Importance of Cleaning Up After Storm Surge

11/29/2024 (Permalink)

The home after demolition following a surge of ocean water.

After this extremely active Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, it is important to understand how to calmly react to the tremendous damage which is left after a storm.

This photo was taken after the demolition of a flooded house in Manasquan, NJ. Our SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne crew was called immediately after ocean surge flooded this home within a block of the beach. Our team responded on the scene within an hour. During inspection, the crew determined all of the drywall and insulation needed to be removed as well as most of the flooring due to the contamination of the ocean water. The remaining stud beams and subfloor were sprayed with an anti-microbial solution to kill any lingering contaminants. Drying equipment was placed to remove any additional moisture to prevent further damage and/or the formation of mold.

Large floods are never too difficult for our SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team as it is imperative to clean and dry the extensive moisture the water deposits into the structure. When dealing with a loss from storm surge, it is imperative to contact your local SERVPRO® to properly clean and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

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.

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.

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.

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!”

Protecting Your Home in Extreme Cold

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

Ice caused by a water loss from above!

When temperatures approach record lows for the northeast region, it is important home and business owners take steps to protect their structures from the extreme weather. Frozen pipes can lead to breakage, damaging personal property and essential heating systems which can create a major disaster at your home or property.

Be sure to keep all living spaces at a minimum low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics or garages. A frozen pipe can burst due to the backflow pressure between the blockage and water source. Some additional prevention methods include:

- Draining pools, sprinkler lines, and shutting off the water source to outside spigots.

-Opening kitchen cabinets to let warm air reach the pipes beneath.

-Daily use of faucets whose source might come from an outside pipe.

In the event of a winter weather emergency, SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is always ready to respond to quickly get your property back to normal! Give us a call 24/7 at 201-333-3200.

Always Here to Help!