Recent Storm Damage Posts

Repairs Needed for Severe Storm Damage Repair in Fort Lee Homes

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Water Soaked Carpet Disaster may strike at any time in Fort Lee. Call SERVPRO for the storm damage restoration.

Water Damage Repair Takes Many Forms 

Storms and water damage can be extensively disruptive and destructive to your home. We have experienced professionals to help with needed repairs and reconstruction during our restoration process. 

Classifying Your Storm Loss Event

The need for water damage repair in Fort Lee homes is relative to the damage classification. Loss events can be broken into one of four categories:

  • Class 1 – Storm and water damage of this type include only portions of rooms. In all, this classification is designated for restoration projects that are small in scale. Impacted materials are either slow to absorb water or non-porous. 
  • Class 2 – The second class refers to a greater scope of water damage where absorption is more of a factor. Carpet and padding have been impacted by intruding water. OSB board or plywood for structural support might also be affected at this stage.
  • Class 3 - When storm water damage has come from floors above to lower levels of the house by passing through structural assemblies like the ceiling and insulation, you have the chance of material collapse with a dire need for cleanup and drying.
  • Class 4 – This is the worst classification of water damage in which materials are so widely impacted by intruding stormwater that even resistant materials like concrete and masonry units are wet. This final classification of possible water damage requires longer drying times and extensive repairs.   

Full Reconstruction and Repair for Your Damaged Home

Our SERVPRO team can help with full reconstruction and build-back after a storm. Severe weather can leave the building envelope compromised and needing direct attention by our licensed and certified professionals. Our fast response allows some of these repairs to begin right away.


When you need water damage repair after a storm, you can count on SERVPRO of Fort Lee. Call us at (201) 496-6024.

SERVPRO Provides Reliable Flood Damage Restoration in Fort Lee

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

blue submersible pump iron SERVPRO provides various types of water pumps to remove flooding, especially contaminated water, from your Fort Lee property.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Tools to Restore Flood Damage in Fort Lee Homes

Flood damage restoration of your Fort Lee home needs to happen fast to prevent any lasting aesthetic and structural issues. The longer the floodwater stays in contact with the building material, the more harm it can cause to its structural integrity.

Consequently, professional restorers like SERVPRO prioritize water extraction when dealing with flood damage to your Fort Lee home. As flood water often contains debris and solids, restorers need different types of pumps to remove the standing water from your property. The goal of restorers is to remove as much water as quickly as possible. 

Types of Pumps SERVPRO Techs use

A pump is one of the most useful pieces of equipment to remove water from a flooded structure. SERVPRO techs use different types of pumps that vary in mechanism and capacity during flood restoration.

Centrifugal pumps are commonly used in the restoration industry. A centrifugal pump converts the rotational energy from a motor to power for moving fluid against gravity. The centrifugal pumps we use in flood restoration include-

  • Self-priming trash pumps
  • High-pressure pumps
  • Electric submersible pumps

The type of pump required depends on the size of solids present in floodwater and the distance through which water needs to be transported.

Electric Submersible Pumps

As these pumps are portable, work on electricity and provide continuous operation, they are the most common types used for water extraction. Submersible pumps are available in various capacities and can remove from 100 to 18,000 gallons of water per hour. Large industrial units can provide up to 265 feet of discharge head. However, if the floodwater contains solids or other debris suspended, then trash pumps are the best option.

Call SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024. Our restorers are available 24/7 to help you.  

Stormwater Problems in Fort Lee?? Try Calling SERVPRO for Restoration

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Illustration of Utility Room Flooded Basement in Fort Lee? Swift Water Removal and Cleanup from SERVPRO is Just a Phone Call Away!!

What You Should Do When an Especially Rainy Season Floods Your Fort Lee Home

Having a home located near a river can be a fantastic experience, except when said river causes flood damage to your property. Due to an incredibly rainy season, the Hudson river collected a significant amount of water and became dangerously full during the rainy season. Unfortunately, the water became too much after another thunderstorm, and your home took the hit.

Fortunately for you, the flood damage to your Fort Lee home was not catastrophic. As the water level rose, your home, which is located on a slight hill, managed only to suffer water damage in the basement. The floodwaters rushed into your home through an open basement window and pooled around your laundry room.

Understandably, you are concerned about the concrete floor in your basement, your washing and drying machine, and the furniture in your laundry room. The most beneficial thing for your home upon discovering the flood is to call for professional cleanup and restoration services. The sooner a company, like SERVPRO, arrives at your home to take over the remediation, the better.

Here at SERVPRO, we specialize in water damage restoration of any kind. We always hurry to your home; we're Faster To Any Size Disaster. After taking your call, a team of our talented and highly certified technicians can arrive at your home promptly.

After our Estimator assesses the damage to your property, we can craft a remediation plan and get right to work. Our first job is to get the water and any debris that came with it out of your home. We can use advanced technological devices, such as high-powered pumps, extraction wands, and wet/dry vacuums to remove the standing water.

Our SERVPRO techs can further their assessment and proceed to the next course of action. Because the water in your basement sat overnight, we can make flood cuts to the drywall inside. Removing it can ensure that all damaged material is removed and minimize the chances of mold growth. Once the damaged material is gone, we can focus on pulling excess moisture out of the structure of your home with drying equipment and then connect you with a contractor for the drywall. Once finished, you may return to your home "Like it never even happened."

If flood damage has struck, never wait. Speak with SERVPRO of Fort Lee immediately by phoning (201) 496-6024. Day or night, we're here to help you.

We Are Here To Help You Every Step Of The Way When Dealing With Flood Damage In Fort Lee

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment in the room of a home Flooding in your home can happen without much warning. Call SERVPRO should your property be affected by a recent event. Our team is standing by 24/7.

Do You Need Flood Damage Remediation In Fort Lee? How To Spot The Warning Signs

A natural disaster can happen at any time, leaving Fort Lee homeowners looking for ways to save their property from flood damage. You must act fast to keep moisture levels and water intrusion from harming the structure of your home and the contents within. Calling the professionals to assess your needs gets you one step closer to returning your property to pre-storm conditions.

Before addressing any of the flood damage to your Fort Lee home, it is best to follow specific steps. These steps help you to get familiar with the process of restoration and the steps necessary to work with your insurance company to address the loss. Our team at SERVPRO is available to help clients to navigate their world after a natural disaster or flood. We have the experience necessary to make disaster relief easier as you go through the hurdles that lie ahead.

First Steps

We encourage homeowners to get in touch with our team at SERVPRO upon returning to their homes after suffering flood loss. We are happy to get to work on an assessment right away to mitigate the loss and start protecting as many structural elements as possible. The more time that passes, the more all of the construction materials are exposed to excessive moisture and standing water. Lingering exposure leads to harmful decay and the potential for dangerous mold growth.

SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians do the initial assessment to give your insurance provider the information necessary to start on your claim. We can take photographic evidence of the flood damage and fill out all documentation to facilitate the claim process. From there, we work on strategic water removal and drying while using industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers. 

Do you have questions regarding the first steps to take after suffering loss from a flood? Call us today at SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024, and our team can talk you through the remediation process.

Procedures for Flood Damage Restoration in Edgewater

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Cloud to ground lightning against night sky; trees in background Floodwater contains contaminants, but SERVPRO has the tools and training to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Can Help you with Flood Restoration in Edgewater

If water enters your house from the ground up after a storm, the problems can be much worse than you realize. When it floods outside your home, the soil underneath your house can get saturated, causing water to move upward. Muddy water is most likely contaminated with harmful microbes, which we treat as a sewage backup. Sewage water or dirty moisture coming from the ground are classified as schedule three water damage scenarios requiring specialized restoration methods.

Our SERVPRO technicians follow procedures set out by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) program to restore flood damage in Edgewater. When dealing with contaminants in black water, we put safety first by equipping our crew with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). We then eliminate any potential safety hazards from the work area.

As soon as we enter the affected regions of your home, we can begin spraying an EPA-registered disinfectant on everything that contacted the black water. Next, we set up a containment chamber around the affected part of your structure so that contaminants do not spread to previously untouched areas.

If your floor gets wet by the contaminated water, your carpets and pads must be removed and replaced. If your structural components got affected, we could pressure wash them and disinfect the surfaces. Next, we can clean and dry any interior wall surfaces that got contaminated.

However, many other problems can exist when muddy water comes into your house from the ground. When a disaster occurs, it is prudent to call in our SERVPRO) team because we can help you with the following services:

  • Water Extraction
  • Black Mold Inspections
  • Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
  • Structural Deodorization

Any time you have moisture seep into your home from the ground after a storm, call SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024.

What Options Does One Have After Flood Damage at a Fort Lee Home?

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

servpro warehouse and sign SERVPRO can pack out Fort Lee flood-damaged content for cleaning and salvaging at our headquarters

SERVPRO Helps Fort Lee Homeowners Explore All Flood Management Options

Flooding varies, ranging from major incidents that necessitate intervention by the government to localized cases where a few properties are affected. Contacting the local FEMA branch in your area or speaking to a representative visiting your neighborhood can help you get some assistance which can go a long way in helping you cope with flood damage.

Fixing flooding takes a variety of actions. So you have to consider other options in managing the flood damage at your Fort Lee property. Contacting professionals like SERVPRO is essential since it expands your horizons on your actions to restore normalcy in your home.

With the assistance of a flood restorer, it is easier to:

  • Safeguard the property
  • Move contents
  • Store items temporarily on site
  • Expedite restoration

A property affected by flooding needs safeguarding since it is left in a vulnerable state. The actions you take can help protect contents or interior structural areas. Most insurers mandate homeowners to protect their homes in case of any disaster, so taking action can help process your claim faster.

Safeguarding a damaged property takes actions like:

  • Covering vulnerable contents with protective materials
  • Moving contents to secure areas
  • Boarding up or tarping the structure

There are many options for moving contents exposed to flooding, including storing them within an affected property section. Upstairs rooms are best in most cases since the lower rooms are usually inundated. If it is not possible to keep items within your property, another great option is to use portable storage like the ones SERVPRO brings when restoring properties. Moving out to an external warehouse helps when no other option is available.

The speed of restoring a damaged property depends on the resources available. A faster turnaround is better for cost and convenience reasons. SERVPRO provides the technical expertise and equipment needed to facilitate such quicker outcomes.

SERVPRO of Fort Lee can help you explore all possible options after a flood damage incident. Call us at (201) 496-6024. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fort Lee Residents – You Do Not Have to Handle Flood Damage Alone After a Storm

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

baement/garage flood damage contents wet Groundwater removal and sanitizing are completed by SERVPRO in this Fort Lee garage/basement

SERVPRO Offers 24/7 Flood Damage Response to Get Your Fort Lee Property Back to Pre-Storm Condition

If you have encountered flood damage after a Fort Lee storm, SERVPRO can help! Many homeowners feel they should go it alone for water cleanup, but it is essential to have the tools and proven processes to ensure it goes smoothly. Whenever your home floods and contaminated water recedes, there could be severe damage left behind to your belongings and materials. Not only are we staffed by IICRC-certified technicians, but SERVPRO also has proven methods to ensure your home gets left “Like it never even happened.”

Do you have basement flooding and other storm flood damage in Fort Lee? Our water restoration technicians (WRT) do whatever we can to minimize disruption to your home as we work through water removal services, drying, and deodorization. These are just a few of the specialized services that we provide:

  • Inspection and consultation – We inspect your property and provide a damage overview that outlines the restoration project and what you can expect.
  • Flooded basement cleanup – A New Jersey home with a basement that encounters flooding calls for truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps to remove any standing water quickly.
  • Debris removal and controlled demolition – Our flood restoration includes tearing out all unsalvageable materials and discarding them. We ensure everything gets replaced, including any flooring, drywall, baseboards, etc.
  • Structural drying – There may be a need for extensive structural drying with any storm flood event. We take the time to ensure safety and structural stability for your property, then go through and strategically place axial fans, high-volume air movers, and desiccant dehumidifiers so that no moisture gets left behind.
  • Mold remediation – Where there is any water emergency, there is always the potential for mildew and mold growth. Once dried, we go through your interior to thoroughly clean, deodorize and sanitize all surfaces to keep mold spores at bay.

Do you have concerns regarding storm flood damage cleanup and restoration? SERVPRO of Fort Lee is available around the clock. Call us at (201) 496-6024

What Are the Initial Concerns of Powerful Flash Flood Damage to Fort Lee Homes?

11/27/2021 (Permalink)

green servpro military looking truck We're Faster To Any Size Disaster--SERVPRO restores flood-damaged properties in the Greater Fort Lee area. We have the equipment and manpower.

SERVPRO of Fort Lee works fast to overcome initial threats of flash flood damage

Flash flooding gets its name from its rapid development and unpredictability. Homes are vulnerable to these harmful conditions after torrential rainfall and ideal environmental conditions. With the force that this flooding reaches properties, it can substantially damage a home or business in several ways.

Physical Damage to the Building Envelope

The way that flood damage in Fort Lee first shows its signs is through physical destruction. The pressure of this migrating water against the building envelope can quickly find and exploit weakened areas of your home’s foundation and exterior. Board-up and tarping services become vital when these vulnerabilities exist to prevent further damage and exposure to the house.

Solids and Debris in the Intruding Water

Debris and solids carried in with the flooding can also be a concern for homeowners. Mud, silt, and even live creatures pose a critical threat to the property. While extraction can often reveal some of these concerns, added cleaning and recovery measures are necessary to return the property to pre-flood conditions when they are present in the house.

Safety Concerns with Standing Water

There is no mistaking the severity of standing water. Pooling of any kind is threatening to exposed building materials and contents. Prolonged exposure is an even greater concern, as this can deteriorate and ruin building materials, flooring, contents, and more.

Potential Contaminants in the Flood

Contamination is another concern with natural flooding. Flash floods consume what is in their path and can leave your property exposed to many concerning substances like:

  • Sewage
  • Chemicals
  • Organic Matter
  • Biohazard Threats

Flash flooding overwhelms properties quickly, and it can be difficult to know what all your home needs without the involvement of experienced and respected professionals like our SERVPRO of Fort Lee team. We are ready to help whenever disasters strike to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (201) 496-6024.

What Should I Do About the Flood Damage in My Edgewater Home?

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

a flooded street with water overtaking a speed limit sign Regardless of the extent of the water that entered your home, team SERVPRO can help with the water removal and remediation processes.

SERVPRO Can Swiftly Remediate the Flood Damage in Your Edgewater Home!

Living riverside is a beautiful way to wake up in the morning. The sun hits the water and reflects gorgeous patterns from tall buildings and city trees. However, as weird weather continues to strike and alarming amounts of rain falls swiftly, flash flooding is a distinct possibility in such places.

Should your home in Edgewater suffer flood damage, professional help is never far. Here at SERVPRO, we know emergencies strike suddenly, and emergency services are needed as quickly as possible. We take several measures to be ready for our neighbors in need when these situations arise, such as: 

  • Pre-packing our signature green vehicles, so we're ready to go when you call 
  • Keeping an eye on local weather reports and mapping out the swiftest route to your location 
  • Quickly tackling obstacles along the way, such as fallen trees

Our technicians know that anything can happen, so we do our best to be prepared. We want to provide you with amazing service and live up to our reputation of being Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Once the floodwaters recede, as they do during flash floods, we can bring our advanced technology into your home. Let's say, for this example, that your basement suffered the most. As time passed, your basement collected too much water for you to manage yourself.

SERVPRO can use wet/dry vacuums and extractors to remove the moisture from your home quickly. Should we need to, we can make necessary flood cuts to drywall and remove flooring before setting up drying equipment, such as dehumidifiers. When it comes to water-based damage, trust us to help you return your home to its pre-flooded state. It is our specialty.

If your home floods suddenly, get help immediately. Call SERVPRO of Fort Lee by dialing (201) 496-6024. Our technicians are ready to help you!

Can SERVPRO Restore Storm Damaged Homes in Fort Lee?

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

a flooded living room with water everywhere Flooding from a storm can certainly bring several inches of water into your home. Call SERVPRO for water removal & flood damage remediation services.

Our Restoration Crews are Professionals at Flood Damage Service After Storms Hit Fort Lee

Coastal storms impact New Jersey every year with strong winds and severe flooding. Even areas not on the coastline can be affected. Floodwater is especially dangerous due to contamination.

What Services Does SERVPRO Provide to Homes Hit by Flooding?

When flood damage strikes Fort Lee homes, SERVPRO is there to provide emergency mitigation. Immediate action is a must. Our technicians arrive ready to get to work getting your home back to preloss condition. Our water damage restoration techs and applied structural drying techs assess the situation and put together a plan of action. We address:

  • Black Water – Floods leave contaminated water behind that requires special treatment.
  • Structural Damage – Walls, floors, and other structural elements can be weakened by floodwaters.
  • Foundation Damage – Your home’s foundation can develop problems from flooding.
  • Content Damage – Different cleaning methods are needed depending on the material.
  • Mold Mold can develop in as little as 24 hours.

SERVPRO provides emergency services when water damage is present. Our water damage remediation restores homes to preloss condition whenever possible. We deal with burst pipes, basement flooding, ceiling leaks, and more every day. For all your flood restoration needs, contact SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024.

Check for Safety Conditions after Flood Damage in Fort Lee

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded road You want a trusted team of experts with the equipment your property needs after a flood incident occurs. Call SERVPRO right away.

Cleaning Up After Storm Causes Flood Damage in Fort Lee – Call SERVPRO

Flooding after a storm can cause many different safety hazards for homeowners and commercial owners. In addition to many harmful chemicals, biological material, and contaminated debris that can be deposited inside and around buildings, there are also structural safety concerns to be aware of.

SERVPRO responds to flood damage calls in Fort Lee in less than four hours on a 24/7 basis. Our team’s first step is to assess the situation to determine what equipment and resources are needed for water clean up and biohazard remediation in your home or business. Before initiating flood damage remediation, we also check for:



  • Particle board floors that have weakened from exposure to water
  • Water trapped in ceiling cavities
  • Exposed sharp objects such as broken glass, nails, or splinters
  • Live electrical circuits that could cause electrocution

SERVPRO aims to keep our employees safe as well as our customers. If you suspect these conditions in your home or business, please wait for our professionals to arrive before entering.

Call SERVPRO of Fort Lee for flood damage and restoration in Fort Lee and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 496-6024.

Can Carpets and Padding Be Salvaged After Flood Damage?

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle parked in front of home SERVPRO understands how serious water can damage the carpeting in your home, Call us for assistance with water removal.

SERVPRO can Help Edgewater Residents Determine Whether to Dispose of Salvage Items

Carpet and padding are porous, which makes them especially vulnerable to water damage. They absorb water and contaminants readily. When a home is flooded and carpeting is impacted, it can present unique challenges.

Can Carpets Be Restored from the Effects of Contaminated Flood Water?

Carpets that have been saturated by contaminated water cannot be restored. Replacement is the only solution in this case. Part of our flood damage service in Edgewater is the proper removal and replacement of carpets. If your home has extensive carpeting, you want someone who knows how to mitigate the damage and restore your home to preloss condition. When dealing with carpet replacement we:

  • Cut the contaminated carpet into small strips for easier removal
  • Move the furniture, and when finished, put it back where it was
  • Clean and decontaminate the flooring underneath
  • Put down the new carpet

At SERVPRO, our goal is always to restore rather than replace, but in some situations, that is not safe to do. Carpet and padding contaminated with black water are one of those circumstances. 

For professional flood damage service in Edgewater, contact SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6924. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Local Fort Lee Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Flood Damage Cleanup

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO tech setting up equipment Flood damage properties are no easy task. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the flood mitigation services you need.

SERVPRO Has the Equipment to Remove Floodwater

Floodwater in a home can happen in an instant. Once the water is inside the house, it races and can seep under floors, and behind walls as fast it can recede. 

SERVPRO techs use a host of specific devices to scope Fort Lee homes with flood damage. This attention to detail enables the techs to locate all areas of collected moisture. The extraction process may involve many different types of removal equipment such as portable pumps, mops, and even squeegee. The techs pick up the maximum amount of water to make the drying phase of the cleanup go even faster. 

Drying a property post-flood can bring unique challenges for the technicians. For example, carpet needs different handling than hardwood flooring. The techs use direct drying equipment such as: 

  • Injecti-Dry system for driving warm, dry air into small areas
  • Drying mats for hardwood flooring
  • Air movers with created tubing to direct air under a carpet

SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024 helps save local Fort Lee properties with any size flood damage. Through the use of their advanced applications, the techs make the damage, "Like it never even happened."

Cliffside Park Car and Truck Enthusiasts Rejoice!

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

A blurred image of vehicles in a building. If you're into auto shows, New York International Auto Show at the Convention Center is where you want to be on August 20th and 29th.

Satiate Your Curiosity at the New York International Auto Show Near Cliffside Park.

Once again, the New York International Auto Show is returning to Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Convention Center, a venue located a short distance from Cliffside Park.  This spectacular event, dating back to 1900, is America’s first and most popular auto show.  This year, international vehicle producers are going to display about 1,000 cars and trucks, including all the newest models and innovative concept cars.  When planning your attendance, please remember the following:

  • The event takes place between August 20th and 29th
  • Its hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM
  • Tickets can either be purchased online or at the door and cost $17 for adults and $7 for children

As fellow car and truck lovers, the professionals at SERVPRO of Fort Lee are pleased to announce this historic auto show.  With that said, as one of the area’s best flood damage remediation companies, we would also like to remind you of the ever-present threat of flooding in the local area.  So, if you ever need help overcoming flood damage, call us at (201) 496-6024.

If My Coastal Home Floods What Are The Main Problems I Need to Worry About?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

stocked airmovers on shelves SERVPRO's Extensive Equipment Transported by Our Large Green Fleet Provides Fort Lee Homeowners with Superior Flood Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO Technicians Can Provide Emergency Mitigation and Restore Your Fort Lee Home to Pre-Loss Condition

Coastal towns such as Fort Lee can be subject to storms at any time of the year. Rising sea levels enhance the chance of coastal storms and flooding. Over the past 93 years, this quaint town has experienced approximately 12” of sea-level rise. The higher the sea level, the higher the starting point for high tides and storm surges. Both of which increase the frequency and severity of flooding.

What Can I Do Before Help Arrives?

 When homeowners experience a flood, their first thought is to do what they can to help. The best thing you can do is to be prepared before the storms hit. Your family should have an emergency plan in place. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go and what to do in the case of an emergency disaster situation. Be prepared to contact our professionals for floodwater extraction in Fort Lee as soon as possible.

If you know flooding is imminent, remove heirlooms and valuables to higher levels. Keep copies of all your essential documents in a waterproof bag to take with you. Cut off power to your utilities, if possible. Never, ever risk you or your family's lives for possessions. Always listen to local news and evacuate when recommended.

What are the Main Threats to My Home?

Floodwaters bring with them conditions that are not found in typical water intrusions. The type of water is the primary concern. Floodwater is known as blackwater and creates a hazardous situation. Microbial growth, bacteria, and other contaminants infest the water and require PPE to enter the water. Never enter your home while contaminated water is still in place. Other potential threats include:

  • Structural Damage – Structural elements can weaken and deteriorate the longer they are exposed to moisture.
  • Material Deterioration – Content and construction materials deteriorate rapidly when left in standing water.
  • Secondary Damage – Mold can develop within 24 hours if water damage is left untreated.

What Does Flood Cleanup Involve?

 Extracting the contaminated water is going to be the main concern. When floodwaters surge through your house, it is absorbed by many types of materials. Walls, insulation, and sheetrock are examples of materials that typically cannot get restored in this situation. Removing the wet sections immediately is vital. If left untreated, moisture can spread to unaffected areas. Basically, the process involves:

  • Removing and disposing of items which cannot be salvaged
  • Muck out and removal of debris, mud, and silt
  • Scrubbing walls and floors
  • Drying process
  • Content management and pack-out if needed
  • Sanitizing and disinfecting
  • Deodorizing

We have powerful trash pumps that can remove water that contains debris. Our technicians are trained to mitigate flood damage. They implement moisture tracking and dry procedures to return your home to preloss condition.

What Happens to My Walls and Floors?

Flooding can leave behind all kinds of debris. Leaves, mud, and silt are common. SERVPRO techs use shovels, rakes, and other equipment to handle the mess left behind. The soils that are part of that cling to walls and floors. It can be challenging to remove the dirt and stains that remain. Our team employs a combination of methods to mitigate the damage. This includes such techniques as manual scrubbing with dusters and brushes. Professional cleaning agents get used along with antimicrobial and antifungal products to clean and sanitize.

Carpeting and padding in a floodwater situation is a loss. The contamination is too significant to restore either the carpet or padding. A porous material, such as carpet and wood, are not easily salvaged. You can be sure if it can be salvaged and restored, our technicians do so.

What About My Furniture?

As with flooring furniture that is constructed from a porous material such as wood or upholstery fabric may be a loss. The contaminated water is too great a risk when it comes to bacteria and other biohazards. It is much safer to replace these items than to attempt to restore them. SERVPRO always works with you and your insurance adjuster to determine what stays and what goes.

Professional Storm Damage Cleanup

There is much more involved in mitigating a flood scene. Factors like how fast the water recedes and how long things sit in standing water impact the floodwater extraction process. Content management may involve removing the contents of your home to our warehouses for cleaning and restoration.

Our company knows how devastating a flood can be to your family. We have homes and families in Fort Lee too. We strive to take the stress of flood cleanup off your shoulders. You can trust our technicians to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” Place your home into the hands of a company that cares not only about your home but about your family too.

 Contact SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (496) 6024 for expert flood water restoration service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Do I Restore My Cliffside Park Home After A Flood?

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in the kitchen and livingroom We are here for you!

Call SERVPRO Restoration Teams to Repair and Restore Your Cliffside Park Residence

There’s More Than Floodwater Here, Can Your Restoration Teams Remove It All?

Flood damage to Cliffside Park homes always includes debris picked up by the floodwater before it enters a home. SERVPRO has specially trained Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) that can remove every type of debris along with the water to return your home to its original condition.

What Do WRTs Do First?

Since the debris can include soil, animal waste, sewer contents, and other contaminants, WRTs spray an anti-bacterial cleaner on the water and every exposed surface. This eliminates the immediate health threat so team members can bring in pumps and smaller extractors to draw out the floodwater.

After drawing out the standing water and water trapped in carpets, technicians detach the carpets and pads for immediate disposal along with other debris. Removal eliminates a large source of contaminants that can not only stain and ruin the floors underneath but also get rid of the source of odors that can permeate your home, resulting in further restoration costs.

What Does the Restoration Team Do Next?

After removing the water, SERVPRO has Applied Structural Drying Technicians (ASDs) to complete the restoration process. These team members train to use specialized devices like dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air and out of nearby property like upholstered furniture and even drywall panels that absorbed a portion of the floodwater.

As the ASTs carefully dry out your personal and structural property, they also examine each item for contamination from the floodwater. Team members use an extensive inventory of cleaners designed for everything from glass to marble to wood to remove the soil and other contaminants without harming their surfaces.

To learn more about what our Teams can do for your home here or in Edgewater, call SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024 today. We are here for you.

For more about Cliffside Park click here.

What is the Best Way to Handle Water Coming into My Attic?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

storm warning sign with cloudy skies It is storm season in NJ. Should a storm damage your home, call SERVPRO for fast remediation.

SERVPRO Technicians Know Storm Water Entering Your Fort Lee Home can Cause Severe Damage Needing Professional Restoration Services 

When big storms deliver considerable damage to Fort Lee properties, one thing each situation has in common is the water cleanup needs to begin as soon as possible. If a roof gets damaged from high winds or hail, water can start to enter and run downward following the rules of gravity and causing issues to ceilings, walls, and anything in its path.  

Can Insulation Get Restored from Storm or Flood Damage? 

A few factors figure into the insulation outcome in your Fort Lee home affected by storm or flood damage. The type of insulation is one of the most significant determinants. Unless it is fiberglass insulation, then it may be a loss. SERVPRO techs can collect the fiberglass insulation and dry it outside the loss area and prep it for reinstallation.  

Another consideration is the type of water affecting the insulation. If it is wet from rainwater from a roof leak or broken window, it can get restored in many cases. However, if groundwater is saturated with the insulation, no matter what the construction materials are, it requires the removal and disposal of a biohazard.  

Actions to Secure a Property from Further Water Loss 

When storm damage happens, the technicians work quickly to ascertain all areas that are exposed and need protection from allowing further loss within the home. Common tactics include:  

  • Placing tarps over areas of damaged roofing
  • Using heavy gauge plastic or boards over broken windows
  • Containment around loss areas to stop the spread of airborne droplets
  • Arrange for removal of fallen tree limbs 

What to Expect During Mitigation in an Attic  

When water loss events occur in a Fort Lee attic, the first goal of the SERVPRO techs is to limit any further loss to the home. After tarping over any leaks in the roof to deter any more water from entering, they can use a vacuum with a specialized attachment for insulation collection. Next, they move on to use their equipment to remove any remaining water that seeped under the insulation. When mitigation efforts are underway in an attic, due to the amount of dirt and dust, the techs commonly put up barriers over doorways if anything gets kicked up from all the activity, it does not wind up in the home. 

The ceilings directly below the loss area get inspected to see if any drip-through occurred. The techs do not rely only on visual inspections but use various types of detection equipment, including Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras that readily point out areas that are cooler with water. This equipment is ideal to use to "see" behind walls, within floor joists, and under flooring. 

Signs of Water Loss in Structural Elements in a Home 

When water migrates from an attic space downward, it leaves tell-tale signs along the way. One of the most alarming is water dripping through a ceiling onto furnishings or the floor below. Other signs include:  

  • Stains on walls and ceilings
  • Paint "bubbles"
  • Warped or buckled sheetrock
  • Sagging ceilings
  • Loose or fallen ceiling tiles 

Drying Configurations are Unique to Each Job Site 

When drying a property with storm damage, SERVPRO technicians determine the exact scale of the area that requires drying. They can deploy air movers en masse over a broad area or build tented or tubed drying chambers to direct warm, dry area over a specific, targeted area. Our goal is the attainment of preset drying targets as fast as possible at drying a loss area. Achieving drying goals lessens the chances for additional loss and secondary issues that can occur when there is too much time between the first loss event and the time to dry it.  

Handling Contents Affected by Water 

When water drips down from an attic leak and gets furnishings wet, SERVPRO techs test the material of upholstered items and carpet to determine if they are suitable for the most common methods of drying and cleaning. Techniques such as standing sofa cushions on their ends during drying assist with speeding along the mitigation process. Then problems as water spots and stains are addressed to ensure we restore the pieces to their preloss condition. As a final step, the techs apply any odor control methods to handle any remaining water odors resident in the property.  

SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496-6024 for assistance with storm and flood damage in your home. The technicians are available 24/7, arrive quickly, and restore your home to its preloss condition. 

How can I prevent emergency floodwaters from causing permanent damage to my home?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Sign "Watch for high water during heavy rains" We know how hazardous flood damage can be to your Fort Lee home. Call us right away at (201) 496-6024.

Road overflow, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding can cause thousands of dollars worth of losses in your Fort Lee home. Using professional restorers can help to keep losses to a minimum and reduce permanent damages. 

How can I prepare and prevent flooding during the winter season?

It is not uncommon for homeowners to experience flood damage in Fort Lee. These emergencies can be devastating and lead to temporary relocation as well as causing severe harm to your home. While flood emergencies can be sudden, there are some precautions you can put in place ahead of time to assist you. Checking your insurance coverage for all types of flood-related harm as well as inspecting drainage equipment in your home. Drainage equipment may include sump pumps for garages and basements as well as gutters or pipes, which are under significantly more stress during the winter months. 

If you are expecting heavy rainfall, you may want to install a vapor barrier in the crawlspace of your home. Vapor barriers can be very effective at reducing water issues by blocking any moisture in your crawl space from reaching the upper levels of your home. Keep an eye on local and government weather warnings throughout the winter period. You may want to put together a flood-preparedness kit. Ideas of what to include in your kit can be found on both federal and state websites. 

What should I include in a Flood preparedness kit?

- Essential documentation such as insurance papers, banking, prescriptions, as well as phone numbers. By sealing these documents in a watertight bag, you can ensure you maintain access to your accounts in an emergency. 

- Medicine both prescription medication as well as over the counter aids. You may also want to include freshwater

- Transistor radios

- Flashlights as well as essential tools

- Batteries

- Dry non-perishable goods

- Cash

I have been temporarily relocated from the area during a flood, what happens to my home?

Our team here at SERVPRO has extensive experience at dealing with properties when inhabitants are off-site or temporarily evacuated. This period is critical in the overall expense of your claim. Large amounts of standing water can degrade and migrate, which can, in some cases, result in severe structural damage to the home. You may need remodeling or rebuilding of some areas of the home. However, first, we need to provide a safe working space. 

Professional restorers can enter your property to perform vital mitigation tasks. Scoping the property, removing large volumes of water as well as deodorizing or disinfecting the affected area can all be essential to the mitigation process. These efforts can not only prevent secondary damages like mold growth or water degradation but also provide a clean working environment for specialist repairs. Contents can be moved to safe distances from the affected areas of your home. These may be on-site in unaffected rooms or taken to an external storage facility. 

How quickly can you remove floodwaters from my home?

Water removal is a time-sensitive procedure. Every second that moisture is in your home, it can migrate to previously unaffected areas, affect structural cavities, be absorbed by natural materials, or create the ideal conditions for mold growth. Our service teams work against the clock to ensure a significant reduction in standing water within the first few hours of arriving on-site. 

First, we assess what type of scenario we are dealing with, whether the water intrusion includes solid-waste, how we are going to transport it from your home as well as the standing water level. High-pressure pumps are just one type of removal equipment we can use with sufficient lift to pump water out from subterranean areas of the home. In most flood emergencies, a combination of extraction equipment, as well as pumps, is necessary to reduce water volume substantially in the first twenty-four hours. 

Once water removal is complete, what restoration services should be complete before it is safe to return to my home?

- Pre-cleaning and conditioning of fabrics such as carpets

- Replacement of affected drywall or other inexpensive building materials

- Wet and Dry-cleaning of contents either on or off-site

- Disinfectant of some areas of the home to return it to a sanitary condition

- Deodorization using Ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging equipment

- Refinishing of surfaces as well as base-coating for a uniform finish

We pride ourselves in returning a flooded property to its preloss condition. Our meticulous cleaning, refinishing, and deodorizing can ensure that when you do return to your property, it is "Like it never even happened." 

For all types of flooding emergencies, contact SERVPRO of Fort Lee at (201) 496- 6024 immediately.

Call Our Experts In Fort Lee After A Flood

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

A basement with card board boxes and flood damage Notice how much the water climbed up the cardboard boxes in this basement after a flood; we were able to begin restoration right away.

Catch Basin Blockages Can Flood Your Fort Lee Split-Level Home

Catch basins and culvert systems are one of the most elaborate underground networks for redirecting water in Fort Lee to places where it does not damage homes or businesses. The reliability of this network hinges on the intake points, the catch basins, remaining clear of debris and blockages. Gratings can get covered over or plugged, which can prevent water from getting into culverts and diverted away. 

Especially in the fall months where leaves can fall from trees for weeks and weeks on end, these leaves can block off catch basins and cause flood damage for Fort Lee homes. With many residences in the area being split-level homes, overflowing runoff water from the roadways can find a way into the partial subterranean level of your home. Standing water in this living space can lead to structural deterioration, build back, decontamination, and more. 

Because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, our SERVPRO team can mobilize quickly amid an emergency like this to reach your home within hours of your first notice of loss. While we prioritize extraction first to remove standing water, we must remain mindful of affected contents and the potential for contamination, as invading water can get exposed to oils, bacteria, dirt, and other threats before entering the property.

Often the initial levels of intruding water in your home do not warrant the use of submersible pumps but rather a combination of attachments like carpet and squeegee wands on wet vacuums. These portable extraction devices allow our technicians to move from one affected room to another quickly. Because of the threat of contamination, many of the exposed surfaces require controlled demolition and replacement, which can also help to streamline moisture removal when saturated materials get discarded.

Overflowing catch basins can cause problems for your home if you are not aware of the situation. If you are battling flood damage losses in your home, our SERVPRO of Fort Lee team can help with a fast and reliable response amid the disaster. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (201) 496-6024.

See more about Fort Lee.

Best Water Extractor for Flooded Fort Lee Basements

10/6/2019 (Permalink)

A half kitchen, and half living room with standing water. SERVPRO will happily take over your Fort Lee flood damage.

Let us help with your Fort Lee flood.

Extraction tasks can vary in severity from heavily saturated flooring materials in Fort Lee homes to several inches or even feet of standing water. With structural breaches that allow for flooding, areas of your home can quickly become compromised and in need of efficient water removal services. Choosing the ideal equipment depends on the damage and the present threats, which get assessed when our team first arrives at your flooded home.

We have a full inventory of extraction tools and equipment from portable to ride-on machines that help to tackle flood damage in Fort Lee residences. Choosing which approach is necessary is often one of the objectives of our management team overseeing the thorough inspection of the property with the customer. Our estimator can devise a plan suited to the particular damage present and which extractor options best accommodates the condition.

Weighted Extractors 

These tools are ideal for pulling saturation from carpeting and subflooring/padding when the carpet is not getting removed. In clean water damage, rapid drying and recovery solutions can ensure that carpeting does not need to get discarded, and weighted extractors can help it to dry more evenly and efficiently.

Portable Extractors

We have many portable options including sump pumps and light wands that can handle continuous removal of floodwater, but at a reduced volume to some of the other more powerful options in our extractor arsenal. These options typically require electricity, which means they require the presence of a generator in situations where the power has become disconnected.

Stationary Extractors 

These are heavier units like our trash pumps that are less readily moved from one area to another without considerable effort. These units, which also include the truck-mount extractor in our SERVPRO Green Fleet, pull higher volumes of water from a damaged area of the home. These are ideal for significant loss situations with several inches to several feet of standing water.

Choosing the right extractor is, fortunately, something that most homeowners do not have to address on their own. By choosing SERVPRO of Fort Lee, you are choosing a team of qualified professionals capable of fast extraction and rapid drying for your home. Give us a call anytime at (201) 496-6024.

If you would like to know more about Fort Lee, click here.

Preparing for a Hurricane

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

With hurricane season quickly approaching, the importance of being prepared increases. Follow these guidelines from the CDC to make sure you and your family stay safe in the event of a hurricane.

  1. Make a plan. It is important that even if there is no immediate risk of a hurricane or storm that your family has a plan in place in the event one occurs.
  2. Prepare an emergency food supply. The CDC recommends that you have at least a 3-5 day supply of food on hand. They also recommend foods that have a long storage life, require little to no cooking, refrigeration, or water, and that meet the needs of babies and pets.
  3. Prepare an emergency water supply. During an event like a hurricane, water supplies can become contaminated. Therefore, it is crucial that you have at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet.
  4. Get safety products. Things such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, blankets, and batteries are crucial to have in case the power goes out or a fire occurs.

Although you can never fully prepare for a natural disaster, if you follow these guidelines, you will be as most prepared possible. In the event you do encounter a hurricane or tropical storm, SERVPRO of Fort Lee is here to help. Give us a call at (201) 496-6024.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is upon us as Tropical Storm Beryl has ravaged Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The heavy rains have left at least 8,000 people displaced and 19 villages without communication, according to the Emergency Operations Center. Thousands are left without drinking water and without electricity. 

It is terrifying when events like this occur and we are sure they won't be the last of them this season. Here at SERVPRO of Fort Lee, we are more than capable of handling the aftermath of such situations. When Hurricane Sandy struck our state in 2012, we helped people get back to living their lives as soon as possible!

We know the destruction and effects these storms can have. If you find yourself in that position, give SERVPRO of Fort Lee a call at (201) 496-6024. We're here to help.

When Storms or Floods Hit Bergen County, SERVPRO is Ready!

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Fort Lee, we specialize in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we utilize specialized equipment that allows us to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

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