Wallpaper Can Hold Moisture

8/28/2024 (Permalink)

Excessive moisture can cause mold to form behind wallpaper.

Water leaks and moisture are not always present in areas which are visible to home and business owners. Over time, slow leaks and high levels of humidity can cause mold to form under floors, behind walls and in air ducts. SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne's expertly trained water mitigation technicians were called out to a home which had a water loss due to a broken sprinkler head. Once the crew started to remove the wallpaper, they realized mold had formed after a former slow leak from the air conditioning system.

This room looks clean and dry, but a closer inspection revealed mold was growing under the wallpaper. If your walls are wet and the wallpaper remains in place, it can act as a vapor barrier preventing the drying process from occurring. Chances are the insulation behind the wall is also affected. Water will wick up a wall 1" per hour for the first 12 hours following a flood.

SERVPRO® is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 201-333-3200, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

Heavy Rain Affects Basement in Edgewater

8/16/2024 (Permalink)

Water flooded the basement.

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 basement could flood, including: 

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

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne was onsite to a flooded home in Edgewater within one hour to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days, our expert team successfully dried out the basement. Our water remediation crews always use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine if your home’s structure is actually dry. We are trained experts in taking care of flooded basements.

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential for mold to grow. You do not want to wait until the loss spreads and increases in severity. The flooding in this Edgewater home was caused by flash flooding from a fast-moving, drenching thunderstorm. The natural hills of the town exacerbated the effects of the water and sent it into multiple basements in the area.

Teamwork is the Key to Our Success

8/8/2024 (Permalink)

No matter what business you work in, teamwork and proper ethics are essential to running a successful business. Here at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne, our team is fortunate to have a warm, yet effective working relationship with each other. Considering we are an emergency business, it is imperative communication is clear between the office, field technicians and project managers. During a surge in business due to a disaster event, proper communication and execution allow our franchise to respond to more calls efficiently.

One of our greatest strengths here at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is the camaraderie shared within our entire staff. The positive relationship amongst each other provides a pleasant working experience which is then passed on to our customers throughout the day. Evidence of our work environment radiates throughout our business and the communities we serve; the office staff receives numerous complements about our chief technicians on a regular basis. Visit our testimonial page to see what our customers say about SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne in action!

Sprinkler Loss In Hoboken, NJ

7/31/2024 (Permalink)

Contents in the office needed to be moved to perform the mitigation.

Smoke from a neighboring building set off the sprinkler system of a commercial building in Hoboken, NJ on a Sunday morning. The water sprayed three floors of offices and conference rooms. The building manager called SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne right away to come and clean up the water. During the call, the manager let our staff know the damaged rooms were full of personal contents and furniture. It is very important for our emergency service crew to receive specific job conditions before arrival to ensure they are fully prepared to provide superior service.

Once the technicians arrived on site, they quickly moved the contents to unaffected areas of the building and removed the wet materials in only a few hours. SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is dedicated to helping businesses avoid lost productivity when they are faced with a water loss. Our ultimate goal is to complete the recovery process as quickly and thoroughly as possible to prevent prolonged disruption to the organization.

The Hoboken manager was very impressed at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne’s immediate response during a busy weekend and was equally amazed when the drying process and repairs were completed in under a month! She let our franchise know she would call us again if in need and will recommend us to other business owners in the event they require assistance as well.

What To Do When A Basement Floods

7/18/2024 (Permalink)

Always remove standing water right away!

When dealing with a flood in the basement, it is very important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps towards remediating the situation as soon as possible. Once you give us a call at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne, one of our 24/7 emergency service crews will be dispatched right away to assist with the removal of the standing water. While waiting for our team to arrive at your home or business, it is important to avoid flooded areas of the basement where you are unable to see the floor as electrical outlets beneath pose a great safety risk.

Once our emergency crew arrives, they utilize special extraction tools which are designed to safety and effectively remove the water from the basement quickly. Once all the standing water has been removed, the technicians remove unsalvageable materials such as drywall, flooring and trim. After the wet materials are removed, drying equipment is placed to ensure any remaining moisture is eliminated from the building.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is ready to take on water losses large and small. Give us a call anytime- 201-333-3200.

Weekend Water Disaster

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

Water was discovered on the floor after a flood happened over the weekend.

The manager of a real estate office in Weehawken walked into a flooded office Monday morning and was shocked at the amount of water on the floor. He immediately called SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne to clean up the water. Our team of water removal experts arrived within the hour to begin the drying process of the wet materials.

After extracting the water from the floor, our team placed drying equipment to take care of any lingering moisture in the office. Since the technicians arrived shortly after the loss happened, it was possible to save the carpeting from demolition. Our attentive administrative staff were able to find the realtors temporary office space during the cleanup. The manager was very impressed with the short time frame!

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies no matter how large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, taking action immediately is essential. A quick response from our experienced team reduces the spread of damage and ensures successful drying to get you back in business!

Water Trapped Behind The Wall

6/29/2024 (Permalink)

Water from the runoff caused the paint to peel.

Even though SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne was called in to dry out a commercial building which had wet carpets from a water purifier, we took the initiative to take care on an ongoing issue behind the walls. Water originating from improper run off due to the building's gutters and outside slope had been entering the building for some time. Our team installed some leader extensions so that the water would run away from the building. As you can see, over time the water had run behind the walls and caused the paint to peel.

Always take some time to inspect your property around window wells and foundation walls. Clear your gutters and add some gutter down spout extensions so the water does not end up against your foundation. Any water which lays there will most likely work its way into your home and could eventually create mold issues.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne will always provide you with advice to avoid future losses and develop an emergency ready plan for you. 

Unbelievable Wind Damage!

6/20/2024 (Permalink)

Extreme wind events are becoming more frequent.

Reports of massive tornadoes and extreme thunderstorms always catch our attention. Here at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne, we have noticed an increase in damaging high wind events. Hurricanes are increasing in strength and frequency, coupled with changes in the jet stream, causing widespread costly property destruction. Powerful tornadoes continue to flatten entire communities in a matter of minutes. Falling trees from extreme wind events are a major cause of structural losses throughout the country on a regular basis.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne is always well prepared to respond to homes and businesses affected by wind damage. Often times, water can enter structures affected by wind, requiring our mitigation experts to quickly tarp damaged areas and start the drying process inside until repairs can begin. Experienced technicians from our franchise have also traveled out of state to assist with large-scale recovery following devastating hurricanes. Although windstorms are difficult to gauge, SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne has the tools and knowledge to secure and restore properties affected by wind in our ever-changing environment.

High School Pipe Break

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

One of the classrooms affected by the broken pipe.

When a local high school suffered from a broken sewage pipe, they called SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne to sanitize and dry out the areas affected by the discharge. Several classrooms had floors and ceilings which were damaged. Our certified ASD water professionals were on site within 1 hour to set up containment and place drying equipment along with air scrubbers to assure students were provided with a safe breathing environment. The expert team was able to successfully clean and repair the rooms, all while working around classrooms in session in the unaffected areas of the building.

Rest assured that when your local school district calls on SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne, we will be on site quickly to stabilize and restore your building using our exceptional experience and dedication to excellent service.

SERPVRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle the largest and most complex water restoration project. Call us anytime at 201-333-3200.

Summer Fire Danger

5/31/2024 (Permalink)

Wildfires spread quickly and can cause mass destruction to nearby communities.

The transition from cold and wet winter to warm, dryer weather contributes to higher levels of fire danger. As temperatures starts to rise in the late spring and early summer, lower levels of rainfall, bright sunshine and high wind increase the chance of dry brush creating a flame. Uncontrollable wildfires threaten enormous, forested areas leading to widespread incineration of woods and nearby structures. Campfires and grills can provide the single spark to mass destruction. Cigarettes thrown from a car can turn leaves and trees into a burning hotbox. Even small brush fires and smoking mulch can easily spread, setting nearby structures alight.

The public can help minimize the potential for summer fires by being aware of atmospheric conditions and taking notice of weather alerts. The US Forest Service posts daily fire danger levels at State and National Parks around the country to keep residents up to date. Campers especially need to be very mindful of their activity in the forest to prevent the ground around them from developing a flame. Power companies should inspect equipment near wooded areas on a regular basis and proactively replace ageing parts and systems. Home and business owners need to keep excessive leaves and brush away from structures to prevent potential flammability during prolonged dry weather.

Summer is the time for enjoying the outdoors, relaxing and having fun. It is to everyone’s benefit for each of us to do our best to prevent warm weather fires from harming the environment we live in.

Extreme Storms Threaten Coastal Areas

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

A coastal town damaged by a hurricane.

As global temperatures increase and sea levels rise due to melting glaciers, cities and towns situated along coastal areas are at an increased threat of being hit by catastrophic storms. Eroding coastlines are bringing dangerous surf closer to residences and businesses situated by shorelines. Recent hurricanes have inundated these communities with extreme flooding and torrential rain, leaving tremendous destruction in their wake. Costs to repair disaster zones reach into the billions and increase with each storm, leaving questions about extensive recovery and ways to possibly minimize future losses. Advanced weather models predict massive storms will become more frequent as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Ocean temperatures remaining high for longer periods of time are fueling stronger storms and allowing them to strike seaside communities with greater regularity.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne has personally witnessed the damage following powerful storms. Our mitigation experts have mobilized to areas outside of our region to assist with recovery in seaside towns burdened with staggering losses. Based in New Jersey, our very own neighborhoods situated along the long coast are repeatedly threatened with severe flooding by forecasted disturbances. Our franchise is always prepared to help with mitigation and repairs following a formidable water disaster while at the same time, wondering how changes in weather will ultimately impact our environment.

Simple Fire Safety Tips

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

Test smoke alarms and change batteries to keep them working properly.

Actively taking steps to prevent fires can easily save lives and property from severe destruction. Being mindful of potential hazards and following simple safety rules can drastically reduce the threat of fire.

Tips are as follows:

• Take the time to inspect smoke alarms on a yearly basis. Replace batteries and test each alarm to make sure they are working properly. Replace alarms based on the manufacture’s recommended guidelines. Do not obstruct alarms and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and within 10 feet of a bedroom for added protection.
• Keep young children and pets away from stoves, lighters and ovens. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Pay special attention to space heaters; turn off and unplug heaters which are not attended.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Clean dryer vents and attached ducts every few months. Inspect the HVAC system on a regular basis and keep the area around it clean and free of clutter.
• Make sure all fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and torches are distinguished when they are not attended.
• Keep excessive leaves and brush away from your home or business. Do not store gasoline or propane near anything with a flame. Be sure to have cars inspected regularly to reduce the risk of fire.
• Inspect extension cords and recycle those which are frayed and worn.
• Be sure to have functional fire extinguishers in the kitchen and within proximity to appliances with a flame.

Keeping these safety basics in mind, you are being proactive in keeping your home or business safe from fire!

Waterproofing To Prevent Intrusion From Heavy Rain

4/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flash flooding can occur suddenly during periods of heavy rain.

It is very important to identify and correct possible points of entry for water during a storm situation. Rushing water, flash flooding, saturated ground and heavy rain can enter a home or business through weakened areas in the structure or a lack of proper drainage systems. Paying attention to potential issues in fair weather can prevent major damage when extreme weather arrives.

Be sure to check the gutter system to ensure there aren’t any clogs and to confirm they are properly draining water away from the structure. Pay attention to evidence of runoff in the vicinity of the building and have a special drainage system installed to prevent water from seeping in during inundating water events. Inspect basement windows, door and walls for openings or improper sealing to prevent floodwater from entering; groundwater intrusion is generally excluded from coverage in general homeowners’ policies. Consult with certified professionals who have expertise in drainage, waterproofing and landscaping for precise evaluation and proper corrective measures.

Utilizing foresight and taking the time to fortify homes and businesses from storm water can prevent costly damages while keeping interiors clean and dry no matter when and how severe weather strikes!

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

A kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

Don’t let an electrical fire inflict significant damage on your home and belongings! Our SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team was called out to a local home which had a fire originating in the kitchen due to an electrical spark. Excessive soot and smoke overtook the majority of the one-level property. Upon arrival, our fire experts started an inventory of damaged contents and prepared a plan of action to clean and restore the home to a pre-fire condition. Carpet, drywall, insulation, appliances and cabinets needed to be removed, soot-stained walls were wiped, and remaining stud walls were thermal fogged to remove any lingering fire smells. The tile floor was heavily covered in a dense layer of soot and needed to be given an extensive cleaning. The homeowner was amazed with the resulting clean floor and could not believe it had been restored as if the fire never happened!

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 201-333-3200: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!

Shocking Workplace Discovery!

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

Water flooded the hallway.

When a pipe from the 2nd floor of a Bayonne company burst, the owner called SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne to dry out the 45,000 square foot building. The employees walking into the office were alarmed by the water flowing across the carpeted areas of the office but remained calm until our emergency crew arrived on the scene. Using special extraction tools, the expertly trained technicians were able to quickly remove the standing water from the office floors. The affected carpet and trim were removed, and special equipment was placed to completely dry the structure. The owner was so satisfied with the work we completed; they asked us to repair the damaged facility for them. 

It is imperative our technicians are provided with ongoing training regarding the handling of large commercial water losses. Regardless of the size of the loss, SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Our franchise has the proper tools and expertise needed to dry a commercial property in as little as three days to minimize the impact of the loss on the business.

Being Prompt After A Fire Is The Key to Safety

2/28/2024 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or workspace can get out of hand if it’s not attended to quickly.

Commercial fire damage can come in the form of lingering smoke, soot damage, and smoke damage. It’s important to take serious action in the event that a fire spreads from the home to the business. The number one thing to do is respond as fast as possible. Though you may be in complete shock after viewing the damage, it is important to shift your focus towards finding a solution before it becomes an even bigger problem. The steps to bringing your space back to life after the fire needs to happen quickly. As a home or business owner, it is critical to follow these steps in the event of a fire.

Speedy Response

Acting quick with the help of a restoration company can be crucial in the event of a fire. The damage to the space can be less severe if a board is up. Being prompt can help the owner stay in business. It truly shows the character of a restoration business that is helping the owner get back on their feet by completing everything in a quick manner. They understand how important it is to get it running again, no matter what kind of damages occurred. The customers will also realize this and be very appreciative of it. An owner that works closely with a restoration company that specializes in responding to damage after a fire is one that puts their employees and customers before anything else. This shows they can truly overcome any obstacle that might arise in their business.

Damage Done

A fire doesn’t have to be huge to make an impact; any size fire can be harmful. It’s very easy for a fire to spread, which can cause smoke and soot damage. Smoke smell can travel from one area to another in just a few seconds. This is why it is so important for the owner to contact fire restoration and cleanup as soon as they realize the problem. They will learn that many other issues arise from commercial fires. The smoke smell is so strong that if it gets into any kind of inventory, it will make it nearly impossible to sell again. Not only will this ruin the inventory, it will also turn customers away from the strong smell. Fire damage restoration and cleanup should begin with a board up then analyze the other parts of the property. Contracts with restoration companies are crucial when it comes to help with problems such as smoke smell, fire cleanup and a board up.

Taking Initiative

An owner of a company can exhibit their leadership qualities by knowing what to do in the situation of a fire. A fast response to a big problem can show the leadership qualities to the rest of the employees and motivate them follow in the same footsteps. “Leaders aren’t self-made; they are driven” as stated in entrepreneur.com by Arnold Schwarzenegger. A fire is the time to step up and take that initiative as a boss to be the leader of your business. Display what should be expected from everyone in your business. Having the damages cleaned up immediately by a restoration company will avoid the risk of any long-term damage to your employees, property and surroundings.

To The Rescue After A Hurricane

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

Our team traveled to assist with the recovery after the hurricane!

After Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage to the Carolinas, our professional SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team headed south from New Jersey to assist with the recovery effort. Many homes had suffered from roof damage due to the high wind speed. Other homes were damaged from the seepage of floodwater which was heavily soiled with contaminants. A vast majority of structures needed extensive interior demolition while those with extreme structural damage were scheduled for complete demolition at a later time.

Our SERVPRO team started work immediately, removing wet materials such as drywall, trim, insulation, hardwood floor, carpet, padding and vinyl. They sprayed antimicrobial to prevent unwanted microbial growth and placed drying equipment to remove moisture from the remaining structural components. Once the structures were dry in three days, customers were able to schedule needed repairs quickly.

Due to our dedication to excellence, our SERVPRO team is always ready to mobilize to regions hit by natural disasters. We have the experience, tools, vehicle fleet and trained personnel to master the completion of dozens of mitigation jobs, no matter how large or small. Don’t be surprised to see us on the road; SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne- “Faster to Any Disaster!”

Do Not Let Sewage Turn Into Mold

2/7/2024 (Permalink)

Mold growth on the floor due to the sewage damage.

Left untreated, the moisture and bacteria from a sewage loss may cause microbial growth. Our SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team has experience with remediating a loss in which sewage was left untreated, causing mold to form on the drywall and floor. In such an instance, all flooring, drywall, doors and trim must be removed. Dehumidifiers are placed and remaining stud beams, subfloor, and stationary objects are cleaned and sanitized. A special antimicrobial sealer can be brushed on all affected areas to prevent mold from forming again in the future. This is often the most important step in the remediation process.

In an effort to prevent the timely remediation of mold, a sewage loss must be mitigated immediately. Our team of SERVPRO professionals are trained to extract and clean the discharge from the area before placing drying equipment to remove any remaining moisture. Faster to any disaster, SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is always ready to take on even the largest sewage losses.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration

1/29/2024 (Permalink)

The kitchen after the reconstruction.

Fire and water combined cause a seemingly catastrophic situation. Our SERPVRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team was called following a kitchen fire to help this apartment building get their tenants back in their units. Our professional cleaning staff worked their magic in 24 hours to extract and dry the water damage before our construction department replaced the sheetrock, kitchen cabinets, painted the walls and finished the floors all within two weeks. The property manager was thrilled with the results and the tenants were able to move back into their units quickly. Small kitchen fires can cause an incredible amount of damage in a short span of time in an apartment building when the sprinkler systems go off. There were five other units in the building, including the main hallway which were flooded following this unit’s fire loss. SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne can provide full-service mitigation and repairs to any apartment complex which has a large-scale loss due to fire.

Call The Cleaning Experts Now

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Jersey City /Bayonne is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time marked by the global pandemic of coronavirus, SERVPRO of South Jersey City / Bayonne wants to remind our customers we are specialists in cleaning services. As a professional team, we strictly adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards derived by industry authorities.

Specialized Training

We are currently prepared to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our franchise has years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and our crews will clean well beyond the scope of work 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 not a product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, our franchise is following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your residence or business requires deep cleaning services, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City / Bayonne- 201-333-3200