IICRC Certifications

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water damages can range from very mild to VERY severe!

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

If you have any questions about our qualifications please feel free to give SERVPRO of Jefferson County a call at 315-777-8377

Your Watertown area hardwood floors are not a lost cause!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our floor mat drying system is specifically designed to aid in removing water from underneath hardwood and laminate floors.

Have you heard that your laminate and hardwood floors will be ruined in the event of a water damage? We've got something special that can change that! They are water extraction mats that are specifically designed with the drying of hardwood and laminate wood floors in mind. If we get there quickly enough we have a very high success rate of being able to dry your hardwood floors with very little, if any damage.

They lay flat on the hardwood floor and the extraction hoses are then connected. This creates a great amount of suction that is able to remove water from underneath the flooring. Quick removal of this water will help prevent warping, bowing, and swelling of your floors.

If you've had a water damage, or have any questions about our floor mat system, please give us a call at 315-777-8377!

Have a puffback in your Jefferson County home? We can help!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

It's easy to see where our crews have worked and where they have yet to get to!

We know that winters up here mean two things. Cold and snow. Sometimes, when we turn our furnaces on for the season they can malfunction and cause what is called a "puff back".

The term "puff back" refers to the sudden expulsion of soot into the dwelling area, through the heating vents, caused by a malfunction in the heating system. The soot from a puff back is a sticky, greasy, grimy mess that is second to none. 

All of those minuscule, oil based particles embed themselves into curtains, carpets, and clothing while contaminating the air with known carcinogens. Running a vacuum over it only grinds the soot deeper and creates stains that will never come out. Wiping the soot from walls and ceilings creates a place where paint will no longer stick. Unless the soot is quickly and professionally removed, it can cause corrosion of metal on doorknobs, faucets, and even electronic equipment throughout the home. Because every inch of the home is affected, a puff back is an overwhelming job to clean properly.

This is where the SERVPRO team can help - you can trust SERVPRO to clean everything. Our highly trained crew will come in and clean any and everything that is even mildly affected by the soot. From carpets to ceilings, ductwork and everything in between, we've got you covered.  We're your one stop shop for puff back and smoke damage cleanup in the Jefferson County area. 

If you think your home has been affected by a puffback, give us a call at 315-777-8377 so we can come take a look and outline a plan of action.

Jefferson County residential and commercial property owners trust SERVPRO!

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can hide many places, even under wallpaper!

2021 was a year like we have never seen. The amount of mold remediation that we completed was higher than any other year on record. We are so honored that residents and business owners in the tri-county area trust us for their mold remediation needs.

We know that the process can be very daunting. If you suspect that you have a mold issue in your home or business, here are some steps you can take to make sure everything goes smoothly.

-Call SERVPRO

- Do not disturb the area. Avoid spraying any chemicals on the area or allowing any strong air flow to hit it. This will help prevent the spread of spores.

-Contact a local industrial hygienist. They will come out and take air and tape lift samples of the area and provide a detailed report of the species of mold(s) growing. This is required per NYS law.

-Have the report sent to us. We will then contact you to set up a time to come and give you an estimate and details of the work that needs to be completed.

-As licensed mold remediation professionals, we will then come out and complete the remediation needed to get your home or business back up and running.

-After we complete our work, we will call the industrial hygienist back out to do what is called a "clearance test". This will show you that the work has been properly and successfully completed.

As with any other situation, please feel free to call SERVPRO of Jefferson County's office at 315-777-8377 if you have any questions. We are happy to answer them for you!

Watertown Trusts SERVPRO When Disaster Comes | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Jefferson County is your local restoration expert.

As a homeowner or businessperson, you have but one job—and that job, of course, is to carry the load of a hundred jobs. You’re the leader, the bookkeeper, the safety officer and maybe even the executive chef.

You may be all those things, but you’re not a disaster recovery expert.

When a flood breaks through your lines of defense or a fire breaks out in the kitchen, suddenly the pressure of managing a restoration project becomes yours, and that shouldn’t be one more job you have to perform.

You can trust us to take this one on, and here’s why.

We’re Always Ready and Faster to Any Size Disaster

Like a track star at the starting line, just waiting for the starter pistol, we’re ready to take off at a moment’s notice. With a 24-hour-a-day emergency team of experts on your side, you can be sure your situation will get the immediate response it deserves.

Every second you have to wait means more mold growth, penetrating smoke smell or waterlogged personal items. A fast response is critical, and because we have a local team right here in Jefferson County, you get the combined power of an agile area franchise and a dynamic national organization.

We’re Trained to Handle Residential and Commercial Services

Tornado damage may not customize itself for businesses and homes, but we do. We’ve spent a very long time innovating custom solutions for homeowners and business owners alike, so when you call us we can tailor a solution that will meet your specific needs.

We’ll Make It "Like it never even happened."

Beautiful work, masterfully done—that’s what you can expect when you get the pros in green on your side. We’ll deliver comprehensive cleanup and recovery, and the restoration we’re able to achieve will astound you.

We Offer the Services You Need in a Changing World

It’s easy to see that disease prevention is a perennial topic these days, and to that end we can give businesses a next-level cleaning program that blows away common sanitation services.

Your business gets a cleaning worthy of a palace, and your customers are able to walk through the doors with fresh peace of mind.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO.

Extreme Storms Are Really Costing Us | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County to start the restoration process.

You don’t have to tell New Yorkers that 2020 was a dubious year. But it goes deeper than you might realize—not only did the year see a global pandemic and a months-long lockdown across the country, it also broke records for severe storms and extreme weather.

In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year on record.

A “disaster” weather event is defined as one in which there is at least a billion dollars in damage, and 2020 saw a history-making 22 of these events hit the United States. There were so many Atlantic storms, in fact, that the NWS exhausted its list of names before the year was over and had to resort to its backup nomenclature, the Greek alphabet, for only the second time ever.

Here in upstate New York, we saw record-setting snow events, and our neighbors just to the south saw the wrath of Hurricane Isaias and other heavy storms.

Not Just Hurricanes

Hurricanes are the most common thought when it comes to financially disastrous weather, but it turns out that the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorm systems and the tornadoes some of them birthed: indeed 14 of the 22 classified weather disasters were thunderstorms or storm-related.

Not Just 2020

We can hope that the destruction of 2020’s storms was an aberration, and that following years will treat us more kindly, but to be realistic it seems that 2020 was just following a trend toward more extreme annual weather patterns. 2018 and 2019 joined forces to cause for $136 billion in damages, and 2017 begat a record-high $300 billion in weather damage.

What’s more, each of the last 10 years has seen at least eight major weather disasters in the U.S., and the last six years have seen at least 10 each.

Storms can and do happen year-round and coast to coast, to it’s of vital importance that home and business owners stay alert and prepared when storms are forecast. But if those preparations should prove insufficient or become overwhelmed in an extreme storm situation, just remember that your local SERVPRO office is here 24 hours a day for emergencies.

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

Grills Are Top Causes of Spring Fires | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County to learn more.

Spring is a time of hope, life and a renewed sense of purpose. Plants and trees have survived the long, cold winter and found a way to bloom again, and hey…we have, too.

The mild weather and absolute glamour show of nature call us to get up off the couch and do something. Maybe we can even use some of these workout pants we’ve stocked up over the last year.

And of course when the weather warms up we love to barbecue. We’ll use just about any excuse to get some fresh chicken wings going.

But the increase in outdoor and backyard activity also means an increased risk of fires. In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year.

But there are a few basic things you can take care of to ensure that your backyard time is safe and enjoyable.

The grill. Grills present the most danger and cause the most accidental spring fires. And it’s not hard to see why—they combine many elements that increase fire risk and throw them all in a confined space. So when you grill, make sure your grill is in good working order, with no leaks or rusted-out areas. Make sure you cook on solid ground away from any flammable leaves or materials. And don’t forget to clean your grill regularly. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

The fire pit. Marshmallows and stories around the fire pit are a regular spring activity, but enjoy your cool evenings safely. Never allow pets or children near the fire unsupervised, and definitely never leave the fire to itself. Don’t add leaves or pine needles, because they create lots of potentially destructive embers. And keep a bucket of water on hand for putting the fire out, which you should do slowly and repeatedly until all ashes are cool to the touch.

Chimneys and dryer vents. These aren’t really backyard-related, but they are fire safety measures all the same. So while you’re at it, get the ash and soot cleaned out of your chimney, and check the ventilation pipe attached to your dryer to make sure there’s not lint in there waiting to catch fire.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

What Are the Signs of Basement Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is a full restoration company. Our team is on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

Basements are an extremely useful, versatile part of many homes. They can be furnished for extra living space or a bonus den, or kept bare and used for storage. They can serve as a space for the weekly card game or the monthly book club.

Basements do have one drawback though—they tend to draw in moisture from the outdoors, because they’re built into the ground.

While it’s not guaranteed that your basement will have a water problem eventually, the chances are good enough that it serves you well as a homeowner to be aware of the signs. Let’s go through some of the most common indicators of water trying to muck up one of your most useful home spaces.

How to Know if You May Have Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. Basements just have a smell, right? Well, they shouldn’t. The smell so many associate with our favorite underground rooms is actually an indicator of moisture trapped inside. In fact, this smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. While a coat of waterproof paint may seem like a one-time solution for preventing moisture from coming inside, it’s more complicated than that. Waterproof paint really only masks the problem until it’s so bad that it breaks through anyway, bubbling and cracking your paint and letting water inside.

Foundational cracks. Homes do shift over time, that’s true. But if you discover a serious crack in your foundation, it’s likely you’ve got something spilling a lot of water under your floors. Cracks may show up first in the floor, the ceiling, or in your walls,, and they often indicate that a cracked or shifting foundation is causing undue stress on the rest of your home’s structrure. Hairline cracks are no cause for alarm, but if they grow larger, they should be dealt with immediately.

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

What to Know About the Dangers of Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County if you experience any damage.

Hello, warmer weather! Hello, blooming flowers! Hello, time spent outdoors! And hello, thunderstorms?

It’s true. While we love the warmer weather that late spring brings, it also brings an increased risk of thunderstorms. While these storms are incredibly common, they also have the potential to be dangerous.

Let’s talk through some basics first. Thunderstorms are defined as storms containing thunder. That means that they also contain lightning, since thunder and lightning always go hand-in-hand. You can’t have one without the other.

While many thunderstorms pass without incident, there are those that do not—and between high winds, lightning, hail, flooding and other issues that thunderstorms can cause, there are many ways that the weather can turn dangerous quickly.

Because of that, it’s important to pay attention to the weather and heed warnings and watch alerts. That’s especially true for severe thunderstorms, a more serious type of storm that contains hail that is one inch or larger and straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour or more.

Why Thunderstorms Are Dangerous

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Every thunderstorm has lightning, even if you can’t see it. This aspect of storms is actually among the most dangerous. In fact, it is reported that they cause around 300 injuries every year. And that only considers the bodily harm caused. Lightning strikes can also cause property damage through fires and indirect harm such as trees being struck by lightning and falling on the house.

Property damage due to hail. When it comes to hail, there are two important aspects to consider: size and force. Hail varies in size from tiny to very large, and the larger the size, the more dangerous it is. The force with which the hail strikes is also a key factor. In severe thunderstorms, where large hail is pummeling a roof, it can result in damage that may lead to leaks and water damage.

Harm from flash flooding. “Turn around, don’t drown” is much more than simply a catchy phrase! It’s a serious guideline in the case of flash flooding. This type of floods can literally occur in a flash due to a variety of reasons, including intense rainfall or a blocked drainage ditch. If flash flood conditions are possible, it’s best to stay off the road—and definitely don’t drive through water.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Why Education Matters When Choosing a Restoration Company | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County today. We work with you and your insurance company to get things back to normal quickly

Did you know that one in about 20 American homeowners will file a claim on their homeowners insurance this year?

That includes damage from water, fire, wind, storms and more.

Not every damage incident with an associated claim will need restoration services. But some homes do need the professional touch to come back the way you remember them after damage.

Home damage is probably one thing you haven’t put a lot of thought into dealing with. But you should think about it because it’s more common than you would think.

It’s a good idea to have a plan in place before your home is impacted by a natural disaster. Restoring your home can be a complex job, and you’ll want it done by experts.

The restoration team you choose can make all the difference in your quality and satisfaction with the job.

Disasters Impact Americans Frequently

The Insurance Information Institute tallies statistics about the yearly numbers of insurance claims. The one in 20 homeowners estimate is from their yearly report.

Beyond the overall statistic, III also looks at individual causes of homeowners insurance claims. Water damage is the most common, but even fires aren’t rare.

About one out of every 350 American homeowners will deal with a fire damage claim each year.

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

Training Makes All the Difference

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

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

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Take Control of Your Rain Damage Risk With These Simple Steps | SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County today.

Have you ever had to file a claim for home water damage?

No one wants to deal with water damage, but the reality is that many homeowners will be faced with it at some point during the time they own their home. One in every 50 Americans will also be filing a claim this year. That means if you don’t file a water damage claim this year, someone you know (statistically) will.

Heavy rains aren’t usually the first thing people named when they’re asked about water damage. But rain is common and if your home isn’t prepared, it really can cause damage that will need costly repairs over time.

It’s not as difficult as you might think to lessen your risk, though. A little creativity and some thoughtful planning can go a long way.

Keep Your Home Safe From Heavy Rains

We see many water-damaged homes, so we know some of the basic home maintenance tips that can make a difference.

Understand how your yard drains and correct any problems. This is vital. If your yard drains toward your home, you may want to get professional advice on ways you can fix the problem. Talk with one of your local landscaping experts. They’ll suggest ways to protect your yard.

Don’t overlook native plants when you’re landscaping. You might not believe it, but landscaping really is a form of protection for your home when you do it right. Native plants can be helpful. Talk with a local expert about native plants or visit a native plant sale.

Consider sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. It’s definitely worth considering.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Helping Fort Drum Business Owners Thrive During Uncertain Times

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County to learn more.

Did it take a lot of work for you to get your Fort Drum business ready to open its doors?

If you’re like most business owners, the answer is, “Yes, it was a lot.”

But if it’s something you’ve dreamed of doing for yourself and your family, how could you do anything but work hard to get it started? We’re a locally owned business, so we understand what you’re doing and want to support the community.

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

Every business owner has had to find new ways to serve our customers during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. We want to help you with that process, including the ways you now interact with customers and keep them safe.

Finding the Right Resources

The good news is that we’re all rooting for you to succeed. Resources are there to help you do it. They include available business loans and tips, advice, and more from trusted local and national resources.

Our team is here to help you, too. We’ll get your office, store or restaurant ready for customers.

The technicians on our team will get your business “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” This is a powerful process that will let you rest assured that your business is protected by the latest cleaning technology. Here’s how we do it:

The first step is to consult with you about your needs.

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

The next step is the final one. Our teams certify your space, providing evidence for your customers that your space is safe.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Tips for Adams Businesses That Need Disaster Recovery Services: SERVPRO® of Jefferson County

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson County knows the commercial restoration process inside and out. Here are some of our best tips in choosing the right restoration

If you’re a business owner in Adams, our team has a question for you to consider: When was the last time you evaluated your business disaster plan?

For those that might answer “never,” it’s a good idea to think about what you need to do to keep your business going if a fire, flood or storm strikes. Even if you have a solid plan prepared already, it’s essential to evaluate it on occasion. Your business and your needs can change, and your plan should reflect that.

Because we regularly work with business owners who need our expertise and support to complete a restoration process, we know that even the most prepared business owners sometimes have difficulty moving forward and knowing what to do when faced with a natural disaster.

Our team already knows a lot about what it takes to get a business up and running again. We’ve pulled together our best tips to help local business owners who may need our services.

Getting Your Business Restoration Project Moving

Here’s what you might want to consider if your business needs restoration services:

Follow your outlined plan. It may seem simple, but the shock of dealing with a disaster can make it difficult to think clearly. That’s what your disaster plan is for. Follow the steps you laid out and look at your options, which could include moving to a backup location.

Get your insurance company the information they need—fast. You’ll be asked to provide things like photos of the items’ damage and inventory inside your business. Have these prepared and ready to share.

Keep members of your community in the loop. Stay connected with your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your community.. Social media is the right way for you to reach your wider community, but consider reaching out personally to your employees, suppliers and your loyal customers.

If your business is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Working hard to keep Jefferson County residents safe

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help 24/7/365

As some know, we have been offering and performing COVID-19 disinfection since the beginning of the pandemic. We cannot thank our employees enough for being diligent with practicing social distancing, wearing their masks, and staying healthy so they can better serve our community.

We are regularly performing proactive and post exposure disinfections at many local businesses. We strictly adhere to all CDC recommendations while performing this work. Our employees are protected with Tyvek suits and respirators. 

We strive to go above and beyond with all of our services, this is no different. We know that there are other companies offering services for a much lower cost, but the work is not being performed correctly. Per the CDC, high touch areas must be cleaned prior to disinfection. This means that going in and just "fogging" an area isn't good enough. We take the time to make sure every high touch area is cleaned, then disinfected, and we then fog as a final step as we are leaving.

With all products, especially disinfectants, there is what is called a "dwell time". This is the amount of time that the product has to stay wet in order to be as effective as claimed. When an area is just fogged and a company is in and out in a short amount of time, it's almost impossible to know that the dwell time was adhered to. We take the extra time to ensure that the dwell time is reached.

We know that things revolving around COVID-19 will be evolving for quite some time. We are working hard to make sure that we have the most up to date information to help keep the communities that we love and live in safe.

If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to call the office at 315-777-8377

Soot damage in Jefferson County

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes you don't notice all of the soot until we start to clean

As much as we don't want to admit it, it's time to turn our furnaces back on. We know all too well that things don't always go as planned. Sometimes furnaces malfunction with what is called a "puffback".

The term "puff back" refers to the sudden expulsion of soot into the dwelling area caused by a malfunction in the heating system. The soot from a puff back is a sticky, greasy, grimy mess that is second to none. It can also present a severe health hazard in the place that's supposed to be your haven- your home.

All of those minuscule, oil based particles embed themselves into curtains, carpets, and clothing while contaminating the air with known carcinogens. Running a vacuum over it only grinds the soot deeper and creates stains that will never come out. Wiping the soot from walls and ceilings creates a place where paint will no longer stick. Unless the soot is quickly and professionally removed, it can cause corrosion of metal on doorknobs, faucets, and even electronic equipment throughout the home. Because every inch of the home is affected, a puff back is an overwhelming job to clean properly.

This is where the SERVPRO team can help - you can trust SERVPRO to clean everything. We're your one stop shop for puff back and smoke damage cleanup in the Jefferson, Lewis and St Lawrence County areas. 

How to recognize frozen pipes in your Jefferson County home

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some quick tips to help if you experience frozen pipes this winter

Identifying Frozen or Freezing Pipes in Watertown Homes

As a Watertown homeowner, you can appreciate the threats to your property when the winter months set in and temperatures drop significantly. Freezing water pipes can pose damaging situations for your house if not addressed in time, and part of that fast reaction to the situation revolves around you understanding when this potential problem exists. Knowing what to look for and when can help to limit the damage to your property when a water line bursts inside your house. 

If you have already had a pipe burst in your Watertown residence before, you can appreciate the need for a fast response to get professionals there immediately to begin the water removal process. The more materials that become exposed to the spreading water, the more potential tear out and reconstruction that can become required. Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to the situation, as we are a team of experienced professionals available to our customers 24 hours a day. 

Identifying problems with the pipes before ice damming and over-pressurization allows for bursting and splitting can be critical for any homeowner in the area. The problem is, many homeowners do not know that they have under-insulated areas of their indoor plumbing without them freezing first. On especially cold evenings and days throughout the winter months, visual inspections of exposed pipes can help to show which points show crystallization which can indicate the onset of freezing water inside. 

Another method for identifying a problem is a noticeable drop in water pressure, or a foul odor emanating from the drains. You can reduce the present pressure to blockage by shutting off the main supply valve to your home and working quickly to thaw out the affected areas of the pipe. 

Once our SERVPRO professionals arrive at an emergency break, we can work to remove the excess water and begin drying the area quickly. We can also take this opportunity to identify potential problem areas with the plumbing to prevent future breaks. 

Freezing pipes are an ever-present threat for area homeowners throughout the winter. While identifying the issues early can save damaged plumbing, our SERVPRO of Jefferson County water restoration specialists can work quickly to preserve your property once a break occurs. Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

Click here for more information about Watertown.

Jefferson County Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

This Jefferson County home was affected by ground water intrusion after heavy rains

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Jefferson County basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 315-777-8377

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Jefferson County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 315-777-8377

Proudly Serving Jefferson, Lewis and St Lawrence Counties

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

We were able to respond to this water damage in a Watertown office building quickly and efficiently to get them back up and running

SERVPRO of Jefferson County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Jefferson County. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 315-777-8377

Residential Services

Whether your Jefferson County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. 

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Jefferson County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Jefferson County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke or soot damage can cause a pervasive odor in your Jefferson County home

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Jefferson County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 315-777-8377

Restoring your Jefferson County commercial property after a water damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Jefferson County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When storms hit Jefferson County, SERVPRO is ready!

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO ofJefferson County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Jefferson County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today.

Why SERVPRO

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Give us a call to find out how we can Certify your business SERVPRO clean!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of Jefferson County at 315-777-8377]

Jefferson County 24hr Emergency Water Damage Service

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 315-777-8377

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Jefferson County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Jefferson County Residents: Follow These Tips If You Suspect Mold

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a local industrial hygienist to schedule testing
• Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –315-777-8377

We Use Thermal Foggers After A Disaster In Fort Drum

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Our main goal is always to restore your home to preloss conditions “Like it never even happened.”

Using Thermal Foggers During Fire Damage Deodorization In Fort Drum

Heating and electrical equipment inside your Fort Drum home are common causes for structural blazes. A furnace overheating or an electrical short can cause your house to suffer from extensive fire damage. Once the blaze ignites, smoke can fill the interior of your dwelling, leaving behind soot residues and malodor particles. Smoke can also penetrate deeply into materials, making them smell burnt.

When working on any fire damage project in Fort Drum, our SERVPRO technicians know that making your home smell clean and restored is vital. Deodorization can, at times, be difficult and require us to use industrial deodorization equipment. During severe cases, the only way to get rid of foul odors is to dispense chemicals into the affected area that mimic the way smoke behaves.

One way our SERVPRO team can accomplish deodorization is to implement a thermal fogging machine. Thermal foggers vaporize solvent-based or petroleum-based deodorizers, generating a "smoke" or fog consisting of very small particles. The particles generated by the thermal fogger range in size from as small as a one-half micron to as large as 25 microns, approximating the size of odor-generating molecules. The particles make a fog similar to the smoke produced in a fire, enabling the deodorizer to interact more effectively with odor-causing residues.

Thermal fogs are pairing agents, meaning they chemically react with odor-causing residues and eliminate odors rather than just masking them. For this reason, counteracting odors by thermal fogging can be described as odor modification.

Before our SERVPRO crew begins the thermal fogging process, we take steps to prepare your house. We first evacuate all people, pets, and plants from your building. Fogging agents are flammable, so we eliminate all sources of flame, electrical arc, or flash before starting the fogging process.

After the fogging is complete, we then ventilate the air in the structure to remove odors and fumes. We can open windows and set up air movers to exchange the air 40 times to ensure proper ventilation.

If your home in Watertown, Adams, Sackets Harbor, or Carthage is ever the victim of a fire, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377. Our main goal is always to restore your home to preloss conditions “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Fort Drum click here.

How to Turn Water Damage in Waretown Into Success

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

During the winter, your outdoor faucet can freeze and cause water damage. Should that happen, contact our SERVPRO team immediately for services.

Water Damage Watertown: Outside Water Faucet Freezes

Homes in northern communities have freeze-proof faucets installed in their homes attached to the outdoor faucet the owner uses for watering their garden and lawns. These faucets are supposed to prevent the outdoor portion from freezing in the winter and cracking the water pipe. Many models require the homeowner to drain the pipe from inside the home. This step avoids water freezing inside the pipe that passes through the wall. Forgetting to drain the faucet can cause significant leaks inside the home once the pipe thaws.

SERVPRO responds to many different water damage events in Watertown and surrounding areas. Leaks from a frozen external water faucet is a common one. Homeowners often forget to drain the freeze proof faucet and find water in their basements once it has thawed.

Unfinished Basements

Even unfinished basements can sustain damage from water leaks. The We remove wet insulation on the foundation wall near the leak. Many people store a variety of personal belongings in their basements. Anything on the floor in boxes or loose on the floor must be cleaned and dried.

Basements are often very damp and have higher humidity than the rest of the home. A leak can increase the humidity level causing mold to appear. SERVPRO removes the excess water and installs dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture in these situations.

Finished Basements

Basements that have been finished by the homeowner require more invasive treatment to remove excess water and moisture. Often water can be found inside the finished. Water dripped from the pipe in the ceiling down the inside of the wall. We remove the paneling or drywall to expose the insulation and structure. The wet insulation must be removed to expose the structure to be dried.

Water on tiled floors can be vacuumed and dried. Water under raised floors presents added challenges. Any moisture remaining can potentially cause mold to grow within a few days. The floor may need to be removed to expose the subfloor and the area dried accordingly.

Draining the freeze-proof faucets should be on everyone's to-do list in the fall. We are licensed Mold Remediation Contractor License #: 00261.

Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Fort Drum, Adams, Carthage, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about the city of Watertown.

Our Experts Explain The Importance Of The Drying Process In Your Watertown Home

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO Cleans Up Flood Damage Before Starting The Drying Process In Watertown Properties

It is impossible to prevent all emergencies from affecting your Watertown property. Keeping your family safe during and after an unexpected event becomes crucial. We can help make things less stressful for your family while we work on making your residence safely habitable again.

Wanting to maintain the highest efficiency from our remediation efforts when working on your flood damaged home in Watertown is why we perform specific tasks in a specific order. For example, if we used air movers to start drying out the house's interior with high levels of contamination, we would risk spreading microbes into other areas. Not only that, but these stronger air currents would also most likely increase the number of microbes in the air.

Because we do want to restore dry conditions in your home, we work as quickly as we can in a safe manner. Our mitigation, remediation, and restoration work initially requires us to mist a disinfectant on all surfaces. However, this does not kill microbes without coming into contact with them. Anything hidden inside or underneath escapes this initial application.

Another reason we do not start circulating the air from the start of our restoration work is that we do not need to dry materials that became damaged. We only need to remove them and dry the materials that do not require replacing. By extracting carpet and other destroyed flooring, soaked drywall sections, saturated wiring, and furniture with swollen particleboard frames, we decrease the overall drying time needed by a significant amount.

While we might start 'late' with drying things, we still finish on schedule. We also eliminate the possibility of stirring up dust and microbes that can increase the length of time that cleaning up takes us. Obstacles that might have otherwise interfered with the air currents from our air movers get cleared away during cleaning and removal of debris.

The manner that SERVPRO of Jefferson County uses to carry out remediation, mitigation, and restoration work also helps make a stressful and chaotic situation take less time to get back under control. We work diligently so our customers in Fort Drum, Adams, and Carthage can soon put flooding and storm-related disasters behind them, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (315) 777-8377, and our knowledgeable specialists can start the work needed soon after.

For more about Watertown click here.

Revealed: How Team SERVPRO Remediates Adams Fire Damage Scenarios

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage and the water damage that adds in with fire extinguishing can be extensive. Contact SERVPRO right away for remediation.

How SERVPRO Handles Fire Damage to Floors in Adams Homes 

Flooring bears the brunt of fire damage in a home collecting falling debris and charred items; while also surprisingly escaping loss in some cases.

When SERVPRO technicians handle fire damage cleanup in Adams properties, they carefully scope the loss area to determine the restorability factor of the building structure.

Quick Water Extraction

After fire extinguishing efforts, any standing water continues to do further damage to flooring. Including the delamination of floor tiles or glue-down carpeting. Another hazard from excessive moisture left behind is mold. Spores have the potential to germinate and set up home in as little as 24-48 hours if temperatures are above 70F-degrees. The technicians possess a Mold Remediation License #00261 and knowledge to identify and proactively treat areas prone to mold.

Prepping the Cleaning Area

To limit damage to the structure during fire debris cleanup, SERVPRO technicians use corner guards and protective coverings for trim and door jambs. They also lay down walk-off mats to inhibit tracking and safeguard against slip and fall accidents on wet surfaces.

Organized Cleaning Methods

During the scoping of the work-site, an organized grid is set up to ensure a thorough cleanup. SERVPRO technicians move items to the center of the room while cleaning floors. This method results in a faster cleanup of debris from the floor.

Carpet Salvaging After a Fire

In house fires where the carpet did not receive any burn damage, SERVPRO technicians determine whether or not it has restoration potential through their specialized cleaning processes. If necessary, the placement of furniture on blocks to inhibit stain from the furnishings leeching into the wet carpet.

Special Treatment for Hardwood Floors

It may take several repeats to clean a hardwood floor, but SERVPRO technicians repeat the cleaning process until the mop water remains clean after giving the floor a once-over. The deployment of proprietary techniques to dry the floorboards before the completion of further restorative efforts.

SERVPRO of Jefferson County stands ready to assist local property owners with the cleanup and restoration of fire damage. Contact our technicians any time at (315) 777-8377, and we can be on-site within an hour because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Click here to see more info about the city of Adams.

We Can Save Your Home In Adams After A Fire

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

What To Expect During Fire Damage Cleanup In Adams

A fire in your Adams residence creates a broad range of issues. Our full-service restoration company is well-matched to your needs, managing all phases of fire recovery. Our managers and technicians complete comprehensive training from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in the many tasks needing competition after a fire event.

Exterior Security and Assessment
If extreme fire damage to your Adams home opens your roof surfaces or exterior siding to the elements, our crews rapidly cover holes with boards and tarps. While these essential tasks complete, an experienced project manager inspects the interior damage, ranking the jobs that need completion in order. Your insurance carrier is on board by now, and we work with them throughout the process.

Water Removal and Drying
Large amounts of water and chemicals extinguished the fire, saving your home, but causing damage of a different kind. SERVPRO now focuses on removing contaminated fluids. Safety considerations drive making water remediation a priority, with both slip and fall and electrical shock urgent concerns. Because water restoration is another of our cornerstone services, our multi-certified employees take it on confidently. Structural drying follows as the crew members start the transition to fire residue cleanup.

Soot Removal and Charring Evaluation
The SERVPRO team matches soot damage to the appropriate products, tools, and methods for the three primary types--dry, wet, and protein-based. We also carefully determine what degree of charring is evident on structural components. Some damage can deep clean, brush, or sand off. Other heat and flame harm can be so profound that controlled demolition must take place.

Post Fire Damage Repairing and Rebuilding
SERVPRO starts a fire damage job with mitigation and remediation efforts. We concentrate on stopping the progressive damage of the water and soot, and then clean and disinfect surfaces and ready them for the final restoration tasks. We help our customers arrange for the repairs, replacements, and rebuilding that completes the project. Exterior and interior damage all receive attention, from roof or siding replacement to wall, ceiling, and woodwork repair, to repainting, or even total rebuilds of highly compromised structural components.

As soon as the fire department winds up their final tasks, contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County for help to complete the many additional steps needed for your house to return to preloss condition. We are available 24/7 at (315) 777-8377, awaiting our chance to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Adams click here.

Watertown Home Smelly after a Water Loss? SERVPRO is Closeby

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides lay-flat tubing with desiccant dehumidifiers to extract water vapor from this Watertown basement. Whatever it takes!

How to Avoid Mold and Get Water Odors Out of Your Watertown Home

Water damage is the second most common type of insurance claim filed in the United States. It is estimated that billions of dollars in damage occur as a direct result of water loss, including mold and foul odors that require remediation. One of the main reasons that unpleasant scents linger in a home afterward is due to inadequate water cleanup.

Rapid Water Spill Removal Mitigates Damages
When damage occurs in a Watertown home, attention to the affected areas in the house, and furnishings are a top priority. When SERVPRO arrives at the home, we immediately use our various types of detection equipment to determine the location of all excessive areas of moisture. We work fast to move out items that have restoration potential to another area of the property or our location.

Equipment and Methods Salvage Furnishings
Then we remove water from the home. We have special attachments for pulling moisture out of upholstered furnishings as well as weighted extraction heads to push the water out of wet carpet padding. These methods assist with saving furnishings and stopping them from becoming a loss.
 
Mold Can Be a Secondary Problem--Dry, Dry, Dry
Standard home cleanup methods cannot effectively remove water that migrates under subflooring or behind walls. Moreover, once there, it has the potential to encourage dormant mold spores to germinate and build colonies if temperatures are ideal. Our SERVPRO location holds a Mold Remediation license #00261, and we know the signs to look for to stop for the formation of mold colonies. After drying, there are many steps we take to ensure that both mold and water odors do not become an after-the-fact issue.

?    Confirming ambient room humidity is under 50% after achieving drying goals
?    Thorough hand cleaning with professional-grade antibacterial cleaners
?    Application of antimicrobial sealers in areas that have the potential for mold growth
?    Use of odor control methods to eradicate residual water odors

When any kind of water damage affects your property, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377. Our certified technicians work fast and thoroughly to make the water loss in your home "Like it never even happened."

Here is your town.

We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Watertown Hotel After Flood

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

When you have storm damage, SERVPRO is always ready. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to take you call.

Tips for Flood Recovery in Your Watertown Hotel

Guests look to your quaint Watertown hotel as a welcomed respite from the road, or a place to stay throughout a prolonged look into all the area has to offer. As a business owner, you have likely already experienced the detrimental effects of flooding in the area over the past several years, and it continues to be a threat to your facility and guests that have already arrived. While you have an experienced custodial staff and maintenance department, flood recovery might best get left to qualified professionals that can arrive quickly to reduce your losses.

As it should, the safety and wellbeing of your guests take a priority when addressing flood damage in your Watertown hotel. With this in mind, there are specific steps that you can take until our SERVPRO professionals arrive to reduce the loss that your business could sustain and to help your guests stay safe and comfortable despite the challenges of partial flooding in other areas of your property. Here are some things to consider:

 -      You should relocate guests to a safe area of your hotel, and if done quickly enough, might allow them to be entirely unaffected by the spreading flood damage.

-      If possible, you can seal over breaches in the exterior of your hotel damaged in a storm. These can often be a source for flooding, and covering them with tarps or plywood can reduce or eliminate further water penetration.

-      While our SERVPRO team has a very accomplished and well-trained contents department, you can help reduce loss by moving at-risk items and furniture to higher elevations and areas you do not expect to suffer flooding.

-      You can utilize specific extraction tools like wet-vacs if you have them in your facility to help slow the spread of floodwater throughout the building while our professionals are in route.

Protecting your guests and your facility are top priorities when faced with flooding. Give our SERVPRO of Jefferson County team a call anytime at (315) 777-8377 to make these loss incidents “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Watertown.

If Your Assisted Living Facility In Adams Is Damaged By A Flood, Let Our Crew Save Your Property!

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 to help take the right steps.

Managing Commercial Flood Damage At Your Adams Assisted Living Facility

Flood damage can cause major inconveniences when it affects any property. However, when such damage occurs in a facility catering for people who need specialized care, the level of inconvenience is even higher. Unless water removal and cleaning of contaminants are expedited, you might end up relocating the residents to protect them from the effects of flooding. The professional flood mitigation services we offer can help prevent such adverse outcomes.

Whether there is a major or minor incident of commercial flood damage in your Adams assisted living facility, you should respond fast. A fast response can mean different things, including immediate extraction of standing water or preventive actions such as boarding up to prevent further deterioration. The chosen action should help prevent highly inconveniencing actions such as moving the residents. WRT, Water Restoration Technician training helps our SERVPRO team carry out various actions when scoping the level of damage, allowing us to determine the best response plan.

Contamination can pose serious health risks to the residents at your facility. If the flooding occurs from groundwater or sewage backup, it is likely to contain dangerous contaminants such as biohazards and chemicals. In case of flooding from rainwater such as when strong wind or falling debris breach the roof, the risk of contamination is low. By having the right protective equipment, our SERVPRO crews can wade through any water, ensuring we take the necessary remedial measures in time. Immediately after arriving at the loss site, we spray EPA registered disinfectants directly into the water then start other cleanup procedures immediately.

Comfort is a significant aspect of most assisted leaving facilities. However, when a flood strikes, the materials that improve that comfort can worsen the situation. Materials such as carpets and insulation that keep your facility comfortable and warm tend to absorb significant amounts of water. They also tend to retain contaminants even after thorough cleaning because of their porous nature. Our SERVPRO technicians remove carpets during cleaning to eliminate the risks posed by contaminants. We also perform controlled teardown to remove insulation and other building materials.

You can take back control of your assisted living facility faster with professional assistance. Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 to help take the right steps. We have the means to address any damage “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Adams click here.

Watertown Problems from Earth, Wind, or Fire? SERVPRO Can Help with Mitigation

7/6/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage? Storm or Mold Problems? SERVPRO Can Even Pack-Out Your Problems from Your Watertown Home and Return Them "Like it never even ha

How Restoration Services Can Return Your Watertown Property to Pre-Loss Condition

Home emergencies in Watertown crop up at the most inconvenient times. Our restoration services are here to help you overcome problems and get back to your everyday life as quickly as possible. Highly trained technicians with Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certifications (IICRC) are available for the remediation of fire, water, mold or storm damages that your property may sustain. You can always reach out to us on our emergency call lines which are operated twenty-four hours a day to arrange a service.

Fire
Property fires are rarely severe enough to require extensive reconstruction, but when you need to professional help to restore fire damage in Watertown, our technicians have a wealth of experience. We often find that fires begin in the kitchen and are mostly confined to that area. However, smoke residues, and with them, malodors, can often spread throughout the home.

Protein fires, caused by the burning of animal fats, typically involves greasy deposits on walls, ceilings, and surfaces. Greasy deposits can spread quickly but, since the burning of these materials is quick, the level of damage sustained to paintwork or finish is minimal. Using standard wet cleaning methods with a combination of non-corrosive chemical agents or sanitizers helps to avoid replacements in your Watertown home.

Malodors are particularly prominent in protein fires. Sometimes, clearing away visible signs of soiling and thoroughly decontaminating all surfaces is enough to remove a malodor. However, when odors persist a SERVPRO technician can use a range of deodorizing methods to get your Watertown home back to preloss condition. These methods could include spray deodorants for soft furnishings or mattresses, the strategic placing of pellets, or full-scale fumigation using thermal fogging equipment. Some of our products pair chemically with the offensive-smelling molecules to neutralize the odors.

Storm
When your home suffers storm damages in Watertown, you can reach out to our rapid response teams. High winds can cause damages to structural contents including blowing out windows, doors or loosening tiles on your roof. The impact of these damages can often be felt after the event when heavy rainfall or debris enters the home. SERVPRO rapid response units are available out of hours to perform emergency board-ups and address safety concerns.

Weather warnings are usually broadcast from local stations before an event like this which should prepare you for what is to come. SERVPRO technicians can arrive onsite to perform quick procedures that can prevent permanent damages, in some cases. Flooring and contents, in particular, can benefit from fast-drying and anti-microbial treatments to prevent secondary issues like mold growth from occurring in your Watertown property.

When weather conditions are especially severe, contaminated water may enter the home. These scenarios usually occur as a result of flash flooding, bringing in animal carcasses, herbicides, and other pathogens, or road overflow which can carry in raw sewage. In a contaminated water emergency, it is vital that you seek professional assistance from restoration services with the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and qualifications to deal with contaminated waste correctly.

Water
Restoration services cover three aspects of a property: contents, structural contents, and the light damage to the structure itself. When you suffer from water damage in Watertown, the best thing to do is bring in professional help. SERVPRO technicians train in a range of property emergencies but always work with a restore over replace mentality. That can mean that we do not need to replace waterlogged contents, which may hold sentimental value.

Residual moisture can damage most areas of your home- furnishings absorb it, floorboards can become warped by it, and paintwork often shows signs of discoloration. In situations where the water damage is considered severe, if you are away for an extended period for example, SERVPRO may need to perform a pack out service.

Pack-outs involve moving possessions into an external storage facility in Watertown. This has two distinct benefits. The first is it allows greater access to bring in applied structural drying equipment like dry mats, injectidry systems, or truck-mounted extractors. The second is that it allows us to restore particular possessions using specialized equipment. Dense materials like chandeliers or drapery rods, for example, can often be restored using ultrasonic immersion cleaning methods. Our restoration services can use any means necessary to get your home back to a preloss condition, begin by phoning our emergency call line.

Mold
Microbial growth can often reside in hidden areas of the home, developing over time into a serious issue. The remediation of mold growth in Watertown can be carried out by restoration services without the need for conducting expensive laboratory testing. The visible symptoms of mold could include a musty aroma in some regions of the home or soiling on walls, furnishings, and fabric. SERVPRO technicians are available for thorough remediation of your Watertown home.

Microbes are living organisms that thrive in warm, humid conditions. In tackling a mold problem, the first step is to identify the source. Failure to do so means that any work carried out simply deals with the cosmetic signs of microbial growth and is likely to return to your Watertown home shortly after service. Where moisture resides inside cavities, SERVPRO technicians can deploy structural cavity drying equipment in the form of injectidry systems or rapid-air movers that circulate warm air inside the void.

With the source of mold remediated, our restoration services include a thorough cleaning, removal of heavy-set soiling, and deodorization. Some structural contents like insulation may have to be removed and disposed of, but these components are inexpensive to replace. Valuable fabrics can be restored using Esporta mechanical washing machines that are capable of removing 99% of soiling.

To ensure that our remediation of mold is complete, SERVPRO mold technicians can apply anti-microbial treatments and biocides to the affected area of your Watertown home. These treatments include sprays, finishes and base-coat painting which are proven to be effective in reducing and controlling microbial growth.

By using our restoration services for fire, water, mold, or storm damages, you give your home the best chance of returning to its preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377.

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You Can Count On Our Experts To Restore Your Water Damaged Hardwood Floors In Watertown

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

We can help to prevent unnecessary tear out and reinstallation and can make flood loss effects “Like it never even happened.”

Protecting Hardwood In Watertown Homes From Flood Damage

Hardwood floors are a unique addition to many Watertown properties, which can increase their overall value and boost aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, in situations like water loss incidents and flooding, without an immediate response by competent and qualified professionals, hardwood can end up being a costly material to remove and ultimately replace once oversaturation, warping, and distortion occurs. We have advanced tools and equipment that can help to quickly reduce the presence of moisture and saturation in these materials, and safely regulate a healthy moisture content level moving forward.

Even for the dense material that hardwood flooring is, saturation is an effect of flood damage in Watertown homes that can happen quickly. Standing water can penetrate the seams between the planks, offering the most direct approach to surround planks with water and begin absorbing into this material. Much like water loss incidents, the right response to seal over a vulnerability in your home’s construction can reduce the overall threat of floodwater that you inevitability face.

Our SERVPRO professionals can begin with addressing the penetration of floodwater when we first arrive at your address shortly after your initial call.  Our general contractors can handle multiple facets of recovery, including the demolition and reinstallation of this hardwood flooring should you wait too long to reach out to professional restoration services like ours. These building trades specialists can offer immediate temporary construction solutions like boarding and tarping to prevent further floodwater penetration.

Extraction must happen quickly to prevent further exposure of the individual planks to over absorption and saturation. We can utilize specialized tools like our injectidry system and drying mats to slowly draw moisture from these damaged areas in a controlled manner. We can continually monitor the moisture content to ensure that we do not overly dry the planks, which can be as damaging as saturation.

Caring for a hardwood floor after a flood can be challenging without the specialized equipment and effective approaches used by our SERVPRO of Jefferson County team. We can help to prevent unnecessary tear out and reinstallation and can make flood loss effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (315) 777-8377.

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Watertown Property Under Fire? Call SERVPRO for Professional Mitigation and Restoration

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Shows Post Fire Damaged Watertown Home--with Poor Drying--Mold!

How Does Mold Occur After Fire Damage in Watertown Home?

Among house blazes that cause fire damage, one of the most disastrous is from an ordinary act people do every day: cooking. When a pan with oil or grease overheats and catches on fire, the absolute worst thing that a home cook can do is to put water into the pan. The reaction causes the fire to expand and spread quickly. Always keep a tight-fitting lid handy that you can cover the pan with and deprive the fire of oxygen, so it goes out.

The cleanup job from kitchen fire damage in Watertown homes is often substantial. Because of the potential to spread quickly and high heat, fire extinguishers are not always enough to handle this type of fire. If copious amounts of water are used to put out the blaze, then problems arise in the fire loss area if the liquid is not thoroughly extracted and dried.

Mold may seem more like a consequence of poor ventilation or a slow leak within a wall. However after just 48-hours, if the proper mitigation of the water left behind from extinguishing efforts does not occur, dormant mold spores can set up home in the area and begin to build colonies if ambient temperatures and materials are present such as sheetrock, paper or wood to grow upon and consume.

Our SERVPRO technicians hold certifications in mold remediation, and we have a Mold Remediation Contractor License #00261 and as well as Applied Structural Drying (ASD). This level of training ensures after the damage from the fire is mitigated, we know the signs that signal favorable areas for mold growth as a secondary damage source. We can help prevent it through the use of industrial equipment for water extraction and the use of powerful drying equipment to pull deeply embedded moisture out of building materials.

Fire damage cleanup should not be a DIY project, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377, and our certified technicians can clean and restore your property and make it "Like it never even happened."

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How to Keep Your Family Safe After Flood Damage to Your Watertown Home

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

We work with licensed electricians to ensure water did not damage the wiring in your home.

Protecting Your Family Members after Flood Damage Affects Your Residence in Watertown 

Flooded areas contain many dangers, including hidden ones. Driving through Watertown can take residents into low-lying areas that leave roads submerged. When this happens, gauging the actual depth of the water can prove challenging. Driving into such areas can make your car or truck stall and leave you stranded.

Inside your Watertown home, flood damage also includes several dangers that can cause injury. After the water drains from your home and exposes sharp points and jagged, broken pieces of glass and other materials, you can easily avoid them. We wear heavy gloves as part of our personal protective equipment (PPE), reducing the risks of handling such debris. Other dangers are not as obvious.

Flood waters bring sand and other soils into your house which can harbor an assortment of pathogens. Just as these can cause health effects, the possibility of similar problems also comes from chemical residues. We regain control over the presence of pathogens and other organic matter through our use of different biocidal agents and sanitizing cleansers. However, these work best on things where these chemicals can make contact with surfaces. Copious amounts of organic matter neutralize the effects of quaternary compounds, which makes it crucial that we rid surfaces of any silt and grime that can contain organic matter before we apply any disinfectant.

Electrical outlets that went underwater during the flood become hazardous to use, but others that seem safe because they never became wet can also cause fires if you use them. When an appliance draws current through the lines, corroded circuits between the socket you are using and the main breaker box can rapidly overheat. We work with licensed electricians who understand the needs of your flood-damaged home.

The presence of water for an extended period can also leave floors weak, even when no visible sagging exists. Floors do not need to feel soft, either, to let someone fall through and sustain injuries. SERVPRO technicians can check the moisture content and determine if building specialists need to inspect the structure further. We want to find the safest blend of saving you money and ensuring a safe environment inside your home, both during our time restoring and as part of the final results.

SERVPRO of Jefferson County covers homes in Alexandria Bay, Adams, and Sackets Harbor. Call us at (315) 777-8377 for flood damage mitigation and restoration of your property.

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You Can Reach Our Professionals 24/7 If Your Watertown Home Experiences A Water Damage Emergency

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Contact our 24/7 emergency response team at (315) 777-8377 to begin the process of preserving your memories.

Don't Let A Leak Destroy Your Family Photos In Your Watertown Home. Call SERVPRO!

It might be difficult to believe, but a pipe that leaks overnight can quickly result in a water damage disaster for you and your home. If you wake up after a long night's sleep to find your office covered in water, then you need professional assistance. Water can quickly destroy your prized paper photo albums and can even damage digital copies of photos stored on affected electronics.

SERVPRO can be your first line of defense against losing your pictures. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians are experienced in minimizing water damage in your Watertown home to both electronic and paper media. We can arrive at your home and plug the source of the spillage to prevent further damages and can remove the standing water from your floors with wet vacs and pumps. Dehumidifiers can then be deployed to remove excess moisture from inside your office, which can prevent further condensation on papers and electronics.

Paper is difficult to preserve in cases of water damage. Photos must be frozen and dried through sublimation where moisture is frozen and is then allowed to escape the paper as a gas. Electronic media can be removed from areas containing spillage and can be wiped down to help mitigate further water damage. Additionally, SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians (WRT) can seal electronics in bags to prevent further condensation on electronic surfaces. This can help preserve your electronics for specialized electronics repair workers. SERVPRO can help recommend repair services for your electrical equipment as we cannot repair physical, electronic hardware or salvage digital data.

Your personal photos are important records of your favorite life experiences, and they shouldn't be permanently damaged from a single negative life experience. SERVPRO of Jefferson County can help preserve your media in instances of water damage. Contact our 24/7 emergency response team at (315) 777-8377 to begin the process of preserving your memories.

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Commercial Fire Damage Gurus In Watertown Talk About Restoring Artwork

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Will you let smoke damage in your building out shine your artwork? Call SERVPRO.

Will fire damage be your new showpiece?

If a fire ever takes place inside or near your Watertown art gallery, then several problems could arise. Even if something burns in a retail unit next to you, your business could still suffer from extensive commercial fire damage. Being in the art gallery business your company's contents and products are the most valuable things in the store and are the heart and soul of your livelihood. Things getting damaged inside your building can be costly to repair so professional restoration companies like SERVPRO can prove to be beneficial. Our team knows that when dealing with commercial fire damage keeping the cost of restoration low is essential.

When working in art galleries, our SERVPRO experts know that replacing ruined pieces of artwork can get very costly. Because of this, whenever we handle commercial projects with fire damage in Watertown, we do whatever we can to clean and restore items instead of discarding and replacing them. Pieces of art can be easily flammable and can often be used as fuel if a fire takes place. Even if the fire is not inside your place of business, your building materials and contents can still get negatively affected. Heat and smoke can both cause minor problems that can be fixed when you call in a professional restoration company like SERVPRO.

We know that it is always more affordable to clean and restore an item than it is to replace it. When dealing with artwork, pieces can sometimes be very valuable. Valuable art requires an art restoration expert more commonly known as a conservator. If expensive artwork inside your gallery gets affected, then we can call in a conservator to help bring those high-end pieces back to perfection.

If you have pieces of art that are low-cost, then we can restore them using methods designed for the more delicate contents. For example, soft brushing or low-pressure airbrushing techniques can work well without disturbing the surface of the piece of art. If your art gallery ever suffers from issues related to fire or smoke, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 any day of the week.

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We Work To Prepare Your Watertown Home For Repair And Build Back

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the necessary equipment, expertise and experience.

Repairing Fire Damage to Your Watertown Home

Fire loss effects come in many levels of severity and importance in recovering your Watertown residence. While every symptom must get addressed to restore and recover any property after a fire emergency fully, the order of these restorative acts and when specific equipment gets used is something that varies from home to home. With so many hazardous obstacles to overcome once first responders and firefighters have left the scene, it is imperative to trust in the experience and the advanced equipment and technology of our team.

We understand how detrimental fire damage can be to your Watertown home, especially from a structural standpoint. We strive to provide every customer with a comprehensive approach to returning their property to preloss condition. This process almost always begins with a thorough assessment of the damage and fire debris removal overseen by our contracting division. These licensed professionals within our SERVPRO team can ensure that the right precautions get taken to protect undamaged areas of your house and work to help expedite repairs and renovations after mitigation completes.

Part of the advantage of choosing a team that can offer both build back and full restoration of your property after a fire is the seamless transition between these phases. Other companies have customers seek out their own contractors and leave them at the mercy of wildly fluctuating schedules and unreliability. Not only can this draw out the recovery of the property, but multiple contractors and teams almost always mean a heftier price tag at the end of the labor.

We work to prepare your fire damaged structure for the repair and build back that the home needs after a fire loss incident. Our SERVPRO professionals use controlled demolition techniques to only remove the damaged portions of materials, further saving our customers time and money on the reconstruction to follow.

We know the importance of offering every customer a fast path to the full recovery of their home after a fire. You can always count on the extensive training and expertise of our SERVPRO of Jefferson County restoration technicians and contractors to make all fire loss effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

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SERVPRO Will Develop The Right Plan To Restore Your Watertown Home After Flood Damage

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

The flooring in this home was covered in water damage. We responded and put air movers in place for quick drying to prevent future damages.

Proper Scoping Before Fixing Flood Damage in Watertown is Crucial

It can be very disheartening to see your home swamped by floodwaters considering the structural damage and soiling that accompanies such incidents. Your first idea could be to save whatever you can to minimize financial or sentimental loss. However, scoping the damage first is more important even when it seems like a waste of time. We are IICRC certified in flood damage restoration and can, therefore, help evaluate and document the damage in your Watertown property.

After an incident of flood damage in Watertown, many insurers expect you to take every step possible to prevent further damages from occurring. Without proper scoping, it is impossible to establish all likely sources of secondary damage. Depending on how the flood damage happens, there might be windows smashed by debris if the incident involved strong winds or holes in the roof in case of falling tree branches from lightning strikes. Our SERVPRO technicians help pinpoint such problems take corrective measures such as boarding up or installing roof tarps. We also take photos to document these steps for your insurer.

Whether rising water flows into the property or openings in roofs and walls allow rainwater in, it rarely sits in one location where you can extract it easily. Absorption by various materials as well as gravity action leads to migration to different sections of the property. If you do not check the level of migration, you might leave traces that can cause problems in the future. Our SERVPRO technicians use different equipment to scope water migration. We use moisture sensors to check for wet materials or moisture meters to tell the level of wetness. We also use FLIR thermal cameras to find wet areas behind walls or floor materials.

Flood damage soils materials and causes other forms of physical deterioration including damaging finishes such as paint. Scoping can help establish the kinds of damage allowing better planning for the restoration. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their extensive experience handling similar cases to determine the essential steps.

Failure to plan is planning to fail. Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County to help scope the damage and device the right response plan. You can reach us at (315) 777-8377 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Everyone Ought to Know About Commercial Flood Damage Remediation in Watertown

4/20/2019 (Permalink)

When flood damage affects your office, it is time to contact SERVPRO for water removal & remediation services. We are available 24/7 365 days a year.

Commercial Flood Damage Control for Watertown Businesses

Being just a bit inland from Lake Ontario puts Watertown at greater risk for flooding than many other cities and towns in our state. Rain and snow storms can come rolling in with little warning, and local businesses can find themselves with closed doors and no production until the owner removes the water and its effects.

Commercial flood damage to Watertown business requires not just water removal, but quick drying of the structure and contents as well. SERVPRO response teams know that even a small amount of moisture can ruin inventory in a light industrial building, such as an electronics assembly plant.

Even after removing the flood water, a high level of moisture remains in the structure. The increased air moisture content (high humidity) can cause the same damage as floodwaters getting into something, just at a slower rate. That is why our technicians immediately install dehumidifiers after finishing up with the pumps and other water extraction devices.

Since drying components by hand is a risky method at best, SERVPRO specialists use these devices to pull water from the surrounding air. The action speeds up the natural evaporation process and dries the electronics without needing to touch them. To increase the evaporation rate, team members can also place exhaust fans to pull the damp air from inside the facility.

They can further reduce the drying time by using air movers. Specialists adjust the speed and temperature of the airflow to help quickly force water off of delicate surfaces without causing secondary damage to the components. The action pushes it into the air where it is captured and removed by either the dehumidifiers or exhaust fans.

At SERVPRO of Jefferson County, our goal is to help every business reopen its doors. We understand that your customers have a choice when it comes to suppliers, and missing even one day’s worth of production can result in losing a valuable sale. If your business is in this situation, or you want to prepare now for the next storm, call us at (315) 777-8377 today to schedule a service call. We are here for you.

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Don't Let Watertown Flooding Dampen Your Day

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

From snowmelt to rain, flooding is a year-round worry for Watertown residents.

Time Efficient Drying for Watertown Homes with Flood Damage

In the restoration industry, they are different approaches to flooding informed by the type of water that enters the property. The sliding scale of contamination in water runs from clean water to grey water, to black water. Blackwater emergencies contain levels of contamination that could include animal carcasses, raw sewage or other pathogens. Typically a black water emergency is caused by backed up sewer points or road overflow.

After heavy rainfall, the likelihood of requiring professional assistance to deal with flood damage in Watertown dramatically increases. SERVPRO offers highly trained technicians with the correct licenses and qualifications to restore your home to its preloss condition. We equip our technicians with the correct PPE equipment as well as critical water extraction units to help remove, dry and restore the property.

All types of flooding emergency require a thorough assessment of the type of water in the property. Microbes that reside in moisture, as well as the home, can cause the impact of flooding to become increasingly severe. Failure to remove clean water promptly can cause it to become grey or black water.

The primary means of removing standing water is through vacuuming, heating, and pumping. We tackle standing water above two inches by placing submersible gas powered pumps into the affected zone. These pumps shift gallons of water along a hose to an open sewer point and are the fastest method. However, once standing water levels drop below two inches extraction units are a requirement to remove the remaining moisture.

Clearing away large quantities can be done quickly; however, fabrics, carpets or furnishings become water-logged. SERVPRO technicians are experts at drawing moisture from porous surfaces. Since moisture moves from wet to dry, we can remove water from hard flooring and soft furnishing by controlling the humidity. Using desiccant dehumidifiers, our technicians can lower humidity below 40PGG which raises moisture from saturated surfaces.

Drying your home after a flood needs to be done in a time efficient manner to limit losses, contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 to arrange service.

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Time-tested Ways to Water Removal in Waretown

4/7/2019 (Permalink)

If your home has been affected by an ice dam and has resulting water damage, call our SERVPRO team for water removal as well as minor roof fixes.

The Dangers of Ice Damming for Your Watertown Residence

With the winter seasons that Watertown residents become accustomed to experiencing, many provisions get made to protect homes against the potential hazards winter weather presents. While snowfall becomes heavy and can put a great strain on roofs, this is not the most immediately threatening situation that occurs in this area of your house. Snow beginning to melt and freezing again along the eaves and edges of your roof create literal dams that prevent melting snow from escaping. Without an ability to move away, this dam continues to increase in size and tests the mettle of your roof as it holds higher volumes of water and ice than it gets built to withstand.

While you cannot predict or plan for the possibility of the damage that this can do to your home, ice dams often lead to penetration of the shingles and backing and require professional water removal in Watertown. Our SERVPRO professionals can help to understand the full extent of this damage and possible flooding scenario and arrive with the equipment and personnel that can help quickly.

With flooding and excess water in areas like your attic or coming through the ceiling, getting professional assistance immediately can begin mitigation work to protect your home and its occupants from considerable loss. Our certified professionals have effective mitigation tactics that can seal up penetration points in the roof temporarily until reconstruction and repair can begin.

Our SERVPRO technicians inside can work to remove the water effectively with high-powered gas pumps and portable electric sump pump extractors. Removing the pooling water helps to reduce penetration into construction materials and structural elements, and can also reduce the need for excessive demolition and reconstruction.

While you cannot account for when ice damming would occur on your roof, our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team can help you remove the water and clean up the mess whenever it happens. Our experienced professionals are available 24/7 by calling (315) 777-8377.

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Fort Drum Venues Benefit from Mitigated Flood Damage with SERVPRO's Help

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Keeps the Projector Rolling with Fast Cleanup of Theaters and Other Commercial Property after a Flood in the Fort Drum Area

Fast Extraction for Flooding in a Fort Drum Theater

While you might not have events that take place in your Fort Drum theater every day, the facility needs to be kept in top form when possible. The historic building has survived many harsh weather systems and storm damages that have occurred over the years, and it provides a place where art-minded residents can convene to appreciate theater productions. Whenever torrential rainfall occurs over many days, flooding can occur that can pour quickly through areas like the lobby and make their way down the natural grade to the stage area.

When disasters like these cause flood damage in your Fort Drum theater, you need a fast-acting team with the equipment to make a difference quickly. With the right response to the emergency, our professionals can often limit the spread of this damaging water throughout the building, reducing the affected area and helping to make later restoration efforts efficient and more cost-effective.

Part of the effective approach that our SERVPRO team has for flood water removal and drying efforts relies on our advanced technology and equipment. Extraction is a vital component to protecting original materials from getting saturated by floodwaters spreading, and we have many tools that can work to contain the damage and prepare the theater for the drying efforts to come. Often portable sump pumps and gas-powered trash pumps are sufficient for removal. For excessive volumes of floodwater, we also roll out from our facility with an extractor truck for high-powered extraction of widely affected areas.

It is important to remove this excess water as quickly as possible because saturation can occur quickly with many of the exposed materials. Drying tools like our high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers can treat large areas contending with moisture. By removing the dampness lingering in the environment and affected materials, our SERVPRO professionals can limit the secondary effects like mold growth as well.

One of the priorities that you have as a theater owner is getting the facility back open to those that need it and enjoy its productions. Seating padding and fabrics can be challenging to dry and sanitize. We have specialized hand wands that can generally restore these seats to preloss condition.

To do this as efficiently and effectively as possible, you should trust in the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Jefferson County water restoration specialists. Give us a call anytime at (315) 777-8377.

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Fast Action Is Vital When Your Adams Home Experiences Storm Damage

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team is available 24/7 by calling (315) 777-8377.

Fast Extraction Can Protect Other Areas Of Your Adams Home

Whenever substantial water loss incidents affect your Adams home, you need assurance that the right professionals can respond quickly to get the excess water out. The faster that professionals like ours can reach your home, the better able our team is to protect other areas of your home that have not yet become exposed to the spreading floodwater. It is important to act quickly at the first sign of an emergency to secure these services and get vital mitigation work started.

While many potential issues could arise once flood damage has begun in your Adams residence, the right response to the situation can help to prevent unexposed areas from getting drawn into the later demolition and reconstruction efforts that your home needs. With fast extraction and drying equipment that arrives with our responding SERVPRO team, we can work to limit the spread of floodwater through other areas of your property.

Part of this ability comes from our rapid response to emergencies. Our professionals remain available for all emergencies and disaster relief efforts 24/7, which is why we can say that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. From the time that our technicians arrive at your home, we can do a quick but thorough assessment of the current damage and begin setting up the necessary equipment for extraction efforts to start.

We have many machines and tools that can help. From truck-mounted pumps on our production trucks that can pull 300 psi to specialized equipment like our extraction wands and weighted ROVER extraction for carpeted areas of your home, we can remove this hazard from your property promptly.

The best way that any homeowner can protect their property and limit the cost of restoration when facing a flood is to respond quickly to the situation. Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team is available 24/7 by calling (315) 777-8377.

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Ultimate Solution for Commercial Flood Damage in Watertown

3/10/2019 (Permalink)

When your shop is facing flooding and roof damage after a storm, contact SERVPRO for remediation efforts. Call right away for best results!

Roof Reconstruction After Flooding in Your Watertown Shop

Severe weather could take different forms to cause damage to your Watertown building housing your small shop. With heavy snowfall that does not melt off quickly, roofs can begin to weaken under the excessive weight and become vulnerable to water penetration. Once this occurs, water can flow through these penetration points unabated during torrential rainfall situations where steady runoff occurs. The result is flooding of your building that begins through the ceiling material and eventually works its way to the main floor of your shop over a brief period.

While you might not know that your Watertown shop is at risk for flood damage until this situation is well underway, knowing what to do at the first sign of flood damage is critical to keeping your stock and your building safe from excessive ruin and later reconstruction. You need professionals that can respond quickly to the emergency to help slow the spread of the water and restore the damage fully, and our SERVPRO rapid response team can help.

One of the first steps that our technicians must take when we arrive at your damaged building is to do what is necessary to stop the penetrating water from continuing to flow through the roof vulnerabilities. These points can often get sealed over with emergency board up and tarping services. This process can allow our team to get to work on extraction and drying efforts that can protect many of the saturated and exposed materials from tear out and replacement.

Roof repair is something that must occur to restore your building fully following the extraction and drying of the exposed areas. Our licensed contractors can inspect the damage to the roof and determine the best course of action to repairing it or replacing it according to your wishes or that of your insurance provider.

Roof damage can allow for flooding to occur quickly to your small shop under the right conditions. Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team has the skilled contracting team and certified restoration specialists to help with every step of returning it to preloss conditions. Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

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Use SERVPRO's Expertise to Succeed With Watertown Flood Damage Remediation

2/24/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can affect the area and enter your home. Many times the floodwaters have unsafe debris and PPE must be utilized. Contact team SERVPRO.

Why SERVPRO Technicians Use PPE for Flood Damage Cleanup in Watertown

When an area in Watertown goes underwater, even for a short time, the environment changes. Microbes flourish, chemicals from roadways saturate the ground, and debris gets littered everywhere, tangled in landscaping and other outside structures. The area becomes a place of risk, and extra precautions need to be in place to protect anyone entering.

Such dangers are why SERVPRO specialists wear special gear when mitigating homes that sustain flood damage in Watertown. Personal protective equipment or PPE keep our employees safe from the dangers of microbes and other possible harm. Microbes can cause many different health effects and debris can contain these and other dangers. Sharp glass, metal, and wood can puncture the skin, but our PPE drastically minimizes the possibility.

Our PPE makes it possible for us to work in dirty environments, and efficiently clean everything up, so your family never needs to face these same dangers. The equipment we use to clean up your home, get it dry again, and then restore it are also practical and efficient.

Flooding brings in water that quickly saturates everything, but a good percentage of this water quickly turns to water vapor and spreads. Your upper floors also require the use of desiccant machines. We run these during the majority of our work, so they quickly trap any moisture that travels upward. Pumping out any standing water happens much more rapidly than allowing the water to drain away naturally. Contacting us gets sandbags placed around your property's perimeter so pumping can commence.

Tearing out ruined, waterlogged walls leaves the studs behind, and we test these to ensure they still meet minimum standards. Our PPE continues to protect us during this stage, as well, from nails and other sharp objects. Carpeting is notorious for its tacks, and it only takes one to cause a small but painful injury. Our gloves keep this from happening to us. To prevent similar incidents from happening after your family returns, we thoroughly vacuum all floors to remove such dangers.

Paying attention to the details that matter most, SERVPRO of Jefferson County is always available to help make things “Like it never even happened” for you, safely, and efficiently. When you find your Carthage or Adams property mired in flood damage, call us at (315) 777-8377.

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Watertown Flooding? SERVPRO Says We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Suggests to All Watertown Area Homeowners--Make Sure You Have Flood Insurance Coverage

How to Get Fast Flood Removal Services for Your Watertown Home

Regardless of the season or time of year, Watertown residents understand that flooding is a distinct possibility that they should remain mindful to avoid. While you cannot change the weather patterns or their severity, there are steps and precautionary measures that can get taken to reduce the impact of these disasters on the property. Also, you can put a plan in place to contact professional disaster recovery technicians like ours whenever these emergencies occur that threaten your home.

Securing professional assistance for flood removal and other restoration for your Watertown home is vital in the earliest stages of exposure for your property. While you cannot prevent the occurrence entirely, our SERVPRO team can help by offering real-time mitigation solutions that can protect the things that matter the most to you. For this reason, the contents department of our team can earmark items for safe removal from your home to protect them from further damage.

Flood removal often refers to the extraction of flood water, and this is something that you should not attempt to do on your own. As a Category 3 loss incident, floodwaters can contain bacteria, chemicals, sewage, and other contaminants that can be hazardous to your health when exposed. Our professionals have gotten extensively trained in the use of personal protective equipment and have the tools to quickly extract this water from your home using truck-mounted pumps, gas-powered pumps, and extraction wands.

Debris removal and demolition is often another phase of this initial restoration, as it can help to provide a safe and clean environment for our technicians and anyone else that might enter the home once the work has begun. The efficient approach of our SERVPRO team is deliberate to ensure that you do not stay displaced from your home any longer than is necessary to restore the damage the flood has caused.

Recovering from a flood in your home is something that homeowners do not have the resources to do on their own. Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team is standing by 24/7 to help amid the emergencies that could threaten your property. Give us a call at (315) 777-8377.

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Our Advanced Equipment And Techniques Can Remove Foul Odors From Your Fire Damaged Home In Watertown

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

It is common to experience bad odors in your property after a fire incident.

Why SERVPRO Relies On Advanced Techniques During Fire Damage Odor Removal In Watertown

It is common to experience bad odors in your property after a fire incident. The type or strength of the odor depends on the kind of materials consumed by the fire. Fires involving synthetic materials like plastics or natural ones such as proteins leave a bad stench all over the property, even in sections unaffected by the flames. We offer professional cleanup and deodorization services to restore your Watertown property to its preloss state. Our IICRC certified FSRT, Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians, utilize different techniques to achieve this.

The process of fire damage odor removal in Watertown involves different steps. Identifying the source of the odor is crucial before taking other steps because as long as the source is present, any other deodorization measure is not likely to work. Burnt residues produce most of the odor. Our SERVPRO technicians remove all unsalvageable materials from the house and clean salvageable ones eliminating most of the odor sources.

The smoke residues deposited in different parts of the house can prolong the presence of bad odor in the house after the blaze. Because heat opens up pores in materials and some of the particles of smoke residue are tiny, they reach deep into materials. The selected method of cleaning or deodorization must reach these residues to be effective. Our SERVPRO technicians are skilled in different deodorization procedures including fogging which allows the deodorizer in vapor form so that it can penetrate the material just like the smoke residues causing the odor.

Sometimes, the agents causing the odor might not be visible. This outcome is common in grease or protein fire. In such cases, cleaning the entire property helps remove all residues left on surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians focus attention close to the source of the fire first. In case of a grease fire, we do a thorough cleaning to the stove, vent hood, countertops, vent filter, cabinets, walls and ceilings in the kitchen. After finishing with the areas close to the source, we proceed to the rest of the house.

With help from SERVPRO of Jefferson County, it is easy to eliminate bad odors. You can reach us at (315) 777-8377 any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

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SERVPRO, Fort Drum Fire Damage, and Your Insurance Adjuster

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Fort Drum Properties, Fire Insurance, and SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Insurance Claims to Pay for Fire Recovery in Fort Drum Homes

Whenever your Fort Drum home suffers a fire, you want to get the situation resolved as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there are hoops that you must jump through to obtain the approval of the home insurance claims that you might file in a situation like this. However, there are easier ways to obtain the necessary documentation and evidence that your adjuster requires to process the claim to get restoration and cleanup started on your property quickly.

From the moment that the first responders have left your Fort Drum property, you get your first look at the fire damage from a distance. While your first instinct might be to contact your insurance company directly, it might be more beneficial for you to reach out to our SERVPRO team before that. NO, IT IS NOT!  Get your insurance adjuster on the scene with a phone call. We can arrive quickly after you call with the tools and personnel to perform a thorough assessment of the damage to your home and catalog these damages for use in determining an estimated cost for restoration.

Our SERVPRO estimator can take photographs of damaged areas of your home to collect with the documentation to show evidence of the extent of the fire effects throughout your house. As you have already contacted our restoration team to begin this vital assessment of the property, we can begin mitigation work at this time to protect your home and its contents from further damage before the full restoration costs get approved by your insurance provider. The caveat here is if you sign off on the work order. We often communicate and coordinate with your adjuster prior to beginning the cleanup and restoration.

We work closely with the major and local insurance companies servicing our area to provide our customers with a seamless transition between our mitigation steps and the full restoration of their fire-damaged properties.

While you might not expect a disaster like fire to affect your home, you can help to ensure that the restoration process happens quickly by calling our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team right away. You can reach us 24/7 by calling (315) 777-8377.

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SERVPRO Can Restore Your Fort Drum Home After A Fire

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO experts can ellimniate fire odors after you suffer a fire.

How Smoke Odor Spreads Through Fort Drum Homes

While many homeowners might find themselves preoccupied with the state of their Fort Drum home after a fire, the other effects that you cannot readily see can be equally problematic. Odors from a fire are often among the hardest to remove, and why it takes specialized equipment and specific training for qualified professionals like ours to eliminate permanently. Smoke odors cannot get concealed with a stronger smell, as it often gets embedded into materials, fabrics, and the air.

Fire odor damage can spread quickly throughout your Fort Drum home both during and in the days after a fire. This odor can move far beyond the combustion areas to provide a challenge for homeowners still living in the home to endure. Many fire damage situations are small and localized, but overcoming this noxious odor then becomes a priority for those still exposed to the harsh scent every day.

The smoke from a fire can spread throughout your home through many different avenues. Often the HVAC system plays the most significant role in moving this odor from one location in the house to another, but this also posits residue, soot, and debris inside of the ductwork in between all of these areas. Our experienced SERVPRO technicians have the equipment to effectively remove buildup and sediment from the ductwork to help this system slow its spread of the odor.

Our industry-leading equipment such as our thermal foggers release a dense chemical compound and can help to deodorize open areas of your property and break apart foul odor molecules on contact. This equipment is also safe to use on softer materials and textiles throughout the property, making it an excellent choice to deodorize carpeting, clothing, drapes, furniture, and other structural elements.

Overcoming fire damage odors in your home is not something that homeowners can do on their own. Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team has advanced technology to remove smoke and fire odors, along with the residue and damage that they cause quickly. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (315) 777-8377.

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Have You Ever Wondered if You Could Prevent Frozen Pipes in Waretown Homes?

1/6/2019 (Permalink)

When frozen pipes burst, water damage can result. Contact our team at SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

Identifying Frozen or Freezing Pipes in Watertown Homes

As a Watertown homeowner, you can appreciate the threats to your property when the winter months set in and temperatures drop significantly. Freezing water pipes can pose damaging situations for your house if not addressed in time, and part of that fast reaction to the situation revolves around you understanding when this potential problem exists. Knowing what to look for and when can help to limit the damage to your property when a water line bursts inside your house.

If you have already had a pipe burst in your Watertown residence before, you can appreciate the need for a fast response to get professionals there immediately to begin the water removal process. The more materials that become exposed to the spreading water, the more potential tear out and reconstruction that can become required. Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to the situation, as we are a team of experienced professionals available to our customers 24 hours a day.

Identifying problems with the pipes before ice damming and over-pressurization allows for bursting and splitting can be critical for any homeowner in the area. The problem is, many homeowners do not know that they have under-insulated areas of their indoor plumbing without them freezing first. On especially cold evenings and days throughout the winter months, visual inspections of exposed pipes can help to show which points show crystallization which can indicate the onset of freezing water inside.

Another method for identifying a problem is a noticeable drop in water pressure, or a foul odor emanating from the drains. You can reduce the present pressure to blockage by shutting off the main supply valve to your home and working quickly to thaw out the affected areas of the pipe.

Once our SERVPRO professionals arrive at an emergency break, we can work to remove the excess water and begin drying the area quickly. We can also take this opportunity to identify potential problem areas with the plumbing to prevent future breaks.

Freezing pipes are an ever-present threat for area homeowners throughout the winter. While identifying the issues early can save damaged plumbing, our SERVPRO of Jefferson County water restoration specialists can work quickly to preserve your property once a break occurs. Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

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Watertown Property Owners Can Count on SERVPRO for Water Loss Cleanup and Restoration

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

Watertown Property Owners Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Protecting Plumbing While You Are Away from Watertown for the Winter

The winter and even early spring can bring about severe temperature drops. Remaining mindful of the effects of freezing temperatures can help to protect your home and its belongings from substantial damage when pipes that get exposed burst. Worse than this, many homeowners are far away from their properties during the long winter months, leaving them unaware of damages that could occur when at risk plumbing components dam up, build pressure, and disconnect or burst.

While no one wants to pay someone to periodically monitor their property for any sign of danger, there are ways that you can keep your Watertown property from widespread water damages while you are away from your home for the season. Neighbors and relatives can check on your house at regular intervals to ensure that they do not notice anything out of place. Your municipality can also help you by shutting off your water to the house while you are away, allowing you to drain the lines and prevent the possibility of plumbing damages.

If water damage does get discovered at this time, it does not mean that your time away in likely warmer weather has to come to a halt. Our SERVPRO professionals are available 24 hours a day to offer effective mitigation and restoration solutions for customers in our area. Even without you being at home, upon formal agreement, we can get to work quickly on restoring your home and could have it back to its original condition before you even return from your extended travels to warmer climates for the winter months.

Our SERVPRO trained technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment to monitor moisture levels in wall cavities, flooring, and in ceilings that are hidden from view. We employ FLIR camera thermal imaging, moisture meters, and sensors for this purpose. This identification helps to direct our fast-drying equipment like heated air movers and dehumidifiers to prevent the need for demolition. Our goal is always to preserve and restore, and not remove and replace.
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Disasters can happen at any time, even when you are miles and miles away from home. Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team can help with effective solutions that can restore your home fast, "Like it never even happened."We are available 24/7 by calling (315) 777-8377.

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Smoke and soot cleanup

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Soot on a tongue and groove ceiling during cleaning

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Jefferson County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 315-777-8377

How To Inspect for a Shower Leak

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Discovering a bathtub leak early in your Watertown,NY home can save time and money

4 Steps Home Inspectors Take to Look for Bathtub and Shower Leaks

When buying or renting a home in Watertown,NY, don’t forget to inspect for a bathtub leak. Spending the time to do a thorough check of the home for water damage can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. From tiled showers to enclosed shower bathtub units, many of the ways to check for leaks are similar. Here are four simple steps home inspectors take to look for bathtub and shower leaks.

1. Check surrounding areas for water damage. Stained baseboards or ceilings, rusted tacks holding down carpet or loose bathroom floor tiles are all indicators of a shower pan leak. Another quick trick is to push a finger into the baseboards or surrounding grout to feel for any give. Ideally, they should be hard, nonporous surfaces and provide no movement.
   
   
2. Examine crawl spaces beneath bathrooms. If your house has a crawl space or basement, be sure to look for black wood dripping with water, as that is a sure sign of a bathtub leak.
   
   
3. Let your suspicious nature run free. An old pan, a fresh coat of paint, or an unused shower could all be signs of a leak that may not have been properly sealed. Note the age of the home and consult with the owner to find out the last time the shower pan was replaced.
   
   
4. Inspect a tiled shower stall. A loose threshold into the shower can be a sign of a shower pan leak. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the tiled wall or tile separating from the wall can lead to leaks due to water spraying from the showerhead directly into the cracks.
   

Water damage in your home can be frustrating and costly. Your local water damage repair and restoration specialist can help you get your home back to normal. Discovering a bathtub leak early can save you time, money, and hassle.

Commercial Buildings Need Protection After a Fire

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial building fire damage in Adams,NY

Before the fire, the building was the center of a thriving business. It was alive during the day, and there was an active security presence during the off hours. Then came the fire. Today, the building is dark and an invitation to the kind of trouble that a security fence could prevent.

Unsecured, Unoccupied Buildings Invite Trouble

Your commercial insurance company will help with the costs related to the fire. However, with an unsecured building in Adams,NY, you can’t expect them to help with the costs of

• Theft.
• Vandalism.
• Damage caused by squatters and other unauthorized occupants.

You need to secure the building by installing a security fence. Your insurance company may even help with the cost of the fence as part of the settlement. Speak to your adjuster and see what is possible. Your fire restoration specialists can help arrange for its installation.

Unsecured, Unoccupied Buildings Invite Accidents
Unoccupied buildings are magnets for children and teenagers. They don’t necessarily mean any harm, but their curiosity gets the best of them. An unoccupied, burned building is especially dangerous. If there is an accident and a someone is injured, you have a serious liability problem. Without a fence, a judge might rule that you did not try hard enough to keep unwanted trespassers out.

Unsecured, Unoccupied Buildings Invite Squatters, Homeless or Drug Dens
If trespassers move in, the risks are substantially higher. The possibility of another fire is also substantially higher because they may light fires for heat or cooking. You don’t want this type of settlement or the problems they bring to your commercial property.

Install a Security Fence for Your Peace of Mind
You’ve already had the fire. You don’t need any of these other problems. Install the fence, and you will never wonder what’s going on in your building. Of course, there are always people who will find a way to get in, but at least you made a bona fide effort to secure the property.

Top 3 Benefits of Completing a Commercial Mold Inspection

12/2/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on commercial wall in Carthage,NY

Mold Inspection

Because buying property is a serious financial investment, you should complete a thorough building inspection before purchasing any commercial building in Carthage,NY. An extensive property evaluation may help you identify a variety of potential issues, but some problems, such as mold damage, may be well hidden and difficult to discern. For this reason, incorporating a professional mold inspection into your building assessment may help you better gauge the overall health of the property.

1. Identifying Moisture Concerns

Moisture is a key ingredient for mold growth. A mold inspector can help you detect both moisture concerns and areas possibly susceptible to mold problems. Examples of potential areas of concern may include the following:

• Roof flaws that may result in leaks
• Leaking pipes
• Foundation cracks that may allow water seepage
• Cold zones prone to condensation buildup

2. Recognizing Signs of Water Damage

Mold is also adept at hiding behind walls and under flooring. To help prevent mold contamination, saturated building materials such as carpets, drywall and insulation should be promptly removed and replaced after a flood or significant leak. Completing a mold inspection may help you recognize signs of past water damage that may not have been properly addressed:

• Stained ceilings and walls
• Corrosion or rust around pipes
• Warped or buckling floors
• Presence of a musty odor

To detect hidden mold, the mold inspector can use specialized tools to investigate behind walls and other problematic areas without causing structural damage to the building.

3. Conducting Specific Mold Tests

Conducting mold tests can also help the inspector identify the presence of significant mold growth. Air testing can, for example, identify specific types of airborne contaminants, while surface testing can help you evaluate any visible mold you encounter.

Many business owners may not be eager to purchase a building that has a mold problem requiring extensive mold remediation. Completing a mold inspection on a prospective property can help you identify hidden mold as well as areas susceptible to mold growth, which may help you determine if the property is a wise financial investment.

3 Simple Ways To Prepare Your Home for a Storm

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage to home in Carthage,NY

Steps To Help Minimize The Chances Of Flooding

Being in the path of a severe storm in Carthage,NY, can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to think about your safety, but you also have to consider the damage that your home might sustain from flood water. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to help minimize the chances of flooding or other issues.

1. Check Your Gutters

Your gutters are one of your home’s main ways of preventing water from leaking into your home. However, they likely won’t work properly if they aren’t clean. Leaves, sticks and other debris can get stuck in the gutters, which can lead to water damage in your home. Double check that they are clear before it starts raining. Additionally, check for damage to your gutters so you have time to repair them before the storm hits. This will reduce the chances of a flooded building.

2. Inspect Trees Around Your Home

Flood water isn’t the only thing you need to look out for when preparing for a storm. If you live in an area surrounded by trees, then you should consider having your trees trimmed before the storm arrives. Trees that still have a lot of leaves on them or have particularly heavy branches are more likely to fall due to heavy wind and rain. Furthermore, you might see branches that already look like they are about to detach and fall, which should be removed immediately.

3. Do Your Homework

Sometimes, even when you do everything right, there is nothing you can do to prevent flood water from entering your home. Finding a storm damage restoration company beforehand can help relieve stress if your home winds up needing repair. It’s also a good idea to keep important phone numbers in a safe location. If you do not evacuate, have an emergency kit and be prepared for an extended time without power.

It can be helpful to take these steps when you know a storm is headed your way. Ensure your gutters are clear, your trees are trimmed, and you are prepared with emergency items. These things can reduce water damage, stress and danger during a storm.

Were Here to Help

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Floor where there was a small furnace fire in Water Town.

Do you ever get tired of calling places and getting an answering service or voicemail? You won't with us! We understand that disasters don't have scheduled hours.

We adhere to our 1-4-8 guidelines. 

1- Within one hour from the first notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service.

4- Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).

8- Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation. 

Whether it's 8pm or 3am we're Here to Help! 

What You Should Know About Gas Leaks in Your Home

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Soot Covered Furniture from a Gas Fire in Watertown, NY.

Fires from natural gas can occur suddenly and can result in a lengthy restoration process. If you suspect a gas leak in your home in Watertown, NY, there are various steps you can take to prevent a gas fire.

1. Preventative Steps

There are several ways you can prevent gas leaks from occurring, which can ultimately save you the stress of dealing with a fire. Prior to purchasing any appliances for your home, make sure you understand how they work and which signs could indicate a malfunction. Frequently check your appliances to ensure that there are no dysfunctions that could cause a leak. If you do have an issue with an appliance, it can be smart to have it professionally checked.

2. Signs of a Gas Leak

You cannot prevent a gas fire without knowing the most common signs of a natural gas leak. An unpleasant smell, often described as rotten eggs, is one indicator that you may have a gas leak in your home. Additionally, a whistling noise is sometimes heard near the gas meter when there is a leak.

3. Action To Take If You Suspect a Leak

If you suspect a leak in your home, it’s important to turn off any appliances that could result in a fire. To keep gas from building up, make sure your home is well-ventilated by opening any windows and doors. Even with these precautions, spend as much time as you can out of your home to avoid the negative health effects of breathing in the gas you suspect is leaking.

If you believe that your home may be experiencing a gas leak, it’s essential to do what you can to prevent a gas fire or a gas explosion. Once you have taken the necessary steps to protect yourself and your home, it can be helpful to work with restoration professionals who can fix the leak and ensure the safety of your home.

Flood Damage 101 for Commercial Property Tenants

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Apartment Building in Watertown, NY

Severe storms and flooding in Watertown, NY, can cause massive damage to commercial properties. As a tenant, you may feel confused and helpless in the aftermath of a flood that has wreaked havoc on your place of business. Should you ever have to go through the highly unfortunate situation of dealing with severe commercial property flood damage, you likely already know you need to reach out to your renter’s insurance provider.

There are three more steps you should immediately take:

1. Call your landlord or property management company to inform them of the situation.
2. Start tracking the expenses you incur during this time. Your insurance may possibly reimburse some of these costs.
3. If it is deemed safe by the authorities to enter the property, take pictures of each room and make notes about the extent of damage incurred.

Who Covers What?

Commercial flood damage can feel overwhelming. When you are a tenant, you may not know off the top of your head who should be responsible for covering what. Unless your lease specifies otherwise, structural damage is typically covered by the property owner’s insurance coverage, while the contents of the property are usually covered by the tenant’s renter’s insurance policy.

It may not be possible to continue operating your business after it floods. You will need to determine whether it is better to shift into a new, temporary space during cleanup, or put everything on pause until you are able to move back in. Check with your insurance agent to see if any of these costs are covered.

Moving Forward

When you file a claim with your insurance company, they will likely send out an adjuster to determine the extent of damage done to the interior and exterior of your commercial property. You’ll also want to ensure a professional cleanup crew in Watertown, NY, is called in to clean up, dry out and sanitize the area, as well as uncover any hidden areas of flood damage.

Flooding is no fun. However, if you follow these steps, you can simplify the process and utilize your renter's insurance to guarantee a quick, smooth return to business as usual.

Heavy Storms and Mold Damage

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Fort Drum Home with Mold Damage.

As you know, this year has been especially wet with the constant storms and flooding. We've seen an unprecedented amount of water and mold damages.

The rain just keeps coming!

Where Does Mold Grow?

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold on drywall paper and studs after a water damage in Carthage, NY.

Mold grows on organic matter. Anything that is organic in your Carthage, NY, home has the possibility of having mold growth when it gets wet.

Where does mold grow?

• Dry Wall Paper
• Wood floors
• Wooden Windowsills
• Window frames
• Books
• Old paper brochures, menus, etc.
• Curtains
• Carpeting
• Furniture upholstery
• Wooden furniture

Keeping these items dry after a water damage is critical to keep mold spores from beginning their growth cycle. The spores are already in your home as "settled spores" but they are harmless in this state. The spores need time, organic material, and warm temperatures to begin growing. Unfortunately, your home has everything mold needs to grow and it can become a big problem in just 48 hours.

SERVPRO of Jefferson County has the training and certifications to clean up your home after mold damage.

Water Damage: Three Important Facts

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss in a Watertown,NY home

You may be worried about water damage if you recently experienced a pipe burst in your Watertown,NY, home. Such situations can cause flooding and other issues but try not to panic. Instead, learn about the following three facts, so you can be prepared for any future problems that arise.

1. Damage

When water enters your home, it can damage many different structures. However, the severity of the damage can vary widely. There are three recognized classes of water damage:

• White or Category 1 Water Damage: This is clean water.
• Gray or Category 2 Water Damage: This is often waste water.
• Black or Category 3 Water Damage: This is considered contaminated water.

Category 3 damage is urgent and requires quick cleanup, while Category 1 water is not contaminated, but still requires rapid cleanup. A broken water line that leads to a pipe burst typically will only result in Category 1 damage as long as the matter is quickly addressed.

2. Restoration

Taking advantage of remediation services is not always just a practical move. In cases where you are dealing with complicated damage, such as when white water is left to sit for too long, a service may be necessary. Most trained workers will arrive on the scene quickly, assess the damage and take measures to restore your property.

3. Salvage

You may think that the random valuables around your home cannot be saved after a water damage incident. This is not always the case. Technicians such as those mentioned above can typically help you remove certain furniture and personal items and may even offer move-out assistance to help you preserve items before they get damaged. Most professionals also understand that your keepsakes are precious and may attempt to restore photographs and other mementos.

A pipe burst at home is never fun, but understanding the issue at hand helps. If you put an action plan into place, you have a better chance of returning to normal life sooner rather than later.

Leaky Pipe, Now What: How to Temporarily Fix Small Leaks to Avoid Business Interruption

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial warehouse space suffered water damage in a Adams, NY home

A broken pipe can interfere with your business’s operations, but depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to temporarily fix a leaky pipe, pushing off official repair until the close of day.

1. Shut Off Water

Before repairing a small leak, you may want to ensure that the water to the affected area is shut off, this allows you to work with a relatively dry surface and can help calm the initial panic of stopping the running water. You can turn off the water locally to avoid disrupting your entire business or, if you fear potential flooding and it makes you feel secure, you can turn off the water main.

2. Epoxy Putty

Once the water is off and the area is dry, you can use epoxy putty to perform basic water repair by filling in any holes or sealing any leaks. You can do this by cutting off a good chunk of putty and, using a putty knife, spreading it over the area. You may want to wear protective gloves to avoid contact with your skin. After the putty has cured/dried thoroughly, you can turn the water back on and check for any leaks.

3. Repair Clamps

If you do not feel comfortable using the putty, or if there is a crack in the broken pipe, then you may want to use a pipe repair clamp. These clamps come in a variety of sizes and are most likely available in any local hardware or home improvement store. The clamp slides over the crack and then, upon tightening the small bolts on the opposite side, provides pressure and ideally stops the leak.

4. Call a Professional

Whether your temporary fix works or not, you will likely want to call a local plumbing specialist in the Adams,NY , area to resolve the issue for you. While the above temporary fixes are good for the short term, they are by definition temporary.

The suggested repairs above can temporarily stave off any business interruption due to small leaks from a broken pipe, but you will likely want to seek out a more permanent solution in your off hours.

What To Do When Sewage Backs Up Into a Bathtub

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damage in a Fort Drum, NY office

If water backs up into your bathtub when you flush the toilet, you are likely dealing with a blocked sewer line. You may be able to resolve a bathtub backup on your own using a plunger or auger. If the sewer backup is serious or flooding is occurring, you should call a plumber as soon as possible.

1. Identify Where the Blockage Originates

The best way to identify whether the stoppage causing a backup is on your side or in the city sewage lines or main is to check the sewer drain cleanout. If standing water is present or the cleanout is full, the sewer backup likely originates in the city main or lines. Contact the city utility provider and try to mitigate the problem in your home. If the cleanout is dry, the blockage is between the cleanout and your house. Take measures to clear the clog or contact a plumber.

2. Block the Tub Drain and Use a Plunger or Auger

If the blockage is on your side, you may want to try to clear it. Cover the tub drain to prevent sewage from rising up while you plunge or use an auger. This can increase the amount of pressure and help to clear the obstruction. You can also use a cleanout fitting with the auger to attempt to work your way through the obstruction.

3. Call a Plumber

If you cannot clear the backup on your own and you know that it is in your lines, you should contact a plumber. Avoid making the problem worse while you wait for service.

You may be able to clear a minor bathtub backup in your home in Fort Drum,NY on your own. If you are dealing with a severe sewer backup or flooding, you should rely on the expertise and specialized equipment of plumbing and sewer damage restoration professionals.

Keeping Your Bathroom Mold-Free

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found in bathroom closet in Watertown, NY

You always want to keep your home free of mold as much as possible. The bathroom can be one of the primary breeding grounds for the fungus. By nature of its function, a bathroom is constantly filled with moisture, and this can create bathroom mildew. If it’s not properly cleaned and maintained, this can turn into mold that damages your bathroom and can spread to other areas of your home. Keeping your bathroom mold-free can be a tedious task for homeowners in Watertown,NY , and a professional company may be needed to help you navigate your best course of action.

Where Do Mold and Mildew Grow?

Bathroom mildew, and subsequent mold, can form in various parts of your bathroom. Here are some common areas where you will find these things growing.

• Bathtub
• Shower tiling
• Floor tiling
• Grout
• Sink
• Toilet

These common areas should be cleaned regularly with specialized products that are designed to break down the mildew and mold and leave the spaces dry and clean.

What Causes Mildew and Mold?

In areas where there is a lot of moisture, there can be a humidity problem, which can cause mildew and mold to form. Both are a type of fungus, and while mildew may be considered less of an issue than mold, you should do your best to prevent both from growing.

How Are Mildew and Mold Prevented?

There are a couple ways you can prevent mold from overtaking an area like your bathroom. One is by keeping the space as dry and as clean as possible to eliminate environmental conditions where bathroom mildew thrives. Another course of action would be to use a swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler. This is a cooling unit that works to cool the air by evaporating water, so you achieve both less moisture and cooler air conditions.

If you have a humidity problem in your bathroom, mold and mildew may develop. Contact professionals to address the underlying issue and get rid of the fungus.

Do You Need Security Fencing After a Commercial Fire?

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a tunnel in Carthage, NY

When you've had a fire at your Carthage, NY, place of business, there's a lot to consider once the blaze has been put out. You'll need to call your insurance company as well as consult with a reputable fire restoration company about cleanup and damage repair. But what about security? You'll want to talk to them about setting up a security fence around your building. Putting up fencing after a fire is a smart idea for a number of reasons.

1. Keep Out Looky-Loos

Increasing building security with fencing keeps looky-loos away, and prevents them from potentially injuring themselves on your property. The last thing you need at this point is a lawsuit from someone who's hurt himself while snooping around. Fencing also keeps curious people from inadvertently causing more damage to the property.

2. Theft and Vandalism Prevention

When you've got a security fence in place, you've essentially created a barrier to thieves, vagrants, and vandals. An unsecured building can attract looters or people looking for a place to sleep. Seeing a sturdy fence makes it much less likely that someone will to try to get in. Added options like barbed wire will make an attempt next to impossible.

3. Protection from Wild Animals

Security fencing can help keep larger wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks and possums, as well as stray cats and dogs, out of the building. Quick action to set up fencing can easily take care of a problem that might end up costing you much more time and money down the road.

4. Insurance Compliance

Your insurance company will expect you to take every possible measure to secure your commercial property after a fire, including putting up security fencing. If your property is left unsecured, you may have a tough time filing a claim and getting reimbursed for cleanup, repairs and lost work time.

In addition to taking steps to clean up the damage and effect repairs, it's important to have a sturdy security fence in place around your building, both for the added protection provided and for your peace of mind.

The Phases of Storm Safety

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Air mover´s ready for any storm damage in Adams, NY

Every region has its own storm season, and the area around Adams, NY, is no different. While you cannot guard against everything that might happen during a storm, you can develop a few habits that will leave you better prepared to face the next rain storm that hits your commercial property.

Severe Storm Season

When storm season approaches, start thinking about how you are going to keep your business and employees safe. There are several things you can do to prepare:

• Roof inspections to identify weak spots or troublesome debris
• Tree trimming to minimize the chance that branches will be torn off by high winds
• Lightning rod inspection to ensure that they are installed correctly
• Employee training to inform them about emergency procedures

The sooner that you start preparing for the first rain storm of the season, the more likely it is that you can minimize the damage it causes.

Severe Storm Watch

The National Weather Service may issue a severe thunderstorm watch. As soon as this watch is announced, make sure that the people to whom you have designated certain duties, such as shutting down operations, making head counts and alerting emergency services, are aware that their actions may be needed soon. It is also a good idea to send out an email to let everyone know that storms are possible and to remind them of the safety plan.

Severe Storm Warning

Once the severe storm warning has been issued, it is time to put your plan into action. Sound the alarm in your building to let everyone know that they need to head to the designated safety area. This area should be an interior room that is far away from windows and skylights. High winds can cause glass to break, which is a danger to anyone in its path.

If you plan ahead, a rain storm doesn't have to catch you by surprise. With preparation and a solid emergency plan, you can weather storm season and its effects on your building.

3 Keys To Managing a Toilet Overflow Situation

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Watertown, NY

Many people have heard that unmistakable sound of water splashing to the floor and turned to see the unwelcome waterfall of a flooded toilet. There are efficient ways to manage the cleanup and get the system restored to proper functionality. The key to reducing sewer damage is to remain calm and act quickly.

1. Shut the Water Valve Off

The very first thing to do is to shut the valve off that goes directly to the toilet. It’s located behind the bowl and under the tank. That should stop the water from continuing to flow. If you don’t see a valve, open the tank and find something to support the float ball in the open position. If neither of these methods prevents water from continuing to fill the bowl, then you are probably dealing with a clogged sewer line and a plumber should be called immediately.

2. Attempt To Unclog the Drain

Keep a plunger and rubber gloves on hand for such occasions. A plunger with a flange creates a better seal and provides the suction needed for quick removal of debris. If the clog is stubborn, you may want to try a snake that’s specially designed for the curves associated with a toilet’s plumbing. If neither of these devices works, you will need to call a sewage company in Watertown, NY, to come and inspect the lines.

3. Clean Up the Mess

Once you’ve stopped the overflow, you should take immediate steps to keep the sewer damage from expanding further. If you’re lucky, the overflow only involves clear liquid. If that’s the case, then put towels or rags down or use a mop to keep it from seeping into flooring and drywall. Use items you can discard after use. You can clean the area thoroughly with warm bleach water after you’ve fixed the clog.

If the damage is more extensive, you may want to call in a sewage company in Watertown, NY, to disinfect the affected area and remove badly contaminated materials, such as carpeting, insulation, or drywall. Sewer damage can promote mold and disease when not properly taken care of.

Commercial Mold Remediation Guidelines

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” the remediation plan meets the mold standards recommended by EPA and IICRC guidelines.

By the time you smell the distinctive musty odor, you have lost half the battle. Water damage or moisture has sparked the growth of black mold in your commercial building and left unchecked, the insidious fungus can do massive damage. Clearly, immediate steps must be taken to secure the property. The only question now is what sort of guidelines or mold standards for cleanup should you follow in Watertown, NY?

Make a Plan

There are no federal rules that a commercial property owner must adhere to when it comes to mold clean up, but the EPA provided broad guidelines in the 2008 brochure Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. First and foremost, it is important to assess the scale of the issue and form a remediation plan. Any strategy for cleanup and repair should follow these principles:

• Identify and fix the water or humidity issue.
• Communicate with employees and/or other building occupants.
• Clean up mold and dry all water-damaged areas.
• Select appropriate cleaning and drying methods and tools.
• Remove mold-damaged building materials.
• Arrange for professional help, as needed, from restoration specialists in [City, State].

If professional help is required, it is important to hire a firm and/or technician accredited by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC’s own mold standards require a written assessment and detailed action plan. All black mold must be eradicated by use of EPA-approved fungicides.

Follow the Plan

The EPA brochure also provides tips for preferred cleanup methods and removal and disposal of affected building materials. Pages of guidelines for such are included, along with a simple checklist to determine if the remediation plan has been a success:

• Has the instigating water/moisture issue been addressed and repaired?
• Have all materials affected by mold been thoroughly cleaned of the fungus and/or removed and replaced?
• Does the site visually appear mold-free with no signs of water damage?

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” the remediation plan meets the mold standards recommended by EPA and IICRC guidelines.
For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

How To Protect Your Home From Lightning

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

A lightning fire in Watertown, NY, is a rare, but possible occurrence.

What happens when lightning strikes a home in Watertown, NY? About 6,300 homes are struck each year without a resulting house fire. However, an additional 4,300 strikes each cause a residential lightning fire. Learn how to keep yourself and your home safe during this unpredictable, menacing weather event.

How Do I Protect Myself During a Storm?

When the weather turns bad outside, it is tempting to go about your normal business inside of the house. When you hear thunder, however, there are steps you should take to protect yourself and reduce the risk of lightning fire:

• Stay inside of your home, away from windows and doors. A good rule of thumb is to wait 30 minutes after you hear the last of the thunder to resume normal activities.
• If lightning strikes your home, it could cause a power surge. As a precaution, keep your distance from televisions, computers and other electrical devices. Do not take baths or showers, wash dishes or do laundry. Cellular phones are safe to use.

What Actions Do I Take If My House Is Hit?

If your house is struck, you will hear and feel a powerful boom. If you suspect the bolt has made contact with your home, take the following steps:

• Quickly check the health and safety of all family members and pets.
• Leave your home immediately if there is fire or smoke.
• Call 911 and report it, regardless of whether you see a fire. The fire department can determine if your home is safe.
• Contact your homeowner’s insurance agent, as damage is likely covered under your policy.
• Call a fire restoration specialist to assess your home. Even if a large house fire did not occur, there may be hidden damage in your roof or attic that could lead to further troubles down the road if not repaired promptly.

A lightning fire in Watertown, NY, is a rare, but possible occurrence. By taking proper precautions during a storm and following correct procedures after a strike, you can keep your family safe and minimize the damage to your home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

Rising Above Flood Damage

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

These basic cleaning requirements help you set the stage to successfully rise above the damage caused by floods.

When flood conditions affect your home in Watertown, NY, it is essential to deal with the damage immediately. All it takes is 1 inch of water to create unhealthy conditions, so addressing contaminated materials is of the utmost importance. Fortunately, whether it is carpet, household objects or furniture, if you have a flood to clean up, the same set of cleaning requirements can be followed. Therefore, after calling your insurance company and taking pictures of the conditions, you can be ready to tackle the job by following the steps below.

1. Remove Standing Water

Using protective clothing and eyewear, and tools that are safe in and around wet conditions, remove as much standing water as possible. Not only does this allow for further cleaning to take place, but you are eliminating a prime breeding ground for microorganisms such as mold, bacteria and even viruses.

2. Dry, Dry, Dry

Once the standing water has been reduced, the area and everything in it must be dried out. Fabrics and upholstery need to be addressed immediately and can be put in the sun or dryer, or taken to an appropriate cleaner. Photos, paper and books need more time to dry, so find a breathable yet sheltered area for storage. These cleaning requirements, if followed thoroughly, can save precious items and reduce the possible growth of allergens.

3. Disinfect and Clean

Due to possible contaminants in the water after a flood, clean all surfaces and objects with diluted bleach or another approved flood disinfectant. Remember, make sure the area in which you are working in is well ventilated. Cleaning agents like bleach have fumes that are harmful when inhaled over time.

These basic cleaning requirements help you set the stage to successfully rise above the damage caused by floods. Though the professionals in Watertown, NY, will take care of any structural issues in your home, you can be the first responder to your emergency. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/. 

5 Steps for Filing a Water Damage Claim

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Returning your home to normal after water damage involves more than just drying everything out or filing an insurance claim.

Effects from storms can be devastating. Water damage in Watertown, NY, can be difficult to recover from, but filing an insurance claim may help. Here are five steps to take in the process:

1. Review your policy. After a storm, make sure you review your policy regarding what is covered under your insurance. This might not answer all the questions you have, but it may give you a starting point.

2. Call your insurance provider. Always phone your insurance provider right away to ask any additional questions you might have. Is this covered? How does one file an insurance claim? How long will it take to process? Please don’t be shy about asking questions. Your insurance specialist is there to help you through this.

3. Photograph the damage. One thing insurance adjusters may ask for is photographic evidence of any results from the storm. You might be required to submit photos as part of the process.

3. Fill out forms. If you need to file a claim, your insurance company will send you forms within a specified time frame. Filling these out and returning them in a timely manner can help avoid delays.

4. Prepare for the visit. After the paperwork is filed, an insurance adjuster may need to see the damage. Have a list of all items lost or broken ready to show the inspector. You may also want to have a list of where all the damage from the flood or pipe burst is in order to make things easier.

5. Make repairs. Some damages may be too severe for you to handle alone, but if possible, make temporary repairs to prevent further incidents from occurring. For example, a pipe burst can be temporarily fixed to stop more damage until a professional can see to it.

Returning your home to normal after water damage involves more than just drying everything out or filing an insurance claim. When you contact restoration specialists for help in Watertown, NY, you know everything will be expertly taken care of as the cleanup and repairs are completed. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

What Counts as Secondary Damage?

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has experienced water damage, you should immediately take action to limit the extent of the secondary damage.

Determining whether damage is primary or secondary can pose a challenge. In a commercial property with water damage, primary damage is only caused by exposure to water, while secondary may range from black mold to other issues caused by water or high humidity. Here are five types of secondary damage.

1. Corrosion: Many parts of a commercial property, from building materials to fixtures, are made out of metal. Corrosion can affect HVAC components, pipes, or studs. Over time, corrosion may lead to costly structural or utility repairs.

2. Rot: Organic materials such as wood may rot as a result of water damage. Limit the extent of this damage with thorough drying and dehumidification. Rotted building materials may undermine structural integrity.

3. Mold: Mold is a common result of water damage that can start to develop within 48 hours of water damage. There are many types, including black mold, all of which result from damage that is not addressed in a timely manner. Prevent mold by quickly removing all standing water and thoroughly drying areas affected by water damage.

4. Electrical problems: Water can damage every essential system in a commercial property. Water in electrical sockets or other components can undermine the power in the property or cause dangerous malfunctions. Commercial restoration experts can help to ensure that the lights are safe to turn on and restore water-damaged appliances and devices.

5. Damaged materials: The line between damage from primary and secondary causes can be vague. Water damage that goes untreated may cause more extensive damage to materials that is secondary. These contents may need to be replaced.

If your commercial property in Watertown, NY, has experienced water damage, you should immediately take action to limit the extent of secondary damage. Whether you are worried about black mold or any other type of damage, you should contact a commercial restoration company. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

Mandatory Items for Your Company's First Aid Kit

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

After an emergency, be sure to replace any items that were used from each first aid kit. Then contact a local restoration company to fix the damage.

It's impossible to know when a disaster will strike your business, so it's important to be prepared at all times. As a business owner, nothing is more important than the safety of your employees. To ensure their safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires businesses to have a first aid kit available to their workers at all times. Be sure to place it in a central location and hang a sign so it can be easily located. The following items are required for each kit.

Medical Equipment

• A few small gauze pads (4" x 4")
• Two large gauze pads (8" x 10")
• Adhesive bandages in various sizes
• One roll of gauze bandage (2" wide)
• Two triangular bandages
• A wound cleaning agent (moist towelettes or saline solution)
• Two elastic wraps
• One roll of adhesive tape

Employees should be trained in the proper use of this medical equipment for both minor and extreme injuries. An annual first aid training seminar is recommended.

Other Items

• A pair of scissors
• A pair of tweezers
• Resuscitation equipment (resuscitation bag, airway or pocket mask)
• One or more blankets
• A few pairs of latex gloves
• A splint
• Directions to request emergency help

These items in your first aid kit can provide additional support and cleanliness in an emergency situation.

Number of Supplies Required

This simple emergency kit is appropriate for three to four employees. If more employees are present at the worksite, more supplies are required. As a simple rule, divide the number of employees you have by four, and that’s how many kits you need at that worksite.

When You'll Need It

Emergencies such as fires, floods, or severe storms are common in Watertown, NY. The supplies in the kit can help provide assistance to employees injured during these disasters until medical help arrives.

What Next?

After an emergency, be sure to replace any items that were used from each first aid kit. Then contact a local restoration company to fix the physical damage to your worksite, which can help you get back to work as soon as possible. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

Dirty gutters could mean water damage in your Watertown home!

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Water can cause damage in all areas of your home!

SERVPRO® of Jefferson County would like to remind everyone that being proactive is the best way to prevent damage. And even though it is one of the more time consuming chores, keeping the gutters around your home in good shape can greatly reduce the chances of a water damage disaster.

1. Clogged gutters can result in basement flooding, roof damage, erosion and foundation damage. Regularly check and clear the gutter system around your home to ensure there are no problems.
2. Fixing loose gutters can also mitigate damage. Loose gutters will allow water to flow along the roof which can affect siding, doors, windows and foundation.
3. Splash blocks are important as they direct the water away from the home. Without a splash block the water can build up around the foundation of the home and cause flooding and mildew.

Hopefully, by checking out the gutter system in your home you will be able to stop disaster before it begins. But if, by chance, something does happen, SERVPRO® of Jefferson County's water damage technicians are here to help 24/7. Call us at 315-777-8377

Heavy rains bring the possibility of water damage

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Water from heavy rain can quickly move into your home

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Jefferson County provides emergency restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Jefferson County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (315)777-8377

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Planning for disaster

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Local large building that had a pipe break on the 4th floor.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a blizzard, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. 

The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan.
Your organization’s risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage.
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover. 

Prepare your Emergency Plan.
Your employees and co-workers are your business’ most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan.
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in
a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment.
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security.
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open e-mails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.

Information provided by ready.gov

4 Steps to Protect Your Business From Fire

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a commercial building in Carthage, NY

A fire can devastate your business.

The best way to avoid this scenario is to take steps to reduce the likelihood that a preventable fire will break out. You may also want to train employees or occupants in disaster preparation to limit losses from fires that start in other units or surrounding buildings. Here are four fire preparation steps you can take to protect your business.

1. Make sure the property is built with fire-retardant materials. The materials out of which a commercial property is built can impact insurance premiums. These materials may also impact the way that fire suppression systems are set up. You should also factor in whether structural additions or contents are potentially combustible or resistant to fire.

2. Frequently perform fire drills and train occupants on fire safety. Make sure that all employees and occupants of the building know what to do in case of fire, and post evacuation maps in strategic locations. You may also want to schedule fire preparation training that covers how and when to use fire extinguishers.

3. Regularly test extinguishers and fire suppression systems. Install fire extinguishers in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and have them regularly inspected. The supplier of the fire suppression equipment in your building can recommend a testing method.

4. Schedule a fire hazard analysis. A commercial property can become imperiled by fires that start in other units or neighboring buildings. Have a trained professional perform a fire hazard analysis to further reduce the likelihood that your building will sustain extensive damage.

Taking these four fire preparation steps should reduce the likelihood that a fire will start in your business. If a fire does start and damages your commercial property in Carthage, NY, you should carefully document evidence of damage and loss and contact a commercial fire damage restoration company.

Generator Safety Tips

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared when a storm comes your way!

If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather storms, follow the safety tips below from the American Red Cross:

1- Never use a generator, grill or camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.

2- To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

3- Opening doors or windows and using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.

4- Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

5- Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

If your home or business suffers from any type of storm damage, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County and we will send a professional out to assist with getting your property back to its original state as soon as possible!

Eliminate Smoke Odor Post-Fire Once and For All

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Burned end table after a home fire.

Odor Remediation in Watertown, NY

Dealing with a house fire may be one of the worst things you have to go through as a homeowner, so when the Watertown, NY, fire damage restoration team has come and gone, it can be like a breath of fresh air. Or is it? Unfortunately, you may notice some residual effects of the fire long after the last technician has packed his or her bags and left your home. One such effect is a smoke odor. The good news is that cleaning up smoke damage doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you implement a few tried and true smoke cleaning tips:

• Air out your home.
• Replace the air filter.
• Clean the HVAC system.
• Deep clean your home.

Air Out Your Home

The best thing you can do to reduce the risk of a linger smoke smells or to get rid of embedded odors is to air out your home. Open the windows and doors if it’s nice outside and turn on the fans. If it’s cold outside, you may need to face a fan inwards to force air into a single room with an open window or door.

Replace Your Air System’s Filter

You can deep clean your home as thoroughly as possible, but if you turn on an HVAC system that’s filter is contaminated with soot and odors, all your smoke cleaning efforts will have been for naught. Replacing the filter is a quick, affordable and efficient way to reduce the risk of lingering smoke smells.

Clean Your HVAC System

Smoke can permeate duct work and linger in the HVAC system, just waiting for the moment that you turn it on. Make sure that your system blows nothing but clean air by thoroughly cleaning within it.

Deep Clean Your Home

This final step may be the most difficult, but it is the most important. Steam clean your carpets, furniture and draperies. Wipe down any solid surfaces with white vinegar, dish soap and warm water. Finally, wash any windows, screens and shades to ensure that a cool breeze doesn’t turn into an odor-infested one.

At-Risk Items for Mold Growth in Your Home

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Black Mold Growth

Believe it or not, your home is a ticking time bomb for mold growth.

A number of items can quickly turn into havens for the growth, which turns into mold damage that may do lasting harm to your Watertown, NY, home. When faced with mold and mildew growth, awareness is the best form of prevention. But how can you prevent what you can’t see?

Know Which Items Are at Risk

The best way to keep mold damage from taking over your home is to keep a sharp eye on items that are frequent breeding grounds for various types of mold. These items include:

• Wood and drywall walls
• Wooden flooring
• The undersides of laminate and vinyl flooring
• Windowsills and window frames
• Paper screens
• Books
• Old paper brochures, menus, etc.
• Curtains
• Carpeting
• Furniture upholstery
• Wooden furniture frames and backing

This may seem like the entirety of your house, but the common factor here is that all of these things are organic. Mold feeds on organic matter and can take root and grow on just about anything. With mold continuously active and present as spores in the air around you at all times, it’s less a matter of if mold will strike and more a matter of when.

So What Makes Mold Grow in Your Home?

Organic matter alone isn’t enough to trigger an explosion of mold growth. For mold damage to occur, you need to also have a moist environment. That means if you watch out for leaks, drainage issues, humidity, and excess moisture, you can often stop mold from proliferating before it starts. If you’re already seeing a mold problem, you may need mold remediation services, but don’t let that stop you from doing everything you can to keep mold from spreading. Air out and dry out your home to facilitate a mold-free environment.

IICRC certified firm

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson County is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

North Country Residents: Follow these mold safety tips if you suspect mold

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold. New York State now requires a license to perform mold remediation.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it.

You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –315-777-8377

Oh the floors we clean!

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Before (bottom) and After (top). Years and years of wear and dirt build up.

This is a photo of a floor our crew recently cleaned. The bottom (before) shows years of traffic, dirt, and wear. The top (after) shows that they were able to successfully clean the floor with our high powered roto machine. A little elbow grease sure goes a long way. Our clients were extremely happy with the way this public bathroom looked when we were fully finished.

It's very important to keep up on the care and cleaning of your flooring, no matter what type, and no matter if it's business or residential. We can help you do that! From carpeting to tile and grout we can do the dirty work for you. If you have any questions about products or procedures we use please feel free to give us a call! 315-777-8377

Renters Insurance Importance

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Antique headboard during the restoration process

Many apartment complexes and landlords do not yet require renters insurance. It's absolutely vital to have renters insurance in place to cover the loss of your belongings should you experience a water or fire damage. Without insurance you will be faced with the daunting task of replacing your household goods, or having them restored out of pocket. Renters insurance is really quite inexpensive when you think about how much it actually covers, and if something were to happen, it will save money on replacement costs. While we try to help in any situation where a renter unfortunately does not have insurance, we are limited to the services we can provide at that time.  Call one of your local insurance agents today for a quote!

We can save your floors!

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Floor mats hard at work

Have you heard that your laminate and hardwood floors will be ruined in the event of a water damage? We are lucky enough to have some awesome new technology to help everyone in the Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence county areas. They are water extraction mats that are specifically designed with the drying of hardwood floors in mind. If we get there quickly enough we have a very high success rate of being able to dry your hardwood floors with very little, if any damage. It's so much easier to restore original flooring that it is to replace!

They lay flat on the hardwood floor and the extraction hoses are then connected. This creates a great amount of suction that is able to remove water from underneath the flooring.

Mold, Mold everywhere!

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can grow just about anywhere!

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Jefferson County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. We are licensed in NYS to perform mold remediation.

Also remember, just because mold is black in color does NOT mean it is the "infamous black mold".

If you see signs of mold, please call us today so we can guide you in the right direction–315-777-8377

It's that time of year again!

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

As much as we don't want to admit it, it's time to turn our furnaces back on. We know all too well that things don't always go as planned. Sometimes furnaces malfunction with what is called a "puffback".

The term furnace "puff back" refers to the sudden expulsion of soot into the dwelling area caused by a malfunction in the heating system. The soot from a puff back is a sticky, greasy, grimy mess that is second to none. It can also present a severe health hazard in the place that's supposed to be your haven- your home.

All of those minuscule, oil based particles embed themselves into curtains, carpets, and clothing while contaminating the air with known carcinogens. Running a vacuum over it only grinds the soot deeper and creates stains that will never come out. Wiping the soot from walls and ceilings creates a place where paint will no longer stick. Unless the soot is quickly and professionally removed, it can cause corrosion of metal on doorknobs, faucets, and even electronic equipment throughout the home. Because every inch of the home is affected, a puff back is an overwhelming job to clean properly.

This is where the SERVPRO team can help - you can trust SERVPRO to clean everything. We're your one stop shop for puff back and smoke damage cleanup in the Jefferson County area.