 498-1362.

Fire Damage Restoration Services Upper West Side

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke remediation by SERVPRO is top notch. Our techs are IICRC certified for any size fire restoration job.

Smoke remediation can save your most valuable heirlooms in your Upper West Side home.

The Upper West Side is part of the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The neighborhood's boundaries are the Hudson River, Central Park, West 59th street, and West 110th Street. While it is mainly a residential area, it is known for being one of Manhattan's intellectual and cultural hubs. The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Barnard College, Columbia University, and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School is located in this part of Manhattan.

There are numerous additional cultural institutions, historical sites, opulent apartments facing Central Park, and many restaurants and gourmet grocery shopping areas. Several notable institutions and locations include:

• Lincoln Center
• Museums
• Columbus Circle
• The Dakota
• Residences Along Central Park West
• Restaurants and Grocery Stores

Lincoln Center

The Lincoln center covers over 16 acres and is home to 12 performing arts companies. There are thirty outdoor and indoor facilities. Over 5 million people every year are entertained. Visitors and residents enjoy many artistic events, including opera, ballet, film festivals, and educational opportunities in the performing arts.

Museums

There are also many museums in the Upper West Side section of the borough. Among the notable museums are the American Folk Art Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum of Manhattan, Museum of Biblical Art, and the Nicholas Roerich Museum.

There are many historical locations to enjoy in the borough. Several of these include the American Youth Hostel, Apple Bank, Columbus Circle, the Dakota, Grant's Tomb, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. 

Visitors and residents can enjoy a stay vacation visiting many of these museums and historical locations in the city.

Columbus Circle

Named for Christopher Columbus, the location is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The circle is also the location of a heavily trafficked roundabout in Manhattan. The center of the circle is also where all official distances from New York City are measured. The monument, built-in 1892, which celebrates Christopher Columbus, stands 76 feet tall. An Italian sculptor, Gaetano Russo, designed it.

The Dakota

The Dakota is famous for being the location where Beatles John Lennon was murdered in 1980. The building was constructed in 1880 and is home to artists, musicians, and actors. It is considered an official city landmark. The Dakota was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is at the intersection of Central Park West and 72nd Street.

Smoke Remediation Techniques Save Contents and Heirlooms from Smoke Damage

Kitchen fires often produce a great deal of smoke residue that seems to penetrate every room in the home. It can leave an oily residue, especially if grease ignites and air currents carry it to other rooms.

SERVPRO fire and smoke technicians respond to these types of fire damage conditions on the Upper West Side often, unfortunately. While there may be some scorching from the immediate fire, and the chemicals used to quell the fire, most of the fire damage restoration is to remove odors and oily residues.

After mapping where the residue traveled through the structure and the type of residue, SERVPRO technicians implement smoke remediation action:

• Remove all fire and smoke damage odor-producing materials
• Dissolving residues to remove them from surfaces
• Vacuuming from surfaces
• Washing, rinsing, and drying

Contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side for fire damage restoration services on the Upper West Side and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (917) 498-1362.

Fire Damage Restoration Done Right By SERVPRO for the Upper West Side

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no DIY project. The technicians at SERVPRO are IICRC certified for any size fire restoration service needed for your property.

SERVPRO Serves the Upper West Side for Fire Damage Restoration Services

One of the most important parts of cleaning up a property after a fire of any size is removing the smoke residues and soot. SERVPRO has numerous methods and professional agents to remove post-fire stains and deposits of any size.

How Does SERVPRO Remove Residues?

The first step in the removal of residues left behind from a fire is capturing them. The techs use a host of techniques for fire damage restoration in Upper West Side properties, including:

• Restorer products that rely on exposure to air and fluids
• Removal through light vacuuming
• Dissolving residues using solvents

Dry particulate presents a problem in most cleanup situations. A mistake many property owners make is in removing the residues themselves. The use of liquids on this type of deposit can drive it further into surfaces and ruin sheetrock that could have otherwise been restored if the proper cleaning technique got used. 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 handles the fire damage restoration needs for Upper West Side properties. The techs make the damage, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration Services in Manhattan by SERVPRO

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the team of technicians and equipment for any size water restoration service you need. Our techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

Local Manhattan Residents Trust SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

Scoping equipment is a crucial part of the water mitigation process. SERVPRO techs never rely on visuals alone to ascertain the size and scale of the cleanup needs in a property.

SERVPRO techs use a variety of devices in Manhattan homes for water damage restoration services. Because water's nature is to follow the path of least resistance and migrate quickly, establishing the actual work area that needs extraction and drying is an initial part of the process.

The techs' professional equipment gets chosen depending on the building materials or articles they are scoping. These devices include:

• Moisture sensors
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Moisture meters
• Thermo-Hygrometers

Moisture sensors are one of the most widely used pieces of equipment as they work to detect moisture resident within carpets, padding, and upholstered items through the use of the sharp-edged probes that can detect deeply embedded moisture. Thermal imaging cameras do not detect moisture but show cool spots that are a good indicator of collected water within a structure.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 handles all types of water damage restoration in Manhattan properties.

SERVPRO Restores Upper West Side Homes with Flood Damage

2/27/2021 (Permalink)

When a flood strikes and damages your home. SERVPRO should be the team to call. Their techs are IICRC certified for any size job.

Upper West Side Residents Choose SERVPRO for Flood Damage Cleanup

The Upper West Side is one of the most well-known Burroughs in Manhattan, New York City. It lies between the Hudson River and Central Park, and West 59th and West 110th Streets. New York is primarily a residential development with a mix of both brownstone and luxury apartment buildings. 

The area was initially settled by Dutch immigrants during the early seventeenth century and encountered resistance from the local Munsee Indian tribes. An agreement to allow the settlers to inhabit the Native American lands eventually got established and the settlement began to grow. The area was known as Bloomingdale and was primarily farmland, with the main crop being tobacco. In 1703, Bloomingdale Road got built to handle the influx of commerce; the road still exists with the well-known name: Broadway. Due to the relative isolation of the area, it became a draw for wealthy merchants to build their country estates.  

The Schwab Mansion

The Upper East Side featured one of the most ambitiously designed homes ever built on Manhattan Island, The Charles M. Schwab mansion. The house took four years to complete construction and drew heavily on French Renaissance styles for its look and cost a total of six million dollars in 1906, which would be $174 million in the present. Schwab named the mansion "Riverside."

Schwab was an American success story and a self-made multi-millionaire who was president of U.S. Steel. He lost his fortune in the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and died relatively penniless in 1939, and bequeathed Riverside to the State of New York to be used as a residence for each subsequent mayor. No one wanted to live in the rundown mansion, and during World War II, the grounds were reduced to hosting victory gardens for the community, and it was torn down and replaced with red brick apartment dwellings known as "The Schwab House."

As time passed, through the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Bloomingdale Road saw some of New York's most prominent homes and families. However, by the mid-1800s, the area became host to less-prosperous families, and after the establishment of Central Park, squatters moved their shanties into the area, and it started to be known as The Upper West Side.

The Upper West Side's gentrification began in the late 1800s and after Columbia University relocated to the Morningside Heights building on the land where the Bloomingdale Asylum once stood. Soon after, The Dakota and The San Remo buildings went up. A huge turning point for the area came with the completion of the subway in 1904. This made the West End less residential and made the site have more of an urban look and feel. 

Historical Sites in the Upper West Side

With the long history of the Upper West Side, there are numerous historic structures such:

• American Youth Hostel – the former Richard Morris Hunt landmark that was a blighted, abandoned property received a grant to become a safe space for young travelers. 
• The Dakota - a world-renowned apartment building that borders Central Park
• Firemen's Memorial – erected in 1913, this monument has been the site of numerous gatherings, including after 9/11

Why Does Flood Damage Need Controlled Demolition to Dry Upper West Side Properties?

There are several steps to the cleanup after flood damage in Upper West Side houses. One of the most important is the demolition plan as needed. SERVPRO techs need to decide on various worksite areas when the water intrusion has been too significant for the building materials to manage. 

How a Demolition Plan Works

The techs determine that areas that require controlled demo actions following flood damage based on several different factors such as: 

• Building materials damaged by water
• Porous articles compromised from contaminated water
• Vapor barriers need removal to reduce the required drying time

SERVPRO techs go over the reasons for the demolition in the home and get the homeowner's approval before removing any items or building materials compromised by the floodwaters. The materials get removed in a manner that takes off the minimum amount of sheetrock or flooring, so the least amount of replacement materials are needed.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 serves the local Upper West Side with any size flood damage cleanup needed by local property owners.

When Should Manhattan Business Owners Contact a Restoration Company?

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

We understand the need for swift response to water damage incidents in your business property. Let us help get you back to business as usual.

Water damage to any Manhattan business warrants the expertise of SERVPRO’s water restoration technicians

Something as small as a burst pipe can be the source of incredible damage in a commercial setting. Business owners need to factor in the actual loss due to the incident and any resulting loss of revenue. Whether the water permeating your inventory and equipment is clean, or if it includes bacteria living in sewage, calling a professional restoration company is the most efficient way of mitigating the damage.

In Manhattan, water damage restoration services are easily delegated to our SERVPRO team. Our trained water restoration technicians can dry your contents and take the necessary steps to thwart mold growth. If you are unsure of the extent of the damage, lookout for some of the following telltale signs-

• Peeling paint or flooring
• Musty smell
• Discoloration in ceiling or floor
• Swelling or bubbling in walls

In Manhattan, where life moves rapidly, and we share our space with fellow business owners, taking quick action after a water leak is especially important. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 and let us take charge of the restoration so you can take care of your business. 

What do Fire Restoration Companies do to Restore a Manhattan Home?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can happen without warning and you are going to need a company to come in and take care of the damage. Call SERVPRO for fire damage remediation

SERVPRO follows industry best practices to restore Manhattan properties with fire damage

Fires erupt suddenly, leaving homeowners in need of repairs and guidance as to the restoration process. Ashes and soot travel quickly to settle on your belongings, regardless of the distance to the fire's origin. Acting swiftly to clean each surface and eliminate the smell of smoke can make a big difference in mitigating your loss.

Fire damage to Manhattan residences can affect your property as well as neighboring units. Smoke and soot can cling to walls and ceilings, rendering your cleaning efforts ineffective. Before you waste precious time, call our trained technicians at SERVPRO and let them apply their expertise for your benefit. We train to understand the principles behind each fire and develop an action plan accordingly. Once you invite us into your home, you may see us doing the following-

• Apply chemicals to clean your surfaces
• Use agitation techniques to accelerate the clean-up process
• Deodorize your home by using air scrubbers, ozone generators, and thermal foggers

SERVPRO of Upper West Side works efficiently to protect your home and adjacent structures. You can reach us at (917) 498-1362 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

The Upper West Side Showcases Architectural Treasures

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you need professional storm damage remediation services, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Call SERVPRO at (917)-498-1362.

Flood damage to Upper West Side buildings threatens their history

The Upper West Side of Manhattan is where movies are made, and people aspire to reside. On the east, Central Park serves as its border, and the Hudson River borders the west. An affluent area, many residents work, play, and live in Midtown and Lower Manhattan. In the late 19th century, the Upper West Side's riverfront portion centered around manufacturing and shipping activities. As Central Park was being built in the 1850s, the area became the home of squatters and borders. It wasn’t until the opening of the first subway line in 1904 that residential construction prospered. The subway, the advent of the elevator, and newer construction techniques made the area affordable and practical for the middle class.

The demographic of the Upper West Side has changed over the years. Even though it continues to be mostly a white neighborhood, Asians and Hispanics continue to grow, while the African American population decreases. The buildings facing Central Park continue to be some of the most coveted in the city. Riverside Drive hosts some pre-war structures, and architectural gems can be seen at every turn. Four of the most famous co-ops from the 1930s- the Majestic, the Century, the San Remo, and El Dorado- grace the Upper West Side Historic District. The American Museum of Natural History and Beacon Theater are also notable buildings in the area.

Needless to say, entertainment abounds in the Upper West Side, as it does in all of New York City. Just like Broadway is synonymous with theater and glamour, the Upper West Side caters to an arguably more sophisticated audience. Among the landmarks to visit, make sure to include-

• The Lincoln Center- home to the most prominent performing arts organizations, including the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Philharmonic.

• The Beacon Theatre- its art deco style has hosted some of the most famous names in the performing arts, including the Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson.

• Symphony Space, comprised of two theaters, is an ongoing entertainment opportunity in dance, comedy, and music, among others.

A visit to the Upper West Side delivers much of what New York City is famous for. Central Park, a lively artistic community, and unparalleled culinary experiences surrounded by an undercurrent of wealth and power make the area like no other in the world.

Storm Damage to Upper West Side Buildings

Despite the longevity of many buildings in the Upper West Side, one cannot assume they are infallible. 

Storms and changes in the weather can easily damage structures that have withstood the test of time. When homeowners identify flood damage in their homes, they must rely on a professional service to mitigate their loss.

SERVPRO is at your service to move quickly and efficiently to control the damage caused by the elements. 

Our team is ready to arrive at your home and apply the latest techniques to its restoration, including the following-

• Water extraction
• Disinfection
• Specialty drying solutions

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is available around the clock by calling us at (917) 498-1362. Do not waste precious time when disaster strikes. 

Place your trust in our certified technicians and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Great Entertainment for Free in Manhattan

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is no laughing matter. Call SERVPRO who's technicians are IICRC certified for the job.

West Side Comedy Club in Manhattan Offering Free Tickets

The West Side Comedy Club, located on 75th Street in the upper west side of New York City, regularly offers superstar comedy to its patrons. Bill Burr and Jerry Seinfeld both recently closed their shows to standing ovations. New talent frequently is part of the show. While you may not have heard of them, they provide an entertaining evening for everyone. One of these entertainers may be the next major star, and you saw them at the West Side Comedy Club.

On Jan 19th, patrons can book tickets for the Blue Crush Comedy show. Entertainment begins at 7:45, and tickets are free until sold out. Comedians from popular venues will be on hand for your comedy entertainment, such as

Comedy Central,

Fallon. Conan,

Pandora,

True TVCBS and

Sirius XM

The club offers excellent food and drinks to enjoy during the show. The tickets are free; however, the club is asking for a two-drink minimum.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side provides water damage services to Manhattan residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (917) 498-1362. We respond 24/7 to help with all your water damage needs.

Upper West Side – Manhattan – a Cultural Powerhouse

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Leave the water restoration to the professionals. Call SERVPRO in your area for the trained and experience technicians to do the job.

Explore Your Families History at Manhattan's Ellis Island Immigration History Center

Manhattan is one of five boroughs comprising New York City and is the most densely populated of all boroughs. The (UWS) Upper West Side is one of the neighborhoods in the borough. While Manhattan consists primarily of Manhattan Island, the Upper West Side is bounded by the Hudson River on the west, Central Park on the east, 59th Street to the south, and up to 110th street in the north.

Approximately 214,000 people live in the Upper West Side area compared to 1.6 million people living on the island. The UWS is considered one of the cultural, media, financial and intellectual hubs of the area.

Manhattan began as a trading post in 1624, named New Amsterdam by Dutch colonists, and purchased the island for 60 Guilders from Native Americans. The English took control in 1664, renaming the area from New Amsterdam to New York after the king's brother, the Duke of York. The city of New York was the United States capital for five years, from 1785 until1790. The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France and dedicated in 1886, has greeted millions of people immigrating to the United States. The Statue was one of the first visual cues that immigrants saw when they arrived by ship. It remains a potent symbol of freedom in America and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Manhattan is the densest populated area in the US and among the densest in the world.

There are many cultural, dining, and entertainment activities for residents to take advantage of along the Upper West Side of Manhattan and nearby. A few are listed:

Extensive shopping, restaurants, and fine hotels – Broadway and Amsterdam's streets are filled with restaurants and bars from 67th street to 110th street.

Central Park – is the east side boundary of the Upper West Side, covers 843 acres, and is visited by an estimated 38 million people every year.

Fairway Market – the flagship store at Broadway and West 74th street

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – covers 16.3 acres with multiple building complexes dedicated to the performing arts, including the Metropolitan Opera, the NTC Ballet, and the NY Philharmonic.

Numerous universities and colleges are located in the borough, which ranks among the top 40 in the world:

Columbia University

New York University

Cornell Tech

Weill Cornell Medical College and

Rockefeller University.

Manhattan & Upper West Side Museums

New York City, Manhattan, and each of the boroughs have made considerable contributions to American society, covering all facets of our life. Music, Finance, Industry, and cultural development in the city has made contributions that affect us today and for many years in the future. A few of the exciting venues to visit are:

American Family Immigration History Center

American Museum of Natural History

American Folk Art Museum

Children's Museum of Manhattan

American Family Immigration History Center

The American Family Immigration History Center is located on Ellis Island and schedules regular family history research activities for individuals and families researching their history. As many as 22 million people landed at the Port of New York and Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924. The majority were immigrants, and however, many were crew members and other passengers coming to New York.

The history center runs daily schedules for anyone wishing to research their family history. Book tickets online and secure your date and time to visit. Volunteers are available to assist; however, searchers should prepare in advance. Collect as much information as possible beforehand, including:

First and last names

Year of arrival

Ethnicity

Age on arrival

Ship traveled on

Port of departure

Traveled alone or with family members

All of this information will increase the opportunities for finding information about your ancestor's journeys from ship manifests and images. Many people use this information to complete their family's history in the New World and link back to the original cities and towns in Europe where they originated.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is among the most significant natural history museums in the world. Twenty-six buildings are housing 45 exhibition halls with collections of more than 34 million specimens. Learn everything you want to know about plants, animals, fossils, rocks, human remains, and human artifacts that can be found in the museum. As with all large museums, it is essential to plan your visit to ensure that your visit is productive. Tickets can be booked online and specify the time of entry to manage the number of people visiting the museum every day.

Water Restoration of Historic Buildings in Manhattan

Many commercial businesses are operating out of historic buildings in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. As with any structure, including historic buildings, it is essential to remove water and moisture as quickly as possible before long term damage occurs and mold gets a chance to infest the area. Historic buildings are even more susceptible to water damage due to their age and requirements to preserve the historic architecture. They require specialized water restoration and mitigation techniques that protect and maintain the architecture of the buildings.

SERVPRO has the equipment and highly qualified trained technicians to manage every situation. We respond 24/7 to all water damage incidents knowing how important it is to protect the contents, the building, and buildings directly connected to yours. Our approach includes the following steps to the restoration of your premises, "Like it never even happened."

Assess the situation

Deploy water extraction equipment

Install air movers and dehumidification equipment

Utilize specialized minimally invasive equipment to find and remove water pockets and remove excess water and moisture while mitigating the damage.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side provides water restoration services to Manhattan commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (917) 498-1362. We respond 24/7 to help with all your water restoration needs.

Visit Manhattans American Museum of Natural History

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

If water damage sits to long you have to worry about mold. Mold remediation should be left to SERVPRO for the safety of you and your family.

Manhattan Residents Can Enjoy Many Events and Displays

The American Museum of Natural History can be a great place to visit for individuals and the family. The museum is located at Central Park West at 79th street, and the museum is central to Manhattan and easy to access via mass transit, bicycles, and cars. There are many activities and displays to enjoy, however planning is essential. Visitors should book tickets online and note the time of entry to ensure that they maximize their time at the museum.

There are many exhibits and events planned at the museum. Some run daily for a defined period, while others are on display for a short period. During January, the following exhibits can be considered by anyone planning to visit the museum:

Hall of Human Origins – presents human evolution from our earliest ancestors to the present day.

Iridescent Opals – view the colorful iridescence and internal structure by scattering light.

Rare Jade – view a two-foot slide of Jade from a jadeite boulder from 12 miles’ underground.

Fossil Halls – check out the dinosaurs and other smaller fossils.

There are many more events, and displays visitors can view during January 2021.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side provides mold remediation services to Manhattan residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (917) 498-1362. We respond 24/7 to help with all your mold remediation needs.

Upper West Side Kids Can Take Part in Story Pirates Sleep Squad

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Sweet dreams for your family in the Upper West Side as SERVPRO attends to fire cleanup

It’s a Virtual Story World That Comes with a Dreamtime Travel Kit for Upper West Side Families

Lilli Cooper is a Tony Award Nominee and the star of the Sleep Squad. It is an enchanting audio experience that invites children to take part in one of three adventures:

• Stuck Island (desert island)
• Spinosaurus Birthday (dinosaurs)
• 20 Moons (intergalactic adventure)

The on-screen performance also comes with a Dreamtime Travel Kit. The kit includes:

• Dream journal
• Sleep google mask
• Star machine

The kit is optional and will be delivered to the home before the event. Designed for ages 4 – 12, the family pass is $35. The Dreamtime Kit is an additional $15. You choose your date for this delightfully imaginative bedtime experience. This one happens on December 15th at 7 PM, but there are other times available too.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side has been providing fire damage restoration to Upper West Side residents and businesses for many years. We are experts at fire damage mitigation. Contact us at (917) 498-1362 for more information.

Central Park West Residents Head to Bank of America Winter Village

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

After the storm, SERVPRO invites you to ice skate in Central Park

Ice Skating, Shopping & More – One of the Favorite Events with Central Park West Folks

Winter does not mean staying inside. Getting out into the open air is good for your mental and physical health. The Bank of American Winter Village at Bryant Park is recommending folks do just that. The main event is ice skating, and it is free. While you are there getting some physical activity, you can indulge in some rink-side snacks and hot drinks. There is plenty of local shopping as well. The walkways have been expanded to allow for less congestion. Other things to know include:

• Rink reservations must be made online
• Enhanced cleaning is taking place
• Skate time is booked per timed session
• Ice skaters must wear a mask

You can visit the Holiday Shops through January 3, 2021. Typical hours are Monday – Friday: 11 AM – 8 PM. Many stores may be open later after Thanksgiving.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side offers storm and flooding restoration services to Central Park West and the surrounding areas. Contact us at (917) 498-1362.

Manhattan Residents Can Depend on SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

From Time Square to Your Manhattan Residence or Business, SERVPRO Provides Premier Fire Damage Restoration

When Fires Happen in Manhattan Our Technicians Provide Fire Cleanup Mitigation Fast

In 1624 Dutch Republican colonists formed a trading post called New Amsterdam. And from those humble beginnings, the borough grew into the entertainment, media, the cultural, and financial capital of the world. Of the five New York City boroughs, Manhattan has the most people. When it comes to NYC, this city is vital for:

• Economic center
• Administrative center
• Cultural identifier
• Historical birthplace

Connected to the World

Known simply as “The City" by New Yorkers, the global connection is phenomenal. It is where the United Nations Headquarters resides and where Wall Street action happens. It is thought to be the world’s leading financial center. It is considered to be the main economically powerful city anywhere on the globe. Adding to all this power within the finance and economic world, the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ call Manhattan home. All of this makes Manhattan one of the most sought-after pieces of real estate. Retail renters can expect to pay $3,000 per square foot as of 2017. Residential property goes for approximately $1,600 per square foot. Commercial rent like this is seen nowhere else in the world.

Humble Beginnings and Hard Work Develop into Something Amazing

The Dutch colonists that started New Amsterdam bought the land from local Indians. The amount they paid, 60 guilders, would equal roughly $1059 today. In 1664 the English gained control, and the area was renamed New York after the Duke of York, brother to King Charles II.  The location of present-day Manhattan, then known as New York was the United States capital from 1785 until 1790. When New York consolidated in 1898, Manhattan became one of its boroughs.

Packed with People

There is only one county in the US that is almost as small as New York County, and that is in Hawaii. Out of all the U.S. counties, it is the most densely populated. It is one of the topmost densely populated areas in the world. As of 2019, the population equaled 1,628,706. All these people live in a space that is just over 22 square miles. And this is just the people who live there. Each day thousands of people commute to Manhattan for work, adding to the congestion.

Home to Famous Tourist Attractions

There are many landmarks and districts that are well known in Manhattan. In 2017 over 62.8 million tourists visited the town. Tourists love visiting:

• Times Square
• Central Park
• Grand Central Station
• Brooklyn Bridge and other famous bridges
• Empire State Building
• Chrysler Building
• American Museum of Natural History
• Broadway
• Fulton Center
• Lincoln Center for Performing Arts
• Madison Square Garden
• Rockefeller Center
• Trump Tower

Diverse Cultures Come Together

Chinatown has more people of Chinese descent than any other place except Asia. There is also Koreatown, Little Australia, and Little Italy. Other famous neighborhoods include:

• TriBeCa
• SoHo
• NoMad
• Harlem
• Greenwich Village
• Washington Heights
• Rose Hill

The diversity of culture and languages are amazing. Languages that are spoken there besides English include:

• Spanish – 23.07%
• Chinese – 5.33%
• French – 2.03%%
• Japanese – 0.78%
• Russian – 0.77%
• Korean – 0.72%
• German – 0.70%
• Italian - 0.66%
• Hebrew – 0.64%
• African languages – 0.48%

Contemporary Life & Culture

Walt Whitman thought Manhattan was one of the busiest, bustling locations around. The American cultural movement saw many important events take place in the borough. Women’s rights were fought or in 1912, with a march of 20,000 people commemorating 156 workers who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. In the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance kicked off. The American pop art movement got its beginnings with Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns. Andy Warhol was one of the artists in the ‘70s that helped the downtown pop art movement explode.

Theater & Dance Flourish

There is nothing like taking in a Broadway theatre show. Highly respected, 39 professional theatres host musical and plays. Almost every one of them is in the Times Square region. There are also off-Broadway theatres such as the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Located on Lincoln Square in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, it shares the area with:

• Metropolitan Opera
• New York City Opera
• New York Philharmonic
• New York City Ballet
• Vivian Beaumont Theater
• Juilliard School
• Jazz at Lincoln Center and Allice Tully Hall

Visit Some Stunning Art Collections

If you love art, classical or contemporary, Manhattan is where you need to be. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is on every art lovers list. From there, you can move on to the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Frick Collection, and the Guggenheim Museum. Art buyers flock to the borough to participate in expensive art auctions. The Chelsea neighborhood alone houses more than 200 art galleries.

Marching Fun and Festivities

One of the major ways Manhattan folks love to celebrate is by having a parade. Everything from holidays to major league sports victories get celebrated with a street parade. Of course, the most famous one is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Another well-known one is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

SERVPRO Proudly Serving the Manhattan Area

SERVPRO is the premier fire damage restoration company in Manhattan. When your home experiences a fire, big or small, you want to know there is a restoration business you can depend on to help restore it. Our technicians are experienced in fire restoration and emergency mitigation. Depending on the extent of the fire, when our crew arrives at the scene, we do the following:

• Deal with safety issues and emergency mitigation measures.
• Scope the premises and put together a plan of action.
• Begin water extraction and chemical residue cleanup if firefighter hoses were involved.
• Remove charred and badly burnt structural elements and debris.
• Dry the premises before cleanup begins.
• Remove smoke residue and soot from the home.
• Clean the home and the content.
• Deodorize the home using a variety of methods.
• Dispose of materials that cannot be saved.
• Restore structural components as needed.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side strives to return your home to preloss condition whenever possible. As your neighbors, we understand how upsetting even a small fire can be and the disruption it can cause. Contact us at (917) 498-1362 for professional fire damage restoration.

Enjoy Comedy under the Picturesque Manhattan Skyline

11/21/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the Rooftop Comedy Show!

Join Other Manhattan Residents for a Rooftop Comedy Show Featuring NYC's Best Comedians

With the limitations imposed by the pandemic, you might be cautious about attending events in Manhattan, where many people congregate. However, the entertainment you get at home may not match the thrills of going out. One great solution to this challenge is finding entertainment events that meet the safety requirements.  The Rooftop Comedy Show held at The Three Monkeys can be a perfect way to spend your evening, starting from 7.30 PM on most days of the week. 

There are many exciting things about the event:

• It features some of the top comedians in New York City with credits like Comedy Central, HBO, and Netflix
• The Manhattan skyline provides a perfect backdrop as you enjoy your evening laugh
• The event is free

The outdoor setting allows better social distancing and free flow of air.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is one of the premier water restoration companies in the Manhattan area that provide technology and skills to tackle any water damage incidents. You can reach us at (917) 498-1362.

Thanksgiving Day Without a Parade? Macy’s Manhattan Tradition Adapts and Emerges Triumphant

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

We are looking forward to this year's parade!

Enjoy the Fun and Festivity of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Virtually from Midtown Manhatten’s Herald Square 

A special event, anticipated and watched by millions every year, will not see its 90-year history of glitz, energy, or balloons grounded in 2020. Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade this year takes on a different slant but still delivers the holiday entertainment. Filmed over two days in front of Macy’s flagship on Herald Square in midtown Manhattan, the pageantry and fun come to fans on-screen during its airing on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, at 9:00 am Eastern Time.  

Changes include: 

• Deferring out-of-town participants for this year
• Focusing on local talent -- socially distanced
• Wrangling the signature balloons with specially engineered vehicles, not humans 

Mold removal companies need adaptable plans to remediate the damage in your business. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 to solve microbial overgrowth challenges so your show can go on.

What Actions are Necessary to Restore Sanitary Conditions after Flood Damage Affects a Condo in the Upper West Side?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO at (917) 498-1362, for flood damage mitigation services. We are available 24/7.

SERVPRO is Well Versed with General Cleanup and Removal of Harmful Substances from Properties after Flooding Incidents.

A flooding incident can affect any section of a condo, whether it is individual units or common areas, like the parking lot. Restoring the property to its preloss state takes several processes, including sanitizing all the areas the floodwaters reach. Sanitization may also be necessary for areas unaffected by the water since moving in and out of the facility can spread contaminated materials from the affected areas. SERVPRO helps ease the restoration of flooded condos in the Upper West Side. 

What does sanitization require after flood damage affects a condo in Upper West Side? 

• Removal of dirty water
• Removal of solid wastes like mud, silt, or raw sewage
• Removal of affected building materials
• Cleansing all affected materials

Flooding affects properties in different ways, including depositing harmful substances on surfaces or deep within materials. Moisture action also breaks down materials or starts chemical processes within the materials. Restoring sanitary conditions in a property is only possible after addressing all these issues. Our SERVPRO crews break down the process into groups of related tasks making it easier to handle the damage.

Is it possible to prevent contamination of a property once flooding occurs?

The Intrusion of floodwaters into a condo readily spreads contaminants around the property. The initial dispersal of such materials is limited only to sections where the groundwater reaches. Contaminants can only spread in the rest of the property through secondary transfer by foot traffic or aerosolized through the air. It is possible to prevent such secondary spreading by taking timely preventive steps.

Our SERVPRO technicians can help by setting up physical barriers to limit people and air movements from spreading materials from the affected areas to the unaffected sections. We set up the barriers using plastic sheets and other unique accessories such as spring-loaded metallic poles. It takes limited time to set up the barriers creating airtight protection around the desired sections of the condo. With this option, our technicians can: 

• Block hallways, doors, and other access points
• Create three-side rooms within rooms
• Seal off sections of the property

With the temporary barriers in place, we can be sure that the areas we clean or disinfect cannot be re-contaminated by people or the other steps we take to restore the property, such as running air movers to improve the evaporation rate from wet materials.

Which resources are needed for efficient cleanup of the condo?

• Various types of water extractors 
• A variety of cleaning tools 
• Access equipment like ladders or cherry pickers
• Miscellaneous tools such as shovels, pry bars, and saws

Since the soils introduced by flooding into a property vary, several types of equipment are necessary to facilitate clean up. For instance, removing floodwaters may require different extractors at different stages, including self-priming slurry pumps, which remove water containing dissolved solids like mud and silt. Regular high-capacity extractors with accessories such as extra-long hoses are also necessary to fast-track water removal if there is a considerable volume of standing water in the property. 

Deteriorated materials within the walls or floors must also be torn down because once porous materials are contaminated, it is hard to cleanse them by cleaning or other restoration procedures. Our SERVPRO technicians arrive at the loss site prepared for such tasks by bringing building tools like saws and pry bars to facilitate the removal of drywall, insulation, and other porous materials affected by the floodwaters. 

Cleaning all the surfaces, including floors and walls, is necessary to remove visible soils and invisible contaminants. Our crews apply potent cleaning agents, including EPA-registered disinfectants. The task also requires proper agitation to reach and remove all the substances from materials. Our technicians use rotating brushes or pressure washers to provide the strength needed for removing such substances. 

What are some challenges that might prevent a smooth restoration process?

Sometimes the restoration of the condo might be affected by factors beyond the damages caused by flooding. For instance, if common areas and some units are affected, it might not be clear who should shoulder the cost of restoration.  Another problem is the failure to understand the full extent of damage and especially moisture spread patterns. Identifying the problems at stake can help people make decisions faster. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on state-of-the-art equipment such as thermal cameras and thermos-hygrometers to reveal unseen problems such as water intrusion into hidden sections of the building or excessively humid air, which can lead to unnecessary microbial growth, lengthening the time taken to restore sanitary conditions.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side can help the restoration of a flooded condo. Call us at (917) 498-1362 when you need help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Homeowners in Manhattan Prevent Kitchen Cabinet Water Damage?

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper West Side prevents structural and property losses so that your home can look, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Technicians Perform Thorough Water Removal Services For Manhattan Properties

Kitchens are one of the most vulnerable areas in any home when it comes to water damage. A small leak in the under-sink kitchen cabinet of your Manhattan condo can escalate quickly into mold growth, unpleasant odors, and costly damage to kitchen cabinetry, drywall, and even subflooring.

SERVPRO performs water removal for Manhattan residents at any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays.

How Can Homeowners Minimize Under-Sink Kitchen Cabinet Water Damage?
    •    Water-resistant mats. Thick, non-porous mats can be purchased to cover the bottom panel of your kitchen sink cabinet, which is one of the most vulnerable areas for water damage.
    •    Water leak sensors. Sensors that attach to a centralized system like a phone app can catch water damage in its earliest stages to prevent costly damages from accumulating over time.
    •    Water-resistant paint. A coat of water-resistant paint or finish, can minimize the amount of water that penetrates surfaces, which can contain the damage to your cabinetry.

Can SERVPRO Tools Remove Water Damage Odors?
SERVPRO technicians rely on both sanitation and dedicated deodorization tools to mitigate odors. However, these cleaning solutions and deodorizers can have even more benefits for your home, including the following:

    •    Odor control efforts minimize the presence of microbes, which can contribute significantly to water damage odors. EPA-registered biocides are effective for remediating mold.
    •    Odor control technicians (OCTs) can deploy HEPA-filter air scrubbers that eliminate 99.97% of odor-causing particles down to sizes as small as 0.3 microns.
    •    High-powered ventilation box fans can circulate air at rates as high as 3,200 cubic feet per minute dozens of times before and after deodorization to significantly improve indoor air quality while returning your home to a clean and dry condition.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side prevents structural and property losses so that your home can look, “Like it never even happened.” Call (917) 498-1362 for rapid-response disaster cleanup.

How Can a Mold Outbreak Get Cleaned Up?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

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

Your Upper West Side Commercial Space Deserves Efficient Mold Damage Remediation – Call SERVPRO Today!

If your commercial space is a structure built many years ago, then mold may be more of an issue than you think. Frequently, when the ventilation system isn't entirely up to par, and there is a great deal of humidity with high temperatures, it can turn into a breeding ground for harmful mold spores. Whenever you suspect that you have a mold or mildew infestation, calling in the help of trained professionals ensures your Upper West Side property gets back to regular faster.

When you contact SERVPRO to assist with mold damage in the Upper West Side, you can count on our professional mold remediation services. We have crews on stand by and ready to handle any of the mold issues you may encounter at your facility. With the knowledgeable IICRC-certified technicians on our staff, we have the training to handle a broad range of situations. 

Time is always of the essence whenever mold and microbial growth is suspected. Our team takes care of your structure so that all employees and visitors can enter your facility safely. With our detailed planning for remediation, we inspect your property and assess everything to ensure health and safety. We also put together any technical reports for you to use if an insurance claim is involved. Depending on your business's nature, SERVPRO can also pack up contents and have them stored throughout the remediation process so that we can efficiently clean any areas impacted by mold.

Why Call the Experts for Mold Remediation?

No matter the mold outbreak's cause, we have skilled technicians that execute a comprehensive mold remediation plan. Steps used to eliminate the issue include:

• Finding the mold as well as the moisture source feeding it
• Assess all damage brought on by mold
• Isolation and containment while using physical barriers or options like negative air pressure – this helps prevent the spores from spreading
• Mold removal with the help of EPA-registered antifungal and antimicrobial treatments
• Disposing of any porous materials infested with mold
• Thorough cleaning of contents as needed, followed by sanitization and deodorization
• Repair and reconstruct any damaged areas of your Upper West Side commercial space

It is important to note that you should never try to handle mold remediation on your own. Trained technicians understand best practices for handling and solving mold issues within your commercial location. We quickly work to eliminate your mold outbreak so that it does not spread into other areas of your building. Once you hire the professionals for the cleanup, you can rest assured that everything gets done the first time correctly. 

You will notice that we never leave anything to chance, so our technicians are always outfitted with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). All of the techs on our team have been through detailed training and understand how to approach mold colonies safely. Should we suspect mold has gotten into your HVAC system or air ducts, we also have specialized methods and equipment to ensure everything gets cleaned out safely and effectively.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Mold?

Once you know how mold grows and festers, you can learn how to keep it from coming back again. There could be numerous factors that brought on the mold growth with most common areas, including:

• Carpeting: Entry rugs for your building and any carpeted areas can harbor moisture from shoes or spills.
• Kitchens and Employee Lounges: Freezers, refrigerators, and kitchen plumbing can lead to leaks and excess moisture buildup.
• Entry Points: Windows and doors to your commercial space can let in humid air from the outside that brings on condensation.
• HVAC Systems: When a problem arises with your HVAC equipment, such as the compressor lines, vents, or drain pans, mold growth may become an issue.
• Trash Receptacles: When left un-emptied for some time, trash bins might turn into a source of unwanted moisture.

Why is Mold a Hazard?

When mold begins to contaminate your commercial space, it can overtake a range of areas. Mold thrives on damp or wet surfaces, including:

• Wood
• Drywall
• Ceiling tiles
• Carpeting
• Wallpaper
• Insulation materials, and more

Once there is excess moisture within any given space, or the relative humidity becomes too high, mold begins to colonize rapidly within 48 hours. Because it can bring with it potential health effects and pose a threat to your property's structure, you need to have the pros begin cleanup and remediation right away. Once you start to see any signs of mold or mildew, SERVPRO can come in to start the assessment and leave your commercial space, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is the team to call when you want prompt, reliable mold damage repair. Contact us for emergency service by calling (917) 498-1362, and we will send our Green Fleet out within hours.

Recent Storms Caused Flooding at the Ground Level of My Building, Now What?

9/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO checks a wall in an Upper West Side unit after a flooding event. We leave when the place is dry, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Can Handle Emergency Calls to the Upper West Side to Begin Prompt Flood Damage Cleanup

If flooding from the street after a storm brought water into your first level, you need to act fast to limit the damage. The last thing you want is ruined items or any structural damage to your Upper West Side building, especially if you have tenants to think about. SERVPRO can be there quickly, as We're Faster to Any Size Disaster with crews available 24/7 to get to work on your restoration project.

We Feature IICRC-Certified Technicians

When you have flood damage in the Upper West Side, you can rest assured knowing that our team has been trained via the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This means that we come armed with the skills, knowledge, and industry-proven methods to limit the loss and quickly get your building back to normal.

Available Around the Clock

Storms and devastation can happen at any time of day or night, so we provide flood services seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Once you call us, we arrive on the scene in as little as a few hours to:

• Assess your building, locating the point(s) of entry for the flood water
• Put a perimeter in place to limit the tracking of moisture and debris into other areas of the building
• Begin extraction of the water and work to repair any damage where water was coming in
• Commence drying efforts, including dehumidification to restore relative humidity levels to normal
• Deodorize and sanitize all surfaces using cleaning products approved by the EPA
• Restore and clean any furnishings or content that was affected
• Ensure everything is back to pre-flood condition. “Like it never even happened.”

Call (917) 498-1362 to have SERVPRO of Upper West Side work on your flood damage needs. We address all floodwater and devastation quickly to take the burden off of your shoulders.

How Can I Remove Odors from My Manhattan Apartment After a Fire?

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

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

With professional equipment and products, our SERVPRO team can manage odor issues in smaller apartment units. 

The confined spaces of even the larger Manhattan apartments that many of us own can amplify fire loss effects. Depending on the type of fire, soot and smoke residues can coat surfaces throughout the open floor plan, but the most challenging obstacles are the complete removal of odors. Not only does burning and combustion generate harsh scents in the environment, but it can impact porous surfaces and contents throughout your unit as well. 

There are multiple layers of fire restoration for Manhattan residences, and each of these actions can work towards the ultimate goals of preloss condition. While deodorization might not occur until the final stages of restoration and recovery, there are still methods of reducing these threats' severity and presence during mitigation. Between products and approaches, we can noticeably lessen the noxious scents lingering in the apartment and ideally prevent these odors from penetrating shared walls and affecting neighboring properties. Some of the ways to accomplish this include:

• Counteracting Beads
• Deodorant Granules
• Water-Based Odor Counteractants
• Surface Cleaning
• Hydroxyl generators during the cleanup stage

What Tools Are Best for Deodorization? 

While deodorization might be among the final restoration tasks that we complete, the sciences behind the elimination or neutralization of odor molecules are advanced. The process itself often requires multiple types of deodorizing tools, especially when varying materials are involved. Most often, thermal and ULV fogging with a potent counteractant can eliminate environmental scents and those trapped in porous materials like drywall, cabinets, carpets, and subflooring. Also, our SERVPRO team can use more advanced techniques, including ozone generation and hydroxyl radicals, to address odor and contaminant concerns as well. 

As intrusive as odors can be after a fire, you can count on our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team to help. We have advanced technologies and tools to make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (917) 498-1362.

Learn more about Manhattan.

How Can I Tell Where the Water Damage is in My Manhattan Home?

8/16/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can ruin your apartment and even the apartment below yours. Call SERVPRO for water mitigation and remediation services.

SERVPRO technicians bring advanced detection equipment into your Manhattan home to locate hidden water

When a water-damaging incident happens in a property in The City, you cannot see all areas that need cleanup without help. Water runs quickly behind walls, seeps under flooring, and may even drip into the level below by way of the floor joists. If it does not get removed and the area dried quickly, there can be a further loss to the structure and contents.

How Can Moisture Detection Equipment Help with Water Mitigation?  

Locating the water damage in your Manhattan home during water mitigation does not have to lead to an additional loss. The use of moisture detection devices has benefits such as:  

• No destruction to building materials because the different types of equipment allow SERVPRO techs to peer behind sheetrock and under floors
• Scoping of difficult to reach spots such as high ceilings
• Inspecting a loss area quickly through the use of devices such as infrared cameras cuts the time needed
• Understanding the complications from common walls and floors in multi-family units

Used in tandem with moisture meters, the technicians can quickly ascertain the true perimeters of the water damaged area and set up a rapid action plan for extraction of the water using their professional equipment and drying the structure completely.

SERVPRO techs use their equipment to monitor the drying process and ensure that the preset drying goals get reached. This attention to the air moisture levels inhibits the potential for problems that can arise from inadequate drying such as mold and musty odors that can require costly remediation. After drying, the techs confirm through the use of their array of equipment that the loss area is dry.

For fast and thorough water mitigation, contact SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362. Our technicians bring advanced equipment and experience in all types of water cleanup and restoration to help homeowners lessen the loss and get life back to normal. 

Click here for more information about Manhattan.

How Can SERVPRO Tools Remove Condo Flooding?

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Should your condo flood, call SERVPRO! We are always available to take your call!

Disaster Mitigation Specialists Perform Upper West Side Residential Flood Damage Cleanup 

Flood damage is a very present concern in many New York State areas, including the Upper West Side. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data, as of June 2020, only 21% of flood insurance policies cover condominiums. 

If you find flood damage in your Upper West Side condo, SERVPRO can begin the cleanup process within your initial contact hours. 

What Tools Does SERVPRO Use for Flood Damage Mitigation? 

• EPA-registered sanitation products.SERVPRO has access to over 100 proprietary cleaning solutions to address concerns related to floods, such as mold growth, chemical runoff, and stains from inks, dyes, and furniture finishes.
• Commercial-grade moisture extraction tools.Gas-powered sump pumps, portable and truck-mounted extraction units, and small scale moisture extraction wands are all designed to remove large amounts of water and accelerate the structural drying process by as much as 500%.
• Alternative power sources.If flooding has affected your property’s access to electricity, SERVPRO can provide power sources for operating equipment.
• Odor control solutions.SERVPRO has access to industrial-strength foggers, HEPA filter vacuums, and odor-counteractant products that address a broad array of unpleasant odors related to home flooding. 

How Can SERVPRO Restore Your Belongings After a Flood? 

SERVPRO teams can perform a pack-out to remove your possessions from a flood-damaged property, take them to a SERVPRO warehouse, and preserve them for restoration. Items are documented, packed, and sorted room by room. Homeowners and insurance adjusters keep up to date through the entirety of the pack-out process. 

SERVPRO technicians have the means to sanitize and deodorize many items. Some belongings, however, may require particular types of expertise to prevent property loss. SERVPRO frequently employs the services of such professionals as: 

• Electronics restoration techs
• Document restoration specialists
• Dry cleaners
• Furniture refinishers
• Art restorers       

SERVPRO of Upper West Side provides emergency-response services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Get the assistance you need by calling (917) 498-1362. 

More about Upper West Side.

My Industrial Building In Upper West Side Has Flooding, Can I Salvage Everything Inside?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is your answer when you need help with flood damage in your commercial space.

SERVPRO Handles Commercial Flood Damage Quickly and Effectively, Salvaging Everything Possible Within Your Upper West Side Building

Nobody ever wants to deal with a natural disaster resulting in flooding, but these events happen fast and without warning. SERVPRO is ready to spring into action to cover any water-related emergency at your Upper West Side industrial property. Our trained water restoration technicians (WRT) know that every second counts. This is why our team works rapidly to ensure you get back to business regardless of the scope of the flooding.

Why Should I Call SERVPRO to Handle Flood Restoration?

When you contact our team for flood damage in your Upper West Side commercial property, we will be there within hours to get started. You can count on us to:

•    Understand the characteristics of flood damage: We locate the cause or entry point of the flooding and begin the cleanup and content management. We address the root cause for the issue and start salvaging whatever possible while marking off a flood zone to limit water migration.
•    Handle the water damage with skill and precision: We have powerful extraction tools to bring up the water and high-volume desiccant dehumidifiers to manage moisture within the environment. We control the contamination and put a plan of action into place for repair or replacement of unsalvageable building materials
•    Take care of content and document recovery: Our crew knows how essential documents and contents are within your industrial building. We can work on cleaning items on-site or remove them to be restored at our secure facility. Everything is meticulously inventoried and put back into place once the restoration is complete.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is your answer when you need help with flood damage in your commercial space. Call us 24/7 at (917) 498-1362, and we send out a Green Fleet equipped with all the tools and products to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Is It True Complete Mold Removal is Impossible in Manhattan?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO brings their years of experience and professional equipment to handle any size mold removal safely.

SERVPRO techs have the experience and equipment to perform any size mold remediation in your Manhattan property

While mold remediation gets done in Manhattan homes across the county, truly removing mold is not possible as microscopic airborne spores occur naturally within structures and outdoors. The difference between a spore floating harmlessly within your home and a mold infestation gets determined by whether or not conditions are right for the spore to germinate inside your home:
    •    Indoor humidity levels sustained over 50%
    •    Something organic to the consumer such as sheetrock, wood studs or contents such as books or paper
    •    Temperatures hovering around 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit although colonies can exist in 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

How Do I Know If I Need Mold Removal Under Carpet or Hardwood Flooring?

One of the most common scenarios seen for mold removal needs in Manhattan homes occurs when a previous water loss from a long-standing leak or sudden water spill event that seeps under flooring or gets wicked into sheetrock and does not get adequately cleaned. Signs your flooring has mold growth are:
    •    Musty odors   
    •    Carpet feels dry on top but damp towards the backing
    •    Visible mold growth  
    •    Persistent water droplets on wood boards without a visible source indicate high humidity conditions
    •    Discoloration on the edges of the wood

Mold growth within walls can frequently get traced to a slow leak the homeowner had no previous knowledge of or the lack of a functioning vapor barrier between the insulation and the outer walls of your structure. The vapor barrier may be improperly installed, or there may not be one behind your insulation; either way, the outcome is often mold colonies that require professional remediation.

What Happens to Structure and Contents Covered in Mold?

Structural elements such as mold-covered sheetrock and insulation require careful removal and disposal as there are no restoration procedures for saving sheetrock with deterioration. SERVPRO techs have specially fitted vacuum units for the safe collection of ruined insulation. Other common losses include mold damaged tile and carpet. There is no way to return it to sanitary standards for reuse in the home, and it must be removed. Fabric-covered items and clothing that can withstand washing can get cleaned and refreshed in the Esporta Washing System. However, if mold has invaded upholstered furnishings, they are generally a loss.

Nonporous home contents with the potential for restoration through cleaning get taken to a cleaning station where the techs carefully clean and dry the items for use.

Finding All Potential Areas With Mold

When SERVPRO techs undergo their extensive and on-going training for restoration services, they have continuing education for mold remediation, including the latest advances for the best outcome for every mold loss situation. Using their moisture detection equipment, the techs peer behind walls and under flooring to find any areas of elevated moisture. This practice allows the techs to pinpoint problem areas, so only a portion of a wall or floor area needs to get opened up for drying and mold treatment applications.

How Does SERVPRO Treat Mold Damaged Areas?

A crucial aspect of mold remediation is the use of both air movers and dehumidifiers to lower the interior humidity, supporting colony growth. The air movers cause embedded moisture to rise where the dehumidifiers capture it. To maintain the interior humidity levels after drying, the reason for the mold growth must get addressed and repaired as needed to stop the cycle. The techs diagnose the problem and offer solutions to the needed repairs to halt any further loss.

After drying, the techs use manual tools or hand vacuums with HEPA filtration to perform gentle abatement on the dried colonies. Air scrubbers run during the mitigation efforts to capture any airborne spores and stop any potential spread of the spores to other areas.

Then, the techs wipe down surfaces with their antimicrobial cleaning agents to inhibit any germination of spores before repairs get completed. In some cases, the techs use antimicrobial sealant painted on studs and other framework elements prior to rebuilding to ensure there is no return of the infestation. If the sealant gets used on visible walls or ceilings, priming and painting over it do not diminish its effectiveness. As a final step, the ductwork throughout the home gets inspected to determine if it too needs cleaning.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 brings their years of experience and professional equipment to handle any size mold removal safely. Call at the first sign of an infestation to stop any further spread of the issue throughout your property.

We Had Flooding; I Need Help to Dry My Interior

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Leaves Your Flood Damaged Home in Upper West Side Only When It Is Dry and Ready for a Build Back

SERVPRO’s Green Fleet in the Upper West Side Comes Equipped with the Best Tools for Flood Damage Restoration

Once you know that your family is safe as flooding overtakes your Upper West Side home, you can call SERVPRO for mitigation and restoration services. Cleaning up your interior and ensuring everything is sanitized and deodorized can be challenging, but we are here to help. We are Faster To Any Size Disaster with crews available 24/7 for emergency restoration services. Once you reach out to us, we send a team to your property to begin the assessment in as little as four hours or less. 

Will All Building Materials Need Replacing?

We arrive and formulate a plan quickly to get the water removal started. In any situation involving flood damage in the Upper West Side, the longer that you wait, the more secondary damage takes hold. Things to look out for include:

•   Saturated and weakened subflooring
•   Soaked drywall that begins to crumble
•   Buckling or warping of hardwood floors
•   Warped and buckling wood framing
•   Supports or metal fasteners that start to rust
•   Bulging or breaking ceiling tiles
•   Blistering or peeling wallpaper or paint

How Do You Know What Steps to Take?

SERVPRO uses a unique formula that allows us to determine the equipment we need and how many pieces of equipment can facilitate water removal, drying, and cleaning. Powerful water extraction tools allow us to remove hundreds of gallons of debris-filled water promptly. We then set up drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from materials and the air inside the home. Moisture detection tools allow us to find any lingering pockets that require further attention. Everything then wraps up with complete sanitizing and deodorization to prevent the development of foul odors. 

Call (917) 498-1362 day or night when you need help with flood damage to your home. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team ensures your interior is just “Like it never even happened.”

Find out more about The Upper West Side

Can Soot-Covered Appliances in My Upper West Side Kitchen Survive a Remodeling Fire?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has the Skills, Products, and Equipment to Restore High-End Appliances After Upper West Side Fire Damage

The irony is not lost when your brand-new artisan-grade appliances are coated in smelly, sticky residues after an electrical short in your rehabbing contractor’s equipment sets your Upper West Side apartment on fire. You finally proceeded with a long-needed kitchen remodel, only to have the bright, clean appliances purchased in anticipation of a redone and enhanced food preparation area reduced to a condition even worse than the grease encased decades-old kitchen suite it replaced.

Why Are Restorers Wrapping My Kitchen in Plastic?

Any blaze creates dangerous fumes and potentially hazardous fire damage to your Upper West Side home. residues. Upper West Side residents in elegant older apartment buildings can risk exposure to a wide range of toxic airborne and settled debris that could cause illness or injury. Our project manager recommends containment with 1.6 mil polyethylene and employment of air-scrubbing equipment to minimize debris spread. Our technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to limit skin and respiratory contact.

What Hazardous Substances Concern Professionals?

Older buildings can contain lead-based paint, asbestos, and many different chemicals unleashed by the fire. When electrified circuits contribute to the fire, a term rarely heard today--polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs--can add an extremely worrisome substance to the mix if part of your building’s electrical system still utilizes applications using these materials. If SERVPRO suspects the involvement of these hazards, we arrange for certified technicians to abate the toxins.

How Will Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) Clean My Appliances?

Once we have the specified hazards remediated, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crew assess the various fire residue-damaged appliances. We consider two major, intersecting aspects of the damage:

The characteristics of the surfaces affected:

Are they solid or porous?

What are the materials used?
- Glass
- Plastic
- Composite
- Metal
- Wood-faced (build-in units)
- Laminate
- Veneer
- Hardwood

What kind of a finish do they have?

- Matte
- Glossy
- Brushed
- Stained or painted

The characteristics of the soot deposited on said surfaces:

Usually, an electrical fire produces thick, sticky soot. Protein-based residues can also form if food or grease in the kitchen heats up during the blaze. The protein-based residue is highly malodorous and attaches to the appliances like a lacquer or varnish, yellowing, or otherwise discoloring them. Although the combination of the two types of soot presents a cleanup challenge, it is one we see frequently and resolve successfully.

How Do We Use the Data About the Appliance Surface and the Soot?

When we match cleaning products to soot, we always keep in mind that we want the residue to loosen, become suspended in solution, and rinse away. With large and stationary objects such as appliances, we use a spray and wipe technique to apply the product, agitate, and remove the cleaner and the dissolved or suspended residue.

What kind of product should we use?

We always keep in mind that “like dissolves like.” If the soot is determined to be water-based, we use a water-based cleaner. Protein-based and some synthetic-based soots need a solvent or oil-based cleaner. In multi-soot circumstances, detergent bridges the difference.

What kind of agitation should we use?

The durability of the surface helps us judge what kind of scrubbing or addition of abrasives an appliance cabinet can endure. We want to make sure a little “elbow grease” does not remove or dull a finish. Adding a lubricant can protect the surface while allowing a gritty compound or tool to exert gentle abrasion to remove residues that cling persistently.

How long should the cleaner be in contact with the surface?

Adjusting the pH of a cleaner can help break the bond between the residue and the surface. Permitting dwell time of a cleaner to exceed suggested limits can corrode, tarnish, pit, or etch some appliance finishes. If laminate applied over another material makes the appliances look like built-ins, we are careful not to soak the surfaces as delamination might occur.

What extremes of temperature can the surface handle?

Raising the temperature of a cleaning product urges the molecules to move faster during a chemical reaction. Appliances featuring plastics might experience warping if the temperature rises too high.

What can professionals do about discoloring?

Bleaching either adds oxygen or removes oxygen from the chemical structure of residues. Enzymes break up organic residues, permitting our technicians to wipe them and their staining away.

Have confidence that the professionals from SERVPRO of Upper West Side can assess your kitchen’s fire damage and plot a course to make the soot and smells “Like it never even happened.” We await your call 24/7 at (917) 498-1362.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Upper West Side, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side today at (917) 498-1362 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Is Carpet Damage Irreparable After an Upper West Side Water Loss?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment to dry your water damaged home. Call us today!

SERVPRO professionals can often salvage flooring in Upper West Side homes with a prompt and knowledgeable response during the emergency.  

Flooring is one of the first materials often damaged and ruined by standing water and absorption. Because water pools along these surfaces, sensitive materials like carpets and hardwood floors are quick to absorb the moisture. Within 48 hours, saturation concerns can become so great that swelling, distortion, or deterioration make it impossible to preserve the flooring material. 

How Can Water Losses Affect the Carpet?  

Regarding water cleanup in Upper West Side properties, an understanding of what can happen to each of the affected elements in a flooring system can show the importance of each layer of mitigation and restoration work that our SERVPRO professionals provide. Affected layers of carpeted floors include: 

• Surface Layers – the fibers of carpeting can seem magnetized when it comes to absorbing and holding water. Carpet wands can help to reduce the saturation so that drying efforts can be more productive. 

• Padding – This layer directly beneath the surface fibers can also quickly and thoroughly absorb migrating water. Often, floating tactics for drying place air movers between the padding and the surface layers to work on drying simultaneously.  

• Subflooring – The base layer in most residential homes is either plywood or OSB board, both of which are not impenetrable by migrating moisture. Thorough drying of the top layers of this system can prevent water from reaching the subflooring.  

What Type of Cleaning Needs to Be Done to Restore Carpeted Floors?  

Once you have dried out trapped moisture in the flooring system's layers, it can be wise to clean the carpets. This extra step improves the look and feel of the damaged area, so it feels "Like it never even happened." We have several options for premier cleaning, including hot water extraction and preconditioning. 

No matter how we can help after a water loss, our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team are available 24/7 by calling (917) 498-1362. 

More about the Upper West Side.

Can Experienced Restoration Professionals Save Me Money?

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO save you a little time, energy, and money.

Extraction and Drying Can Be Lengthy Procedures, But Our Cutting-Edge Tools and Trained Professionals Can Reduce Time and Costs. 

Choosing professional restorers over attempting to clean up and dry water damage to your home is not always an easy decision. In many cases, homeowners must be able to see and appreciate how DIY methods are not as thorough and cost-efficient as they might appear versus the more direct and involved professional approaches. 

Are Water Restoration Professionals Available 24/7? 

One of the advantages of choosing professional restoration for water removal in Upper West Side homes and apartments is the availability of our technicians. Our team can mobilize 24/7 to handle emergencies as they happen. Our prompt response can reduce the migration of water losses and limit the contents irreparably damaged by exposure. Each of these responding technicians has training and accreditations through reputable organizations for the restoration industry, including:

• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
• National Organization for Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI)

What Are the Benefits to Trained Technicians? 

Because we devote considerable time to the development and education of our technicians on our SERVPRO team, we can offer a confident and knowledgeable response for all of the emergencies that you might face. By choosing the experience and knowledge of our professionals, you can also get more assurances that thorough and complete drying and extraction take place. With each of our restoration professionals, you get the product of:

• In-House Education and Coursework 
• Additional Supportive Endorsements to Build on Water Restoration (WRT) Certification
• Years of Hands-On Experience 

Water restoration can be a challenging obstacle to overcome in homes and apartments without the advanced tools and technologies available to our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team. We can work quickly to make these emergencies “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (917) 498-1362.

To learn more about Upper West Side, click here. 

What Are Common Sources of Water Damage in High Rise Properties?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our water damage technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your property to pre-damage condition.

Line Up the Commercial Disaster Recovery Experts at SERVPRO to Minimize Water Loss Disruption and Expense on the Upper West Side

The sheer size of a highrise building in Manhattan or any other major city in the country hints at the challenges waiting for a building manager when just one tenant suffers from a water loss. All of the advantages the tightly-knit community of residences, retailers, restaurants, and specialty goods and services providers offer has a negative effect when dozens to hundreds of separate units can share the damaging effects of a leak, spill, or appliance breakdown.

How Much Damage Can a Tiny Leak Do in a Multi-Story Building?

The migration of water damage in an Upper West Side mixed-use multi-story building can be considerable. A cracked pipe or loose plumbing connection in an upper floor condo might only dampen the bottom of the sink cabinet in the first unit before the water flows between walls down many stories, following utility lines or supportive structures, collecting in an ever-widening pool at the street or basement level. Modern construction methods tend to tuck pipes and drains in hidden spaces, meaning that small leaks become enormous problems before anyone notices. A few gallons of water leaking daily can become a crumbled series of walls down to a collapsed ceiling on a floor where the layout of the rooms varies, funneling the fluid onto a floor or other flat surface until the weight destroys building materials.

Where Does the Water Originate?

In the interrelated warren of rooms, hallways, elevators, and stairways that make up a typical highrise building, the following not exhaustive list of potential sources of damaging water are seen frequently by our experienced commercial restoration project managers and technicians:

• Damaged or poorly maintained roofs
• Boilers and piping that distribute hot water for pump and gravity heating systems
• Other heating, ventilation, and cooling systems (HVAC) that deliver and collect water, including condensate AC systems
• Cold (supply) and hot water, including storage tanks to make provision to many units more efficient
• Bathtubs and showers
• Kitchens
• Waste or sewer pipes 
• High-pressure sprinkler systems to meet fire codes
• Appliances, including:
• Dish and clothes washers
• Water heaters
• Spas 
• Freezers and refrigerators, both manual and self-defrosting
• Ice makers
• Humidifiers
• Dehumidifiers 
• Window and free-standing air conditioners
• Aquariums

Buildings with pools or health clubs add another few boxes to tick as we look for a water origin. Locker rooms, saunas, and hot tubs can expose the rest of the structure to substantial water damage.

What Are Solutions for Large-Scale Commercial Water Loss?

Engage the services of a local water mitigation and remediation company with a scalable, rapid response capability. We have our emergency response team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our company also can leverage the resources of the SERVPRO national network of restoration professionals if necessary.

How Essential Are Commercial Grade Equipment and Highly-Trained Technicians?

Water damage in a commercial setting mandates the use of appropriate equipment operated by individuals who mastered comprehensive training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Although you may employ or contract with exemplary housekeeping and building maintenance services, water removal and structural drying require specialized skills performed by certified workers who focus solely on water damage recovery. 

Is Water Detection Necessary in a Large Scale Project?

Although it requires tenaciousness, exhaustive moisture detection and migration mapping are worth every moment they take as we assess a commercial water damage scenario. Failure to discover the water source and trace the many pathways moisture took throughout the building guarantees that progressive deterioration continues, and secondary damage such as mold infestation is a near certainty. Our Building Moisture Thermography (BMT) technicians join forces with our Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD) certified employees to ensure we account for the water and absorbed moisture throughout the building as we design the mitigation and remediation plan.

What Is the Next Phase After Trained Technicians Find the Water?

Our crews bring adequate inventories of pumps and truck-mounted or portable extractors to begin water removal. Best practices might lead to controlled demolition, accessing hidden water using flood cuts and holes drilled in walls, baseboards, and mortar joints. Standing water is extracted as entirely as possible, and then drying plans finalize. 

How Does Drying Happen in a Commercial Building?

Although it is tempting to consider oversized responses to a large building, the reality is that drying in multi-unit construction is completed space by space. Rather than increasing the size of air movers and dehumidifiers, we increase the number of pieces of equipment, deploying them in each space that needs drying. When we contain wet areas, the drying rate accelerates, so with multiple containment spaces, the overall project approached completion.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is familiar with the challenges of water detection and removal in highrise, multi-use buildings. Give us a call at (917) 498-1362 to explore your options 24/7.

Unusual Reasons Upper West Side Homes Experienced Fire Damage

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Diligence and Safe Practices Can Help Prevent House Fires in the Upper West Side

Fire Damage Happens! Be Prepared and Call SERVPRO for Swift Cleanup and Restoration

While an average of 1.3 million fires occurs each year in the United States, the majority of them have their ground zero in the kitchen. There are some not-so-common reasons fires started, many of which were preventable such as improper storage of flammable chemicals or loose electrical outlets in your Upper West Side Unit.

Before a fire damage event occurs in an Upper West Side home, it is a good idea to establish a disaster-ready plan. If a fire happened, who would you call? What items are most important to save? It is a good practice to inspect your property monthly for things that could be fire hazards and correct them. Test your smoke detectors to make sure they are in working order. And then, learn from the following out-of-the-ordinary reasons a fire loss happened.

Glass Bottles and Jars Have Started Fires
When sunlight shines through a glass jar or bottle, the light has the potential for refraction. This action results in heat, and it can be intense enough to start a fire. One homeowner had a fire start from a jar in the window that directed a beam of sunlight onto the kitchen curtains, which ignited.

Animals and Fire Loss
From damaged electrical wiring from mice to a cat knocking an unattended candle onto the floor, both can result in fires. A home security system with video monitoring can help, and if signs of a rodent infestation get noticed-handle it as fast as possible to lessen the possibility of a loss.

Malfunctioning Appliances
Most people know that dryers and ovens cause fires in the home on occasion. Another culprit is the humble dishwasher. Filling an electrical appliance with water, what could go wrong? Due to the presence of the heating element, if water leaks around it, the outcome can be a fire. If you detect any signs of leakage around your dishwasher, do not use it until it gets repaired.

What to Do When a Fire Loss Does Occur
One of the best things to do is bring in professional help for the cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO technicians have the equipment and advanced methods to bring your home back to its preloss condition.

What About Other Fire Hazards?
After the restoration efforts complete, SERVPRO techs are happy to assist homeowners in an inspection of their home and show them elements to look for to lower the risk of another fire or a water leak.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side, when called at (917) 498-1362, restores properties affected by fire damage. The technicians bring their knowledge, skills, and equipment to make the fire loss to your property, "Like it never even happened."

Are There Health Risk Concerns with Flood Damage in the Upper West Side?

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in lower levels of Upper West Side Homes Require Expert Cleanup and Recovery -- Call SERVPRO

Groundwater Can Transport Various Contaminants Requiring Disinfecting

Many homeowners are not concerned about health issues associated with flood damage. These consumers are worried, rightfully so, about the damage to their homes and contents. How can their families recover after so much is destroyed? Many people may not realize that floodwaters absorb a variety of potentially dangerous elements that we should also take into consideration.

Who Offers Storm and Flood Damage Recovery?

SERVPRO provides flood damage cleanup, repair, and restoration on the Upper West Side. We have been specializing in flood, fire, water, and mold restoration services in the area for many years. Debris removal is a critical segment of cleanup and recovery after a storm.

Floodwaters absorb many different pathogens, biological materials, and chemicals and deposit these same materials as the water recedes. For example:

• Animal waste and carcasses
• Human waste
• Chemicals such as oil and gasoline
• Viruses – Norovirus, rhinovirus, feline calicivirus and many more
• Mold spores

Does Specialized Equipment Really Help with Storm Water Removal?

The short answer is YES! However, correct placement, number, and devices chosen, when coordinated by IICRC-Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification technicians ensures optimal performance and minimum damage. The advanced equipment can be:

• Extractors
• Pumps and vacuums
• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Power sources
• Truckload of equipment

We train our team in the use of EPA certified chemicals for sanitizing and disinfecting homes and businesses after a flood has passed through an area. We are equipped with Personal Protection Equipment to use while we remove debris from your home, clean, and dry your home so that restoration can proceed.

Call SERVPRO for assistance after a flood. We are available 24/7/365, in Manhattan, Central Park West, and the surrounding area at (917) 498-1362. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Some Shortcuts to Water Damage Remediation Success in the Upper West Side

3/15/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage cause your to panic. Contact SERVPRO immediately for effective water removal efforts.

Kitchen Wall Causes Need for Water Removal in Upper West Side Home

A single wall in a kitchen holds a myriad of potential water damage sources. It is a good idea to regularly open the cabinets and inspect the wall space for signs of spotting and make sure the dishwasher, fridge and other appliances that use water supply lines are in good working order. This action alone can assist in lessening the chance of a surprise water event in the home. 

A homeowner got up in the middle of the night and stepped in cold water. She knew immediately her Upper West Side kitchen needed water removal. She immediately put down towels to blot up the water. However, she was not sure where the water emanated from and shut off the flow until SERVPRO arrived.

Scoping for Scale and Source of Water Loss

On arrival, the technicians immediately used their equipment to determine both the area of the home affected and where it came from. The culprit was a supply line to the kitchen sink. The sheetrock showed evidence of a longterm leak behind the cabinet and the floor underneath needed drying. 

Opening the Loss Area

The techs carefully pulled the cabinets away from the wall for removal of the damaged sheetrock and drying of the wall cavity and flooring. Fortunately, the moisture detection equipment showed no evidence of seepage into the subfloor, and the tile floor remained intact with no signs of delamination. 

Repairs and Reinstallation

After drying the wall area and verifying the loss area attained air moisture goals, the homeowner brought in a plumber to make the needed repair to the supply line. Because of the length of time, the high moisture conditions remained within the wall cavity; the techs cleaned the exposed framework with antimicrobial cleaners. The application of an antimicrobial sealant inhibited the potential for any mold growth. SERVPRO techs then installed new sheetrock and put the cabinets back into place. 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 is available for water removal 24/7. The techs arrive quickly and with their advanced equipment and restoration methods, make the water loss in the home, "Like it never even happened."

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Water Damage In Upper West Side

3/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 for help with water damage in your home.

How SERVPRO Restores Upper West Side Carpets with Water Damage

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with water damage is throwing towels and rags on their carpet and assume that it is enough. Those things work to absorb some moisture at the surface but do nothing for the water that ran downward, affecting the rest of the carpet and padding.

The steps that SERVPRO technicians take when handling water damage to Upper West Side carpets make the difference between keeping the carpet and having to replace it.

Problems with DIY Water Loss Cleanup
When moisture remains within the carpet, it sets it up for numerous issues including:
    •    Bleeding of color
    •    Spotting
    •    Rotting of the primary and secondary backing resulting in loose fibers
    •    Mold
    •    Foul odors

Extraction Equipment is Key
SERVPRO technicians choose different types of equipment depending on the amount of water that requires extraction and the pile of the carpet. Centrifugal pumps work well in most situations to pull up moisture. When significant amounts of moisture require removal, stand-on, and stationary water removal systems perform best.

Restoration to Carpet
Some carpets get stained or show spots after a water loss event and need additional cleaning to restore the fibers. SERVPRO techs carefully test fibers before cleaning, so the correct cleaning agents and methods get used, so there is no damage done to threads or issues such as shrinkage.

Techniques for Drying Carpet
A misstep homeowners sometimes make when attempting to dry carpets is using household fans. In some cases, they can make the problem worse. When necessary, the techs can remove carpet and dry it in-plant for reinstallation. However, to limit the disruption to the home, the techs dry the carpet in place. One commonly used application, referred to as floating, involves loosening the carpet on one side. Air movers get positioned to force air in the opened space, which assists in drying the carpet and padding from the bottom up and inhibits secondary damages. As the air movers force the embedded moisture to the surface, it gets captured by the dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 for help with water damage in your home. The certified technicians can handle any size water loss and make it, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Upper West Side click here.

Winning Tactics of Flood Damage Remediation in Your Manhattan Home

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

When water damages your apartment, SERVPRO to the rescue. W! have what it takes to remove the water and restore your home.

What Professional Flood Water Removal Offers Manhattan Residents 

Whether the flooding in your Manhattan home is due to storms or a significant plumbing or appliance breach, you need help fast. Multi-unit buildings pose real challenges to residents of our borough as the water disaster your neighbor endure can migrate into your condo, apartment, or townhouse without warning. No matter how several inches or even a foot or more of water enters your home, it is essential to remove the water. 

To accomplish flood water removal in Manhattan a restoration company needs a highly-trained and skilled team of technicians and managers as well as state of the art equipment. Often when water collects in a house, the electricity is shut off for safety reasons. This lack of power makes it essential that the responding company has power generation capabilities on their service vehicles to avoid delays that are costly in both time and money. 

SERVPRO has the qualified crews and the high-efficiency equipment needed to remove the water rapidly, including onboard power generators. Our employees complete rigorous IICRC, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, training to master the strategies needed to extract the water, measure moisture levels in porous building materials, and implement structural drying techniques. We use thermal scanning devices to locate hidden pockets of water, employing options like flood cuts, drilled holes, and extensions for wanded extractors to reach and release the trapped moisture.   

We complete the flood water removal with a drying plan that uses air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in structural components to normal levels. SERVPRO also takes advantage of innovations like floor drying mats and building cavity drying systems that harness the power of negative air pressure to suction residual moisture out of layers of flooring or from behind walls. 

To inhibit any potential mold growth, common after water losses, we use EPA-registered disinfectants on the affected surfaces. SERVPRO’s goal is to leave your home dry, cleaned, and refreshed after the headache of a flooding event -- “Like it never even happened.” 

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Upper West Side when you need help after a flood in your Manhattan abode. You call (917) 498-1362, and we answer 24/7.

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Manhattan Dwellers Deal Best with a Fire and Smoke Loss with SERVPRO's Assistance

2/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Tech Cleans Soot from Outside a Manhattan Residential Building

Unraveling Puzzles Left by Fire Damage in Manhattan

When a fire burns your Manhattan condo, it is likely to leave damages at the source and other sections of the property even if the flames are doused early. Although most of the damages, such as charred materials or surfaces are easy to locate and understand, some outcomes of fire incidents leave homeowners puzzled. Hiring a professional restoration team can help you understand the damage and find the right solutions.    

The deposits left after fire damage in Manhattan units can form unusual patterns. For example, the homeowner may notice blacked dots where nails lay hidden beneath the drywall. It might appear as if the fire pulled out the nails. The popular name for this phenomenon is nail pops, and it forms due to magnetism in smoke residues. The residues drift towards the metallic nails resulting in the nail pops even though the nails are still in place. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect the surrounding drywall, and if there are no other signs of severe damages, we can clean the area to remove the residues.

Smoke residues may also collect in areas you would not expect them to. For example, rooms that were closed off from the main areas affected by the fire may have high concentrations of smoke residue. Such outcomes occur because closed windows and doors cannot hinder smoke movements. Areas isolated from the fire also tend to be colder, so smoke tends to concentrate there because it moves through convectional currents, hot air circulates toward cooler air.  Our SERVPRO technicians check all concealed areas, including cabinets, to eliminate all smoke residues.

It is common for fires to leave a stench in the affected areas. In most cases, the smell goes away after removing charred debris and cleaning the area. It can, therefore, be puzzling for the smell to linger after doing a thorough cleaning. The odor particles can penetrate deep into materials, especially since the heat from the fire opens up pores in materials. Neutralizing the odor particles is the only solution to a stubborn odor problem. Our SERVPRO technicians can use ULV foggers or Ozone generators in extreme cases, which produce different agents that combine with odor particles, neutralizing them.
 
It is easier to deal with fire-damaged property with help from a professional team. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side to help. You can reach us at (917) 498-1362 at any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Act As Quick As Possible In Central Park West After A Flood

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians checking the moisture content of the wood framing of this window in this apartment unit. Count on experts to take out the guesswork.

Slowing Migration of Floodwater in Central Park West Apartments

One of the most potentially harmful aspects of flooding in Central Park West apartment buildings is the volume of residents that could become affected. While there might be dozens of pathways for floodwater to enter your property, how you handle the migration of this flooding can be the difference in which other units become affected and how severe the damage in your residence is as well. Because many property owners lack the appropriate tools and equipment for slowing the movement of flooding, it is vital to reach out to our emergency response team.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and that can help when you have to face flood damage in a Central Park West apartment. There are multiple solutions that our SERVPRO professionals can employ when we first begin working on a damaged address to slow or completely stall the progression of floodwater.

Containment 

One of the initial steps that our SERVPRO team can take when we address the widespread flooding concerns in an apartment unit is establishing the perimeter of the current loss effects. Our construction of physical barriers around this damaged area with thick 6mil plastic sheeting can allow our technicians to regulate airflow, temperature, and humidity levels to maximize efficient drying.

Extraction 

Standing water on the surface of flooring might not always exist, even with flooding in the apartment. Instead, we can utilize extraction tools like our carpet and light wands to pull enough water from flooring materials to prevent further migration, while more direct drying efforts get underway.

Positive Pressure Systems 

When flood damage enters through structural cavities, these breaches can get resolved through evaporative drying tools like our Injecti-Dry system. By drilling small holes behind the baseboard of affected walls, we can remove standing water and then introduce a consistent stream of warm, dry air into the cavity to dry out moist elements.

Each of these solutions can help to slow the spread of flood effects to neighboring properties or other areas of your apartment. We can respond quickly after a storm loss to make flooding effects “Like it never even happened.” Give our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team a call today at (917) 498-1362.

See more about Central Park West.

No Trace of Water Damage in Manhattan Home after Restoration by SERVPRO

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

We have the tools and equipment when water damages your home.

Our Team of Professionals Provide you With the Results that you and your Manhattan Home Deserve

A homeowner in Manhattan called SERVPRO, informing us that a significant part of her home was flooded with water, and she needed assistance. She had turned off the mains, so the intrusion had stopped, but it was not clear whether the loss originated from a faulty appliance or a supply pipe.

When dealing with such water damage cases in Manhattan, our SERVPRO crews take a proactive approach to ensure we establish all problems and make the right steps to fix them. Among the first issues to establish was whether there were access restrictions to the loss site. The loss had only affected the ground floor in the building, so issues like intrusions into wall cavities or ceiling spaces, which complicate access to the spilled water, were minimal. With fast extraction and drying, we could complete the restoration process.

Water loss incidents are notorious for sparking safety or security issues when they affect the property. For a loss discovered immediately, the primary concern is electrical faults if the water finds a way into sockets or power cables. With most of the water at the house being on the floor, we anticipated no such problems. However, our SERVPRO technicians still used circuit checkers for confirmation. 

For severe water loss incidents, additional services such as pack-outs, specialized content cleaning, and drying may be necessary. Our SERVPRO team was ready to perform any of these services at the property. Although we did not need to perform a pack-out, we still had to move some contents from the wet ground floor area to upper rooms in the house, clearing space to extract water and perform drying procedures. Wet-vacuuming the rooms with a truck-mounted water extractor removed most of the water.

We also performed immediate stain removal in some parts of the carpet in the living room through spot cleaning before embarking on drying. We set up a couple of air movers and dehumidifiers, monitoring them every 24 hours, ensuring that the house regained its preloss state in just a few days.

Fast, targeted action helps save water-damaged property. Call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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We Get You Back In Business After A Flood In Manhattan

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

The air movers are drying the room in this home after a storm hit. Our technicians removed the carpet as a loss and restored this home right away.

Mitigating Commercial Flood Damage in Your Manhattan Diner Should also Address Salt Water

When the East River pushes over its banks in Manhattan, business owners should have concerns about the salt deposits left behind. Contaminants related to flooding can change once-familiar surroundings in diners and small restaurants from safe to highly risky. The health effects associated to flooding decrease from the use of our disinfectant sprays, but salt remains unaffected by such applications.

Salt left behind in Manhattan businesses make flood damage especially troublesome for many. Because of its hydrophilic properties, the increased moisture close to structural materials can rapidly erode finishes. Corrosion of metals, including underneath protective paints, can happen quickly. Chlorine is only one of the three most common salts deposited on surfaces during a flood. Sulfide and nitride ions also bond to surfaces. The damage caused when surfaces stay damp from ocean water happens much faster than with freshwater. 

This stark increase in the rate of how quickly damage such as corrosion sets in on metal plumbing, electrical components, and metal furnishings requires swift manual removal of the film left on these items. Rinsing with fresh water often fails to remove all of the salts in any given area. A very dilute mixture containing muriatic acid helps dissolve salt from surfaces when applied with a cloth. We use rubber gloves and goggles during this task, and follow it up with a thorough rinsing with clean water. 

Even after drying the area using axial fans and desiccant machines, any remaining salt in the area can continue to cause corrosion. We recommend regular inspections so you can stay informed of any problems that develop before they cause interruption of electrical service or broken plumbing.

One area that diner owners might find they often replace due to flood damage from the Hudson or East River is the floors. Tile flooring can withstand flooding, even when salty, better than other flooring materials. Another option, while seemingly counterintuitive, is inexpensive carpeting. Gluing this directly to a concrete slab allows secure removal in the event of any future flooding. Our building department team can discuss potential options with you to help reduce the impact of any future disasters.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side stays prepared to assist diners and eateries in Central Park West stay open after flooding bathes our part of the city. Call (917) 498-1362 for experts who live and work here, and who know how flood damage from the East River can affect local businesses.

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We Can Help You Restore Your Manhattan Apartment After A Fire

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

We have the certified personnel, expertise, advanced training, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your property to pre-damage condition.

Manhattan's Fire Damage Restoration Technicians Point Out Various Types Of Deodorants

The odds show that if you live in an apartment in Manhattan for long enough, then there is a decent chance that something will burn inside your complex. Even if your unit does not initially become the victim of fire damage, the smoke coming from the blaze inside another group can still negatively affect your dwelling. Depending on the characteristics of the burn, partially burned particles or smoke can travel throughout your building.

The smoke itself can cause problems with your building materials and contents. During many fire damage projects in Manhattan, smoke can leave behind pungent aromas and soils or soot residues. During some situations, our SERVPRO crew notices that most foul smells go away once all burnt materials and soot residues get removed from the negatively affected structure. In other cases, where the smoke has penetrated your contents and building materials deeply, unpleasant odors can still exist even after all soils and soot residues have been cleaned.

When smoke-like smells tend to stick around, our SERVPRO technicians can use other deodorization methods. Most deodorization techniques are found to be effective by using one or a combination of a large number of chemical agents. Each type of deodorant that can be useful during smoke mitigation works to eliminate odors differently after fire damage.

One common type of deodorizing agent works by masking. These masking agents use more pleasant aromas to cover up pungent ones. A different kind of chemical called a pairing agent works differently by causing a chemical reaction. Pairing agents have molecules that chemically bond with malodor particles and neutralize them.

Filtration agents are other types of products that can be used during deodorization. Some chemicals, like baking soda, work through absorption or by absorbing moisture into the substance. Different products work by adsorbing malodor particles or capturing gases and holding them on the surface of the gent.

Utilizing a variety of deodorization methods can prove to be useful when eliminating aromas caused by different types of smoke. If you ever notice smoke damage inside your apartment unit, call SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 24/7. We can help you restore your home to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

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What Few People Know When It Comes to Dealing With Upper West Side Water Removal Issues

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Whether the water damage in your home came from above or below, it's high time to call SERVPRO to investigate and then remediate the damage.

Water Removal Best Practices in Your Upper West Side Apartment

When water escapes into your Upper West Side living areas, ridding the space of it involves both extraction of standing water and drying out any affected structural components. The interior areas of multi-family residential buildings like lofts, high-rise, and brownstones pose some challenges when extracting and drying. Our comprehensive training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers efficient strategies to ensure we remove all water and residual moisture.

Tight Spaces Need Innovative Approaches

Our crews select from a variety of exaction equipment options when completing water removal on the Upper West Side. Portable units permit our technicians to access and service your unit even if it is many stories above street level. We establish baseline moisture levels by using detection equipment for building materials. We rely on thermal imaging cameras to locate areas where hidden pooled water might lurk behind walls, comparing differences in temperature readings.

Minimally Invasive Methods to Reach Hidden Water

When SERVPRO plans how to dry out walls in your apartment, we first check the bottom stud to see if water fills the channel. Our crew takes great care when removing baseboards to drill 1.5-inch vent holes between wall studs if water or high moisture levels are evident. Technicians protect the wall with a thin, protective board, bracing the claw hammer or nail puller we use to loosen the baseboard. The holes must pierce only the wall facing us, so that warm air we force in using a venting system moves up between your wall and your neighbors rather than leaking water or air next door.

Air Flow Techniques with Limited Cross Ventilation

In many apartments, reliable ways to establish cross-ventilation are limited or non-existent without the use of our equipment. When the SERVPRO team sets up an airflow configuration after extraction, we manipulate angles to ensure that the air movers do not direct humid air full-on into a wall. If the machinery is not set up to move air at a 45-degree angle to the verticle surface, it runs the risk of forcing more moisture into the wallboard or plaster as well as merely “bouncing” the water vapor back into the room. 

Count on SERVPRO of Upper West Side to use experience, training, and appropriate commercial-grade equipment to remove water and moisture from your loft, condo, or apartment. Call us at (917) 498-1362 without delay for the best results.

Click here for more information about Upper West Side.

DIY Manhattan Fire Damage Restoration Can Lead to Further Complications

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in a neighboring apartment can damage yours. Don't DIY the restoration. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to take your call.

Limitations of DIY Fire Restoration in Manhattan Apartments 

Fires can become a substantial challenge to face, especially in confined Manhattan studio apartments. With several units on each floor, a fire anywhere near your residence could leave you contending with any number of concerns, including harsh odors, soot particulates, debris, and structural compromise. As tempting as it might seem to clean and restore these occurrences on your own, inadequate cleaning and recovery can lead to further complications. 

Because of the open area in studio apartments, fire damage in Manhattan properties can affect nearly every personal belonging, piece of furniture, and structural element in the unit. Even if your neighbor’s apartment is where the fire originated, shared walls can allow for the penetration of microscopic soot, smoke odors, and other threats into your apartment. Quickly overcoming these concerns requires trusting in the experienced hands of our SERVPRO professionals to help, as there are limitations to DIY restoration. 

Inadequate Inspection 

Our project manager and crew chief can work alongside our customers to determine the full scope of the fire damage. We can document loss, damage to contents, manage the pack-out of compromised belongings for focused cleaning and attention, and work with your insurance provider to afford the work. DIY assessment can often leave damage undiscovered, allowing it to worsen over time or remain a threat.

Deodorization 

The infiltration of odors from even neighboring units can be impossible for ill-equipped apartment owners to face on their own. With the open floor plan of your studio apartment, we must deploy effective deodorization strategies like our thermal fogger or hydroxyl generator to neutralize harsh scents on contact.

Soot Removal 

Soot is a hazardous situation, precisely because of its microscopic size and ability to generate health concerns for those directly exposed. DIY restorers should be mindful of these threats, and trust in the safety-focused SERVPRO team arriving to help. 

There are definite limitations to DIY fire restoration, but our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team can work to get you back to preloss condition quickly. With our experience and premier equipment, we can make these loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (917) 498-1362. 

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We Are The Leader In Water Cleanup In Manhattan

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our advanced equipment is working in the bedroom to extract remaining water vapor in SERVPRO's efforts to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO Celebrates Successful Water Cleanup Outcomes in Manhattan

Residential water damage in a Manhattan brownstone, highrise, or loft presents unique challenges. Bringing the submersible pumps and extraction tools needed to the wet spaces requires adaptations and creativity, why our highly-skilled and experienced team is in demand after a water loss. A fast response is critical as the water can migrate throughout your residence or into neighboring units within hours.

Gas Powered and Highly-Efficient Pumps

When more than two inches of water cleanup in your Manhattan apartment is necessary, our crews turn to gas-powered, submersible pumps. As the pump operates, we arrange for disposal of the water collected into an available treated sewer line. Frequently we use a toilet, a practical choice that permits immediate resolution without transporting the fluids outside of your living space and down many floors to ground level.

The Possibilities of Portable Extractors

Although our truck-mounted equipment is powerful, practicality requires the use of portable water extractors when the moisture is beyond the reach of our service vehicles. The flexibility of our portable extractors is vital to a positive water cleanup outcome. Our technicians can carry a portable model into any structure, able to collect up to 12 gallons of water between disposals. We can extract water in tight and closed-off areas. Our ability to eliminate hard to reach moisture is why SERVPRO exceeds industry best practice norms for water removal. 

Thorough Extraction Enhances Structural Drying Efforts

The more thoroughly we extract the standing, liquid water, the faster the structural components in your residence dry. Because of the difficulties of water cleanup in a loft or condo, it can be tempting to move to the drying phase prematurely. Our persistence in extracting as much water as possible is why SERVPRO winds up the structural drying quickly. We  minimize the disruption experienced by you and your family as we diligently work through each step, task, and activity needed to make the plumbing leak, appliance malfunction, or overflow “Like it never even happened.”

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster,  and this is why SERVPRO of Upper West Side can be proud of our proven expertise in prompt and complete water cleanup. Call (917) 498-1362 at the first sign of a water loss.

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Our Crew Remove Any Odors That Remain After A Fire In Your Manhattan Coffee Shop

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Reducing Smoke Odors After A Fire In Your Manhattan Coffee Shop

Knowing the best tools to use for specific fire loss effects in your Manhattan coffee shop is not a task that most business owners can handle on their own. In most cases, even smaller-scale fire losses, property owners seek out the experience and the rapid response of our SERVPRO team. As a trusted name in the area, we offer restoration services that can address each effect as a single hurdle towards getting your business back to running at full capacity.

With the foot traffic that you receive from customers every single morning, you cannot afford for fire damage in your Manhattan shop to hinder production for long. Not only do you have a skilled team of barista employees that depend on the paycheck that your shop provides, but coffee shops also do not always inspire the most loyal of patrons. If your shop stays closed for too long, you might not have the dedicated fan base that you had even several days prior. Our SERVPRO team can help with practical strategies to help you run at a limited capacity when possible by utilizing containment barriers and efficient machines like air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators.

Even though you might not have extensive seating options throughout your small shop, lingering smoke odors can permeate wooden materials like the tables and chairs to become a challenging effect to overcome. Our professionals have multiple deodorization options that vary based on the affected materials and areas, how severe these effects are, and whether or not we can keep your doors open to your stream of thirsty customers.

In most situations, the use of our thermal foggers can neutralize odor molecules on contact. From the furniture and the central coffee bar in the room to the carpeted areas and drywall, this fog features a potent deodorization product that can eliminate noxious scents. These devices are ideal for soft materials as well, including the carpets, upholstery, aprons, and other cloth items throughout the main production areas.

Smoke odors can be a considerable hurdle to overcome, but our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team can help you however you need. With our experience and leading equipment, we can make fire loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Let our technicians help you get back to business as usual by calling (917) 498-1362.

For more about Manhattan click here.

We Come Prepared To Restore Your Central Park West Home

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will clean up the water and position industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to promote rapid drying when needed after water damage strikes.

The Ideal Tools for Water Damage Recovery in Central Park West

One of the advantages that many Central Park West homeowners discover about hiring out the restoration of disasters to competent professionals like our SERVPRO team is the premier inventory of recovery equipment available to our team. With water damage, multiple approaches are depending on the specific materials affected by spreading water and strategies to address circumstances like saturation, exposure, degradation, and cleaning. Our technicians have the right tools and products for the job, and knowing what to expect can help to put our customers more at ease when restoration work begins.

We understand how quickly water damage in Central Park West homes and apartments can get out of control, and that is why we ensure that whenever we deploy our technicians to an address, that they arrive with the full measure of recovery tools they might need. While it can be impossible to name all of the individual devices, machines, and tools our professionals use to restore water damage in area properties, here are some of the staples to this restoration niche:

• Air Movers – These tools force heated air through moist environments. These come in different designs as well, with the standing model and a low-profile option for drying out more inaccessible areas.

• Dehumidifiers – We have multiple units of varying sizes and strengths capable of handling several thousand square feet. When combined with our air movers that force moisture into the air, desiccant dehumidifiers can quickly drop humidity levels below an established baseline.

• Extraction Tools – Not all water damage incidents require water removal efforts. When these are necessary, our SERVPRO professionals have options ranging from portable wet-vacs with extraction wands to full-sized trucks with mounted pumps for large loss scenarios.

Having the right tools for the job is a vital element to meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of our customers. Our team prides itself on continually pursuing the latest products and devices that make the restoration of water loss incidents more efficient and cost-effective for our customers.

Regardless of the severity of the issue, when water loss incidents occur, you want assurances that your home can return to its original condition quickly. Our SERVPRO of Upper West Side team of restoration specialists can make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (917) 498-1362.

See more about Central Park West.

We Act Fast To Limit More Damage To Your Manhattan Home After Flood Damage

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Our professionals can be reached 24/7 and will respond quickly to your disaster. We have experience, specialized training, and equipment.

How Does SERVPRO Get Rid of Commercial Flood Damage in Manhattan Properties So Fast?

When flood damage happens to a business in The City, we know the competition is fierce in most industries. So, there needs to be as little downtime as possible during mitigation, or the loss of revenue for your business hits hard. This is especially vital in brick and mortar retail establishments. 

Commercial flood damage in a Manhattan business of any type gets fast action from SERVPRO. The more exposure to water stock and building materials receive, the more potential for loss to the company. Our goal is to keep the stress of mitigation to a minimum, and although we dry furnishings in place, sometimes it is better to do a professional pack-out of items in the property to our secure storage or a secure pod located on-site. Using our pack-out service works because:

• It allows for more efficient water extraction and drying of the property
• We clean and restore flood damaged items at our climate-controlled facility in-plant
• Inhibits the danger of damage to stock or equipment from excessive humidity
• Specialized equipment for freeze-drying papers, files, and books
• Thermal chambers for the drying of electronics and equipment
• After completion of mitigation, we bring removed items back into the property and return them to their original positions

We use our exclusive Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) that creates a detailed report that includes a listing of items removed, their condition, and digital photos. We also have the ability to barcode items to increase the speed and accuracy of identifying inventory. 

This service assists property owners in the expediting of insurance claims as it includes documentation with both before and after photos of water loss items. If an item is found to have no potential for restoration, it is easy to prove through the use of our CCIS report. 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side at (917) 498-1362 stands ready to help with every aspect of commercial flood damage. Our emergency response team works fast and efficiently to make water damage to your property "Like it never even happened."

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Why Fast Remediation is Necessary for Your Water Damaged Manhattan Businesses

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper West Side can handle all of your water loss incidents, whether large or small.

Manhattan Property Needs Fast Commercial Water Damage Help 

For a property in The City, commercial water damage can hurt business when you have to close for repairs from a pipe break and the longer the company remains closed, the more damage done. The key to limiting water loss lays in the quick drying of the structure so you can get back to serving customers. 

When SERVPRO assists with commercial water damage in Manhattan businesses, our first concern is safety. During the initial call, unless it is necessary, we advise property owners to avoid the water loss area due to the danger of slip and fall accidents from wet flooring. 

Because we are local, our certified technicians arrive quickly on site to begin water cleanup, and we have the equipment to handle large-scale water loss incidents. In the case of multiple floors of a commercial property affected by water loss, our truck-mounted pumps extract thousands of gallons of water and used in tandem with a commercial desiccant dehumidifier dries a structure as quickly as possible. 

Desiccant dehumidifiers work by attraction moisture the air movers raise to wheels covered in a non-absorbant substance such as silicone. The water vapor collected on the desiccant and ported away. As the cycle continues progressively drier air circulates in the structure and dries it thoroughly.  

Odors are another common problem left behind. When water loss affected areas dry entirely, this frequently lessens odors significantly. When foul scents require more robust measures, we have specialized equipment to combat them. Among them are gel pellets for time release odor control, hydroxyl generators for eradicating airborne odors and even manual methods such as ultra-low volume fogging. 

When our technicians complete mitigation for damage from water on a commercial property, in cases where cleanup required removal of sheetrock or other structural components, we let the property owners know what actions are needed to bring the building back to preloss condition. We find that giving the property owners the ability to coordinate with local contractors gets the necessary repairs done quickly. 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side stands ready 24/7 at (917) 498-1362 to handle commercial water damage in a single area of a property or a multi-level property. Our technicians have the expertise, equipment and since we are local We're Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

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Get the Experts Opinion on Water Damage Remediation in Your Manhattan Property

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen in the most unsuspecting places like underneath a washing machine. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

SERVPRO Helps Homeowner Avoid Secondary Damage Through Fast Action Against Water Damage

When water damage happens to a property in The City, you need the clean up to begin as quickly as possible. The faster the moisture levels are lowered in the affected areas, the more potential for limiting loss.

SERVPRO answered a call to mitigate water damage in a Manhattan home late one night and arrived on site within hours of the initial request. The source of the water loss came from a supply line in a laundry room to the incorrect installation of a new washing machine. When the homeowner tossed in his weekly laundry load and fell asleep on the sofa, he awoke to pools of water in his laundry room.

Why SERVPRO? Our technicians have extensive training and numerous certifications in the restoration sciences. This knowledge enables us to save more home contents and building materials from being counted as a water loss through our proprietary methods.

One factor that worked in the homeowner's favor was how quickly he called for mitigation. He had turned off the water and mopped up the standing water before out technicians arrived.

When our technicians scoped the laundry room, we found elevated levels of moisture in several places. Just above the baseboards water wicked into the sheetrock on one wall. Because it did not appear damaged and showed no signs of warping or buckling, the technicians drilled weep holes to allow the wall to dry with additional airflow.

Thorough lowering of moisture levels inhibits both the growth of mold and reduces foul odors that water loss can leave behind. Once the drying phase completed, our technicians wiped all surfaces with our powerful antifungal cleaners.

Although no discernable odors remained, to ensure the laundry room remained smelling clean, our technicians used time-release gel pellets to deodorize the room.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side knows you need help with water damage sooner rather than later. Contact our emergency response team at (917) 498-1362, and we can be on-site within hours to make your water loss, "Like it never even happened."

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Plan for the Severe Weather and Flood Damage that Can Impact Your Manhattan Apartment

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you make a plan

Are you ready?

Hurricanes can move up the East Coast after wreaking havoc in the Caribbean or moving through the mid-Atlantic states from the Gulf of Mexico. Sandy is the named storm Manhattan residents have in mind when extreme weather occurs, but lesser and even more powerful fronts that can-do great harm to your property are possible during the season. Knowing that flood waters can visit our grid of streets, avenues, parkways, and green spaces make planning for such a possibility sensible.

Flood damage in Manhattan can be an issue even if your apartment, condo, or townhouse is located a dozen or more floors above street level. Common spaces can fill with water impacting utility services, HVAC systems, elevators, and laundry and storage facilities. Underground parking is one of the first spaces to flood, a problem if you have a vehicle. Safety and convenience suffer when inches to feet of water invade either personal or public spaces.

SERVPRO is no stranger to the chaos extreme weather flooding can bring to multiple unit metropolitan housing. Owner and tenant associations, individuals, and landlords can take the opportunity to work with us to develop personalized Emergency Ready Plans and Profiles (ERP). When we familiarize ourselves with the layouts of residential buildings beforehand, our response to the actual crisis is faster and more effective.

Experienced SERVPRO management team members assess the building layout, documenting the location of utility shut-offs, heating and cooling systems, and other configurations that impact the risk of water damage due to flooding. We identify strengths and vulnerabilities in the building as a whole and in your unit. Expect practical suggestions to help protect valuables from exposure to enhanced flood risk.

The mobile app SERVPRO developed allows customers to give further details to improve the outcome of any project we take on together. Identify your priorities, confirm that we are your preferred restoration partner, and designate family or friends to act in your stead should your plans take you out of town or make you otherwise unavailable. Preventing even a few hours of delay is crucial when responding to flood damage.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side is ready to partner with residents as individuals or groups to plan for a flooding disaster. Call us at (917) 498-1362 to set up an assessment for an ERP.

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Our Quick Response Will Restore Your Manhattan Property To Pre-Damage Condition

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

We are available to be on-site 24/7, get started by calling (917) 498-1362.

How SERVPRO Completes Fast Water Cleanup In Manhattan Apartments

When you rent an apartment, condo or co-op in The City, your water damage problems can become other people's problems pretty quickly. Often, the insurance for the building covers the structure only, so your adjuster usually has a separate policy for your actual living space and contents when you experience a water loss.

When SERVPRO handles water cleanup in a Manhattan home, we know the faster the extraction of the moisture begins, the less severe the outcome of the damage. Due to the proximity of neighbors in an apartment building, our technicians use different kinds of moisture detection to make sure that your neighbors are unaffected and if they are, the moisture can be quickly addressed.

Why SERVPRO? Our emergency response teams are local and can be on-site within hours after the call to begin mitigation of your water loss whether it is a part of a room or an entire home because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Our technicians know any time there is damage to your home, it is stressful. We work in tandem with your adjuster when we mitigate damage from water in your home. We provide detailed reports that include descriptions and photos for insurance claims to make the process seamless and there are no delays. From the initial damage discovery to our remediation process is included for full accountability of mitigation actions taken for your insurance claim, so your insurance company knows what is being done.

Water can wick quickly through sheetrock and getting it dried quickly is a priority when walls are affected. Our technicians set up air movers to dry your property and contents rapidly. Apartments with solid wood flooring can have different outcomes from one job site to the next depending upon how much water exposure has occurred and if the wood has absorbed enough moisture to buckle or warp. We have specific methods for drying hardwood flooring with positive outcomes.

After drying, we thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises. Then the lead technician goes over the cleanup and mitigation efforts taken to ensure both the homeowner and adjuster are satisfied with our work. SERVPRO of Upper West Side stands ready to assist with your water cleanup job when you need us. We are available to be on-site 24/7, get started by calling (917) 498-1362.

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Do You Have a Water Loss Emergency Plan For Your Manhattan Retail Store?

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to develop a comprehensive Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) for a water disaster.

Ensure a Fast Professional Response to Commercial Water Damage in Manhattan with a SERVPRO Emergency Response Plan

Risk anticipation and a plan to minimize harm are smart moves for retail shop owners in Manhattan. Businesses work hard to attract and retain loyal customers. Disastrous circumstances such as flooding or other water loss can drive loyal clients of your goods and services to another source if you are unprepared. The results our trained and well-equipped work crews achieve when we are familiar with your business layout and operations can have you back on track quickly. 

Water damage in your Manhattan shop can trace to many different causes. Plumbing lines can break, appliance hoses or connections can crack or dislodge, and neighboring business or residential tenants in the same or adjoining building can create water emergencies that affect your space. Your sales floor, storerooms, offices, and other areas all can suffer damage. Inventory, equipment, and documents risk ruin. 

You have backup strategies for other aspects of your business. SERVPRO can help you develop a comprehensive Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) for a water disaster. The more we know about the physical layout of your store, the location of utility lines, and how you conduct your operations, the better we can serve your needs if a water crisis exposes you to loss. 

An experienced SERVPRO project manager assesses your space. We create a digital “footprint” of all the space you occupy, evaluate the water loss vulnerabilities of equipment and goods in all areas, and discuss your operations to gain a firm grasp of how your business works. We make suggestions to limit the impact of an unexpected water event, including effective ways to shield inventory, documents, and the tools of your trade before water intrudes. 

You personalize the ERP by using our mobile app to add essential details to the overall plan. Identify and provide contact information for vendors and contractors who sold or leased equipment or developed systems for your shop. Designate trusted employees to act in your stead if water damage occurs when you are unavailable. Make it clear you choose SERVPRO to provide emergency water damage mitigation so we can respond immediately. 

SERVPRO of Upper West Side protects your business best if we arrive at your water loss scenario with an easily accessible digital plan. Call us at (917) 498-1362 to prepare jointly to be Faster to any size disaster.   

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