Heavy Rain Affects Basement in Atlantic Highlands

7/18/2024 (Permalink)

Water flooded the entire basement.

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

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

SERVPRO of Middletown was onsite within an hour to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days, our team successfully dried the basement. Our crews always use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine if your home’s structure is actually dry. We are experts in taking care of flooded basements.

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the greater the chance the water damage will compound. The flooding in this Atlantic Highlands home was caused by heavy rain runoff. Atlantic Highlands had flash flooding due to a heavy thunderstorm and it rushed into multiple homes.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help - 732-530-9009

Teamwork is the Key to Our Success

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

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

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

Wallpaper Can Hide Moisture

6/29/2024 (Permalink)

Excessive moisture can cause mold to form in areas which are not visible to homeowners.

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

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

SERVPRO® is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-530-9009, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

Summer Fire Danger

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

Wildfires can quickly destroy natural habitats and nearby communities.

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

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

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

A Rough Start To The Week

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Water discovered on the floor when opening the office.

When this company in Long Branch, NJ had a flooded business on a Monday morning, they called SERVPRO of Middletown to help clean up the water. The owner was shocked to find over an inch of water on the floor when they opened the door to start the day. Since our emergency crew was able to arrive within the hour, the carpets could remain in place as the water was extracted quickly enough to save them. Drying equipment was placed to remove any lingering moisture from the air within the building. Despite the early morning crisis, the store was able to open for business as the drying commenced. The owner was so pleased with how our professional team was able to handle the disaster without causing her to lose business.

Taking care of commercial businesses constitute a majority of the water losses our franchise handles on a regular basis. We strive to minimize the disruption to a commercial property by utilizing an efficient drying process designed for a rapid turnaround time. Our industry knowledge and expertise allow SERVPRO of Middletown to handle any commercial water loss regardless of size.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help! Call Today -732-530-9009

Simple Fire Safety Tips

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Change batteries and test smoke alarms to keep them working properly.

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

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

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

Powerful Storms Threaten Coastal Areas

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

A coastal town damaged by a hurricane.

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

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

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

Kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

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

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of Middletown, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 732-530-9009: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!

High School Frozen Pipe

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

One classroom affected by water.

SERVPRO of Middletown received a call from a local high school after they suffered from a frozen pipe in the middle of the winter. Several classrooms were affected and they needed to be dried out immediately. Our certified water professionals were on site within 1 hour to set up containment and place equipment along with air scrubbers to assure that students were provided with a clear air environment. The team was able to clean and repair the damage in just a few days, all while working around classrooms in session in the rest of the building.

Whenever your municipal township or local school district calls on SERVPRO of Middletown, our expertly trained technicians will be on site quickly to get you back up and running with superior knowledge in disaster recovery.

SERPVRO of Middletown is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle the largest and most complex water restoration project. Call us anytime at 732-530-9009.

Waterproofing To Prevent Damage from Heavy Rain

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

Flash flooding happens suddenly during heavy thunderstorms.

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

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

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