Some Steps to Storm Damage Remediation Success in Riverhead

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen very quickly. Respond just as fast with a call to SERVPRO. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage Predicament in Riverhead  

Bordered by Flanders Bay and Long Island Sound, Riverhead is a community with water sports in its blood. Kayaking and water skiing can be enjoyed almost every month of the year, but when storm season hits us, the water isn’t quite so friendly to our homes. 

To rectify the effects of flood damage in Riverhead, a restoration service has to perform three immediate tasks: Remove any water and debris still in the home, disinfect affected surfaces, and begin drying the structure and personal property. SERVPRO response teams perform these and other tasks as quickly as possible so that owners and residents can promptly return to a clean and safe home.

Technicians use pumps and extractors to draw out water and remove any trapped in carpets and flooring. Since flood water contains contaminants, they pump it directly into the nearest sewer access point, if available.

As team members remove the water, others start removing debris by hand and using shovels on dirt and sand that may have flowed into the home or is too damaged even to attempt restoration. This includes carpets, carpet pads, warped and split flooring, paper, and any wall trim that absorbed too much water. 

Next, SERVPRO teams use an anti-bacterial spray on all surfaces touched by the floodwater. This action reduces the risk of mold growth throughout the home. 

After the spray dries in each area, technicians install box fans to increase air circulation across the floors and direct the cool, moist inside air to outside the home. This helps lower the humidity, which speeds up the natural drying process for structural material and personal property like furniture. 

To further increase the rate of drying, team members place the furnishings on blocks and pallets to allow water to drain. They also install air movers to direct warm air around the affected items and across the surfaces of walls and floors to carefully force out moisture where it is caught up in the circulated air and directed out of the home. 

Here at SERVPRO of The North Fork, we proudly support our neighbors here and in Cutchogue, Jamesport, and Mattituck. If you have flood water in your residence, call us today at (631) 591-3771. We are here for you. 

We Discuss The Structural Risks In Early Flood Mitigation In Jamesport

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

You can count on the experience and fast response of our SERVPRO of The North Fork team.

Structural Risks in Early Flood Mitigation for Jamesport Homes

When considering hazards that can exist in Jamesport homes after flooding, most people think about contamination and standing water throughout the lower levels of the property. From the assessment of the damage through the early stages of mitigation, our SERVPRO team braves the conditions to get drying and recovery efforts started. Chiefly, structural weaknesses can be a persistent threat during this time.

As much as controlled demolition can help remove compromised portions of construction material after flood damage to Jamesport homes, the earliest stages of recovery can feature several structural concerns that could impact our technicians without warning. These possibilities can both encourage the acquisition of flood recovery technicians like ours more efficiently. They can also help customers appreciate some of these existent threats if they consider DIY restoration.

Flooring: Wood flooring is often the most susceptible to losing its strength and resilience when exposed to standing water and excessive moisture after flooding for more than a few days. With enough degradation, these materials can fail to support the weight of a technician and break.

Ceilings: Ceiling tile and plasters can become weighted by the presence of water. The heavier materials like insulation above these tiles become, the more strain and pressure placed on a weak structural design.

Drywall: Drywall is another area that can quickly become irreparably damaged by the presence of water. After no more than 24 hours, direct exposure to drywall can soak thoroughly through soft sheetrock and change the composition. Swelling and sagging of the material can force our technicians to pursue controlled demolition before it becomes too heavy to remain attached where it was installed.

Protecting our technicians and customers is a priority of our flood restorers working on the damaged property. You can count on the experience and fast response of our SERVPRO of The North Fork team. Give us a call anytime at (631) 591-3771.

We Act Fast To Limit More Damage to Your Riverhead Home After Flood Damage

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

Quick response and an immediate water removal plan is what we are known for. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Fast Response Needed for Riverhead Flood Damage

Severe storms in Riverhead follow their own timelines, somewhat predictable but always relentless. If your dwelling is in the path of high winds, heavy rains, and storm surges, your response has to be immediate. You must make arrangements for professional help to remove and dispose of the water. Thorough structural drying needs to follow quickly after extraction efforts. Following this process helps prevent progressive deterioration of building materials and inhibits the possibility of mold growth.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster

Because a prompt response to Riverhead flood damage is the best indicator of project success, our commitment to arrive, assess, and implement a plan fast sets our company apart. Our location on the North Shore of Long Island permits us to travel to your home within hours of your call. We are proud to access an extensive inventory of state-of-the-art water extraction and drying equipment. Our team of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians live in the communities we serve.

Local Response with Nationwide Resources

If your home is damaged and taking on quantities of floodwater after a storm, chances are good your neighbors are experiencing similar issues. SERVPRO offers our customers the advantage of our Disaster Recovery Team, leveraging the support of affiliated disaster recovery professionals as needed. Your home’s restoration is important to us, and we use every opportunity afforded to ensure we respond rapidly and efficiently. Board-up and tarping services take place as soon as we arrive. Submersible pumps and heavy-duty extractors placed and operated by our skilled technicians begin evacuating, containing, and legally disposing of the contaminated floodwater next.  

Disinfection and Skilled Structural Drying

After our pumps and extractors suction away and contain the floodwaters, pathogens can remain and proliferate on surfaces. SERVPRO technicians use EPA-registered antimicrobials to kill lingering viruses, bacteria, and other hazardous organisms. Structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers can proceed without fear of spreading hazardous materials post-disinfection.

SERVPRO of The North Fork offers an experienced, well-equipped, and highly-qualified workforce after storms bring flooding to coastal areas. Call us at (631) 591-3771 to secure your property and begin the process of making it “Like it never even happened.”

Penetration Points for Flood Damage in Riverhead Homes

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let flood damage take over your property, Call SERVPRO of The North Fork at (631) 591-3771.

Restoring Flood Damage Begins with Stopping Intruding Water in Riverhead Properties 

It is important to understand how water can enter the house during flood events and what immediate mitigation solutions are necessary once our team arrives. We are specialists capable of helping with:

• Water cleanup
• Surface disinfection
• Thorough drying
• Repairs

Basement Access

Through port windows and structural openings around the basement, flood damage in Riverhead can quickly and completely engulf a basement level of the house. Substantial water can enter through available pathways, and because this floor is much lower than the grade outside, it can allow thousands of gallons of water to enter the property in extreme situations. Window wells can help prevent the intrusion of groundwater.

Attic Penetration

Storm damage events can cripple or severely damage your roof. When these vulnerabilities exist, runoff and other precipitation concerns can allow water to penetrate the attic space. Not only can this prolonged moisture facilitate mold growth, but excessive water penetration can flood both the attic and subsequent living spaces beneath it.

Drain Intrusions

During flood events, pathways like floor drains and toilets can backup and overflow into your home when connected mains become clogged or plugged under the duress of excessive flow. This backup is considered a biohazard event, making it critical to clean up and restore as soon as possible to prevent contaminants from overwhelming the structure.

Structural Openings and Pressure

Between hydrostatic pressure and literal structural openings like the front door of your house, there are multiple additional pathways for floodwater to enter the home. When your structural openings match the height of the grade around your house, any flash flooding can bring this water inside the property's main level.

Understanding where flood damage is likely to result in a home or business can focus attention on potentially problematic structure areas. As leading flood restoration professionals, we can help when your Riverhead home becomes impacted by storm damages. Give our SERVPRO of The North Fork team a call now at (631) 591-3771. 

The Flood Damage Timeline for Restoration in Jamesport Homes

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of The North Fork to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

Phases of Flood Damage Show a Need for Quick Recovery in Jamesport Properties. 

Removing flood damage from your home is a process that must get started right away. There is a pressing, finite restoration time before property damage becomes irreparable. Our fast-responding SERVPRO technicians recognize these destructive milestones and have boots on the ground to help you through these disasters quickly.

Immediately Following Water Intrusion

Right after flood damage in Jamesport homes begins, you see water spread throughout the structure. This floodwater can rapidly target sensitive materials like carpeting that absorb the liquid on contact. Any paper goods in the path of this intruding water are often ruined after this exposure.

Within a Day of Water Exposure 

After a full day of water exposure, wood framing and elements throughout the house can begin to swell. Carpets, fabrics, and upholstery have fully absorbed floodwater and show the effects through the early stages of deterioration. If water restoration is not started at this stage or earlier, elements like the flooring and heavily exposed building materials could become unsalvageable.  

After a Few Days of Flood Exposure

Going this long without a restoration response sees the house experiencing the earliest stages of mold development, and this organism can rapidly spread in this moist environment. Physical signs of colonization are likely present with spotting on surfaces such as drywall and other organic matter. Growing microorganisms can present greater contamination concerns if standing water is still present.  

Faster to The Disasters of Your Life

Choosing SERVPRO is more than a professional restoration service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, which means staying ready 24/7 for the disasters that impact your life. Our pre-stocked production vehicles allow us to mobilize our Green Fleet fast after storm and flood disasters to begin restoring your home with:

• Extractors
• Drying Equipment
• Demolition Tools
• Disinfection Products

Flood damage should be dealt with immediately, and our SERVPRO of The North Fork team can help. Call today at (631) 591-3771.

Call SERVPRO for Flood Damage Repair and Restoration in Jamesport

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Contaminated floodwater in your Jamesport basement requires SERVPRO's help for disinfecting and salvaging your contents

SERVPRO Delivers Flood Mitigation Services in Jamesport

Floodwaters do not care whether your home in Jamesport has a basement or a crawl space. The contaminated water can quickly fill these spaces and damage anything in them. Many people use crawl spaces to store various personal items that must be removed and recovered if possible. Dark warm spaces filled with water and moisture are prime candidates for the uncontrolled growth of mold. Mold can cause health effects, and then there are the viruses and bacteria carried into the crawl space by the floodwater.

SERVPRO provides flood damage repair and cleanup for homes in Jamesport after a storm. Regardless of the type of damage, our teams can help homeowners recover their homes, provide emergency protection for broken windows and damaged roofs, and remove debris, water, disinfect and dry your home.

Crawl spaces and basement vulnerabilities

Crawl spaces present unique challenges. They are unfinished, some with cement floors while others are earthen surfaces. They are dark and warm and the perfect breeding ground for microbes. Since the space is unfinished, many clients feel that they can leave the area to dry on its own after the water is removed.

Pumping only the water out leaves silt that is full of viruses, bacteria, and chemicals. Damp spaces like these are the perfect breeding ground for mold spores to germinate and grow into large colonies. Mold and dampness can damage the structure of your home, causing significant long-term damage.

SERVPRO can help residents clean up the space under your home, remove silt and dry it before disinfecting the entire area. We can improve the IAQ indoor air quality of the above living quarters. Our services include:

• Basement & crawl space mold remediation
• Floodwater cleanup in basements and crawl spaces
• Disinfection, sanitization, and drying of the space under your home

Call SERVPRO of The North Fork for mold removal in Riverhead and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (631) 591-3771.

What Goals Should One Set After Flood Damage in Their Jamesport Property

10/9/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwaters that are stagnant will cause contamination. SERVPRO flood damage restoration service is what you need. Call now!

SERVPRO Implements Preventive Flood Mitigation Steps to Contain Secondary Damage

Whether floodwaters accumulate while you are in the house or not, the outcome can make you feel defeated since it may seem like there is nothing you can do to contain the damage. However, flood damage can be contained in many ways minimizing its effects or even preventing it from reaching some property sections.

While it is okay to accept a certain level of flood damage in your Jamesport property, failure to take action can lead to extreme outcomes such as high restoration costs or even forcing you to abandon the house over extended periods. With assistance from SERVPRO, it is possible to achieve a couple of goals that lead to convenient recovery.

Some of the achievable flood recovery goals include:

•   Mold prevention
•   Limiting damage to contents
•   Containing the spread of contaminants
•   Controlling moisture effects

Once floodwaters breach your property, several kinds of damage start happening. While you may tend to focus on the apparent ones, such as the deep soiling of materials and surfaces, you should not forget that other less visible issues can complicate the recovery later.  Taking action early enough can contain such issues. 

Floodwaters can lead to deep contamination of your property, especially if groundwater is involved. Even in cases where flooding results from a breached roof, contamination can arise from the proliferation of microbes. Our SERVPRO teams can help you deal with this in many ways, including removing the porous materials and spraying disinfectants in the water.

Exposure to moisture affects various materials causing rot, rust, swelling, mold, and many other issues. Although restoration drying can only be done after finishing other processes such as cleanup and decontamination, our SERVPRO teams can provide humidity control which limits moisture migration, saving more items.

SERVPRO of The North Fork can implement various processes that help contain flood damage. Call us at (631) 591-3771. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Is Wet Insulation Permanently Harmed Following Flood Damage in Riverhead?

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Wet insulation after a flood can quickly turn into a mold infestation. Call SERVPRO to mitigate the situation and remediate the mold damage.

Most Insulation Requires Replacement After Flood Damage. SERVPRO in Riverhead Can Help

Bad weather conditions can lead to flooding in your home. While drying an entire property may feel overwhelming, it is vital to begin repairing the property immediately to prevent further damages. Floodwaters can affect your home through liquid moisture, vapor, or stagnation. Each of these impacts is time-related, meaning that the sooner you take action against flood intrusion, the more likely it is that you mitigate permanent damages. Professional restoration companies in the area can help you with:

• Structural drying
• Flood restoration
• Vapor damage mitigation

One of the core skills for flood damage mitigation in Riverhead is structural drying. Understanding how a building functions and how airflow ventilates a residential property is essential to managing a flood restoration project. Parts of your home may have to be replaced following flood damage as they can take on permanent harm. Insulation, for example, is adversely affected by moisture which reduces its insulating capabilities. Replacing insulation is relatively inexpensive. However, insufficient insulation can lead to further condensation damages in your home. 

• Fiberglass insulation can often recover from contact with moisture. However, they must be dried using injectidry systems to avoid potentially harmful mold growth. 
• Cellulose or Rockwool insulations generally must be replaced following contact with water. This replacement is necessary because fibers can mat and reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. 
• Drying insulation can sometimes be achieved without removing walls and instead by ventilating air directly into the cavity by drilling holes beneath the baseboard. 

Our technicians are here to help you overcome natural disasters. Contact SERVPRO of The North Fork for flood damage restoration at (631) 591-3771.

Restoring and Repairing Wall Systems in Flooded Jamesport Homes

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded? Team SERVPRO can help with water removal services. We are standing by 24/7 for your emergency call.

Flooding can cripple construction materials and require cleaning and repairs for Jamesport properties.

Wall systems are often one of the most heavily damaged areas of properties after standing water concerns persist from flooding. While flooring can take direct damage, each layer of the wall system has sensitivities to increased moisture and possible contaminants.

The Damaged Elements of a Wall System

Because flood damage in Jamesport homes can spread so fast and impact so many materials, understanding the expected results can show where controlled demolition or cleaning and restoration are the ideal approaches. Some of the affected materials include:

• Drywall – Our technicians can use a non-penetrating moisture meter to determine if trapped moisture exists. Drywall can be restored only if no swelling or fungal growth concerns exist. 
• Wood Framing – Even with minor warping or distortion, wood framing is restorable after thorough drying. 
• Insulation – Often, the insulation itself is restorable, though damage to the backing paper might require removing and replacing this material. 

Can SERVPRO Complete Repairs?

Some restoration companies require you to obtain and vet subcontractors to help in controlled demolition and reconstruction. With a general contractor license, our SERVPRO team can help in these areas during and immediately following restoration actions to clean up after the flood.

After flooding, a series of restorative actions and repairs are needed to return the property to its original condition. With certifications and licenses, we can provide comprehensive solutions to recover damaged homes after flooding. Give our SERVPRO of The North Fork team a call today at (631) 591-3771.

Flood Damage After a Riverhead Storm Calls for Prompt Action

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded after a recent storm? Team SERVPRO can help with water removal and flood damage remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Knows that Water Removal Services and Drying in Riverhead Must Happen Right Away After Flood Damage

Physical water extraction is just part of the process when you have flooding and other damage after a storm in Riverhead. Not only may you have groundwater coming into your first floor or basement, but you may also have a leaking roof from storms that lead to costly, unsightly ceiling leaks. SERVPRO acts quickly to begin the cleanup and hopefully lessen the impact on you emotionally and financially.

Do you have storm and flood damage in Riverhead? If so, you may not know where to begin or whether you should try to tackle the water damage repairs yourself. SERVPRO is composed of highly-trained water restoration technicians that stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and teachings.

Facts you may not realize about flooding and water removal include:

• For water extraction to be efficient, it must get done fast. A single gallon of water standing in your home needs one hour for dehumidification or longer. Time is of the essence.
• Poor extractions create higher humidity, making it take longer to complete the job. When this happens, secondary damage and mold growth sets in.
• Controlled demolition is sometimes necessary to thoroughly remove saturated drywall, flooring, subfloor, and carpeting. Floodwater contains contaminants that can pose potential health effects. 

SERVPRO of The North Fork has the skills, manpower, and equipment to achieve better flood damage restoration results rather than DIY methods alone. If you need a crew to get started with water removal services, call us at (631) 591-3771.

Can Cleanup Address Flood Damage in Mattituck Homes Effectively?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Does flooding have your property under inches of water? Have no fear, team SERVPRO can certainly help. Call right away for best results.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Equipment and Cleaning Agents during Water Clean Up In Mattituck

When you glance at a map of Mattituck, the most outstanding feature is the Mattituck inlet, a major waterway that almost splits the hamlet in half and connects to the Long Island Sound. The water body is a combination of different waterways and creeks. It was dredged and usually serves people taking boat rides for pleasure. There are several other water bodies in Mattituck, including James Creek and Horton Creek, so the risk of flood damage to homes in the area is heightened.

The Heart of Wine Country

Mattituck is located in the heart of over 30 vineyards which form part of the Long Island wine region. The most notable ones include:

• Macari vineyards
• Rosehill vineyards and Inn 
• Harbes family farm
• Laurel lake vineyards

At the vineyards, people have the chance to sample various local wines and tasty foods. Spending time at a vineyard also provides a great environment for relaxation. 

Mattituck also hosts an annual strawberry festival on Father’s Day weekend. The event that runs for four days is billed as the Granddaddy of all berry festivals and draws people mostly from the surrounding rural farmlands. It features various entertaining activities, including games, rides, and performances. A queen of the Strawberry Fair is also crowned.

Historical Significance 

Mattituck was part of the land owned by Corchaug Indians, then sold to a governor of New Haven at the time, Theophilus Eaton. English colonists settled in the area in 1662 and pursued agriculture and trade development. During the revolutionary wars, it was occupied by British troops. A visit to some of the museums in the area illuminates the history of the area better.

• Hallockville Museum Farm

The farm was created to preserve the farming history of the North Fork of Long Island. The main feature is the Hallock homestead built by Ruben Brown in 1775. The facility holds several animals and antique farm equipment.

• Mattituck Historical Society

The facility located at 18200 Main Road was established in the late 1960s to educate the community about the diverse history and heritage of the area. It maintains several museum complexes and archives offering programs of interest and exhibits to people of all ages. 

What Makes Cleanup by SERVPRO after Flood Damage in Mattituck Better?

Flooding can leave your home looking like a dumpsite because of the soiling on surfaces and debris from damaged walls or ceiling materials. In addition to the visible issues, there is deep contamination. 

When addressing flood damage cases in Mattituck, SERVPRO deploys all the resources needed to clean up the property restoring it to its preloss state. Our technicians have a deeper understanding of chemical agents and use different types to ensure proper control of contaminants. For instance, when applying antimicrobial products, we consider whether they are disinfectants, sterilizers, or sanitizers. Sanitizers reduce microorganisms while disinfectants destroy up to 99% of the organisms they contact.

The results from a water cleanup exercise may also differ depending on the equipment used. Our SERVPRO technicians use powerful equipment such as rotating brushes or power washers to remove all soils from surfaces, thus making them ideal for: 

• Cleaning Up after a sewer backup
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood restoration

SERVPRO of The North Fork can clean up any property after flood damage. Call us at (631) 591-3771.

Safety Concerns in Jamesport Homes After Flooding

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage is no DIY project. SERVPRO has the team you need to have your home back to preloss condition. IICRC certified technicians on the job.

Flooding can create many threatening safety risks and concerns for homeowners. 

The presence of standing water after a flood in your Jamesport home can be an overwhelming situation, and that is often before recognizing how many potential safety hazards and threats exist within this specific circumstance. Talented technicians on our SERVPRO team can reach flood-damaged homes quickly to begin vital mitigation efforts that expose structural weaknesses and other potential safety hazards that might exist and slow restoration efforts.

Safety Concerns that Exist After Flooding 

Flood damage in Jamesport, like standing water, can be enough to engage with electrical outlets or appliances plugged into active and live circuits. Electrical shock can be a continual threat to your home when standing water exists, making DIY inspections and evaluations of the damage a threat or risk to the homeowner. Our building trade professionals can begin implementing specific mitigation and repair tasks upon arrival. Some of these include:

• Board-up/Tarping
• Debris Removal
• Controlled Demolition
• Content Relocation

Flooding presents several safety hazards to those exposed, but our SERVPRO of The North Fork team can help when you call (631) 591-3771.

A Night of Fish and Trivia in Riverhead

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

An aquatic adventure with food and trivia? Sign us up!

Support the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead and Enjoy an Evening of Trivia

There is no shortage of events in Riverhead, but a unique and fun option comes from the Long Island Aquarium and their Trivia Night. Scheduled for December 11th at 6:30 p.m. or December 17th at the same time, attendees can enjoy a change of scenery while exercising their brains. 

If you have never been to the Aquarium, keep the following in mind-

• There is a full cash bar at the event
• Reservations are required, and admission is $5.00
• Small plates are available for purchase

The Aquarium’s website is chock full of information, and special events are continuously added. 

Earlier in December, Santa will pay a visit, and a couple of weeks after Trivia Night, a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration is also in store.  

At SERVPRO, we also plan for when we arrive at a home needing flood damage cleanup. Just like the Aquarium, we set our sights on milestones and prepare for them by using state-of-the-art equipment and industry best practices to erase the path of the storm through your house.

SERVPRO of The North Fork joins the community in keeping everyone safe by providing restoration services as needed. Call us at (631) 591-3771, and let us come to your aid when disaster strikes. Our goal is to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Why is it Essential that Flood Damage Teams in Jamesport Understand Building and Material Science?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

If your historic home suffers from flood damage, time is of the essence. Contact Team SERVPRO for effective water removal services.

Jamesport Residents Need Flood Damage Control that suits Their Homes

Jamesport is a small, quaint hamlet with a variety of exciting and historic homes. Residents love how much character the area has, and of course, they want to preserve the character of their homes in the event of a disaster.

Flood damage in Jamesport can cause many problems:

• Soaked carpets and drapes
• Warped wooden floors or furniture
• Structural damage to insulation, drywall, or door and window frames
• Unsanitary conditions if the floodwater is contaminated
  

Floods also increase the risk of mold growth in your home by providing the moisture that spores need to propagate. If you do not get help quickly, you could be left with irreparable items and an unpleasant damp smell.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of The North Fork is available 24 hours. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster – you can expect a visit within four hours of contacting us.

What is building and material science?

In the restoration industry, building and material science refers to understanding different building types and building materials, and how to dry them.

A thorough understanding of different construction materials is the foundation of flood damage restoration in Jamesport. That is why SERVPRO trains all of its staff to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. IICRC training means our technicians understand how to work with different materials and create a drying plan that is unique to each dwelling.

Why is building and material science important in flood remediation?

Knowledge of building and material science helps our technicians to:

• Carry out accurate moisture inspection
• Correctly identify the materials present in your home 
• Correctly identify the assembly of each component
• Draw up a detailed drying plan
  

Knowing about building and material science makes it easier to anticipate challenges and take steps to mitigate them before they become an issue. It also allows us to calculate how to dry your home and which equipment is best to use. This is especially important in an area like the North Fork, where there are so many historic and unique houses.

What is a building envelope and why does it matter?

The building envelope means everything that separates the inside of your home from the outside. It includes exterior walls, the roof, ceilings, finished floors, windows and doors, and the foundation. Homes are not completely airtight. The IICRC ranks houses according to how well the building envelopes prevents external conditions from influencing inside conditions:

• A tight envelope means we can control drying conditions without significant effects from outside
• A moderate envelope means that the outside conditions will moderately impact drying conditions
• A loose envelope means that the conditions outside will significantly impact the conditions inside

To determine where your home falls on this scale, we will consider its age, its construction, the condition of windows and doors, whether there is any damage to the roof, and other details.

Understanding the building envelope makes it easier for us to determine the correct placement of air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers while we dry your home.

What are mechanical systems and why do they matter?

Mechanical systems sound fancy, but it just refers to plumbing, air, and heating. Examples of mechanical systems include plumbing, the HVAC, exhaust vents, electrical points, and fireplaces. Awareness of these systems is critical when drying after flood damage because they can affect a room's air pressure and temperature.

For example, if flood water damages your bathroom, and SERVPRO wants to set up a drying system, we must be aware of the bathroom vents and fan. Vents and fans can allow air to escape, creating a negative air situation. Air will rush in to replace the air that went out. If the incoming air is colder or damper than the escaping air, that can affect our drying system, and we must adjust accordingly.

Why must SERVPRO technicians understand the movement of air, heat, and water?

The design of your home can impact the way air, heat, and water move through it. For example, as well as known air entry and escape points, like doors, there may be cracks in masonry. We know that hot air always moves towards cold air, which means hot air will flow towards the outside in the winter. Air and temperature can also be affected if you turn on your HVAC or bathroom exhaust fan while we are working.

Water can move as liquid along surfaces, as vapor, or by materials wicking moisture from the air. Our technicians can trace the movement using moisture meters and probes, and we can measure humidity during drying.

A thorough understanding of building and material science means SERVPRO can remedy water damage more quickly and efficiently, so you can get on with your life.

For help with water damage, call SERVPRO of The North Fork at (631) 591-3771.

How Can a Restoration Company Help After Flood Waters Damage My Home?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let flood water take over your home. Call the experienced professionals at SERVPRO. We will arrive on scene immediately.

SERVPRO Can Help With More Than Just Removing The Floodwater From Your Jamesport Home.

Can I Retrieve my Jewelry, Computer, and Heirlooms?

Floodwaters can damage your Jamesport home in a matter of minutes. Many homeowners barely have time to escape to the second floor of their home or reach higher ground before floodwaters rage through their neighborhood, destroying everything. Once the water has subsided, owners want to return to assess the damage and retrieve various items vital to them. Many are concerned about losing expensive jewelry and heirlooms in all of the confusion after a storm.

SERVPRO urges consumers to avoid immediately entering their houses after a flood has damaged their Jamesport homes. There are many dangers to avoid, including toxic chemicals, live electrical wires, fuel leaks, and even animals that may have been carried into homes by the water. We can help verify your home is safe to enter, retrieve a variety of items, assess their cleanliness, and clean them if needed. Our technicians maintain an inventory of all items removed by our team and the homeowner for safekeeping. The inventory list, which notes the condition of each piece, is used for insurance purposes.

I Have Insurance, How Can I Make a Detailed Claim?

SERVPRO specializes in cleaning and restoring homes and businesses after floodwaters have inundated neighborhoods. We maintain detailed records of all damage, any contents that cannot be cleaned, and those that can be returned to their preloss condition.

We complete a full inspection of your home, noting the damage caused by floodwaters, including recommendations for removing flooring materials, and flood cuts on walls to remove drywall. Damage to appliances and furniture, along with smaller items, is also recorded.

Our team leader can work closely with your insurance company to provide any information needed to make a claim covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Many customers have flood insurance with a deductible, which is paid by the homeowner. Note that this deductible amount is subtracted from your claim by your insurance company.

We work closely with the homeowner and their insurance company to return your home to its preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of The North Fork (631) 591-3771 to assist with flood damage restoration, recovery, and reconstruction.

See more about Jamesport.

Flood Waters Swept Through My Mattituck Home – Can It Be Put Back to Normal?

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of The North Fork at (631) 591-3771 for expert flood damage service.

SERVPRO Works Fast to Restore Your Mattituck Residence to Pre-loss Condition

When a storm rips through, Mattituck floodwaters can invade homes leaving a mess behind. Storm flooding brings a myriad of contaminants that need to be cleaned up by those trained to deal with biohazardous material. Thankfully SERVPRO has just the trained technicians required.

How Quickly Do You Respond to a Call?

Our crews can be at your home within hours of receiving the call. We know how catastrophic flooding can be, and we are available 24/7. Emergency mitigation also needs to happen as quickly as possible to prevent secondary flood damage at your Mattituck home. On arrival, we will:

    •    Do a scope to assess the full extent of the damage.
    •    Ensure it is safe to proceed. This process includes things such as making sure there are no electrical hazards.
    •    Formulate a plan for water extraction and restoration.
    •    Test the floodwaters to see what contaminants are present.
    •    Dress in the proper personal protection equipment (PPE)

What Happens Next?

SERVPRO crews get busy attacking the mess left behind from the flooding. Standing water is a big concern, so water extraction is the first priority. Before the water removal begins, debris may need mucking out, and our crews will take care of that. Certain items may need to be discarded differently, and we ensure the proper disposal of waste material. For water extraction, we use powerful pumps that can quickly remove gallons of water. We have truck mounted and portable pumps. Our submersible pumps to an excellent job of extracting deeper water.

What If There Is Hidden Water?

Hidden water is a problem and one you don't want to leave untreated. It can lead to mold and mildew developing and cause further damage to the structure and content. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians use state-of-the-art technology to find hidden moisture pockets. This step includes using moisture sensors, moisture meters, and thermal imaging. Removing the water as rapidly as possible is the goal.

The Drying Out Process

Once the water gets removed, the drying out process begins. This process includes the use of centrifugal air movers, dehumidifiers, and industrial fans. The crew test the moisture in the air and include other factors to determine the proper ratio of air movers and dehumidifiers.

Repair & Restoration

Our crews are experts at not only cleaning up after a flood but repair and restoration as well. One of the things that may need doing to prevent further flood damage is controlled demolition. In this situation, flood cuts are made above the water line to remove the damaged sheetrock. Those cut areas have brand new sheetrock put in place. We assess walls, ceilings, cupboards, and flooring for contaminants and to see what is salvageable. If it can be saved, it will be. If not, repair and replacement get done to turn your home back to preloss condition.

What About the Contents? Can That Be Salvaged?

If your home's content can be cleaned on-site, the crew will move it to an area where that can happen. If not, we provide pack-out services. This process involves inventorying, packing up, and moving the content to our warehouse for cleaning. You may think most of the damaged content will need tossing, but that isn't always the case. SERVPRO can often restore items to their preloss condition. These include things such as:

    •    Dishes, glassware, and cookware
    •    Clothing
    •    Drapery and linens
    •    Personal items such as jewelry and knick-knacks
    •    Furniture including upholstered items
    •    Books and papers

When the work to the structure and inside of your home gets completed, we will return your restored content.

What Are the Final Steps?

Deodorizing and sanitizing are two of the final steps. We make sure every surface has been adequately cleaned and sanitized. SERVPRO teams use EPA-registered cleaning agents and disinfectants to ensure everything is safe. Musty smells are often present with any water instruction. To get rid of any lingering odors, we use a combination of air filtration devices (AFD), air scrubbers, and thermal fogging.

Giving You Back Your Home

SERVPRO strives for 100% customer satisfaction. Your home is where you not only eat and sleep, but where you play, spend time with family and make memories. We know how important that is, and we restore your home, so it's “Like it never even happened.” Storm damage can be overwhelming. But our Green Team is available 24/7 to take the problem off your hands and provide you with quality service that brings peace of mind.

Contact SERVPRO of The North Fork at (631) 591-3771 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Where Does Flooding Do the Worst Damage to My Riverhead Home?

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can quickly cause damage in your home. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation efforts.

Floodwater can spread quickly through a property, but some areas of the house are more damaged by the water penetration than others. 

As with any loss incident that could impact your Riverhead home, severity changes from one site to the next. In specific ways, you do not have a choice in how damaged your property might initially become due to spreading flood loss conditions. It is possible to impact how compromising these disasters become by securing professional restoration services like our SERVPRO team as soon as you recognize a disaster. 

When it comes to restoring flood damage in your Riverhead home, there are many levels and actions that must be taken as soon as possible. Reducing the spread and severity of loss effects is the focal point of our fast-responding emergency technicians. We have skilled professionals accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in multiple fields and niches such as water restoration, structural drying, and microbial remediation. 

Does the Type of Flooding Impact the Damaged Areas? 

Flooding is not the same in every house. While some homes in our region might be susceptible to flash flooding and its destructive properties, other homes might suffer roof damage by hurricane-force winds. The flooding that can result from a breach in your roof impacts the property differently than natural rising water penetrating your main floor or basement. Understanding these variances ensures that the appropriate restoration approach gets taken as soon as possible. 

• Roof Flooding – Flooding that begins from penetration through the roofing system can leave areas like the attic susceptible to substantial water loss. While these incidents are clean water threats, any pooling or saturation can spread quickly to the lower levels.
• Natural Flooding – There are many instances of natural flooding that could impact your property. Flash flooding, or even slowly rising water levels, could find their way into lower levels of your home, including the basement and crawlspace.
• Structural Breach/Wind-Driven Flooding – Missing siding and broken windows are also areas where flooding could begin. Wind-driven rain and other precipitation can find its way inside through these structural breaches and begin impacting all materials this water gets exposed to as it moves.

How Does Attic Flooding Get Resolved? 

With roof damages, flooding in the attic is often unavoidable. Despite how quickly our SERVPRO team can respond to this emergency, there are usually several factors at work. Not only do you need temporary construction solutions that can tarp over any roof breaches, but you also need effective mitigation solutions. Regardless of the severity of these situations, we respond quickly 24/7. We have effective emergency services that can reduce the migration of loss effects to protect your home and its contents better. Some of these solutions include: 

• Extraction – As with all flood loss recovery situations, extraction is one of the initial tasks that our team must undertake. We have multiple practical pieces of equipment to complete this phase of recovery, including submersible pumps and wet vacuums.
• Drying – While drying is a more complex and time-consuming element of recovery after a flood loss, its role in returning your home to preloss condition cannot be understated. Using air movers and dehumidifiers, we can manage evaporative drying to protect more of your structure.
• Content Management – Many people use their attics for storage, so when this area becomes flooded by roof damage, content management becomes a vital service that our team offers. By assessing your personal belongings individually, we can determine whether these items can be restored on-site or in our climate-controlled warehouse facility.

Is Flooding in the Basement Easy to Clean? 

When natural flooding penetrates lower levels like the basement, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sight of your damaged home. We have effective practices that can protect your property beginning as soon as we arrive. Some of these approaches are designed to reduce the presence of standing water, while others are meant to address potential contamination concerns. Some of the steps that we get started immediately include: 

• Water Removal 
• Drying 
• Muck Out 
• Surface Cleaning 

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster – But What Does That Mean for You? 

Every loss situation from flooding to fires benefits from competent restoration professionals arriving quickly. Because we are available 24/7, your call goes to a real person conveying credible information to our responding technicians to get the personnel and the equipment that you need as soon as possible. 

No matter how detrimental flooding is for your property, our SERVPRO of The North Fork team can help. We have the equipment and personnel to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us now at (631) 591-3771.

What Damage Can I Expect to my Home After a Storm?

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to mitigate your water damaged problems in your Riverhead home.

Storms Can Flood Your Home and Weaken your Structure

Those in Riverhead may worry about storms and their consequences. Whenever outside water makes its way into your home, you need to take a comprehensive look at the damage and enlist the help of a reputable company to restore it. Well-meaning neighbors and friends may be able to help, but only technicians trained for these occasions can perform a thorough cleanup process.

Riverhead neighbors with flood damage can rely on SERVPRO to give them a knowledgeable assessment of their homes after flooding. Aside from the apparent harm done by water coming in, you need to pay close attention to structural elements and the possibility of microbes settling in your home. Drying, cleaning, and disinfecting are essential steps in restoring your home.

How does flood damage affect the structure of my home?

Floodwaters cause visible damage. Soaking furniture and peeling paint are easy to spot, and our SERVPRO team advises you on the benefits of restoration or the need for removal. However, damage can hide within your home in other areas. For example-

• Beneath hardwood floors
• Weakening of drywall
• Water accumulation within your crawl space

Our SERVPRO team inspects visible and invisible consequences and takes appropriate action. Our expertise guides our steps as we ready your home for further repairs and your return.

SERVPRO of The North Fork is available by calling (631) 591-3771. Invite us into your home and let us leave it "Like it never even happened."

Steps Homeowners can Take After Flood Damage in Riverhead

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Storms are frequent in New York. Call us for fast flood damage remediation.

What to Do Before SERVPRO Arrives at Flooded Riverhead Homes 

Shortly after a flood loss occurs in your Riverhead home, you can recognize a need for professional recovery. Even though We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, there are often still several hours between your initial call and when the restoration technicians of our SERVPRO team arrive to begin emergency services like extractions and content management. Still, there are steps that you can take that can reduce your losses provided that the damage in your home has not gotten out of control or unsafe to navigate. 

Knowing these few steps can help you to lessen the severity of flood damage to Riverhead homes by decreasing the likelihood of potential health hazards or protecting contents and belongings in the path of the disaster. With these pre-restoration steps out of the way, our professionals can reach your damaged address and begin to work immediately on water removal, drying, and cleaning up the property. 

Relocating Your Belongings 

One of the most destructive aspects of a natural disaster like flooding is the effect it can have on the contents of your home. Your personal belongings and possessions are often more valuable and treasured to the family than the structure itself, so take a few minutes when possible to move contents in the path of the flooding to a safer location. 

Place Sandbags 

While our SERVPRO professionals arrive with premier extraction equipment, reducing the spread of flooding throughout your home can often occur with the application of sandbags. You can even drop these in doorways or thresholds inside the house to prevent water migration from tiled to carpeted areas that would be more challenging to restore.

Sever Utilities  

It might not always be possible to sever utilities like your water and electricity before you vacate the premises. Still, when you do, it can reduce potential health hazards and risks for responding technicians. Our team focuses on safety, and we bring generators along with us to run the array of electric tools in our inventory if electrical service has gotten severed to the house. 

After a flood, there are a few steps that you can take to protect your home before our SERVPRO of The North Fork team arrives. Contact our rapid response team 24/7 at (631) 591-3771. 

More about Riverhead.

Flood Damage Remediation Services In Jamesport

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

If your basement floods due to snowmelt, never wait to get help.

Local Jamesport Flood Damage Remediation Services

Many things could cause flood damage to your home, from a bad storm to a tree falling on your home. However, many people do not consider that snowmelt could cause flood damage to your home. As snow falls and then melts throughout December, things are considerably wet. However, if a lot of snow melts at once, it can cause problems for your home.  

Runoff from snowmelt can seep into your home and cause flood damage in your Jamesport basement. If your sump pump fails, you could be left with centimeters of water on your basement floor. For this reason, if you discover excess water in your basement, you should reach out for help immediately.

Here at SERVPRO, we're water restoration experts. We understand how time-sensitive any kind of water-based damage is. For this reason, as soon as we get your call, a team of our flood damage technicians can quickly gather and travel to your home. We use advanced equipment to combat the floodwaters in your house, such as wet/dry vacuums and extractors.

Once SERVPRO arrives, we can quickly remove any furniture that needs to be dried and bring it to our facility. We can pack up any belongings in new boxes and make sure that we can get to every inch of excess water in your basement. From there, we can remove the standing water using our advanced equipment.

Many people thing excess moisture cannot impact concrete in an unfinished basement, but that is simply not true. Water can stain the surface and leave residue behind. For this reason, here at SERVPRO, we make sure to dry the area of damage as thoroughly as we can using devices like dehumidifiers, axial fans, and heaters. Lastly, we can search for any hidden pockets of water we may have missed with thermal imaging cameras. At SERVPRO, we believe in being thorough and leaving your home feeling, “Like it never even happened.”

If your basement floods due to snowmelt, never wait to get help. Communicate with SERVPRO of The North Fork by calling (631) 591-3771. We're always here to help.

For more about Jamesport click here.

SERVPRO of the North Fork handling Natural Disasters

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

While you have no control over natural water- related disasters, SERVPRO ofthe North Fork 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.

When storms hit Long Island, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. If a flood strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO of the North Fork,we are available 24/7 for any emergency you may have, please call us 631-591-3771.

Protecting yourself from Storms

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

After a Severe Storm

Severe weather can strike quickly and leave behind a trail of destruction. So to protect yourself, your family and home from these real dangers take a little bit of knowledge and preparation. However, it is possible to stay safe and control damage by following a few simple steps.

• During the storm: if you experience a power outage, please alert your local Energy company.
• Consider checking on others who may benefit from your assistance.
• Don’t get near power lines because, its very dangerous.
• Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more to avoid food goods from decomposing quickly.
• During severe weather or power outages, turn off as many appliances and electronic as possible.
• Keep children and family pets away from where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.)
• Continue to monitor the media for important information.

2018 Hurricane Season Predictions

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Satellite image by NOAA

NOAA has predicted a normal to above normal  season for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season this year, which occurs from June 1 through November 30.  

What is normal?  This prediction indicates the Atlantic coast could see 10-16 named storms, 5-9 of which could be hurricanes.  Of those, 1-4 could result in major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.  These major hurricanes could be categories 3, 4 or 5 and can create significant damage and destruction. 

Doing as many preventative steps as you can before storm season has begun can help to minimize your damages and losses.  Trim any trees and branches that are heavy, dead, or a threat to personal property, electric wires or a structure.  Round up any loose items that could become airborne.  Secure and fasten down large items that must remain but could become airborne or move in flooding.  

Make hurricane shutters cutting plywood to fit all windows and doors, secure all rolling overhead garage doors from inside, make sure all drains, gutters and downspouts are clear and drain away from the property.

Use proper personal safety.  If there is a regional evacuation - secure your property and evacuate.  

Hurricane Season’s Around the Corner. Here’s What to Expect.

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

What New Yorkers need to know to prepare

Reprinted by NYtimes.com

This year’s hurricane season should be normal or slightly more active than average, government forecasters said on Thursday.

After the exceptionally destructive season last year, the prediction might seem like a reprieve of sorts. But a season with few storms can do tremendous damage if a single storm makes landfall. Hurricane season runs from June 1 until Nov. 1 and peaks from mid-August through late October.

“We’re not expecting the season to be one of the most active on record,” said Gerry Bell, lead hurricane season forecaster with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. But, he said, “It’s time to start getting prepared.”

The agency’s forecasters predicted a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms with winds of 39 miles per hour or higher. Five to nine of those could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 m.p.h. or higher, and one to four could develop into major hurricanes, which have winds of 111 m.p.h. or higher.

By comparison, an average hurricane season produces 12 named storms. Six of those typically become hurricanes and three develop into major hurricanes.

Storm Damage in Riverhead, NY

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Can Bring Down the Roof

This home was ravaged during Hurricane Jose, which unfortunately for the homeowners, suffered extensive water intrusion inside. Drywall was affected, soaked through with water in walls and ceilings - bringing down the roof, as you see in the photo. 

When storm damage or water from any source - creeks, groundwater, sewage, rain, ice melts, pipe breaks - even bathroom overflow, SERVPRO of the North Fork can be there very quickly to start damage control and prevent further damage.  Our teams have extensive training and water certifications.  We use industrial quality equipment that removes water rapidly - we can pump large amounts quickly, clean, and sanitize.  

So if unwanted water has entered your world, call SERVPRO of the North Fork right away at 631-591-3771 and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Storm Season - Damage Prevention Tips for the North Fork

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Rain and storms on the east end's North Fork can be damaging.

We are now entering storm and hurricane season, we all need to take precautions to protect our homes, businesses and properties.  Whether it's a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorms or another form of extreme weather, your home could experience significant water damage, flooding or destruction to both interior and exterior portions of the structure and infrastructure.  Nevertheless, we can take precautions to minimize the potential damage as these storms could cause significant losses to your property. 

Tip #1:  Inspect your garage doors, windows, roof and trees surrounding the building.  Once you identify these areas, you can take measures to help reinforce them which will most likely reduce the damage.  Anchor loose connections, repair any existing damage. 

Tip #2:  Trim back any loose branches and limbs that pose a threat.  

Tip #3:  Remove and store or anchor any loose unsecured items that may become airborne in high winds.  

While taking these precautions does not guarantee your home or business won't endure some storm & water damage, they can help reduce the degree of damage. 

If your home or business is damaged by storm SERVPRO of the North Fork can help! Call us 631-531-3771.